Correlative multiple porosimetries for reservoir sandstones with adoption of a new reference-sample-guided computed-tomographic method.

PubMed

Jin, Jae Hwa; Kim, Junho; Lee, Jeong-Yil; Oh, Young Min

2016-07-22

One of the main interests in petroleum geology and reservoir engineering is to quantify the porosity of reservoir beds as accurately as possible. A variety of direct measurements, including methods of mercury intrusion, helium injection and petrographic image analysis, have been developed; however, their application frequently yields equivocal results because these methods are different in theoretical bases, means of measurement, and causes of measurement errors. Here, we present a set of porosities measured in Berea Sandstone samples by the multiple methods, in particular with adoption of a new method using computed tomography and reference samples. The multiple porosimetric data show a marked correlativeness among different methods, suggesting that these methods are compatible with each other. The new method of reference-sample-guided computed tomography is more effective than the previous methods when the accompanied merits such as experimental conveniences are taken into account.

Correlative multiple porosimetries for reservoir sandstones with adoption of a new reference-sample-guided computed-tomographic method

PubMed Central

Jin, Jae Hwa; Kim, Junho; Lee, Jeong-Yil; Oh, Young Min

2016-01-01

One of the main interests in petroleum geology and reservoir engineering is to quantify the porosity of reservoir beds as accurately as possible. A variety of direct measurements, including methods of mercury intrusion, helium injection and petrographic image analysis, have been developed; however, their application frequently yields equivocal results because these methods are different in theoretical bases, means of measurement, and causes of measurement errors. Here, we present a set of porosities measured in Berea Sandstone samples by the multiple methods, in particular with adoption of a new method using computed tomography and reference samples. The multiple porosimetric data show a marked correlativeness among different methods, suggesting that these methods are compatible with each other. The new method of reference-sample-guided computed tomography is more effective than the previous methods when the accompanied merits such as experimental conveniences are taken into account. PMID:27445105

Administering Multiple Injectable Vaccines During a Single Visit-Summary of Findings From the Accelerated Introduction of Inactivated Polio Vaccine Globally.

PubMed

Dolan, Samantha B; Patel, Manish; Hampton, Lee M; Burnett, Eleanor; Ehlman, Daniel C; Garon, Julie; Cloessner, Emily; Chmielewski, Elizabeth; Hyde, Terri B; Mantel, Carsten; Wallace, Aaron S

2017-07-01

In 2013, the World Health Organization's (WHO's) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) recommended that all 126 countries using only oral polio vaccine (OPV) introduce at least 1 dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) into their routine immunization schedules by the end of 2015. In many countries, the addition of IPV would necessitate delivery of multiple injectable vaccines (hereafter, "multiple injections") during a single visit, with infants receiving IPV alongside pentavalent vaccine (which covers diphtheria, tetanus, and whole-cell pertussis; hepatitis B; and Haemophilus influenzae type b) and pneumococcal vaccine. Unanticipated concerns emerged from countries over acceptability of multiple injections, sites of administration, and safety. We contextualized the issues surrounding multiple injections by documenting concerns associated with administration of ≥3 injections, existing evidence in the published literature, and findings of a systematic review on administration practices and techniques. Concerns associated with multiple-injection visits were documented from meetings and personal communications with immunization program managers. Published literature on the acceptability of multiple injections by providers and caregivers was summarized, and a systematic review of the literature on administration practices was completed on the following topics: spacing between injection sites (ie, vaccine spacing), site of injection, route of injection, and procedural preparedness. WHO and United Nations Children's Fund data from 2013-2015 were used to assess multiple-injection visits included in national immunization schedules. Healthcare provider and caregiver attitudes and practices indicated concerns about infant pain, potential adverse effects, and uncertainty about vaccine effectiveness with multiple-injection visits. Published literature reinforced the record of safety and acceptance of the recommended schedule of IPV by the SAGE, but the evidence was largely from developed countries. Parental acceptance of multiple injections was associated with a positive provider recommendation to the caregiver. Findings of the systematic review identified that the intramuscular route is preferred over the subcutaneous route for vaccine administration and that the vastus lateralis muscle is preferred over the deltoid muscle for intramuscular injections. Recommendations on vaccine spacing and procedural preparedness were based on practical necessities, but comparative evidence was not identified. During 2013-2015, 85 countries added IPV to their immunization schedules, 46 (55%) of which adopted a schedule resulting in 3 injectable vaccines being administered in a single visit. The multiple-injection experience identified gaps in guidance for future vaccine introductions. Global partner organizations quickly mobilized to assess, document, and communicate the existing global experience on multiple-injection visits. This evidence-based approach provided reassurance to opinion leaders, health workers, and professional societies, thus encouraging uptake of IPV as a second or third injection in an accelerated manner globally. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Liquid microjunction surface sampling probe fluid dynamics: Characterization and application of an analyte plug formation operational mode

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

ElNaggar, Mariam S.; Van Berkel, Gary J.

2011-08-10

The recently discovered sample plug formation and injection operational mode of a continuous flow, coaxial tube geometry, liquid microjunction surface sampling probe (LMJ-SSP) (J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom, 2011) was further characterized and applied for concentration and mixing of analyte extracted from multiple areas on a surface and for nanoliter-scale chemical reactions of sampled material. A transparent LMJ-SSP was constructed and colored analytes were used so that the surface sampling process, plug formation, and the chemical reactions could be visually monitored at the sampling end of the probe before being analyzed by mass spectrometry of the injected sample plug. Injectionmore » plug peak widths were consistent for plug hold times as long as the 8 minute maximum attempted (RSD below 1.5%). Furthermore, integrated injection peak signals were not significantly different for the range of hold times investigated. The ability to extract and completely mix individual samples within a fixed volume at the sampling end of the probe was demonstrated and a linear mass spectral response to the number of equivalent analyte spots sampled was observed. Lastly, using the color and mass changing chemical reduction of the redox dye 2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol with ascorbic acid, the ability to sample, concentrate, and efficiently run reactions within the same plug volume within the probe was demonstrated.« less

Comparing Characteristics of Early-Onset Injection Drug Users to Those With Late-Onset Injection in Kermanshah, Iran.

PubMed

Jorjoran Shushtari, Zahra; Noroozi, Alireza; Mirzazadeh, Ali; Ahounbar, Elahe; Hajbi, Ahmad; Najafi, Mohammad; Bazrafshan, Ali; Farhadi, Mohammad Hossin; Farhoudian, Ali; Higgs, Peter; Shahboulagh, Farahnaz Mohammadi; Waye, Katherine; Noroozi, Mehdi

2017-05-12

Characteristics and behaviors of early-onset injection drug users are under studied topics in Iran. This study aimed to identify and compare the demographic characteristics as well as the drug using behaviors of early-onset and late-onset injection drug users in Kermanshah, West Iran. In this cross-sectional study using snowball and convenience sampling, we recruited 450 people during the Fall of 2014 from two drop in centers in Kermanshah, Iran. We collected data through face-to-face interviews. Early-onset injection is defined as whether the person reported their first injection at 22 years of age or younger. Subsequently, late-onset injection is defined as 23 years of age or older. We compared the characteristics of the two groups through both univariate and multiple logistic analyses. Overall, 54% (CI 95%: 44.3%, 62.2%) were early injectors. After controlling for low socioeconomic status, initiation of drug use at a young age, multiple drug use and methamphetamine use were all significantly associated with a higher likelihood of early-onset injection. Additionally, early-onset injection was associated with recent syringe borrowing (OR = 2.6, p = 0.001), recent syringe lending (OR = 1.4, p = 0.01), recent cooker sharing (OR = 3.2, p = 0.01) and injecting two or more times a day (OR = 2.2, p = 0.04). Early-onset injectors were more likely to report a lower socioeconomic status, initiation of first drug use at a younger age, using methamphetamine alongside polydrug use, and engaging in higher risk taking behaviors like borrowing needles. With these associations, the study emphasizes the need for drug-prevention programs to focus on the transition to injection drug use at younger ages.

Administering Multiple Injectable Vaccines During a Single Visit—Summary of Findings From the Accelerated Introduction of Inactivated Polio Vaccine Globally

PubMed Central

Patel, Manish; Hampton, Lee M.; Burnett, Eleanor; Ehlman, Daniel C.; Garon, Julie; Cloessner, Emily; Chmielewski, Elizabeth; Hyde, Terri B.; Mantel, Carsten; Wallace, Aaron S.

2017-01-01

Abstract Background. In 2013, the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) recommended that all 126 countries using only oral polio vaccine (OPV) introduce at least 1 dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) into their routine immunization schedules by the end of 2015. In many countries, the addition of IPV would necessitate delivery of multiple injectable vaccines (hereafter, “multiple injections”) during a single visit, with infants receiving IPV alongside pentavalent vaccine (which covers diphtheria, tetanus, and whole-cell pertussis; hepatitis B; and Haemophilus influenzae type b) and pneumococcal vaccine. Unanticipated concerns emerged from countries over acceptability of multiple injections, sites of administration, and safety. We contextualized the issues surrounding multiple injections by documenting concerns associated with administration of ≥3 injections, existing evidence in the published literature, and findings of a systematic review on administration practices and techniques. Methods. Concerns associated with multiple-injection visits were documented from meetings and personal communications with immunization program managers. Published literature on the acceptability of multiple injections by providers and caregivers was summarized, and a systematic review of the literature on administration practices was completed on the following topics: spacing between injection sites (ie, vaccine spacing), site of injection, route of injection, and procedural preparedness. WHO and United Nations Children’s Fund data from 2013–2015 were used to assess multiple-injection visits included in national immunization schedules. Results. Healthcare provider and caregiver attitudes and practices indicated concerns about infant pain, potential adverse effects, and uncertainty about vaccine effectiveness with multiple-injection visits. Published literature reinforced the record of safety and acceptance of the recommended schedule of IPV by the SAGE, but the evidence was largely from developed countries. Parental acceptance of multiple injections was associated with a positive provider recommendation to the caregiver. Findings of the systematic review identified that the intramuscular route is preferred over the subcutaneous route for vaccine administration and that the vastus lateralis muscle is preferred over the deltoid muscle for intramuscular injections. Recommendations on vaccine spacing and procedural preparedness were based on practical necessities, but comparative evidence was not identified. During 2013–2015, 85 countries added IPV to their immunization schedules, 46 (55%) of which adopted a schedule resulting in 3 injectable vaccines being administered in a single visit. Conclusion. The multiple-injection experience identified gaps in guidance for future vaccine introductions. Global partner organizations quickly mobilized to assess, document, and communicate the existing global experience on multiple-injection visits. This evidence-based approach provided reassurance to opinion leaders, health workers, and professional societies, thus encouraging uptake of IPV as a second or third injection in an accelerated manner globally. PMID:28838188

THE DETERMINATION OF MERCURY SPECIES AND MULTIPLE METALS IN COAL COMBUSTION EMISSIONS USING IODINE-BASED IMPINGERS AND DIRECT INJECTION NEBULIZATION - INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA MASS SPECTROMETRY ANALYSIS

EPA Science Inventory

Mercury (Hg) emissions from coal utilities are difficult to control. Hg eludes capture by most air pollution control devices (APCDs). To determine the gaseous Hg species in stack gases, U.S. EPA Method 5 type sampling is used. In this type of sampling a hole is drilled into th...

T-load microchannel array and fabrication method

DOEpatents

Swierkowski, Stefan P.

2000-01-01

A three-dimensional (3-D) T-load for planar microchannel arrays for electrophoresis, for example, which enables sample injection directly onto a plane perpendicular to the microchannels' axis, at their ends. This is accomplished by forming input wells that extend beyond the ends of the microchannel thereby eliminating the right angle connection from the input well into the end of the microchannel. In addition, the T-load input well eases the placement of electrode in or adjacent the well and thus enables very efficient reproducible electrokinetic (ek) injection. The T-load input well eliminates the prior input well/microchannel alignment concerns, since the input well can be drilled after the top and bottom microchannel plates are bonded together. The T-load input well may extend partially or entirely through the bottom microchannel plate which enables more efficient gel and solution flushing, and also enables placement of multiple electrodes to assist in the ek sample injection.

Patterns of Drug Use, Risky Behavior, and Health Status Among Persons Who Inject Drugs Living in San Diego, California: A Latent Class Analysis

PubMed Central

Roth, Alexis M.; Armenta, Richard A.; Wagner, Karla D.; Roesch, Scott C.; Bluthenthal, Ricky N.; Cuevas-Mota, Jazmine; Garfein, Richard S.

2015-01-01

Background Among persons who inject drugs (PWID), polydrug use (the practice of mixing multiple drugs/alcohol sequentially or simultaneously) increases risk for HIV transmission and unintentional overdose deaths. Research has shown local drug markets influence drug use practices. However, little is known about the impact of drug mixing in markets dominated by black tar heroin and methamphetamine, such as the western United States. Methods Data were collected through an ongoing longitudinal study examining drug use, risk behavior, and health status among PWID. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify patterns of substance use (heroin, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, alcohol, and marijuana) via multiple administration routes (injecting, smoking, and swallowing). Logistic regression was used to identify behaviors and health indicators associated with drug use class. Results The sample included 511 mostly white (51.5%) males (73.8%), with mean age of 43.5 years. Two distinct classes of drug users predominated: methamphetamine by multiple routes (51%) and heroin by injection (49%). In multivariable logistic regression, class membership was associated with age, race, and housing status. PWID who were HIV-seropositive and reported prior sexually transmitted infections had increased odds of belonging to the methamphetamine class. Those who were HCV positive and reported previous opioid overdose had an increased odds of being in the primarily heroin injection class (all P-values < .05). Conclusion Risk behaviors and health outcomes differed between PWID who primarily inject heroin vs. those who use methamphetamine. The findings suggest that in a region where PWID mainly use black tar heroin or methamphetamine, interventions tailored to sub-populations of PWID could improve effectiveness. PMID:25313832

Acceptance of multiple injectable vaccines in a single immunization visit in The Gambia pre and post introduction of inactivated polio vaccine.

PubMed

Idoko, Olubukola T; Hampton, Lee M; Mboizi, Robert B; Agbla, Schadrac C; Wallace, Aaron S; Harris, Jennifer B; Sowe, Dawda; Ehlman, Daniel C; Kampmann, Beate; Ota, Martin O; Hyde, Terri B

2016-09-22

As the World Health Organization (WHO) currently recommends that children be protected against 11 different pathogens, it is becoming increasingly necessary to administer multiple injectable vaccines during a single immunization visit. In this study we assess Gambian healthcare providers' and infant caregivers' attitudes and practices related to the administration of multiple injectable vaccines to a child at a single immunization visit before and after the 2015 introduction of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). IPV introduction increased the number of injectable vaccines recommended for the 4-month immunization visit from two to three in The Gambia. We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey before and after the introduction of IPV at 4months of age in a representative sample of all health facilities providing immunizations in The Gambia. Healthcare providers who administer vaccines at the selected health facilities and caregivers who brought infants for their 4month immunization visit were surveyed. Prior to IPV introduction, 9.9% of healthcare providers and 35.7% of infant caregivers expressed concern about a child receiving more than 2 injections in a single visit. Nevertheless, 98.8% and 90.9% of infants received all required vaccinations for the visit before and after IPV introduction, respectively. The only reason why vaccines were not received was vaccine stock-outs. Infant caregivers generally agreed that vaccinators could be trusted to provide accurate information regarding the number of vaccines that a child needed. Healthcare providers and infant caregivers in this resource limited setting accepted an increase in the number of injectable vaccines administered at a single visit even though some expressed concerns about the increase. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Effect of multiple intravenous injections of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin on the metabolism of periparturient dairy cows.

PubMed

Fürll, M; Deniz, A; Westphal, B; Illing, C; Constable, P D

2010-09-01

Numerous adjunct therapeutic agents have been investigated for the treatment or control of fat mobilization syndrome in periparturient dairy cows. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of multiple i.v. injections of 10% butaphosphan and 0.005% cyanocobalamin combination (Catosal, Bayer Animal Health, Leverkusen, Germany) between 1 and 2 wk antepartum (a.p.) on the metabolism and health of dairy cows. Forty-five late-gestation Holstein-Friesian cows (second pregnancy) were allocated randomly to 1 of 3 groups with 15 cows/group: group C6 (6 daily i.v. injections of butaphosphan at 10 mg/kg of body weight (BW) and cyanocobalamin at 5 microg/kg of BW in the last 2 wk of gestation); group C3 (3 daily i.v. injections of butaphosphan at 10 mg/kg of BW and cyanocobalamin at 5 microg/kg of BW in the last week of gestation); and group C0 (equivolume daily i.v. injections of 0.9% NaCl solution). Serum biochemical analysis was performed on jugular venous blood samples that were periodically obtained a.p. and postpartum (p.p.). Health status and milk production were monitored p.p. Serum cyanocobalamin concentration increased in groups C6 and C3 p.p. Multiple daily i.v. injections of Catosal before parturition increased p.p. glucose availability, as evaluated by p.p. serum glucose concentration, and decreased peripheral fat mobilization and ketone body formation, as evaluated by p.p. serum nonesterified fatty acid and beta-OH butyrate concentrations. The number of puerperal infections in the first 5 d after calving was decreased in group C6, relative to group C0. We conclude that multiple injections of Catosal during the close-up period have a beneficial effect on the metabolism of periparturient dairy cows. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that high-producing dairy cows in early lactation may have a relative or actual deficiency of cyanocobalamin. Copyright (c) 2010 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A discrete-choice experiment to determine patient preferences for injectable multiple sclerosis treatments in Germany.

PubMed

Poulos, Christine; Kinter, Elizabeth; Yang, Jui-Chen; Bridges, John F P; Posner, Joshua; Gleißner, Erika; Mühlbacher, Axel; Kieseier, Bernd

2016-03-01

The aim of this study was to assess the relative importance of features of a hypothetical injectable disease-modifying treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis using a discrete-choice experiment. German residents at least 18 years of age with a self-reported physician diagnosis of multiple sclerosis completed a 25-30 minute online discrete-choice experiment. Patients were asked to choose one of two hypothetical injectable treatments for multiple sclerosis, defined by different levels of six attributes (disability progression, the number of relapses in the next 4 years, injection time, frequency of injections, presence of flu-like symptoms, and presence of injection-site reactions). The data were analyzed using a random-parameters logit model. Of 202 adults who completed the survey, results from 189 were used in the analysis. Approximately 50% of all patients reported a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, and 31% reported secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Approximately 71% of patients had current or prior experience with injectable multiple sclerosis medication. Approximately 53% had experienced flu-like symptoms caused by their medication, and 47% had experienced mild injection-site reactions. At least one significant difference was seen between levels in all attributes, except injection time. The greatest change in relative importance between levels of an attribute was years until symptoms get worse from 1 to 4 years. The magnitude of this difference was about twice that of relapses in the next 4 years, frequency of injections, and flu-like symptoms. Most attributes examined in this experiment had an influence on patient preference. Patients placed a significant value on improvements in the frequency of dosing and disability progression. Results suggest that changes in injection frequency can be as important as changes in efficacy and safety attributes. Understanding which attributes of injectable therapies influence patient preference could potentially improve outcomes and adherence in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Electron Injections: A Study of Electron Acceleration by Multiple Dipolarizing Flux Bundles Using an Analytical Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabrielse, C.; Angelopoulos, V.; Artemyev, A.; Runov, A.; Harris, C.

2016-12-01

We study energetic electron injections using an analytical model that self-consistently describes electric and magnetic field perturbations of transient, localized dipolarizing flux bundles (DFBs). Previous studies using THEMIS, Van Allen Probes, and the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission have shown that injections can occur on short (minutes) or long (10s of minutes) timescales. These studies suggest that the short timescale injections correspond to a single DFB, whereas long timescale injections are likely caused by an aggregate of multiple DFBs, each incrementally heating the particle population. We therefore model the effects of multiple DFBs on the electron population using multi-spacecraft observations of the fields and particle fluxes to constrain the model parameters. The analytical model is the first of its kind to model multiple dipolarization fronts in order to better understand the transport and acceleration process throughout the plasma sheet. It can reproduce most injection signatures at multiple locations simultaneously, reaffirming earlier findings that multiple earthward-traveling DFBs can both transport and accelerate electrons to suprathermal energies, and can thus be considered the injections' primary driver.

Convergence and objective functions of some fault/noise-injection-based online learning algorithms for RBF networks.

PubMed

Ho, Kevin I-J; Leung, Chi-Sing; Sum, John

2010-06-01

In the last two decades, many online fault/noise injection algorithms have been developed to attain a fault tolerant neural network. However, not much theoretical works related to their convergence and objective functions have been reported. This paper studies six common fault/noise-injection-based online learning algorithms for radial basis function (RBF) networks, namely 1) injecting additive input noise, 2) injecting additive/multiplicative weight noise, 3) injecting multiplicative node noise, 4) injecting multiweight fault (random disconnection of weights), 5) injecting multinode fault during training, and 6) weight decay with injecting multinode fault. Based on the Gladyshev theorem, we show that the convergence of these six online algorithms is almost sure. Moreover, their true objective functions being minimized are derived. For injecting additive input noise during training, the objective function is identical to that of the Tikhonov regularizer approach. For injecting additive/multiplicative weight noise during training, the objective function is the simple mean square training error. Thus, injecting additive/multiplicative weight noise during training cannot improve the fault tolerance of an RBF network. Similar to injective additive input noise, the objective functions of other fault/noise-injection-based online algorithms contain a mean square error term and a specialized regularization term.

The Coherent X-ray Imaging instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source

DOE PAGES

Liang, Mengning; Williams, Garth J.; Messerschmidt, Marc; ...

2015-04-15

The Coherent X-ray Imaging (CXI) instrument specializes in hard X-ray, in-vacuum, high power density experiments in all areas of science. Two main sample chambers, one containing a 100 nm focus and one a 1 µm focus, are available, each with multiple diagnostics, sample injection, pump–probe and detector capabilities. The flexibility of CXI has enabled it to host a diverse range of experiments, from biological to extreme matter.

Hierarchical cluster analysis of technical replicates to identify interferents in untargeted mass spectrometry metabolomics.

PubMed

Caesar, Lindsay K; Kvalheim, Olav M; Cech, Nadja B

2018-08-27

Mass spectral data sets often contain experimental artefacts, and data filtering prior to statistical analysis is crucial to extract reliable information. This is particularly true in untargeted metabolomics analyses, where the analyte(s) of interest are not known a priori. It is often assumed that chemical interferents (i.e. solvent contaminants such as plasticizers) are consistent across samples, and can be removed by background subtraction from blank injections. On the contrary, it is shown here that chemical contaminants may vary in abundance across each injection, potentially leading to their misidentification as relevant sample components. With this metabolomics study, we demonstrate the effectiveness of hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) of replicate injections (technical replicates) as a methodology to identify chemical interferents and reduce their contaminating contribution to metabolomics models. Pools of metabolites with varying complexity were prepared from the botanical Angelica keiskei Koidzumi and spiked with known metabolites. Each set of pools was analyzed in triplicate and at multiple concentrations using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Before filtering, HCA failed to cluster replicates in the data sets. To identify contaminant peaks, we developed a filtering process that evaluated the relative peak area variance of each variable within triplicate injections. These interferent peaks were found across all samples, but did not show consistent peak area from injection to injection, even when evaluating the same chemical sample. This filtering process identified 128 ions that appear to originate from the UPLC-MS system. Data sets collected for a high number of pools with comparatively simple chemical composition were highly influenced by these chemical interferents, as were samples that were analyzed at a low concentration. When chemical interferent masses were removed, technical replicates clustered in all data sets. This work highlights the importance of technical replication in mass spectrometry-based studies, and presents a new application of HCA as a tool for evaluating the effectiveness of data filtering prior to statistical analysis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Single, double or multiple-injection techniques for non-ultrasound guided axillary brachial plexus block in adults undergoing surgery of the lower arm.

PubMed

Chin, Ki Jinn; Alakkad, Husni; Cubillos, Javier E

2013-08-08

Regional anaesthesia comprising axillary block of the brachial plexus is a common anaesthetic technique for distal upper limb surgery. This is an update of a review first published in 2006 and updated in 2011. To compare the relative effects (benefits and harms) of three injection techniques (single, double and multiple) of axillary block of the brachial plexus for distal upper extremity surgery. We considered these effects primarily in terms of anaesthetic effectiveness; the complication rate (neurological and vascular); and pain and discomfort caused by performance of the block. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, EMBASE and reference lists of trials. We contacted trial authors. The date of the last search was March 2013 (updated from March 2011). We included randomized controlled trials that compared double with single-injection techniques, multiple with single-injection techniques, or multiple with double-injection techniques for axillary block in adults undergoing surgery of the distal upper limb. We excluded trials using ultrasound-guided techniques. Independent study selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction were performed by at least two investigators. We undertook meta-analysis. The 21 included trials involved a total of 2148 participants who received regional anaesthesia for hand, wrist, forearm or elbow surgery. Risk of bias assessment indicated that trial design and conduct were generally adequate; the most common areas of weakness were in blinding and allocation concealment.Eight trials comparing double versus single injections showed a statistically significant decrease in primary anaesthesia failure (risk ratio (RR 0.51), 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30 to 0.85). Subgroup analysis by method of nerve location showed that the effect size was greater when neurostimulation was used rather than the transarterial technique.Eight trials comparing multiple with single injections showed a statistically significant decrease in primary anaesthesia failure (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.44) and of incomplete motor block (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.96) in the multiple injection group.Eleven trials comparing multiple with double injections showed a statistically significant decrease in primary anaesthesia failure (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.40) and of incomplete motor block (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.85) in the multiple injection group.Tourniquet pain was significantly reduced with multiple injections compared with double injections (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.84). Otherwise there were no statistically significant differences between groups in any of the three comparisons on secondary analgesia failure, complications and patient discomfort. The time for block performance was significantly shorter for single and double injections compared with multiple injections. This review provides evidence that multiple-injection techniques using nerve stimulation for axillary plexus block produce more effective anaesthesia than either double or single-injection techniques. However, there was insufficient evidence for a significant difference in other outcomes, including safety.

Lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT in multicentric and multifocal breast cancer: does each tumour have a separate drainage pattern? Results of a Dutch multicentre study (MULTISENT).

PubMed

Brouwer, O R; Vermeeren, L; van der Ploeg, I M C; Valdés Olmos, R A; Loo, C E; Pereira-Bouda, L M; Smit, F; Neijenhuis, P; Vrouenraets, B C; Sivro-Prndelj, F; Jap-a-Joe, S M; Borgstein, P J; Rutgers, E J Th; Oldenburg, H S A

2012-07-01

To investigate whether lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT after intralesional injection of radiopharmaceutical into each tumour separately in patients with multiple malignancies in one breast yields additional sentinel nodes compared to intralesional injection of the largest tumour only. Patients were included prospectively at four centres in The Netherlands. Lymphatic flow was studied using planar lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT until 4 h after administration of (99m)Tc-nanocolloid in the largest tumour. Subsequently, the smaller tumour(s) was injected intratumorally followed by the same imaging sequence. Sentinel nodes were intraoperatively localized using a gamma ray detection probe and vital blue dye. Included in the study were 50 patients. Additional lymphatic drainage was depicted after the second and/or third injection in 32 patients (64%). Comparison of planar images and SPECT/CT images after consecutive injections enabled visualization of the number and location of additional sentinel nodes (32 axillary, 11 internal mammary chain, 2 intramammary, and 1 interpectoral. A sentinel node contained metastases in 17 patients (34%). In five patients with a tumour-positive node in the axilla that was visualized after the first injection, an additional involved axillary node was found after the second injection. In two patients, isolated tumour cells were found in sentinel nodes that were only visualized after the second injection, whilst the sentinel nodes identified after the first injection were tumour-negative. Lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT after consecutive intratumoral injections of tracer enable lymphatic mapping of each tumour separately in patients with multiple malignancies within one breast. The high incidence of additional sentinel nodes draining from tumours other than the largest one suggests that separate tumour-related tracer injections may be a more accurate approach to mapping and sampling of sentinel nodes in patients with multicentric or multifocal breast cancer.

Experimental study of switching in a rho-i(MQW)-eta vertical coupler

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

Cavailles, J.A.; Erman, M.; Woodbridge, K.

1989-11-01

Electrically controlled switching in a vertically arranged directional coupler with GaAs/GaAIAs multiple quantum well waveguides is demonstrated. Coupling lengths and extinction parameters are determined by using a sample processed in such a way that injection conditions are well defined and that the coupler length can be varied continuously.

How does the use of multiple needles/syringes per injecting episode impact on the measurement of individual level needle and syringe program coverage?

PubMed

O'Keefe, Daniel; McCormack, Angus; Cogger, Shelley; Aitken, Campbell; Burns, Lucinda; Bruno, Raimondo; Stafford, Jenny; Butler, Kerryn; Breen, Courtney; Dietze, Paul

2017-08-01

Recent work by McCormack et al. (2016) showed that the inclusion of syringe stockpiling improves the measurement of individual-level syringe coverage. We explored whether including the use of a new parameter, multiple sterile syringes per injecting episode, further improves coverage measures. Data comes from 838 people who inject drugs, interviewed as part of the 2015 Illicit Drug Reporting System. Along with syringe coverage questions, the survey recorded the number of sterile syringes used on average per injecting episode. We constructed three measures of coverage: one adapted from Bluthenthal et al. (2007), the McCormack et al. measure, and a new coverage measure that included use of multiple syringes. Predictors of multiple syringe use and insufficient coverage (<100% of injecting episodes using a sterile syringe) using the new measure, were tested in logistic regression and the ability of the measures to discriminate key risk behaviours was compared using ROC curve analysis. 134 (16%) participants reported needing multiple syringes per injecting episode. Women showed significantly increased odds of multiple syringe use, as did those reporting injection related injuries/diseases and injecting of opioid substitution drugs or pharmaceutical opioids. Levels of insufficient coverage across the three measures were substantial (20%-28%). ROC curve analysis suggested that our new measure was no better at discriminating injecting risk behaviours than the existing measures. Based on our findings, there appears to be little need for adding a multiple syringe use parameter to existing coverage formulae. Hence, we recommend that multiple syringe use is not included in the measurement of individual-level syringe coverage. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Injection System for Multi-Well Injection Using a Single Pump

PubMed Central

Wovkulich, Karen; Stute, Martin; Protus, Thomas J.; Mailloux, Brian J.; Chillrud, Steven N.

2015-01-01

Many hydrological and geochemical studies rely on data resulting from injection of tracers and chemicals into groundwater wells. The even distribution of liquids to multiple injection points can be challenging or expensive, especially when using multiple pumps. An injection system was designed using one chemical metering pump to evenly distribute the desired influent simultaneously to 15 individual injection points through an injection manifold. The system was constructed with only one metal part contacting the fluid due to the low pH of the injection solutions. The injection manifold system was used during a three-month pilot scale injection experiment at the Vineland Chemical Company Superfund site. During the two injection phases of the experiment (Phase I = 0.27 L/min total flow, Phase II = 0.56 L/min total flow), flow measurements were made 20 times over three months; an even distribution of flow to each injection well was maintained (RSD <4%). This durable system is expandable to at least 16 injection points and should be adaptable to other injection experiments that require distribution of air-stable liquids to multiple injection points with a single pump. PMID:26140014

Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of furanodiene W/O/W multiple emulsions in rats by a fast and sensitive HPLC-APCI-MS/MS method.

PubMed

Zhang, Li-Feng; Lu, Tao-Tao; Zhang, Shu-Qiu; Lin, Wen-Han; Li, Qing-Shan

2013-12-01

A sensitive and specific HPLC-APCI-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the quantification of furanodiene, a natural antitumor compound in rat plasma and tissues. W/O/W multiple emulsions of furanodiene, identified through microscope-observation and eosin staining method, were prepared with a two-step-procedure. Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution were studied in rats after oral, intraperitoneal and intravenous injection with the dose of 5, 10 and 50 mg/kg, respectively. The assay achieved a good sensitivity and specificity for the determination of furanodiene in biological samples. The results showed that the concentration-time curves of furanodiene in rats after intravenous injection were fitted to a two-compartment model and the linear pharmacokinetic characteristic. The highest concentration in rat tissue was observed in the spleen, followed by heart, liver, lung, kidney, small intestine and brain. Comparing with the low concentration in plasma, furanodiene could be detected in various tissue samples after oral or intraperitoneal injection which indicated furanodiene had good and rapid tissue uptake. The results suggested that the wide tissue distribution of furanodiene could conduce to the therapeutic effects, but the short biological half-life limited its further application as an antitumor agent. The results are helpful for the structure modification of furanodiene as an antitumor candidate.

Injector-concentrator electrodes for microchannel electrophoresis

DOEpatents

Swierkowski, Stefan P.

2003-05-06

An input port geometry, with injector-concentrator electrodes, for planar microchannel array for electrophoresis. This input port geometry enables efficient extraction and injection of the DNA sample from a single input port. The geometry, which utilizes injector-concentrator electrodes, allows simultaneous concentration, in different channels, of the sample into a longitudinally narrow strip just before releasing it for a run with enhanced injection spatial resolution, and time resolution. Optional multiple electrodes, at a different bias than the concentrator electrodes, may be used to discriminate against sample impurity ions. Electrode passivation can be utilized to prevent electrolysis. An additional electrode in or on the input hole can better define the initial loading. The injector-concentrator electrodes are positioned so that they cross the drift channel in a narrow strip at the bond plane between the top and bottom plates of the instrument and are located close to the inlet hole. The optional sample purification electrodes are located at a greater distance from the input hole than the injector-concentrate electrodes.

Integrated multiplexed capillary electrophoresis system

DOEpatents

Yeung, Edward S.; Tan, Hongdong

2002-05-14

The present invention provides an integrated multiplexed capillary electrophoresis system for the analysis of sample analytes. The system integrates and automates multiple components, such as chromatographic columns and separation capillaries, and further provides a detector for the detection of analytes eluting from the separation capillaries. The system employs multiplexed freeze/thaw valves to manage fluid flow and sample movement. The system is computer controlled and is capable of processing samples through reaction, purification, denaturation, pre-concentration, injection, separation and detection in parallel fashion. Methods employing the system of the invention are also provided.

Risk Behaviors for HIV and HCV Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs in Hai Phong, Viet Nam, 2014.

PubMed

Duong, Huong Thi; Jarlais, Don Des; Khuat, Oanh Hai Thi; Arasteh, Kamyar; Feelemyer, Jonathan; Khue, Pham Minh; Giang, Hoang Thi; Laureillard, Didier; Hai, Vinh Vu; Vallo, Roselyne; Michel, Laurent; Moles, Jean Pierre; Nagot, Nicolas

2017-06-13

We examined the potential for HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) transmission across persons who inject drugs (PWID), men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and female commercial sex workers (CSW) PWID and the potential for sexual transmission of HIV from PWID to the general population in Hai Phong, Viet Nam. Using respondent driven and convenience sampling we recruited 603 participants in 2014. All participants used heroin; 24% used non-injected methamphetamine. HIV prevalence was 25%; HCV prevalence was 67%. HIV infection was associated with HCV prevalence and both infections were associated with length of injecting career. Reported injecting risk behaviors were low; unsafe sexual behavior was high among MSM-PWID and CSW-PWID. There is strong possibility of sexual transmission to primary partners facilitated by methamphetamine use. We would suggest future HIV prevention programs utilize multiple interventions including "treatment as prevention" to potential sexual transmission of HIV among MSM and CSW-PWID and from PWID to the general population.

Large spin accumulation and crystallographic dependence of spin transport in single crystal gallium nitride nanowires

PubMed Central

Park, Tae-Eon; Park, Youn Ho; Lee, Jong-Min; Kim, Sung Wook; Park, Hee Gyum; Min, Byoung-Chul; Kim, Hyung-jun; Koo, Hyun Cheol; Choi, Heon-Jin; Han, Suk Hee; Johnson, Mark; Chang, Joonyeon

2017-01-01

Semiconductor spintronics is an alternative to conventional electronics that offers devices with high performance, low power and multiple functionality. Although a large number of devices with mesoscopic dimensions have been successfully demonstrated at low temperatures for decades, room-temperature operation still needs to go further. Here we study spin injection in single-crystal gallium nitride nanowires and report robust spin accumulation at room temperature with enhanced spin injection polarization of 9%. A large Overhauser coupling between the electron spin accumulation and the lattice nuclei is observed. Finally, our single-crystal gallium nitride samples have a trigonal cross-section defined by the (001), () and () planes. Using the Hanle effect, we show that the spin accumulation is significantly different for injection across the (001) and () (or ()) planes. This provides a technique for increasing room temperature spin injection in mesoscopic systems. PMID:28569767

A simple LC-MS/MS method for determination of deferasirox in human plasma: Troubleshooting of interference from ferric ion in method development and its application.

PubMed

Li, Tengfei; Cui, Zhimin; Wang, Yan; Yang, Wen; Li, Duo; Song, QinXin; Sun, Luning; Ding, Li

2018-03-20

As an orally active iron chelator, deferasirox forms its ion complexes in the prepared plasma samples and LC-MS mobile phase where ferric ion exists, and then comparing with the nominal concentration level, a lower detected concentration level of deferasirox would be obtained after LC-MS analysis, if no proper treatment was adopted. Meanwhile, the phenomenon would be observed that multiple repeat injections of the same deferasirox plasma sample in the same tube would show the lower and lower detected concentration levels of deferasirox, which caused by more and more ferric ions from the injection needle dissolved in the sample solution as multiple repeated injections. The addition of a proper concentration of EDTA in the mobile phase and the sample will competitively inhibit deferasirox from complexing with ferric ion, and prevent the decrease of deferasirox concentration. In this paper, an LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the determination of deferasirox in human plasma. To achieve the protein precipitation, the analytes were extracted from aliquots of 200 μL human plasma with acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was performed on an ODS-C18 column with the mobile phase consisted of methanol and 0.1% formic acid containing 0.04 mM ethylenediamine tetraacetate dihydrate (EDTA) (80:20, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. Deferasirox and the internal standard (IS, mifepristone) were detected using electrospray ionization in positive ion multiple reaction monitoring mode by monitoring the precursor-to-product ion transitions m/z 374.2 → 108.1 for deferasirox and m/z 430.1 → 372.2 for the IS. The method exhibited good linearity over the concentration range of 0.04-40 μg/mL for deferasirox. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in 10 Chinese healthy volunteers after oral administration of deferasirox. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A rapid, automated approach to optimisation of multiple reaction monitoring conditions for quantitative bioanalytical mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Higton, D M

2001-01-01

An improvement to the procedure for the rapid optimisation of mass spectrometry (PROMS), for the development of multiple reaction methods (MRM) for quantitative bioanalytical liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), is presented. PROMS is an automated protocol that uses flow-injection analysis (FIA) and AppleScripts to create methods and acquire the data for optimisation. The protocol determines the optimum orifice potential, the MRM conditions for each compound, and finally creates the MRM methods needed for sample analysis. The sensitivities of the MRM methods created by PROMS approach those created manually. MRM method development using PROMS currently takes less than three minutes per compound compared to at least fifteen minutes manually. To further enhance throughput, approaches to MRM optimisation using one injection per compound, two injections per pool of five compounds and one injection per pool of five compounds have been investigated. No significant difference in the optimised instrumental parameters for MRM methods were found between the original PROMS approach and these new methods, which are up to ten times faster. The time taken for an AppleScript to determine the optimum conditions and build the MRM methods is the same with all approaches. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Estimation of the quantification uncertainty from flow injection and liquid chromatography transient signals in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laborda, Francisco; Medrano, Jesús; Castillo, Juan R.

2004-06-01

The quality of the quantitative results obtained from transient signals in high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICPMS) and flow injection-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (FI-ICPMS) was investigated under multielement conditions. Quantification methods were based on multiple-point calibration by simple and weighted linear regression, and double-point calibration (measurement of the baseline and one standard). An uncertainty model, which includes the main sources of uncertainty from FI-ICPMS and HPLC-ICPMS (signal measurement, sample flow rate and injection volume), was developed to estimate peak area uncertainties and statistical weights used in weighted linear regression. The behaviour of the ICPMS instrument was characterized in order to be considered in the model, concluding that the instrument works as a concentration detector when it is used to monitorize transient signals from flow injection or chromatographic separations. Proper quantification by the three calibration methods was achieved when compared to reference materials, although the double-point calibration allowed to obtain results of the same quality as the multiple-point calibration, shortening the calibration time. Relative expanded uncertainties ranged from 10-20% for concentrations around the LOQ to 5% for concentrations higher than 100 times the LOQ.

A Customizable Flow Injection System for Automated, High Throughput, and Time Sensitive Ion Mobility Spectrometry and Mass Spectrometry Measurements

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

Orton, Daniel J.; Tfaily, Malak M.; Moore, Ronald J.

To better understand disease conditions and environmental perturbations, multi-omic studies (i.e. proteomic, lipidomic, metabolomic, etc. analyses) are vastly increasing in popularity. In a multi-omic study, a single sample is typically extracted in multiple ways and numerous analyses are performed using different instruments. Thus, one sample becomes many analyses, making high throughput and reproducible evaluations a necessity. One way to address the numerous samples and varying instrumental conditions is to utilize a flow injection analysis (FIA) system for rapid sample injection. While some FIA systems have been created to address these challenges, many have limitations such as high consumable costs, lowmore » pressure capabilities, limited pressure monitoring and fixed flow rates. To address these limitations, we created an automated, customizable FIA system capable of operating at diverse flow rates (~50 nL/min to 500 µL/min) to accommodate low- and high-flow instrument sources. This system can also operate at varying analytical throughputs from 24 to 1200 samples per day to enable different MS analysis approaches. Applications ranging from native protein analyses to molecular library construction were performed using the FIA system. The results from these studies showed a highly robust platform, providing consistent performance over many days without carryover as long as washing buffers specific to each molecular analysis were utilized.« less

A simple device to convert a small-animal PET scanner into a multi-sample tissue and injection syringe counter.

PubMed

Green, Michael V; Seidel, Jurgen; Choyke, Peter L; Jagoda, Elaine M

2017-10-01

We describe a simple fixture that can be added to the imaging bed of a small-animal PET scanner that allows for automated counting of multiple organ or tissue samples from mouse-sized animals and counting of injection syringes prior to administration of the radiotracer. The combination of imaging and counting capabilities in the same machine offers advantages in certain experimental settings. A polyethylene block of plastic, sculpted to mate with the animal imaging bed of a small-animal PET scanner, is machined to receive twelve 5-ml containers, each capable of holding an entire organ from a mouse-sized animal. In addition, a triangular cross-section slot is machined down the centerline of the block to secure injection syringes from 1-ml to 3-ml in size. The sample holder is scanned in PET whole-body mode to image all samples or in one bed position to image a filled injection syringe. Total radioactivity in each sample or syringe is determined from the reconstructed images of these objects using volume re-projection of the coronal images and a single region-of-interest for each. We tested the accuracy of this method by comparing PET estimates of sample and syringe activity with well counter and dose calibrator estimates of these same activities. PET and well counting of the same samples gave near identical results (in MBq, R 2 =0.99, slope=0.99, intercept=0.00-MBq). PET syringe and dose calibrator measurements of syringe activity in MBq were also similar (R 2 =0.99, slope=0.99, intercept=- 0.22-MBq). A small-animal PET scanner can be easily converted into a multi-sample and syringe counting device by the addition of a sample block constructed for that purpose. This capability, combined with live animal imaging, can improve efficiency and flexibility in certain experimental settings. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An inverter-based capacitive trans-impedance amplifier readout with offset cancellation and temporal noise reduction for IR focal plane array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hsin-Han; Hsieh, Chih-Cheng

2013-09-01

This paper presents a readout integrated circuit (ROIC) with inverter-based capacitive trans-impedance amplifier (CTIA) and pseudo-multiple sampling technique for infrared focal plane array (IRFPA). The proposed inverter-based CTIA with a coupling capacitor [1], executing auto-zeroing technique to cancel out the varied offset voltage from process variation, is used to substitute differential amplifier in conventional CTIA. The tunable detector bias is applied from a global external bias before exposure. This scheme not only retains stable detector bias voltage and signal injection efficiency, but also reduces the pixel area as well. Pseudo-multiple sampling technique [2] is adopted to reduce the temporal noise of readout circuit. The noise reduction performance is comparable to the conventional multiple sampling operation without need of longer readout time proportional to the number of samples. A CMOS image sensor chip with 55×65 pixel array has been fabricated in 0.18um CMOS technology. It achieves a 12um×12um pixel size, a frame rate of 72 fps, a power-per-pixel of 0.66uW/pixel, and a readout temporal noise of 1.06mVrms (16 times of pseudo-multiple sampling), respectively.

Fast determination of phosphorus in honey, milk and infant formulas by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using a slurry sampling procedure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

López-García, I.; Viñas, P.; Romero-Romero, R.; Hernández-Córdoba, M.

2007-01-01

A procedure for the electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric determination of phosphorus in honey, milk and infant formulas using slurried samples is described. Suspensions prepared in a medium containing 50% v/v concentrated hydrogen peroxide, 1% v/v concentrated nitric acid, 10% m/v glucose, 5% m/v sucrose and 100 mg l - 1 of potassium were introduced directly into the furnace. For the honey samples, multiple injection of the sample was necessary. The modifier selected was a mixture of 20 μg palladium and 5 μg magnesium nitrate, which was injected after the sample and before proceeding with the drying and calcination steps. Calibration was performed using aqueous standards prepared in the same suspension medium and the graph was linear between 5 and 80 mg l - 1 of phosphorus. The reliability of the procedure was checked by comparing the results obtained by the new developed method with those found when using a reference spectrophotometric method after a mineralization step, and by analyzing several certified reference materials.

A dilute-and-shoot flow-injection tandem mass spectrometry method for quantification of phenobarbital in urine.

PubMed

Alagandula, Ravali; Zhou, Xiang; Guo, Baochuan

2017-01-15

Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) is the gold standard of urine drug testing. However, current LC-based methods are time consuming, limiting the throughput of MS-based testing and increasing the cost. This is particularly problematic for quantification of drugs such as phenobarbital, which is often analyzed in a separate run because they must be negatively ionized. This study examined the feasibility of using a dilute-and-shoot flow-injection method without LC separation to quantify drugs with phenobarbital as a model system. Briefly, a urine sample containing phenobarbital was first diluted by 10 times, followed by flow injection of the diluted sample to mass spectrometer. Quantification and detection of phenobarbital were achieved by an electrospray negative ionization MS/MS system operated in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with the stable-isotope-labeled drug as internal standard. The dilute-and-shoot flow-injection method developed was linear with a dynamic range of 50-2000 ng/mL of phenobarbital and correlation coefficient > 0.9996. The coefficients of variation and relative errors for intra- and inter-assays at four quality control (QC) levels (50, 125, 445 and 1600 ng/mL) were 3.0% and 5.0%, respectively. The total run time to quantify one sample was 2 min, and the sensitivity and specificity of the method did not deteriorate even after 1200 consecutive injections. Our method can accurately and robustly quantify phenobarbital in urine without LC separation. Because of its 2 min run time, the method can process 720 samples per day. This feasibility study shows that the dilute-and-shoot flow-injection method can be a general way for fast analysis of drugs in urine. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Diesel engine emissions reduction by multiple injections having increasing pressure

DOEpatents

Reitz, Rolf D.; Thiel, Matthew P.

2003-01-01

Multiple fuel charges are injected into a diesel engine combustion chamber during a combustion cycle, and each charge after the first has successively greater injection pressure (a higher injection rate) than the prior charge. This injection scheme results in reduced emissions, particularly particulate emissions, and can be implemented by modifying existing injection system hardware. Further enhancements in emissions reduction and engine performance can be obtained by using known measures in conjunction with the invention, such as Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR).

High fear of intra-oral injections: prevalence and relationship to dental fear and dental avoidance among 10- to 16-yr-old children.

PubMed

Berge, Karin G; Agdal, Maren L; Vika, Margrethe; Skeie, Marit S

2016-12-01

The present study aimed to: (i) estimate the prevalence of self-reported high fear of intra-oral injections, high blood-injury fear, and injection fear; (ii) explore the overlap between high fear of intra-oral injections and high fear of dental treatment; and (iii) evaluate the possible consequence of high fear of intra-oral injections in terms of avoidance of dental care. The sample included 1,441 subjects, 10- to 16-yr of age, attending elementary schools in a county of Norway. Data were collected using questionnaires that were completed in classrooms. The survey instruments used were the Intra-Oral Injection Fear-scale, the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale, the Injection Phobia scale for children, and the Mutilation Questionnaire for children. In total, 13.9% of the children reported high intra-oral injection fear. A strong association was found between fear of intra-oral injections and dental fear. When an intra-oral injection was needed, 10.6% would avoid dental treatment. In multiple regression analysis, high intra-oral injection fear was found to be associated with avoidance of dental treatment (OR = 6.52; 95% CI: 3.99-10.67). It was concluded that high fear of intra-oral injections was prevalent and might lead to avoidance of necessary dental treatment. Hence, intra-oral injection fear should be addressed before treatment of dental fear. © 2016 Eur J Oral Sci.

Hierarchical Cluster Analysis of Three-Dimensional Reconstructions of Unbiased Sampled Microglia Shows not Continuous Morphological Changes from Stage 1 to 2 after Multiple Dengue Infections in Callithrix penicillata

PubMed Central

Diniz, Daniel G.; Silva, Geane O.; Naves, Thaís B.; Fernandes, Taiany N.; Araújo, Sanderson C.; Diniz, José A. P.; de Farias, Luis H. S.; Sosthenes, Marcia C. K.; Diniz, Cristovam G.; Anthony, Daniel C.; da Costa Vasconcelos, Pedro F.; Picanço Diniz, Cristovam W.

2016-01-01

It is known that microglial morphology and function are related, but few studies have explored the subtleties of microglial morphological changes in response to specific pathogens. In the present report we quantitated microglia morphological changes in a monkey model of dengue disease with virus CNS invasion. To mimic multiple infections that usually occur in endemic areas, where higher dengue infection incidence and abundant mosquito vectors carrying different serotypes coexist, subjects received once a week subcutaneous injections of DENV3 (genotype III)-infected culture supernatant followed 24 h later by an injection of anti-DENV2 antibody. Control animals received either weekly anti-DENV2 antibodies, or no injections. Brain sections were immunolabeled for DENV3 antigens and IBA-1. Random and systematic microglial samples were taken from the polymorphic layer of dentate gyrus for 3-D reconstructions, where we found intense immunostaining for TNFα and DENV3 virus antigens. We submitted all bi- or multimodal morphological parameters of microglia to hierarchical cluster analysis and found two major morphological phenotypes designated types I and II. Compared to type I (stage 1), type II microglia were more complex; displaying higher number of nodes, processes and trees and larger surface area and volumes (stage 2). Type II microglia were found only in infected monkeys, whereas type I microglia was found in both control and infected subjects. Hierarchical cluster analysis of morphological parameters of 3-D reconstructions of random and systematic selected samples in control and ADE dengue infected monkeys suggests that microglia morphological changes from stage 1 to stage 2 may not be continuous. PMID:27047345

Hierarchical Cluster Analysis of Three-Dimensional Reconstructions of Unbiased Sampled Microglia Shows not Continuous Morphological Changes from Stage 1 to 2 after Multiple Dengue Infections in Callithrix penicillata.

PubMed

Diniz, Daniel G; Silva, Geane O; Naves, Thaís B; Fernandes, Taiany N; Araújo, Sanderson C; Diniz, José A P; de Farias, Luis H S; Sosthenes, Marcia C K; Diniz, Cristovam G; Anthony, Daniel C; da Costa Vasconcelos, Pedro F; Picanço Diniz, Cristovam W

2016-01-01

It is known that microglial morphology and function are related, but few studies have explored the subtleties of microglial morphological changes in response to specific pathogens. In the present report we quantitated microglia morphological changes in a monkey model of dengue disease with virus CNS invasion. To mimic multiple infections that usually occur in endemic areas, where higher dengue infection incidence and abundant mosquito vectors carrying different serotypes coexist, subjects received once a week subcutaneous injections of DENV3 (genotype III)-infected culture supernatant followed 24 h later by an injection of anti-DENV2 antibody. Control animals received either weekly anti-DENV2 antibodies, or no injections. Brain sections were immunolabeled for DENV3 antigens and IBA-1. Random and systematic microglial samples were taken from the polymorphic layer of dentate gyrus for 3-D reconstructions, where we found intense immunostaining for TNFα and DENV3 virus antigens. We submitted all bi- or multimodal morphological parameters of microglia to hierarchical cluster analysis and found two major morphological phenotypes designated types I and II. Compared to type I (stage 1), type II microglia were more complex; displaying higher number of nodes, processes and trees and larger surface area and volumes (stage 2). Type II microglia were found only in infected monkeys, whereas type I microglia was found in both control and infected subjects. Hierarchical cluster analysis of morphological parameters of 3-D reconstructions of random and systematic selected samples in control and ADE dengue infected monkeys suggests that microglia morphological changes from stage 1 to stage 2 may not be continuous.

Multiple intravenous injections of allogeneic equine mesenchymal stem cells do not induce a systemic inflammatory response but do alter lymphocyte subsets in healthy horses.

PubMed

Kol, Amir; Wood, Joshua A; Carrade Holt, Danielle D; Gillette, Jessica A; Bohannon-Worsley, Laurie K; Puchalski, Sarah M; Walker, Naomi J; Clark, Kaitlin C; Watson, Johanna L; Borjesson, Dori L

2015-04-15

Intravenous (IV) injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is used to treat systemic human diseases and disorders but is not routinely used in equine therapy. In horses, MSCs are isolated primarily from adipose tissue (AT) or bone marrow (BM) and used for treatment of orthopedic injuries through one or more local injections. The objective of this study was to determine the safety and lymphocyte response to multiple allogeneic IV injections of either AT-derived MSCs (AT-MSCs) or BM-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) to healthy horses. We injected three doses of 25 × 10(6) allogeneic MSCs from either AT or BM (a total of 75 × 10(6) MSCs per horse) into five and five, respectively, healthy horses. Horses were followed up for 35 days after the first MSC infusion. We evaluated host inflammatory and immune response, including total leukocyte numbers, serum cytokine concentration, and splenic lymphocyte subsets. Repeated injection of allogeneic AT-MSCs or BM-MSCs did not elicit any clinical adverse effects. Repeated BM-MSC injection resulted in increased blood CD8(+) T-cell numbers. Multiple BM-MSC injections also increased splenic regulatory T cell numbers compared with AT-MSC-injected horses but not controls. These data demonstrate that multiple IV injections of allogeneic MSCs are well tolerated by healthy horses. No clinical signs or clinico-pathologic measurements of organ toxicity or systemic inflammatory response were recorded. Increased numbers of circulating CD8(+) T cells after multiple IV injections of allogeneic BM-MSCs may indicate a mild allo-antigen-directed cytotoxic response. Safety and efficacy of allogeneic MSC IV infusions in sick horses remain to be determined.

Exploring correlates of diabetes-related stress among adults with Type 1 diabetes in the T1D exchange clinic registry.

PubMed

Boden, Matthew Tyler; Gala, Sasha

2018-04-01

To explore relations between diabetes-related stress and multiple sociodemographic, diabetes health, other health, and treatment-related variables among a large sample of adults with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). The sample consisted of 10,821 adults (over 18 years old) enrolled in the T1D Exchange Clinic Registry. The T1D Exchange clinic network consists of 67 diabetes clinical centers throughout the United States selected to broadly represent pediatric and adult patients with T1D. Variables were assessed through participant self-report and extraction of clinic chart data. Univariate and multiple linear regression (with simultaneous entry of all predictors) analyses were conducted. Robustly associated with increased diabetes-related stress across analyses were multiple sociodemographic (female [vs. male], native Hawaiian/other Pacific islander [vs. white/Caucasian], decreased age and diabetes duration), diabetes health (higher HbA1c), other health (lower general health, presence of major life stress and depression, less physical activity), and treatment related variables (use of injections/pen or combination injection/pen/pump [vs. pump], use of CGM, increased frequency of missing insulin doses and BG checking, decreased frequency of BG checking prior to bolus, receipt of mental health treatment). We replicated and extended research demonstrating that diabetes-related stress among people with T1D occurs at higher levels among those with particular sociodemographic characteristics and is associated with a range poorer diabetes health and other health variables, and multiple treatment-related variables. The strong incremental prediction of diabetes-related stress by multiple variables in our study suggests that a multi-variable, personalized approach may increase the effectiveness of treatments for diabetes-related stress. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Optimization of a therapeutic protocol for intravenous injection of human mesenchymal stem cells after cerebral ischemia in adult rats.

PubMed

Omori, Yoshinori; Honmou, Osamu; Harada, Kuniaki; Suzuki, Junpei; Houkin, Kiyohiro; Kocsis, Jeffery D

2008-10-21

The systemic injection of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) prepared from adult bone marrow has therapeutic benefits after cerebral artery occlusion in rats, and may have multiple therapeutic effects at various sites and times within the lesion as the cells respond to a particular pathological microenvironment. However, the comparative therapeutic benefits of multiple injections of hMSCs at different time points after cerebral artery occlusion in rats remain unclear. In this study, we induced middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats using intra-luminal vascular occlusion, and infused hMSCs intravenously at a single 6 h time point (low and high cell doses) and various multiple time points after MCAO. From MRI analyses lesion volume was reduced in all hMSC cell injection groups as compared to serum alone injections. However, the greatest therapeutic benefit was achieved following a single high cell dose injection at 6 h post-MCAO, rather than multiple lower cell infusions over multiple time points. Three-dimensional analysis of capillary vessels in the lesion indicated that the capillary volume was equally increased in all of the cell-injected groups. Thus, differences in functional outcome in the hMSC transplantation subgroups are not likely the result of differences in angiogenesis, but rather from differences in neuroprotective effects.

Predictors of injection drug use cessation and relapse in a prospective cohort of young injection drug users in San Francisco, CA (UFO Study).

PubMed

Evans, Jennifer L; Hahn, Judith A; Lum, Paula J; Stein, Ellen S; Page, Kimberly

2009-05-01

Studies of injection drug use cessation have largely sampled adults in drug treatment settings. Little is known about injection cessation and relapse among young injection drug users (IDU) in the community. A total of 365 HCV-negative IDU under age 30 years were recruited by street outreach and interviewed quarterly for a prospective cohort between January 2000 and February 2008. Participants were followed for a total of 638 person-years and 1996 visits. We used survival analysis techniques to identify correlates of injection cessation (> or =3 months) and relapse to injection. 67% of subjects were male, median age was 22 years (interquartile range (IQR) 20-26) and median years injecting was 3.6 (IQR 1.3-6.5). 28.8% ceased injecting during the follow-up period. Among those that ceased injecting, nearly one-half resumed drug injection on subsequent visits, one-quarter maintained injecting cessation, and one-quarter were lost to follow-up. Participating in a drug treatment program in the last 3 months and injecting less than 30 times per month were associated with injection cessation. Injecting heroin or heroin mixed with other drugs, injecting the residue from previously used drug preparation equipment, drinking alcohol, and using benzodiazepines were negatively associated with cessation. Younger age was associated with relapse to injection. These results suggest that factors associated with stopping injecting involve multiple areas of intervention, including access to drug treatment and behavioral approaches to reduce injection and sustain cessation. The higher incidence of relapse in the younger subjects in this cohort underscores the need for earlier detection and treatment programs targeted to adolescents and transition-age youth.

Impact de l'utilisation des strategies d'injection multiple et de biodiesel sur un moteur diesel a rampe commune d'injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plamondon, Etienne

Using biodiesel/diesel fuel blends and multiple injection strategies in diesel engines have shown promising results in improving the trade-off relationship between nitrous oxides and particulate matters, but their effects are still not completely understood. In this context, this thesis focuses on the characterization of the multiple injection strategies and biodiesel impacts on pollutant emissions, performances and injection system behavior. To reach this goal, an experimental campaign on a diesel engine was performed and a model simulating the injection process was developed. The engine tests at low load with pilot injection allowed the reduction of NOx emissions up to 27% and those of PM up to 22.3% compared to single injection, provided that a precise tuning of the injection parameters was previously realized. This simultaneous reduction is explained by the reduction of the premixed combustion phase and injected fuel quantity during principal injection when a pilot injection is used. With triple injection for the tested engine load, the post-injection did not result in PM reduction since it contributes by itself to the PM production while the preinjection occurred too soon to burn conveniently and caused perturbations in the injection system as well. Using B20 blend in single injection caused a PM increase and a NOx reduction which might be explained by the poorer fuel atomization. However, pilot injection with B20 allowed to get a simultaneous reduction of NOx and PM, as observed with diesel. An injection simulation model was also developed and experimentally validated for different injection pressures as well as different energizing times and dwell times. When comparing the use of biodiesel with diesel, simulation showed that there was a critical energizing time for which both fuels yielded the same injection duration. For shorter energizing times, the biodiesel injection duration was shorter than for diesel, while longer energizing times presented the opposite behavior. The injection duration for the different blends falls between the pure-fuel situations. The use of constant properties (density, viscosity) and constant discharge coefficient showed no major loss in the precision of the flow-rate estimation, but revealed a great gain in calculus time. The use of pressure dependent bulk modulus and fluctuating injection pressure proved to be essential in order to have no drastic changes in the final predictions. Finally, the proposed model relevance in a case of engine testing was demonstrated with multiple injection strategies as well as with biodiesel since it allows a precise adjustment of the injection parameters while considering the dynamic effects caused by the injection. Keywords : Diesel engine, multiple injection, biodiesel, pollutant emission, heat release, mathematical model, injection simulation.

Double-cross hydrostatic pressure sample injection for chip CE: variable sample plug volume and minimum number of electrodes.

PubMed

Luo, Yong; Wu, Dapeng; Zeng, Shaojiang; Gai, Hongwei; Long, Zhicheng; Shen, Zheng; Dai, Zhongpeng; Qin, Jianhua; Lin, Bingcheng

2006-09-01

A novel sample injection method for chip CE was presented. This injection method uses hydrostatic pressure, generated by emptying the sample waste reservoir, for sample loading and electrokinetic force for dispensing. The injection was performed on a double-cross microchip. One cross, created by the sample and separation channels, is used for formation of a sample plug. Another cross, formed by the sample and controlling channels, is used for plug control. By varying the electric field in the controlling channel, the sample plug volume can be linearly adjusted. Hydrostatic pressure takes advantage of its ease of generation on a microfluidic chip, without any electrode or external pressure pump, thus allowing a sample injection with a minimum number of electrodes. The potential of this injection method was demonstrated by a four-separation-channel chip CE system. In this system, parallel sample separation can be achieved with only two electrodes, which is otherwise impossible with conventional injection methods. Hydrostatic pressure maintains the sample composition during the sample loading, allowing the injection to be free of injection bias.

Determination of pesticides in composite dietary samples by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in the selected ion monitoring mode by using a temperature-programmable large volume injector with preseparation column.

PubMed

Rosenblum, L; Hieber, T; Morgan, J

2001-01-01

Use of a temperature-programmable preseparation column in the gas chromatographic (GC) injection port permits determination of a wide range of semi-volatile pesticides including organochlorines, organophosphates, triazines, and anilines in fatty composite dietary samples while reducing sample preparation time and solvent consumption. Dietary samples are mixed with diatomaceous earth and are Soxhlet-extracted with an azeotropic solution of hexane and acetone. Sample preparation uses liquid-liquid partitioning over diatomaceous earth followed by normal phase chromatography over partially deactivated alumina. The final cleanup step occurs in a preseparation column in the GC injector, which is able to perform splitless transfer of the analytes to the analytical column and purge 99% of the high molecular weight residue. Detection is performed by GC/mass spectrometry (MS) in the selected ion monitoring mode. Method detection limits were at or below 2 ng/g for 24 of 35 pesticides studied, with recovery between 70 and 125% for 27 pesticides in samples fortified at 10 ng/g. Recovery was not dependent on fat content when measured in laboratory fortified samples containing 1, 5, and 10% fat by weight. Precision over multiple injections was acceptable, with a relative standard deviation of 2.6-15% for 25 analytes.

Detection of multiple steroidal compounds in synthetic urine using comprehensive gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC×GC-MS) combined with a molecularly imprinted polymer clean-up protocol.

PubMed

Zulfiqar, Adnan; Morgan, Geraint; Turner, Nicholas W

2014-10-07

A method capable of screening for multiple steroids in urine has been developed, using a series of twelve structurally similar, and commercially relevant compounds as target analytes. A molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction clean-up step was used to make the sample suitable for injection onto a GC×GC-MS setup. Significant improvements compared to a commercially available C-18 material were observed. Each individual steroid was able to be separated and identified, using both the retention profile and diagnostic fragmentation ion monitoring abilities of the comprehensive chromatographic-mass spectrometry method. Effective LODs of between 11.7 and 27.0 pg were calculated for individual steroids, effectively equivalent to concentration levels of between 0.234 and 0.540 ng mL(-1) in urine, while the application of multiple screen was demonstrated using a 10 ng mL(-1) mixed sample. The nature of this study also removes the need for sample derivitisation which speeds up the screening process.

Methods for the preparation and analysis of solids and suspended solids for total mercury

USGS Publications Warehouse

Olund, Shane D.; DeWild, John F.; Olson, Mark L.; Tate, Michael T.

2004-01-01

The methods documented in this report are utilized by the Wisconsin District Mercury Lab for analysis of total mercury in solids (soils and sediments) and suspended solids (isolated on filters). Separate procedures are required for the different sample types. For solids, samples are prepared by room-temperature acid digestion and oxidation with aqua regia. The samples are brought up to volume with a 5 percent bromine monochloride solution to ensure complete oxidation and heated at 50?C in an oven overnight. Samples are then analyzed with an automated flow injection system incorporating a cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometer. A method detection limit of 0.3 ng of mercury per digestion bomb was established using multiple analyses of an environmental sample. Based on the range of masses processed, the minimum sample reporting limit varies from 0.6 ng/g to 6 ng/g. Suspended solids samples are oxidized with a 5 percent bromine monochloride solution and held at 50?C in an oven for 5 days. The samples are then analyzed with an automated flow injection system incorporating a cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometer. Using a certified reference material as a surrogate for an environmental sample, a method detection limit of 0.059 ng of mercury per filter was established. The minimum sample reporting limit varies from 0.059 ng/L to 1.18 ng/L, depending on the volume of water filtered.

Mapping of native inorganic elements and injected nanoparticles in a biological organ with laser-induced plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motto-Ros, V.; Sancey, L.; Ma, Q. L.; Lux, F.; Bai, X. S.; Wang, X. C.; Yu, Jin; Panczer, G.; Tillement, O.

2012-11-01

Emission spectroscopy of laser-induced plasma from a thin section of mouse kidney successfully detected inorganic elements, Na, Ca, Cu, and Gd, naturally contained in the organ or artificially injected in the form of Gd-based nanoparticle. A two-dimensional scan of the sample allowed the laser beam to explore its surface with a resolution of 100 μm, resulting in a quantitative elemental mapping of the organ with sub-mM sensitivity. The compatibility of the setup with standard optical microscopy emphasizes the potential to provide multiple images of a same biological tissue with different types of response which can be elemental, molecular, or cellular.

Antibody-enhanced dengue disease generates a marked CNS inflammatory response in the black-tufted marmoset Callithrix penicillata.

PubMed

Vasconcelos, Barbara Cristina Baldez; Vieira, Juliana Almeida; Silva, Geane Oliveira; Fernandes, Taiany Nogueira; Rocha, Luciano Chaves; Viana, André Pereira; Serique, Cássio Diego Sá; Filho, Carlos Santos; Bringel, Raissa Aires Ribeiro; Teixeira, Francisco Fernando Dacier Lobato; Ferreira, Milene Silveira; Casseb, Samir Mansour Moraes; Carvalho, Valéria Lima; de Melo, Karla Fabiane Lopes; de Castro, Paulo Henrique Gomes; Araújo, Sanderson Corrêa; Diniz, José Antonio Picanço; Demachki, Samia; Anaissi, Ana Karyssa Mendes; Sosthenes, Marcia Consentino Kronka; Vasconcelos, Pedro Fernando da Costa; Anthony, Daniel Clive; Diniz, Cristovam Wanderley Picanço; Diniz, Daniel Guerreiro

2016-02-01

Severe dengue disease is often associated with long-term neurological impairments, but it is unclear what mechanisms are associated with neurological sequelae. Previously, we demonstrated antibody-enhanced dengue disease (ADE) dengue in an immunocompetent mouse model with a dengue virus 2 (DENV2) antibody injection followed by DENV3 virus infection. Here we migrated this ADE model to Callithrix penicillata. To mimic human multiple infections of endemic zones where abundant vectors and multiple serotypes co-exist, three animals received weekly subcutaneous injections of DENV3 (genotype III)-infected supernatant of C6/36 cell cultures, followed 24 h later by anti-DENV2 antibody for 12 weeks. There were six control animals, two of which received weekly anti-DENV2 antibodies, and four further animals received no injections. After multiple infections, brain, liver, and spleen samples were collected and tissue was immunolabeled for DENV3 antigens, ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1, Ki-67, TNFα. There were marked morphological changes in the microglial population of ADE monkeys characterized by more highly ramified microglial processes, higher numbers of trees and larger surface areas. These changes were associated with intense TNFα-positive immunolabeling. It is unclear why ADE should generate such microglial activation given that IgG does not cross the blood-brain barrier, but this study reveals that in ADE dengue therapy targeting the CNS host response is likely to be important. © 2015 Japanese Society of Neuropathology.

Permeation absorption sampler with multiple detection

DOEpatents

Zaromb, Solomon

1990-01-01

A system for detecting analytes in air or aqueous systems includes a permeation absorption preconcentrator sampler for the analytes and analyte detectors. The preconcentrator has an inner fluid-permeable container into which a charge of analyte-sorbing liquid is intermittently injected, and a fluid-impermeable outer container. The sample is passed through the outer container and around the inner container for trapping and preconcentrating the analyte in the sorbing liquid. The analyte can be detected photometrically by injecting with the sorbing material a reagent which reacts with the analyte to produce a characteristic color or fluorescence which is detected by illuminating the contents of the inner container with a light source and measuring the absorbed or emitted light, or by producing a characteristic chemiluminescence which can be detected by a suitable light sensor. The analyte can also be detected amperometrically. Multiple inner containers may be provided into which a plurality of sorbing liquids are respectively introduced for simultaneously detecting different analytes. Baffles may be provided in the outer container. A calibration technique is disclosed.

Acupuncture injection for field amplified sample stacking and glass microchip-based capillary gel electrophoresis.

PubMed

Ha, Ji Won; Hahn, Jong Hoon

2017-02-01

Acupuncture sample injection is a simple method to deliver well-defined nanoliter-scale sample plugs in PDMS microfluidic channels. This acupuncture injection method in microchip CE has several advantages, including minimization of sample consumption, the capability of serial injections of different sample solutions into the same microchannel, and the capability of injecting sample plugs into any desired position of a microchannel. Herein, we demonstrate that the simple and cost-effective acupuncture sample injection method can be used for PDMS microchip-based field amplified sample stacking in the most simplified straight channel by applying a single potential. We achieved the increase in electropherogram signals for the case of sample stacking. Furthermore, we present that microchip CGE of ΦX174 DNA-HaeⅢ digest can be performed with the acupuncture injection method on a glass microchip while minimizing sample loss and voltage control hardware. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Cerebral blood flow with [15O]water PET studies using an image-derived input function and MR-defined carotid centerlines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fung, Edward K.; Carson, Richard E.

2013-03-01

Full quantitative analysis of brain PET data requires knowledge of the arterial input function into the brain. Such data are normally acquired by arterial sampling with corrections for delay and dispersion to account for the distant sampling site. Several attempts have been made to extract an image-derived input function (IDIF) directly from the internal carotid arteries that supply the brain and are often visible in brain PET images. We have devised a method of delineating the internal carotids in co-registered magnetic resonance (MR) images using the level-set method and applying the segmentations to PET images using a novel centerline approach. Centerlines of the segmented carotids were modeled as cubic splines and re-registered in PET images summed over the early portion of the scan. Using information from the anatomical center of the vessel should minimize partial volume and spillover effects. Centerline time-activity curves were taken as the mean of the values for points along the centerline interpolated from neighboring voxels. A scale factor correction was derived from calculation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) using gold standard arterial blood measurements. We have applied the method to human subject data from multiple injections of [15O]water on the HRRT. The method was assessed by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) of the IDIF and the CBF, and comparing these to values computed using the gold standard arterial input curve. The average ratio of IDIF to arterial AUC (apparent recovery coefficient: aRC) across 9 subjects with multiple (n = 69) injections was 0.49 ± 0.09 at 0-30 s post tracer arrival, 0.45 ± 0.09 at 30-60 s, and 0.46 ± 0.09 at 60-90 s. Gray and white matter CBF values were 61.4 ± 11.0 and 15.6 ± 3.0 mL/min/100 g tissue using sampled blood data. Using IDIF centerlines scaled by the average aRC over each subjects’ injections, gray and white matter CBF values were 61.3 ± 13.5 and 15.5 ± 3.4 mL/min/100 g tissue. Using global average aRC values, the means were unchanged, and intersubject variability was noticeably reduced. This MR-based centerline method with local re-registration to [15O]water PET yields a consistent IDIF over multiple injections in the same subject, thus permitting the absolute quantification of CBF without arterial input function measurements.

Insulin pump treatment compared with multiple daily injections for treatment of type 2 diabetes (OpT2mise): a randomised open-label controlled trial.

PubMed

Reznik, Yves; Cohen, Ohad; Aronson, Ronnie; Conget, Ignacio; Runzis, Sarah; Castaneda, Javier; Lee, Scott W

2014-10-04

Many patients with advanced type 2 diabetes do not meet their glycated haemoglobin targets and randomised controlled studies comparing the efficacy of pump treatment and multiple daily injections for lowering glucose in insulin-treated patients have yielded inconclusive results. We aimed to resolve this uncertainty with a randomised controlled trial (OpT2mise). We did this multicentre, controlled trial at 36 hospitals, tertiary care centres, and referal centres in Canada, Europe, Israel, South Africa, and the USA. Patients with type 2 diabetes who had poor glycaemic control despite multiple daily injections with insulin analogues were enrolled into a 2-month dose-optimisation run-in period. After the run-in period, patients with glycated haemoglobin of 8·0-12·0% (64-108 mmol/mol) were randomly assigned (1:1) by a computer-generated randomisation sequence (block size 2 with probability 0·75 and size 4 with probability 0·25) to pump treatment or to continue with multiple daily injections. Neither patients nor investigators were masked to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was change in mean glycated haemoglobin between baseline and end of the randomised phase for the intention-to-treat population. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01182493. 495 of 590 screened patients entered the run-in phase and 331 were randomised (168 to pump treatment, 163 to multiple daily injections). Mean glycated haemoglobin at baseline was 9% (75 mmol/mol) in both groups. At 6 months, mean glycated haemoglobin had decreased by 1·1% (SD 1·2; 12 mmol/mol, SD 13) in the pump treatment group and 0·4% (SD 1·1; 4 mmol/mol, SD 12) in the multiple daily injection group, resulting in a between-group treatment difference of -0·7% (95% CI -0·9 to -0·4; -8 mmol/mol, 95% CI -10 to -4, p<0·0001). At the end of the study, the mean total daily insulin dose was 97 units (SD 56) with pump treatment versus 122 units (SD 68) for multiple daily injections (p<0·0001), with no significant difference in bodyweight change between the two groups (1·5 kg [SD 3·5] vs 1·1 kg [3·6], p=0·322). Two diabetes-related serious adverse events (hyperglycaemia or ketosis without acidosis) resulting in hospital admission occurred in the pump treatment group compared with one in the multiple daily injection group. No ketoacidosis occurred in either group and one episode of severe hypoglycaemia occurred in the multiple daily injection group. In patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes despite using multiple daily injections of insulin, pump treatment can be considered as a safe and valuable treatment option. Medtronic. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Examining Energetic Particle Injections and the Effects on the Inner Magnetosphere with Multiple Spacecraft/Missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leonard, T. W.; Baker, D. N.; Blake, J. B.; Burch, J. L.; Cohen, I. J.; Ergun, R.; Fennell, J. F.; Gershman, D. J.; Giles, B. L.; Jaynes, A. N.; Le Contel, O.; Mauk, B.; Russell, C. T.; Strangeway, R. J.; Torbert, R. B.; Turner, D. L.; Wilder, F. D.

2017-12-01

The Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) Fly's Eye Energetic Particle Spectrometer (FEEPS) instrument has observed a multitude of particle injection events since its launch in 2014. These injections often lead to enhancements observed by the Van Allen Probes MagEIS instrument, as well as other elements of the modern-day Heliophysics System Observatory. The high spatial resolution and unprecedented time scales of the MMS observations provide a microscope view of the plasma physical properties in Earth's neighborhood while the combination with other missions in the Heliophysics System Observatory provides a telescope view of the larger Sun-Earth system. Past studies have found a relationship between substorm activity, which can be more powerful during high speed solar wind stream events, and enhancements of the outer radiation belt electrons. In this study, we examine several distinct particle injection events with dipolarization front characteristics observed by MMS and multiple complementary missions. In particular, cases involving multiple injection events are compared to singular injection events for their effectiveness of creating radiation belt enhancements.

[Pharmacokinetics study of amoxicillin sodium clavulanate potassium (10:1) injection in healthy volunteers].

PubMed

Miao, Jia; Nan, Feng; Shen, Qi; Qin, Yong-Ping; Wang, Ying; Yu, Qin; Zheng, Li; Liang, Mao-Zhi

2013-03-01

To study the pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin sodium clavulanate potassium (10:1) injection with different single doses intravenous infusion and one dose repeated intravenous injection in healthy volunteers for guiding the rational clinical regimen. Using infusion pump constantly intravenous dripping in 30 min, 4 mL blood samples were collected before and after the administration at 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, 45 min, and 1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 h. The plasma concentrations of amoxicillin and clavulanate were detected by high performance liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry method. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS2.0.1 software. The dispositions of amoxicillin and clavulanate matched three or two compartment model with the weight coefficient 1/cc. To avoid the biases caused by compartment model fitting, the pharmacokinetic parameters were statistical moment parameters of non-compartment model. The peak concentrations, the areas under curve, the half-lifes and the clearances after single injections of 0. 55 g, 1.1 g and 2.2 g indicated that both amoxillin and clavulanate had linear dynamics characteristics. After 1.1 g single dose and multiple doses infusion, the pharmacokinetic parameters of amoxicillin and clavulanate were close respectively, and the trough concentrations before the 7th to 13th administration were lower than the detection limitation, which implied that the previous administration had cleared out before the next administration, and no accumulation happened after multiple doses. The amoxicillin sodium clavulanate potassium (10:1) injection possesses the linear kinetics. The dosage regimen of 1.1 g Q8h intravenous infusion could meet the needs of clinical therapy.

Experimental and Computational Investigation of Multiple Injection Ports in a Convergent-Divergent Nozzle for Fluidic Thrust Vectoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waithe, Kenrick A.; Deere, Karen A.

2003-01-01

A computational and experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of multiple injection ports in a two-dimensional, convergent-divergent nozzle, for fluidic thrust vectoring. The concept of multiple injection ports was conceived to enhance the thrust vectoring capability of a convergent-divergent nozzle over that of a single injection port without increasing the secondary mass flow rate requirements. The experimental study was conducted at static conditions in the Jet Exit Test Facility of the 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel Complex at NASA Langley Research Center. Internal nozzle performance was obtained at nozzle pressure ratios up to 10 with secondary nozzle pressure ratios up to 1 for five configurations. The computational study was conducted using the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes computational fluid dynamics code PAB3D with two-equation turbulence closure and linear Reynolds stress modeling. Internal nozzle performance was predicted for nozzle pressure ratios up to 10 with a secondary nozzle pressure ratio of 0.7 for two configurations. Results from the experimental study indicate a benefit to multiple injection ports in a convergent-divergent nozzle. In general, increasing the number of injection ports from one to two increased the pitch thrust vectoring capability without any thrust performance penalties at nozzle pressure ratios less than 4 with high secondary pressure ratios. Results from the computational study are in excellent agreement with experimental results and validates PAB3D as a tool for predicting internal nozzle performance of a two dimensional, convergent-divergent nozzle with multiple injection ports.

Understanding and meeting injection device needs in multiple sclerosis: a survey of patient attitudes and practices

PubMed Central

Verdun di Cantogno, Elisabetta; Russell, Susan; Snow, Tom

2011-01-01

Background: All established disease-modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis require parenteral administration, which can cause difficulties for some patients, sometimes leading to suboptimal adherence. A new electronic autoinjection device has been designed to address these issues. Methods: Patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis currently receiving subcutaneous or intramuscular interferon beta-1a, interferon beta-1b, or glatiramer acetate completed an online questionnaire (July 4–25, 2008) that surveyed current injection practices, experiences with current injection methods, and impressions and appeal of the new device. Results: In total, 422 patients completed the survey, of whom 44% used autoinjectors, 43% prefilled syringes, and 13% syringes and vials; overall, 66% currently self-injected. Physical and psychological barriers to self-injection included difficulty with injections, needle phobia, and concerns over correct injection technique. Only 40% of respondents were “very satisfied” with their current injection method. The new electronic autoinjector was rated as “very appealing” by 65% of patients. The benefits of the new device included the ability to customize injection settings and to review dosing history. Conclusion: New technologies may help patients overcome physical and psychological barriers to self-injection. The combination of a reliable and flexible autoinjection device with dose-monitoring technology may improve communication between health care professionals and patients, and improve treatment adherence. PMID:21573048

Integrated on-line system for DNA sequencing by capillary electrophoresis: From template to called bases

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

Ton, H.; Yeung, E.S.

1997-02-15

An integrated on-line prototype for coupling a microreactor to capillary electrophoresis for DNA sequencing has been demonstrated. A dye-labeled terminator cycle-sequencing reaction is performed in a fused-silica capillary. Subsequently, the sequencing ladder is directly injected into a size-exclusion chromatographic column operated at nearly 95{degree}C for purification. On-line injection to a capillary for electrophoresis is accomplished at a junction set at nearly 70{degree}C. High temperature at the purification column and injection junction prevents the renaturation of DNA fragments during on-line transfer without affecting the separation. The high solubility of DNA in and the relatively low ionic strength of 1 x TEmore » buffer permit both effective purification and electrokinetic injection of the DNA sample. The system is compatible with highly efficient separations by a replaceable poly(ethylene oxide) polymer solution in uncoated capillary tubes. Future automation and adaptation to a multiple-capillary array system should allow high-speed, high-throughput DNA sequencing from templates to called bases in one step. 32 refs., 5 figs.« less

Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of S-(-)-pantoprazole sodium injections after single and multiple intravenous doses in healthy Chinese subjects.

PubMed

Jiao, Hui-Wen; Sun, Lu-Ning; Li, Yue-Qi; Yu, Lei; Zhang, Hong-Wen; Wang, Mei-Feng; Yu, Li-Yuan; Yuan, Zi-Qing-Yun; Xie, Li-Jun; Chen, Juan; Meng, Ling; Zhang, Xue-Hui; Wang, Yong-Qing

2018-03-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of S-(-)-pantoprazole (PPZ) sodium injections following single and multiple intravenous doses in healthy Chinese subjects. The dosage groups were set as followed: 20 mg of single and multiple intravenous administration of S-(-)-PPZ, 40 mg of single and multiple intravenous administration of S-(-)-PPZ or pantoprazole, and 80 mg of single dosage group of S-(-)-PPZ. Subjects were sampled for pharmacokinetic analysis and were monitored for 24-h intragastric pH prior to and 48-h intragastric pH after administration for the pharmacodynamic study. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters were compared between S-(-)-PPZ and PPZ. Safety was evaluated on the basis of adverse events, vital signs, laboratory tests, and physical examination. All adverse events were mild and of limited duration. Maximum plasma concentration and area under the concentration-time curve for S-(-)-PPZ were dose proportional over the range of 20-80 mg following a single intravenous administration. Elimination rate constant and half-life observed statistical difference from a single dose to multiple doses in 40 mg of S-(-)-PPZ groups. After administration of a single dose, the mean 24-h intragastric pH value was observed higher in 80-mg group than in 40- and 20-mg groups. Slightly increase of intragastric pH was found after a single dose of 40 mg S-(-)-PPZ than 40 mg PPZ; however, the differences were not statistically significant. Twice daily of 40 mg S-(-)-PPZ sodium injections is effective in achieving satisfying acid inhibition. Compared with plasma R-(+)-PPZ levels, most subjects presented more potent and prolonged suppression of gastric acid of S-(-)-PPZ, while a few subjects showed faster metabolic rate of S-(-)-PPZ in vivo.

Improved hydrostatic pressure sample injection by tilting the microchip towards the disposable miniaturized CE device.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Zhou, Fang; Zhao, Liang; Zhang, Jian-Rong; Zhu, Jun-Jie

2008-02-01

A simple method of hydrostatic pressure sample injection towards a disposable microchip CE device was developed. The liquid level in the sample reservoir was higher than that in the sample waste reservoir (SWR) by tilting microchip and hydrostatic pressure was generated, the sample was driven to pass through injection channel into SWR. After sample loading, the microchip was levelled for separation under applied high separation voltage. Effects of tilted angle, initial liquid height and injection duration on electrophoresis were investigated. With enough injection duration, the injection result was little affected by tilted angle and initial liquid heights in the reservoirs. Injection duration for obtaining a stable sample plug was mainly dependent on the tilted angle rather than the initial height of liquid. Experimental results were consistent with theoretical prediction. Fluorescence observation and electrochemical detection of dopamine and catechol were employed to verify the feasibility of tilted microchip hydrostatic pressure injection. Good reproducibility of this injection method was obtained. Because the instrumentation was simplified and no additional hardware was needed in this technology, the proposed method would be potentially useful in disposable devices.

Clinical effectiveness of multiple-drug injection treatment in unruptured ectopic pregnancies: a retrospective study.

PubMed

Dai, Quan; Wang, Lu-Lu; Shao, Xiao-Hui; Wang, Si-Ming; Dong, Xiao-Qiu

2012-10-01

To study the effect of local interventional treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancies with multiple-drug injection guided by color Doppler sonography. In this retrospective analysis, 49 patients with an unruptured ectopic pregnancy were treated with two different local injection methods administered under sonographic guidance. The patients were divided into single-drug (n = 23) and multiple-drug (n = 26) injection groups, and they received a locally administered injection of methotrexate alone or a combination including methotrexate, hemocoagulase, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs, respectively. Overall, local injection treatment was successful in 44 patients. The 5 patients with failed treatment underwent laparotomy about 1 week after single-drug injection. Serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG ) levels, ectopic pregnancy mass sizes, blood flow at various points after treatment, the incidence of pelvic bleeding, and the time for serum β-hCG levels to return to normal and the mass to resolve were analyzed in the remaining 44 patients. Single-drug treatment was successful in 18 patients; 10 of 23 had low to moderate pelvic bleeding after treatment, and 5 were referred for surgery. All 26 patients were successfully treated by multiple-drug injection. Only 2 patients had a small amount of pelvic bleeding. Differences between groups were statistically significant (P < .05) for surgery rates, the incidence of pelvic bleeding, transient increases in serum β-hCG levels, mean days to normal β-hCG levels, mean days of mass resolution, and mean mass diameters 1 to 6 weeks after treatment. Local multiple-drug injection under color Doppler guidance is a new, safe, and effective method for treating unruptured ectopic pregnancies. It accelerates the serum β-hCG decline and facilitates mass resolution. This regimen is associated with a very low rate of pelvic bleeding, improves the success rate of conservative treatment, and, therefore, has value as an important clinical application.

Prevalence and risk factors for injection site skin infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Tehran.

PubMed

Noroozi, Mehdi; Armoon, Bahram; Ghisvand, Hesam; Noroozi, Alireza; Karimy, Mahmood; Bazrafshan, Mohammad Rafi; Marshall, Brandon D L; Dieji, Bahman

2018-05-20

Injection drug use is one of the major public health problems in Iran. Injection drug use is associated with numerous negative health outcomes, such as blood-borne infections (HIV, HCV) and injection site skin infections (abscesses, cellulitis). The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of injection site skin infections and its associated risk factors among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Tehran, Iran. The cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2016 in Tehran province. A total of 500 PWID were recruited by convenience and snowball sampling from Drop-in Centers (DIC) in the South of Tehran. Our primary outcomes were self-report of ever having injection sites skin infections and receiving treatment for them. We first examined associations between individual variables and lifetime history of having injection site infections in bivariate analysis using the chi-square or Fisher's exact tests, as appropriate. Variables with P-value <.2 were included in a multiple logistic regression model. Overall, 40% (CI95%: 30.3%, 52.2%) of participants reported ever having an injection site infection. In the multivariable model, those with low socioeconomic status (AOR = 2.4, P = .03), self-reported as HIV positive (AOR =1.6, P = .01), reporting more than 3 injections per day (AOR = 4.1, P = .03) and reuse of their own syringes (AOR = 8.5, P = .03) were more likely to have injection sites skin infections. PWID who used needle and syringe program (NSP) services were less likely to report injection site infections (AOR = 0.5, P = .04). We have identified several risk factors for injection sites infections among PWID, including frequency of injection per day, reuse of their own syringes, not using NSP services, HIV status, socioeconomic status with skin infections in PWID. Prevention strategies to reduce skin infections should focus on high-risk injection behaviors and improving access to NSP services. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Gender Differences in Factors Related to HIV Risk Behaviors among People Who Inject Drugs in North-East India

PubMed Central

McFall, Allison M.; Solomon, Sunil S.; Srikrishnan, Aylur K.; Vasudevan, Canjeevaram K.; Anand, Santhanam; Celentano, David D.; Mehta, Shruti H.; Kumar, Suresh; Lucas, Gregory M.

2017-01-01

People who inject drugs (PWID) in India are at high risk for HIV, with women being at elevated risk. Using a socio-ecological framework, this study assessed whether factors associated with HIV transmission risk behaviors differed across men and women PWID. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected from 6449 PWID in 7 cities in Northeast India. Men (n = 5653) and women (n = 796) PWID were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). We assessed sex differences in two recent HIV transmission risk behaviors: multiple sex partners and needle/syringe sharing. We used multi-level logistic regression models, which incorporated sampling weights and random intercepts for city, to assess factors associated with these HIV risks, separately among men and women. The prevalence of HIV was significantly higher among women than men (53% vs 18.4%, p<0.01). Nearly 13% of men and 8% of women (p = .30) had multiple partners. Employment in men and relationship status and stigma in women were significantly associated with multiple partners. Approximately 25% of men and 19% of women engaged in needle sharing (p = .16). Younger age in women and depression symptoms in men were significantly associated with increased risk for sharing needles. We found that sexual and drug related risk behaviors were common among PWID in Northeast India, and there were differences between men and women in the socio-ecologic correlates of these behaviors. Contextually-integrated and gender-specific HIV prevention and intervention efforts are needed that consider factors at individual, interpersonal- and community-levels that uniquely impact HIV risks among PWID. PMID:28099458

The Efficacy of Cyclic Injection of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 in Large-Scale Calvarial Bone Defects.

PubMed

Choi, Jin Mi; Jeong, Woo Shik; Park, Eun Jung; Choi, Jong Woo

2017-03-01

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) appears to be one of the most potent growth factors thus far studied. However, recent publications on the clinical application of BMP-2 revealed that its correct control is the paramount issue in clinical practice. For improving BMP-2 delivery, the cyclic administration might be an alternative. Accordingly, the authors cyclically injected BMP-2 in a cyclic injection model of large cranial defects to maintain the proper dosage during the bone healing process. A 10-mm diameter calvarial bone defect was produced using a round drill in 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats. Silk-hydroxyapatite scaffolds soaked in the appropriate concentration of BMP-2 were implanted into the defect. The animals were split into 4 single-injection groups and 3 multiple-injection groups; the latter groups received weekly subcutaneous injections of BMP-2 solution (1, 5, and 10 μg/mL) for 4 weeks, whereas the former groups received a single injection of BMP-2 at these concentrations. Each rat underwent computed tomography at 8 weeks. In terms of total volumes of the new bone, the 5 μg/mL multiple-injection BMP-2 group had significantly greater increases in bone volume than the single-injection groups. In terms of bone thickness, the multiple-injection groups had better outcomes than the single-injection groups. Thus, the cyclic injection protocol restored the original thickness without overgrowth. Cyclic injection of BMP-2 permits more accurate dosage control than single injection and improves thickness and dense bone regeneration. Therefore, it may represent a promising approach for future clinical trials. Further investigation using a greater number of animals is required.

Determination of human-use pharmaceuticals in filtered water by direct aqueous injection: high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Furlong, Edward T.; Noriega, Mary C.; Kanagy, Christopher J.; Kanagy, Leslie K.; Coffey, Laura J.; Burkhardt, Mark R.

2014-01-01

This report describes a method for the determination of 110 human-use pharmaceuticals using a 100-microliter aliquot of a filtered water sample directly injected into a high-performance liquid chromatograph coupled to a triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer using an electrospray ionization source operated in the positive ion mode. The pharmaceuticals were separated by using a reversed-phase gradient of formic acid/ammonium formate-modified water and methanol. Multiple reaction monitoring of two fragmentations of the protonated molecular ion of each pharmaceutical to two unique product ions was used to identify each pharmaceutical qualitatively. The primary multiple reaction monitoring precursor-product ion transition was quantified for each pharmaceutical relative to the primary multiple reaction monitoring precursor-product transition of one of 19 isotope-dilution standard pharmaceuticals or the pesticide atrazine, using an exact stable isotope analogue where possible. Each isotope-dilution standard was selected, when possible, for its chemical similarity to the unlabeled pharmaceutical of interest, and added to the sample after filtration but prior to analysis. Method performance for each pharmaceutical was determined for reagent water, groundwater, treated drinking water, surface water, treated wastewater effluent, and wastewater influent sample matrixes that this method will likely be applied to. Each matrix was evaluated in order of increasing complexity to demonstrate (1) the sensitivity of the method in different water matrixes and (2) the effect of sample matrix, particularly matrix enhancement or suppression of the precursor ion signal, on the quantitative determination of pharmaceutical concentrations. Recovery of water samples spiked (fortified) with the suite of pharmaceuticals determined by this method typically was greater than 90 percent in reagent water, groundwater, drinking water, and surface water. Correction for ambient environmental concentrations of pharmaceuticals hampered the determination of absolute recoveries and method sensitivity of some compounds in some water types, particularly for wastewater effluent and influent samples. The method detection limit of each pharmaceutical was determined from analysis of pharmaceuticals fortified at multiple concentrations in reagent water. The calibration range for each compound typically spanned three orders of magnitude of concentration. Absolute sensitivity for some compounds, using isotope-dilution quantitation, ranged from 0.45 to 94.1 nanograms per liter, primarily as a result of the inherent ionization efficiency of each pharmaceutical in the electrospray ionization process. Holding-time studies indicate that acceptable recoveries of pharmaceuticals can be obtained from filtered water samples held at 4 °C for as long as 9 days after sample collection. Freezing samples to provide for storage for longer periods currently (2014) is under evaluation by the National Water Quality Laboratory.

Distributed parallel messaging for multiprocessor systems

DOEpatents

Chen, Dong; Heidelberger, Philip; Salapura, Valentina; Senger, Robert M; Steinmacher-Burrow, Burhard; Sugawara, Yutaka

2013-06-04

A method and apparatus for distributed parallel messaging in a parallel computing system. The apparatus includes, at each node of a multiprocessor network, multiple injection messaging engine units and reception messaging engine units, each implementing a DMA engine and each supporting both multiple packet injection into and multiple reception from a network, in parallel. The reception side of the messaging unit (MU) includes a switch interface enabling writing of data of a packet received from the network to the memory system. The transmission side of the messaging unit, includes switch interface for reading from the memory system when injecting packets into the network.

Interarytenoid muscle botox injection for treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia with vocal tremor.

PubMed

Kendall, Katherine A; Leonard, Rebecca J

2011-01-01

Up to one-third of patients presenting with adductor spasmodic dysphonia will have an associated vocal tremor. These patients may not respond fully to treatment using thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle botulinum toxin (Botox) injection. Treatment failures are attributed to the involvement of multiple muscle groups in the tremor. This study evaluates the results of combined interarytenoid (IA) and TA muscle Botox injection in a group of 27 patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia and vocal tremor and in four patients with severe vocal tremor alone. Patient-satisfaction data were reviewed retrospectively. Pre- and postinjection acoustic data were collected prospectively. Acoustic measures of fundamental frequency and cycle-by-cycle variability in frequency (jitter) and intensity (shimmer) were obtained from 15 patients' sustained vowel productions. Measures were collected after TA muscle injection, alone, and after combined TA and IA (TA+IA) muscle injections. In addition, two experienced voice clinicians blindly assessed tremor severity from recordings made for each patient in the two conditions. Patients were also queried regarding their satisfaction with the results of the injections and whether they desired to continue receiving TA+IA treatment. Significant improvement in all acoustic measures except for % jitter was observed after the TA+IA muscle injections. Listeners identified voice samples after TA+IA muscle injections as demonstrating less tremor in 73% of the paired comparisons. Sixty-seven percent of the patients with spasmodic dysphonia and vocal tremor wished to continue to receive IA muscle injections. Only one patient with severe vocal tremor wished to continue with injections. The addition of an IA muscle Botox injection to the treatment of patients with a combination adductor spasmodic dysphonia and vocal tremor may improve voice outcomes. Copyright © 2011 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

[Seniority of neurobladder and effectiveness of a first intradetrusor injection of botulinum toxin].

PubMed

Lacout, M; Guinet-Lacoste, A; Popoff, M; Verollet, D; Lebreton, F; Amarenco, G

2015-09-01

Intradetrusor injection of botulinum toxin is one of the second-line therapy of neurologenic detrusor overactivity. In 26% to 66% of the cases, intradetrusor injection of botulinum toxin is inefficient in order to reduce overactive bladder symptoms and/or overactive detrusor. The objective of this study is to determine whether it exists a link between the efficacy of the first IDBT and the length of neurological detrusor overactivity symptoms. Retrospective study on 79 patients which have a first intradetrusor injection of botulinum toxin between January 2001 and December 2013. Inclusion criteria were patients older than 18 and having neurological detrusor overactivity. There is no significant difference of intradetrusor injection of botulinum toxin efficacy according to duration of urinary symptoms in the general neurologigal population (multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, spinal cord compression, ischemic pathology, infectious pathology) with the mean age being 46 years. On the contrary, the length of evolution of neurological detrusor overactivity symptoms before the intradetrusor botox injection therapy and the efficiency of the first intradetrusor injection of botulinum toxin seem to be correlated with negative results in patients with multiple sclerosis. The duration of urinary symptoms is a predictive factor of primary failure of intradetrusor injection of botulinum toxin in multiple sclerosis patients, in univariate analysis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Injection-site vein loss and soft tissue abscesses associated with black tar heroin injection: A cross-sectional study of two distinct populations in USA.

PubMed

Summers, Phillip J; Struve, Isabelle A; Wilkes, Michael S; Rees, Vaughan W

2017-01-01

Injection-site vein loss and skin abscesses impose significant morbidity on people who inject drugs (PWID). The two common forms of street heroin available in the USA include black tar and powder heroin. Little research has investigated these different forms of heroin and their potential implications for health outcomes. A multiple-choice survey was administered to a sample of 145 participants seeking services at reduction facilities in both Sacramento, CA and greater Boston, MA, USA. Multivariate regression models for reporting one or more abscesses in one year, injection-site veins lost in six months, and soft tissue injection. Participants in Sacramento exclusively used black tar (99%), while those in Boston used powder heroin (96%). Those who used black tar heroin lost more injection-site veins (β=2.34, 95% CI: 0.66-4.03) and were more likely to report abscesses (AOR=7.68, 95% CI: 3.01-19.60). Soft tissue injection was also associated with abscesses (AOR=4.68, 95% CI: 1.84-11.93). Consistent venous access (AOR: 0.088, 95% CI: 0.011-0.74) and losing more injection sites (AOR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03-1.45) were associated with soft tissue injection. Use of black tar heroin is associated with more frequent abscesses and more extensive vein loss. Poor venous access predisposes people who inject drugs to soft tissue injection, which may constitute a causal pathway between black tar heroin injection and abscess formation. The mechanisms by which black tar heroin contributes to vein loss and abscess formation must be further elucidated in order to develop actionable interventions for maintaining vein health and decreasing the abscess burden. Potential interventions include increased access to clean injection equipment and education, supervised injection facilities, opioid substitution therapy, and supply chain interventions targeting cutting agents. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multiple injected and natural conservative tracers quantify mixing in a stream confluence affected by acid mine drainage near Silverton, Colorado

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schemel, Laurence E.; Cox, Marisa H.; Runkel, Robert L.; Kimball, Briant A.

2006-08-01

The acidic discharge from Cement Creek, containing elevated concentrations of dissolved metals and sulphate, mixed with the circumneutral-pH Animas River over a several hundred metre reach (mixing zone) near Silverton, CO, during this study. Differences in concentrations of Ca, Mg, Si, Sr, and SO42- between the creek and the river were sufficiently large for these analytes to be used as natural tracers in the mixing zone. In addition, a sodium chloride (NaCl) tracer was injected into Cement Creek, which provided a Cl- reference tracer in the mixing zone. Conservative transport of the dissolved metals and sulphate through the mixing zone was verified by mass balances and by linear mixing plots relative to the injected reference tracer. At each of seven sites in the mixing zone, five samples were collected at evenly spaced increments of the observed across-channel gradients, as determined by specific conductance. This created sets of samples that adequately covered the ranges of mixtures (mixing ratios, in terms of the fraction of Animas River water, %AR). Concentratis measured in each mixing zone sample and in the upstream Animas River and Cement Creek were used to compute %AR for the reference and natural tracers. Values of %AR from natural tracers generally showed good agreement with values from the reference tracer, but variability in discharge and end-member concentrations and analytical errors contributed to unexpected outlier values for both injected and natural tracers. The median value (MV) %AR (calculated from all of the tracers) reduced scatter in the mixing plots for the dissolved metals, indicating that the MV estimate reduced the effects of various potential errors that could affect any tracer.

Outcome and predicting factors of single and multiple intra-articular corticosteroid injections in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

PubMed

Lanni, Stefano; Bertamino, Marta; Consolaro, Alessandro; Pistorio, Angela; Magni-Manzoni, Silvia; Galasso, Roberta; Lattanzi, Bianca; Calvo-Aranda, Enrique; Martini, Alberto; Ravelli, Angelo

2011-09-01

To investigate the efficacy of IA CS (IAC) therapy in single and multiple joints in children with JIA and to seek for predictors of synovitis flare. The clinical charts of patients who received their first IAC injection between January 2002 and December 2008 were reviewed. The CS used was triamcinolone hexacetonide for large joints and methylprednisolone acetate for small or difficult to access joints. Patients were stratified as follows: one joint injected; two joints injected; and three or more joints injected. Predictors included sex, age at disease onset, JIA category, age and disease duration, ANA status, iridocyclitis, general anaesthesia, number and type of injected joints, acute-phase reactants and concomitant MTX therapy. The cumulative probability of survival without synovitis flare for patients injected in one, two, or three or more joints was 70, 45 and 44%, respectively, at 1 year; 61, 32 and 30%, respectively, at 2 years; and 37, 22 and 19%, respectively, at 3 years. On Cox regression analysis, positive CRP, negative ANA and injection in the ankle were the strongest predictors for synovitis flare. The only significant side effect was skin hypopigmentation or s.c. atrophy, which occurred in <2% of patients. IAC therapy-induced sustained remission of synovitis in a substantial proportion of patients injected either in single or multiple joints, with a good safety profile. The risk of synovitis flare was higher in patients who had positive CRP, negative ANA and were injected in the ankle.

Effects of Pre and Post-Rigor Marinade Injection on Some Quality Parameters of Longissimus Dorsi Muscles

PubMed Central

Fadıloğlu, Eylem Ezgi; Serdaroğlu, Meltem

2018-01-01

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of pre and post-rigor marinade injections on some quality parameters of Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles. Three marinade formulations were prepared with 2% NaCl, 2% NaCl+0.5 M lactic acid and 2% NaCl+0.5 M sodium lactate. In this study marinade uptake, pH, free water, cooking loss, drip loss and color properties were analyzed. Injection time had significant effect on marinade uptake levels of samples. Regardless of marinate formulation, marinade uptake of pre-rigor samples injected with marinade solutions were higher than post rigor samples. Injection of sodium lactate increased pH values of samples whereas lactic acid injection decreased pH. Marinade treatment and storage period had significant effect on cooking loss. At each evaluation period interaction between marinade treatment and injection time showed different effect on free water content. Storage period and marinade application had significant effect on drip loss values. Drip loss in all samples increased during the storage. During all storage days, lowest CIE L* value was found in pre-rigor samples injected with sodium lactate. Lactic acid injection caused color fade in pre-rigor and post-rigor samples. Interaction between marinade treatment and storage period was found statistically significant (p<0.05). At day 0 and 3, the lowest CIE b* values obtained pre-rigor samples injected with sodium lactate and there were no differences were found in other samples. At day 6, no significant differences were found in CIE b* values of all samples. PMID:29805282

Effects of Pre and Post-Rigor Marinade Injection on Some Quality Parameters of Longissimus Dorsi Muscles.

PubMed

Fadıloğlu, Eylem Ezgi; Serdaroğlu, Meltem

2018-04-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of pre and post-rigor marinade injections on some quality parameters of Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles. Three marinade formulations were prepared with 2% NaCl, 2% NaCl+0.5 M lactic acid and 2% NaCl+0.5 M sodium lactate. In this study marinade uptake, pH, free water, cooking loss, drip loss and color properties were analyzed. Injection time had significant effect on marinade uptake levels of samples. Regardless of marinate formulation, marinade uptake of pre-rigor samples injected with marinade solutions were higher than post rigor samples. Injection of sodium lactate increased pH values of samples whereas lactic acid injection decreased pH. Marinade treatment and storage period had significant effect on cooking loss. At each evaluation period interaction between marinade treatment and injection time showed different effect on free water content. Storage period and marinade application had significant effect on drip loss values. Drip loss in all samples increased during the storage. During all storage days, lowest CIE L* value was found in pre-rigor samples injected with sodium lactate. Lactic acid injection caused color fade in pre-rigor and post-rigor samples. Interaction between marinade treatment and storage period was found statistically significant ( p <0.05). At day 0 and 3, the lowest CIE b* values obtained pre-rigor samples injected with sodium lactate and there were no differences were found in other samples. At day 6, no significant differences were found in CIE b* values of all samples.

Determination of benzimidazoles in meat samples by capillary zone electrophoresis tandem mass spectrometry following dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction.

PubMed

Tejada-Casado, Carmen; Moreno-González, David; Lara, Francisco J; García-Campaña, Ana M; Del Olmo-Iruela, Monsalud

2017-03-24

A novel method based on capillary zone electrophoresis-tandem mass spectrometry has been proposed and validated for the identification and simultaneous quantification of twelve benzimidazoles in meat samples. Electrophoretic separation was carried out using 500mM formic acid (pH 2.2) as background electrolyte and applying a voltage of 25kV at 25°C. In order to improve the sensitivity, stacking mode injection was applied, using as injection solvent a mixture of 30:70 acetonitrile/water at 50mbar for 75s. Sensitivity enhancement factors from 74 to 317 were obtained under these conditions. Detection using an ion trap as analyzer, operating in multiple reactions monitoring mode was employed. The main MS/MS parameters as well as the composition of the sheath liquid and other electrospray variables were optimized in order to obtain the highest sensitivity and precision in conjunction with an unequivocal identification. The method was applied to poultry and pork muscle samples. The deproteinization of samples and extraction of benzimidazoles was carried out with acetonitrile. MgSO 4 and NaCl were added as salting-out agents. Subsequently, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction was applied as clean up procedure. The organic layer (acetonitrile, used as dispersant) containing the benzimidazoles was mixed with the extractant (chloroform) and both were injected in water, producing a cloudy solution. Recoveries for fortified samples were higher than 70%, with relative standard deviations lower than 16% were obtained in all cases. The limits of detection were below 3μgkg -1 , demonstrating the applicability of this fast, simple, and environmentally friendly method. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Perilymph pharmacokinetics of markers and dexamethasone applied and sampled at the lateral semi-circular canal.

PubMed

Salt, Alec N; Hartsock, Jared J; Gill, Ruth M; Piu, Fabrice; Plontke, Stefan K

2012-12-01

Perilymph pharmacokinetics was investigated by a novel approach, in which solutions containing drug or marker were injected from a pipette sealed into the perilymphatic space of the lateral semi-circular canal (LSCC). The cochlear aqueduct provides the outlet for fluid flow so this procedure allows almost the entire perilymph to be exchanged. After wait times of up to 4 h the injection pipette was removed and multiple, sequential samples of perilymph were collected from the LSCC. Fluid efflux at this site results from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) entry into the basal turn of scala tympani (ST) so the samples allow drug levels from different locations in the ear to be defined. This method allows the rate of elimination of substances from the inner ear to be determined more reliably than with other delivery methods in which drug may only be applied to part of the ear. Results were compared for the markers trimethylphenylammonium (TMPA) and fluorescein and for the drug dexamethasone (Dex). For each substance, the concentration in fluid samples showed a progressive decrease as the delay time between injection and sampling was increased. This is consistent with the elimination of substance from the ear with time. The decline with time was slowest for fluorescein, was fastest for Dex, with TMPA at an intermediate rate. Simulations of the experiments showed that elimination occurred more rapidly from scala tympani (ST) than from scala vestibuli (SV). Calculated elimination half-times from ST averaged 54.1, 24.5 and 22.5 min for fluorescein, TMPA and Dex respectively and from SV 1730, 229 and 111 min respectively. The elimination of Dex from ST occurred considerably faster than previously appreciated. These pharmacokinetic parameters provide an important foundation for understanding of drug treatments of the inner ear.

Hydrocortisone Injection

MedlinePlus

Hydrocortisone injection is used to treat symptoms of low corticosteroid levels (lack of certain substances that are ... is also used to treat severe allergic reactions. Hydrocortisone injection is used in the management of multiple ...

Sample flow switching techniques on microfluidic chips.

PubMed

Pan, Yu-Jen; Lin, Jin-Jie; Luo, Win-Jet; Yang, Ruey-Jen

2006-02-15

This paper presents an experimental investigation into electrokinetically focused flow injection for bio-analytical applications. A novel microfluidic device for microfluidic sample handling is presented. The microfluidic chip is fabricated on glass substrates using conventional photolithographic and chemical etching processes and is bonded using a high-temperature fusion method. The proposed valve-less device is capable not only of directing a single sample flow to a specified output port, but also of driving multiple samples to separate outlet channels or even to a single outlet to facilitate sample mixing. The experimental results confirm that the sample flow can be electrokinetically pre-focused into a narrow stream and guided to the desired outlet port by means of a simple control voltage model. The microchip presented within this paper has considerable potential for use in a variety of applications, including high-throughput chemical analysis, cell fusion, fraction collection, sample mixing, and many other applications within the micro-total-analysis systems field.

"Who has ever loved a drug addict? It's a lie. They think a 'teja' is as bad person": multiple stigmas faced by women who inject drugs in coastal Kenya.

PubMed

Mburu, Gitau; Ayon, Sylvia; Tsai, Alexander C; Ndimbii, James; Wang, Bangyuan; Strathdee, Steffanie; Seeley, Janet

2018-05-25

A tenth of all people who inject drugs in Kenya are women, yet their social contexts and experiences remain poorly understood. This paper reports how multiple forms of stigma are experienced by women who inject drugs in coastal Kenya and the impact that they have on their ability to access essential health services. In 2015, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were held with 45 women who inject drugs in two coastal towns. These data were supplemented with in-depth interviews with five individual stakeholders involved in service provision to this population. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo. Women who inject drugs experience multiple stigmas, often simultaneously. These included the external stigma and self-stigma of injection drug use, external gender-related stigma of being a female injecting drug user, and the external stigma of being HIV positive (i.e., among those living with HIV). Stigma led to rejection, social exclusion, low self-esteem, and delay or denial of services at health facilities. HIV and harm reduction programs should incorporate interventions that address different forms of stigma among women who inject drugs in coastal Kenya. Addressing stigma will require a combination of individual, social, and structural interventions, such as collective empowerment of injecting drug users, training of healthcare providers on issues and needs of women who inject drugs, peer accompaniment to health facilities, addressing wider social determinants of stigma and discrimination, and expansion of harm reduction interventions to change perceptions of communities towards women who inject drugs.

DE-SC0004118 (Wong & Lindquist). Final Report: Changes of Porosity, Permeability and Mechanical Strength Induced by Carbon Dioxide Sequestration.

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

WONG, TENG-FONG; Lindquist, Brent

In the context of CO{sub 2} sequestration, the overall objective of this project is to conduct a systematic investigation of how the flow of the acidic, CO{sub 2} saturated, single phase component of the injected/sequestered fluid changes the microstructure, permeability and strength of sedimentary rocks, specifically limestone and sandstone samples. Hydromechanical experiments, microstructural observations and theoretical modeling on multiple scales were conducted.

Sensor-augmented pump therapy lowers HbA(1c) in suboptimally controlled Type 1 diabetes; a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Hermanides, J; Nørgaard, K; Bruttomesso, D; Mathieu, C; Frid, A; Dayan, C M; Diem, P; Fermon, C; Wentholt, I M E; Hoekstra, J B L; DeVries, J H

2011-10-01

To investigate the efficacy of sensor-augmented pump therapy vs. multiple daily injection therapy in patients with suboptimally controlled Type 1 diabetes. In this investigator-initiated multi-centre trial (the Eurythmics Trial) in eight outpatient centres in Europe, we randomized 83 patients with Type 1 diabetes (40 women) currently treated with multiple daily injections, age 18-65 years and HbA(1c) ≥ 8.2% (≥ 66 mmol/mol) to 26 weeks of treatment with either a sensor-augmented insulin pump (n = 44) (Paradigm(®) REAL-Time) or continued with multiple daily injections (n = 39). Change in HbA(1c) between baseline and 26 weeks, sensor-derived endpoints and patient-reported outcomes were assessed. The trial was completed by 43/44 (98%) patients in the sensor-augmented insulin pump group and 35/39 (90%) patients in the multiple daily injections group. Mean HbA(1c) at baseline and at 26 weeks changed from 8.46% (SD 0.95) (69 mmol/mol) to 7.23% (SD 0.65) (56 mmol/mol) in the sensor-augmented insulin pump group and from 8.59% (SD 0.82) (70 mmol/mol) to 8.46% (SD 1.04) (69 mmol/mol) in the multiple daily injections group. Mean difference in change in HbA(1c) after 26 weeks was -1.21% (95% confidence interval -1.52 to -0.90, P < 0.001) in favour of the sensor-augmented insulin pump group. This was achieved without an increase in percentage of time spent in hypoglycaemia: between-group difference 0.0% (95% confidence interval -1.6 to 1.7, P = 0.96). There were four episodes of severe hypoglycaemia in the sensor-augmented insulin pump group and one episode in the multiple daily injections group (P = 0.21). Problem Areas in Diabetes and Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire scores improved in the sensor-augmented insulin pump group. Sensor augmented pump therapy effectively lowers HbA(1c) in patients with Type 1 diabetes suboptimally controlled with multiple daily injections. © 2011 The Authors. Diabetic Medicine © 2011 Diabetes UK.

Multiplexed detection of nitrate and nitrite for capillary electrophoresis with an automated device for high injection efficiency.

PubMed

Gao, Leyi; Patterson, Eric E; Shippy, Scott A

2006-02-01

A simple automated nanoliter scale injection device which allows for reproducible 5 nL sample injections from samples with a volume of <1 microL is successfully used for conventional capillary electrophoresis (CE) and Hadamard transform (HT) CE detection. Two standard fused silica capillaries are assembled axially through the device to function as an injection and a separation capillary. Sample solution is supplied to the injection capillary using pressure controlled with a solenoid valve. Buffer solution flows gravimetrically by the junction of the injection and separation capillaries and is also gated with a solenoid valve. Plugs of sample are pushed into the space between the injection and separation capillaries for electrokinectic injection. To evaluate the performance of the injection device, several optimizations are performed including the influence of flow rates, the injected sample volume and the control of the buffer transverse flow on the overall sensitivity. The system was then applied to HT-CE-UV detection for the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) improvement of the nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, nitrite and nitrate. In addition, signal averaging was performed to explore the possibility of greater sensitivity enhancements compared to single injections.

Stabilized single-injection inactivated polio vaccine elicits a strong neutralizing immune response.

PubMed

Tzeng, Stephany Y; McHugh, Kevin J; Behrens, Adam M; Rose, Sviatlana; Sugarman, James L; Ferber, Shiran; Langer, Robert; Jaklenec, Ana

2018-05-21

Vaccination in the developing world is hampered by limited patient access, which prevents individuals from receiving the multiple injections necessary for protective immunity. Here, we developed an injectable microparticle formulation of the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) that releases multiple pulses of stable antigen over time. To accomplish this, we established an IPV stabilization strategy using cationic polymers for pH modulation to enhance traditional small-molecule-based stabilization methods. We investigated the mechanism of this strategy and showed that it was broadly applicable to all three antigens in IPV. Our lead formulations released two bursts of IPV 1 month apart, mimicking a typical vaccination schedule in the developing world. One injection of the controlled-release formulations elicited a similar or better neutralizing response in rats, considered the correlate of protection in humans, than multiple injections of liquid vaccine. This single-administration vaccine strategy has the potential to improve vaccine coverage in the developing world. Copyright © 2018 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.

Stabilized single-injection inactivated polio vaccine elicits a strong neutralizing immune response

PubMed Central

Tzeng, Stephany Y.; McHugh, Kevin J.; Behrens, Adam M.; Rose, Sviatlana; Sugarman, James L.; Ferber, Shiran; Jaklenec, Ana

2018-01-01

Vaccination in the developing world is hampered by limited patient access, which prevents individuals from receiving the multiple injections necessary for protective immunity. Here, we developed an injectable microparticle formulation of the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) that releases multiple pulses of stable antigen over time. To accomplish this, we established an IPV stabilization strategy using cationic polymers for pH modulation to enhance traditional small-molecule–based stabilization methods. We investigated the mechanism of this strategy and showed that it was broadly applicable to all three antigens in IPV. Our lead formulations released two bursts of IPV 1 month apart, mimicking a typical vaccination schedule in the developing world. One injection of the controlled-release formulations elicited a similar or better neutralizing response in rats, considered the correlate of protection in humans, than multiple injections of liquid vaccine. This single-administration vaccine strategy has the potential to improve vaccine coverage in the developing world. PMID:29784798

Pilot-Scale Demonstration of In-Situ Chemical Oxidation ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

A pilot-scale in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) demonstration, involving subsurface injections of sodium permanganate (NaMnO4), was performed at the US Marine Corp Recruit Depot (MCRD), site 45 (Parris Island (PI), SC). The ground water was originally contaminated with perchloroethylene (PCE) (also known as tetrachloroethylene), a chlorinated solvent used in dry cleaner operations. High resolution site characterization involved multiple iterations of soil core sampling and analysis. Nested micro-wells and conventional wells were also used to sample and analyze ground water for PCE and decomposition products (i.e., trichloroethyelene (TCE), dichloroethylene (c-DCE, t-DCE), and vinyl chloride (VC)), collectively referred to as chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOC). This characterization methodology was used to develop and refine the conceptual site model and the ISCO design, not only by identifying CVOC contamination but also by eliminating uncontaminated portions of the aquifer from further ISCO consideration. Direct-push injection was selected as the main method of NaMnO4 delivery due to its flexibility and low initial capital cost. Site impediments to ISCO activities in the source area involved subsurface utilities, including a high pressure water main, a high voltage power line, a communication line, and sanitary and stormwater sewer lines. Utility markings were used in conjunction with careful planning and judicious selection of injection locations. A

Stability of i.v. admixture containing metoclopramide, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, and dexamethasone sodium phosphate in 0.9% sodium chloride injection.

PubMed

Kintzel, Polly E; Zhao, Ting; Wen, Bo; Sun, Duxin

2014-12-01

The chemical stability of a sterile admixture containing metoclopramide 1.6 mg/mL, diphenhydramine hydrochloride 2 mg/mL, and dexamethasone sodium phosphate 0.16 mg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection was evaluated. Triplicate samples were prepared and stored at room temperature without light protection for a total of 48 hours. Aliquots from each sample were tested for chemical stability immediately after preparation and at 1, 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Metoclopramide, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, and dexamethasone sodium phosphate were selectively monitored using multiple-reaction monitoring. Samples were diluted differently for quantitation using three individual LC-MS/MS methods. To determine the drug concentration of the three compounds in the samples, three calibration curves were constructed by plotting the peak area or the peak area ratio versus the concentration of the calibration standards of each tested compound. Apixaban was used as an internal standard. Linearity of the calibration curve was evaluated by the correlation coefficient r(2). Constituents of the admixture of metoclopramide 1.6 mg/mL, diphenhydramine hydrochloride 2 mg/mL, and dexamethasone sodium phosphate 0.16 mg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection retained more than 90% of their initial concentrations over 48 hours of storage at room temperature without protection from light. The observed variability in concentrations of these three compounds was within the limits of assay variability. An i.v. admixture containing metoclopramide 1.6 mg/mL, diphenhydramine hydrochloride 2 mg/mL, and dexamethasone sodium phosphate 0.16 mg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection was chemically stable for 48 hours when stored at room temperature without light protection. Copyright © 2014 by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved.

Delineating the role of multiple intraarticular corticosteroid injections in the management of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in the biologic era.

PubMed

Papadopoulou, Charalampia; Kostik, Mikhail; Gonzalez-Fernandez, Maria Isabel; Bohm, Marek; Nieto-Gonzalez, Juan Carlos; Pistorio, Angela; Lanni, Stefano; Consolaro, Alessandro; Martini, Alberto; Ravelli, Angelo

2013-07-01

To investigate the outcome and predicting factors of multiple intraarticular corticosteroid (IAC) injections in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The clinical charts of patients who received their first IAC injection in ≥3 joints between January 2002 and December 2011 were reviewed. The corticosteroid used was triamcinolone hexacetonide for large joints and methylprednisolone acetate for small or difficult to access joints. In each patient, the followup period after IAC injection was censored in case of synovitis flare or at the last visit with continued remission. Predictors included sex, age at disease onset, JIA category, antinuclear antibody (ANA) status, age and disease duration, disease course, general anesthesia, number and type of injected joints, acute-phase reactants, and concomitant systemic medications. A total of 220 patients who had 1,096 joints injected were included. Following IAC therapy, 66.4% of patients had synovitis flare after a median of 0.5 years, whereas 33.6% of patients had sustained remission after a median of 0.9 years. The cumulative probability of survival without synovitis flare was 50.0%, 31.5%, and 19.5% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. On Cox regression analysis, positive C-reactive protein value, negative ANA, lack of concomitant methotrexate administration, and a polyarticular (versus an oligoarticular) disease course were the strongest predictors for synovitis flare. Multiple IAC injection therapy induced sustained remission of joint synovitis in a substantial proportion of patients. A controlled trial comparing multiple IAC injection therapy and methotrexate versus methotrexate and a tumor necrosis factor antagonist is worthy of consideration. Copyright © 2013 by the American College of Rheumatology.

A survey of bloodborne viruses and associated risk behaviours in Greek prisons.

PubMed

Malliori, M; Sypsa, V; Psichogiou, M; Touloumi, G; Skoutelis, A; Tassopoulos, N; Hatzakis, A; Stefanis, C

1998-02-01

To determine HIV and hepatitis infection prevalence and correlates with risk behaviour. Cross-sectional study: voluntary, anonymous HIV, hepatitis (HCV, HBV and HDV) surveillance and questionnaire on risk factors. Korydallos Prison, Athens and Ag. Stefanos Prison, Patra, Greece. Of 544 drug users imprisoned for drug related offences, all completed the questionnaire and 533 blood samples were collected. HIV (by anti-HIV-1), HCV (by anti-HCV), HBV (by anti-HBc, HBsAg) and HDV (by anti-HDV) prevalence. Data on demography, legal status, drug use, sharing of injecting equipment. Of the 544 drug users, 375 (68.9%) had injected drugs (IDUs) at some time, 35% of whom had injected whilst in that prison. Of the 533 blood samples tested, one was positive for anti-HIV-1 (0.19%), 310 for anti-HCV (58.2%), 306/531 (57.6%) for anti-HBc, 34/527 (6.5%) for HBsAg and 12/527 (2.3%) for anti-HDV. Prevalence rates for IDUs only were 0.27% for HIV-1, 80.6% for hepatitis C, 62.7% for hepatitis B and 3.3% for hepatitis D. Ninety-two per cent of IDUs injecting in prison shared needles, indicating that IDUs inject less but share more during incarceration. Multiple logistic regression revealed needle-sharing as the most important risk factor for HCV infection in IDUs. Prior knowledge of a positive hepatitis result did not appear to inhibit IDUs from practising risky behaviours in prison. The epidemic of hepatitis B and C among imprisoned IDUs identified by this study constitutes a major public health problem. Prevention programmes, such as counselling, HBV vaccination, community-based methadone maintenance treatment and syringe exchange schemes, are necessary in order to prevent a further spread.

Rapid Decline in HIV Incidence Among Persons Who Inject Drugs During a Fast-Track Combination Prevention Program After an HIV Outbreak in Athens

PubMed Central

Psichogiou, Mina; Paraskevis, Dimitrios; Nikolopoulos, Georgios; Tsiara, Chrissa; Paraskeva, Dimitra; Micha, Katerina; Malliori, Meni; Pharris, Anastasia; Wiessing, Lucas; Donoghoe, Martin; Friedman, Samuel; Jarlais, Don Des; Daikos, Georgios; Hatzakis, Angelos

2017-01-01

Abstract Background. A “seek-test-treat” intervention (ARISTOTLE) was implemented in response to an outbreak of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in Athens. We assess trends in HIV incidence, prevalence, risk behaviors and access to prevention/treatment. Methods. Methods included behavioral data collection, provision of injection equipment, HIV testing, linkage to opioid substitution treatment (OST) programs and HIV care during 5 rounds of respondent-driven sampling (2012–2013). HIV incidence was estimated from observed seroconversions. Results. Estimated coverage of the target population was 88% (71%–100%; 7113 questionnaires/blood samples from 3320 PWID). The prevalence of HIV infection was 16.5%. The incidence per 100 person-years decreased from 7.8 (95% confidence interval, 4.6–13.1) (2012) to 1.7 (0.55–5.31) (2013; P for trend = .001). Risk factors for seroconversion were frequency of injection, homelessness, and history of imprisonment. Injection at least once daily declined from 45.2% to 18.8% (P < .001) and from 36.8% to 26.0% (P = .007) for sharing syringes, and the proportion of undiagnosed HIV infection declined from 84.3% to 15.0% (P < .001). Current OST increased from 12.2% to 27.7% (P < .001), and 48.4% of unlinked seropositive participants were linked to HIV care through 2013. Repeat participants reported higher rates of adequate syringe coverage, linkage to HIV care and OST. Conclusions. Multiple evidence-based interventions delivered through rapid recruitment in a large proportion of the population of PWID are likely to have helped mitigate this HIV outbreak. PMID:28407106

HIV and hepatitis C virus infections among hanka injection drug users in central Ukraine: a cross-sectional survey.

PubMed

Dumchev, Kostyantyn V; Soldyshev, Ruslan; Qian, Han-Zhu; Zezyulin, Olexandr O; Chandler, Susan D; Slobodyanyuk, Pavel; Moroz, Larisa; Schumacher, Joseph E

2009-08-23

Ukraine has experienced an increase in injection drug use since the 1990s. An increase in HIV and hepatitis C virus infections has followed, but not measures of prevalence and risk factors. The purposes of this study are to estimate the prevalence of HIV, HCV, and co-infection among injection drug users (IDUs) in central Ukraine and to describe risk factors for HIV and HCV. A sample of 315 IDUs was recruited using snowball sampling for a structured risk interview and HIV/HCV testing (81.9% male, 42% single, average age 28.9 years [range = 18 to 55]). HIV and HCV antibodies were detected in 14.0% and 73.0%, respectively, and 12.1% were seropositive for both infections. The most commonly used drug was hanka, home-made from poppy straw and often mixed with other substances including dimedrol, diazepines, and hypnotics. The average period of injecting was 8.5 years; 62.5% reported past-year sharing needles or injection equipment, and 8.0% shared with a known HIV-positive person. More than half (51.1%) reported multiple sexual partners, 12.9% buying or selling sex, and 10.5% exchanging sex and drugs in the past year. Those who shared with HIV positive partners were 3.4 times more likely to be HIV positive than those who did not. Those who front- or back-loaded were 4 times more likely to be HCV positive than those who did not. Harm reduction, addiction treatment and HIV prevention programs should address risk factors to stop further spread of both HIV and HCV among IDUs and to the general population in central Ukraine.

Petrophysical characterization of first ever drilled core samples from an active CO2 storage site, the German Ketzin Pilot Site - Comparison with long term experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zemke, Kornelia; Liebscher, Axel

2014-05-01

Petrophysical properties like porosity and permeability are key parameters for a safe long-term storage of CO2 but also for the injection operation itself. These parameters may change during and/or after the CO2 injection due to geochemical reactions in the reservoir system that are triggered by the injected CO2. Here we present petrophysical data of first ever drilled cores from a newly drilled well at the active CO2 storage site - the Ketzin pilot site in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany. By comparison with pre-injection baseline data from core samples recovered prior to injection, the new samples provide the unique opportunity to evaluate the impact of CO2 on pore size related properties of reservoir and cap rocks at a real injection site under in-situ reservoir conditions. After injection of 61 000 tons CO2, an additional well was drilled and new rock cores were recovered. In total 100 core samples from the reservoir and the overlaying caprock were investigated by NMR relaxation. Permeability of 20 core samples was estimated by nitrogen and porosity by helium pycnometry. The determined data are comparable between pre-injection and post-injection core samples. The lower part of the reservoir sandstone is unaffected by the injected CO2. The upper part of the reservoir sandstone shows consistently slightly lower NMR porosity and permeability values in the post-injection samples when compared to the pre-injection data. This upper sandstone part is above the fluid level and CO2 present as a free gas phase and a possible residual gas saturation of the cores distorted the NMR results. The potash-containing drilling fluid can also influence these results: NMR investigation of twin samples from inner and outer parts of the cores show a reduced fraction of larger pores for the outer core samples together with lower porosities and T2 times. The drill mud penetration depth can be controlled by the added fluorescent tracer. Due to the heterogeneous character of the Stuttgart Formation it is difficult to estimate definite CO2 induced changes from petrophysical measurements. The observed changes are only minor. Several batch experiments on Ketzin samples drilled prior injection confirm the results from investigation of the in-situ rock cores. Core samples of the pre-injection wells were exposed to CO2 and brine in autoclaves over various time periods. Samples were characterized prior to and after the experiments by NMR and Mercury Injection Porosimetry (MIP). The results are consistent with the logging data and show only minor change. Unfortunately, also in these experiments observed mineralogical and petrophysical changes were within the natural heterogeneity of the Ketzin reservoir and precluded unequivocal conclusions. However, given the only minor differences between post-injection well and pre-injection well, it is reasonable to assume that the potential dissolution-precipitation processes appear to have no severe consequences on reservoir and cap rock integrity or on the injection behaviour. This is also in line with the continuously recorded injection operation parameter. These do not point to any changes in reservoir injectivity.|

Simultaneous detection of antibacterial sulfonamides in a microfluidic device with amperometry.

PubMed

Won, So-Young; Chandra, Pranjal; Hee, Tak Seong; Shim, Yoon-Bo

2013-01-15

A highly sensitive and robust method for simultaneous detection of five sulfonamide drugs is developed by integrating the preconcentration and separation steps in a microfluidic device. An ampetrometry is performed for the selective detection of sulfonamides using an aluminum oxide-gold nanoparticle (Al(2)O(3)-AuNPs) modified carbon paste (CP) electrode at the end of separation channel. The preconcentration capacity of the channel is enhanced by using the field amplified sample stacking and the field amplified sample injection techniques. The experimental parameters affecting the analytical performances, such as pH, % of Al(2)O(3), volume of AuNPs, buffer concentration, and water plug length are optimized. A reproducible response is observed during the multiple injections of samples with RSDs<4%. The calibration plots are linear with the correlation coefficient between 0.991 and 0.997 over the range between 0.01 and 2025pM. The detection limits of five drugs are determined to be between 0.91 (±0.03) and 2.21 (±0.09)fM. The interference effects of common biological compounds are also investigated and the applicability of the method to the direct analysis of sulfonamides in real meat samples is successfully demonstrated. Long term stability of the modified electrode was also investigated. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Method To Determine the Kinetics of Solute Mixing in Liquid/Liquid Formulation Dual-Chamber Syringes.

PubMed

Werk, Tobias; Mahler, Hanns-Christian; Ludwig, Imke Sonja; Luemkemann, Joerg; Huwyler, Joerg; Hafner, Mathias

Dual-chamber syringes were originally designed to separate a solid substance and its diluent. However, they can also be used to separate liquid formulations of two individual drug products, which cannot be co-formulated due to technical or regulatory issues. A liquid/liquid dual-chamber syringe can be designed to achieve homogenization and mixing of both solutions prior to administration, or it can be used to sequentially inject both solutions. While sequential injection can be easily achieved by a dual-chamber syringe with a bypass located at the needle end of the syringe barrel, mixing of the two fluids may provide more challenges. Within this study, the mixing behavior of surrogate solutions in different dual-chamber syringes is assessed. Furthermore, the influence of parameters such as injection angle, injection speed, agitation, and sample viscosity were studied. It was noted that mixing was poor for the commercial dual-chamber syringes (with a bypass designed as a longitudinal ridge) when the two liquids significantly differ in their physical properties (viscosity, density). However, an optimized dual-chamber syringe design with multiple bypass channels resulted in improved mixing of liquids. Dual-chamber syringes were originally designed to separate a solid substance and its diluent. However, they can also be used to separate liquid formulations of two individual drug products. A liquid/liquid dual-chamber syringe can be designed to achieve homogenization and mixing of both solutions prior to administration, or it can be used to sequentially inject both solutions. While sequential injection can be easily achieved by a dual-chamber syringe with a bypass located at the needle end of the syringe barrel, mixing of the two fluids may provide more challenges. Within this study, the mixing behavior of surrogate solutions in different dual-chamber syringes is assessed. Furthermore, the influence of parameters such as injection angle, injection speed, agitation, and sample viscosity were studied. It was noted that mixing was poor for the commercially available dual-chamber syringes when the two liquids significantly differ in viscosity and density. However, an optimized dual-chamber syringe design resulted in improved mixing of liquids. © PDA, Inc. 2017.

Respondent-driven sampling and the recruitment of people with small injecting networks.

PubMed

Paquette, Dana; Bryant, Joanne; de Wit, John

2012-05-01

Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is a form of chain-referral sampling, similar to snowball sampling, which was developed to reach hidden populations such as people who inject drugs (PWID). RDS is said to reach members of a hidden population that may not be accessible through other sampling methods. However, less attention has been paid as to whether there are segments of the population that are more likely to be missed by RDS. This study examined the ability of RDS to capture people with small injecting networks. A study of PWID, using RDS, was conducted in 2009 in Sydney, Australia. The size of participants' injecting networks was examined by recruitment chain and wave. Participants' injecting network characteristics were compared to those of participants from a separate pharmacy-based study. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the characteristics independently associated with having small injecting networks, using the combined RDS and pharmacy-based samples. In comparison with the pharmacy-recruited participants, RDS participants were almost 80% less likely to have small injecting networks, after adjusting for other variables. RDS participants were also more likely to have their injecting networks form a larger proportion of those in their social networks, and to have acquaintances as part of their injecting networks. Compared to those with larger injecting networks, individuals with small injecting networks were equally likely to engage in receptive sharing of injecting equipment, but less likely to have had contact with prevention services. These findings suggest that those with small injecting networks are an important group to recruit, and that RDS is less likely to capture these individuals.

Interferon Beta-1b Injection

MedlinePlus

... course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS, a disease in which ... interferon beta-1b injection at around the same time of day each time you inject it. Follow ...

Peginterferon Beta-1a Injection

MedlinePlus

... course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS, a disease in which ... peginterferon beta-1a injection at around the same time of day each time you inject it. Follow ...

Interferon Beta-1a Subcutaneous Injection

MedlinePlus

... course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS, a disease in which ... under the skin). It is usually injected three times a week. You should inject this medication on ...

Solid-phase based on-chip DNA purification through a valve-free stepwise injection of multiple reagents employing centrifugal force combined with a hydrophobic capillary barrier pressure.

PubMed

Zhang, Hainan; Tran, Hong Hanh; Chung, Bong Hyun; Lee, Nae Yoon

2013-03-21

In this paper, we demonstrate a simple technique for sequentially introducing multiple sample liquids into microchannels driven by centrifugal force combined with a hydrophobic barrier pressure and apply the technique for performing solid-phase based on-chip DNA purification. Three microchannels with varying widths, all equipped with independent sample reservoirs at the inlets, were fabricated on a hydrophobic elastomer, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). First, glass beads were packed inside the reaction chamber, and a whole cell containing the DNA extract was introduced into the widest channel by applying centrifugal force for physical adsorption of the DNA onto the glass beads. Next, washing and elution solutions were sequentially introduced into the intermediate and narrowest microchannels, respectively, by gradually increasing the amount of centrifugal force. Through a precise manipulation of the centrifugal force, the DNA adsorbed onto the glass beads was successfully washed and eluted in a continuous manner without the need to introduce each solution manually. A stepwise injection of liquids was successfully demonstrated using multiple ink solutions, the results of which corresponded well with the theoretical analyses. As a practical application, the D1S80 locus of human genomic DNA, which is widely used for forensic purposes, was successfully purified using the microdevice introduced in this study, as demonstrated through successful target amplification. This will pave the way for the construction of a control-free valve system for realizing on-chip DNA purification, which is one of the most labor-intensive and hard-to-miniaturize components, on a greatly simplified and miniaturized platform employing hydrophobic PDMS.

Electrokinetic focusing injection methods on microfluidic devices.

PubMed

Fu, Lung-Ming; Yang, Ruey-Jen; Lee, Gwo-Bin

2003-04-15

This paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation into electrokinetic focusing injection on microfluidic chips. The valving characteristics on microfluidic devices are controlled through appropriate manipulations of the electric potential strengths during the sample loading and dispensing steps. The present study also addresses the design and testing of various injection systems used to deliver a sample plug. A novel double-cross injection microfluidic chip is fabricated, which employs electrokinetic focusing to deliver sample plugs of variable volume. The proposed design combines several functions of traditional sample plug injection systems on a single microfluidic chip. The injection technique uses an unique sequence of loading steps with different electric potential distributions and magnitudes within the various channels to effectuate a virtual valve.

Impact of injection therapy on retinal patients with diabetic macular edema or retinal vein occlusion.

PubMed

Sivaprasad, Sobha; Oyetunde, Sesan

2016-01-01

An important factor in the choice of therapy is the impact it has on the patient's quality of life. This survey aimed to understand treatment burden, treatment-related anxiety and worry, and practical issues such as appointment attendance and work absence in patients receiving injection therapy for diabetic macular edema (DME) or retinal vein occlusion (RVO). A European sample of 131 retinal patients completed a detailed questionnaire to elucidate the impact of injection therapy on individuals with DME or RVO. RVO and DME greatly impact a patient's quality of life. An intensive injection regimen and the requirements for multiple hospital visits place a large practical burden on the patient. Each intravitreal injection appointment (including travel time) was reported to take an average of 4.5 hours, with a total appointment burden over 6 months of 13.5 hours and 20 hours for RVO and DME patients, respectively. This creates a significant burden on patient time and may make appointment attendance difficult. Indeed, 53% of working patients needed to take at least 1 day off work per appointment and 71% of patients required a carer's assistance at the time of the injection appointment, ~6.3 hours per injection. In addition to practical issues, three-quarters of patients reported experiencing anxiety about their most recent injection treatment, with 54% of patients reporting that they were anxious for at least 2 days prior to the injection. Patients' most desired improvement to their treatment regimen was to have fewer injections and to require fewer appointments, to achieve the same visual results. Patients' quality of life is clearly very affected by having to manage an intensive intravitreal injection regimen, with a considerable treatment burden having a large negative effect. Reducing the appointment burden to achieve the same visual outcomes and the provision of additional support for patients to attend appointments would greatly benefit those receiving intravitreal injection therapies for DME and RVO.

Development of an on-line flow injection Sr/matrix separation method for accurate, high-throughput determination of Sr isotope ratios by multiple collector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Galler, Patrick; Limbeck, Andreas; Boulyga, Sergei F; Stingeder, Gerhard; Hirata, Takafumi; Prohaska, Thomas

2007-07-01

This work introduces a newly developed on-line flow injection (FI) Sr/Rb separation method as an alternative to the common, manual Sr/matrix batch separation procedure, since total analysis time is often limited by sample preparation despite the fast rate of data acquisition possible by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometers (ICPMS). Separation columns containing approximately 100 muL of Sr-specific resin were used for on-line FI Sr/matrix separation with subsequent determination of (87)Sr/(86)Sr isotope ratios by multiple collector ICPMS. The occurrence of memory effects exhibited by the Sr-specific resin, a major restriction to the repetitive use of this costly material, could successfully be overcome. The method was fully validated by means of certified reference materials. A set of two biological and six geological Sr- and Rb-bearing samples was successfully characterized for its (87)Sr/(86)Sr isotope ratios with precisions of 0.01-0.04% 2 RSD (n = 5-10). Based on our measurements we suggest (87)Sr/(86)Sr isotope ratios of 0.713 15 +/- 0.000 16 (2 SD) and 0.709 31 +/- 0.000 06 (2 SD) for the NIST SRM 1400 bone ash and the NIST SRM 1486 bone meal, respectively. Measured (87)Sr/(86)Sr isotope ratios for five basalt samples are in excellent agreement with published data with deviations from the published value ranging from 0 to 0.03%. A mica sample with a Rb/Sr ratio of approximately 1 was successfully characterized for its (87)Sr/(86)Sr isotope signature to be 0.718 24 +/- 0.000 29 (2 SD) by the proposed method. Synthetic samples with Rb/Sr ratios of up to 10/1 could successfully be measured without significant interferences on mass 87, which would otherwise bias the accuracy and uncertainty of the obtained data.

Pushing quantitation limits in micro UHPLC-MS/MS analysis of steroid hormones by sample dilution using high volume injection.

PubMed

Márta, Zoltán; Bobály, Balázs; Fekete, Jenő; Magda, Balázs; Imre, Tímea; Mészáros, Katalin Viola; Szabó, Pál Tamás

2016-09-10

Ultratrace analysis of sample components requires excellent analytical performance in terms of limits of quantitation (LoQ). Micro UHPLC coupling with sensitive tandem mass spectrometry provides state of the art solutions for such analytical problems. Decreased column volume in micro LC limits the injectable sample volume. However, if analyte concentration is extremely low, it might be necessary to inject high sample volumes. This is particularly critical for strong sample solvents and weakly retained analytes, which are often the case when preparing biological samples (protein precipitation, sample extraction, etc.). In that case, high injection volumes may cause band broadening, peak distortion or even elution in dead volume. In this study, we evaluated possibilities of high volume injection onto microbore RP-LC columns, when sample solvent is diluted. The presented micro RP-LC-MS/MS method was optimized for the analysis of steroid hormones from human plasma after protein precipitation with organic solvents. A proper sample dilution procedure helps to increase the injection volume without compromising peak shapes. Finally, due to increased injection volume, the limit of quantitation can be decreased by a factor of 2-5, depending on the analytes and the experimental conditions. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Treating Self-Injection Phobia in Patients Prescribed Injectable Medications: A Case Example Illustrating a Six-Session Treatment Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cox, Darcy; Mohr, David C.; Epstein, Lucy

2004-01-01

This article provides a case description of a patient with multiple sclerosis prescribed interferon beta-1a (IFN[beta]-1a), a weekly intramuscular injection, who met "DSM-IV" criteria for specific phobia, blood/injection type. This patient successfully completed a 6-week manualized cognitive-behavioral treatment for self-injection anxiety. Issues…

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion versus multiple daily injections in individuals with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Benkhadra, Khalid; Alahdab, Fares; Tamhane, Shrikant U; McCoy, Rozalina G; Prokop, Larry J; Murad, Mohammad Hassan

2017-01-01

The relative efficacy of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and multiple daily injections in individuals with type 1 diabetes is unclear. We sought to synthesize the existing evidence about the effect of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion on glycosylated hemoglobin, hypoglycemic events, and time spent in hypoglycemia compared to multiple daily injections. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus from January 2008 through November 2015 for randomized controlled trials that enrolled children or adults with type 1 diabetes. Trials identified in a previous systematic review and published prior to 2008 were also included. We included 25 randomized controlled trials at moderate risk of bias. Meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin in patients treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion compared to multiple daily injections (mean difference 0.37; 95 % confidence interval, 0.24-0.51). This effect was demonstrated in both children and adults. There was no significant difference in minor or severe hypoglycemic events. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion was associated with lower incidence of nocturnal hypoglycemia. There was no significant difference in the time spent in hypoglycemia. In children and adults with type 1 diabetes and compared to multiple daily injections, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion is associated with a modest reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin. There was no difference in severe or minor hypoglycemia, but likely a lower incidence of nocturnal hypoglycemia with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.

Hydrodynamic injection with pneumatic valving for microchip electrophoresis with total analyte utilization

PubMed Central

Sun, Xuefei; Kelly, Ryan T.; Danielson, William F.; Agrawal, Nitin; Tang, Keqi; Smith, Richard D.

2011-01-01

A novel hydrodynamic injector that is directly controlled by a pneumatic valve has been developed for reproducible microchip capillary electrophoresis (CE) separations. The poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) devices used for evaluation comprise a separation channel, a side channel for sample introduction, and a pneumatic valve aligned at the intersection of the channels. A low pressure (≤ 3 psi) applied to the sample reservoir is sufficient to drive sample into the separation channel. The rapidly actuated pneumatic valve enables injection of discrete sample plugs as small as ~100 pL for CE separation. The injection volume can be easily controlled by adjusting the intersection geometry, the solution back pressure and the valve actuation time. Sample injection could be reliably operated at different frequencies (< 0.1 Hz to >2 Hz) with good reproducibility (peak height relative standard deviation ≤ 3.6%) and no sampling biases associated with the conventional electrokinetic injections. The separation channel was dynamically coated with a cationic polymer, and FITC-labeled amino acids were employed to evaluate the CE separation. Highly efficient (≥ 7.0 × 103 theoretical plates for the ~2.4 cm long channel) and reproducible CE separations were obtained. The demonstrated method has numerous advantages compared with the conventional techniques, including repeatable and unbiased injections, little sample waste, high duty cycle, controllable injected sample volume, and fewer electrodes with no need for voltage switching. The prospects of implementing this injection method for coupling multidimensional separations, for multiplexing CE separations and for sample-limited bioanalyses are discussed. PMID:21520147

Li-ion battery thermal runaway suppression system using microchannel coolers and refrigerant injections

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

Bandhauer, Todd M.; Farmer, Joseph C.

A battery management system with thermally integrated fire suppression includes a multiplicity of individual battery cells in a housing; a multiplicity of cooling passages in the housing within or between the multiplicity of individual battery cells; a multiplicity of sensors operably connected to the individual battery cells, the sensors adapted to detect a thermal runaway event related to one or more of the multiplicity of individual battery cells; and a management system adapted to inject coolant into at least one of the multiplicity of cooling passages upon the detection of the thermal runaway event by the any one of themore » multiplicity of sensors, so that the thermal runaway event is rapidly quenched.« less

PET imaging of focal demyelination and remyelination in a rat model of multiple sclerosis: comparison of [11C]MeDAS, [11C]CIC and [11C]PIB.

PubMed

Faria, Daniele de Paula; Copray, Sjef; Sijbesma, Jurgen W A; Willemsen, Antoon T M; Buchpiguel, Carlos A; Dierckx, Rudi A J O; de Vries, Erik F J

2014-05-01

In this study, we compared the ability of [(11)C]CIC, [(11)C]MeDAS and [(11)C]PIB to reveal temporal changes in myelin content in focal lesions in the lysolecithin rat model of multiple sclerosis. Pharmacokinetic modelling was performed to determine the best method to quantify tracer uptake. Sprague-Dawley rats were stereotactically injected with either 1 % lysolecithin or saline into the corpus callosum and striatum of the right brain hemisphere. Dynamic PET imaging with simultaneous arterial blood sampling was performed 7 days after saline injection (control group), 7 days after lysolecithin injection (demyelination group) and 4 weeks after lysolecithin injection (remyelination group). The kinetics of [(11)C]CIC, [(11)C]MeDAS and [(11)C]PIB was best fitted by Logan graphical analysis, suggesting that tracer binding is reversible. Compartment modelling revealed that all tracers were fitted best with the reversible two-tissue compartment model. Tracer uptake and distribution volume in lesions were in agreement with myelin status. However, the slow kinetics and homogeneous brain uptake of [(11)C]CIC make this tracer less suitable for in vivo PET imaging. [(11)C]PIB showed good uptake in the white matter in the cerebrum, but [(11)C]PIB uptake in the cerebellum was low, despite high myelin density in this region. [(11)C]MeDAS distribution correlated well with myelin density in different brain regions. This study showed that PET imaging of demyelination and remyelination processes in focal lesions is feasible. Our comparison of three myelin tracers showed that [(11)C]MeDAS has more favourable properties for quantitative PET imaging of demyelinated and remyelinated lesions throughout the CNS than [(11)C]CIC and [(11)C]PIB.

A prospective, randomized comparison between single- and multiple-injection techniques for ultrasound-guided subgluteal sciatic nerve block.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Hiroto; Sakura, Shinichi; Wada, Minori; Shido, Akemi

2014-12-01

It is believed that local anesthetic injected to obtain circumferential spread around nerves produces a more rapid onset and successful blockade after some ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks. However, evidence demonstrating this point is limited only to the popliteal sciatic nerve block, which is relatively easy to perform by via a high-frequency linear transducer. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that multiple injections of local anesthetic to make circumferential spread would improve the rate of sensory and motor blocks compared with a single-injection technique for ultrasound-guided subgluteal sciatic nerve block, which is considered a relatively difficult block conducted with a low-frequency, curved-array transducer. Ninety patients undergoing knee surgery were divided randomly into 2 groups to receive the ultrasound-guided subgluteal approach to sciatic nerve block with 20 mL of 1.5% mepivacaine with epinephrine. For group M (the multiple-injection technique), the local anesthetic was injected to create circumferential spread around the sciatic nerve without limitation on the number of needle passes. For group S (the single-injection technique), the number of needle passes was limited to 1, and the local anesthetic was injected to create spread along the dorsal surface of the sciatic nerve, during which no adjustment of the needle tip was made. Sensory and motor blockade were assessed in double-blind fashion for 30 minutes after completion of the block. The primary outcome was sensory blockade of all sciatic components tested, including tibial, superficial peroneal, and sural nerves at 30 minutes after injection. Data from 86 patients (43 in each group) were analyzed. Block execution took more time for group M than group S. The proportion of patients with complete sensory blockade of all sciatic components at 30 minutes after injection was significantly larger for group M than group S (41.9% vs 16.3%, P = 0.018). Complete motor blockade of foot and toes extension also was observed more frequently in group M than in group S (67.4% vs 34.9%, P = 0.005 and 51.2% vs 25.6%, P = 0.027, respectively). When ultrasound-guided subgluteal sciatic nerve block is conducted, multiple injections of local anesthetic to make a circumferential spread around the sciatic nerve improve the rate of sensory and motor blocks compared with a single injection.

Initiation into Prescription Opioid Misuse among Young Injection Drug Users

PubMed Central

Lankenau, Stephen E.; Teti, Michelle; Silva, Karol; Bloom, Jennifer Jackson; Harocopos, Alex; Treese, Meghan

2011-01-01

Background Prescription opioids are the most frequently misused class of prescription drugs among young adults. Initiation into prescription opioid misuse is an important public health concern since opioids are increasingly associated with drug dependence and fatal overdose. Descriptive data about initiation into prescription opioid misuse among young injection drug users (IDUs) are scarce. Methods An exploratory qualitative study was undertaken to describe patterns of initiation into prescription opioid misuse among IDUs aged 16 to 25 years. Those young IDUs who had misused a prescription drug at least three times in the past three months were recruited during 2008 and 2009 in Los Angeles (n=25) and New York (n=25). Informed by an ethno-epidemiological approach, descriptive data from a semi-structured interview guide were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Results Initiation into prescription opioid misuse was facilitated by easy access to opioids via participant’s own prescription, family, or friends, and occurred earlier than misuse of other illicit drugs, such as heroin. Nearly all transitioned into sniffing opioids, most injected opioids, and many initiated injection drug use with an opioid. Motives for transitions to sniffing and injecting opioids included obtaining a more potent high and/or substituting for heroin; access to multiple sources of opioids was common among those who progressed to sniffing and injecting opioids. Conclusion Prescription opioid misuse was a key feature of trajectories into injection drug use and/or heroin use among this sample of young IDUs. A new pattern of drug use may be emerging whereby IDUs initiate prescription opioid misuse before using heroin. PMID:21689917

Social context, diversity and risk among women who inject drugs in Vietnam: descriptive findings from a cross-sectional survey.

PubMed

Khuat, Oanh T H; Morrow, Martha; Nguyen, Trang N N; Armstrong, Gregory

2015-10-16

Women who inject drugs (WWID) are neglected globally in research and programming yet may be likelier than males to practise sexual and injecting risks and be infected with HIV and more stigmatised but seek fewer services. Little is known about characteristics, practices and nexus between drugs and sex work of WWID in Vietnam, where unsafe injecting has driven HIV transmission, and commercial sex and inconsistent condom use are prevalent. This was the first quantitative investigation of Vietnamese WWID recruited as injecting drug users. This article summarises descriptive findings. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among WWID in Hanoi (n = 203) and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) (n = 200) recruited using respondent-driven sampling. Characteristics varied within and between sites. Twenty-two percent in Hanoi and 47.5 % in HCMC had never sold sex. Almost all commenced with smoking heroin, some as children. Most injected frequently, usually alone, although 8 % (Hanoi) and 18 % (HCMC) shared equipment in the previous month. Some had sex--and sold it--as children; most had multiple partners. Condom use was high with clients but very low with intimate partners, often injecting drug users. HIV knowledge was uneven, and large minorities were not tested recently (or ever) for HIV. Nearly all perceived intense gender-related stigma, especially for drug use. This ground-breaking study challenges assumptions about characteristics and risks based on anecdotal evidence and studies among men. Most WWID were vulnerable to sexual HIV transmission from intimate partners. Interventions should incorporate broader sociocultural context to protect this highly stigmatised population.

Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: A New Approach for Nanoparticle's Mapping and Quantification in Organ Tissue

PubMed Central

Sancey, Lucie; Motto-Ros, Vincent; Kotb, Shady; Wang, Xiaochun; Lux, François; Panczer, Gérard; Yu, Jin; Tillement, Olivier

2014-01-01

Emission spectroscopy of laser-induced plasma was applied to elemental analysis of biological samples. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) performed on thin sections of rodent tissues: kidneys and tumor, allows the detection of inorganic elements such as (i) Na, Ca, Cu, Mg, P, and Fe, naturally present in the body and (ii) Si and Gd, detected after the injection of gadolinium-based nanoparticles. The animals were euthanized 1 to 24 hr after intravenous injection of particles. A two-dimensional scan of the sample, performed using a motorized micrometric 3D-stage, allowed the infrared laser beam exploring the surface with a lateral resolution less than 100 μm. Quantitative chemical images of Gd element inside the organ were obtained with sub-mM sensitivity. LIBS offers a simple and robust method to study the distribution of inorganic materials without any specific labeling. Moreover, the compatibility of the setup with standard optical microscopy emphasizes its potential to provide multiple images of the same biological tissue with different types of response: elemental, molecular, or cellular. PMID:24962015

Towards optical brain imaging: getting light through a bone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, J. V.; Hokr, B. H.; Nodurft, D. T.; Yakovlev, V. V.

2018-06-01

Optical imaging and detection in biological samples is severely limited by scattering effects. In particular, optical techniques for measuring conditions beneath the skull and within the bone marrow hold significant promise when it comes to speed, sensitivity and specificity. However, the strong optical scattering due to bone hinders the realization of these methods. In this article, we propose a technique to enhance the transmittance of light through bone. This is achieved by injecting light below the top surface of the bone and utilizing multiple scattering to increase transmittance. This technique suggests that enhancements of 2-6 times may be realized by injection of light 1 mm below the surface of the bone. By enhancing the transmittance of light through bone, we will greatly improve our ability to utilize optical methods to better understand and diagnose conditions within biological media.

Multiplexed Western Blotting Using Microchip Electrophoresis.

PubMed

Jin, Shi; Furtaw, Michael D; Chen, Huaxian; Lamb, Don T; Ferguson, Stephen A; Arvin, Natalie E; Dawod, Mohamed; Kennedy, Robert T

2016-07-05

Western blotting is a commonly used protein assay that combines the selectivity of electrophoretic separation and immunoassay. The technique is limited by long time, manual operation with mediocre reproducibility, and large sample consumption, typically 10-20 μg per assay. Western blots are also usually used to measure only one protein per assay with an additional housekeeping protein for normalization. Measurement of multiple proteins is possible; however, it requires stripping membranes of antibody and then reprobing with a second antibody. Miniaturized alternatives to Western blot based on microfluidic or capillary electrophoresis have been developed that enable higher-throughput, automation, and greater mass sensitivity. In one approach, proteins are separated by electrophoresis on a microchip that is dragged along a polyvinylidene fluoride membrane so that as proteins exit the chip they are captured on the membrane for immunoassay. In this work, we improve this method to allow multiplexed protein detection. Multiple injections made from the same sample can be deposited in separate tracks so that each is probed with a different antibody. To further enhance multiplexing capability, the electrophoresis channel dimensions were optimized for resolution while keeping separation and blotting times to less than 8 min. Using a 15 μm deep × 50 μm wide × 8.6 cm long channel, it is possible to achieve baseline resolution of proteins that differ by 5% in molecular weight, e.g., ERK1 (44 kDa) from ERK2 (42 kDa). This resolution allows similar proteins detected by cross-reactive antibodies in a single track. We demonstrate detection of 11 proteins from 9 injections from a single Jurkat cell lysate sample consisting of 400 ng of total protein using this procedure. Thus, multiplexed Western blots are possible without cumbersome stripping and reprobing steps.

[Rapid screening the alkaloids of poppy shell in hot pot condiment, beef noodle soup and seasoning by direct analysis in real time-tandem mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Zhang, Baile; Gao, Lihong; Xie, Yingshuang; Zhou, Wei; Chen, Xiaofeng; Lei, Chunni; Zhang, Huan

2017-07-08

A direct analysis in real time tandem mass spectrometry (DART-MS/MS) method was established for quickly screening five illegally added alkaloids of poppy shell from the hot pot condiment, beef noodle soup and seasoning. The samples were extracted and purified by acetonitrile, and then injected under the conditions of ionization temperature of 300℃, grid electrode voltage of 150 V and sampling rate of 0.8 mm/s using DART in the positive ion mode. The determination was conducted by tandem mass spectrometry in positive ESI mode under multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The method is simple and rapid, and can meet the requirement of rapid screening and analysis of large quantities of samples.

The Climate Response to Stratospheric Aerosol Geoengineering Can Be Tailored Using Multiple Injection Locations

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

MacMartin, Douglas G.; Kravitz, Ben; Tilmes, Simone

The climate response to geoengineering with stratospheric aerosols has the potential to be designed to achieve some chosen objectives. By injecting different amounts of SO2 at multiple different latitudes, the spatial pattern of aerosol optical depth (AOD) can be partially controlled. We use simulations from the fully-coupled whole-atmosphere chemistry-climate model CESM1(WACCM), to demonstrate that three spatial degrees of freedom of AOD can be achieved by appropriately combining injection at different locations: an approximately spatially-uniform AOD distribution, the relative difference in AOD between Northern and Southern hemispheres, and the relative AOD in high versus low latitudes. For forcing levels that yieldmore » 1–2°C cooling, the AOD and surface temperature response are sufficiently linear in this model so that many climate effects can be predicted from single-latitude injection simulations. Optimized injection at multiple locations is predicted to improve compensation of CO2-forced climate change, relative to a case using only equatorial aerosol injection. The additional degrees of freedom can be used, for example, to balance interhemispheric temperature differences and the equator to pole temperature difference in addition to the global mean temperature; this is projected in this model to reduce the mean-square error in temperature compensation by 30%.« less

A novel liquid chromatography Orbitrap mass spectrometry method with full scan for simultaneous determination of multiple bioactive constituents of Shenkang injection in rat tissues: Application to tissue distribution and pharmacokinetic studies.

PubMed

Yang, Jie; Sun, Zhi; Li, Duolu; Duan, Fei; Li, Zhuolun; Lu, Jingli; Shi, Yingying; Xu, Tanye; Zhang, Xiaojian

2018-06-07

Shenkang injection is a traditional Chinese formula with good curative effect on chronic renal failure. In this paper, a novel, rapid and sensitive ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q Exactive hybrid quadrupole orbitrap high resolution accurate mass spectrometry was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of seven bioactive constituents of Shenkang injection in rat plasma and tissues after intravenous administration. Acetonitrile was used as protein precipitation agent in biological samples dispose with carbamazepine as internal standard. The chromatographic separation was carried out on a C 18 column with a gradient mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water (containing 0.1% formic acid). The MS analysis was performed in the full scan positive and negative ion mode. The lower limits of quantification for the seven analytes in rat plasma and tissues were 0.1-10 ng/mL. The validated method was successfully applied to tissue distribution and pharmacokinetic studies of Shenkang injection after intravenous administration. The results of the tissue distribution study showed that the high concentration of seven constituents were primarily in the kidney tract. This is the first time to report the application of Q-Orbitrap with full scan mass spectrometry in tissue distribution and pharmacokinetic studies of Shenkang injection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Estimation of the Standardized Risk Difference and Ratio in a Competing Risks Framework: Application to Injection Drug Use and Progression to AIDS After Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy

PubMed Central

Cole, Stephen R.; Lau, Bryan; Eron, Joseph J.; Brookhart, M. Alan; Kitahata, Mari M.; Martin, Jeffrey N.; Mathews, William C.; Mugavero, Michael J.; Cole, Stephen R.; Brookhart, M. Alan; Lau, Bryan; Eron, Joseph J.; Kitahata, Mari M.; Martin, Jeffrey N.; Mathews, William C.; Mugavero, Michael J.

2015-01-01

There are few published examples of absolute risk estimated from epidemiologic data subject to censoring and competing risks with adjustment for multiple confounders. We present an example estimating the effect of injection drug use on 6-year risk of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) after initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy between 1998 and 2012 in an 8-site US cohort study with death before AIDS as a competing risk. We estimate the risk standardized to the total study sample by combining inverse probability weights with the cumulative incidence function; estimates of precision are obtained by bootstrap. In 7,182 patients (83% male, 33% African American, median age of 38 years), we observed 6-year standardized AIDS risks of 16.75% among 1,143 injection drug users and 12.08% among 6,039 nonusers, yielding a standardized risk difference of 4.68 (95% confidence interval: 1.27, 8.08) and a standardized risk ratio of 1.39 (95% confidence interval: 1.12, 1.72). Results may be sensitive to the assumptions of exposure-version irrelevance, no measurement bias, and no unmeasured confounding. These limitations suggest that results be replicated with refined measurements of injection drug use. Nevertheless, estimating the standardized risk difference and ratio is straightforward, and injection drug use appears to increase the risk of AIDS. PMID:24966220

Hydrodynamic injection with pneumatic valving for microchip electrophoresis with total analyte utilization

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

Sun, Xuefei; Kelly, Ryan T.; Danielson, William F.

2011-04-26

A novel hydrodynamic injector that is directly controlled by a pneumatic valve has been developed for reproducible microchip capillary electrophoresis (CE) separations. The poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) devices used for evaluation comprise a separation channel, a side channel for sample introduction, and a pneumatic valve aligned at the intersection of the channels. A low pressure (≤ 3 psi) applied to the sample reservoir is sufficient to drive sample into the separation channel. The rapidly actuated pneumatic valve enables injection of discrete sample plugs as small as ~100 pL for CE separation. The injection volume can be easily controlled by adjusting the intersectionmore » geometry, the solution back pressure and the valve actuation time. Sample injection could be reliably operated at different frequencies (< 0.1 Hz to >2 Hz) with good reproducibility (peak height relative standard deviation ≤ 3.6%) and no sampling biases associated with the conventional electrokinetic injections. The separation channel was dynamically coated with a cationic polymer, and FITC-labeled amino acids were employed to evaluate the CE separation. Highly efficient (≥ 7.0 × 103 theoretical plates for the ~2.4 cm long channel) and reproducible CE separations were obtained. The demonstrated method has numerous advantages compared with the conventional techniques, including repeatable and unbiased injections, no sample waste, high duty cycle, controllable injected sample volume, and fewer electrodes with no need for voltage switching. The prospects of implementing this injection method for coupling multidimensional separations, for multiplexing CE separations and for sample-limited bioanalyses are discussed.« less

Pharmacokinetics of Short- and Long-acting Formulations of Oxytetracycline After Intramuscular Administration in Chickens.

PubMed

Gberindyer, Aondover F; Okpeh, Ene R; Semaka, Asaaga A

2015-12-01

Both short- and long-acting formulations of oxytetracycline are commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat animals infected with gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, rickettsiae, mycoplasma, and chlamydiae. To compare pharmacokinetics of short- and long-acting oxytetracycline in chickens, injectable formulations from the same pharmaceutical company were administered to healthy 6-week-old broiler chickens in accordance to the labeled instructions. Fourteen chickens were separated into 2 groups: chickens in group A (n = 7) were administered the short-acting formulation (10 mg/kg IM q24h) for 4 consecutive days, whereas those in group B (n = 7) were treated with a single dose (20 mg/kg IM) of the long-acting formulation. Blood samples were collected into heparinized tubes before and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 24 hours after initial treatment. Thereafter, blood samples were taken every 24 hours up to 120 hours. Plasma concentrations of oxytetracycline were determined by competitive enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay, and pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained. Both formulations delivered therapeutic plasma concentrations of oxytetracycline for approximately 100% of their respective dosing intervals as recommended. However, considering the additional labor, patient stress, and mortalities associated with handling, in addition to rejection of the carcass due to tissue necrosis resulting from multiple injections, we recommend use of the long-acting instead of the short-acting injectable formulation in broiler chickens.

Mechanism of hole injection enhancement in light-emitting diodes by inserting multiple hole-reservoir layers in electron blocking layer

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

Zhao, Yukun; Wang, Shuai; Feng, Lungang

In this study, gallium nitride (GaN) based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with single and multiple hole-reservoir layers (HRLs) inserted in the electron-blocking layer (EBL) have been investigated numerically and experimentally. According to simulation results, a better electron confinement and a higher hole injection level can be achieved by the multiple HRLs inserted in the EBL region. To further reveal the underlying mechanism of hole injection enhancement experimentally, the active regions were intentionally designed to emit photons with three different wavelengths of 440 nm, 460 nm, and 480 nm, respectively. Based on the experimental results of photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved PL (TRPL) measurements conducted atmore » 298 K, the remarkable enhancement (148%) of PL intensities and significant increase in the decay times of the quantum wells close to p-GaN can be obtained. Therefore, the mechanism is proposed that carriers are able to reserve in the EBL region with multiple HRLs for a much longer time. Meanwhile, carriers could diffuse into the active region by tunnelling and/or thermo-electronic effect and then recombine efficiently, leading to the better carrier reservoir effect and higher hole injection in LEDs. As a result, by inserting multiple HRLs in the EBL region instead of single HRL, the experimental external quantum efficiency is enhanced by 19.8%, while the serious droop ratio is markedly suppressed from 37.0% to 27.6% at the high current injection of 100 A/cm{sup 2}.« less

Injection molding of iPP samples in controlled conditions and resulting morphology

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

Sessa, Nino, E-mail: ninosessa.ns@gmail.com; De Santis, Felice, E-mail: fedesantis@unisa.it; Pantani, Roberto, E-mail: rpantani@unisa.it

2015-12-17

Injection molded parts are driven down in size and weight especially for electronic applications. In this work, an investigation was carried out on the process of injection molding of thin iPP samples and on the morphology of these parts. Melt flow in the mold cavity was analyzed and described with a mathematical model. Influence of mold temperature and injection pressure was analyzed. Samples orientation was studied using optical microscopy.

Physical, chemical, and biological aspects of subsurface organic waste injection near Wilmington, North Carolina

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leenheer, J.A.; Malcolm, R.L.; White, W.R.

1976-01-01

From May 1968 to December 1972, an industrial organic waste was injected at rates of 100 to 200 gallons per minute (6.3 to 12.6 litres per second) into a sand, gravel, and limestone aquifer of Late Cretaceous age by Hercules Inc. located near Wilmington, North Carolina. This report presents both field and laboratory data pertaining to the physical, chemical, and biological effects of waste injection into the subsurface at this particular site, a case history of the operation, predictions of the reactions between certain organic wastes and the aquifer components, and descriptions of the effects of these reactions on the subsurface movement of the wastes. The case history documents a situation in which subsurface waste injection could not be considered a successful means of waste disposal. The first injection well was used only for 1 year due to excessive wellhead pressure build-up above the specified pressure limit of 150 pounds per square inch (10.3 bars). A second injection well drilled as a replacement operated for only 5 months before it too began to have problems with plugging. Upward leakage of waste into shallower aquifers was also detected at several wells in the injection-observation well system. The multiple problems of plugging, high pressures, and waste leakage suggested that the reactive nature of the waste with the aquifer into which it was injected was the primary reason for the difficulties experienced with waste injection. A site study was initiated in June 1971 to investigate waste-aquifer interactions. The first stage of the study determined the hydrogeologic conditions at the site, and characterized the industrial waste and the native ground water found in the injection zone and other aquifers. The injection zone consisted of multiple permeable zones ranging in depth from about 850 to 1,000 feet (259 to 305 metres) below land surface. In addition to the injection zone, aquifers were found near depths of 60, 300, 500, and 700 feet (18, 91, 152, and 213 metres) below land surface. The aquifers from 300 feet (91 metres) down to the injection zone were flowing artesian with the natural pressure of the injection zone being 65 feet (20 metres) above land surface at the site. The dissolved solids concentration in the native ground water increased with depth to an average value of 20,800 mg/l (milligram per litre) (two-thirds that of seawater) in the water from the injection zone. Sodium chloride was the major dissolved solid, and all of the ground water below 300-feet (91-metres) depth was slightly alkaline. Dissolved organic carbon of the industrial waste averaged 7,100 mg/l and 95 percent of the organic carbon was identified and quantified. The major organic waste constituents in order of decreasing abundance were acetic acid, formic acid, p-toluic acid, formaldehyde, methanol, terephthalic acid, phthalic acid, and benzoic acid. Prior to injection, the waste was neutralized with lime to pH 4 so that the major inorganic waste constituent was calcium at a concentration of 1,300 mg/l. The second stage of the site study involved the observation of waste-aquifer interactions at various wells as the waste arrived and passed by the wells. Water samples obtained from three observation wells located 1,500 to 2,000 feet (457 to 607 metres) from the original injection well gave evidence for biochemical waste transformations at low waste concentrations. Gas that effervesced from these water samples contained up to 54 percent methane by volume. Ferrous iron concentrations as high as 35 mg/l, hydrogen sulfide gas, and sulfide precipitates were additional indicators of biochemical reductive processes in the subsurface environment. Approximately 3,000 organisms per millilitre were found in uncontaminated ground water from the injection zone whereas in waste-contaminated wells, the number increased to levels as high as 1,000,000 organisms per millilitre. High concentrations of waste were found to be toxic to microo

Latent classes of polydrug and polyroute use and associations with human immunodeficiency virus risk behaviours and overdose among people who inject drugs in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.

PubMed

Meacham, Meredith C; Roesch, Scott C; Strathdee, Steffanie A; Lindsay, Suzanne; Gonzalez-Zuniga, Patricia; Gaines, Tommi L

2018-01-01

Patterns of polydrug use among people who inject drugs (PWID) may be differentially associated with overdose and unique human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk factors. Subgroups of PWID in Tijuana, Mexico, were identified based on substances used, route of administration, frequency of use and co-injection indicators. Participants were PWID residing in Tijuana age ≥18 years sampled from 2011 to 2012 who reported injecting an illicit substance in the past month (n = 735). Latent class analysis identified discrete classes of polydrug use characterised by 11 indicators of past 6 months substance use. Multinomial logistic regression examined class membership association with HIV risk behaviours, overdose and other covariates using an automated three-step procedure in mplus to account for classification error. Participants were classified into five subgroups. Two polydrug and polyroute classes were defined by use of multiple substances through several routes of administration and were primarily distinguished from each other by cocaine use (class 1: 5%) or no cocaine use (class 2: 29%). The other classes consisted primarily of injectors: cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin injection (class 3: 4%); methamphetamine and heroin injection (class 4: 10%); and heroin injection (class 5: 52%). Compared with the heroin-only injection class, memberships in the two polydrug and polyroute use classes were independently associated with both HIV injection and sexual risk behaviours. Substance use patterns among PWID in Tijuana are highly heterogeneous, and polydrug and polyroute users are a high-risk subgroup who may require more tailored prevention and treatment interventions. [Meacham MC, Roesch SC, Strathdee SA, Lindsay S, Gonzalez-Zuniga P, Gaines TL. Latent classes of polydrug and polyroute use and associations with human immunodeficiency virus risk behaviours and overdose among people who inject drugs in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018;37:128-136]. © 2017 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.

Mechanical Weakening during Fluid Injection in Critically Stressed Sandstones with Acoustic Monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

David, C.; Dautriat, J. D.; Sarout, J.; Macault, R.; Bertauld, D.

2014-12-01

Water weakening is a well-known phenomenon which can lead to subsidence during the production of hydrocarbon reservoirs. The example of the Ekofisk oil field in the North Sea has been well documented for years. In order to assess water weakening effects in reservoir rocks, previous studies have focused on changes in the failure envelopes derived from mechanical tests conducted on rocks saturated either with water or with inert fluids. However, little attention has been paid so far on the mechanical behaviour during the fluid injection stage, like in enhanced oil recovery operations. We studied the effect of fluid injection on the mechanical behaviour of Sherwood sandstone, a weakly-consolidated sandstone sampled at Ladram Bay in UK. In order to highlight possible weakening effects, water and inert oil have been injected into critically-loaded samples to assess their effect on strength and elastic properties and to derive the acoustic signature of the saturation front for each fluid. The specimens were instrumented with 16 ultrasonic P-wave transducers for both passive and active acoustic monitoring during fluid injection and loading. After conducting standard triaxial tests on three samples saturated with air, water and oil respectively, mechanical creep tests were conducted on dry samples loaded at 80% of the compressive strength of the dry rock. While these conditions are kept constant, a fluid is injected at the bottom end of the sample with a low back pressure (0.5 MPa) to minimize effective stress variations during injection. Both water and oil were used as the injected pore fluid in two experiments. As soon as the fluids start to flow into the samples, creep is taking place with a much higher strain rate for water injection compared to oil injection. A transition from secondary creep to tertiary creep is observed in the water injection test whereas in the oil injection test no significant creep acceleration is observed after one pore volume of oil was injected. The most remarkable difference is that water injection induces mechanical instability and failure, whereas oil injection does not. This was confirmed by the analysis of acoustic emissions activity and post-mortem sample imaging using CT scan. Contrasting evolutions of the P wave velocity during the fluid front propagation were also observed in both experiments.

Helium ionization detection apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nagai, R.

1984-01-01

In a gas chromatograph apparatus comprising a gas supply (He carrier gas), a sample injection apparatus, a chromatograph column, a He ion detector, and connecting tubes, a foreign gas (other than He) injection apparatus is installed between the sample injection apparatus and the detector. Mixing of the sample gas and foreign gas takes place readily, the sample gas is always maintained at a stable concentrator range, and accurate measurements are possible, especially at low sample gas concentrations.

Planar near-nozzle velocity measurements during a single high-pressure fuel injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlüßler, Raimund; Gürtler, Johannes; Czarske, Jürgen; Fischer, Andreas

2015-09-01

In order to reduce the fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of modern Diesel engines, the high-pressure fuel injections have to be optimized. This requires continuous, time-resolved measurements of the fuel velocity distribution during multiple complete injection cycles, which can provide a deeper understanding of the injection process. However, fuel velocity measurements at high-pressure injection nozzles are a challenging task due to the high velocities of up to 300 m/s, the short injection durations in the range and the high fuel droplet density especially near the nozzle exit. In order to solve these challenges, a fast imaging Doppler global velocimeter with laser frequency modulation (2D-FM-DGV) incorporating a high-speed camera is presented. As a result, continuous planar velocity field measurements are performed with a measurement rate of 200 kHz in the near-nozzle region of a high-pressure Diesel injection. The injection system is operated under atmospheric surrounding conditions with injection pressures up to 1400 bar thereby reaching fuel velocities up to 380 m/s. The measurements over multiple entire injection cycles resolved the spatio-temporal fluctuations of the fuel velocity, which occur especially for low injection pressures. Furthermore, a sudden setback of the velocity at the beginning of the injection is identified for various injection pressures. In conclusion, the fast measurement system enables the investigation of the complete temporal behavior of single injection cycles or a series of it. Since this eliminates the necessity of phase-locked measurements, the proposed measurement approach provides new insights for the analysis of high-pressure injections regarding unsteady phenomena.

The effects of acute multiple intraperitoneal injections of the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen on food intake in rats.

PubMed

Patel, Sunit M; Ebenezer, Ivor S

2008-12-28

This study was undertaken to examine the effects of acute repeated administration of the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen on food intake in rats. In Experiment 1, the effects of repeated intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen (1 and 2 mg/kg) at 2 h intervals were investigated on food intake in non-deprived male Wistar rats. Both doses of baclofen significantly increased food intake after the 1st injection (P<0.05), but had no effects on intake following the 2nd and 3rd injections. By contrast, in Experiment 2, diazepam (1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased food intake (at least, P<0.05) after each of 3 injection separated by 2 h in non-deprived rats. These data show that tolerance occurs to the hyperphagic effects of baclofen with acute multiple injections, and may have important implications for future studies investigating the effects of GABA(B) receptor agonists on food intake and energy homeostasis.

Multiple-orifice liquid injection into hypersonic airstreams and applications to ram C-3 flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weaver, W. L.

1972-01-01

Experimental data are presented for the oblique injection of water and three electrophilic liquids (fluorocarbon compounds) through multiple-orifice nozzles from a flat plate and the sides of a hemisphere-cone (0.375 scale of RAM C spacecraft) into hypersonic airstreams. The nozzle patterns included single and multiple orifices, single rows of nozzles, and duplicates of the RAM C-III nozzles. The flat-plate tests were made at Mach 8. Total pressure was varied from 3.45 MN/m2 to 10.34 MN/m2, Reynolds number was varied form 9,840,000 per meter to 19,700,000 per meter, and liquid injection pressure was varied from 0.69 MN/m2 to 3.5 MN/m2. The hemisphere-cone tests were made at Mach 7.3. Total pressure was varied from 1.38 MN/m2, to 6.89 MN/m2, Reynolds number was varied from 3,540,000 per meter to 17,700,000 per meter, and liquid-injection pressure was varied from 0.34 MN/m2 to 4.14 MN/m2. Photographs of the tests and plots of liquid-penetration and spray cross-section area are presented. Maximum penetration was found to vary as the square root of the dynamic-pressure ratio and the square root of the total injection nozzle area. Spray cross-section area was linear with maximum penetration. The test results are used to compute injection parameters for the RAM C-3 flight injection experiment.

High-throughput flow injection analysis mass spectroscopy with networked delivery of color-rendered results. 2. Three-dimensional spectral mapping of 96-well combinatorial chemistry racks.

PubMed

Görlach, E; Richmond, R; Lewis, I

1998-08-01

For the last two years, the mass spectroscopy section of the Novartis Pharma Research Core Technology group has analyzed tens of thousands of multiple parallel synthesis samples from the Novartis Pharma Combinatorial Chemistry program, using an in-house developed automated high-throughput flow injection analysis electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy system. The electrospray spectra of these samples reflect the many structures present after the cleavage step from the solid support. The overall success of the sequential synthesis is mirrored in the purity of the expected end product, but the partial success of individual synthesis steps is evident in the impurities in the mass spectrum. However this latter reaction information, which is of considerable utility to the combinatorial chemist, is effectively hidden from view by the very large number of analyzed samples. This information is now revealed at the workbench of the combinatorial chemist by a novel three-dimensional display of each rack's complete mass spectral ion current using the in-house RackViewer Visual Basic application. Colorization of "forbidden loss" and "forbidden gas-adduct" zones, normalization to expected monoisotopic molecular weight, colorization of ionization intensity, and sorting by row or column were used in combination to highlight systematic patterns in the mass spectroscopy data.

Further improvement of hydrostatic pressure sample injection for microchip electrophoresis.

PubMed

Luo, Yong; Zhang, Qingquan; Qin, Jianhua; Lin, Bingcheng

2007-12-01

Hydrostatic pressure sample injection method is able to minimize the number of electrodes needed for a microchip electrophoresis process; however, it neither can be applied for electrophoretic DNA sizing, nor can be implemented on the widely used single-cross microchip. This paper presents an injector design that makes the hydrostatic pressure sample injection method suitable for DNA sizing. By introducing an assistant channel into the normal double-cross injector, a rugged DNA sample plug suitable for sizing can be successfully formed within the cross area during the sample loading. This paper also demonstrates that the hydrostatic pressure sample injection can be performed in the single-cross microchip by controlling the radial position of the detection point in the separation channel. Rhodamine 123 and its derivative as model sample were successfully separated.

In vivo liver visualizations with magnetic particle imaging based on the calibration measurement approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dieckhoff, J.; Kaul, M. G.; Mummert, T.; Jung, C.; Salamon, J.; Adam, G.; Knopp, T.; Ludwig, F.; Balceris, C.; Ittrich, H.

2017-05-01

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) facilitates the rapid determination of 3D in vivo magnetic nanoparticle distributions. In this work, liver MPI following intravenous injections of ferucarbotran (Resovist®) was studied. The image reconstruction was based on a calibration measurement, the so called system function. The application of an enhanced system function sample reflecting the particle mobility and aggregation status of ferucarbotran resulted in significantly improved image reconstructions. The finding was supported by characterizations of different ferucarbotran compositions with the magnetorelaxometry and magnetic particle spectroscopy technique. For instance, similar results were obtained between ferucarbotran embedded in freeze-dried mannitol sugar and liver tissue harvested after a ferucarbotran injection. In addition, the combination of multiple shifted measurement patches for a joint reconstruction of the MPI data enlarged the field of view and increased the covering of liver MPI on magnetic resonance images noticeably.

In vivo liver visualizations with magnetic particle imaging based on the calibration measurement approach.

PubMed

Dieckhoff, J; Kaul, M G; Mummert, T; Jung, C; Salamon, J; Adam, G; Knopp, T; Ludwig, F; Balceris, C; Ittrich, H

2017-05-07

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) facilitates the rapid determination of 3D in vivo magnetic nanoparticle distributions. In this work, liver MPI following intravenous injections of ferucarbotran (Resovist ® ) was studied. The image reconstruction was based on a calibration measurement, the so called system function. The application of an enhanced system function sample reflecting the particle mobility and aggregation status of ferucarbotran resulted in significantly improved image reconstructions. The finding was supported by characterizations of different ferucarbotran compositions with the magnetorelaxometry and magnetic particle spectroscopy technique. For instance, similar results were obtained between ferucarbotran embedded in freeze-dried mannitol sugar and liver tissue harvested after a ferucarbotran injection. In addition, the combination of multiple shifted measurement patches for a joint reconstruction of the MPI data enlarged the field of view and increased the covering of liver MPI on magnetic resonance images noticeably.

The ovine fetal endocrine reflex responses to haemorrhage are not mediated by cardiac nerves

PubMed Central

Wood, Charles E

2002-01-01

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that cardiac receptors tonically inhibit the secretion of renin, arginine vasopressin (AVP) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in late-gestation fetal sheep. Eight chronically catheterised fetal sheep between 122 and 134 days gestation were subjected to injection or infusion of saline or 4 % procaine into the pericardial space. Fetal blood pressure and heart rate were monitored and fetal blood samples were drawn to measure the response to these injections. Injection of procaine into the pericardial space effectively blocked cardiac nerves, as evidenced by a reduction in the variability of fetal heart rate and by the blockade of reflex reductions in fetal heart rate after intravenous injection of phenylephrine (an α-adrenergic agonist which raises blood pressure). Injection of saline had no discernable effects on any of the measured variables. A single injection of procaine, followed by a slow infusion, produced a transient blockade of cardiac nerves. Multiple injections of procaine produced a sustained blockade of cardiac nerves and a sustained rise in fetal plasma renin activity and ACTH. In none of the experiments did procaine significantly alter fetal plasma AVP concentrations. In 11 fetuses between 121 and 134 days gestation, we combined the cardiac nerve blockade with slow haemorrhage to test the cardiac nerves as mediators of the endocrine response to haemorrhage in utero. Cardiac nerve blockade exaggerated the fetal blood gas response to haemorrhage somewhat but did not significantly alter the magnitude of the ACTH, AVP, or plasma renin activity response to haemorrhage. We conclude that cardiac nerves in the late-gestation fetal sheep have minor influences on plasma renin activity and ACTH in normovolaemic fetuses, but that changes in cardiac nerve activity do not mediate the endocrine responsiveness to haemorrhage. PMID:12042365

Carmustine

MedlinePlus

... injection is used to treat certain types of brain tumors. Carmustine injection is also used along with prednisone to treat multiple myeloma (a type of cancer of the bone marrow). It is also used ...

Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of intravenous ibuprofen injection in healthy Chinese volunteers: a randomized, open-label, single- and multiple-dose study
.

PubMed

Zhou, Huili; Xu, Wei; Wu, Guolan; Wu, Lihua; Shentu, Jianzhong; Pan, Zhengfei; Hu, Shuai; Liu, Yang

2016-11-01

Recently a formulation of intravenous (IV) ibuprofen was developed in China for management of mild to moderate pain in patients who could not take oral medications or where intravenous administration was preferable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties and tolerability of single and multiple doses of ibuprofen injection in healthy Chinese volunteers. This open-label, single- and multiple-dose study was conducted in healthy Chinese volunteers. In the single-dose phase, subjects were randomized to receive a single dose of ibuprofen injection 0.2, 0.4, or 0.8 g administered as a 30-minute IV infusion with a 1-week washout between periods. Blood samples were collected at regular intervals from 0 to 12.5 hours after drug administration and were analyzed using a validated LC-MS/MS method. In the multiple-dose phase, subjects received 0.4 g ibuprofen every 6 hours for 9 doses. Blood samples were obtained before the 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th administration to determine the C_min at steady state; on the 9^th intravenous administration, blood samples were also collected for 12.5 hours after drug administration. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using a noncompartmental model. Tolerability was determined using clinical evaluation and monitoring of adverse events (AEs). A total of 12 healthy male (n = 6) and female (n = 6) Chinese volunteers were enrolled and completed the trial. After IV administration of single dose, the mean (SD) C_max value increased from 35.77 (6.98) to 117.12 (19.78) µg/mL, and the mean (SD) AUC_0-t value increased from 67.63 (10.30) to 230.50 (33.55) µg×h/mL in the range of 0.2-g to 0.8-g dose. The terminal half-life in plasma was ~ 2.0 hours. After IV administration of 9 doses of ibuprofen 400 mg every 6 hours, the mean (SD) C_max was 66.49 (8.49) µg/mL, the AUC_0-t was 135.65 (26.91) µg×h/mL, the t_1/2 was 2.14 (0.34) hours, the Cl/F was 3.34 (0.68) L/h, and the Vz/F was 10.32 (2.69) L, which were comparable with those after single dosing. The accumulation index was 1.17 (0.06), and the fluctuation was 304.0 (57.7) %. Results of the t-tests of C_max and AUC found no significant differences between the male and female groups. No serious AEs were reported, and there were no discontinuations due to AEs. The pharmacokinetics of ibuprofen exhibited dose-related kinetics from the 0.2- to the 0.8-g dose. After multiple doses, the pharmacokinetic parameters of ibuprofen were consistent with those after single doses. There was no accumulation in ibuprofen exposure in healthy Chinese between multiple doses and single dose. At the doses studied, ibuprofen appeared to be well tolerated in these healthy volunteers.
.

Hybrid wireless-over-fiber transmission system based on multiple injection-locked FP LDs.

PubMed

Li, Chung-Yi; Lu, Hai-Han; Chu, Chien-An; Ying, Cheng-Ling; Lu, Ting-Chien; Peng, Peng-Chun

2015-07-27

A hybrid wireless-over-fiber (WoF) transmission system based on multiple injection-locked Fabry-Perot laser diodes (FP LDs) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Unlike the traditional hybrid WoF transmission systems that require multiple distributed feedback (DFB) LDs to support different kinds of services, the proposed system employs multiple injection-locked FP LDs to provide different kinds of applications. Such a hybrid WoF transmission system delivers downstream intensity-modulated 20-GHz microwave (MW)/60-GHz millimeter-wave (MMW)/550-MHz cable television (CATV) signals and upstream phase-remodulated 20-GHz MW signal. Excellent bit error rate (BER), carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR), composite second-order (CSO), and composite triple-beat (CTB) are observed over a 40-km single-mode fiber (SMF) and a 4-m radio frequency (RF) wireless transport. Such a hybrid WoF transmission system has practical applications for fiber-wireless convergence to provide broadband integrated services, including telecommunication, data communication, and CATV services.

Electrokinetic Sample Preconcentration and Hydrodynamic Sample Injection for Microchip Electrophoresis Using a Pneumatic Microvalve

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

Cong, Yongzheng; Katipamula, Shanta; Geng, Tao

2016-02-01

A microfluidic platform was developed to perform online electrokinetic sample preconcentration and rapid hydrodynamic sample injection for electrophoresis using a single microvalve. The PDMS microchip consists of a separation channel, a side channel for sample introduction, and a control channel which is used as a pneumatic microvalve aligned at the intersection of the two flow channels. The closed microvalve, created by multilayer soft lithography, can serve as a preconcentrator under an applied electric potential, enabling current to pass through while blocking bulk flow. Once analytes are concentrated, the valve is briefly opened and the stacked sample is pressure injected intomore » the separation channel for electrophoretic separation. Fluorescently labeled peptides were enriched by a factor of ~450 in 230 s. The performance of the platform was validated by the online preconcentration, injection and electrophoretic separation of fluorescently labeled peptides. This method enables both rapid analyte concentration and controlled injection volume for high sensitivity, high resolution capillary electrophoresis.« less

A reliable and rapid tool for plasma quantification of 18 psychotropic drugs by ESI tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Vecchione, Gennaro; Casetta, Bruno; Chiapparino, Antonella; Bertolino, Alessandro; Tomaiuolo, Michela; Cappucci, Filomena; Gatta, Raffaella; Margaglione, Maurizio; Grandone, Elvira

2012-01-01

A simple liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method has been developed for simultaneous analysis of 17 basic and one acid psychotropic drugs in human plasma. The method relies on a protein precipitation step for sample preparation and offers high sensitivity, wide linearity without interferences from endogenous matrix components. Chromatography was run on a reversed-phase column with an acetonitrile-H₂O mixture. The quantification of target compounds was performed in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and by switching the ionization polarity within the analytical run. A further sensitivity increase was obtained by implementing the functionality "scheduled multiple reaction monitoring" (sMRM) offered by the recent version of the software package managing the instrument. The overall injection interval was less than 5.5 min. Regression coefficients of the calibration curves and limits of quantification (LOQ) showed a good coverage of over-therapeutic, therapeutic and sub-therapeutic ranges. Recovery rates, measured as percentage of recovery of spiked plasma samples, were ≥ 94%. Precision and accuracy data have been satisfactory for a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) service as for managing plasma samples from patients receiving psycho-pharmacological treatment. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

System and process for pulsed multiple reaction monitoring

DOEpatents

Belov, Mikhail E

2013-05-17

A new pulsed multiple reaction monitoring process and system are disclosed that uses a pulsed ion injection mode for use in conjunction with triple-quadrupole instruments. The pulsed injection mode approach reduces background ion noise at the detector, increases amplitude of the ion signal, and includes a unity duty cycle that provides a significant sensitivity increase for reliable quantitation of proteins/peptides present at attomole levels in highly complex biological mixtures.

First Simulations of Designing Stratospheric Sulfate Aerosol Geoengineering to Meet Multiple Simultaneous Climate Objectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kravitz, Ben; MacMartin, Douglas G.; Mills, Michael J.; Richter, Jadwiga H.; Tilmes, Simone; Lamarque, Jean-Francois; Tribbia, Joseph J.; Vitt, Francis

2017-12-01

We describe the first simulations of stratospheric sulfate aerosol geoengineering using multiple injection locations to meet multiple simultaneous surface temperature objectives. Simulations were performed using CESM1(WACCM), a coupled atmosphere-ocean general circulation model with fully interactive stratospheric chemistry, dynamics (including an internally generated quasi-biennial oscillation), and a sophisticated treatment of sulfate aerosol formation, microphysical growth, and deposition. The objectives are defined as maintaining three temperature features at their 2020 levels against a background of the RCP8.5 scenario over the period 2020-2099. These objectives are met using a feedback mechanism in which the rate of sulfur dioxide injection at each of the four locations is adjusted independently every year of simulation. Even in the presence of uncertainties, nonlinearities, and variability, the objectives are met, predominantly by SO2 injection at 30°N and 30°S. By the last year of simulation, the feedback algorithm calls for a total injection rate of 51 Tg SO2 per year. The injections are not in the tropics, which results in a greater degree of linearity of the surface climate response with injection amount than has been found in many previous studies using injection at the equator. Because the objectives are defined in terms of annual mean temperature, the required geongineering results in "overcooling" during summer and "undercooling" during winter. The hydrological cycle is also suppressed as compared to the reference values corresponding to the year 2020. The demonstration we describe in this study is an important step toward understanding what geoengineering can do and what it cannot do.

Devascularization of Head and Neck Paragangliomas by Direct Percutaneous Embolization

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

Ozyer, Umut, E-mail: umut_ozyer@yahoo.com; Harman, Ali; Yildirim, Erkan

2010-10-15

Preoperative transarterial embolization of head and neck paragangliomas using particulate agents has proven beneficial for decreasing intraoperative blood loss. However, the procedure is often incomplete owing to extensive vascular structure and arteriovenous shunts. We report our experience with embolization of these lesions by means of direct puncture and intratumoral injection of n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) or Onyx. Ten patients aged 32-82 years who were referred for preoperative embolization of seven carotid body tumors and three jugular paragangliomas were retrospectively analyzed. Intratumoral injections were primarily performed in four cases with multiple small-caliber arterial feeders and adjunctive to transarterial embolization in six casesmore » with incomplete devascularization. Punctures were performed under ultrasound and injections were performed under roadmap fluoroscopic guidance. Detailed angiographies were performed before and after embolization procedures. Control angiograms showed complete or near-complete devascularization in all tumors. Three tumors with multiple small-caliber arterial feeders were treated with primary NBCA injections. One tumor necessitated transarterial embolization after primary injection of Onyx. Six tumors showed regional vascularization from the vasa vasorum or small-caliber branches of the external carotid artery following the transarterial approach. These regions were embolized with NBCA injections. No technical or clinical complications related to embolization procedures occurred. All except one of the tumors were surgically removed following embolization. In conclusion, preoperative devascularization with percutaneous direct injection of NBCA or Onyx is feasible, safe, and effective in head and neck paragangliomas with multiple small-caliber arterial feeders and in cases of incomplete devascularization following transarterial embolization.« less

Droplet-size distribution and stability of commercial injectable lipid emulsions containing fish oil.

PubMed

Gallegos, Críspulo; Valencia, Concepción; Partal, Pedro; Franco, José M; Maglio, Omay; Abrahamsson, Malin; Brito-de la Fuente, Edmundo

2012-08-01

The droplet size of commercial fish oil-containing injectable lipid emulsions, including conformance to United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards on fat-globule size, was investigated. A total of 18 batches of three multichamber parenteral products containing the emulsion SMOFlipid as a component were analyzed. Samples from multiple lots of the products were evaluated to determine compliance with standards on the volume-weighted percentage of fat exceeding 0.05% (PFAT(5)) specified in USP chapter 729 to ensure the physical stability of i.v. lipid emulsions. The products were also analyzed to determine the effects of various storage times (3, 6, 9, and 12 months) and storage temperatures (25, 30, and 40 °C) on product stability. Larger-size lipid particles were quantified via single-particle optical sensing (SPOS). The emulsion's droplet-size distribution was determined via laser light scattering. SPOS and light-scattering analysis demonstrated mean PFAT(5) values well below USP-specified globule-size limits for all the tested products under all study conditions. In addition, emulsion aging at any storage temperature in the range studied did not result in a significant increase of PFAT(5) values, and mean droplet-size values did not change significantly during storage of up to 12 months at temperatures of 25-40 °C. PFAT(5) values were below the USP upper limits in SMOFlipid samples from multiple lots of three multichamber products after up to 12 months of storage at 25 or 30 °C or 6 months of storage at 40 °C.

Methane Transmission and Oxidation throughout the Soil Column from Three Central Florida Sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bond-Lamberty, B. P.; Fansler, S.; Becker, K. E.; Hinkle, C. R.; Bailey, V. L.

2015-12-01

When methane (CH4) is generated in anoxic soil sites, it may be subsequently re-oxidized to carbon dioxide (CO2). Understanding the controls on, and magnitudes of, these processes is necessary to accurately represent greenhouse gas production and emission from soils. We used a laboratory incubation to examine the influence of variable conditions on methane transmission and oxidation, and identify critical reaction zones throughout the soil column. Sandy soils were sampled from three different sites at Disney Wilderness Preserve (DWP), Florida, USA: a depression marsh characterized by significant surface organic matter accumulation, a dry pine flatwood site with water intrusion and organic horizon at depth (200+ cm); and an intermediate-drainage site. Contiguous, 30-cm long cores were sampled from N=4 random boreholes at each site, from the surface to the water table (varying from 90 to 240 cm). In the lab, each core was monitored for 50 hours to quantify baseline (pretreatment) gas fluxes before injection with 6 ml CH4 (an amount commensurate with previous field collar measurements) at the base of each core. We then monitored CH4 and CO2 evolution for 100 hours after injection, calculating per-gas and total C evolution. Methane emissions spiked ~10 hours after injection for all cores, peaking at 0.001 μmol/g soil/hr, ~30x larger than pre-injection flux rates. On a C basis, CO2 emissions were orders of magnitude larger, and rose significantly after injection, with elevated rates generally sustained throughout the incubation. Cores from the depression marsh and shallower depths had significantly higher fluxes of both gases. We estimate that 99.1% of the original CH4 injection was oxidized to CO2. These findings suggest either that the methane measured in the field at DWP originates from within a few centimeters of the surface, or that it is produced in much larger quantities deeper in the profile before most is subsequently oxidized. This highlights the need for better understanding and modeling the multiple processes that result in soil-atmosphere CO2 and CH4 fluxes.

Simulated fault injection - A methodology to evaluate fault tolerant microprocessor architectures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Gwan S.; Iyer, Ravishankar K.; Carreno, Victor A.

1990-01-01

A simulation-based fault-injection method for validating fault-tolerant microprocessor architectures is described. The approach uses mixed-mode simulation (electrical/logic analysis), and injects transient errors in run-time to assess the resulting fault impact. As an example, a fault-tolerant architecture which models the digital aspects of a dual-channel real-time jet-engine controller is used. The level of effectiveness of the dual configuration with respect to single and multiple transients is measured. The results indicate 100 percent coverage of single transients. Approximately 12 percent of the multiple transients affect both channels; none result in controller failure since two additional levels of redundancy exist.

Daclizumab Injection

MedlinePlus

... course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS; a disease in which ... injections. Before you use daclizumab yourself the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. ...

Simultaneous analysis of seven oligopeptides in microbial fuel cell by micro-fluidic chip with reflux injection mode.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Wang, Zijian; Lin, Xiuli; Wang, ZongWen; Fu, FengFu

2012-10-15

In this work, a reflux injection mode for the cross form micro-fluidic chip was studied. This injection mode could flexibly control the length of sample plug from less than one channel width (<83 μm) to tens of channel widths (millimeter-sized) by adjusting the injection time. Namely, the separation resolution or sample detection sensitivity could be selectively improved by changing injection time. Composed of four steps, the reflux injection mode alleviated the electrophoretic sampling bias and prevented sample leakage successfully. On a micro-fluidic chip coupled with laser induced fluorescence (LIF) detector, the injection mode was applied to separate seven oligopeptides, namely GG, GL, RPP, KPV, VKK, WYD and YWS. All analytes were completely separated and detected within 12 min with detection limits of 25-625 nmol/L. At last, the proposed method had been successfully applied to detect oligopeptides consumed by bacillus licheniformis in anode chamber of microbial fuel cell (MFC) to study the effect of oligopeptides on the MFC running. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-profiling for biomarker discovery applied to human polycystic ovarian syndrome.

PubMed

Cordeiro, Fernanda B; Ferreira, Christina R; Sobreira, Tiago Jose P; Yannell, Karen E; Jarmusch, Alan K; Cedenho, Agnaldo P; Lo Turco, Edson G; Cooks, R Graham

2017-09-15

We describe multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-profiling, which provides accelerated discovery of discriminating molecular features, and its application to human polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis. The discovery phase of the MRM-profiling seeks molecular features based on some prior knowledge of the chemical functional groups likely to be present in the sample. It does this through use of a limited number of pre-chosen and chemically specific neutral loss and/or precursor ion MS/MS scans. The output of the discovery phase is a set of precursor/product transitions. In the screening phase these MRM transitions are used to interrogate multiple samples (hence the name MRM-profiling). MRM-profiling was applied to follicular fluid samples of 22 controls and 29 clinically diagnosed PCOS patients. Representative samples were delivered by flow injection to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer set to perform a number of pre-chosen and chemically specific neutral loss and/or precursor ion MS/MS scans. The output of this discovery phase was a set of 1012 precursor/product transitions. In the screening phase each individual sample was interrogated for these MRM transitions. Principal component analysis (PCA) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used for statistical analysis. To evaluate the method's performance, half the samples were used to build a classification model (testing set) and half were blinded (validation set). Twenty transitions were used for the classification of the blind samples, most of them (N = 19) showed lower abundances in the PCOS group and corresponded to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylserine (PS) lipids. Agreement of 73% with clinical diagnosis was found when classifying the 26 blind samples. MRM-profiling is a supervised method characterized by its simplicity, speed and the absence of chromatographic separation. It can be used to rapidly isolate discriminating molecules in healthy/disease conditions by tailored screening of signals associated with hundreds of molecules in complex samples. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Influence of high-conductivity buffer composition on field-enhanced sample injection coupled to sweeping in CE.

PubMed

Anres, Philippe; Delaunay, Nathalie; Vial, Jérôme; Thormann, Wolfgang; Gareil, Pierre

2013-02-01

The aim of this work was to clarify the mechanism taking place in field-enhanced sample injection coupled to sweeping and micellar EKC (FESI-Sweep-MEKC), with the utilization of two acidic high-conductivity buffers (HCBs), phosphoric acid or sodium phosphate buffer, in view of maximizing sensitivity enhancements. Using cationic model compounds in acidic media, a chemometric approach and simulations with SIMUL5 were implemented. Experimental design first enabled to identify the significant factors and their potential interactions. Simulation demonstrates the formation of moving boundaries during sample injection, which originate at the initial sample/HCB and HCB/buffer discontinuities and gradually change the compositions of HCB and BGE. With sodium phosphate buffer, the HCB conductivity increased during the injection, leading to a more efficient preconcentration by staking (about 1.6 times) than with phosphoric acid alone, for which conductivity decreased during injection. For the same injection time at constant voltage, however, a lower amount of analytes was injected with sodium phosphate buffer than with phosphoric acid. Consequently sensitivity enhancements were lower for the whole FESI-Sweep-MEKC process. This is why, in order to maximize sensitivity enhancements, it is proposed to work with sodium phosphate buffer as HCB and to use constant current during sample injection. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

40 CFR Table 9 to Subpart Wwww of... - Initial Compliance With Work Practice Standards

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... compression/injection molding uncover, unwrap or expose only one charge per mold cycle per compression/injection molding machine. For machines with multiple molds, one charge means sufficient material to fill... cycle per compression/injection molding machine, or prior to the loader, hoppers are closed except when...

Intimate Partner Violence and HIV Sexual Risk Behaviour Among Women Who Inject Drugs in Indonesia: A Respondent-Driven Sampling Study.

PubMed

Stoicescu, Claudia; Cluver, Lucie D; Spreckelsen, Thees; Casale, Marisa; Sudewo, Anindita Gabriella; Irwanto

2018-06-11

Women who inject drugs are disproportionately affected by HIV and intimate partner violence (IPV); however, the link between IPV and HIV remains under-researched among substance-using women in low- and middle-income countries. This study examined associations and additive effects of different forms of IPV victimization (psychological, physical and/or injurious, and sexual) on HIV sexual risk behavior among women who inject drugs in Indonesia. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit 731 women from Greater Jakarta and Bandung, West Java. RDS-II weighted prevalence of any past-year IPV was 68.9% (95% CI 65.0, 72.6) in Jakarta and 55.9% (95% CI 48.0, 63.5) in Bandung. In separate logistic regressions controlling for socio-demographic covariates, all three forms of IPV showed statistically significant associations with sexual risk behavior. After adjusting for all IPV types, psychological (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.17, 2.99; p = 0.009) and sexual (OR 1.98; 95% CI 1.22, 3.21; p = 0.006) IPV independently predicted women's sexual risk behavior. Marginal effects models suggested that co-occurrence of multiple forms of IPV had greater adverse consequences: sexual risk behavior was reported by 64.1% of women who did not experience any IPV, but increased to 89.9% among women exposed to all three types. Comprehensive harm reduction services that integrate IPV monitoring and prevention are urgently needed to reduce both HIV and IPV.

Multiplex gas chromatography for use in space craft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valentin, J. R.

1985-01-01

Gas chromatography is a powerful technique for the analysis of gaseous mixtures. Some limitations in this technique still exist which can be alleviated with multiplex gas chromatography (MGC). In MGC, rapid multiple sample injections are made into the column without having to wait for one determination to be finished before taking a new sample. The resulting data must then be reduced using computational methods such as cross correlation. In order to efficiently perform multiplexgas chromatography, experiments in the laboratory and on board future space craft, skills, equipment, and computer software were developed. Three new techniques for modulating, i.e., changing, sample concentrations were demonstrated by using desorption, decomposition, and catalytic modulators. In all of them, the need for a separate gas stream as the carrier was avoided by placing the modulator at the head of the column to directly modulate a sample stream. Finally, the analysis of an environmental sample by multiplex chromatography was accomplished by employing silver oxide to catalytically modulate methane in ambient air.

Simultaneous analysis of multiple classes of antimicrobials in environmental water samples using SPE coupled with UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS and isotope dilution.

PubMed

Tran, Ngoc Han; Chen, Hongjie; Do, Thanh Van; Reinhard, Martin; Ngo, Huu Hao; He, Yiliang; Gin, Karina Yew-Hoong

2016-10-01

A robust and sensitive analytical method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of 21 target antimicrobials in different environmental water samples. Both single SPE and tandem SPE cartridge systems were investigated to simultaneously extract multiple classes of antimicrobials. Experimental results showed that good extraction efficiencies (84.5-105.6%) were observed for the vast majority of the target analytes when extraction was performed using the tandem SPE cartridge (SB+HR-X) system under an extraction pH of 3.0. HPLC-MS/MS parameters were optimized for simultaneous analysis of all the target analytes in a single injection. Quantification of target antimicrobials in water samples was accomplished using 15 isotopically labeled internal standards (ILISs), which allowed the efficient compensation of the losses of target analytes during sample preparation and correction of matrix effects during UHPLC-MS/MS as well as instrument fluctuations in MS/MS signal intensity. Method quantification limit (MQL) for most target analytes based on SPE was below 5ng/L for surface waters, 10ng/L for treated wastewater effluents, and 15ng/L for raw wastewater. The method was successfully applied to detect and quantify the occurrence of the target analytes in raw influent, treated effluent and surface water samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Parametric study of injection rates with solenoid injectors in an injection quantity and rate measuring device

DOE PAGES

Busch, Stephen; Miles, Paul C.

2015-03-31

A Moehwald HDA (HDA is a German acronym: Hydraulischer Druckanstieg: hydraulic pressure increase) injection quantity and rate measuring unit is used to investigate injection rates obtained with a fast-acting, preproduction diesel solenoid injector. Experimental parametric variations are performed to determine their impact on measured injection rate traces. A pilot–main injection strategy is investigated for various dwell times; these preproduction injectors can operate with very short dwell times with distinct pilot and main injection events. Dwell influences the main injection rate shape. Furthermore, a comparison between a diesel-like fuel and a gasoline-like fuel shows that injection rates are comparable for amore » single injection but dramatically different for multiple injections with short dwells.« less

Mitoxantrone Injection

MedlinePlus

... how well your heart is working before beginning treatment with mitoxantrone and if you show any signs of heart problems. If you are using mitoxantrone injection for multiple sclerosis (MS; a condition in which the nerves do ...

A Microwave Flow Detector for Gradient Elution Liquid Chromatography.

PubMed

Ye, Duye; Wang, Weizheng; Moline, David; Islam, Md Saiful; Chen, Feng; Wang, Pingshan

2017-10-17

This study presents a microwave flow detector technique for liquid chromatography (LC) application. The detector is based on a tunable microwave interferometer (MIM) with a vector network analyzer (VNA) for signal measurement and a computer for system control. A microstrip-line-based 0.3 μL flow cell is built and incorporated into the MIM. With syringe pump injection, the detector is evaluated by measuring a few common chemicals in DI water at multiple frequencies from 0.98 to 7.09 GHz. Less than 30 ng minimum detectable quantity (MDQ) is demonstrated. An algorithm is provided and used to obtain sample dielectric permittivity at each frequency point. When connected to a commercial HPLC system and injected with a 10 μL aliquot of 10 000 ppm caffeine DI-water solution, the microwave detector yields a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) up to 10 under isocratic and gradient elution operations. The maximum sampling rate is 20 Hz. The measurements show that MIM tuning, aided by a digital tunable attenuator (DTA), can automatically adjust MIM operation to retain detector sensitivity when mobile phase changes. Furthermore, the detector demonstrates a capability to quantify coeluted vitamin E succinate (VES) and vitamin D 3 (VD 3 ).

Fingolimod vs dimethyl fumarate in multiple sclerosis: A real-world propensity score-matched study.

PubMed

Prosperini, Luca; Lucchini, Matteo; Haggiag, Shalom; Bellantonio, Paolo; Bianco, Assunta; Buscarinu, Maria Chiara; Buttari, Fabio; Centonze, Diego; Cortese, Antonio; De Giglio, Laura; Fantozzi, Roberta; Ferraro, Elisabetta; Fornasiero, Arianna; Francia, Ada; Galgani, Simonetta; Gasperini, Claudio; Marfia, Girolama Alessandra; Millefiorini, Enrico; Nociti, Viviana; Pontecorvo, Simona; Pozzilli, Carlo; Ruggieri, Serena; Salvetti, Marco; Sgarlata, Eleonora; Mirabella, Massimiliano

2018-06-06

To directly compare fingolimod (FNG) and dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on no evident disease activity (NEDA) status in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) from 7 multiple sclerosis outpatient clinics in Central Italy. We analyzed data of patients with RRMS who started an oral agent, namely DMF or FNG, either as first treatment (naives) or after switching from self-injectable drugs (switchers). We performed a propensity score (PS)-based nearest-neighbor matching within a caliper of 0.05 to select patients with homogeneous baseline characteristics. Pairwise censoring was adopted to adjust for difference in length of follow-up between the 2 treatment groups. Comparisons were then conducted in matched samples with Cox models (stratified by center) with NEDA-3 as the main outcome. NEDA-3 was defined as no relapses, no disability worsening, and no MRI activity. Overall, 483 and 456 patients eligible for analysis started on FNG and DMF, respectively. The PS-matching procedure retained a total of 550 patients (275 per group). After a median on-study follow-up of 18 months, the proportions of patients with NEDA-3 were similar (FNG 73%, DMF 70%; hazard ratio [HR] 0.74, p = 0.078). Subgroup analyses showed a comparable effectiveness of the 2 drugs in naives (n = 170, HR 1.15, p = 0.689), whereas FNG was superior to DMF in the achievement of NEDA-3 status among switchers (n = 380, HR 0.57, p = 0.007). We found no significant difference between FNG and DMF on NEDA-3 status, while subgroup analyses suggest the superiority of FNG over DMF in patients switching from self-injectable drugs. This study provides Class IV evidence that for patients with RRMS, DMF and FNG have comparable efficacy in treatment-naive patients and that FNG is superior to DMF in patients switching from self-injectable drugs. © 2018 American Academy of Neurology.

Transport of fluorobenzoate tracers in a vegetated hydrologic control volume: 1. Experimental results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Queloz, Pierre; Bertuzzo, Enrico; Carraro, Luca; Botter, Gianluca; Miglietta, Franco; Rao, P. S. C.; Rinaldo, Andrea

2015-04-01

This paper reports about the experimental evidence collected on the transport of five fluorobenzoate tracers injected under controlled conditions in a vegetated hydrologic volume, a large lysimeter (fitted with load cells, sampling ports, and an underground chamber) where two willows prompting large evapotranspiration fluxes had been grown. The relevance of the study lies in the direct and indirect measures of the ways in which hydrologic fluxes, in this case, evapotranspiration from the upper surface and discharge from the bottom drainage, sample water and solutes in storage at different times under variable hydrologic forcings. Methods involve the accurate control of hydrologic inputs and outputs and a large number of suitable chemical analyses of water samples in discharge waters. Mass extraction from biomass has also been performed ex post. The results of the 2 year long experiment established that our initial premises on the tracers' behavior, known to be sorption-free under saturated conditions which we verified in column leaching tests, were unsuitable as large differences in mass recovery appeared. Issues on reactivity thus arose and were addressed in the paper, in this case attributed to microbial degradation and solute plant uptake. Our results suggest previously unknown features of fluorobenzoate compounds as hydrologic tracers, potentially interesting for catchment studies owing to their suitability for distinguishable multiple injections, and an outlook on direct experimental closures of mass balance in hydrologic transport volumes involving fluxes that are likely to sample differently stored water and solutes.

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic study of subcutaneous injection of depot nandrolone decanoate using dried blood spots sampling coupled with ultrapressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assays.

PubMed

Singh, Gurmeet K S; Turner, Leo; Desai, Reena; Jimenez, Mark; Handelsman, David J

2014-07-01

Testosterone (T) and nandrolone (N) esters require deep im injections by medical personnel but these often deposit injectate into sc fat so that more convenient sc self-administration may be feasible. To investigate the feasibility and pharmacology of sc injection of N decanoate in healthy men using dried blood spot (DBS) for frequent blood sampling without clinic visits. Healthy male volunteers received 100 mg N decanoate by a single sc injection. Finger-prick capillary blood was spotted onto filter paper before injection daily at home for 21 d and stored at room temperature. Venous whole blood was also spotted onto filter paper before and weekly for 3 wk after injection. DBS were extracted for assay of N and T by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in a single batch with serum concentrations estimated with adjustment for capillary blood sample volume and hematocrit to define peak (N) or nadir (T) time and concentration from individual daily measurements. Daily serum N peaked 2.50 ± 0.25 (SEM) ng/mL at a median (range) of 6 (4-13) days causing a reduction in serum T from 3.50 ± 0.57 ng/mL at baseline to a nadir of 0.38 ± 0.13 (SEM) ng/mL (89 ± 3% suppression) at a median (range) of 8 (5-16) days. Simultaneously sampled capillary, venous whole blood, and serum gave almost identical results for serum T and N. Finger-pricks and sc injections were well tolerated. This study demonstrates that A) DBS sampling with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry steroid analysis achieves frequent time sampling in the community without requiring clinic visits, venesection, or frozen serum storage, and B) androgen esters in an oil vehicle can be delivered effectively by sc injection, thus avoiding the need for medically supervised deep-im injections.

Neuropathic Pain Following Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra) Injection.

PubMed

Vrcek, Ivan; El-Sawy, Tarek; Chou, Eva; Allen, Theresa; Nakra, Tanuj

Injectable fillers have become a prevalent means of facial rejuvenation and volume expansion. While typically well tolerated, serious complications have been reported. The authors present a case in which an otherwise healthy female with a history of multiple filler injections including poly-L-lactic acid, developed 3 weeks of neuropathic pain in the left temporal fossa following injection. To the best of the authors knowledge, neuropathic pain has not been reported as a complication following poly-L-lactic acid injection. The patient was treated with an injection of steroid and long-acting anesthetic with resolution of symptoms.

Quality investigation of hydroxyprogesterone caproate active pharmaceutical ingredient and injection

PubMed Central

Chollet, John L.; Jozwiakowski, Michael J.

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality of hydroxyprogesterone caproate (HPC) active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) sources that may be used by compounding pharmacies, compared to the FDA-approved source of the API; and to investigate the quality of HPC injection samples obtained from compounding pharmacies in the US, compared to the FDA-approved product (Makena®). Samples of API were obtained from every source confirmed to be an original manufacturer of the drug for human use, which were all companies in China that were not registered with FDA. Eight of the ten API samples (80%) did not meet the impurity specifications required by FDA for the API used in the approved product. One API sample was found to not be HPC at all; additional laboratory testing showed that it was glucose. Thirty samples of HPC injection obtained from com pounding pharmacies throughout the US were also tested, and eight of these samples (27%) failed to meet the potency requirement listed in the USP monograph for HPC injection and/or the HPLC assay. Sixteen of the thirty injection samples (53%) exceeded the impurity limit setforthe FDA-approved drug product. These results confirm the inconsistency of compounded HPC Injections and suggest that the risk-benefit ratio of using an unapproved compounded preparation, when an FDA-approved drug product is available, is not favorable. PMID:22329865

Transport of Perfluorocarbon Tracers in the Cranfield Geological Carbon Sequestration Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moortgat, J.; Soltanian, M. R.; Amooie, M. A.; Cole, D. R.; Graham, D. E.; Pfiffner, S. M.; Phelps, T.

2017-12-01

A field-scale carbon dioxide (CO2) injection pilot project was conducted by the Southeast Regional Sequestration Partnership (SECARB) at Cranfield, Mississippi. Two associated campaigns in 2009 and 2010 were carried out to co-inject perfluorocarbon tracers (PFTs) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) with CO2. Tracers in gas samples from two observation wells were analyzed to construct breakthrough curves. We present the compiled field data as well as detailed numerical modeling of the flow and transport of CO2, brine, and introduced tracers. A high-resolution static model of the formation geology in the Detailed Area Study (DAS) was used in order to capture the impact of connected flow pathways created by fluvial channels on breakthrough curves and breakthrough times of PFTs and SF6 tracers. We use the cubic-plus-association (CPA) equation of state, which takes into account the polar nature of water molecules, to describe the phase behavior of CO2-brine-tracer mixtures. We show how the combination of multiple tracer injection pulses with detailed numerical simulations provide a powerful tool in constraining both formation properties and how complex flow pathways develop over time.

Hormone-injected gravid channel catfish held in individual mesh bag reduces handling stress and improves reproductive performance in hatcheries

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study compared holding hormone-injected female channel catfish in soft-mesh bags to communally held hormone-injected female catfish in a tank as a stress reduction strategy to improve reproductive performance. Fish held in tanks were crowded, handled multiple times to record weight prior to ho...

Interferon Beta-1a Intramuscular Injection

MedlinePlus

... course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS, a disease in which ... interferon beta-1a intramuscular at around the same time of day on your injection days. Follow the ...

BEVACIZUMAB LEVELS IN BREAST MILK AFTER LONG-TERM INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS.

PubMed

McFarland, Trevor J; Rhoads, Andrew D; Hartzell, Matthew; Emerson, Geoffrey G; Bhavsar, Abdhish R; Stout, J Timothy

2015-08-01

The purpose of this study is to determine whether bevacizumab is detectable in the breast milk of nursing mothers. Breast milk samples were collected from 2 patients receiving monthly intravitreal bevacizumab injections for choroidal neovascularization over the course of 16 months. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis was used to determine the levels of bevacizumab in the milk samples. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed using antibodies specific to bevacizumab in which the sensitivity threshold was 3 ng/mL. All breast milk samples assayed from the two patients actively undergoing treatment did not have detectable levels of bevacizumab. Samples collected 1.5 hours and 7 hours after an injection and 2 randomly chosen samples were negative by Western blot analysis. A sensitive assay to detect bevacizumab in breast milk samples assayed suggests that intravitreal injections do not result in detectable bevacizumab in breast milk.

Electrokinetic sample preconcentration and hydrodynamic sample injection for microchip electrophoresis using a pneumatic microvalve.

PubMed

Cong, Yongzheng; Katipamula, Shanta; Geng, Tao; Prost, Spencer A; Tang, Keqi; Kelly, Ryan T

2016-02-01

A microfluidic platform was developed to perform online electrokinetic sample preconcentration and rapid hydrodynamic sample injection for zone electrophoresis using a single microvalve. The polydimethylsiloxane microchip comprises a separation channel, a side channel for sample introduction, and a control channel which is used as a pneumatic microvalve aligned at the intersection of the two flow channels. The closed microvalve, created by multilayer soft lithography, serves as a nanochannel preconcentrator under an applied electric potential, enabling current to pass through while preventing bulk flow. Once analytes are concentrated, the valve is briefly opened and the stacked sample is pressure injected into the separation channel for electrophoretic separation. Fluorescently labeled peptides were enriched by a factor of ∼450 in 230 s. This method enables both rapid analyte concentration and controlled injection volume for high sensitivity, high-resolution CE. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Factors associated with experiences of stigma in a sample of HIV-positive, methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men

PubMed Central

Semple, Shirley J.; Strathdee, Steffanie A.; Zians, Jim; Patterson, Thomas L.

2012-01-01

Background While methamphetamine users report high rates of internalized or self-stigma, few studies have examined experiences of stigma (i.e., stigmatization by others) and its correlates. Methods This study identified correlates of stigma experiences in a sample of 438 HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) who were enrolled in a sexual risk reduction intervention in San Diego, CA. Results Approximately 96% of the sample reported experiences of stigma related to their use of methamphetamine. In multiple regression analysis, experiences of stigma were associated with binge use of methamphetamine, injection drug use, increased anger symptoms, reduced emotional support, and lifetime treatment for methamphetamine use. Conclusions These findings suggest that experiences of stigma are common among methamphetamine users and that interventions to address this type of stigma and its correlates may offer social, psychological, and health benefits to HIV-positive methamphetamine-using MSM. PMID:22572209

Uncertainties in Air Exchange using Continuous-Injection, Long-Term Sampling Tracer-Gas Methods

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

Sherman, Max H.; Walker, Iain S.; Lunden, Melissa M.

2013-12-01

The PerFluorocarbon Tracer (PFT) method is a low-cost approach commonly used for measuring air exchange in buildings using tracer gases. It is a specific application of the more general Continuous-Injection, Long-Term Sampling (CILTS) method. The technique is widely used but there has been little work on understanding the uncertainties (both precision and bias) associated with its use, particularly given that it is typically deployed by untrained or lightly trained people to minimize experimental costs. In this article we will conduct a first-principles error analysis to estimate the uncertainties and then compare that analysis to CILTS measurements that were over-sampled, throughmore » the use of multiple tracers and emitter and sampler distribution patterns, in three houses. We find that the CILTS method can have an overall uncertainty of 10-15percent in ideal circumstances, but that even in highly controlled field experiments done by trained experimenters expected uncertainties are about 20percent. In addition, there are many field conditions (such as open windows) where CILTS is not likely to provide any quantitative data. Even avoiding the worst situations of assumption violations CILTS should be considered as having a something like a ?factor of two? uncertainty for the broad field trials that it is typically used in. We provide guidance on how to deploy CILTS and design the experiment to minimize uncertainties.« less

First Simulations of Designing Stratospheric Sulfate Aerosol Geoengineering to Meet Multiple Simultaneous Climate Objectives: DESIGNING STRATOSPHERIC GEOENGINEERING

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

Kravitz, Ben; MacMartin, Douglas G.; Mills, Michael J.

We describe the first simulations of stratospheric sulfate aerosol geoengineering using multiple injection locations to meet multiple simultaneous surface temperature objectives. Simulations were performed using CESM1(WACCM), a coupled atmosphere-ocean general circulation model with fully interactive stratospheric chemistry, dynamics (including an internally generated quasi-biennial oscillation), and a sophisticated treatment of sulfate aerosol formation, microphysical growth, and deposition. The objectives are defined as maintaining three temperature features at their 2020 levels against a background of the RCP8.5 scenario over the period 2020-2099. These objectives are met using a feedback mechanism in which the rate of sulfur dioxide injection at each of themore » four locations is adjusted independently every year of simulation. Even in the presence of uncertainties, nonlinearities, and variability, the objectives are met, predominantly by SO2 injection at 30°N and 30°S. By the last year of simulation, the feedback algorithm calls for a total injection rate of 51 Tg SO2 per year. The injections are not in the tropics, which results in a greater degree of linearity of the surface climate response with injection amount than has been found in many previous studies using injection at the equator. Because the objectives are defined in terms of annual mean temperature, the required geeongineering results in "overcooling" during summer and "undercooling" during winter. The hydrological cycle is also suppressed as compared to the reference values corresponding to the year 2020. The demonstration we describe in this study is an important step toward understanding what geoengineering can do and what it cannot do.« less

The Climate Response to Stratospheric Aerosol Geoengineering Can Be Tailored Using Multiple Injection Locations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MacMartin, Douglas G.; Kravitz, Ben; Tilmes, Simone; Richter, Jadwiga H.; Mills, Michael J.; Lamarque, Jean-Francois; Tribbia, Joseph J.; Vitt, Francis

2017-12-01

By injecting different amounts of SO2 at multiple different latitudes, the spatial pattern of aerosol optical depth (AOD) can be partially controlled. This leads to the ability to influence the climate response to geoengineering with stratospheric aerosols, providing the potential for design. We use simulations from the fully coupled whole-atmosphere chemistry climate model CESM1(WACCM) to demonstrate that by appropriately combining injection at just four different locations, 30°S, 15°S, 15°N, and 30°N, then three spatial degrees of freedom of AOD can be achieved: an approximately spatially uniform AOD distribution, the relative difference in AOD between Northern and Southern Hemispheres, and the relative AOD in high versus low latitudes. For forcing levels that yield 1-2°C cooling, the AOD and surface temperature response are sufficiently linear in this model so that the response to different combinations of injection at different latitudes can be estimated from single-latitude injection simulations; nonlinearities associated with both aerosol growth and changes to stratospheric circulation will be increasingly important at higher forcing levels. Optimized injection at multiple locations is predicted to improve compensation of CO2-forced climate change relative to a case using only equatorial aerosol injection (which overcools the tropics relative to high latitudes). The additional degrees of freedom can be used, for example, to balance the interhemispheric temperature gradient and the equator to pole temperature gradient in addition to the global mean temperature. Further research is needed to better quantify the impacts of these strategies on changes to long-term temperature, precipitation, and other climate parameters.

Boltzmann sampling for an XY model using a non-degenerate optical parametric oscillator network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeda, Y.; Tamate, S.; Yamamoto, Y.; Takesue, H.; Inagaki, T.; Utsunomiya, S.

2018-01-01

We present an experimental scheme of implementing multiple spins in a classical XY model using a non-degenerate optical parametric oscillator (NOPO) network. We built an NOPO network to simulate a one-dimensional XY Hamiltonian with 5000 spins and externally controllable effective temperatures. The XY spin variables in our scheme are mapped onto the phases of multiple NOPO pulses in a single ring cavity and interactions between XY spins are implemented by mutual injections between NOPOs. We show the steady-state distribution of optical phases of such NOPO pulses is equivalent to the Boltzmann distribution of the corresponding XY model. Estimated effective temperatures converged to the setting values, and the estimated temperatures and the mean energy exhibited good agreement with the numerical simulations of the Langevin dynamics of NOPO phases.

A study for characterization of IgE-mediated cutaneous immediate and late-phase reactions in non-allergic domestic cats.

PubMed

Seals, Shanna L; Kearney, Michael; Del Piero, Fabio; Hammerberg, Bruce; Pucheu-Haston, Cherie M

2014-05-15

Immunoglobulin-E (IgE) mediated reactions can be induced by intradermal injection of anti-IgE antibodies in both humans and dogs. These reactions grossly and histologically mimic changes seen in naturally occurring allergic dermatitis in these species. Similar studies have not been conducted in the cat. Purified polyclonal rabbit-origin IgG specific for canine IgE (anti-IgE) and rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG) were injected intradermally in 7 non-allergic laboratory colony cats. Wheal measurements were obtained and biopsies collected before injection and at injection sites after 20 min, 6, 24, and 48 h. Injection of anti-IgE induced an immediate wheal response which was significantly larger than that seen after injection of rabbit IgG. Anti-IgE injected skin was also significantly thicker than IgG-injected skin. This corresponded with a significant increase in number of visibly degranulated mast cells in anti-IgE samples when compared to IgG samples. Injection of anti-IgE was associated with the rapid recruitment of inflammatory cells to the injected dermis. The number of inflammatory cells and mononuclear cells were significantly elevated after the injection of anti-IgE when compared to IgG-injected skin. Both eosinophils and neutrophils were significantly increased in anti-IgE samples relative to IgG, although neutrophils were only transiently increased. The high eosinophil and relatively low neutrophil cell counts in these samples were consistent with previously documented histologic features of naturally occurring feline allergic skin disease. Immunohistochemistry identified a significantly overall increased CD1a(+) cells after the intradermal injection of anti-IgE when compared to IgG and non-injected skin. CD3(+), CD8(+) and CD4(+) were also significantly increased overall in anti-IgE injected skin relative to IgG injected skin. These data document the gross and cellular response to injection of anti-IgE in the skin of healthy, non-allergic cats and support a possible role for IgE in the development of feline allergic dermatitis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultrasound-guided therapeutic injections for neural pathology about the foot and ankle: a 4 year retrospective review.

PubMed

Walter, William R; Burke, Christopher J; Adler, Ronald S

2017-06-01

To describe a 4-year clinical experience with ultrasound-guided therapeutic perineural injections of peripheral nerves about the foot and ankle. Retrospective analysis of foot and ankle perineural injections performed between January 2012 and August 2016. Demographics, clinical indications, presence of structural pathology, immediate and interval pain relief, as well as complications were recorded. Fifty-nine therapeutic injections were performed among 46 patients, accounting for multiple injections in a single visit or multiple visits [mean age = 43 years (range 18-75), 31 female (67%) and 15 male (33%)]. Most commonly, perineural injections involved the hallux branch of the medial plantar nerve (n = 17, 22%). Least commonly, perineural injections involved the saphenous nerve (n = 3, 4%). Other injections in our series include sural (10), superficial (11) and deep (7) peroneal, medial (5) and lateral (3) plantar nerves, and the posterior tibial nerve (3). Ultrasound evaluation revealed structural abnormality associated with the nerve in 30 cases (51%)-most commonly thickening with perineural scarring (n = 14). Of 45 injections with complete documentation, immediate relief of symptoms was reported in 43 (96%) cases. Interval symptom relief was achieved in 23 injections [short term (n = 12), intermediate (n = 6), and long term (n = 5)] out of 38 for which follow-up was available (61%). Complications are rare, occurring in only one case. Ultrasound-guided perineural injections about the foot and ankle are safe and provide lasting symptomatic relief for many indications. Concomitant sonographic evaluation identifies structural abnormalities that may contribute to neuropathic symptoms, allowing targeting of injection or clinical therapy.

A five year review of the complications of progestogen only injectable contraceptive at the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

PubMed

Ojule, J D; Oriji, V K; Okongwu, C

2010-01-01

The injectable progestogen only contraceptive is a widely accepted method of contraception in our environment and very Iittle has been reported on its complications in our environment. The aim of the study was to highlight the complications associated with use of injectable Medroxyprogesterone Acetate and Norethisterone Enanthate in dients at the University of Part-Harcourt Teachng Hospital, Port-Harcou, south-south Nigeria. It was a 5 rear year retrospective study of the clients who accepted and used progestogen only injectable contraceptives (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate noerthistherone enantate) at the family planning units of the University of Port Horcowt Teaching Hospital between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2004. The case flies of these clients were retrieved and their data extracted. The informolion included the dients sociodemographic characteristics, the types doses of of injectable contraceptives received and the side effects reported at the follow up visits. The data was coded and entered into a data bank and analysed using SPSS for windows 11.0 version. Seven hundred and seventy seven (777) injectable contraceptive acceptors out of the 1720 contraceptive acceptors during the study period. This accounted for 45.17% of the new acceptors over the 5 years period, making the injectable contraceptives the most commonly used method of birth control in UPTH. Five hundred and five (505) clients took depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) while 272 used norethesterone enanthate (NE-ET). The mean age of the injectable contraceptive users was 31.31 +/- 5.5 years and the mean parity was 5.5 +/- 2.5 deliveries. The users reported multiple side effects with 579 episodes. Secondary amenorrhea was the commonest side effect occurring in 350 (45.34%) clients. Others were hypertension in 17 (2.94%) and metabolic disturbances in 14 (2.41%). Injectable progestogen only contraceptive is associated with multiple side effects, with secondary amenorrhoea being the most common. The contraceptive failure rate of this method in our women is low. Injectable progestogen only contraceptive is associated with multiple side effects, with secondary amenorrhoea being the most common. The contraceptive failure rate of this method women is low.

Data on subsurface storage of liquid waste near Pensacola, Florida, 1963-1980

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hull, R.W.; Martin, J.B.

1982-01-01

Since 1963, when industrial waste was first injected into the subsurface in northwest Florida, considerable data have been collected relating to the geochemistry of subsurface waste storage. This report presents hydrogeologic data on two subsurface waste storage. This report presents hydrogeologic data on two subsurface storage systems near Pensacola, Fla., which inject liquid industrial waste through deep wells into a saline aquifer. Injection sites are described giving a history of well construction, injection, and testing; geologic data from cores and grab samples; hydrographs of injection rates, volume, pressure, and water levels; and chemical and physical data from water-quality samples collected from injection and monitor wells. (USGS)

Multiple isotopes (O, C, Li, Sr) as tracers of CO2 and brine leakage from CO2-enhanced oil recovery activities in Permian Basin, Texas, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phan, T. T.; Sharma, S.; Gardiner, J. B.; Thomas, R. B.; Stuckman, M.; Spaulding, R.; Lopano, C. L.; Hakala, A.

2017-12-01

Potential CO2 and brine migration or leakage into shallow groundwater is a critical issue associated with CO2 injection at both enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and carbon sequestration sites. The effectiveness of multiple isotope systems (δ18OH2O, δ13C, δ7Li, 87Sr/86Sr) in monitoring CO2 and brine leakage at a CO2-EOR site located within the Permian basin (Seminole, Texas, USA) was studied. Water samples collected from an oil producing formation (San Andres), a deep groundwater formation (Santa Rosa), and a shallow groundwater aquifer (Ogallala) over a four-year period were analyzed for elemental and isotopic compositions. The absence of any change in δ18OH2O or δ13CDIC values of water in the overlying Ogallala aquifer after CO2 injection indicates that injected CO2 did not leak into this aquifer. The range of Ogallala water δ7Li (13-17‰) overlaps the San Andres water δ7Li (13-15‰) whereas 87Sr/86Sr of Ogallala (0.70792±0.00005) significantly differs from San Andres water (0.70865±0.00003). This observation demonstrates that Sr isotopes are much more sensitive than Li isotopes in tracking brine leakage into shallow groundwater at the studied site. In contrast, deep groundwater δ7Li (21-25‰) is isotopically distinct from San Andres produced water; thus, monitoring this intermitted formation water can provide an early indication of CO2 injection-induced brine migration from the underlying oil producing formation. During water alternating with gas (WAG) operations, a significant shift towards more positive δ13CDIC values was observed in the produced water from several of the San Andres formation wells. The carbon isotope trend suggests that the 13C enriched injected CO2 and formation carbonates became the primary sources of dissolved inorganic carbon in the area surrounding the injection wells. Moreover, one-way ANOVA statistical analysis shows that the differences in δ7Li (F(1,16) = 2.09, p = 0.17) and 87Sr/86Sr (F(1,18) = 4.47, p = 0.05) values of shallow groundwater collected before and during the WAG period are not statistically significant. The results to date suggest that the water chemistry of shallow groundwater has not been influenced by the CO2 injection activities. The efficacy of each isotope system as a monitoring tool will be evaluated and discussed using a Bayesian mixing model.

Stability of penicillin G sodium diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection and stored in polyvinyl chloride bag containers and elastomeric pump containers.

PubMed

Hossain, Mirza Akram; Friciu, Mihaela; Aubin, Sebastien; Leclair, Grégoire

2014-04-15

The stability of penicillin G sodium solutions stored in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags or elastomeric pump containers was studied. Test samples were prepared by diluting powdered penicillin G sodium (10 million units/10-mL vial) to solutions of 2,500 or 50,000 units/mL with 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection. The preparations were transferred to 250-mL PVC bags and elastomeric pump containers. All samples were prepared in triplicate and stored at 5°C. Chemical stability was measured by a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay and by pH evaluation. Particulate matter was evaluated according to compendial standards using a light-obscuration particle count test. Preparations were visually examined throughout the study. After 21 days of storage, all test samples remained chemically stable, with an HPLC assay recovery value of more than 90% of the initial value. After 28 days, all samples prepared with either diluent and stored in PVC bags, as well as the samples diluted to 2,500 units/mL with sodium chloride injection and stored in elastomeric pump containers, did not meet the recovery acceptance limit. For all test samples, the mean pH consistently decreased during storage, from about 6.4 to about 5.5. Particle counts remained acceptable throughout the study, and no change in appearance was observed. Penicillin G for injection (2,500 and 50,000 units/mL) diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection and stored at 5°C in PVC containers or elastomeric pump containers was physically and chemically stable for a period of at least 21 days.

Enhancing resolution of free-flow zone electrophoresis via a simple sheath-flow sample injection.

PubMed

Yang, Ying; Kong, Fan-Zhi; Liu, Ji; Li, Jun-Min; Liu, Xiao-Ping; Li, Guo-Qing; Wang, Ju-Fang; Xiao, Hua; Fan, Liu-Yin; Cao, Cheng-Xi; Li, Shan

2016-07-01

In this work, a simple and novel sheath-flow sample injection method (SFSIM) is introduced to reduce the band broadening of free-flow zone electrophoresis separation in newly developed self-balance free-flow electrophoresis instrument. A needle injector was placed in the center of the separation inlet, into which the BGE and sample solution were pumped simultaneously. BGE formed sheath flow outside the sample stream, resulting in less band broadening related to hydrodynamics and electrodynamics. Hemoglobin and C-phycocyanin were successfully separated by the proposed method in contrast to the poor separation of free-flow electrophoresis with the traditional injection method without sheath flow. About 3.75 times resolution enhancement could be achieved by sheath-flow sample injection method. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fluid injection device for high-pressure systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Copeland, E. J.; Ward, J. B.

1970-01-01

Screw activated device, consisting of a compressor, shielded replaceable ampules, a multiple-element rubber gland, and a specially constructed fluid line fitting, injects measured amounts of fluids into a pressurized system. It is sturdy and easily manipulated.

Passive injection control for microfluidic systems

DOEpatents

Paul, Phillip H.; Arnold, Don W.; Neyer, David W.

2004-12-21

Apparatus for eliminating siphoning, "dead" regions, and fluid concentration gradients in microscale analytical devices. In its most basic embodiment, the present invention affords passive injection control for both electric field-driven and pressure-driven systems by providing additional fluid flow channels or auxiliary channels disposed on either side of a sample separation column. The auxiliary channels are sized such that volumetric fluid flow rate through these channels, while sufficient to move the sample away from the sample injection region in a timely fashion, is less than that through the sample separation channel or chromatograph.

Measurement of density and affinity for dopamine D2 receptors by a single positron emission tomography scan with multiple injections of [11C]raclopride

PubMed Central

Ikoma, Yoko; Watabe, Hiroshi; Hayashi, Takuya; Miyake, Yoshinori; Teramoto, Noboru; Minato, Kotaro; Iida, Hidehiro

2010-01-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) with [11C]raclopride has been used to investigate the density (Bmax) and affinity (Kd) of dopamine D2 receptors related to several neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, in assessing the Bmax and Kd, multiple PET scans are necessary under variable specific activities of administered [11C]raclopride, resulting in a long study period and unexpected physiological variations. In this paper, we have developed a method of multiple-injection graphical analysis (MI-GA) that provides the Bmax and Kd values from a single PET scan with three sequential injections of [11C]raclopride, and we validated the proposed method by performing numerous simulations and PET studies on monkeys. In the simulations, the three-injection protocol was designed according to prior knowledge of the receptor kinetics, and the errors of Bmax and Kd estimated by MI-GA were analyzed. Simulations showed that our method could support the calculation of Bmax and Kd, despite a slight overestimation compared with the true magnitudes. In monkey studies, we could calculate the Bmax and Kd of diseased or normal striatum in a 150 mins scan with the three-injection protocol of [11C]raclopride. Estimated Bmax and Kd values of D2 receptors in normal or partially dopamine-depleted striatum were comparable to the previously reported values. PMID:19904285

Mycobacterium abscessus post-injection abscesses from extrinsic contamination of multiple-dose bottles of normal saline in a rural clinic.

PubMed

Yuan, Jun; Liu, Yufei; Yang, Zhicong; Cai, Yanshan; Deng, Zhiai; Qin, Pengzhe; Li, Tiegang; Dong, Zhiqiang; Yan, Ziqiang; Zhou, Duanhua; Luo, Huiming; Ma, Huilai; Pang, Xinglin; Fontaine, Robert E

2009-09-01

We investigated an outbreak of gluteal abscesses following intramuscular (IM) injections given at a clinic in rural China to identify the causative agent, source, and method of exposure. We defined a case as an abscess that appeared at the site of an injection given since June 1, 2006. We compared case rates by injection route, medication, and diluents. We reviewed injection practices, and cultured abscesses and environmental sites for mycobacteria. From October through December 2006, 5.8% (n=35) of 604 persons who had received injections at the clinic developed a case. All 35 cases occurred in 184 patients (attack rate=19.0%) who had received IM injections with various drugs that had been mixed with normal saline (NS); risk ratio=infinity; p<0.0001. No cases occurred in the absence of NS exposure. We identified Mycobacterium abscessus from eight abscesses and from the clinic water supply, and observed the inappropriate reuse of a 16-gauge needle left in the rubber septum of 100 ml multiple-dose bottles of NS in the clinic. Fourteen percent (n=527) of the 3887 registered residents of this village had been treated with IM drugs over a three-month period, often for minor illnesses. This outbreak of M. abscessus occurred from exposure to extrinsically contaminated NS through improper injection practices. Frequent treatment of minor illnesses with IM injections of antibiotics was likely an important contributing factor to the size of this outbreak.

Superlattice photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical cells

DOEpatents

Nozik, Arthur J.

1987-01-01

A superlattice or multiple-quantum-well semiconductor is used as a photoelectrode in a photoelectrochemical process for converting solar energy into useful fuels or chemicals. The quantum minibands of the superlattice or multiple-quantum-well semiconductor effectively capture hot-charge carriers at or near their discrete quantum energies and deliver them to drive a chemical reaction in an electrolyte. The hot-charge carries can be injected into the electrolyte at or near the various discrete multiple energy levels quantum minibands, or they can be equilibrated among themselves to a hot-carrier pool and then injected into the electrolyte at one average energy that is higher than the lowest quantum band gap in the semiconductor.

Pneumatic Microvalve-Based Hydrodynamic Sample Injection for High-Throughput, Quantitative Zone Electrophoresis in Capillaries

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

A hybrid microchip/capillary electrophoresis (CE) system was developed to allow unbiased and lossless sample loading and high-throughput repeated injections. This new hybrid CE system consists of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microchip sample injector featuring a pneumatic microvalve that separates a sample introduction channel from a short sample loading channel, and a fused-silica capillary separation column that connects seamlessly to the sample loading channel. The sample introduction channel is pressurized such that when the pneumatic microvalve opens briefly, a variable-volume sample plug is introduced into the loading channel. A high voltage for CE separation is continuously applied across the loading channel and the fused-silica capillary separation column. Analytes are rapidly separated in the fused-silica capillary, and following separation, high-sensitivity MS detection is accomplished via a sheathless CE/ESI-MS interface. The performance evaluation of the complete CE/ESI-MS platform demonstrated that reproducible sample injection with well controlled sample plug volumes could be achieved by using the PDMS microchip injector. The absence of band broadening from microchip to capillary indicated a minimum dead volume at the junction. The capabilities of the new CE/ESI-MS platform in performing high-throughput and quantitative sample analyses were demonstrated by the repeated sample injection without interrupting an ongoing separation and a linear dependence of the total analyte ion abundance on the sample plug volume using a mixture of peptide standards. The separation efficiency of the new platform was also evaluated systematically at different sample injection times, flow rates, and CE separation voltages. PMID:24865952

Pneumatic Microvalve-Based Hydrodynamic Sample Injection for High-Throughput, Quantitative Zone Electrophoresis in Capillaries

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

Kelly, Ryan T.; Wang, Chenchen; Rausch, Sarah J.

2014-07-01

A hybrid microchip/capillary CE system was developed to allow unbiased and lossless sample loading and high throughput repeated injections. This new hybrid CE system consists of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchip sample injector featuring a pneumatic microvalve that separates a sample introduction channel from a short sample loading channel and a fused silica capillary separation column that connects seamlessly to the sample loading channel. The sample introduction channel is pressurized such that when the pneumatic microvalve opens briefly, a variable-volume sample plug is introduced into the loading channel. A high voltage for CE separation is continuously applied across the loading channelmore » and the fused silica capillary separation column. Analytes are rapidly separated in the fused silica capillary with high resolution. High sensitivity MS detection after CE separation is accomplished via a sheathless CE/ESI-MS interface. The performance evaluation of the complete CE/ESI-MS platform demonstrated that reproducible sample injection with well controlled sample plug volumes could be achieved by using the PDMS microchip injector. The absence of band broadening from microchip to capillary indicated a minimum dead volume at the junction. The capabilities of the new CE/ESI-MS platform in performing high throughput and quantitative sample analyses were demonstrated by the repeated sample injection without interrupting an ongoing separation and a good linear dependence of the total analyte ion abundance on the sample plug volume using a mixture of peptide standards. The separation efficiency of the new platform was also evaluated systematically at different sample injection times, flow rates and CE separation voltages.« less

The relationship between vascular endothelial dysfunction and treatment frequency in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

PubMed

Ueda-Consolvo, Tomoko; Hayashi, Atsushi; Ozaki, Mayumi; Nakamura, Tomoko; Yagou, Takaaki; Abe, Shinya

2017-07-01

To assess the correlation between endothelial dysfunction and frequency of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). We examined 64 consecutive patients with nAMD who were evaluated for endothelial function by use of peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPAT 2000; Itamar Medical, Caesarea, Israel) at Toyama University Hospital from January 2015. We tallied the number of anti-VEGF treatments between January 2014 and December 2015 and determined the correlation between the number of anti-VEGF injections and endothelial function expressed as the reactive hyperemia index (RHI). Multiple regression analysis was also performed to identify the independent predictors of a larger number of injections. The mean number of anti-VEGF injections was 8.2 ± 3.3. The mean lnRHI was 0.47 ± 0.17. The lnRHI correlated with the number of anti-VEGF injections (r = -0.56; P = 0.030). The multiple regression analysis revealed that endothelial function, neovascular subtypes, and treatment regimens were associated with the number of injections. Endothelial dysfunction may affect the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy. Neovascular subtypes may also predict a larger number of injections.

Surveillance Among Men Who have Sex with Men in the United States: A Comparison of Web-Based and Venue-Based Samples.

PubMed

Chen, Yen-Tyng; Bowles, Kristina; An, Qian; DiNenno, Elizabeth; Finlayson, Teresa; Hoots, Brooke; Paz-Bailey, Gabriela; Wejnert, Cyprian

2018-07-01

Although men who have sex with men (MSM) recruited through web-based and venue-based sampling methods have been compared, no large web-based and venue-based samples using similar survey instruments have been examined in the U.S. This study describes the differences in sociodemographic characteristics and risk behaviors between the 2012 Web-based HIV Behavioral Survey (n = 3221) and 2011 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (n = 9256). Compared with participants in the venue-based sample, participants in the web-based sample were older, less likely to be black or Hispanic, more likely to have higher socioeconomic status, and more likely to have anal sex without a condom with their last male sex partner. Web-based participants were less likely to have multiple male sex partners, ever injected drugs, been tested for HIV in the past 12 months, and received free condoms than venue-based participants. The method for sampling MSM into a behavioral survey should consider the sub-population of MSM to be reached.

Violence, abuse, alcohol and drug use, and sexual behaviors in street children of Greater Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt.

PubMed

Nada, Khaled H; Suliman, El Daw A

2010-07-01

To measure the prevalence of HIV/AIDS risk behaviors and related factors in a large, probability-based sample of boys and girls aged 12-17 years living on the streets of Egypt's largest urban centers of Greater Cairo and Alexandria. Time-location sampling (TLS) was used to recruit a cross-sectional sample of street children. Procedures entailed using key informants and field observation to create a sampling frame of locations at predetermined time intervals of the day, where street children congregate in the two cities, selecting a random sample of time-locations from the complete list, and intercepting children in the selected time-locations to assess eligibility and conduct interviews. Interviews gathered basic demographic information, life events on the street (including violence, abuse, forced sex), sexual and drug use behaviors, and HIV/AIDS knowledge. A total of 857 street children were enrolled in the two cities, with an age, sex, and time-location composition matching the sampling frame. The majority of these children had faced harassment or abuse (93%) typically by police and other street children, had used drugs (62%), and, among the older adolescents, were sexually active (67%). Among the sexually active 15-17-year-olds, most reported multiple partners (54%) and never using condoms (52%). Most girls (53% in Greater Cairo and 90% in Alexandria) had experienced sexual abuse. The majority of street children experienced more than one of these risks. Overlaps with populations at highest risk for HIV were substantial, namely men who have sex with men, commercial sex workers, and injection drug users. Our study using a randomized TLS approach produced a rigorous, diverse, probability-based sample of street children and documented very high levels of multiple concurrent risks. Our findings strongly advocate for multiple services including those addressing HIV and STI prevention and care, substance use, shelters, and sensitization of authorities to the plight of street children in Egypt.

Marker retention in the cochlea following injections through the round window membrane

PubMed Central

Salt, Alec N.; Sirjani, Davud B.; Hartsock, Jared J.; Gill, Ruth M.; Plontke, Stefan K.

2007-01-01

Local delivery of drugs to the inner ear is increasingly being used in both clinical and experimental studies. Although direct injection of drugs into perilymph appears to be the most promising way of administering drugs quantitatively, no studies have yet demonstrated the pharmacokinetics in perilymph following direct injections. In this study, we have investigated the retention of substance in perilymph following a single injection into the basal turn of scala tympani (ST). The substance injected was a marker, trimethylphenylammonium (TMPA) that can be detected in low concentrations with ion-selective microelectrodes. Perilymph pharmacokinetics of TMPA was assessed using sequential apical sampling to obtain perilymph for analysis. The amount of TMPA retained in perilymph was compared for different injection and sampling protocols. TMPA concentrations measured in fluid samples were close to those predicted by simulations when the injection pipette was sealed into the bony wall of ST but were systematically lower when the injection pipette was inserted through the round window membrane (RWM). In the latter condition it was estimated that over 60% of the injected TMPA was lost due to leakage of perilymph around the injection pipette at a rate estimated to be 0.09 μL/min. The effects of leakage during and after injections through the RWM were dramatically reduced when the round window niche was filled with 1% sodium hyaluronate gel before penetrating the RWM with the injection pipette. The findings demonstrate that in order to perform quantitative drug injections into perilymph, even small rates of fluid leakage at the injection site must be controlled. PMID:17662546

The risks of epidural and transforaminal steroid injections in the Spine: Commentary and a comprehensive review of the literature

PubMed Central

Epstein, Nancy E.

2013-01-01

Background: Multiple type of spinal injections, whether epidural/translaminar or transforaminal, facet injections, are offered to patients with/without surgical spinal lesions by pain management specialists (radiologists, physiatrists, and anesthesiologists). Although not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), injections are being performed with an increased frequency (160%), are typically short-acting and ineffective over the longer-term, while exposing patients to major risks/complications. Methods: For many patients with spinal pain alone and no surgical lesions, the “success” of epidural injections may simply reflect the self-limited course of the disease. Alternatively, although those with surgical pathology may experience transient or no pain relief, undergoing these injections (typically administered in a series of three) unnecessarily exposes them to the inherent risks, while also delaying surgery and potentially exposing them to more severe/permanent neurological deficits. Results: Multiple recent reports cite contaminated epidural steroid injections resulting in meningitis, stroke, paralysis, and death. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) specifically identified 25 deaths (many due to Aspergillosis), 337 patients sickened, and 14,000 exposed to contaminated steroids. Nevertheless, many other patients develop other complications that go unreported/underreported: Other life-threatening infections, spinal fluid leaks (0.4-6%), positional headaches (28%), adhesive arachnoiditis (6-16%), hydrocephalus, air embolism, urinary retention, allergic reactions, intravascular injections (7.9-11.6%), stroke, blindness, neurological deficits/paralysis, hematomas, seizures, and death. Conclusions: Although the benefits for epidural steroid injections may include transient pain relief for those with/without surgical disease, the multitude of risks attributed to these injections outweighs the benefits. PMID:23646278

Fibrosarcomas at presumed sites of injection in dogs: characteristics and comparison with non-vaccination site fibrosarcomas and feline post-vaccinal fibrosarcomas.

PubMed

Vascellari, M; Melchiotti, E; Bozza, M A; Mutinelli, F

2003-08-01

Fifteen fibrosarcomas, surgically excised from presumed sites of injection in dogs, and 10 canine fibrosarcomas excised from sites not used for injection were histologically and immunohistochemically compared with 20 feline post-vaccinal fibrosarcomas. Canine fibrosarcomas from presumed injection sites were of grade I (3), of grade II (4) and grade III (8). Two fibrosarcomas from non-injection sites were of grade I, four of grade II and four of grade III. Feline samples were classified as grade I (2), grade II (4) and grade III (14). All fibrosarcomas from presumed injection sites of both species showed lymphocytic inflammatory infiltration located at the tumour periphery, while two canine fibrosarcomas from non-injection sites showed perivascular inflammatory infiltration within the neoplasm. All samples were immunohistochemically examined for vimentin, smooth muscle actin, muscle specific actin and desmin expression. All tumours were positive for vimentin. Ten canine fibrosarcomas from presumed injection sites and all feline samples contained cells consistent with a myofibroblastic immunophenotype. Aluminium deposits were detected in eight canine fibrosarcomas from presumed injection sites and 11 feline post-vaccinal fibrosarcomas by the aurintricarboxylic acid method. The present study identifies distinct similarities between canine fibrosarcomas from presumed injection sites and feline post-vaccinal fibrosarcomas, suggesting the possibility of the development of post-injection sarcomas not only in cats, but also in dogs.

Comparative study on treatment satisfaction and health perception in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus on multiple daily injection of insulin, insulin pump and sensor-augmented pump therapy.

PubMed

Hussain, Tara; Akle, Mariette; Nagelkerke, Nico; Deeb, Asma

2017-01-01

Diabetes management imposes considerable demands on patients. Treatment method used has an impact on treatment satisfaction. We aim to examine the relationship between treatment satisfaction and health perception with the method used for treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents. We have interviewed patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus using questionnaires to assess treatment satisfaction and health perception. Patients were divided into three groups based on treatment used: multiple daily injection, insulin pump and sensor-augmented pump therapy. Comparison of scores was done between the groups. A total of 72 patients were enrolled (36 males). Mean age (standard deviation) was 11.4 (4.4) years and duration of diabetes of 4.9 (3.5) years. Mean (standard deviation) HbA1c was 8.1 (1.2). Median (range) duration of sensor use was 17.7 (3-30) days/month. Mean scale for treatment satisfaction and health perception questions was 25.3, 29.7 and 31.7 and 60, 79.7 and 81 for the multiple daily injection, pump and sensor-augmented pump, respectively (p = 0.00). Significant difference was seen between the multiple daily injection and both other groups. Sensor-augmented pump group scored higher than the pump group. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Duration of sensor use showed no correlation with treatment satisfaction. The method used for diabetes treatment has an impact on patients' satisfaction and health perception in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Insulin pump users have a higher treatment satisfaction and better health perception than those on multiple daily injection. Augmenting pump therapy with sensor use adds value to treatment satisfaction without correlation with the duration of the sensors use.

Inflammatory responses to neutral fat and fatty acids in multiple organs in a rat model of fat embolism syndrome.

PubMed

Takada, Meri; Chiba, Shoetsu; Nagai, Tomonori; Takeshita, Hiroshi; Kanno, Sanae; Ikawa, Toru; Sakamoto, Kana; Sagi, Morihisa; Ichiba, Kazue; Mukai, Toshiji

2015-09-01

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) is a common complication of long bone fractures. FES is rare but with significant morbidity and occasional fatalities. Studies of animal models of FES are numerous; however, few studies compare inflammatory reactions in multiple organs. The present study investigated the effect of neutral fat and fatty acids, which cause changes in multiple organs and induce FES. Using rats we evaluated the ratio of lung-to-body weight and conducted histological analyses and quantitative analysis of inflammatory cytokine mRNAs in the lungs following intravenous administration of neutral fat or fatty acids. Neutral fat increased the ratio of lung-to-body weight, and neutral fat formed emboli in lung capillaries. The levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the lungs increased after injection of neutral fat and oleic acid. Analysis of the histologic changes revealed that the highest numbers of fat droplets, occluding the capillaries of the lungs, kidney, heart, and brain formed 12h after the injection of neutral fat and fat droplets gradually diminished 48h later. Fat droplets were not detected in any organs after the injection of oleic acid. IL-1β and TNF-α levels in the lungs were elevated 9-24h after the injection of neutral fat, although IL-6 levels peaked at 6h. After injection of oleic acid, peak levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were detected at 6h, and IL-6 again increased in all organs and plasma at 15h. Neutral fat, but not fatty acids, formed emboli in the capillaries of multiple organs. These findings suggest that neutral fat increased inflammatory cytokine levels by forming emboli in organ capillaries, particularly in the lungs, while oleic acid augmented inflammatory cytokine levels by stimulating endothelial cells of multiple organs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sacroiliac Joint Interventions.

PubMed

Soto Quijano, David A; Otero Loperena, Eduardo

2018-02-01

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is an important cause of lower back problems. Multiple SIJ injection techniques have been proposed over the years to help in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. However, the SIJ innervation is complex and variable, and truly intra-articular injections are sometimes difficult to obtain. Different sacroiliac joint injections have shown to provide pain relief in patients suffering this ailment. Various techniques for intraarticular injections, sacral branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation, both fluoroscopy guided and ultrasound guided are discussed in this paper. Less common techniques like prolotherapy, platelet rich plasma injections and botulism toxin injections are also discussed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Multiple collagenase injections are safe for treatment of Dupuytren's contractures.

PubMed

Gajendran, Varun K; Hentz, Vincent; Kenney, Deborah; Curtin, Catherine M

2014-07-01

The authors report the case of a 65-year-old, right-hand-dominant man who had severe Dupuytren's disease with multiple cords and flexion contractures of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of both hands and underwent repeated collagenase injections for treatment. Collagenase has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of Dupuytren's contractures when administered as a single dose, but the results of multiple injections over a prolonged period are unknown. Antibodies to collagenase develop in all patients after several treatments, raising concerns about safety and efficacy as a result of sensitization from repeated exposures. The antibodies generated as a result of repeated exposure to collagenase could theoretically render it less effective with time and could also lead to immune reactions as severe as anaphylaxis. The authors present the case of a single patient who experienced continued correction of his contractures with only minor and self-limited adverse reactions after administration of 12 collagenase doses through 15 injections during a 4-year period. Over time, the injections continued to be effective at correcting metacarpophalangeal joint contractures, but less effective at correcting proximal interphalangeal joint contractures. The patient did eventually require a fasciectomy, but the safety and modest success of the repeated collagenase injections shows promise for a less invasive treatment with a better risk profile than open fasciectomy. Although further studies are needed, repeated administration of collagenase appears to be safe and modestly effective for severe Dupuytren's contractures, although a fasciectomy may ultimately be required in the most severe cases. Copyright 2014, SLACK Incorporated.

Rapid assessment of injection practices in Cambodia, 2002

PubMed Central

Vong, Sirenda; Perz, Joseph F; Sok, Srun; Som, Seiharath; Goldstein, Susan; Hutin, Yvan; Tulloch, James

2005-01-01

Background Injection overuse and unsafe injection practices facilitate transmission of bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Anecdotal reports of unsafe and unnecessary therapeutic injections and the high prevalence of HBV (8.0%), HCV (6.5%), and HIV (2.6%) infection in Cambodia have raised concern over injection safety. To estimate the magnitude and patterns of such practices, a rapid assessment of injection practices was conducted. Methods We surveyed a random sample of the general population in Takeo Province and convenience samples of prescribers and injection providers in Takeo Province and Phnom Penh city regarding injection-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Injection providers were observed administering injections. Data were collected using standardized methods adapted from the World Health Organization safe injection assessment guidelines. Results Among the general population sample (n = 500), the overall injection rate was 5.9 injections per person-year, with 40% of participants reporting receipt of ≥ 1 injection during the previous 6 months. Therapeutic injections, intravenous infusions, and immunizations accounted for 74%, 16% and 10% of injections, respectively. The majority (>85%) of injections were received in the private sector. All participants who recalled their last injection reported the injection was administered with a newly opened disposable syringe and needle. Prescribers (n = 60) reported that 47% of the total prescriptions they wrote included a therapeutic injection or infusion. Among injection providers (n = 60), 58% recapped the syringe after use and 13% did not dispose of the used needle and syringe appropriately. Over half (53%) of the providers reported a needlestick injury during the previous 12 months. Ninety percent of prescribers and injection providers were aware HBV, HCV, and HIV were transmitted through unsafe injection practices. Knowledge of HIV transmission through "dirty" syringes among the general population was also high (95%). Conclusion Our data suggest that Cambodia has one of the world's highest rates of overall injection usage, despite general awareness of associated infection risks. Although there was little evidence of reuse of needles and syringes, support is needed for interventions to address injection overuse, healthcare worker safety and appropriate waste disposal. PMID:15929800

Drug use and sexual behavior: the multiple HIV vulnerabilities of men and women who inject drugs in Kumasi, Ghana.

PubMed

Messersmith, Lisa J; Adjei, Rose; Beard, Jennifer; Agyarko-Poku, Thomas; Wondergem, Peter; Falconer, Ariel; Sabin, Lora; Adu-Sarkodie, Yaw

2015-03-01

Recent evidence suggests that injecting drug use presents a new challenge to HIV prevention in West Africa. Very little is known about the HIV vulnerability of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Ghana, and no HIV prevention efforts are currently targeting PWID. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 30 (20 men and 10 women) PWID to participate in in-depth interviews in Kumasi, Ghana. Transcripts were coded and analyzed by theme. Half the men and more than half the women in this study reported sharing needles/syringes (N/S); most shared a common mixing container; and all said they shared N/S with intimate partners. Some PWID who said that they do not share N/S with other PWID, also said they routinely use N/S that they find on the ground at injecting sites or in the hospital dumpster. Nearly, all the women (9/10) and more than half the men (12/20) were currently sexually active; most had more than 1 partner in the last 6 months, but very few reported condom use. Three women said they exchanged sex for money and 3 men reported buying sex in the last year. Several PWID had no knowledge of HIV transmission through injecting. PWID in Kumasi are highly vulnerable to HIV because of N/S sharing and reuse, lack of condom use, low knowledge of HIV transmission, and lack of services. Program and policy recommendations include N/S and condom distribution, peer education, opioid substitution therapy, and training of health providers, police, and pharmacy staff.

Estimation of the standardized risk difference and ratio in a competing risks framework: application to injection drug use and progression to AIDS after initiation of antiretroviral therapy.

PubMed

Cole, Stephen R; Lau, Bryan; Eron, Joseph J; Brookhart, M Alan; Kitahata, Mari M; Martin, Jeffrey N; Mathews, William C; Mugavero, Michael J

2015-02-15

There are few published examples of absolute risk estimated from epidemiologic data subject to censoring and competing risks with adjustment for multiple confounders. We present an example estimating the effect of injection drug use on 6-year risk of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) after initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy between 1998 and 2012 in an 8-site US cohort study with death before AIDS as a competing risk. We estimate the risk standardized to the total study sample by combining inverse probability weights with the cumulative incidence function; estimates of precision are obtained by bootstrap. In 7,182 patients (83% male, 33% African American, median age of 38 years), we observed 6-year standardized AIDS risks of 16.75% among 1,143 injection drug users and 12.08% among 6,039 nonusers, yielding a standardized risk difference of 4.68 (95% confidence interval: 1.27, 8.08) and a standardized risk ratio of 1.39 (95% confidence interval: 1.12, 1.72). Results may be sensitive to the assumptions of exposure-version irrelevance, no measurement bias, and no unmeasured confounding. These limitations suggest that results be replicated with refined measurements of injection drug use. Nevertheless, estimating the standardized risk difference and ratio is straightforward, and injection drug use appears to increase the risk of AIDS. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Use of Botulinum Neurotoxin Injections to Treat Spasticity

MedlinePlus

... walking. These problems, called spasticity, are common in cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and spinal ... How does BoNT control spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP)? There is strong evidence that BoNT injections ...

ON THE INJECTION OF HELICITY BY THE SHEARING MOTION OF FLUXES IN RELATION TO FLARES AND CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS

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

Vemareddy, P.; Ambastha, A.; Maurya, R. A.

An investigation of helicity injection by photospheric shear motions is carried out for two active regions (ARs), NOAA 11158 and 11166, using line-of-sight magnetic field observations obtained from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory. We derived the horizontal velocities in the ARs from the differential affine velocity estimator (DAVE) technique. Persistent strong shear motions at maximum velocities in the range of 0.6-0.9 km s{sup -1} along the magnetic polarity inversion line and outward flows from the peripheral regions of the sunspots were observed in the two ARs. The helicities injected in NOAA 11158 and 11166more » during their six-day evolution period were estimated as 14.16 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 42} Mx{sup 2} and 9.5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 42} Mx{sup 2}, respectively. The estimated injection rates decreased up to 13% by increasing the time interval between the magnetograms from 12 minutes to 36 minutes, and increased up to 9% by decreasing the DAVE window size from 21 Multiplication-Sign 18 to 9 Multiplication-Sign 6 pixel{sup 2}, resulting in 10% variation in the accumulated helicity. In both ARs, the flare-prone regions (R2) had inhomogeneous helicity flux distribution with mixed helicities of both signs and coronal mass ejection (CME) prone regions had almost homogeneous distribution of helicity flux dominated by a single sign. The temporal profiles of helicity injection showed impulsive variations during some flares/CMEs due to negative helicity injection into the dominant region of positive helicity flux. A quantitative analysis reveals a marginally significant association of helicity flux with CMEs but not flares in AR 11158, while for the AR 11166, we find a marginally significant association of helicity flux with flares but not CMEs, providing evidence of the role of helicity injection at localized sites of the events. These short-term variations of helicity flux are further discussed in view of possible flare-related effects. This study suggests that flux motions and spatial distribution of helicity injection are important to understanding the complex nature of the magnetic flux system of the AR, and how it can lead to conditions favorable for eruptive events.« less

A stream-based methane monitoring approach for evaluating groundwater impacts associated with unconventional gas development.

PubMed

Heilweil, Victor M; Stolp, Bert J; Kimball, Briant A; Susong, David D; Marston, Thomas M; Gardner, Philip M

2013-01-01

Gaining streams can provide an integrated signal of relatively large groundwater capture areas. In contrast to the point-specific nature of monitoring wells, gaining streams coalesce multiple flow paths. Impacts on groundwater quality from unconventional gas development may be evaluated at the watershed scale by the sampling of dissolved methane (CH4 ) along such streams. This paper describes a method for using stream CH4 concentrations, along with measurements of groundwater inflow and gas transfer velocity interpreted by 1-D stream transport modeling, to determine groundwater methane fluxes. While dissolved ionic tracers remain in the stream for long distances, the persistence of methane is not well documented. To test this method and evaluate CH4 persistence in a stream, a combined bromide (Br) and CH4 tracer injection was conducted on Nine-Mile Creek, a gaining stream in a gas development area in central Utah. A 35% gain in streamflow was determined from dilution of the Br tracer. The injected CH4 resulted in a fivefold increase in stream CH4 immediately below the injection site. CH4 and δ(13) CCH4 sampling showed it was not immediately lost to the atmosphere, but remained in the stream for more than 2000 m. A 1-D stream transport model simulating the decline in CH4 yielded an apparent gas transfer velocity of 4.5 m/d, describing the rate of loss to the atmosphere (possibly including some microbial consumption). The transport model was then calibrated to background stream CH4 in Nine-Mile Creek (prior to CH4 injection) in order to evaluate groundwater CH4 contributions. The total estimated CH4 load discharging to the stream along the study reach was 190 g/d, although using geochemical fingerprinting to determine its source was beyond the scope of the current study. This demonstrates the utility of stream-gas sampling as a reconnaissance tool for evaluating both natural and anthropogenic CH4 leakage from gas reservoirs into groundwater and surface water. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Cost savings of home bortezomib injection in patients with multiple myeloma treated by a combination care in Outpatient Hospital and Hospital care at Home.

PubMed

Touati, Mohamed; Lamarsalle, Ludovic; Moreau, Stéphane; Vergnenègre, Françoise; Lefort, Sophie; Brillat, Catherine; Jeannet, Laetitia; Lagarde, Aline; Daulange, Annick; Jaccard, Arnaud; Vergnenègre, Alain; Bordessoule, Dominique

2016-12-01

At home injectable chemotherapy for patients receiving treatment for hematological diseases is still in debate. Given the expense of new innovative medicines, at home treatment has been proposed as a suitable option for improving patient quality of life and decreasing treatment costs. We decided to assess the cost of bortezomib administration in France among multiple myeloma patients from an economic standpoint. Patients in this study were treated within a regional hematological network combining outpatient hospital care and Hospital care at Home administration. To make the cost comparison, our team simulated outpatient hospital care expenses. Fifty-four consecutive multiple myeloma patients who received at least one injection of bortezomib in Hospital care at Home from January 2009 to December 2011 were included in the study. The median number of injections was 12 (range 1-44) at home and 6 (range 0-30) in the outpatient care unit. When compared with the cost simulation of outpatient hospital care alone, bortezomib administration with combined care was significantly less expensive for the National Health Insurance (NHI) budget. The mean total cost per patient and per injection was 954.20 € for combined outpatient and Hospital care at Home vs 1143.42 € for outpatient hospital care alone. This resulted in an estimated 16.5 % cost saving (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.0001). The greatest savings were observed in administration costs (37.5 % less) and transportation costs (68.1 % less). This study reflects results for a regionally implemented program for multiple myeloma patients treated with bortezomib in routine practice in a large rural area.

A microfluidic system with integrated molecular imprinting polymer films for surface plasmon resonance detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Shih-Chiang; Lee, Gwo-Bin; Chien, Fan-Ching; Chen, Shean-Jen; Chen, Wen-Janq; Yang, Ming-Chang

2006-07-01

This paper presents a novel microfluidic system with integrated molecular imprinting polymer (MIP) films designed for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensing of multiple nanoscale biomolecules. The innovative microfluidic chip uses pneumatic microvalves and micropumps to transport a precise amount of the biosample through multiple microchannels to sensing regions containing the locally spin-coated MIP films. The signals of SPR biosensing are basically proportional to the number of molecules adsorbed on the MIP films. Hence, a precise control of flow rates inside microchannels is important to determine the adsorption amount of the molecules in the SPR/MIP chips. The integration of micropumps and microvalves can automate the sample introduction process and precisely control the amount of the sample injection to the microfluidic system. The proposed biochip enables the label-free biosensing of biomolecules in an automatic format, and provides a highly sensitive, highly specific and high-throughput detection performance. Three samples, i.e. progesterone, cholesterol and testosterone, are successfully detected using the developed system. The experimental results show that the proposed SPR/MIP microfluidic chip provides a comparable sensitivity to that of large-scale SPR techniques, but with reduced sample consumption and an automatic format. As such, the developed biochip has significant potential for a wide variety of nanoscale biosensing applications. The preliminary results of the current paper were presented at Transducers 2005, Seoul, Korea, 5-9 June 2005.

Hypercalcemia in a bodybuilder with cosmetic silicone injections.

PubMed

Hamadeh, Majdi; Fares, Jawad; Maatouk, Khalil; Darwish, Mohamad

2018-04-13

Granulomatous hypercalcemia due to silicone injections is a rare disease with scarce literature. We present a case of a 35-year-old Caucasian male bodybuilder with multiple silicone injections in his upper extremities who developed hypercalcemia and urinary symptoms. He necessitated two sessions of dialysis. A biopsy of the upper arm showed granulomatous tissue. Corticosteroids were administered to relieve symptoms and reverse laboratory abnormalities. Silicone-induced hypercalcemia should be on high alert because of the increasing trend of body contour enhancements with injections, implants and fillers.

An Innovative Rapid Method for Analysis of 10 Organophosphorus Pesticide Residues in Wheat by HS-SPME-GC-FPD/MSD.

PubMed

Du, Xin; Ren, YongLin; Beckett, Stephen J

2016-01-01

The rapid detection of pesticide residues in wheat has become a top food security priority. A solvent-free headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) has been evaluated for rapid screening of organophosphorus pesticide (OPP) residues in wheat with high sensitivity. Individual wheat samples (1.7 g), spiked with 10 OPPs, were placed in a 4 mL sealed amber glass vial and heated at 60°C for 45 min. During this time, the OPP residues were extracted with a 50 μm/30 μm divinylbenzene (DVB)/carboxen (CAR)/plasma desorption mass spectroscopy polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fiber from the headspace above the sample. The fiber was then removed and injected into the GC injection port at 250°C for desorption of the extracted chemicals. The multiple residues were identified by a GC mass spectrometer detector (GC-MSD) and quantified with a GC flame photometric detector (GC-FPD). Seven spiked levels of 10 OPPs on wheat were analyzed. The GC responses for a 50 μm/30 μm DVB/CAR/PDMS fiber increased with increasing spiking levels, yielding significant (R(2) > 0.98) linear regressions. The lowest LODs of the multiple pesticide standards were evaluated under the conditions of the validation study in a range of levels from 0 (control) to 100 ng of pesticide residue per g of wheat that separated on a low-polar GC capillary column (Agilent DB-35UI). The results of the HS-SPME method were compared with the QuEChERS AOAC 2007.01 method and they showed several advantages over the latter. These included improved sensitivity, selectivity, and simplicity.

Effects of large volume injection of aliphatic alcohols as sample diluents on the retention of low hydrophobic solutes in reversed-phase liquid chromatography.

PubMed

David, Victor; Galaon, Toma; Aboul-Enein, Hassan Y

2014-01-03

Recent studies showed that injection of large volume of hydrophobic solvents used as sample diluents could be applied in reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC). This study reports a systematic research focused on the influence of a series of aliphatic alcohols (from methanol to 1-octanol) on the retention process in RP-LC, when large volumes of sample are injected on the column. Several model analytes with low hydrophobic character were studied by RP-LC process, for mobile phases containing methanol or acetonitrile as organic modifiers in different proportions with aqueous component. It was found that starting with 1-butanol, the aliphatic alcohols can be used as sample solvents and they can be injected in high volumes, but they may influence the retention factor and peak shape of the dissolved solutes. The dependence of the retention factor of the studied analytes on the injection volume of these alcohols is linear, with a decrease of its value as the sample volume is increased. The retention process in case of injecting up to 200μL of upper alcohols is dependent also on the content of the organic modifier (methanol or acetonitrile) in mobile phase. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)-Polyethylene glycol (PEG) as injectable hydrogel for intervertebral disc degeneration patients therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putri Kwarta, Cityta; Widiyanti, Prihartini; Siswanto

2017-05-01

Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) is one health problem that is often encountered in a community. Inject-able hydrogels are the newest way to restore the disc thickness and hydration caused by disc degeneration by means of minimally invasive surgery. Thus, polymers can be combined to improve the characteristic properties of inject-able hydrogels, leading to use of Hyaluronic Acid (a natural polymer) and Polyethylene glycol (PEG) with Horse Radish Peroxide (HRP) cross linker enzymes. The swelling test results, which approaches were the ideal disc values, were sampled with variation of enzyme concentrations of 0.25 µmol/min/mL. The enzyme concentrations were 33.95%. The degradation test proved that the sample degradation increased along with the decrease of the HRP enzyme concentration. The results of the cytotoxicity assay with MTT assay method showed that all samples resulted in the 90% of living cells are not toxic. In vitro injection, models demonstrated that higher concentration of the enzymes was less state of gel which would rupture when released from the agarose gel. The functional group characterization shows the cross linking bonding in sample with enzyme adding. The conclusion of this study is PEG-HA-HRP enzyme are safe polymer composites which have a potential to be applied as an injectable hydrogel for intervertebral disc degeneration.

Safe injection practices for administration of propofol.

PubMed

King, Cecil A; Ogg, Mary

2012-03-01

Sepsis and postoperative infection can occur as a result of unsafe practices in the administration of propofol and other injectable medications. Investigations of infection outbreaks have revealed the causes to be related to bacterial growth in or contamination of propofol and unsafe medication practices, including reuse of syringes on multiple patients, use of single-use medication vials for multiple patients, and failure to practice aseptic technique and adhere to infection control practices. Surveys conducted by AORN and other researchers have provided additional information on perioperative practices related to injectable medications. In 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention convened a group of clinicians to gain a better understanding of the issues related to infection outbreaks and injectable medications. The meeting participants proposed collecting data to persuade clinicians to adopt new practices, developing guiding principles for propofol use, and describing propofol-specific, site-specific, and practitioner-specific injection techniques. AORN provides resources to help perioperative nurses reduce the incidence of postoperative infection related to medication administration. Copyright © 2012 AORN, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Particle Acceleration at a Twin CME at 1 AU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parker, L. N.; Li, G.

2017-12-01

We present results from both the Particle Acceleration and Transport in the Heliosphere (PATH) and Particle Acceleration at Multiple Shocks (PAMS) models for a twin CME scenario. The PATH model follows a CME using a numerical MHD module and solves the Parker transport equation at the shock yielding the accelerated particle spectrum, while PAMS solves the steady-state cosmic ray transport equation at an individual shock analytically to yield the diffusive shock acceleration (DSA) spectrum. We address the injection of an upstream particle distribution into the acceleration process for a two shock system at 1 AU. Only those particles that exceed a theoretically motivated prescribed injection energy, Einj, and up to a maximum injection energy (Emax) appropriate for quasi-parallel and quasi-perpendicular shocks (Zank et al., 2000, 2006; Dosch and Shalchi, 2010) are injected. Results from PAMS are then compared to observations at 1 AU from the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft. In addition, we test the concept of electron acceleration at low injection energies for a single and multiple shock system using the same method as in Neergaard Parker and Zank, 2012 and Neergaard Parker et al., 2014.

Multiple magma emplacement and its effect on the superficial deformation: hints from analogue models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montanari, Domenico; Bonini, Marco; Corti, Giacomo; del Ventisette, Chiara

2017-04-01

To test the effect exerted by multiple magma emplacement on the deformation pattern, we have run analogue models with synchronous, as well as diachronous magma injection from different, aligned inlets. The distance between injection points, as well as the activation in time of injection points was varied for each model. Our model results show how the position and activation in time of injection points (which reproduce multiple magma batches in nature) strongly influence model evolution. In the case of synchronous injection at different inlets, the intrusions and associated surface deformation were elongated. Forced folds and annular bounding reverse faults were quite elliptical, and with the main axis of the elongated dome trending sub-parallel to the direction of the magma input points. Model results also indicate that the injection from multiple aligned sources could reproduce the same features of systems associated with planar feeder dikes, thereby suggesting that caution should be taken when trying to infer the feeding areas on the basis of the deformation features observed at the surface or in seismic profiles. Diachronous injection from different injection points showed that the deformation observed at surface does not necessarily reflect the location and/or geometry of their feeders. Most notably, these experiments suggest that coeval magma injection from different sources favor the lateral migration of magma rather than the vertical growth, promoting the development of laterally interconnected intrusions. Recently, some authors (Magee et al., 2014, 2016; Schofield et al., 2015) have suggested that, based on seismic reflection data analysis, interconnected sills and inclined sheets can facilitate the transport of magma over great vertical distances and laterally for large distances. Intrusions and volcanoes fed by sill complexes may thus be laterally offset significantly from the melt source. Our model results strongly support these findings, by reproducing in the laboratory a strong lateral magma migration, and suggesting a possible mechanism. The models also confirmed that lateral magma migration could take place with little or no accompanying surface deformation. The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme under grant agreement No. 608553 (Project IMAGE). References: Magee et al., 2014. Basin Research, v. 26, p. 85-105, doi: 10 .1111 /bre.12044. Magee et al., 2016. Geosphere, v. 12, p. 809-841, ISSN: 1553-040X. Schofield et al., 2015. Basin Research, v. 29, p. 41-63, doi:10.1111/bre.12164.

Temperature-responsive and biodegradable PVA:PVP k30:poloxamer 407 hydrogel for controlled delivery of human growth hormone (hGH).

PubMed

Taheri, Azade; Atyabi, Fatemeh; Dinarvnd, Rassoul

2011-01-01

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is used for replacement therapy of pediatric hypopituitary dwarfism. Growth rate in children was observed to be better on the daily injection schedule compared with the currently used therapeutic regimen of thrice a week injection. Thus, a controlled release formulation would overcome the drawback of traditional rhGH therapy such as the need for multiple injections. Poloxamers are a family of triblock copolymers consisting of two hydrophilic blocks of polyoxyethylene separated by a hydrophobic block of polyoxypropylene, which form micelles at low concentrations and form clear thermally reversible gels at high concentrations. We used poloxamer gels to develop a controlled release formulation of hGH. The objective of this study was to develop an in situ gel forming drug delivery system for hGH using the minimum possible ratio of poloxamer 407 (P407). Decreasing the concentration of poloxamer could reduce the risk of hypertriglyceridemia induction. Different additives were added to the poloxamer formulations. It was observed that among different additives polyvinylpyrrolidone k30 (PVP k30) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) decrease poloxamer concentration required to form in situ gelation from 18% to 10%. The dynamic viscoelastic properties of the samples were determined. Both the storage modulus and the loss modulus of the samples increased abruptly as the temperature passed a certain point. It can be concluded that combining P407 and PVP and PVA could be a promising strategy for preparation of thermally reversible in situ gel forming delivery systems of hGH with low poloxamer concentration.

Flow through electrode with automated calibration

DOEpatents

Szecsody, James E [Richland, WA; Williams, Mark D [Richland, WA; Vermeul, Vince R [Richland, WA

2002-08-20

The present invention is an improved automated flow through electrode liquid monitoring system. The automated system has a sample inlet to a sample pump, a sample outlet from the sample pump to at least one flow through electrode with a waste port. At least one computer controls the sample pump and records data from the at least one flow through electrode for a liquid sample. The improvement relies upon (a) at least one source of a calibration sample connected to (b) an injection valve connected to said sample outlet and connected to said source, said injection valve further connected to said at least one flow through electrode, wherein said injection valve is controlled by said computer to select between said liquid sample or said calibration sample. Advantages include improved accuracy because of more frequent calibrations, no additional labor for calibration, no need to remove the flow through electrode(s), and minimal interruption of sampling.

Narrow-band injection seeding of a terahertz frequency quantum cascade laser: Selection and suppression of longitudinal modes

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

Nong, Hanond, E-mail: Nong.Hanond@rub.de; Markmann, Sergej; Hekmat, Negar

2014-09-15

A periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystal with multiple poling periods is used to generate tunable narrow-bandwidth THz pulses for injection seeding a quantum cascade laser (QCL). We demonstrate that longitudinal modes of the quantum cascade laser close to the gain maximum can be selected or suppressed according to the seed spectrum. The QCL emission spectra obtained by electro-optic sampling from the quantum cascade laser, in the most favorable case, shows high selectivity and amplification of the longitudinal modes that overlap the frequency of the narrow-band seed. Proper selection of the narrow-band THz seed from the PPLN crystal discretely tunesmore » the longitudinal mode emission of the quantum cascade laser. Moreover, the THz wave build-up within the laser cavity is studied as a function of the round-trip time. When the seed frequency is outside the maximum of the gain spectrum the laser emission shifts to the preferential longitudinal mode.« less

Injecting and Sexual Networks and Sociodemographic Factors and Dual HIV Risk among People Who Inject Drugs: A Cross-sectional Study in Kermanshah Province, Iran

PubMed Central

Noroozi, Mehdi; Mirzazadeh, Ali; Noroozi, Alireza; Sharifi, Hamid; Higgs, Peter; Jorjoran-Shushtari, Zahra; Farhoudian, Ali; Fadai, Farbod; Mohhamadi-Shahboulaghi, Farahnaz; Armoon, Bahram; Hajebi, Ahmad; Massah, Omid

2016-01-01

Background Few studies suggest that social network factors, including size of sexual network may associate with drug-related and sexual high-risk behaviors. The objective of this study is to investigate injecting and sexual networks and sociodemographic factors that might be associated with dual HIV risk (DHR) among people who inject drug (PWID). Methods The data from a cross-sectional study of 455 PWID that were recruited through peer-referral sampling were used in this study. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisted of modules on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual and injection-related risk behaviors during 12 months before the interview. DHR was defined as engaged in both using a syringe previously used by other PWIDs and unprotected sex during last 12 months. Data analysis was performed with descriptive and logistic regression. In final model, we considered variables with P < 0.500 as statistically significant. Finally, reported adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and confidence interval (95% CI) for variables that were significant in the final model. Findings A total of 455 men who injected drugs participated in this study. The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 33.2 ± 7.3 (range 19-58) years. Overall, the prevalence of DHR In the last 12 months, 38% (95% CI: 18.3-51.2%). Multivariate model showed that regular visit to needle, syringe programs (NSPs) reduced odd of HDR to 50% when adjusted for other covariates, but still remained statistically significant (P < 0.050). The odds of reporting DHR was significantly higher in those ≥ 2 sex partners and injection partner (P < 0.010). Odds of DHR was higher (AOR: 2.3) among participants who had more than 2 injection per day but was not statistically significant (P > 0.050). Conclusion DHR was common in PWID in Kermanshah, Iran. Having multiple injecting and sexual partners increased the odds of engaging in dual risk behaviors, but regular visit of NSPs can reduce the DHR among PWID. PMID:28496957

Injecting and Sexual Networks and Sociodemographic Factors and Dual HIV Risk among People Who Inject Drugs: A Cross-sectional Study in Kermanshah Province, Iran.

PubMed

Noroozi, Mehdi; Mirzazadeh, Ali; Noroozi, Alireza; Sharifi, Hamid; Higgs, Peter; Jorjoran-Shushtari, Zahra; Farhoudian, Ali; Fadai, Farbod; Mohhamadi-Shahboulaghi, Farahnaz; Armoon, Bahram; Hajebi, Ahmad; Massah, Omid

2016-07-01

Few studies suggest that social network factors, including size of sexual network may associate with drug-related and sexual high-risk behaviors. The objective of this study is to investigate injecting and sexual networks and sociodemographic factors that might be associated with dual HIV risk (DHR) among people who inject drug (PWID). The data from a cross-sectional study of 455 PWID that were recruited through peer-referral sampling were used in this study. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire consisted of modules on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual and injection-related risk behaviors during 12 months before the interview. DHR was defined as engaged in both using a syringe previously used by other PWIDs and unprotected sex during last 12 months. Data analysis was performed with descriptive and logistic regression. In final model, we considered variables with P < 0.500 as statistically significant. Finally, reported adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and confidence interval (95% CI) for variables that were significant in the final model. A total of 455 men who injected drugs participated in this study. The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 33.2 ± 7.3 (range 19-58) years. Overall, the prevalence of DHR In the last 12 months, 38% (95% CI: 18.3-51.2%). Multivariate model showed that regular visit to needle, syringe programs (NSPs) reduced odd of HDR to 50% when adjusted for other covariates, but still remained statistically significant (P < 0.050). The odds of reporting DHR was significantly higher in those ≥ 2 sex partners and injection partner (P < 0.010). Odds of DHR was higher (AOR: 2.3) among participants who had more than 2 injection per day but was not statistically significant (P > 0.050). DHR was common in PWID in Kermanshah, Iran. Having multiple injecting and sexual partners increased the odds of engaging in dual risk behaviors, but regular visit of NSPs can reduce the DHR among PWID.

Dark Current Characterization of SW HgCdTe IRFPAs Detectors on Si Substrate with Long Time Integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, P. Y.; Ye, Z. H.; Huang, A. B.; Chen, H. L.; Hu, X. N.; Ding, R. J.; He, L.

2016-09-01

The dark currents of two short wave (SW) HgCdTe infrared focal plane arrays (IRFPA) detectors hybridized with direct injection (DI) readout and capacitance transimpedance amplifier (CTIA) with long time integration were investigated. The cutoff wavelength of the two SW IRFPAs is about 2.6 μm at 84 K. The dark current densities of DI and CTIA samples are approximately 8.0 × 10-12 A/cm2 and 7.2 × 10-10 A/cm2 at 110 K, respectively. The large divergence of the dark current density might arise from the injection efficiency difference of the two readouts. The low injection efficiency of the DI readout, compared with the high injection efficiency of the CTIA readout at low temperature, makes the dark current density of the DI sample much lower than that of the CTIA sample. The experimental value of injection efficiency of the DI sample was evaluated as 1.1% which is consistent with its theoretical value.

Viscoelastic properties of rabbit vocal folds after augmentation.

PubMed

Hertegård, Stellan; Dahlqvist, Ake; Laurent, Claude; Borzacchiello, Assunta; Ambrosio, Luigi

2003-03-01

Vocal fold function is closely related to tissue viscoelasticity. Augmentation substances may alter the viscoelastic properties of vocal fold tissues and hence their vibratory capacity. We sought to investigate the viscoelastic properties of rabbit vocal folds in vitro after injections of various augmentation substances. Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), cross-linked collagen (Zyplast), and cross-linked hyaluronan, hylan b gel (Hylaform) were injected into the lamina propria and the thyroarytenoid muscle of rabbit vocal folds. Dynamic viscosity of the injected vocal fold as a function of frequency was measured with a Bohlin parallel-plate rheometer during small-amplitude oscillation. All injected vocal folds showed a decreasing dynamic viscosity with increasing frequency. Vocal fold samples injected with hylan b gel showed the lowest dynamic viscosity, quite close to noninjected control samples. Vocal folds injected with polytetrafluoroethylene showed the highest dynamic viscosity followed by the collagen samples. The data indicated that hylan b gel in short-term renders the most natural viscoelastic properties to the vocal fold among the substances tested. This is of importance to restore/preserve the vibratory capacity of the vocal folds when glottal insufficiency is treated with injections.

Krokodile Injectors in Ukraine: Fueling the HIV Epidemic?

PubMed

Booth, Robert E; Davis, Jonathan M; Brewster, John T; Lisovska, Oksana; Dvoryak, Sergey

2016-02-01

This study was designed to assess the characteristics of krokodile injectors, a recent phenomenon in Ukraine, and HIV-related risk factors among people who inject drugs (PWID). In three Ukraine cities, Odessa, Donetsk and Nikolayev, 550 PWID were recruited between December 2012 and October 2013 using modified targeted sampling methods. The sample averaged 31 years of age and they had been injecting for over 12 years. Overall, 39 % tested positive for HIV, including 45 % of krokodile injectors. In the past 30 days, 25 % reported injecting krokodile. Those who injected krokodile injected more frequently (p < 0.001) and they injected more often with others (p = 0.005). Despite knowing their HIV status to be positive, krokodile users did not reduce their injection frequency, indeed, they injected as much as 85 % (p = 0.016) more frequently than those who did not know their HIV status or thought they were negative. This behavior was not seen in non-krokodile using PWID. Although only a small sample of knowledgeable HIV positive krokodile users was available (N = 12), this suggests that krokodile users may disregard their HIV status more so than nonkrokodile users. In spite of widespread knowledge of its harmful physical consequences, a growing number of PWID are turning to injecting krokodile in Ukraine. Given the recency of krokodile use the country, the associated higher frequency of injecting, a propensity to inject more often with others, and what could be a unique level of disregard of HIV among krokodile users, HIV incidence could increase in future years.

Polymeric microchip for the simultaneous determination of anions and cations by hydrodynamic injection using a dual-channel sequential injection microchip electrophoresis system.

PubMed

Gaudry, Adam J; Nai, Yi Heng; Guijt, Rosanne M; Breadmore, Michael C

2014-04-01

A dual-channel sequential injection microchip capillary electrophoresis system with pressure-driven injection is demonstrated for simultaneous separations of anions and cations from a single sample. The poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microchips feature integral in-plane contactless conductivity detection electrodes. A novel, hydrodynamic "split-injection" method utilizes background electrolyte (BGE) sheathing to gate the sample flows, while control over the injection volume is achieved by balancing hydrodynamic resistances using external hydrodynamic resistors. Injection is realized by a unique flow-through interface, allowing for automated, continuous sampling for sequential injection analysis by microchip electrophoresis. The developed system was very robust, with individual microchips used for up to 2000 analyses with lifetimes limited by irreversible blockages of the microchannels. The unique dual-channel geometry was demonstrated by the simultaneous separation of three cations and three anions in individual microchannels in under 40 s with limits of detection (LODs) ranging from 1.5 to 24 μM. From a series of 100 sequential injections the %RSDs were determined for every fifth run, resulting in %RSDs for migration times that ranged from 0.3 to 0.7 (n = 20) and 2.3 to 4.5 for peak area (n = 20). This system offers low LODs and a high degree of reproducibility and robustness while the hydrodynamic injection eliminates electrokinetic bias during injection, making it attractive for a wide range of rapid, sensitive, and quantitative online analytical applications.

Injection of demineralized bone matrix with bone marrow concentrate improves healing in unicameral bone cyst.

PubMed

Di Bella, Claudia; Dozza, Barbara; Frisoni, Tommaso; Cevolani, Luca; Donati, Davide

2010-11-01

Unicameral bone cysts are benign lesions that usually spontaneously regress with skeletal maturity; however, the high risk of pathologic fractures often justifies treatment that could reinforce a weakened bone cortex. Various treatments have been proposed but there is no consensus regarding the best procedure. We compared the healing rates and failures of two methods of cure based on multiple injections of corticosteroid or a single injection of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) in association with bone marrow concentrate (BMC). We retrospectively reviewed 184 patients who had one of the two treatments for unicameral bone cysts with cortical erosion. Clinical records were reviewed for treatment failures and radiographs for healing in all patients. The minimum followup was 12 months for the Steroids Group (mean, 48 months; range, 12-120 months) and 12 months for the DBM + BMC Group (mean, 20 months; range, 12-28 months). After one treatment we observed a lower healing rate of cysts treated with multiple injections of steroids compared with the healing after the first injection of DBM + BMC (21% versus 58%, respectively). At last followup, 38% healed with steroids and 71% with DBM + BMC. The rate of failure after one steroid injection was higher than after a single injection of BDM + BMC (63% versus 24%, respectively). We observed no difference in fracture rates after treatment between the two groups. A single injection of DBM added with autologous bone marrow concentrate appears to provide a higher healing rate with a lower number of failures compared with a single injection of steroids.

Applications of polyamide/cellulose fiber/wollastonite composites for microcellular injection molding

Treesearch

Herman Winata; Lih-Sheng Turng; Daniel F. Caulfield; Tom Kuster; Rick Spindler; Rod Jacobson

2003-01-01

In this study, a cellulose-fiber-reinforced Polyamide-6 (PA-6) composite, a hybrid composite (PA-6/cellulose/Wollastonite), and the neat PA-6 resin were injection molded into ASTM test–bar samples with conventional and microcellular injection molding. The impact and tensile strengths of molded samples were measured and the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images were...

Quantitative comparison of tumor delivery for multiple targeted nanoparticles simultaneously by multiplex ICP-MS.

PubMed

Elias, Andrew; Crayton, Samuel H; Warden-Rothman, Robert; Tsourkas, Andrew

2014-07-28

Given the rapidly expanding library of disease biomarkers and targeting agents, the number of unique targeted nanoparticles is growing exponentially. The high variability and expense of animal testing often makes it unfeasible to examine this large number of nanoparticles in vivo. This often leads to the investigation of a single formulation that performed best in vitro. However, nanoparticle performance in vivo depends on many variables, many of which cannot be adequately assessed with cell-based assays. To address this issue, we developed a lanthanide-doped nanoparticle method that allows quantitative comparison of multiple targeted nanoparticles simultaneously. Specifically, superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles with different targeting ligands were created, each with a unique lanthanide dopant. Following the simultaneous injection of the various SPIO compositions into tumor-bearing mice, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy was used to quantitatively and orthogonally assess the concentration of each SPIO composition in serial blood and resected tumor samples.

Greenhouse Gas Analysis by GC/MS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bock, E. M.; Easton, Z. M.; Macek, P.

2015-12-01

Current methods to analyze greenhouse gases rely on designated complex, multiple-column, multiple-detector gas chromatographs. A novel method was developed in partnership with Shimadzu for simultaneous quantification of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) in environmental gas samples. Gas bulbs were used to make custom standard mixtures by injecting small volumes of pure analyte into the nitrogen-filled bulb. Resulting calibration curves were validated using a certified gas standard. The use of GC/MS systems to perform this analysis has the potential to move the analysis of greenhouse gasses from expensive, custom GC systems to standard single-quadrupole GC/MS systems that are available in most laboratories, which wide variety of applications beyond greenhouse gas analysis. Additionally, use of mass spectrometry can provide confirmation of identity of target analytes, and will assist in the identification of unknown peaks should they be present in the chromatogram.

Ocrelizumab Injection

MedlinePlus

... forms (symptoms gradually become worse over time) of multiple sclerosis (MS; a disease in which the nerves do ... or medical facility.Ocrelizumab may help to control multiple sclerosis symptoms, but does not cure it. Your doctor ...

Glatiramer Injection

MedlinePlus

... symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS; a disease in which the nerves do ... minutes, but do not rub it. Glatiramer controls multiple sclerosis but does not cure it. Continue to use ...

Fracturing of porous rock induced by fluid injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanchits, Sergei; Mayr, Sibylle; Shapiro, Serge; Dresen, Georg

2011-04-01

We monitored acoustic emission (AE) activity and brittle failure initiated by water injection into initially dry critically stressed cylindrical specimens of Flechtingen sandstone of 50 mm diameter and 105-125 mm length. Samples were first loaded in axial direction at 40-50 MPa confining pressure at dry conditions close to peak stress. Subsequently distilled water was injected either at the bottom of specimen or via a central borehole at pore pressures of 5-30 MPa. Water injection into stressed porous sandstone induced a cloud of AE events located close to the migrating water front. Water injection was monitored by periodic ultrasonic velocity measurements across the sample. Propagation of the induced cloud of AE was faster in the direction parallel to bedding than normal to it, indicating permeability anisotropy. Water injection was associated with significant AE activity demonstrating increased contribution of tensile source type. Brittle failure was accompanied by increased contribution of shear and pore collapse source types. At a critical pore pressure, a brittle fault nucleated from a cloud of induced AE events in all samples. Microstructural analysis of fractured samples shows excellent agreement between location of AE hypocenters and macroscopic faults.

Direct sampling of chemical weapons in water by photoionization mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Syage, Jack A; Cai, Sheng-Suan; Li, Jianwei; Evans, Matthew D

2006-05-01

The vulnerability of water supplies to toxic contamination calls for fast and effective means for screening water samples for multiple threats. We describe the use of photoionization (PI) mass spectrometry (MS) for high-speed, high-throughput screening and molecular identification of chemical weapons (CW) threats and other hazardous compounds. The screening technology can detect a wide range of compounds at subacute concentrations with no sample preparation and a sampling cycle time of approximately 45 s. The technology was tested with CW agents VX, GA, GB, GD, GF, HD, HN1, and HN3, in addition to riot agents and precursors. All are sensitively detected and give simple PI mass spectra dominated by the parent ion. The target application of the PI MS method is as a routine, real-time early warning system for CW agents and other hazardous compounds in air and in water. In this work, we also present comprehensive measurements for water analysis and report on the system detection limits, linearity, quantitation accuracy, and false positive (FP) and false negative rates for concentrations at subacute levels. The latter data are presented in the form of receiver operating characteristic curves of the form of detection probability P(D) versus FP probability P(FP). These measurements were made using the CW surrogate compounds, DMMP, DEMP, DEEP, and DIMP. Method detection limits (3sigma) obtained using a capillary injection method yielded 1, 6, 3, and 2 ng/mL, respectively. These results were obtained using 1-microL injections of water samples without any preparation, corresponding to mass detection limits of 1, 6, 3, and 2 pg, respectively. The linear range was about 3-4 decades and the dynamic range about 4-5 decades. The relative standard deviations were generally <10% at CW subacute concentrations levels.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of the Venturi Dustiness Tester

PubMed Central

Dubey, Prahit; Ghia, Urmila; Turkevich, Leonid A.

2017-01-01

Dustiness quantifies the propensity of a finely divided solid to be aerosolized by a prescribed mechanical stimulus. Dustiness is relevant wherever powders are mixed, transferred or handled, and is important in the control of hazardous exposures and the prevention of dust explosions and product loss. Limited quantities of active pharmaceutical powders available for testing led to the development (at University of North Carolina) of a Venturi-driven dustiness tester. The powder is turbulently injected at high speed (Re ~ 2 × 104) into a glass chamber; the aerosol is then gently sampled (Re ~ 2 × 103) through two filters located at the top of the chamber; the dustiness index is the ratio of sampled to injected mass of powder. Injection is activated by suction at an Extraction Port at the top of the chamber; loss of powder during injection compromises the sampled dustiness. The present work analyzes the flow inside the Venturi Dustiness Tester, using an Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes formulation with the k-ω Shear Stress Transport turbulence model. The simulation considers single-phase flow, valid for small particles (Stokes number Stk <1). Results show that ~ 24% of fluid-tracers escape the tester before the Sampling Phase begins. Dispersion of the powder during the Injection Phase results in a uniform aerosol inside the tester, even for inhomogeneous injections, satisfying a necessary condition for the accurate evaluation of dustiness. Simulations are also performed under the conditions of reduced Extraction-Port flow; results confirm the importance of high Extraction-Port flow rate (standard operation) for uniform distribution of fluid tracers. Simulations are also performed under the conditions of delayed powder injection; results show that a uniform aerosol is still achieved provided 0.5 s elapses between powder injection and sampling. PMID:28638167

ICP-MS Analysis of Lanthanide-Doped Nanoparticles as a Non-Radiative, Multiplex Approach to Quantify Biodistribution and Blood Clearance

PubMed Central

Crayton, Samuel H.; Elias, Andrew; Al-Zaki, Ajlan; Cheng, Zhiliang; Tsourkas, Andrew

2011-01-01

Recent advances in material science and chemistry have led to the development of nanoparticles with diverse physicochemical properties, e.g. size, charge, shape, and surface chemistry. Evaluating which physicochemical properties are best for imaging and therapeutic studies is challenging not only because of the multitude of samples to evaluate, but also because of the large experimental variability associated with in vivo studies (e.g. differences in tumor size, injected dose, subject weight, etc.). To address this issue, we have developed a lanthanide-doped nanoparticle system and analytical method that allows for the quantitative comparison of multiple nanoparticle compositions simultaneously. Specifically, superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) with a range of different sizes and charges were synthesized, each with a unique lanthanide dopant. Following the simultaneous injection of the various SPIO compositions into tumor-bearing mice, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) was used to quantitatively and orthogonally assess the concentration of each SPIO composition in serial blood samples and the resected tumor and organs. The method proved generalizable to other nanoparticle platforms, including dendrimers, liposomes, and polymersomes. This approach provides a simple, cost-effective, and non-radiative method to quantitatively compare tumor localization, biodistribution, and blood clearance of more than 10 nanoparticle compositions simultaneously, removing subject-to-subject variability. PMID:22100983

Cannula Versus Sharp Needle for Placement of Soft Tissue Fillers: An Observational Cadaver Study.

PubMed

van Loghem, Jani A J; Humzah, Dalvi; Kerscher, Martina

2017-12-13

Soft-tissue fillers have become important products for facial rejuvenation. Deep fat compartments and facial bones lose volume during the natural aging process. For the most natural-looking results, deep volumetric injections at strategic sites are therefore preferred. Supraperiosteal placement is performed with a sharp needle or a non-traumatic cannula. The primary objective was to determine whether there is a difference in precision between supraperiosteal placement with a sharp needle compared with a non-traumatic cannula in cadaver specimens. A secondary objective was to analyze the safety profiles of both injection techniques. Cadaver heads were injected with dye material and soft-tissue fillers at multiple aesthetic facial sites on the supraperiosteum and subsequently dissected for observation of dye and filler placement. The non-traumatic cannula technique resulted in product being confined to the deep anatomic layers. In contrast, with the sharp needle technique, material was placed in multiple anatomic layers, from the periosteum to more superficial skin layers. For both techniques results were consistent for all facial sites. Although direct extrapolation from cadavers to the in vivo situation cannot be made, cannulae showed more precision in placement of product. With the sharp needle, the material was injected on the periosteum, and then migrated in a retrograde direction along the trajectory of the needle path, ending up in multiple anatomic layers. The sharp needle technique also showed a higher complication risk with intra-arterial injection occurring, even though the needle tip was positioned on the periosteum and the product was injected with the needle in constant contact with the periosteum. © 2016 The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc. Reprints and permission: journals.permissions@oup.com

Quantitation of iothalamate in urine and plasma using liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS).

PubMed

Molinaro, Ross J; Ritchie, James C

2010-01-01

The following chapter describes a method to measure iothalamate in plasma and urine samples using high performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray positive ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Methanol and water are spiked with the internal standard (IS) iohexol. Iothalamate is isolated from plasma after IS spiked methanol extraction and from urine by IS spiked water addition and quick-spin filtration. The plasma extractions are dried under a stream of nitrogen. The residue is reconstituted in ammonium acetate-formic acid-water. The reconstituted plasma and filtered urine are injected into the HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Iothalamate and iohexol show similar retention times in plasma and urine. Quantification of iothalamate in the samples is made by multiple reaction monitoring using the hydrogen adduct mass transitions, from a five-point calibration curve.

Oxidative stress and some biochemical alterations due to scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) crude venom in rats.

PubMed

Salman, Muhammad M A; Hammad, Seddik

2017-07-01

Scorpion envenomation is a common medical problem in many countries; it is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The venom of Leiurus quinquestriatus (LQ) is responsible for a number of deaths in children and adults. It has been stated that specific pathophysiological conditions such as generation of oxygen free radicals may trigger the onset of multiple organ dysfunction; therefore, the present study aimed to assess the oxidative stress mediated by LQ crude venom and its effect on the biochemical parameters in rats. Adult male Albino rats (250±30g body weight) were divided into three groups (n=5). In control group, rats were intraperitoneally (ip) injected with 50μL saline solution. Groups 2 and 3 were ip injected with 0.1mg/kg and 0.2mg/kg body weight of crude venom, respectively. Blood samples and liver tissues were harvested 1, 2 and 4h post-injection. Serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, urea, uric acid and malondialdehyde increased significantly in envenomed animals within 1, 2 and 4h post-injection, compared to controls. However, the levels of total serum protein, albumin, globulin and triglycerides as well as catalase, glutathione peroxidase and super oxide dismutase in envenomed rats were significantly decreased compared to controls. We can conclude that LQ crude venom induces oxidative stress via reduction of antioxidant systems and alters some biochemical parameters of envenomed rats. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Ultrasound guided intra-articular ketorolac versus corticosteroid injection in osteoarthritis of the hip: a retrospective comparative study.

PubMed

Park, Ki Deok; Kim, Tai Kon; Bae, Byung Woo; Ahn, JaeKi; Lee, Woo Yong; Park, Yongbum

2015-09-01

Intra-articular steroid injection has been widely used in the management of symptomatic osteoarthritis; however, its frequent use is avoided since there is an increase in the incidence of articular infection and several mechanical side effects such as cartilage breakdown and loss of elasticity of the articular cartilage. For these reasons, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs instead of corticosteroids can be considered for intra-articular injection. On this basis, we investigated the effects and safety of ultrasound-guided intra-articular ketorolac versus corticosteroid injection for patients with osteoarthritis of the hip. This retrospective study included 98 patients with diagnoses of hip osteoarthritis who underwent ultrasound-guided intra-articular ketorolac or corticosteroid injection. Fifty patients who received ultrasound-guided intra-articular corticosteroid injection were administered a mixture of 0.5% lidocaine and triamcinolone. Forty-eight patients who received ultrasound-guided intra-articular ketorolac injection were administered 0.5% lidocaine and ketorolac. Outcome measurement was assessed using the Harris hip score and verbal numeric pain scale, which were evaluated before the injections and at 1, 3 and 6 months following the injection. Univariate analysis (using the x (2) test) and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate the relationship between the possible outcome predictors (injected medications, patients' age, gender, pain duration and Kellgren-Lawrence classification) and the therapeutic effects. The Harris hip score and verbal numeric pain scale were improved at 1, 3 and 6 months after the injection in both groups. No statistical differences in the Harris hip score and verbal numeric pain scale were observed between the groups. The success rate was also not significantly different among the time periods of 1, 3 and 6 months. Multiple logistic regression and univariate analysis showed that injected medications patients' age, gender, pain duration and Kellgren-Lawrence classification were not independent predictors of successful outcome at midterm follow-up. The treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip with intra-articular ketorolac injection is as effective as that with intra-articular corticosteroid injection. Intra-articular ketorolac injection can be considered useful for patients with contraindications to using corticosteroids.

Clinical value of transforaminal epidural steroid injection in lumbar radiculopathy.

PubMed

Leung, S M; Chau, W W; Law, S W; Fung, K Y

2015-10-01

To identify the diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic values of transforaminal epidural steroid injection as interventional rehabilitation for lumbar radiculopathy. Regional hospital, Hong Kong. A total of 232 Chinese patients with lumbar radiculopathy attributed to disc herniation or spinal stenosis received transforaminal epidural steroid injection between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2011. Transforaminal epidural steroid injection. Patients' immediate response, response duration, proportion of patients requiring surgery, and risk factors affecting the responses to transforaminal epidural steroid injection for lumbar radiculopathy. Of the 232 patients, 218 (94.0%) had a single level of radiculopathy and 14 (6.0%) had multiple levels. L5 was the most commonly affected level. The immediate response rate to transforaminal epidural steroid injection was 80.2% in 186 patients with clinically diagnosed lumbar radiculopathy and magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine suggesting nerve root compression. Of patients with single-level radiculopathy and multiple-level radiculopathy, 175 (80.3%) and 11 (78.6%) expressed an immediate response to transforaminal epidural steroid injection, respectively. The analgesic effect lasted for 1 to <3 weeks in 35 (15.1%) patients, for 3 to 12 weeks in 37 (15.9%) patients, and for more than 12 weeks in 92 (39.7%) patients. Of the 232 patients, 106 (45.7%) were offered surgery, with 65 (61.3%) undergoing operation, and with 42 (64.6%) requiring spinal fusion in addition to decompression surgery. Symptom chronicity was associated with poor immediate response to transforaminal epidural steroid injection, but not with duration of pain reduction. Poor response to transforaminal epidural steroid injection was not associated with a preceding industrial injury. The immediate response to transforaminal epidural steroid injection was approximately 80%. Transforaminal epidural steroid injection is a useful diagnostic, prognostic, and short-term therapeutic tool for lumbar radiculopathy. Although transforaminal epidural steroid injection cannot alter the need for surgery in the long term, it is a reasonably safe procedure to provide short-term pain relief and as a preoperative assessment tool.

Basic requirements of fuel-injection nozzles for quiescent combustion chambers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spanogle, J A; Foster, H H

1931-01-01

This report presents test results obtained during an investigation of the performance of a single-cylinder, high-speed, compression-ignition test engine when using multiple-orifice fuel-injection valve nozzles in which the number and the direction of the orifices were varied independently.

Pressurized feed-injection spray-forming apparatus

DOEpatents

Berry, R.A.; Fincke, J.R.; McHugh, K.M.

1995-08-29

A spray apparatus and method are disclosed for injecting a heated, pressurized liquid in a first predetermined direction into a pressurized gas flow that is flowing in a second predetermined direction, to provide for atomizing and admixing the liquid with the gas to form a two-phase mixture. A valve is also disposed within the injected liquid conduit to provide for a pulsed injection of the liquid and timed deposit of the atomized gas phase. Preferred embodiments include multiple liquid feed ports and reservoirs to provide for multiphase mixtures of metals, ceramics, and polymers. 22 figs.

Pressurized feed-injection spray-forming apparatus

DOEpatents

Berry, Ray A.; Fincke, James R.; McHugh, Kevin M.

1995-01-01

A spray apparatus and method for injecting a heated, pressurized liquid in a first predetermined direction into a pressurized gas flow that is flowing in a second predetermined direction, to provide for atomizing and admixing the liquid with the gas to form a two-phase mixture. A valve is also disposed within the injected liquid conduit to provide for a pulsed injection of the liquid and timed deposit of the atomized gas phase. Preferred embodiments include multiple liquid feed ports and reservoirs to provide for multiphase mixtures of metals, ceramics, and polymers.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for injection site panniculitis in multiple sclerosis patients.

PubMed

Stieger, Marco; Schmid, Jean-Paul; Yawalkar, Nikhil; Hunziker, Thomas

2015-01-01

Painful cutaneous injection site reactions may hamper treatment with interferon β (IFN-β) and glatiramer acetate (GA) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. To maintain therapy adherence, efficient therapeutic modalities for these subcutaneous inflammatory lesions are urgently needed. We tested the application of local extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). We applied 5 sessions of ESWT to 8 patients suffering from MS who had developed painful panniculitis at the injection sites of either IFN-β or GA. Clinical outcomes, i.e. pain reduction and regression of induration, were assessed 3 and 6 months after completion of the ESWT using a visual analogue score. All patients showed both significant pain reduction and reduction of the skin induration in the treated lesions, while in untreated control lesions there was no improvement. ESWT proved to be a non-invasive, safe and efficient physical treatment modality for injection-induced painful cutaneous side effects of disease-modifying drugs in MS. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Combustion chamber and thermal vapor stream producing apparatus and method

DOEpatents

Sperry, John S.; Krajicek, Richard W.; Cradeur, Robert R.

1978-01-01

A new and improved method and apparatus for burning a hydrocarbon fuel for producing a high pressure thermal vapor stream comprising steam and combustion gases for injecting into a subterranean formation for the recovery of liquefiable minerals therefrom, wherein a high pressure combustion chamber having multiple refractory lined combustion zones of varying diameters is provided for burning a hydrocarbon fuel and pressurized air in predetermined ratios injected into the chamber for producing hot combustion gases essentially free of oxidizing components and solid carbonaceous particles. The combustion zones are formed by zones of increasing diameters up a final zone of decreasing diameter to provide expansion zones which cause turbulence through controlled thorough mixing of the air and fuel to facilitate complete combustion. The high pressure air and fuel is injected into the first of the multiple zones where ignition occurs with a portion of the air injected at or near the point of ignition to further provide turbulence and more complete combustion.

Simulation-based process windows simultaneously considering two and three conflicting criteria in injection molding

PubMed Central

Rodríguez-Yáñez, Alicia Berenice; Méndez-Vázquez, Yaileen

2014-01-01

Process windows in injection molding are habitually built with only one performance measure in mind. In reality, a more realistic picture can be obtained when considering multiple performance measures at a time, especially in the presence of conflict. In this work, the construction of process windows for injection molding (IM) is undertaken considering two and three performance measures in conflict simultaneously. The best compromises between the criteria involved are identified through the direct application of the concept of Pareto-dominance in multiple criteria optimization. The aim is to provide a formal and realistic strategy to set processing conditions in IM operations. The resulting optimization approach is easily implementable in MS Excel. The solutions are presented graphically to facilitate their use in manufacturing plants. PMID:25530927

Simulation-based process windows simultaneously considering two and three conflicting criteria in injection molding.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Yáñez, Alicia Berenice; Méndez-Vázquez, Yaileen; Cabrera-Ríos, Mauricio

2014-01-01

Process windows in injection molding are habitually built with only one performance measure in mind. In reality, a more realistic picture can be obtained when considering multiple performance measures at a time, especially in the presence of conflict. In this work, the construction of process windows for injection molding (IM) is undertaken considering two and three performance measures in conflict simultaneously. The best compromises between the criteria involved are identified through the direct application of the concept of Pareto-dominance in multiple criteria optimization. The aim is to provide a formal and realistic strategy to set processing conditions in IM operations. The resulting optimization approach is easily implementable in MS Excel. The solutions are presented graphically to facilitate their use in manufacturing plants.

Quality Assessment of Kumu Injection, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparation, Using HPLC Combined with Chemometric Methods and Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Multiple Alkaloids by Single Marker.

PubMed

Wang, Ning; Li, Zhi-Yong; Zheng, Xiao-Li; Li, Qiao; Yang, Xin; Xu, Hui

2018-04-09

Kumu injection (KMI) is a common-used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation made from Picrasma quassioides (D. Don) Benn. rich in alkaloids. An innovative technique for quality assessment of KMI was developed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with chemometric methods and qualitative and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS). Nigakinone (PQ-6, 5-hydroxy-4-methoxycanthin-6-one), one of the most abundant alkaloids responsible for the major pharmacological activities of Kumu, was used as a reference substance. Six alkaloids in KMI were quantified, including 6-hydroxy- β -carboline-1-carboxylic acid (PQ-1), 4,5-dimethoxycanthin-6-one (PQ-2), β -carboline-1-carboxylic acid (PQ-3), β -carboline-1-propanoic acid (PQ-4), 3-methylcanthin-5,6-dione (PQ-5), and PQ-6. Based on the outcomes of twenty batches of KMI samples, the contents of six alkaloids were used for further chemometric analysis. By hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), radar plots, and principal component analysis (PCA), all the KMI samples could be categorized into three groups, which were closely related to production date and indicated the crucial influence of herbal raw material on end products of KMI. QAMS combined with chemometric analysis could accurately measure and clearly distinguish the different quality samples of KMI. Hence, QAMS is a feasible and promising method for the quality control of KMI.

Comparison of transcutaneous contrast-enhanced ultrasound-guided injected hemostatic agents with traditional surgery treatment for liver, spleen and kidney trauma: a retrospective study.

PubMed

Wang, Dong; Lv, Faqin; Luo, Yukun; An, Lichun; Li, Junlai; Xie, Xia; Tian, Jiangke; Zhao, Weiyan; Tang, Jie

2012-10-01

There is lack of studies on the effectiveness of transcutaneous contrast-enhanced ultrasound-guided injections of hemostatic agents for liver. spleen and kidney trauma. We compared treatment by hemostatic agents to surgical treatment in a retrospective interventional human study. The study enrolled a total of 135 subjects from emergency unit of the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital in Beijing. Within the cohort, 62 patients received contrast enhanced ultrasound-guided injection of hemostatic agents and the rest received surgical treatments. The injury severity score was lower in the hemostatic agent treatment group than surgical treatment group (p<0.05), but Glasgow coma scale scores did not reach statistical significance. The patients in the surgical treatment group had significantly higher hospital fees than those in the hemostatic treatment group (p<0.05), although the length of hospitalization did not significantly differ between two groups. Safety outcome variables pre- and post-treatment remained within normal limits in both groups. Hemostatic agents were more cost-effective than surgery to treat patients with liver, spleen and kidney trauma. However, given the limited sample size, subsequent studies drawing upon larger populations from multiple medical centers are necessary for follow-up.

Hydraulic Fracture Induced Seismicity During A Multi-Stage Pad Completion in Western Canada: Evidence of Activation of Multiple, Parallel Faults

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maxwell, S.; Garrett, D.; Huang, J.; Usher, P.; Mamer, P.

2017-12-01

Following reports of injection induced seismicity in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, regulators have imposed seismic monitoring and traffic light protocols for fracturing operations in specific areas. Here we describe a case study in one of these reservoirs, the Montney Shale in NE British Columbia, where induced seismicity was monitored with a local array during multi-stage hydraulic fracture stimulations on several wells from a single drilling pad. Seismicity primarily occurred during the injection time periods, and correlated with periods of high injection rates and wellhead pressures above fracturing pressures. Sequential hydraulic fracture stages were found to progressively activate several parallel, critically-stressed faults, as illuminated by multiple linear hypocenter patterns in the range between Mw 1 and 3. Moment tensor inversion of larger events indicated a double-couple mechanism consistent with the regional strike-slip stress state and the hypocenter lineations. The critically-stressed faults obliquely cross the well paths which were purposely drilled parallel to the minimum principal stress direction. Seismicity on specific faults started and stopped when fracture initiation points of individual injection stages were proximal to the intersection of the fault and well. The distance ranges when the seismicity occurs is consistent with expected hydraulic fracture dimensions, suggesting that the induced fault slip only occurs when a hydraulic fracture grows directly into the fault and the faults are temporarily exposed to significantly elevated fracture pressures during the injection. Some faults crossed multiple wells and the seismicity was found to restart during injection of proximal stages on adjacent wells, progressively expanding the seismogenic zone of the fault. Progressive fault slip is therefore inferred from the seismicity migrating further along the faults during successive injection stages. An accelerometer was also deployed close to the pad operations providing information about the local ground motion at near offsets, although no ground motion was recorded that exceeds the minimum levels requiring mandatory reporting to the regulator.

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

Damtie, Fikeraddis A., E-mail: Fikeraddis.Damtie@teorfys.lu.se; Wacker, Andreas, E-mail: Andreas.Wacker@fysik.lu.se; Karki, Khadga J., E-mail: Khadga.Karki@chemphys.lu.se

Multiple exciton generation (MEG) is a process in which more than one electron hole pair is generated per absorbed photon. It allows us to increase the efficiency of solar energy harvesting. Experimental studies have shown the multiple exciton generation yield of 1.2 in isolated colloidal quantum dots. However real photoelectric devices require the extraction of electron hole pairs to electric contacts. We provide a systematic study of the corresponding quantum coherent processes including extraction and injection and show that a proper design of extraction and injection rates enhances the yield significantly up to values around 1.6.

Constraints on Smoke Injection Height, Source Strength, and Transports from MISR and MODIS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kahn, Ralph A.; Petrenko, Mariya; Val Martin, Maria; Chin, Mian

2014-01-01

The AeroCom BB (Biomass Burning) Experiment AOD (Aerosol Optical Depth) motivation: We have a substantial set of satellite wildfire plume AOD snapshots and injection heights to help calibrate model/inventory performance; We are 1) adding more fire source-strength cases 2) using MISR to improve the AOD constrains and 3) adding 2008 global injection heights; We selected GFED3-daily due to good overall source strength performance, but any inventory can be tested; Joint effort to test multiple, global models, to draw robust BB injection height and emission strength conclusions. We provide satellite-based injection height and smoke plume AOD climatologies.

Optical gain in 1.3-μm electrically driven dilute nitride VCSOAs

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

We report the observation of room-temperature optical gain at 1.3 μm in electrically driven dilute nitride vertical cavity semiconductor optical amplifiers. The gain is calculated with respect to injected power for samples with and without a confinement aperture. At lower injected powers, a gain of almost 10 dB is observed in both samples. At injection powers over 5 nW, the gain is observed to decrease. For nearly all investigated power levels, the sample with confinement aperture gives slightly higher gain. PMID:24417791

Comparison of intraosseous and infiltration injections for venous lidocaine blood concentrations and heart rate changes after injection of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine.

PubMed

Wood, Mark; Reader, Al; Nusstein, John; Beck, Mike; Padgett, David; Weaver, Joel

2005-06-01

The purpose of this prospective, randomized study was to compare the venous blood levels of lidocaine and heart rate changes after intraosseous and infiltration injections of 1.8 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. Using a crossover design, 20 subjects randomly received an intraosseous and infiltration injection at two separate appointments. The heart rate was measured using a pulse oximeter. Venous blood samples were collected before the injections and at 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, and 60 min after the injections. The blinded plasma samples were analyzed for lidocaine concentrations using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The intraosseous injection resulted in a statistically significant increase in heart rate, when compared to the infiltration injection, during solution deposition and for 2 min after the injection. The plasma levels of lidocaine were not statistically different for maxillary anterior intraosseous and infiltration injections when using 1.8 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine.

Development of a split-flow system for high precision variable sample introduction in supercritical fluid chromatography.

PubMed

Sakai, Miho; Hayakawa, Yoshihiro; Funada, Yasuhiro; Ando, Takashi; Fukusaki, Eiichiro; Bamba, Takeshi

2017-09-15

In this study, we propose a novel variable sample injection system based on full-loop injection, named the split-flow sample introduction system, for application in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). In this system, the mobile phase is split by the differential pressure between two back pressure regulators (BPRs) after full-loop injection suitable for SFC, and this differential pressure determines the introduction rate. Nine compounds with a wide range of characteristics were introduced with high reproducibility and universality, confirming that a robust variable sample injection system was achieved. We also investigated the control factors of our proposed system. Sample introduction was controlled by the ratio between the column-side pressure drops in splitless and split flow, ΔP columnsideinsplitless and ΔP columnsideinsplit , respectively, where ΔP columnsideinsplitless is related to the mobile phase flow rate and composition and the column resistance. When all other conditions are kept constant, increasing the make-up flow induces an additional pressure drop on the column side of the system, which leads to a reduced column-side flow rate, and hence decreased the amount of sample injected, even when the net pressure drop on the column side remains the same. Thus, sample introduction could be highly controlled at low sample introduction rate, regardless of the introduction conditions. This feature is advantageous because, as a control factor, the solvent in the make-up pump is independent of the column-side pressure drop. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Determination of nitrite and nitrate in water samples by an automated hydrodynamic sequential injection method.

PubMed

Somnam, Sarawut; Jakmunee, Jaroon; Grudpan, Kate; Lenghor, Narong; Motomizu, Shoji

2008-12-01

An automated hydrodynamic sequential injection (HSI) system with spectrophotometric detection was developed. Thanks to the hydrodynamic injection principle, simple devices can be used for introducing reproducible microliter volumes of both sample and reagent into the flow channel to form stacked zones in a similar fashion to those in a sequential injection system. The zones were then pushed to the detector and a peak profile was recorded. The determination of nitrite and nitrate in water samples by employing the Griess reaction was chosen as a model. Calibration graphs with linearity in the range of 0.7 - 40 muM were obtained for both nitrite and nitrate. Detection limits were found to be 0.3 muM NO(2)(-) and 0.4 muM NO(3)(-), respectively, with a sample throughput of 20 h(-1) for consecutive determination of both the species. The developed system was successfully applied to the analysis of water samples, employing simple and cost-effective instrumentation and offering higher degrees of automation and low chemical consumption.

High-pressure liquid chromatography with direct injection of gas sample.

PubMed

Astanin, Anton I; Baram, Grigory I

2017-06-09

The conventional method of using liquid chromatography to determine the composition of a gaseous mixture entails dissolving vapors in a suitable solvent, then obtaining a chromatograph of the resulting solution. We studied the direct introduction of a gaseous sample into a C18 reversed-phase column, followed by separation of the components by HPLC with UV detection. Since the chromatography was performed at high pressure, vapors readily dissolved in the eluent and the substances separated in the column as effectively as in liquid samples. Samples were injected into the column in two ways: a) through the valve without a flow stop; b) after stopping the flow and relieving all pressure. We showed that an injectable gas volume could reach 70% of column dead volume. When an injected gaseous sample volume was less than 10% of the column dead volume, the resulting peaks were symmetrical and the column efficiency was high. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In vivo induction of interferon gamma expression in grey horses with metastatic melanoma resulting from direct injection of plasmid DNA coding for equine interleukin 12.

PubMed

Müller, J-M V; Wissemann, J; Meli, M L; Dasen, G; Lutz, H; Heinzerling, L; Feige, K

2011-11-01

Whole blood pharmacokinetics of intratumourally injected naked plasmid DNA coding for equine Interleukin 12 (IL-12) was assessed as a means of in vivo gene transfer in the treatment of melanoma in grey horses. The expression of induced interferon gamma (IFN-g) was evaluated in order to determine the pharmacodynamic properties of in vivo gene transduction. Seven grey horses bearing melanoma were injected intratumourally with 250 µg naked plasmid DNA coding for IL-12. Peripheral blood and biopsies from the injection site were taken at 13 time points until day 14 post injection (p.i.). Samples were analysed using quantitative real-time PCR. Plasmid DNA was quantified in blood samples and mRNA expression for IFN-g in tissue samples. Plasmid DNA showed fast elimination kinetics with more than 99 % of the plasmid disappearing within 36 hours. IFN-g expression increased quickly after IL-12 plasmid injection, but varied between individual horses. Intratumoural injection of plasmid DNA is a feasible method for inducing transgene expression in vivo. Biological activity of the transgene IL-12 was confirmed by measuring expression of IFN-g.

High-sensitivity detection of biological amines using fast Hadamard transform CE coupled with photolytic optical gating.

PubMed

Braun, Kevin L; Hapuarachchi, Suminda; Fernandez, Facundo M; Aspinwall, Craig A

2007-08-01

Here, we report the first utilization of Hadamard transform CE (HTCE), a high-sensitivity, multiplexed CE technique, with photolytic optical gating sample injection of caged fluorescent labels for the detection of biologically important amines. Previous implementations of HTCE have relied upon photobleaching optical gating sample injection of fluorescent dyes. Photolysis of caged fluorescent labels reduces the fluorescence background, providing marked enhancements in sensitivity compared to photobleaching. Application of fast Hadamard transform CE (fHTCE) for fluorescein-based dyes yields a ten-fold higher sensitivity for photolytic injections compared to photobleaching injections, due primarily to the reduced fluorescent background provided by caged fluorescent dyes. Detection limits as low as 5 pM (ca. 18 molecules per injection event) were obtained with on-column LIF detection using fHTCE in less than 25 s, with the capacity for continuous, online separations. Detection limits for glutamate and aspartate below 150 pM (1-2 amol/injection event) were obtained using photolytic sample injection, with separation efficiencies exceeding 1 x 10(6) plates/m and total multiplexed separation times as low as 8 s. These results strongly support the feasibility of this approach for high-sensitivity dynamic chemical monitoring applications.

Simultaneous determination of dechloranes, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and novel brominated flame retardants in food and serum.

PubMed

Sales, Carlos; Poma, Giulia; Malarvannan, Govindan; Portolés, Tania; Beltrán, Joaquin; Covaci, Adrian

2017-07-01

A sensitive method for the simultaneous quantification of dechloranes, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) has been developed for gas chromatography (GC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry operating in electron capture negative ionization (ECNI) mode. The major advance has been achieved by combining selected ion monitoring (SIM) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) modes in well-defined time windows, to determine dechloranes, PBDEs and NBFRs at picogram per gram level in one single analysis in complex matrix biological samples. From the chromatographic point of view, efforts were devoted to study several injection modes using multimode inlet (MMI) in order to obtain low instrumental detection limits, necessary for trace compounds such as Dechlorane Plus (DP) isomers. Method performance was also evaluated: calibration curves were linear from 20 fg μL -1 to 100 pg μL -1 for the studied compounds, with method detection limits at levels of 50 fg g -1 for DPs. Repeatability and reproducibility, expressed as relative standard deviation, were better than 5% even in solvent vent mode for the injection of standards. The application to a wide range of complex samples (including food, human and animal serum samples) indicated a sensitive and reliable way to quantify at the picogram per gram level 4 halogenated norbornenes (HNs), Dechlorane Plus (anti-DP and syn-DP) and 2 of their homologues (Dechlorane-602 and Dechlorane-603), 11 PBDE congeners (no. 28, 47, 49, 66, 85, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183 and 209) and 5 novel BFRs, i.e. decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE), hexabromobenzene (HBB), 2,3,4,5-tetrabromo-ethylhexyl-benzoate (TBB) and tetrabromophthalate (TBPH). Graphical Abstract GC-ECNI-MS/MS chromatograms showing the most sensitive transition for DPs when injecting 2 μL of a 16 fg/μL standard solution of s-DP and a-DP at three different source temperatures.

Assessment of CO2 Mineralization and Dynamic Rock Properties at the Kemper Pilot CO2 Injection Site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, F.; Kirkland, B. L.; Beckingham, L. E.

2017-12-01

CO2-brine-mineral reactions following CO2 injection may impact rock properties including porosity, permeability, and pore connectivity. The rate and extent of alteration largely depends on the nature and evolution of reactive mineral interfaces. In this work, the potential for geochemical reactions and the nature of the reactive mineral interface and corresponding hydrologic properties are evaluated for samples from the Lower Tuscaloosa, Washita-Fredericksburg, and Paluxy formations. These formations have been identified as future regionally extensive and attractive CO2 storage reservoirs at the CO2 Storage Complex in Kemper County, Mississippi, USA (Project ECO2S). Samples from these formations were obtained from the Geological Survey of Alabama and evaluated using a suite of complementary analyses. The mineral composition of these samples will be determined using petrography and powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Using these compositions, continuum-scale reactive transport simulations will be developed and the potential CO2-brine-mineral interactions will be examined. Simulations will focus on identifying potential reactive minerals as well as the corresponding rate and extent of reactions. The spatial distribution and accessibility of minerals to reactive fluids is critical to understanding mineral reaction rates and corresponding changes in the pore structure, including pore connectivity, porosity and permeability. The nature of the pore-mineral interface, and distribution of reactive minerals, will be determined through imaging analysis. Multiple 2D scanning electron microscopy (SEM) backscattered electron (BSE) images and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) images will be used to create spatial maps of mineral distributions. These maps will be processed to evaluate the accessibility of reactive minerals and the potential for flow-path modifications following CO2 injection. The "Establishing an Early CO2 Storage Complex in Kemper, MS" project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory and cost-sharing partners.

MEASURING TRANSIT SIGNAL RECOVERY IN THE KEPLER PIPELINE. I. INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

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

Christiansen, Jessie L.; Clarke, Bruce D.; Burke, Christopher J.

The Kepler mission was designed to measure the frequency of Earth-size planets in the habitable zone of Sun-like stars. A crucial component for recovering the underlying planet population from a sample of detected planets is understanding the completeness of that sample-the fraction of the planets that could have been discovered in a given data set that actually were detected. Here, we outline the information required to determine the sample completeness, and describe an experiment to address a specific aspect of that question, i.e., the issue of transit signal recovery. We investigate the extent to which the Kepler pipeline preserves individualmore » transit signals by injecting simulated transits into the pixel-level data, processing the modified pixels through the pipeline, and comparing the measured transit signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) to that expected without perturbation by the pipeline. We inject simulated transit signals across the full focal plane for a set of observations for a duration of 89 days. On average, we find that the S/N of the injected signal is recovered at MS = 0.9973({+-} 0.0012) Multiplication-Sign BS - 0.0151({+-} 0.0049), where MS is the measured S/N and BS is the baseline, or expected, S/N. The 1{sigma} width of the distribution around this correlation is {+-}2.64%. This indicates an extremely high fidelity in reproducing the expected detection statistics for single transit events, and provides teams performing their own periodic transit searches the confidence that there is no systematic reduction in transit signal strength introduced by the pipeline. We discuss the pipeline processes that cause the measured S/N to deviate significantly from the baseline S/N for a small fraction of targets; these are primarily the handling of data adjacent to spacecraft re-pointings and the removal of harmonics prior to the measurement of the S/N. Finally, we outline the further work required to characterize the completeness of the Kepler pipeline.« less

Xuebijing injection improves the respiratory function in rabbits with oleic acid-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting IL-6 expression and promoting IL-10 expression at the protein and mRNA levels

PubMed Central

WANG, YUXIA; JI, MINGLI; WANG, LEI; CHEN, LIPING; LI, JING

2014-01-01

Xuebijing injection is a complex herbal medicine, and clinical and experimental studies have shown that it has a significant effect on acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. However, the majority of studies regarding Xuebijing injection have focused on serum inflammatory factors, and few studies have been carried out from the perspective of the protein and mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines. In this study, 60 healthy rabbits of mixed gender were randomly assigned to a normal control group (CG), oleic acid group (model group; MG) and oleic acid + Xuebijing injection group (treatment group; TG). Rabbits of the CG were treated with normal saline through the ear vein, rabbits of the MG were injected with oleic acid (0.4 ml/kg) and rabbits of the TG received 0.4 ml/kg oleic acid + 10 ml/kg Xuebijing injection. Blood samples were collected from the common carotid artery of all rabbits of all groups 1 h after the ear vein was injected with the corresponding reagent, and was used to measure the arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). The activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was tested, and the protein and mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 were determined. Rabbits of the MG exhibited evident respiratory dysfunction (PaO2 and PaCO2 were low), histopathological lung damage and overactive inflammatory responses (the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was increased at the protein and mRNA levels). Following the administration of the Xuebijing injection, the inflammatory response of the rabbits was significantly reduced. Xuebijing injection raised PaO2 and PaCO2, weakened the activity of MPO in the lung tissue, downregulated the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 and further increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These results demonstrated that Xuebijing injection improved the respiratory function of rabbits with acute oleic acid-induced lung injury by inhibiting IL-6 expression and promoting IL-10 expression. PMID:25289065

On the Hole Injection for III-Nitride Based Deep Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diodes.

PubMed

Li, Luping; Zhang, Yonghui; Xu, Shu; Bi, Wengang; Zhang, Zi-Hui; Kuo, Hao-Chung

2017-10-24

The hole injection is one of the bottlenecks that strongly hinder the quantum efficiency and the optical power for deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV LEDs) with the emission wavelength smaller than 360 nm. The hole injection efficiency for DUV LEDs is co-affected by the p-type ohmic contact, the p-type hole injection layer, the p-type electron blocking layer and the multiple quantum wells. In this report, we review a large diversity of advances that are currently adopted to increase the hole injection efficiency for DUV LEDs. Moreover, by disclosing the underlying device physics, the design strategies that we can follow have also been suggested to improve the hole injection for DUV LEDs.

On the Hole Injection for III-Nitride Based Deep Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diodes

PubMed Central

Li, Luping; Zhang, Yonghui; Kuo, Hao-Chung

2017-01-01

The hole injection is one of the bottlenecks that strongly hinder the quantum efficiency and the optical power for deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV LEDs) with the emission wavelength smaller than 360 nm. The hole injection efficiency for DUV LEDs is co-affected by the p-type ohmic contact, the p-type hole injection layer, the p-type electron blocking layer and the multiple quantum wells. In this report, we review a large diversity of advances that are currently adopted to increase the hole injection efficiency for DUV LEDs. Moreover, by disclosing the underlying device physics, the design strategies that we can follow have also been suggested to improve the hole injection for DUV LEDs. PMID:29073738

Effect of intravenous drug administration mode on drug distribution in a tumor slab: a finite Fourier transform analysis.

PubMed

Subramaniam, B; Claudius, J S

1990-03-08

Cancer therapy using chemotherapeutic drugs frequently involves injection of the drug into the body through some intravenous mode of administration, viz, continuous (drip) infusion or single/multiple bolus injection(s). An understanding of the effect of the various modes of administration upon tumor penetration of drug is essential to rational design of drug therapy. This paper investigates drug penetration into a model tumor of slab geometry (between two capillaries) in which the overall transport rate of drug is limited by intra-tumor transport characterized by an effective diffusion coefficient. Employing the method of Finite Fourier Transforms (FFT), analytical solutions have been obtained for transient drug distribution in both the plasma and the tumor following three modes of administration, viz, continuous infusion, single bolus injection and equally-spaced equal-dose multiple bolus injections, of a given amount of drug. The qualitative trends exhibited by the plasma drug distribution profiles are consistent with reported experimental studies. Two concepts, viz, the dimensionless decay constant and the plasma/tumor drug concentration trajectories, are found to be particularly useful in the rational design of drug therapy. The dimensionless decay constant provides a measure of the rate of drug decay in the plasma relative to the rate of drug diffusion into the tumor and is thus characteristic of the tumor/drug system. The magnitude of this parameter dictates the choice of drug administration mode for minimizing drug decay in the plasma while simultaneously maximizing drug transport into the tumor. The concentration trajectories provide a measure of the plasma drug concentration relative to the tumor drug concentration at various times following injection. When the tumor drug concentration exceeds the plasma drug concentration, the drug will begin to diffuse out of the tumor. Knowledge of the time at which this diffusion reversal occurs is especially useful for optimum scheduling of subsequent bolus injections in a multiple bolus dosing regimen. There are no reported applications of the FFT method to solve repeated input functions in either the chemical engineering or pharmaceutical science literature. Thus, the application of FFT method to solve multiple bolus injections is a unique one. Use of this FFT based analysis as a predictor tool can limit the number of costly experiments which are being done now to achieve this purpose. Even though the model in its present form is simplified, the analysis thereof has nevertheless led to a better understanding of the various factors that must be taken into account for rational design of drug therapy.

LEDs based upon AlGaInP heterostructures with multiple quantum wells: comparison of fast neutrons and gamma-quanta irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gradoboev, A. V.; Orlova, K. N.; Simonova, A. V.

2018-05-01

The paper presents the research results of watt and volt characteristics of LEDs based upon AlGaInP heterostructures with multiple quantum wells in the active region. The research is completed for LEDs (emission wavelengths 624 nm and 590 nm) under irradiation by fast neutron and gamma-quanta in passive powering mode. Watt-voltage characteristics in the average and high electron injection areas are described as a power function of the operating voltage. It has been revealed that the LEDs transition from average electron injection area to high electron injection area occurs by overcoming the transition area. It disappears as it get closer to the limit result of the irradiation LEDs that is low electron injection mode in the entire supply voltage range. It has been established that the gamma radiation facilitates initial defects restructuring only 42% compared to 100% when irradiation is performed by fast neutrons. Ratio between measured on the boundary between low and average electron injection areas current value and the contribution magnitude of the first stage LEDs emissive power reducing is established. It is allows to predict LEDs resistance to irradiation by fast neutrons and gamma rays.

Ambiguity in measuring matrix diffusion with single-well injection/recovery tracer tests

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lessoff, S.C.; Konikow, Leonard F.

1997-01-01

Single-well injection/recovery tracer tests are considered for use in characterizing and quantifying matrix diffusion in dual-porosity aquifers. Numerical modeling indicates that neither regional drift in homogeneous aquifers, nor heterogeneity in aquifers having no regional drift, nor hydrodynamic dispersion significantly affects these tests. However, when drift is coupled simultaneously with heterogeneity, they can have significant confounding effects on tracer return. This synergistic effect of drift and heterogeneity may help explain irreversible flow and inconsistent results sometimes encountered in previous single-well injection/recovery tracer tests. Numerical results indicate that in a hypothetical single-well injection/recovery tracer test designed to demonstrate and measure dual-porosity characteristics in a fractured dolomite, the simultaneous effects of drift and heterogeneity sometimes yields responses similar to those anticipated in a homogeneous dual-porosity formation. In these cases, tracer recovery could provide a false indication of the occurrence of matrix diffusion. Shortening the shut-in period between injection and recovery periods may make the test less sensitive to drift. Using multiple tracers having different diffusion characteristics, multiple tests having different pumping schedules, and testing the formation at more than one location would decrease the ambiguity in the interpretation of test data.

Intensified Sampling in Response to a Salmonella Heidelberg Outbreak Associated with Multiple Establishments Within a Single Poultry Corporation

PubMed Central

Defibaugh-Chavez, Stephanie; Douris, Aphrodite; Vetter, Danah; Atkinson, Richard; Kissler, Bonnie; Khroustalev, Allison; Robertson, Kis; Sharma, Yudhbir; Becker, Karen; Dessai, Uday; Antoine, Nisha; Allen, Latasha; Holt, Kristin; Gieraltowski, Laura; Wise, Matthew; Schwensohn, Colin

2018-01-01

Abstract On June 28, 2013, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) was notified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of an investigation of a multistate cluster of illnesses of Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg. Since case-patients in the cluster reported consumption of a variety of chicken products, FSIS used a simple likelihood-based approach using traceback information to focus on intensified sampling efforts. This article describes the multiphased product sampling approach taken by FSIS when epidemiologic evidence implicated chicken products from multiple establishments operating under one corporation. The objectives of sampling were to (1) assess process control of chicken slaughter and further processing and (2) determine whether outbreak strains were present in products from these implicated establishments. As part of the sample collection process, data collected by FSIS personnel to characterize product included category (whole chicken and type of chicken parts), brand, organic or conventional product, injection with salt solutions or flavorings, and whether product was skinless or skin-on. From the period September 9, 2013, through October 31, 2014, 3164 samples were taken as part of this effort. Salmonella percent positive declined from 19.7% to 5.3% during this timeframe as a result of regulatory and company efforts. The results of intensified sampling for this outbreak investigation informed an FSIS regulatory response and corrective actions taken by the implicated establishments. The company noted that a multihurdle approach to reduce Salmonella in products was taken, including on-farm efforts such as environmental testing, depopulation of affected flocks, disinfection of affected houses, vaccination, and use of various interventions within the establishments over the course of several months. PMID:29638165

Laterally injected light-emitting diode and laser diode

DOEpatents

Miller, Mary A.; Crawford, Mary H.; Allerman, Andrew A.

2015-06-16

A p-type superlattice is used to laterally inject holes into an III-nitride multiple quantum well active layer, enabling efficient light extraction from the active area. Laterally-injected light-emitting diodes and laser diodes can enable brighter, more efficient devices that impact a wide range of wavelengths and applications. For UV wavelengths, applications include fluorescence-based biological sensing, epoxy curing, and water purification. For visible devices, applications include solid state lighting and projection systems.

Chromium Isotopic Monitoring of HRC-Stimulated Bio-containment at the 100H Test Site, Hanford, Washington

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christensen, J. N.; Brown, S. T.; Brodie, E. L.; Chakraborty, R.; Conrad, M. E.; Long, P. E.; Faybishenko, B.; Hazen, T. C.

2007-12-01

Hexavalent Cr (Cr(VI)) groundwater contamination is a common problem in the U.S. associated with industrial activity (e.g. electroplating, tanning, paints, anti-corrosion). In the particular case of the Hanford Site, Washington, chromate was used primarily to inhibit corrosion in nuclear reactor cooling systems. During the active operation of the Hanford Site, disposal of waste water bearing chromate, and accidental releases to the vadose zone resulted in significant groundwater contamination with local concentrations near the Columbia river reaching over 1000 ppb Cr(VI). In an effort to test an effective bio-containment strategy for groundwater Cr(VI), a site was selected between the 100D and 100H reactor areas with modest concentrations (~100 ppb Cr(VI) over the past two decades). A slow-release 13C labeled polylactate amendment (HRCTM, Regenesis, Ltd.) was injected into groundwater within a sandy formation to stimulate bacterial activity in order to produce conditions that promote the reduction of dissolved Cr(VI) to insoluble Cr(III) complexes [1]. Since the injection of HRCTM in August 2004, groundwater Cr(VI) concentration has been locally below 1 ppb, and reducing conditions have been maintained to at least the present time. The isotopic composition of Cr can be fractionated during reduction from Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and so has the potential to be used as a monitor of hexavalent Cr reduction [2, 3]. This would provide a direct signature of Cr(VI) reduction, discernable from simple attenuation by dilution. In order to explore the use of Cr isotopic measurements for evaluating processes of Cr(VI) reduction, we have analyzed a series of samples in space and time for Cr isotopic composition (δ53Cr, permil deviation of sample 53Cr/52Cr from that of SRM970). Groundwater samples came from the HRC injection well, from multiple depths of three down-gradient wells, and from an up-gradient well. Samples from down-gradient wells have Cr that is isotopically fractionated relative to samples from the up-gradient well. Taken together, samples from a single sampling campaign yield an apparent fractionation of 2.2 ‰. Cr isotopic measurements of the latest samples (June, 2007) confirm continued reduction of Cr(VI) nearly three years after the introduction of HRCTM, suggesting the long-term effectiveness of this bio-stimulated containment strategy. [1] http://esd.lbl.gov/ERT/hanford100h/ [2] Ellis, AS, Johnson, TM and Bohlen, TD (2002) Science. 295:2060-2062. [3] Johnson, TM and Bohlen, TD (2004) Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, Vol. 55, p.289-317.

A preliminary study of painless and effective transdermal botulinum toxin A delivery by jet nebulization for treatment of primary hyperhidrosis.

PubMed

Iannitti, Tommaso; Palmieri, Beniamino; Aspiro, Anna; Di Cerbo, Alessandro

2014-01-01

Hyperhidrosis is a chronic disease characterized by increased sweat production. Local injections of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) have been extensively used for treatment of primary hyperhidrosis (idiopathic). The current treatment for this condition involves several intradermal injections, resulting in poor patient compliance due to injection-related pain. Therefore, new protocols, including an improved anesthetic regimen, are required. We designed the present study to determine whether JetPeel™-3, a medical device used for transdermal delivery of drugs by jet nebulization, could be used to deliver lidocaine prior to the standard multiple BTX-A injections or deliver lidocaine together with BTX-A in order to determine the protocol giving better results in terms of procedure-related pain, sweating, and patient satisfaction in subjects affected by primary axillary, palmar or plantar hyperhidrosis. Twenty patients with a visual analog scale (VAS) sweating score ≥ 8 cm were randomized to receive lidocaine 2% (5 mL) delivered by JetPeel™-3 followed by multiple injections of BTX-A (100 units) or lidocaine 2% (5 mL) and BTX-A (50 units) delivered together by JetPeel™-3. Effect of treatment on sweating was measured by VAS (0= minimum sweating; 10= maximum sweating) at 3-month follow-up. Pain induced by the procedure was assessed by VAS (0= minimum pain; 10= maximum pain) immediately after the procedure. Patient satisfaction was assessed at 3-month follow-up using a 5-point scale (1= not at all satisfied; 2= not satisfied; 3= partially satisfied; 4= satisfied; 5= highly satisfied). Both treatment modalities reduced sweating at 3-month follow-up, if compared with baseline (all P<0.001). Delivery of lidocaine and BTX-A by JetPeel™-3 resulted in lower procedure-related pain and reduced sweating, if compared with lidocaine delivered by JetPeel™-3 followed by multiple BTX-A injections (all P<0.001). Patient satisfaction with the procedure was higher in the group receiving lidocaine and BTX-A treatment by JetPeel™-3, if compared with lidocaine delivered by JetPeel™-3 followed by multiple BTX-A injections (P<0.001). No side effects were observed in both groups. Lidocaine and BTX-A can be safely delivered together by JetPeel™-3 to treat primary palmar, plantar and axillary hyperhidrosis, resulting in lower procedure-related pain, improved sweating and higher patient satisfaction, if compared with lidocaine delivered by JetPeel™-3 followed by standard BTX-A injection therapy. Our protocol delivering lidocaine and BTX-A together by JetPeel™-3 requires a reduced quantity of BTX-A, further supporting the use of the transdermal drug delivery by jet nebulization over standard injection therapy for treatment of primary hyperhidrosis.

Microseismic Monitoring of the Mounds Drill Cuttings Injection Tests

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

Branagan, P.T.; Mahrer, K.D.; Moschovidis, Z.A.

This paper describes the microseismic mapping of repeated injections of drill cuttings into two separate formations at a test site near Mounds, OK. Injections were performed in sandstone and shale formations at depths of 830 and 595 m, respectively. Typical injection disposal was simulated using multiple small-volume injections over a three-day period, with long shut-in periods interspersed between the injections. Microseismic monitoring was achieved using a 5-level array of wireline-run, triaxial- accelerometer receivers in a monitor well 76 m from the disposed well. Results of the mapped microseismic locations showed that the disposal domti W= generally aligns with the majormore » horizontal stress with some variations in azimuth and that wide variations in height and length growth occurred with continued injections. These experiments show that the cuttings injection process cm be adequately monitored from a downhole, wireline-run receiver array, thus providing process control and environmental assurance.« less

Mixing problems in using indicators for measuring regional blood flow

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

Ushioda, E.; Nuwayhid, B.; Tabsh, K.

A basic requirement for using indicators for measuring blood flow is adequate mixing of the indicator with blood prior to sampling the site. This requirement has been met by depositing the indicator in the heart and sampling from an artery. Recently, authors have injected microspheres into veins and sampled from venous sites. The present studies were designed to investigate the mixing problems in sheep and rabbits by means of Cardio-Green and labeled microspheres. The indicators were injected at different points in the circulatory system, and blood was sampled at different levels of the venous and arterial systems. Results show themore » following: (a) When an indicator of small molecular size (Cardio-Green) is allowed to pass through the heart chambers, adequate mixing is achieved, yielding accurate and reproducible results. (b) When any indicator (Cardio-Green or microspheres) is injected into veins, and sampling is done at any point in the venous system, mixing is inadequate, yielding flow results which are inconsistent and erratic. (c) For an indicator or large molecular size (microspheres), injecting into the left side of the heart and sampling from arterial sites yield accurate and reproducible results regardless of whether blood is sampled continuously or intermittently.« less

Multiple injections of electroporated autologous T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor mediate regression of human disseminated tumor.

PubMed

Zhao, Yangbing; Moon, Edmund; Carpenito, Carmine; Paulos, Chrystal M; Liu, Xiaojun; Brennan, Andrea L; Chew, Anne; Carroll, Richard G; Scholler, John; Levine, Bruce L; Albelda, Steven M; June, Carl H

2010-11-15

Redirecting T lymphocyte antigen specificity by gene transfer can provide large numbers of tumor-reactive T lymphocytes for adoptive immunotherapy. However, safety concerns associated with viral vector production have limited clinical application of T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CAR). T lymphocytes can be gene modified by RNA electroporation without integration-associated safety concerns. To establish a safe platform for adoptive immunotherapy, we first optimized the vector backbone for RNA in vitro transcription to achieve high-level transgene expression. CAR expression and function of RNA-electroporated T cells could be detected up to a week after electroporation. Multiple injections of RNA CAR-electroporated T cells mediated regression of large vascularized flank mesothelioma tumors in NOD/scid/γc(-/-) mice. Dramatic tumor reduction also occurred when the preexisting intraperitoneal human-derived tumors, which had been growing in vivo for >50 days, were treated by multiple injections of autologous human T cells electroporated with anti-mesothelin CAR mRNA. This is the first report using matched patient tumor and lymphocytes showing that autologous T cells from cancer patients can be engineered to provide an effective therapy for a disseminated tumor in a robust preclinical model. Multiple injections of RNA-engineered T cells are a novel approach for adoptive cell transfer, providing flexible platform for the treatment of cancer that may complement the use of retroviral and lentiviral engineered T cells. This approach may increase the therapeutic index of T cells engineered to express powerful activation domains without the associated safety concerns of integrating viral vectors. Copyright © 2010 AACR.

Multiple injections of electroporated autologous T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor mediate regression of human disseminated tumor

PubMed Central

Zhao, Yangbing; Moon, Edmund; Carpenito, Carmine; Paulos, Chrystal M.; Liu, Xiaojun; Brennan, Andrea L; Chew, Anne; Carroll, Richard G.; Scholler, John; Levine, Bruce L.; Albelda, Steven M.; June, Carl H.

2010-01-01

Redirecting T lymphocyte antigen specificity by gene transfer can provide large numbers of tumor reactive T lymphocytes for adoptive immunotherapy. However, safety concerns associated with viral vector production have limited clinical application of T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). T lymphocytes can be gene modified by RNA electroporation without integration-associated safety concerns. To establish a safe platform for adoptive immunotherapy, we first optimized the vector backbone for RNA in vitro transcription to achieve high level transgene expression. CAR expression and function of RNA-electroporated T cells could be detected up to a week post electroporation. Multiple injections of RNA CAR electroporated T cells mediated regression of large vascularized flank mesothelioma tumors in NOD/scid/γc(−/−) mice. Dramatic tumor reduction also occurred when the pre-existing intraperitoneal human-derived tumors, that had been growing in vivo for over 50 days, were treated by multiple injections of autologous human T cells electroporated with anti-mesothelin CAR mRNA. This is the first report using matched patient tumor and lymphocytes demonstrating that autologous T cells from cancer patients can be engineered to provide an effective therapy for a disseminated tumor in a robust preclinical model. Multiple injections of RNA engineered T cells are a novel approach for adoptive cell transfer, providing flexible platform for the treatment of cancer that may complement the use of retroviral and lentiviral engineered T cells. This approach may increase the therapeutic index of T cells engineered to express powerful activation domains without the associated safety concerns of integrating viral vectors. PMID:20926399

Kepler Planet Detection Metrics: Per-Target Flux-Level Transit Injection Tests of TPS for Data Release 25

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burke, Christopher J.; Catanzarite, Joseph

2017-01-01

Quantifying the ability of a transiting planet survey to recover transit signals has commonly been accomplished through Monte-Carlo injection of transit signals into the observed data and subsequent running of the signal search algorithm (Gilliland et al., 2000; Weldrake et al., 2005; Burke et al., 2006). In order to characterize the performance of the Kepler pipeline (Twicken et al., 2016; Jenkins et al., 2017) on a sample of over 200,000 stars, two complementary injection and recovery tests are utilized:1. Injection of a single transit signal per target into the image or pixel-level data, hereafter referred to as pixel-level transit injection (PLTI), with subsequent processing through the Photometric Analysis (PA), Presearch Data Conditioning (PDC), Transiting Planet Search (TPS), and Data Validation (DV) modules of the Kepler pipeline. The PLTI quantification of the Kepler pipeline's completeness has been described previously by Christiansen et al. (2015, 2016); the completeness of the final SOC 9.3 Kepler pipeline acting on the Data Release 25 (DR25) light curves is described by Christiansen (2017).2. Injection of multiple transit signals per target into the normalized flux time series data with a subsequent transit search using a stream-lined version of the Transiting Planet Search (TPS) module. This test, hereafter referred to as flux-level transit injection (FLTI), is the subject of this document. By running a heavily modified version of TPS, FLTI is able to perform many injections on selected targets and determine in some detail which injected signals are recoverable. Significant numerical efficiency gains are enabled by precomputing the data conditioning steps at the onset of TPS and limiting the search parameter space (i.e., orbital period, transit duration, and ephemeris zero-point) to a small region around each injected transit signal.The PLTI test has the advantage that it follows transit signals through all processing steps of the Kepler pipeline, and the recovered signals can be further classified as planet candidates or false positives in the exact same manner as detections from the nominal (i.e., observed) pipeline run (Twicken et al., 2016, Thompson et al., in preparation). To date, the PLTI test has been the standard means of measuring pipeline completeness averaged over large samples of targets (Christiansen et al., 2015, 2016; Christiansen, 2017). However, since the PLTI test uses only one injection per target, it does not elucidate individual-target variations in pipeline completeness due to differences in stellar properties or astrophysical variability. Thus, we developed the FLTI test to provide a numerically efficient way to fully map individual targets and explore the performance of the pipeline in greater detail. The FLTI tests thereby allow a thorough validation of the pipeline completeness models (such as window function (Burke and Catanzarite, 2017a), detection efficiency (Burke Catanzarite, 2017b), etc.) across the spectrum of Kepler targets (i.e., various astrophysical phenomena and differences in instrumental noise). Tests during development of the FLTI capability revealed that there are significant target-to-target variations in the detection efficiency.

Boron Carbide: Stabilization of Highly-Loaded Aqueous Suspensions, Pressureless Sintering, and Room Temperature Injection Molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diaz-Cano, Andres

Boron carbide (B4C) is the third hardest material after diamond and cubic boron nitride. It's unique combination of properties makes B4C a highly valuable material. With hardness values around 35 MPa, a high melting point, 2450°C, density of 2.52 g/cm3, and high chemical inertness, boron carbide is used in severe wear components, like cutting tools and sandblasting nozzles, nuclear reactors' control rots, and finally and most common application, armor. Production of complex-shaped ceramic component is complex and represents many challenges. Present research presents a new and novel approach to produce complex-shaped B4C components. Proposed approach allows forming to be done at room temperatures and under very low forming pressures. Additives and binder concentrations are kept as low as possible, around 5Vol%, while ceramics loadings are maximized above 50Vol%. Given that proposed approach uses water as the main solvent, pieces drying is simple and environmentally safe. Optimized formulation allows rheological properties to be tailored and adjust to multiple processing approaches, including, injection molding, casting, and additive manufacturing. Boron carbide samples then were pressureless sintered. Due to the high covalent character of boron carbide, multiples sintering aids and techniques have been proposed in order to achieve high levels of densification. However, is not possible to define a clear sintering methodology based on literature. Thus, present research developed a comprehensive study on the effect of multiple sintering aids on the densification of boron carbide when pressureless sintered. Relative densities above 90% were achieved with values above 30MPa in hardness. Current research allows extending the uses and application of boron carbide, and other ceramic systems, by providing a new approach to produce complex-shaped components with competitive properties.

Contraception use and unplanned pregnancies among injection drug-using women in St Petersburg, Russia.

PubMed

Abdala, Nadia; Kershaw, Trace; Krasnoselskikh, Tatiana V; Kozlov, Andrei P

2011-07-01

This cross-sectional study estimated the prevalence of contraceptive methods and investigated whether abortion rates influence contraceptive behaviour among injection drug-using (IDU) women in St Petersburg, Russia. A self-administered questionnaire of behaviour in the last 3 months was applied to a convenient sample of IDU women. Of 80 sexually active participants, 67% had had an abortion. No participant reported using hormonal contraceptives or intrauterine devices (IUDs). The only valid method of contraception used was condoms, which was reported by half of the participants. Consistent condom use was reported by 22% of participants and was no more likely among those who had an abortion. Condom use was significantly associated with having multiple or casual sex partners [prevalence ratio (PR) 1.75, 95% (confidence interval) CI 1.11-2.78, p = 0.01], having an IDU sex partner (PR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36-0.85, p = 0.029) and with a negative attitude toward condoms (PR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33-0.84, p = 0.01). Abortions were less likely among those who had multiple or casual sex partners (PR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49-0.97, p = 0.03). Despite the high prevalence of abortions among IDU women, none reported the use of hormonal contraception or IUDs. Having had an abortion was not associated with greater likelihood of using condoms. Participants mostly used condoms with casual or multiple sex partners, suggesting that condoms were used mainly to prevent HIV/sexually transmitted infection transmission and not to prevent pregnancy. Programmes to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce abortion-related health risks among this understudied vulnerable group are needed.

[Rapid screening and quality evaluation for the harmful substance 5-hydroxymethyl furfural in commercially available traditional Chinese medicine injection using LC-MS/MS method].

PubMed

Zang, Qing-ce; He, Jing-jing; Bai, Jin-fa; Zheng, Ya-jie; Zhang, Rui-ping; Li, Tie-gang; Wang, Zhong-hua; He, Jiu-ming; Abliz, Zeper

2013-11-01

To screen the harmful substance 5-hydroxymethyl furfural content in commercially available traditional Chinese medicine injection which are commonly used, and to preliminarily evaluate the quality of these injections, 5-hydroxymethyl furfural was taken as an index. The contents of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural in 56 samples which consist of 23 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine injections and glucose injection were determined using LC-MS/MS, and 5-hydroxymethyl furfural was detected in 52 of these samples. The minimal content was 0.0038 microg x L(-1) and the maximum content was 1420 microg x mL(-1). The contents of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural were significantly different in traditional Chinese medicine injection which came from different kinds, manufacturers or batches. The results showed the quality difference of commercially available traditional Chinese medicine injection is significant taking 5-hydroxymethyl furfural content as assessment index. More attention should be paid to the safety of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural in traditional Chinese medicine injection, and unified limitation standard should be set to improve medication safety of traditional Chinese medicine injection.

Experimental Investigation on Dilation Mechanisms of Land-Facies Karamay Oil Sand Reservoirs under Water Injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Botao; Jin, Yan; Pang, Huiwen; Cerato, Amy B.

2016-04-01

The success of steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) is strongly dependent on the formation of a homogeneous and highly permeable zone in the land-facies Karamay oil sand reservoirs. To accomplish this, hydraulic fracturing is applied through controlled water injection to a pair of horizontal wells to create a dilation zone between the dual wells. The mechanical response of the reservoirs during this injection process, however, has remained unclear for the land-facies oil sand that has a loosely packed structure. This research conducted triaxial, permeability and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests on the field-collected oil sand samples. The tests evaluated the influences of the field temperature, confining stress and injection pressure on the dilation mechanisms as shear dilation and tensile parting during injection. To account for petrophysical heterogeneity, five reservoir rocks including regular oil sand, mud-rich oil sand, bitumen-rich oil sand, mudstone and sandstone were investigated. It was found that the permeability evolution in the oil sand samples subjected to shear dilation closely followed the porosity and microcrack evolutions in the shear bands. In contrast, the mudstone and sandstone samples developed distinct shear planes, which formed preferred permeation paths. Tensile parting expanded the pore space and increased the permeability of all the samples in various degrees. Based on this analysis, it is concluded that the range of injection propagation in the pay zone determines the overall quality of hydraulic fracturing, while the injection pressure must be carefully controlled. A region in a reservoir has little dilation upon injection if it remains unsaturated. Moreover, a cooling of the injected water can strengthen the dilation potential of a reservoir. Finally, it is suggested that the numerical modeling of water injection in the Karamay oil sand reservoirs must take into account the volumetric plastic strain in hydrostatic loading.

Relationship Between the Provision of Injection Services in Ambulatory Physician Offices and Prescribing Injectable Medicines.

PubMed

Yousefi, Naeimeh; Rashidian, Arash; Soleymani, Fatemeh; Kebriaeezade, Abbas

2017-01-01

Overuse of injections is a common problem in many low-income and middle income countries. While cultural factors and attitudes of both physicians and patients are important factors, physicians› financial intensives may play an important role in overprescribing of injections. This study was designed to assess the effects of providing injection- services in physicians› ambulatory offices on prescribing injectable medicines. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran in 2012 -2013and included a random sample of general physicians, pediatricians and infectious disease specialists. We collected data on the provision of injection services in or in proximity of physician offices, and obtained data from physicians› prescriptions in the previous three-month period. We analyzed the data using ANOVA, Student›s t-test and linear regression methods. We obtained complete data from 465 of 600 sampled physicians. Overall 41.9% of prescriptions contained injectable medicines. 75% of physicians offered injection services in their offices. Male physicians and general physicians were more likely to offer the services, and more likely to prescribe injectables. We observed a clear linear relationship between the injection service working hours and the proportion of prescriptions containing injectables (p-value<0.001). Providing injection service in the office was directly linked with the proportion of prescriptions containing injectables. While provision of injection services may provide a direct financial benefit to physicians, it is unlikely to be able to substantially reduce injectable medicines› prescription without addressing the issue.

Focusing of light energy inside a scattering medium by controlling the time-gated multiple light scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Seungwon; Lee, Ye-Ryoung; Choi, Wonjun; Kang, Sungsam; Hong, Jin Hee; Park, Jin-Sung; Lim, Yong-Sik; Park, Hong-Gyu; Choi, Wonshik

2018-05-01

The efficient delivery of light energy is a prerequisite for the non-invasive imaging and stimulating of target objects embedded deep within a scattering medium. However, the injected waves experience random diffusion by multiple light scattering, and only a small fraction reaches the target object. Here, we present a method to counteract wave diffusion and to focus multiple-scattered waves at the deeply embedded target. To realize this, we experimentally inject light into the reflection eigenchannels of a specific flight time to preferably enhance the intensity of those multiple-scattered waves that have interacted with the target object. For targets that are too deep to be visible by optical imaging, we demonstrate a more than tenfold enhancement in light energy delivery in comparison with ordinary wave diffusion cases. This work will lay a foundation to enhance the working depth of imaging, sensing and light stimulation.

Measurement of citrate in urine using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry: comparison with an enzymatic method.

PubMed

Keevil, B G; Owen, L; Thornton, S; Kavanagh, J

2005-09-01

Measurement of urine citrate is used to assess the risk of further urinary stone formation and to assess the benefit of treatment in affected individuals. We wanted to develop a simple and rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the analysis of urinary citrate and to compare it with our current enzymatic assay. For the LC-MS/MS assay, samples were prepared in a deep-well block by adding 10 microL of urine and 20 microL of internal standard to 400 microL of water. After mixing, 3 microL of the diluted sample was injected into the LC-MS/MS system. An LC system was used to isocratically elute a C18 column (50 x 2.1 mm) with 0.4 mL/min water containing 2 mmol/L ammonium acetate and 0.1% (v/v) formic acid. A step gradient of 100% methanol containing 2 mmol/L ammonium acetate and 0.1% (v/v) formic acid was used to wash the column. The retention times were 1.4 min for citrate and 1.4 min for d4-citrate. Cycle time was 4.0 min, injection to injection. The analytes were monitored using a tandem mass spectrometer operated in multiple reaction monitoring mode using the following transitions, citrate m/z 191.0>111.0 and d4-citrate m/z 195.0>113.0. Within and between-batch coefficients of variation were <3% over the range 480-3800 micromol/L. The lower limit of quantification was 24.0 micromol/L. Regression analysis showed LC-MS/MS = 0.8781 (enzymatic assay) + 102.5, r = 0.964, n = 73. We have developed a simple LC-MS/MS method for urinary citrate measurement that shows acceptable performance.

Pseudolinear gradient ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography using an injection valve assembly.

PubMed

Xiang, Yanqiao; Liu, Yansheng; Stearns, Stanley D; Plistil, Alex; Brisbin, Martin P; Lee, Milton L

2006-02-01

The use of ultrahigh pressures in liquid chromatography (UHPLC) imposes stringent requirements on hardware such as pumps, valves, injectors, connecting tubing, and columns. One of the most difficult components of the UHPLC system to develop has been the sample injector. Static-split injection, which can be performed at pressures up to 6900 bar (100,000 psi), consumes a large sample volume and is very irreproducible. A pressure-balanced injection valve provided better reproducibility, shorter injection time, reduced sample consumption, and greater ease of use; however, it could only withstand pressures up to approximately 1000 bar (15,000 psi). In this study, a new injection valve assembly that can operate at pressures as high as 2070 bar (30,000 psi) was evaluated for UHPLC. This assembly contains six miniature electronically controlled needle valves to provide accurate and precise volumes for introduction into the capillary LC column. It was found that sample volumes as small as several tenths of a nanoliter can be injected, which are comparable to the results obtained from the static-split injector. The reproducibilities of retention time, efficiency, and peak area were investigated, and the results showed that the relative standard deviations of these parameters were small enough for quantitative analyses. Separation experiments using the UHPLC system with this new injection valve assembly showed that this new injector is suitable for both isocratic and gradient operation modes. A newly designed capillary connector was used at a pressure as high as 2070 bar (30,000 psi).

Anisotropic mechanical behavior of an injection molded short fiber reinforced thermoplastic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez, Delphine; Thuillier, Sandrine; Bessières, Nicolas; Grohens, Yves

2016-10-01

A short fiber reinforced thermoplastic was injected into a rectangular mold, in order to prepare samples to characterize the mechanical behavior of the material. The injection process was simulated with Moldflow and a cutting pattern was deduced from the predicted fiber orientation, leading to samples with several well-defined orientations with respect to the injection direction. Monotonic tensile tests up to rupture, as well as complex cycles made of loading steps followed by relaxation steps at different strain levels were performed, in order to check the reproducibility for a given orientation. Moreover, the fiber orientation in the central part of the tensile samples was also analyzed with X-ray tomography. The results show that the mechanical behavior for each orientation (among 6) was rather reproducible, thus validating the cutting pattern.

Hole injection from the sidewall of V-shaped pits into c-plane multiple quantum wells in InGaN light emitting diodes

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

Wu, Xiaoming; Liu, Junlin, E-mail: liujunlin@ncu.edu.cn; Jiang, Fengyi

2015-10-28

The role which the V-shaped pits (V-pits) play in InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW) light emitting diodes (LEDs) has been proposed to enable the formation of sidewall MQWs, whose higher bandgap than that of the c-plane MQWs is considered to act as an energy barrier to prevent carriers from reaching the dislocations. Here, with increasing proportion of current flowing via the V-pits, the emission of the c-plane MQWs broadens across the short-wavelength band and shows a blueshift successively. This phenomenon is attributed to hole injection from the sidewall of V-pits into the c-plane MQWs, which is a new discovery inmore » the injection mechanism of InGaN/GaN MQW LEDs.« less

Plasma discharge elemental detector for a mass spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heppner, R. A.

1983-06-01

A material to be analyzed is injected into a mirowave-induced plasma discharge unit, in which the material is carried with a flow of buffer gas through an intense microwave energy field which produces a plasma discharge in the buffer gas. As the material exits from the plasma discharge, the material is sampled and conveyed along a capillary transfer tube to a mass spectrometer where it is analyzed. The plasma discharge causes dissociation of complex organic molecules into simpler molecules which return to the neutral ground state before they are analyzed in the mass spectrometer. The buffer gas is supplied to one end portion of the discharge tube and is withdrawn from the other end portion by a vacuum pump which maintains a subatmospheric pressure in the discharge tube. The sample material is injected by a capillary injection tube into the buffer gas flow as it enters the plasma discharge zone. The dissociated materials are sampled by an axial sampling tube having an entrance where the buffer gas exits from the plasma discharge zone. The sample material may be supplied by a gas chromatography having a capillary effluent line connected to the capillary injection tube, so that the effluent material is injected into the microwave induced plasma discharge. The microwave field is produced by a cavity resonator through which the discharge tube passes.

A multi-staining chip using hydrophobic valves for exfoliative cytology in cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Tae Hee; Bu, Jiyoon; Moon, Jung Eun; Kim, Young Jun; Kang, Yoon-Tae; Cho, Young-Ho; Kim, In Sik

2017-07-01

Exfoliative cytology is a highly established technique for the diagnosis of tumors. Various microfluidic devices have been developed to minimize the sample numbers by conjugating multiple antibodies in a single sample. However, the previous multi-staining devices require complex control lines and valves operated by external power sources, to deliver multiple antibodies separately for a single sample. In addition, most of these devices are composed of hydrophobic materials, causing unreliable results due to the non-specific binding of antibodies. Here, we present a multi-staining chip using hydrophobic valves, which is formed by the partial treatment of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). Our chip consists of a circular chamber, divided into six equal fan-shaped regions. Switchable injection ports are located at the center of the chamber and at the middle of the arc of each fan-shaped zone. Thus, our device is beneficial for minimizing the control lines, since pre-treatment solutions flow from the center to outer ports, while six different antibodies are introduced oppositely from the outer ports. Furthermore, hydrophobic narrow channels, connecting the central region and each of the six fan-shaped zones, are closed by capillary effect, thus preventing the fluidic mixing without external power sources. Meanwhile, HEMA treatment on the exterior region results in hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic transition and prevents the non-specific binding of antibodies. For the application, we measured the expression of six different antibodies in a single sample using our device. The expression levels of each antibody highly matched the conventional immunocytochemistry results. Our device enables cancer screening with a small number of antibodies for a single sample.

Paradoxical effects of injection stress and nicotine exposure experienced during adolescence on learning in a serial multiple choice (SMC) task in adult female rats.

PubMed

Renaud, Samantha M; Pickens, Laura R G; Fountain, Stephen B

2015-01-01

Nicotine exposure in adolescent rats has been shown to cause learning impairments that persist into adulthood long after nicotine exposure has ended. This study was designed to assess the extent to which the effects of adolescent nicotine exposure on learning in adulthood can be accounted for by adolescent injection stress experienced concurrently with adolescent nicotine exposure. Female rats received either 0.033 mg/h nicotine (expressed as the weight of the free base) or bacteriostatic water vehicle by osmotic pump infusion on postnatal days 25-53 (P25-53). Half of the nicotine-exposed rats and half of the vehicle rats also received twice-daily injection stress consisting of intraperitoneal saline injections on P26-53. Together these procedures produced 4 groups: No Nicotine/No Stress, Nicotine/No Stress, No Nicotine/Stress, and Nicotine/Stress. On P65-99, rats were trained to perform a structurally complex 24-element serial pattern of responses in the serial multiple choice (SMC) task. Four general results were obtained in the current study. First, learning for within-chunk elements was not affected by either adolescent nicotine exposure, consistent with past work (Pickens, Rowan, Bevins, and Fountain, 2013), or adolescent injection stress. Thus, there were no effects of adolescent nicotine exposure or injection stress on adult within-chunk learning typically attributed to rule learning in the SMC task. Second, adolescent injection stress alone (i.e., without concurrent nicotine exposure) caused transient but significant facilitation of adult learning restricted to a single element of the 24-element pattern, namely, the "violation element," that was the only element of the pattern that was inconsistent with pattern structure. Thus, adolescent injection stress alone facilitated violation element acquisition in adulthood. Third, also consistent with past work (Pickens et al., 2013), adolescent nicotine exposure, in this case both with and without adolescent injection stress, caused a learning impairment in adulthood for the violation element in female rats. Thus, adolescent nicotine impaired adult violation element learning typically attributed to multiple-item learning in the SMC task. Fourth, a paradoxical interaction of injection stress and nicotine exposure in acquisition was observed. In the same female rats in which violation-element learning was impaired by adolescent nicotine exposure, adolescent nicotine experienced without adolescent injection stress produced better learning for chunk-boundary elements in adulthood compared to all other conditions. Thus, adolescent nicotine without concurrent injection stress facilitated adult chunk-boundary element learning typically attributed to concurrent stimulus-response discrimination learning and serial-position learning in the SMC task. To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first to demonstrate facilitation of adult learning caused by adolescent nicotine exposure. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Paradoxical Effects of Injection Stress and Nicotine Exposure Experienced During Adolescence on Learning in a Serial Multiple Choice (SMC) Task in Adult Female Rats

PubMed Central

Renaud, Samantha M.; Pickens, Laura R. G.; Fountain, Stephen B.

2015-01-01

Nicotine exposure in adolescent rats has been shown to cause learning impairments that persist into adulthood long after nicotine exposure has ended. This study was designed to assess the extent to which the effects of adolescent nicotine exposure on learning in adulthood can be accounted for by adolescent injection stress experienced concurrently with adolescent nicotine exposure. Female rats received either 0.033 mg/hr nicotine (expressed as the weight of the free base) or bacteriostatic water vehicle by osmotic pump infusion on postnatal days 25-53 (P25-53). Half of the nicotine-exposed rats and half of the vehicle rats also received twice-daily injection stress consisting of intraperitoneal saline injections on P26-53. Together these procedures produced 4 groups: No Nicotine / No Stress, Nicotine / No Stress, No Nicotine / Stress, and Nicotine / Stress. On P65-99, rats were trained to perform a structurally complex 24-element serial pattern of responses in the serial multiple choice (SMC) task. Four general results were obtained in the current study. First, learning for within-chunk elements was not affected by either adolescent nicotine exposure, consistent with past work (Pickens, Rowan, Bevins, & Fountain, 2013), or adolescent injection stress. Thus, there were no effects of adolescent nicotine exposure or injection stress on adult within-chunk learning typically attributed to rule learning in the SMC task. Second, adolescent injection stress alone (i.e., without concurrent nicotine exposure) caused transient but significant facilitation of adult learning restricted to a single element of the 24-element pattern, namely, the “violation element,” that was the only element of the pattern that was inconsistent with pattern structure. Thus, adolescent injection stress alone facilitated violation element acquisition in adulthood. Third, also consistent with past work (Pickens et al., 2013), adolescent nicotine exposure, in this case both with and without adolescent injection stress, caused a learning impairment in adulthood for the violation element in female rats. Thus, adolescent nicotine impaired adult violation element learning typically attributed to multiple-item learning in the SMC task. Fourth, a paradoxical interaction of injection stress and nicotine exposure in acquisition was observed. In the same female rats in which violation-element learning was impaired by adolescent nicotine exposure, adolescent nicotine experienced without adolescent injection stress produced better learning for chunk-boundary elements in adulthood compared to all other conditions. Thus, adolescent nicotine without concurrent injection stress facilitated adult chunk-boundary element learning typically attributed to concurrent stimulus-response discrimination learning and serial-position learning in the SMC task. To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first to demonstrate facilitation of adult learning caused by adolescent nicotine exposure. PMID:25527003

Injection of benomyl into elm, oak & maple

Treesearch

Garold F. Gregory; Thomas W. Jones; Percy McWain; Percy McWain

1971-01-01

A newly devised apparatus using pressure to inject fluids into trees was used to inject solubilized benomyl into elms, oaks, and maples. In October and November, injections were made into the outer two annual rings of sapwood at points 2 to 3 feet above ground line. One to 3 weeks after injection, the trees were sampled; and positive bioassays were obtained from branch...

Flow Rates Measurement and Uncertainty Analysis in Multiple-Zone Water-Injection Wells from Fluid Temperature Profiles

PubMed Central

Reges, José E. O.; Salazar, A. O.; Maitelli, Carla W. S. P.; Carvalho, Lucas G.; Britto, Ursula J. B.

2016-01-01

This work is a contribution to the development of flow sensors in the oil and gas industry. It presents a methodology to measure the flow rates into multiple-zone water-injection wells from fluid temperature profiles and estimate the measurement uncertainty. First, a method to iteratively calculate the zonal flow rates using the Ramey (exponential) model was described. Next, this model was linearized to perform an uncertainty analysis. Then, a computer program to calculate the injected flow rates from experimental temperature profiles was developed. In the experimental part, a fluid temperature profile from a dual-zone water-injection well located in the Northeast Brazilian region was collected. Thus, calculated and measured flow rates were compared. The results proved that linearization error is negligible for practical purposes and the relative uncertainty increases as the flow rate decreases. The calculated values from both the Ramey and linear models were very close to the measured flow rates, presenting a difference of only 4.58 m³/d and 2.38 m³/d, respectively. Finally, the measurement uncertainties from the Ramey and linear models were equal to 1.22% and 1.40% (for injection zone 1); 10.47% and 9.88% (for injection zone 2). Therefore, the methodology was successfully validated and all objectives of this work were achieved. PMID:27420068

Assessing the immediate impact of botulinum toxin injection on impedance of spastic muscle.

PubMed

Li, Xiaoyan; Shin, Henry; Li, Le; Magat, Elaine; Li, Sheng; Zhou, Ping

2017-05-01

This study aimed to investigate the immediate impacts of Botulinum Toxin A (BoNT-A) injections on the inherent electrical properties of spastic muscles using a newly developed electrical impedance myography (EIM) technique. Impedance measures were performed before and after a BoNT-A injection in biceps brachii muscles of 14 subjects with spasticity. Three major impedance variables, resistance (R), reactance (X) and phase angle (θ) were obtained from three different configurations, and were evaluated using the conventional EIM frequency at 50kHz as well as multiple frequency analysis. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant decrease of resistance in the injected muscles (Multiple-frequency: R pre =25.17±1.94Ohm, R post =23.65±1.63Ohm, p<0.05; 50kHz: R pre =29.06±2.16Ohm, R post =27.7±1.89Ohm, p<0.05). Despite this decrease, there were no substantial changes in the reactance, phase angle, or anisotropy features after a BoNT-A injection. The significant changes of muscle resistance were most likely associated with the liquid injection of the BoNT-A-saline solution rather than the immediate toxin effects on the muscle. This study demonstrated high sensitivity of the EIM technique in the detection of alterations to muscle composition. Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adherence to subcutaneous interferon beta-1a treatment using an electronic injection device: a prospective open-label Scandinavian noninterventional study (the ScanSmart study)

PubMed Central

Pedersen, Elena Didenko; Stenager, Egon; Vadgaard, JL; Jensen, MB; Schmid, R; Meland, N; Magnussen, G; Frederiksen, Jette L

2018-01-01

Background Disease modifying drugs help control the course of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS); however, good adherence is needed for long-term outcomes. Objective To evaluate patient adherence to treatment with subcutaneous interferon beta-1a using RebiSmart® and assess injection-site reactions and treatment satisfaction. Methods This prospective, single-arm, open-label, noninterventional multicenter Phase IV trial included disease modifying drug-experienced mobile patients with RRMS. Adherence was measured over 12 weeks. Items 13–23, 35, 37, and 38 of the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Concerns Questionnaire (injection-site reactions and treatment satisfaction) were recorded at 12 weeks. Results Sixty patients were recruited (mean age 43.7 [±SD 7.9] years; 83% female; mean years since multiple sclerosis diagnosis 6.7 [SD 4.5]). Adherence data were obtained in 54 patients only due to technical problems with six devices. Over 12 weeks, 89% (n=48) of patients had ≥90% adherence to treatment. Most patients experienced mild influenza-like symptoms and injection-site reactions, and global side effects were minimal. Most patients (78%) rated the convenience as the most important aspect of the device, and most experienced no or mild pain. Conclusion RRMS patients treated with subcutaneous interferon beta-1a, administered with RebiSmart, demonstrated generally good adherence, and the treatment was generally well tolerated. PMID:29720872

Adherence to subcutaneous interferon beta-1a treatment using an electronic injection device: a prospective open-label Scandinavian noninterventional study (the ScanSmart study).

PubMed

Pedersen, Elena Didenko; Stenager, Egon; Vadgaard, J L; Jensen, M B; Schmid, R; Meland, N; Magnussen, G; Frederiksen, Jette L

2018-01-01

Disease modifying drugs help control the course of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS); however, good adherence is needed for long-term outcomes. To evaluate patient adherence to treatment with subcutaneous interferon beta-1a using RebiSmart ® and assess injection-site reactions and treatment satisfaction. This prospective, single-arm, open-label, noninterventional multicenter Phase IV trial included disease modifying drug-experienced mobile patients with RRMS. Adherence was measured over 12 weeks. Items 13-23, 35, 37, and 38 of the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Concerns Questionnaire (injection-site reactions and treatment satisfaction) were recorded at 12 weeks. Sixty patients were recruited (mean age 43.7 [±SD 7.9] years; 83% female; mean years since multiple sclerosis diagnosis 6.7 [SD 4.5]). Adherence data were obtained in 54 patients only due to technical problems with six devices. Over 12 weeks, 89% (n=48) of patients had ≥90% adherence to treatment. Most patients experienced mild influenza-like symptoms and injection-site reactions, and global side effects were minimal. Most patients (78%) rated the convenience as the most important aspect of the device, and most experienced no or mild pain. RRMS patients treated with subcutaneous interferon beta-1a, administered with RebiSmart, demonstrated generally good adherence, and the treatment was generally well tolerated.

Space Station Biological Research Project (SSBRP) Cell Culture Unit (CCU) and incubator for International Space Station (ISS) cell culture experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vandendriesche, Donald; Parrish, Joseph; Kirven-Brooks, Melissa; Fahlen, Thomas; Larenas, Patricia; Havens, Cindy; Nakamura, Gail; Sun, Liping; Krebs, Chris; de Luis, Javier;

Control of high-Z PFC erosion by local gas injection in DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rudakov, D. L.; Stangeby, P. C.; Wong, C. P. C.; McLean, A. G.; Wampler, W. R.; Watkins, J. G.; Boedo, J. A.; Briesemeister, A.; Buchenauer, D. A.; Chrobak, C. P.; Elder, J. D.; Fenstermacher, M. E.; Guo, H. Y.; Lasnier, C. J.; Leonard, A. W.; Maingi, R.; Moyer, R. A.

2015-08-01

Reduced erosion of a high-Z PFC divertor surface was observed in DIII-D with local injection of methane and deuterium gases. Molybdenum-coated silicon samples were exposed in the lower divertor of DIII-D using DiMES under plasma conditions previously shown to cause significant net erosion of Mo. Three exposures with 13CH4 and one exposure with D2 gas injection about 12 cm upstream of the samples located within 1-2 cm of the attached strike point were performed. Reduction of Mo erosion was evidenced in-situ by the suppression of MoI line radiation at 386.4 nm once the gas injection started. Post-mortem ion beam analysis demonstrated that the net erosion of molybdenum near the center of the samples exposed with 13CH4 injection was below the measurement resolution of 0.5 nm, corresponding to a rate of ⩽0.04 nm/s. Compared to the previously measured erosion rates, this constitutes a reduction by a factor of >10.

Silver nanoparticles as a key feature of a plasma polymer composite layer in mitigation of charge injection into polyethylene under dc stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milliere, L.; Maskasheva, K.; Laurent, C.; Despax, B.; Boudou, L.; Teyssedre, G.

2016-01-01

The aim of this work is to limit charge injection from a semi-conducting electrode into low density polyethylene (LDPE) under dc field by tailoring the polymer surface using a silver nanoparticles-containing layer. The layer is composed of a plane of silver nanoparticles embedded in a semi-insulating organosilicon matrix deposited on the polyethylene surface by a plasma process. Size, density and surface coverage of the nanoparticles are controlled through the plasma process. Space charge distribution in 300 μm thick LDPE samples is measured by the pulsed-electroacoustic technique following a short term (step-wise voltage increase up to 50 kV mm-1, 20 min in duration each, followed by a polarity inversion) and a longer term (up to 12 h under 40 kV mm-1) protocols for voltage application. A comparative study of space charge distribution between a reference polyethylene sample and the tailored samples is presented. It is shown that the barrier effect depends on the size distribution and the surface area covered by the nanoparticles: 15 nm (average size) silver nanoparticles with a high surface density but still not percolating form an efficient barrier layer that suppress charge injection. It is worthy to note that charge injection is detected for samples tailored with (i) percolating nanoparticles embedded in organosilicon layer; (ii) with organosilicon layer only, without nanoparticles and (iii) with smaller size silver particles (<10 nm) embedded in organosilicon layer. The amount of injected charges in the tailored samples increases gradually in the samples ranking given above. The mechanism of charge injection mitigation is discussed on the basis of complementary experiments carried out on the nanocomposite layer such as surface potential measurements. The ability of silver clusters to stabilize electrical charges close to the electrode thereby counterbalancing the applied field appears to be a key factor in explaining the charge injection mitigation effect.

Development and optimization of SPE-HPLC-UV/ELSD for simultaneous determination of nine bioactive components in Shenqi Fuzheng Injection based on Quality by Design principles.

PubMed

Wang, Lu; Qu, Haibin

2016-03-01

A method combining solid phase extraction, high performance liquid chromatography, and ultraviolet/evaporative light scattering detection (SPE-HPLC-UV/ELSD) was developed according to Quality by Design (QbD) principles and used to assay nine bioactive compounds within a botanical drug, Shenqi Fuzheng Injection. Risk assessment and a Plackett-Burman design were utilized to evaluate the impact of 11 factors on the resolutions and signal-to-noise of chromatographic peaks. Multiple regression and Pareto ranking analysis indicated that the sorbent mass, sample volume, flow rate, column temperature, evaporator temperature, and gas flow rate were statistically significant (p < 0.05) in this procedure. Furthermore, a Box-Behnken design combined with response surface analysis was employed to study the relationships between the quality of SPE-HPLC-UV/ELSD analysis and four significant factors, i.e., flow rate, column temperature, evaporator temperature, and gas flow rate. An analytical design space of SPE-HPLC-UV/ELSD was then constructed by calculated Monte Carlo probability. In the presented approach, the operating parameters of sample preparation, chromatographic separation, and compound detection were investigated simultaneously. Eight terms of method validation, i.e., system-suitability tests, method robustness/ruggedness, sensitivity, precision, repeatability, linearity, accuracy, and stability, were accomplished at a selected working point. These results revealed that the QbD principles were suitable in the development of analytical procedures for samples in complex matrices. Meanwhile, the analytical quality and method robustness were validated by the analytical design space. The presented strategy provides a tutorial on the development of a robust QbD-compliant quantitative method for samples in complex matrices.

Optimizing accuracy of determinations of CO₂ storage capacity and permanence, and designing more efficient storage operations: An example from the Rock Springs Uplift, Wyoming

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

Bentley, Ramsey; Dahl, Shanna; Deiss, Allory

At a potential injection site on the Rock Springs Uplift in southwest Wyoming, an investigation of confining layers was undertaken to develop and test methodology, identify key data requirements, assess previous injection scenarios relative to detailed confining layer properties, and integrate all findings in order to reduce the uncertainty of CO₂ storage permanence. The assurance of safe and permanent storage of CO₂ at a storage site involves a detailed evaluation of the confining layers. Four suites of field data were recognized as crucial for determining storage permanence relative to the confining layers; seismic, core and petrophysical data from a wellbore,more » formation fluid samples, and in-situ formation tests. Core and petrophysical data were used to create a vertical heterogenic property model that defined porosity, permeability, displacement pressure, geomechanical strengths, and diagenetic history. These analyses identified four primary confining layers and multiple redundant confining layers. In-situ formation tests were used to evaluate fracture gradients, regional stress fields, baseline microseismic data, step-rate injection tests, and formation perforation responses. Seismic attributes, correlated with the vertical heterogenic property models, were calculated and used to create a 3-D volume model over the entire site. The seismic data provided the vehicle to transform the vertical heterogenic property model into a horizontal heterogenic property model, which allowed for the evaluation of confining layers across the entire study site without risking additional wellbore perforations. Lastly, formation fluids were collected and analyzed for geochemical and isotopic compositions from stacked reservoir systems. These data further tested primary confining layers, by evaluating the evidence of mixing between target reservoirs (mixing would imply an existing breach of primary confining layers). All data were propagated into a dynamic, heterogenic geologic property model used to test various injection scenarios. These tests showed that the study site could retain 25MT of injected CO₂ over an injection lifespan of 50 years. Major findings indicate that active reservoir pressure management through reservoir fluid production (minimum of three production wells) greatly reduces the risk of breaching a confining layer. To address brine production, a well completion and engineering study was incorporated to reduce the risks of scaling and erosion during injection and production. These scenarios suggest that the dolostone within the Mississippian Madison Limestone is the site’s best injection/production target by two orders of magnitude, and that commercial well equipment would meet all performance requirements. This confirms that there are multiple confining layers in southwest Wyoming that are capable of retaining commercial volumes of CO₃, making Wyoming’s Paleozoic reservoirs ideal storage targets for low-risk injection and long-term storage. This study also indicates that column height retention calculations are reduced in a CO₂-brine system relative to a hydrocarbon-brine system, which is an observation that affects all potential CCS sites. Likewise, this study identified the impacts that downhole testing imparts on reservoir fluids, and the likelihood of introducing uncertainty in baseline site assumptions and later modeling.« less

Determination of dimethyltryptamine and β-carbolines (ayahuasca alkaloids) in plasma samples by LC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Oliveira, Carolina Dizioli Rodrigues; Okai, Guilherme Gonçalves; da Costa, José Luiz; de Almeida, Rafael Menck; Oliveira-Silva, Diogo; Yonamine, Mauricio

2012-07-01

Ayahuasca is a psychoactive plant beverage originally used by indigenous people throughout the Amazon Basin, long before its modern use by syncretic religious groups established in Brazil, the USA and European countries. The objective of this study was to develop a method for quantification of dimethyltryptamine and β-carbolines in human plasma samples. The analytes were extracted by means of C18 cartridges and injected into LC-MS/MS, operated in positive ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring. The LOQs obtained for all analytes were below 0.5 ng/ml. By using the weighted least squares linear regression, the accuracy of the analytical method was improved at the lower end of the calibration curve (from 0.5 to 100 ng/ml; r(2)> 0.98). The method proved to be simple, rapid and useful to estimate administered doses for further pharmacological and toxicological investigations of ayahuasca exposure.

A novel method for the rapid determination of polyethoxylated tallow amine surfactants in water and sediment using large volume injection with high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Ross, Andrew R S; Liao, Xiangjun

2015-08-19

Polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA) surfactants have been used in many glyphosate-based herbicide formulations for agricultural, industrial and residential weed control. The potential for release of these compounds into the environment is of increasing concern due to their toxicity towards aquatic organisms. Current methods for analysis of POEA surfactants require significant time and effort to achieve limits of quantification that are often higher than the concentrations at which biological effects have been observed (as low as 2 ng mL(-1)). We have developed a rapid and robust method for quantifying the POEA surfactant mixture MON 0818 at biologically relevant concentrations in fresh water, sea water and lake sediment using reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Water samples preserved by 1:1 v/v dilution with methanol are analyzed directly following centrifugation. Sediment samples undergo accelerated solvent extraction in aqueous methanol prior to analysis. Large volume (100 μL) sample injection and multiple reaction monitoring of a subset of the most abundant POEA homologs provide limits of quantification of 0.5 and 2.9 ng mL(-1) for MON 0818 in fresh water and sea water, respectively, and 2.5 ng g(-1) for total MON 0818 in lake sediment. Average recoveries of 93 and 75% were achieved for samples of water and sediment, respectively spiked with known amounts of MON 0818. Precision and accuracy for the analysis of water and sediment samples were within 10 and 16%, respectively based upon replicate analyses of calibration standards and representative samples. Results demonstrate the utility of the method for quantifying undegraded MON 0818 in water and sediment, although a more comprehensive method may be needed to identify and determine other POEA mixtures and degradation profiles that might occur in the environment. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hydrologic monitoring of a waste-injection well near Milton, Florida, June 1975 - June 1977

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pascale, Charles A.; Martin, J.B.

1978-01-01

This report presents the hydraulic and chemical data collected from June 1, 1975, when injection began, to June 30, 1977 through a monitoring program at a deep-well waste-injection system at the American Cyanamid Company's plant near Milton, about 12 miles northwest of Pensacola. The injection system consists of a primary injection well, a standby injection well, and two deep monitor wells all completed open hole in the lower limestone of the Floridan aquifer and one shallow-monitor well completed in the upper limestone of the Floridan aquifer. Two of the monitor wells and the standby injection well are used to observe hydraulic and geochemical effects of waste injection in the injection zone at locations 8,180 feet northeast, 1,560 feet south, and 1,025 feet southwest of the primary injection well. The shallow-monitor well, used to observe any effects in the first permeable zone above the 200-foot-thick confining bed, is 28 feet north of the primary injection well. Since injection began in June 1975, 607 million gallons of treated industrial liquid waste with a pH of 4.6 to 6.3 and containing high concentrations of nitrate, organic nitrogen and carbon have been injected into a saline-water-filled limestone aquifer. Wellhead pressure at the injection well in June 1977 average 137 pounds per square inch and the hydraulic pressure gradient was 0.53 pound per square inch per foot of depth to the top of the injection zone. Water levels rose from 36 to 74 feet at the three wells used to monitor the injection zone during the 25-month period. The water level in the shallow-monitor well declined about 8 feet. No changes were detected in the chemical character of water from the shallow-monitor well and deep-monitor well-north. Increases in concentration of bicarbonate and dissolved organic carbon were detected in water from the deep-test monitor well in February 1976 and at the standby injection well in August 1976. In addition to increases in bicarbonate and dissolved organic carbon, sulfate, total organic nitrogen, and total nitrogen concentrations have also increased substantially in samples from these wells. Nitrogen gas concentrations in water samples collected at the three deep-monitor wells ranged from 19 to 176 milligrams per liter, methane from 4.5 to 11.4 milligrams per liter, and carbon dioxide from 7.7 to 44 milligrams per liter. The most probable number of denitrifying bacteria in water samples collected at the three deep-monitor wells ranged from less than 2 colonies to 17 colonies per 100 milliliters. None of the water samples collected in April 1977 at the three deep-monitor wells showed positive concentrations of acetone, ethanol, methanol, or acrylonitrile.

Analysis of peptides using an integrated microchip HPLC-MS/MS system.

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

Kirby, Brian J.; Chirica, Gabriela S.; Reichmuth, David S.

Hyphendated LC-MS techniques are quickly becoming the standard tool for protemic analyses. For large homogeneous samples, bulk processing methods and capillary injection and separation techniques are suitable. However, for analysis of small or heterogeneous samples, techniques that can manipulate picoliter samples without dilution are required or samples will be lost or corrupted; further, static nanospray-type flowrates are required to maximize SNR. Microchip-level integration of sample injection with separation and mass spectrometry allow small-volume analytes to be processed on chip and immediately injected without dilution for analysis. An on-chip HPLC was fabricated using in situ polymerization of both fixed and mobilemore » polymer monoliths. Integration of the chip with a nanospray MS emitter enables identification of peptides by the use of tandem MS. The chip is capable of analyzing of very small sample volumes (< 200 pl) in short times (< 3 min).« less

Changes in compressed neurons from dogs with acute and severe cauda equina constrictions following intrathecal injection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor-conjugated polymer nanoparticles☆

PubMed Central

Tan, Junming; Shi, Jiangang; Shi, Guodong; Liu, Yanling; Liu, Xiaohong; Wang, Chaoyang; Chen, Dechun; Xing, Shunming; Shen, Lianbing; Jia, Lianshun; Ye, Xiaojian; He, Hailong; Li, Jiashun

2013-01-01

This study established a dog model of acute multiple cauda equina constriction by experimental constriction injury (48 hours) of the lumbosacral central processes in dorsal root ganglia neurons. The repair effect of intrathecal injection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor with 15 mg encapsulated biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles on this injury was then analyzed. Dorsal root ganglion cells (L7) of all experimental dogs were analyzed using hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry at 1, 2 and 4 weeks following model induction. Intrathecal injection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor can relieve degeneration and inflammation, and elevate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in sensory neurons of compressed dorsal root ganglion. Simultaneously, intrathecal injection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor obviously improved neurological function in the dog model of acute multiple cauda equina constriction. Results verified that sustained intraspinal delivery of brain-derived neurotrophic factor encapsulated in biodegradable nanoparticles promoted the repair of histomorphology and function of neurons within the dorsal root ganglia in dogs with acute and severe cauda equina syndrome. PMID:25206593

PARACENTRAL ACUTE MIDDLE MACULOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSION AFTER COSMETIC FILLER INJECTION.

PubMed

Sridhar, Jayanth; Shahlaee, Abtin; Shieh, Wen-Shi; Rahimy, Ehsan

2017-01-01

To report a single case of paracentral acute middle maculopathy in association with retinal artery occlusion in the setting of ipsilateral facial cosmetic filler injection. Case report. A 35-year-old woman presenting with sudden vision loss to finger count vision immediately after left nasal fat pad cosmetic filler injection. Dilated funduscopic examination revealed a swollen optic disc with multiple branch arterial occlusions with visible embolic material. Fluorescein angiography confirmed multiple branch arterial occlusions in addition to a focal choroidal infarction in the macula. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography revealed middle retinal hyperreflectivity in the superotemporal macula consistent with paracentral acute middle maculopathy. En face optical coherence tomography demonstrated a superotemporal area of whitening at the level of the deep capillary plexus corresponding to the paracentral acute middle maculopathy lesion seen on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. On twelve-month follow-up, final visual acuity was 20/100 due to optic neuropathy. Emboli from cosmetic facial filler injections may rarely result in ipsilateral arterial occlusions and now have a novel association with paracentral acute middle maculopathy likely due to deep capillary plexus feeder vessel occlusion.

Differentiating organic from conventional peppermints using chromatographic and flow-injection mass spectrometric (FIMS) fingerprints

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and flow-injection mass spectrometric (FIMS) fingerprinting techniques were tested for their potential in differentiating organic and conventional peppermint samples. Ten organic and ten conventional peppermint samples were examined using HPLC-UV and FI...

Measurement of the 8Li(α,n)11B reaction and astrophysical implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizoi, Y.; Fukuda, T.; Matsuyama, Y.; Miyachi, T.; Miyatake, H.; Aoi, N.; Fukuda, N.; Notani, M.; Watanabe, Y. X.; Yoneda, K.; Ishihara, M.; Sakurai, H.; Watanabe, Y.; Yoshida, A.

2000-12-01

We have measured the 8Li(α,n)11B reaction directly and exclusively, and determined the total cross sections in the center-of-mass energy of 1.5-7.0 MeV, by using a new-type gas counter, multiple-sampling and tracking proportional chamber (MSTPC), and neutron counters. This experiment was performed in the condition of inverse kinematics. The 8Li beam was produced by the RIKEN projectile-fragment separator, and injected into the MSTPC filled with 4He gas, which worked as a detector gas and served as a target. The reaction cross section obtained in the present exclusive measurement is about half of the one obtained in previous inclusive measurements.

Estimation of the sensitive volume for gravitational-wave source populations using weighted Monte Carlo integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiwari, Vaibhav

2018-07-01

The population analysis and estimation of merger rates of compact binaries is one of the important topics in gravitational wave astronomy. The primary ingredient in these analyses is the population-averaged sensitive volume. Typically, sensitive volume, of a given search to a given simulated source population, is estimated by drawing signals from the population model and adding them to the detector data as injections. Subsequently injections, which are simulated gravitational waveforms, are searched for by the search pipelines and their signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is determined. Sensitive volume is estimated, by using Monte-Carlo (MC) integration, from the total number of injections added to the data, the number of injections that cross a chosen threshold on SNR and the astrophysical volume in which the injections are placed. So far, only fixed population models have been used in the estimation of binary black holes (BBH) merger rates. However, as the scope of population analysis broaden in terms of the methodologies and source properties considered, due to an increase in the number of observed gravitational wave (GW) signals, the procedure will need to be repeated multiple times at a large computational cost. In this letter we address the problem by performing a weighted MC integration. We show how a single set of generic injections can be weighted to estimate the sensitive volume for multiple population models; thereby greatly reducing the computational cost. The weights in this MC integral are the ratios of the output probabilities, determined by the population model and standard cosmology, and the injection probability, determined by the distribution function of the generic injections. Unlike analytical/semi-analytical methods, which usually estimate sensitive volume using single detector sensitivity, the method is accurate within statistical errors, comes at no added cost and requires minimal computational resources.

Trends in Utilization of Vocal Fold Injection Procedures.

PubMed

Rosow, David E

2015-11-01

Office-based vocal fold injections have become increasingly popular over the past 15 years. Examination of trends in procedure coding for vocal fold injections in the United States from 2000 to 2012 was undertaken to see if they reflect this shift. The US Part B Medicare claims database was queried from 2000 through 2012 for multiple Current Procedural Terminology codes. Over the period studied, the number of nonoperative laryngoscopic injections (31513, 31570) and operative medialization laryngoplasties (31588) remained constant. Operative vocal fold injection (31571) demonstrated marked linear growth over the 12-year study period, from 744 procedures in 2000 to 4788 in 2012-an increase >640%. The dramatic increased incidence in the use of code 31571 reflects an increasing share of vocal fold injections being performed in the operating room and not in an office setting, running counter to the prevailing trend toward awake, office-based injection procedures. © American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2015.

The push for increased coal injection rates -- Blast furnace experience at AK Steel Corporation

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

Dibert, W.A.; Duncan, J.H.; Keaton, D.E.

1994-12-31

An effort has been undertaken to increase the coal injection rate on Amanda blast furnace at AK Steel Corporation`s Ashland Works in Ashland, Kentucky to decrease fuel costs and reduce coke demand. Operating practices have been implemented to achieve a sustained coal injection rate of 140 kg/MT, increased from 100--110 kg/MT. In order to operate successfully at the 140 kg/MT injection rate; changes were implemented to the furnace charging practice, coal rate control methodology, orientation of the injection point, and the manner of distribution of coal to the multiple injection points. Additionally, changes were implemented in the coal processing facilitymore » to accommodate the higher demand of pulverized coal; grinding 29 tonnes per hour, increased from 25 tonnes per hour. Further increases in injection rate will require a supplemental supply of fuel.« less

Melatonin modulates adiponectin expression on murine colitis with sleep deprivation.

PubMed

Kim, Tae Kyun; Park, Young Sook; Baik, Haing-Woon; Jun, Jin Hyun; Kim, Eun Kyung; Sull, Jae Woong; Sung, Ho Joong; Choi, Jin Woo; Chung, Sook Hee; Gye, Myung Chan; Lim, Ju Yeon; Kim, Jun Bong; Kim, Seong Hwan

2016-09-07

To determine adiponectin expression in colonic tissue of murine colitis and systemic cytokine expression after melatonin treatments and sleep deprivation. The following five groups of C57BL/6 mice were used in this study: (1) group I, control; (2) group II, 2% DSS induced colitis for 7 d; (3) group III, 2% DSS induced colitis and melatonin treatment; (4) group IV, 2% DSS induced colitis with sleep deprivation (SD) using specially designed and modified multiple platform water baths; and (5) group V, 2% DSS induced colitis with SD and melatonin treatment. Melatonin (10 mg/kg) or saline was intraperitoneally injected daily to mice for 4 d. The body weight was monitored daily. The degree of colitis was evaluated histologically after sacrificing the mice. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis was performed using anti-adiponectin antibody. After sampling by intracardiac punctures, levels of serum cytokines were measured by ELISA. Sleep deprivation in water bath exacerbated DSS induced colitis and worsened weight loss. Melatonin injection not only alleviated the severity of mucosal injury, but also helped survival during stressful condition. The expression level of adiponectin in mucosa was decreased in colitis, with the lowest level observed in colitis combined with sleep deprivation. Melatonin injection significantly (P < 0.05) recovered the expression of adiponectin. The expression levels of IL-6 and IL-17 were increased in the serum of mice with DSS colitis but decreased after melatonin injection. This study suggested that melatonin modulated adiponectin expression in colonic tissue and melatonin and adiponectin synergistically potentiated anti-inflammatory effects on colitis with sleep deprivation.

Are gadolinium contrast agents suitable for gadolinium neutron capture therapy?

PubMed

De Stasio, Gelsomina; Rajesh, Deepika; Casalbore, Patrizia; Daniels, Matthew J; Erhardt, Robert J; Frazer, Bradley H; Wiese, Lisa M; Richter, Katherine L; Sonderegger, Brandon R; Gilbert, Benjamin; Schaub, Sebastien; Cannara, Rachel J; Crawford, John F; Gilles, Mary K; Tyliszczak, Tolek; Fowler, John F; Larocca, Luigi M; Howard, Steven P; Mercanti, Delio; Mehta, Minesh P; Pallini, Roberto

2005-06-01

Gadolinium neutron capture therapy (GdNCT) is a potential treatment for malignant tumors based on two steps: (1) injection of a tumor-specific (157)Gd compound; (2) tumor irradiation with thermal neutrons. The GdNC reaction can induce cell death provided that Gd is proximate to DNA. Here, we studied the nuclear uptake of Gd by glioblastoma (GBM) tumor cells after treatment with two Gd compounds commonly used for magnetic resonance imaging, to evaluate their potential as GdNCT agents. Using synchrotron X-ray spectromicroscopy, we analyzed the Gd distribution at the subcellular level in: (1) human cultured GBM cells exposed to Gd-DTPA or Gd-DOTA for 0-72 hours; (2) intracerebrally implanted C6 glioma tumors in rats injected with one or two doses of Gd-DOTA, and (3) tumor samples from GBM patients injected with Gd-DTPA. In cell cultures, Gd-DTPA and Gd-DOTA were found in 84% and 56% of the cell nuclei, respectively. In rat tumors, Gd penetrated the nuclei of 47% and 85% of the tumor cells, after single and double injection of Gd-DOTA, respectively. In contrast, in human GBM tumors 6.1% of the cell nuclei contained Gd-DTPA. Efficacy of Gd-DTPA and Gd-DOTA as GdNCT agents is predicted to be low, due to the insufficient number of tumor cell nuclei incorporating Gd. Although multiple administration schedules in vivo might induce Gd penetration into more tumor cell nuclei, a search for new Gd compounds with higher nuclear affinity is warranted before planning GdNCT in animal models or clinical trials.

Fluorescent blue lights, injecting drug use and related health risk in public conveniences: findings from a qualitative study of micro-injecting environments.

PubMed

Parkin, Stephen; Coomber, Ross

2010-07-01

This paper presents findings relating to injecting drug users' experiences and opinions of public toilets illuminated with fluorescent blue lights and presents an empirical assessment of the intended deterrent effect of such installations. Data analysis identified that blue lights deterred less than half the sample interviewed. Furthermore over half (18/31) of the sample were prepared to inject in conditions specifically designed to deter injecting practice. Of these, 11 respondents were completely undeterred and 7 individuals were only partially deterred by blue light environments. These findings are discussed within the interpretative frameworks of Pierre Bourdieu's theory of habitus and symbolic violence. The authors conclude that fluorescent blue lights contribute towards the development of situated resistance by injecting drug users within a public injecting habitus; a resistance that produces and reproduces drug-related harm and is a behaviour that opposes the symbolic violence of harm reduction intervention. The paper concludes with suggestions for theory-driven practical intervention that may seek to disrupt the harmful elements of the public injecting habitus. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High variability of HIV and HCV seroprevalence and risk behaviours among people who inject drugs: results from a cross-sectional study using respondent-driven sampling in eight German cities (2011-14).

PubMed

Wenz, Benjamin; Nielsen, Stine; Gassowski, Martyna; Santos-Hövener, Claudia; Cai, Wei; Ross, R Stefan; Bock, Claus-Thomas; Ratsch, Boris-Alexander; Kücherer, Claudia; Bannert, Norbert; Bremer, Viviane; Hamouda, Osamah; Marcus, Ulrich; Zimmermann, Ruth

2016-09-05

People who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) due to sharing injection paraphernalia and unprotected sex. To generate seroprevalence data on HIV and HCV among PWID and related data on risk behaviour, a multicentre sero- and behavioural survey using respondent driven sampling (RDS) was conducted in eight German cities between 2011 and 2014. We also evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of RDS for recruiting PWID in the study cities. Eligible for participation were people who had injected drugs within the last 12 months, were 16 years or older, and who consumed in one of the study cities. Participants were recruited, using low-threshold drop-in facilities as study sites. Initial seeds were selected to represent various sub-groups of people who inject drugs (PWID). Participants completed a face-to-face interview with a structured questionnaire about socio-demographics, sexual and injecting risk behaviours, as well as the utilisation of health services. Capillary blood samples were collected as dried blood spots and were anonymously tested for serological and molecular markers of HIV and HCV. The results are shown as range of proportions (min. and max. values (%)) in the respective study cities. For evaluation of the sampling method we applied criteria from the STROBE guidelines. Overall, 2,077 PWID were recruited. The range of age medians was 29-41 years, 18.5-35.3 % of participants were female, and 9.2-30.6 % were foreign born. Median time span since first injection were 10-18 years. Injecting during the last 30 days was reported by 76.0-88.4 % of participants. Sharing needle/syringes (last 30 days) ranged between 4.7 and 22.3 %, while sharing unsterile paraphernalia (spoon, filter, water, last 30 days) was reported by 33.0-43.8 %. A majority of participants (72.8-85.8 %) reported incarceration at least once, and 17.8-39.8 % had injected while incarcerated. Between 30.8 and 66.2 % were currently in opioid substitution therapy. Unweighted HIV seroprevalence ranged from 0-9.1 %, HCV from 42.3-75.0 %, and HCV-RNA from 23.1-54.0 %. The implementation of RDS as a recruiting method in cooperation with low-threshold drop in facilities was well accepted by both staff and PWID. We reached our targeted sample size in seven of eight cities. In the recruited sample of mostly current injectors with a long duration of injecting drug use, seroprevalence for HIV and HCV varied greatly between the city samples. HCV was endemic among participants in all city samples. Our results demonstrate the necessity of intensified prevention strategies for blood-borne infections among PWID in Germany.

Rapid Quantitative Analysis of Multiple Explosive Compound Classes on a Single Instrument via Flow-Injection Analysis Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Ostrinskaya, Alla; Kunz, Roderick R; Clark, Michelle; Kingsborough, Richard P; Ong, Ta-Hsuan; Deneault, Sandra

2018-05-24

A flow-injection analysis tandem mass spectrometry (FIA MSMS) method was developed for rapid quantitative analysis of 10 different inorganic and organic explosives. Performance is optimized by tailoring the ionization method (APCI/ESI), de-clustering potentials, and collision energies for each specific analyte. In doing so, a single instrument can be used to detect urea nitrate, potassium chlorate, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, 2,4,6-trinitrophenylmethylnitramine, triacetone triperoxide, hexamethylene triperoxide diamine, pentaerythritol tetranitrate, 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine, nitroglycerin, and octohy-dro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine with sensitivities all in the picogram per milliliter range. In conclusion, FIA APCI/ESI MSMS is a fast (<1 min/sample), sensitive (~pg/mL LOQ), and precise (intraday RSD < 10%) method for trace explosive detection that can play an important role in criminal and attributional forensics, counterterrorism, and environmental protection areas, and has the potential to augment or replace several of the existing explosive detection methods. © 2018 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

The Design and Emulation of a Multiple-Camera SPECT Breast Imager

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-06-01

geometry. Standard clinical injections of Tc-99m Sestamibi contain 20 mCi of activity The estimated percentage of the activity taken up by a single...was to work on five tasks. (1) Given a female patient in the clinic who had been injected with Tc-99m Sestamibi, what percentage of the injected...25 mCi of Tc-99m Sestamibi and undergone imaging on standard clinical instruments for other medical reasons. Upon completion of those studies, the

ICP-MS analysis of lanthanide-doped nanoparticles as a non-radiative, multiplex approach to quantify biodistribution and blood clearance.

PubMed

Crayton, Samuel H; Elias, Drew R; Al Zaki, Ajlan; Cheng, Zhiliang; Tsourkas, Andrew

2012-02-01

Recent advances in material science and chemistry have led to the development of nanoparticles with diverse physicochemical properties, e.g. size, charge, shape, and surface chemistry. Evaluating which physicochemical properties are best for imaging and therapeutic studies is challenging not only because of the multitude of samples to evaluate, but also because of the large experimental variability associated with in vivo studies (e.g. differences in tumor size, injected dose, subject weight, etc.). To address this issue, we have developed a lanthanide-doped nanoparticle system and analytical method that allows for the quantitative comparison of multiple nanoparticle compositions simultaneously. Specifically, superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) with a range of different sizes and charges were synthesized, each with a unique lanthanide dopant. Following the simultaneous injection of the various SPIO compositions into tumor-bearing mice, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) was used to quantitatively and orthogonally assess the concentration of each SPIO composition in serial blood samples and the resected tumor and organs. The method proved generalizable to other nanoparticle platforms, including dendrimers, liposomes, and polymersomes. This approach provides a simple, cost-effective, and non-radiative method to quantitatively compare tumor localization, biodistribution, and blood clearance of more than 10 nanoparticle compositions simultaneously, removing subject-to-subject variability. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Variation in Treatment Recommendations for Dupuytren Disease.

PubMed

McMillan, Catherine; Yeung, Celine; Binhammer, Paul

2017-12-01

To examine agreement on Dupuytren disease (DD) treatment recommendations in an international sample of hand surgeons. A survey was developed to determine expertise in needle aponeurotomy, surgery, and collagenase injection to treat DD and to examine treatment recommendations for 16 case scenarios. Case scenarios were predeveloped using expert input. Each case represented a unique combination of 4 dichotomous variables including cord thickness, contracture severity, patient age, and joint involvement. Interrater reliability statistics were calculated and multinomial logistic regression modeling and analysis of variance were used to examine the impact of surgeon- and case-related variables on treatment recommendations. A total of 36 hand surgeons from 9 countries (mean experience, 17 years) participated. Average pairwise percent agreement and Krippendorff's alpha were 26% and .012, respectively. Predictors of a recommendation for surgery over multiple options were a total contracture of greater than 70°, a thick precentral cord, involvement of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints, and greater years in practice. A greater number of years in practice predicted recommendation for collagenase injection and the presence of a thick precentral cord predicted a recommendation for needle aponeurotomy. Little agreement exists on treatment recommendations for common presentations of DD in this sample. Further investigation into the sources of potential widespread discrepancies in the management of DD may improve the capacity to make evidence-based recommendations. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Determination of ambroxol in human plasma using LC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Kim, Hohyun; Yoo, Jeong-Yeon; Han, Sang Beom; Lee, Hee Joo; Lee, Kyung Ryul

2003-06-01

A sensitive and selective liquid chromatographic method coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed for the quantification of ambroxol in human plasma. Domperidone was used as internal standard, with plasma samples extracted using diethyl ether under basic condition. A centrifuged upper layer was then evaporated and reconstituted with 200 microl methanol. The reconstituted samples were injected into a C(18) XTerra MS column (2.1 x 30 mm) with 3.5 microm particle size. The analytical column lasted for at least 600 injections. The mobile phase was composed of 20 mM ammonium acetate in 90% acetonitrile (pH 8.8), with flow rate at 250 microl/min. The mass spectrometer was operated in positive ion mode using turbo electrospray ionization. Nitrogen was used as the nebulizer, curtain, collision, and auxiliary gases. Using MS/MS with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, ambroxol was detected without severe interferences from plasma matrix. Ambroxol produced a protonated precursor ion ([M+H](+)) at m/z 379 and a corresponding product ion at m/z 264. And internal standard (domperidone) produced a protonated precursor ion ([M+H](+)) at m/z 426 and a corresponding product ion at m/z 174. Detection of ambroxol in human plasma was accurate and precise, with quantification limit at 0.2 ng/ml. This method has been successfully applied to a study of ambroxol in human specimens.

Sequential injection spectrophotometric determination of oxybenzone in lipsticks.

PubMed

Salvador, A; Chisvert, A; Camarasa, A; Pascual-Martí, M C; March, J G

2001-08-01

A sequential injection (SI) procedure for the spectrophotometric determination of oxybenzone in lipsticks is reported. The colorimetric reaction between nickel and oxybenzone was used. SI parameters such as sample solution volume, reagent solution volume, propulsion flow rate and reaction coil length were studied. The limit of detection was 3 microg ml(-1). The sensitivity was 0.0108+/-0.0002 ml microg(-1). The relative standard deviations of the results were between 6 and 12%. The real concentrations of samples and the values obtained by HPLC were comparable. Microwave sample pre-treatment allowed the extraction of oxybenzone with ethanol, thus avoiding the use of toxic organic solvents. Ethanol was also used as carrier in the SI system. Seventy-two injections per hour can be performed, which means a sample frequency of 24 h(-1) if three replicates are measured for each sample.

Employment-Based Reinforcement of Adherence to Depot Naltrexone in Unemployed Opioid-Dependent Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Everly, Jeffrey J.; DeFulio, Anthony; Koffarnus, Mikhail N.; Leoutsakos, Jeannie-Marie S.; Donlin, Wendy D.; Aklin, Will M.; Umbricht, Annie; Fingerhood, Michael; Bigelow, George E.; Silverman, Kenneth

2011-01-01

Aims Naltrexone can be used to treat opioid dependence, but patients refuse to take it. Extended-release depot formulations may improve adherence, but long-term adherence rates to depot naltrexone are not known. This study determined long-term rates of adherence to depot naltrexone and whether employment-based reinforcement can improve adherence. Design Participants who were inducted onto oral naltrexone were randomly assigned to Contingency (n=18) or Prescription (n=17) groups. Participants were offered six depot naltrexone injections and invited to work at the therapeutic workplace weekdays for 26 weeks where they earned stipends for participating in job skills training. Contingency participants were required to accept naltrexone injections to maintain workplace access and to maintain maximum pay. Prescription participants could work independent of whether they accepted injections. Setting The therapeutic workplace, a model employment-based intervention for drug addiction and unemployment. Participants Opioid-dependent unemployed adults. Measurements Depot naltrexone injections accepted and opiate-negative urine samples. Findings Contingency participants accepted significantly more naltrexone injections than Prescription participants (81% versus 42%), and were more likely to accept all injections (66% versus 35%). At monthly assessments (with missing urine samples imputed as positive), the groups provided similar percentages of samples negative for opiates (74% versus 62%) and for cocaine (56% versus 54%). Opiate positive samples were more likely when samples were also positive for cocaine. Conclusions Employment-based reinforcement can maintain adherence to depot naltrexone. Future research should determine whether persistent cocaine use compromises naltrexone's effect on opiate use. Workplaces may be useful for promoting sustained adherence to depot naltrexone. PMID:21320227

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and its correlates in a rural area of southwestern China: a community-based cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Cheng, Wanting; Yang, Ya; Zhou, Yibiao; Xiao, Penglei; Shi, Yan; Gao, Jianchuan; Chen, Yue; Liang, Song; Yihuo, Wuli; Song, Xiuxia; Jiang, Qingwu

2017-08-11

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem in southwestern China. Our aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of HCV infection and its correlates in the Yi population of this region. A community-based survey was conducted to investigate sociodemographic characteristics and other associated factors for HCV infection in a rural area of southwestern China. Blood samples were collected and tested for antibodies to HCV. Anti-HCV positive samples were further assessed for HCV RNA. A total of 2558 participants aged ≥ 14 years were included in our analysis. Of them, 2.8% (95% CI 2.2% to 3.5%) were positive for HCV antibody. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that sex (male vs female: adjusted OR (aOR)=3.30, 95% CI 1.80 to 6.07), marital status (unmarried vs married: aOR=0.27, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.80), ever using injection drug (aOR=28.65, 95% CI 15.9 to 51.64) and ever having blood transfusion (aOR=7.64, 95% CI 1.94 to 30.16) were significantly associated with HCV infection (indicated by positive HCV antibody). Stratified analysis by HIV infection found that in HIV-negative individuals, sex (male vs female: aOR=3.84, 95% CI 1.88 to 7.85), ever using injection drug (aOR=22.15, 95% CI 8.45 to 58.04), having multiple sexual partners (aOR=2.57, 95% CI 1.26 to 5.23), and ever having blood transfusion (aOR=16.54, 95% CI 4.44 to 61.58) were significantly associated with HCV infection and in HIV-positive individuals, ever using injection drug (aOR=8.96, 95% CI 3.16 to 25.38) was associated with HCV infection. The data suggested a higher risk of HCV infection in this area when compared with the rest of China and some unique associated factors. Rapid scale-up of targeted interventions are needed to prevent further transmission and consequent morbidities. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Induction of anti-glioma NK cell response following multiple low-dose intracerebral CpG therapy

PubMed Central

Alizadeh, Darya; Zhang, Leying; Brown, Christine E.; Farrukh, Omar; Jensen, Michael C.; Badie, Behnam

2010-01-01

Purpose Stimulation of toll-like receptor-9 (TLR9) by CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) has been shown to counteract the immunosuppressive microenvironment and to inhibit tumor growth in glioma models. These studies, however, have used high doses of CpG-ODN which can induce toxicity in a clinical setting. The goal of this study was to evaluate the anti-tumor efficacy of multiple low-dose intratumoral CpG- ODN in a glioma model. Experimental Design Mice bearing four-day old intracranial GL261 gliomas received a single or multiple (two or four) intratumoral injections of CpG-ODN (3 μg) every 4 days. Tumor growth was measured by bioluminescent imaging, brain histology, and animal survival. Flow cytometry and cytotoxicity assays were used to assess anti-glioma immune response. Results Two and four intracranial injections of low-dose CpG-ODN, but not a single injection, eradicated gliomas in 70% of mice. Moreover, surviving animals exhibited durable tumor free remission (> 3 months), and were protected from intracranial rechallenge with GL21 gliomas, demonstrating the capacity for long-term anti-tumor immunity. Although most inflammatory cells appeared to increase, activated NK cells (i.e. NK+CD107a+) were more frequent than CD8+CD107a+ in the brains of rechallenged CpG-ODN-treated animals and demonstrated a stronger in vitro cytotoxicity against GL261 target cells. Leukocyte depletion studies confirmed that NK cells played an important role in the initial CpG-ODN anti-tumor response, but both CD8 and NK cells were equally important in long-term immunity against gliomas. Conclusions These findings suggest that multiple low-dose intratumoral injections of CpG-ODN can eradicate intracranial gliomas possibly through mechanisms involving NK mediated effector function. PMID:20570924

Induction of anti-glioma natural killer cell response following multiple low-dose intracerebral CpG therapy.

PubMed

Alizadeh, Darya; Zhang, Leying; Brown, Christine E; Farrukh, Omar; Jensen, Michael C; Badie, Behnam

2010-07-01

Stimulation of toll-like receptor-9 by CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) has been shown to counteract the immunosuppressive microenvironment and to inhibit tumor growth in glioma models. These studies, however, have used high doses of CpG-ODN, which can induce toxicity in a clinical setting. The goal of this study was to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of multiple low-dose intratumoral CpG-ODN in a glioma model. Mice bearing 4-day-old intracranial GL261 gliomas received a single or multiple (two or four) intratumoral injections of CpG-ODN (3 microg) every 4 days. Tumor growth was measured by bioluminescent imaging, brain histology, and animal survival. Flow cytometry and cytotoxicity assays were used to assess anti-glioma immune response. Two and four intracranial injections of low-dose CpG-ODN, but not a single injection, eradicated gliomas in 70% of mice. Moreover, surviving animals exhibited durable tumor-free remission (> 3 months) and were protected from intracranial rechallenge with GL261 gliomas, showing the capacity for long-term antitumor immunity. Although most inflammatory cells seemed to increase, activated natural killer (NK) cells (i.e., NK(+)CD107a(+)) were more frequent than CD8(+)CD107a(+) in the brains of rechallenged CpG-ODN-treated animals and showed a stronger in vitro cytotoxicity against GL261 target cells. Leukocyte depletion studies confirmed that NK cells played an important role in the initial CpG-ODN antitumor response, but both CD8 and NK cells were equally important in long-term immunity against gliomas. These findings suggest that multiple low-dose intratumoral injections of CpG-ODN can eradicate intracranial gliomas possibly through mechanisms involving NK-mediated effector function.

Botulinum toxin in spinal cord injury patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity

PubMed Central

Cho, Young Sam; Kim, Khae Hawn

2016-01-01

Evidence for the efficacy and safety of intravesical onabotulinum toxin A (onabotA) injections has led to them being licensed in many countries, including Korea, for the treatment of patients with urinary incontinence due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) resulting from spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis who are refractory or intolerant to anticholinergic medications. OnabotA injections have an inhibitory effect on acetylcholine release for up to 10 months, with a recommended dose of 200 U. OnabotA treatment has a beneficial effect not only on urinary symptoms, but also on quality of life. Several clinical studies have shown onabotA to have better effects than placebo in achieving continence, reducing incontinence episodes, improving urodynamic parameters, and improving health-related quality of life. Urinary tract infections and postvoid residual volume are the most prevalent side effects. In patients with residual volume, clean intermittent catheterization may be necessary. In patients with spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis, it is recommended to evaluate physical and cognitive function before intravesical onabotA injection to ensure that the patient and caregiver are able to perform catheterization if necessary. Further controlled trials should assess the optimal dose, injection technique, long-term safety of repeated injections, and optimal timing of onabotA treatment in the treatment of NDO. PMID:28119887

Effects of multiple-scale driving on turbulence statistics

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

Yoo, Hyunju; Cho, Jungyeon, E-mail: hyunju527@gmail.com, E-mail: jcho@cnu.ac.kr

2014-01-01

Turbulence is ubiquitous in astrophysical fluids such as the interstellar medium and the intracluster medium. In turbulence studies, it is customary to assume that fluid is driven on a single scale. However, in astrophysical fluids, there can be many different driving mechanisms that act on different scales. If there are multiple energy-injection scales, the process of energy cascade and turbulence dynamo will be different compared with the case of the single energy-injection scale. In this work, we perform three-dimensional incompressible/compressible magnetohydrodynamic turbulence simulations. We drive turbulence in Fourier space in two wavenumber ranges, 2≤k≤√12 (large scale) and 15 ≲ kmore » ≲ 26 (small scale). We inject different amount of energy in each range by changing the amplitude of forcing in the range. We present the time evolution of the kinetic and magnetic energy densities and discuss the turbulence dynamo in the presence of energy injections at two scales. We show how kinetic, magnetic, and density spectra are affected by the two-scale energy injections and we discuss the observational implications. In the case ε {sub L} < ε {sub S}, where ε {sub L} and ε {sub S} are energy-injection rates at the large and small scales, respectively, our results show that even a tiny amount of large-scale energy injection can significantly change the properties of turbulence. On the other hand, when ε {sub L} ≳ ε {sub S}, the small-scale driving does not influence the turbulence statistics much unless ε {sub L} ∼ ε {sub S}.« less

Localization of pulmonary nodules using navigation bronchoscope and a near-infrared fluorescence thoracoscope.

PubMed

Anayama, Takashi; Qiu, Jimmy; Chan, Harley; Nakajima, Takahiro; Weersink, Robert; Daly, Michael; McConnell, Judy; Waddell, Thomas; Keshavjee, Shaf; Jaffray, David; Irish, Jonathan C; Hirohashi, Kentaro; Wada, Hironobu; Orihashi, Kazumasa; Yasufuku, Kazuhiro

2015-01-01

Video-assisted thoracoscopic wedge resection of multiple small, non-visible, and nonpalpable pulmonary nodules is a clinical challenge. We propose an ultra-minimally invasive technique for localization of pulmonary nodules using the electromagnetic navigation bronchoscope (ENB)-guided transbronchial indocyanine green (ICG) injection and intraoperative fluorescence detection with a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence thoracoscope. Fluorescence properties of ICG topically injected into the lung parenchyma were determined using a resected porcine lung. The combination of ENB-guided ICG injection and NIR fluorescence detection was tested using a live porcine model. An electromagnetic sensor integrated flexible bronchoscope was geometrically registered to the three-dimensional chest computed tomographic image data by way of a real-time electromagnetic tracking system. The ICG mixed with iopamidol was injected into the pulmonary nodules by ENB guidance; ICG fluorescence was visualized by a near-infrared (NIR) thoracoscope. The ICG existing under 24-mm depth of inflated lung was detectable by the NIR fluorescence thoracoscope. The size of the fluorescence spot made by 0.1 mL of ICG was 10.4 ± 2.2 mm. An ICG or iopamidol spot remained at the injected point of the lung for more than 6 hours in vivo. The ICG fluorescence spot injected into the pulmonary nodule with ENB guidance was identified at the pulmonary nodule with the NIR thoracoscope. The ENB-guided transbronchial ICG injection and intraoperative NIR thoracoscopic detection is a feasible method to localize multiple pulmonary nodules. Copyright © 2015 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Simple flow injection analysis system for simultaneous determination of phenolic antioxidants with multiple pulse amperometric detection at a boron-doped diamond electrode.

PubMed

Medeiros, Roberta Antigo; Lourenção, Bruna Cláudia; Rocha-Filho, Romeu Cardozo; Fatibello-Filho, Orlando

2010-10-15

A method for simultaneous determination of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in food was developed that uses multiple pulse amperometry (MPA) with flow injection analysis (FIA). Determination of these phenolic antioxidants was carried out with a cathodically pretreated boron-doped diamond electrode and an aqueous ethanolic (30% ethanol, v/v) 10 mmol L⁻¹ KNO₃ solution (pH(cond) = 1.5) as supporting electrolyte. A dual-potential waveform, at E(det1) = 850 mV/200 ms and E(det2) = 1150 mV/200 ms versus Ag/AgCl (3.0 mol L⁻¹ KCl), was employed. The use of E(det1) or E(det2) caused the oxidation of BHA or of BHA and BHT, respectively; hence, concentration subtraction could be used to determine both species. The respective analytical curves presented good linearity in the investigated concentration range (0.050-3.0 μmol L⁻¹ for BHA and 0.70-70 μmol L⁻¹ for BHT), and the detection limits were 0.030 μmol L⁻¹ for BHA and 0.40 μmol L⁻¹ for BHT. The proposed method, which is simple, quick, and presents good precision and accuracy, was successfully applied in the simultaneous determination of BHA and BHT in commercial mayonnaise samples, with results similar to those obtained by HPLC, at a 95% confidence level.

Improvement of sensitivity of electrolyte cathode discharge atomic emission spectrometry (ELCAD-AES) for mercury using acetic acid medium.

PubMed

Shekhar, R

2012-05-15

A method has been developed to improve the sensitivity of the electrolyte cathode discharge atomic emission spectrometry (ELCAD-AES) for mercury determination. Effects of various low molecular weight organic solvents at different volume percentages as well as at different acid molarities on the mercury signal were investigated using ELCAD-AES. The addition of few percent of organic solvent, acetic acid produced significant enhancement in mercury signal. Acetic acid of 5% (v/v) with the 0.2M acidity has been found to give 500% enhancement for mercury signal in flow injection mode. Under the optimized parameters the repeatability, expressed as the percentage relative standard deviation of spectral peak area for mercury with 5% acetic acid was found to be 10% for acid blank solution and 5% for 20 ng/mL mercury standard based on multiple measurements with a multiple sample loading in flow injection mode. Limit of detection of this method was determined to be 2 ng/mL for inorganic mercury. The proposed method has been validated by determining mercury in certified reference materials, Tuna fish (IAEA-350) and Aquatic plant (BCR-060). Accuracy of the method for the mercury determination in the reference materials has been found to be between 3.5% and 5.9%. This study enhances the utility of ELCAD-AES for various types of biological and environmental materials to quantify total mercury at very low levels. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quality of groundwater at and near an aquifer storage and recovery site, Bexar, Atascosa, and Wilson Counties, Texas, June 2004-August 2008

USGS Publications Warehouse

Otero, Cassi L.; Petri, Brian L.

2010-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the San Antonio Water System, did a study during 2004-08 to characterize the quality of native groundwater from the Edwards aquifer and pre- and post-injection water from the Carrizo aquifer at and near an aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) site in Bexar, Atascosa, and Wilson Counties, Texas. Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for selected physical properties and constituents to characterize the quality of native groundwater from the Edwards aquifer and pre- and post-injection water from the Carrizo aquifer at and near the ASR site. Geochemical and isotope data indicated no substantial changes in major-ion, trace-element, and isotope chemistry occurred as the water from the Edwards aquifer was transferred through a 38-mile pipeline to the aquifer storage and recovery site. The samples collected from the four ASR recovery wells were similar in major-ion and stable isotope chemistry compared to the samples collected from the Edwards aquifer source wells and the ASR injection well. The similarity could indicate that as Edwards aquifer water was injected, it displaced native Carrizo aquifer water, or, alternatively, if mixing of Edwards and Carrizo aquifer waters was occurring, the major-ion and stable isotope signatures for the Carrizo aquifer water might have been obscured by the signatures of the injected Edwards aquifer water. Differences in the dissolved iron and dissolved manganese concentrations indicate that either minor amounts of mixing occurred between the waters from the two aquifers, or as Edwards aquifer water displaced Carrizo aquifer water it dissolved the iron and manganese directly from the Carrizo Sand. Concentrations of radium-226 in the samples collected at the ASR recovery wells were smaller than the concentrations in samples collected from the Edwards aquifer source wells and from the ASR injection well. The smaller radium-226 concentrations in the samples collected from the ASR recovery wells likely indicate some degree of mixing of the two waters occurred rather than continued decay of radium-226 in the injected water. Geochemical and isotope data measured in samples collected in May 2005 from two Carrizo aquifer monitoring wells and in July 2008 from the three ASR production-only wells in the northern section of the ASR site indicate that injected Edwards aquifer water had not migrated to these five sites. Geochemical and isotope data measured in samples collected from Carrizo aquifer wells in 2004, 2005, and 2008 were graphically analyzed to determine if changes in chemistry could be detected. Major-ion, trace element, and isotope chemistry varied spatially in the samples collected from the Carrizo aquifer. With the exception of a few samples, major-ion concentrations measured in samples collected in Carrizo aquifer wells in 2004, 2005, and 2008 were similar. A slightly larger sulfate con-centration and a slightly smaller bicarbonate concentration were measured in samples collected in 2005 and 2008 from well NC1 compared to samples collected at well NC1 in 2004. Larger sodium concentrations and smaller calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, and sulfate concentrations were measured in samples collected in 2008 from well WC1 than in samples collected at this well in 2004 and 2005. Larger calcium and magnesium concentrations and a smaller sodium concentration were measured in the samples collected in 2008 at well EC2 compared to samples collected at this well in 2004 and 2005. While in some cases the computed percent differences (compared to concentrations from June 2004) in dissolved iron and dissolved manganese concentrations in 11 wells sampled in the Carrizo aquifer in 2005 and 2008 were quite large, no trends that might have been caused by migration of injected Edwards aquifer water were observed. Because of the natural variation in geochemical data in the Carrizo aquifer and the small data set collected for this study, differences in major-ion and

Apparatus and method for performing microfluidic manipulations for chemical analysis

DOEpatents

Ramsey, J. Michael

1999-01-01

A microchip apparatus and method provide fluidic manipulations for a variety of applications, including sample injection for microchip liquid chromatography. The microchip is fabricated using standard photolithographic procedures and chemical wet etching, with the substrate and cover plate joined using direct bonding. Capillary electrophoresis is performed in channels formed in the substrate. Injections are made by electro-osmotically pumping sample through the injection channel that crosses the separation channel, followed by a switching of the potentials to force a plug into the separation channel.

Apparatus and method for performing microfluidic manipulations for chemical analysis

DOEpatents

Ramsey, J. Michael

2002-01-01

A microchip apparatus and method provide fluidic manipulations for a variety of applications, including sample injection for microchip liquid chromatography. The microchip is fabricated using standard photolitographic procedures and chemical wet etching, with the substrate and cover plate joined using direct bonding. Capillary electrophoresis is performed in channels formed in the substrate. Injections are made by electro-osmotically pumping sample through the injection channel that crosses the separation channel, followed by a switching of the potentials to force a plug into the separation channel.

A preliminary study of painless and effective transdermal botulinum toxin A delivery by jet nebulization for treatment of primary hyperhidrosis

PubMed Central

Iannitti, Tommaso; Palmieri, Beniamino; Aspiro, Anna; Di Cerbo, Alessandro

2014-01-01

Background Hyperhidrosis is a chronic disease characterized by increased sweat production. Local injections of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) have been extensively used for treatment of primary hyperhidrosis (idiopathic). The current treatment for this condition involves several intradermal injections, resulting in poor patient compliance due to injection-related pain. Therefore, new protocols, including an improved anesthetic regimen, are required. Aim We designed the present study to determine whether JetPeel™-3, a medical device used for transdermal delivery of drugs by jet nebulization, could be used to deliver lidocaine prior to the standard multiple BTX-A injections or deliver lidocaine together with BTX-A in order to determine the protocol giving better results in terms of procedure-related pain, sweating, and patient satisfaction in subjects affected by primary axillary, palmar or plantar hyperhidrosis. Materials and methods Twenty patients with a visual analog scale (VAS) sweating score ≥ 8 cm were randomized to receive lidocaine 2% (5 mL) delivered by JetPeel™-3 followed by multiple injections of BTX-A (100 units) or lidocaine 2% (5 mL) and BTX-A (50 units) delivered together by JetPeel™-3. Effect of treatment on sweating was measured by VAS (0= minimum sweating; 10= maximum sweating) at 3-month follow-up. Pain induced by the procedure was assessed by VAS (0= minimum pain; 10= maximum pain) immediately after the procedure. Patient satisfaction was assessed at 3-month follow-up using a 5-point scale (1= not at all satisfied; 2= not satisfied; 3= partially satisfied; 4= satisfied; 5= highly satisfied). Results Both treatment modalities reduced sweating at 3-month follow-up, if compared with baseline (all P<0.001). Delivery of lidocaine and BTX-A by JetPeel™-3 resulted in lower procedure-related pain and reduced sweating, if compared with lidocaine delivered by JetPeel™-3 followed by multiple BTX-A injections (all P<0.001). Patient satisfaction with the procedure was higher in the group receiving lidocaine and BTX-A treatment by JetPeel™-3, if compared with lidocaine delivered by JetPeel™-3 followed by multiple BTX-A injections (P<0.001). No side effects were observed in both groups. Conclusion Lidocaine and BTX-A can be safely delivered together by JetPeel™-3 to treat primary palmar, plantar and axillary hyperhidrosis, resulting in lower procedure-related pain, improved sweating and higher patient satisfaction, if compared with lidocaine delivered by JetPeel™-3 followed by standard BTX-A injection therapy. Our protocol delivering lidocaine and BTX-A together by JetPeel™-3 requires a reduced quantity of BTX-A, further supporting the use of the transdermal drug delivery by jet nebulization over standard injection therapy for treatment of primary hyperhidrosis. PMID:25075176

Physiotherapy Rehabilitation for People With Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Campbell, Evan; Coulter, Elaine H; Mattison, Paul G; Miller, Linda; McFadyen, Angus; Paul, Lorna

2016-01-01

To assess the efficacy of physiotherapy interventions, including exercise therapy, for the rehabilitation of people with progressive multiple sclerosis. Five databases (Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database [PEDro], Web of Science Core Collections, MEDLINE, Embase) and reference lists of relevant articles were searched. Randomized experimental trials, including participants with progressive multiple sclerosis and investigating a physiotherapy intervention or an intervention containing a physiotherapy element, were included. Data were independently extracted using a standardized form, and methodologic quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Thirteen studies (described by 15 articles) were identified and scored between 5 and 9 out of 10 on the PEDro scale. Eight interventions were assessed: exercise therapy, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, functional electrical stimulation, botulinum toxin type A injections and manual stretches, inspiratory muscle training, therapeutic standing, acupuncture, and body weight-supported treadmill training. All studies, apart from 1, produced positive results in at least 1 outcome measure; however, only 1 article used a power calculation to determine the sample size and because of dropouts the results were subsequently underpowered. This review suggests that physiotherapy may be effective for the rehabilitation of people with progressive multiple sclerosis. However, further appropriately powered studies are required. Copyright © 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Embolic stroke associated with injection of buprenorphine tablets.

PubMed

Lim, C C Tchoyoson; Lee, Sze Haur; Wong, Yee-Choon; Hui, Francis

2009-09-15

Drug users who crush, dissolve, and inject buprenorphine tablets parenterally may be at risk of severe thromboembolic complications or death. We describe patients with neurologic complications after injecting buprenorphine tablets. Brain MRI including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in patients admitted to the neurologic department after injecting buprenorphine tablets were reviewed. Seven men had neurologic complications after buprenorphine tablet injection. In 5 patients, multiple small scattered hyperintense lesions were detected on DWI in the cortex, white matter, and basal ganglia of the cerebral hemisphere; one patient had a single small lesion. The side of MRI abnormality corresponded to the side of needle marks on the neck except in one patient who had bilateral injections. One patient, who denied injecting into the neck, had DWI abnormalities in the middle cerebral artery territory on one side and occlusion of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery. Buprenorphine tablets can be intentionally or inadvertently injected into the carotid artery, causing a characteristic appearance on diffusion-weighted imaging, consistent with embolic cerebral infarction.

A Multitracer Approach to Detecting Wastewater Plumes from Municipal Injection Wells in Nearshore Marine Waters at Kihei and Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hunt, Charles D.; Rosa, Sarah N.

2009-01-01

Municipal wastewater plumes discharging from aquifer to ocean were detected by nearshore wading surveys at Kihei and Lahaina, on the island of Maui in Hawaii. Developed in cooperation with the Hawaii State Department of Health, the survey methodology included instrument trolling to detect submarine groundwater discharge, followed by analysis of water and macroalgae for a suite of chemical and isotopic constituents that constitute a 'multitracer' approach. Surveys were conducted May 6-28, 2008, during fair-weather conditions and included: (1) wading and kayak trolling with a multiparameter water-quality sonde, (2) marine water-column sampling, and (3) collection of benthic algae samples. Instrument trolling helped guide the water sampling strategy by providing dense, continuous transects of water properties on which groundwater discharge zones could be identified. Water and algae samples for costly chemical and isotopic laboratory analyses were last to be collected but were highly diagnostic of wastewater presence and nutrient origin because of low detection levels and confirmation across multiple tracers. Laboratory results confirmed the presence of wastewater constituents in marine water-column samples at both locales and showed evidence of modifying processes such as denitrification and mixing of effluent with surrounding groundwater and seawater. Carbamazepine was the most diagnostic pharmaceutical, detected in several marine water-column samples and effluent at both Kihei and Lahaina. Heavy nitrogen-isotope compositions in water and algae were highly diagnostic of effluent, particularly where enriched to even heavier values than effluent source compositions by denitrification. Algae provided an added advantage of time-integrating their nitrogen source during growth. The measured Kihei plume coincided almost exactly with prior model predictions, but the Lahaina plume was detected well south of the expected direct path from injection wells to shore and may be guided by a buried valley fill from an ancestral course of Honokowai Stream. Nutrient concentrations in upland wells at Lahaina were comparable to concentrations in wastewater but originate instead from agricultural fertilizers. A key factor in detecting and mapping the wastewater plumes was sampling very close to shore (mostly within 20 m or so) and in very shallow water (mostly 0.5 to 2 m depth). Effluent probably discharges somewhat offshore as well, although prior attempts to detect an injected fluorescent tracer at Lahaina in the 1990s were inconclusive, having focused farther offshore in water mostly 10-30 m deep. Sampling of benthic porewater and algae would offer the best chances for further effluent detection and mapping offshore, and sampling of onland monitor wells could provide additional understanding of geochemical processes that take place in the effluent plumes and bring about some degree of natural attenuation of nutrients.

Combined Falling Drop/Open Port Sampling Interface System for Automated Flow Injection Mass Spectrometry

DOE PAGES

Van Berkel, Gary J.; Kertesz, Vilmos; Orcutt, Matt; ...

2017-11-07

The aim of this work was to demonstrate and to evaluate the analytical performance of a combined falling drop/open port sampling interface (OPSI) system as a simple noncontact, no-carryover, automated system for flow injection analysis with mass spectrometry. The falling sample drops were introduced into the OPSI using a widely available autosampler platform utilizing low cost disposable pipet tips and conventional disposable microtiter well plates. The volume of the drops that fell onto the OPSI was in the 7–15 μL range with an injected sample volume of several hundred nanoliters. Sample drop height, positioning of the internal capillary on themore » sampling end of the probe, and carrier solvent flow rate were optimized for maximum signal. Sample throughput, signal reproducibility, matrix effects, and quantitative analysis capability of the system were established using the drug molecule propranolol and its isotope labeled internal standard in water, unprocessed river water and two commercially available buffer matrices. A sample-to-sample throughput of ~45 s with a ~4.5 s base-to-base flow injection peak profile was obtained in these experiments. In addition, quantitation with minimally processed rat plasma samples was demonstrated with three different statin drugs (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and fluvastatin). Direct characterization capability of unprocessed samples was demonstrated by the analysis of neat vegetable oils. Employing the autosampler system for spatially resolved liquid extraction surface sampling exemplified by the analysis of propranolol and its hydroxypropranolol glucuronide phase II metabolites from a rat thin tissue section was also illustrated.« less

Combined Falling Drop/Open Port Sampling Interface System for Automated Flow Injection Mass Spectrometry

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

Van Berkel, Gary J.; Kertesz, Vilmos; Orcutt, Matt

The aim of this work was to demonstrate and to evaluate the analytical performance of a combined falling drop/open port sampling interface (OPSI) system as a simple noncontact, no-carryover, automated system for flow injection analysis with mass spectrometry. The falling sample drops were introduced into the OPSI using a widely available autosampler platform utilizing low cost disposable pipet tips and conventional disposable microtiter well plates. The volume of the drops that fell onto the OPSI was in the 7–15 μL range with an injected sample volume of several hundred nanoliters. Sample drop height, positioning of the internal capillary on themore » sampling end of the probe, and carrier solvent flow rate were optimized for maximum signal. Sample throughput, signal reproducibility, matrix effects, and quantitative analysis capability of the system were established using the drug molecule propranolol and its isotope labeled internal standard in water, unprocessed river water and two commercially available buffer matrices. A sample-to-sample throughput of ~45 s with a ~4.5 s base-to-base flow injection peak profile was obtained in these experiments. In addition, quantitation with minimally processed rat plasma samples was demonstrated with three different statin drugs (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and fluvastatin). Direct characterization capability of unprocessed samples was demonstrated by the analysis of neat vegetable oils. Employing the autosampler system for spatially resolved liquid extraction surface sampling exemplified by the analysis of propranolol and its hydroxypropranolol glucuronide phase II metabolites from a rat thin tissue section was also illustrated.« less

Incorporating geographic settings into a social network analysis of injection drug use and bloodborne pathogen prevalence.

PubMed

Wylie, John L; Shah, Lena; Jolly, Ann

2007-09-01

Using social network analysis, we investigated how communal meeting places can link injection drug user (IDU) populations and create opportunities for the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. In our locale, specific hotels played a key role in the injection drug scene. Within this hotel network some IDU injected at only one hotel while others injected at multiple hotels; this latter group potentially acted as spatial bridges linking relatively distinct hotel networks. Pathogen prevalence showed a gradation with the highest prevalence occurring at the centre of the network. Consistent with pathogen prevalence, people most central to the network were more likely to engage in risky injection practices. Incorporating geographic place into analyses involving IDU can contribute to an understanding of pathogen transmission patterns in an area and assist public health efforts to develop targeted intervention programs.

The relationship between risk networks' patterns of crack cocaine and alcohol consumption and HIV-related sexual behaviors among adult injection drug users: a prospective study.

PubMed

Latkin, C A; Mandell, W; Vlahov, D

1996-11-01

Social context may be an important determinant of drug and alcohol consumption and HIV-related behaviors. To assess the influence of peers on drug users' risk behaviors this study examined the association between individual level and group level behaviors. This analysis reports on the prospective association between baseline self-reported drug and alcohol use of the network members of injection drug users, and self-reported sexual behaviors and alcohol use at 5-month follow-up. Participants were a nontreatment sample of inner-city injection drug users who volunteered for a network-oriented HIV preventive intervention. They were predominantly unemployed, African American males. Of the 71 index participants who completed both the baseline and follow-up interviews, 227 of their drug network members were enrolled in the study. At baseline indexes' sexual risk behaviors were significantly associated with their drug network members' level of crack cocaine use. At follow-up higher levels of alcohol and crack use among drug network members were associated with indexes' reports of multiple sex partners and increased alcohol consumption. Higher levels of crack use among the drug network members were associated with the indexes' reporting casual sex partners at follow-up. These results highlight the importance of studying the role of peer group influence and the social context of risk behaviors.

Your View or Mine: Spatially Quantifying CO2 Storage Risk from Various Stakeholder Perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bielicki, J. M.; Pollak, M.; Wilson, E.; Elliot, T. R.; Guo, B.; Nogues, J. P.; Peters, C. A.

2011-12-01

CO2 capture and storage involves injecting captured CO2 into geologic formations, such as deep saline aquifers. This injected CO2 is to be "stored" within the rock matrix for hundreds to thousands of years, but injected CO2, or the brine it displaces, may leak from the target reservoir. Such leakage could interfere with other subsurface activities-water production, energy production, energy storage, and waste disposal-or migrate to the surface. Each of these interferences will incur multiple costs to a variety of stakeholders. Even if injected or displaced fluids do not interfere with other subsurface activities or make their way to the surface, costs will be incurred to find and fix the leak. Consequently, the suitability of a site for CO2 storage must therefore include an assessment of the risk of leakage and interference with various other activities within a three-dimensional proximity of where CO2 is being injected. We present a spatial analysis of leakage and interference risk associated with injecting CO2 into a portion of the Mount Simon sandstone in the Michigan Basin. Risk is the probability of an outcome multiplied by the impact of that outcome (Ro=po*Io). An outcome is the result of the leakage (e.g., interference with oil production), and the impact is the cost associated with the outcome. Each outcome has costs that will vary by stakeholder. Our analysis presents CO2 storage risk for multiple outcomes in a spatially explicit manner that varies by stakeholder. We use the ELSA semi-analytical model for estimating CO2 and brine leakage from aquifers to determine plume and pressure front radii, and CO2 and brine leakage probabilities for the Mount Simon sandstone and multiple units above it. Results of ELSA simulations are incorporated into RISCS: the Risk Interference Subsurface CO2 Storage model. RISCS uses three-dimensional data on subsurface geology and the locations of wells and boreholes to spatially estimate risks associated with CO2 leakage from injection reservoirs. Where plumes probabilistically intersect subsurface activities, reach groundwater, or reach the surface, RISCS uses cost estimates from the Leakage Impact Valuation framework to estimate CO2 storage leakage and interference risk in monetary terms. This framework estimates costs that might be incurred if CO2 leaks from an injection reservoir. Such leakage could beget a variety of costs, depending on the nature and extent of the impacts. The framework identifies multiple costs under headings of: (a) finding and fixing the leak, (b) business disruption, and (c) cleaning up and paying for damages. The framework also enumerates the distribution of costs between ten different stakeholders, and allocates these costs along four leakage scenarios: 1) No interference, 2) interference with a subsurface activity, 3) interference with groundwater, and 4) migration to the surface. Our methodology facilitates research along two lines. First, it allows a probabilistic assessment of leakage costs to an injection operator, and thus what the effect of leakage might be on CCS market effectiveness. Second, it allows a broader inquiry about injection site prioritization from the point of view of various stakeholders.

Aerated biofilters with multiple-level air injection configurations to enhance biological treatment of methane emissions.

PubMed

Farrokhzadeh, Hasti; Hettiaratchi, J Patrick A; Jayasinghe, Poornima; Kumar, Sunil

2017-09-01

Aiming to improve conventional methane biofilter performance, a multiple-level aeration biofilter design is proposed. Laboratory flow-through column experiments were conducted to evaluate three actively-aerated methane biofilter configurations. Columns were aerated at one, two, and three levels of the bed depth, with air introduced at flow rates calculated from methane oxidation reaction stoichiometry. Inlet methane loading rates were increased in five stages between 6 and 18mL/min. The effects of methane feeding rate, levels of aeration, and residence time on methane oxidation rates were determined. Samples collected after completion of flow-through experiments were used to determine methane oxidation kinetic parameters, V max , K m , and methanotrophic community distribution across biofilter columns. Results obtained from mixed variances analysis and response surfaces, as well as methanotrophic activity data, suggested that, biofilter column with two aeration levels has the most even performance over time, maintaining 85.1% average oxidation efficiency over 95days of experiments. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quantitative Comparison of Tumor Delivery for Multiple Targeted Nanoparticles Simultaneously by Multiplex ICP-MS

PubMed Central

Elias, Andrew; Crayton, Samuel H.; Warden-Rothman, Robert; Tsourkas, Andrew

2014-01-01

Given the rapidly expanding library of disease biomarkers and targeting agents, the number of unique targeted nanoparticles is growing exponentially. The high variability and expense of animal testing often makes it unfeasible to examine this large number of nanoparticles in vivo. This often leads to the investigation of a single formulation that performed best in vitro. However, nanoparticle performance in vivo depends on many variables, many of which cannot be adequately assessed with cell-based assays. To address this issue, we developed a lanthanide-doped nanoparticle method that allows quantitative comparison of multiple targeted nanoparticles simultaneously. Specifically, superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles with different targeting ligands were created, each with a unique lanthanide dopant. Following the simultaneous injection of the various SPIO compositions into tumor-bearing mice, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy was used to quantitatively and orthogonally assess the concentration of each SPIO composition in serial blood and resected tumor samples. PMID:25068300

Comparison of field-enhanced and pressure-assisted field-enhanced sample injection techniques for the analysis of water-soluble vitamins using CZE.

PubMed

Liu, Qingqing; Liu, Yaling; Guan, Yu; Jia, Li

2009-04-01

A new online concentration method, namely pressure-assisted field-enhanced sample injection (PA-FESI), was developed and compared with FESI for the analysis of water-soluble vitamins by CZE with UV detection. In PA-FESI, negative voltage and positive pressure were simultaneously applied to initialize PA-FESI. PA-FESI uses the hydrodynamic flow generated by the positive pressure to counterbalance the reverse EOF in the capillary column during electrokinetic sample injection, which allowed a longer injection time than usual FESI mode without compromising the separation efficiency. Using the PA-FESI method, the LODs of the vitamins were at ng/mL level based on the S/N of 3 and the RSDs of migration time and peak area for each vitamin (1 microg/mL) were less than 5.1%. The developed method was applied to the analysis of water-soluble vitamins in corns.

Application of multiple tracers (SF6 and chloride) to identify the transport by characteristics of contaminant at two separate contaminated sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, K. K.; Lee, S. S.; Kim, H. H.; Koh, E. H.; Kim, M. O.; Lee, K.; Kim, H. J.

2016-12-01

Multiple tracers were applied for source and pathway detection at two different sites. CO2 gas injected in the subsurface for a shallow-depth CO2 injection and leak test can be regarded as a potential contaminant source. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the migration pattern of CO2 gas. Also, at a DNAPL contaminated site, it is important to figure out the characteristics of plume evolution from the source zone. In this study, multiple tracers (SF6 and chloride) were used to evaluate the applicability of volatile and non-volatile tracers and to identify the characteristics of contaminant transport at each CO2 injection and leak test site and DNAPL contaminated site. Firstly, at the CO2 test site, multiple tracers were used to perform the single well push-drift-pull tracer test at total 3 specific depth zones. As results of tests, volatile and non-volatile tracers showed different mass recovery percentage. Most of chloride mass was recovered but less than half of SF6 mass was recovered due to volatile property. This means that only gaseous SF6 leak out to unsaturated zone. However, breakthrough curves of both tracers indicated similar peak time, effective porosity, and regional groundwater velocity. Also, at both contaminated sites, natural gradient tracer tests were performed with multiple tracers. With the results of natural gradient tracer test, it was possible to confirm the applicability of multiple tracers and to understand the contaminant transport in highly heterogeneous aquifer systems through the long-term monitoring of tracers. Acknowledgement: financial support was provided by the R&D Project on Environmental Management of Geologic CO2 Storage)" from the KEITI (Project Number: 2014001810003) and Korea Ministry of Environment as "The GAIA project (2014000540010)".

Physical modeling of axisymmetric hydrofracturing by plastic material injection in elastic medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolykhalov, I. V.

2018-03-01

The article describes the experimental and numerical investigation of hydraulic fracture propagation under injection of a plastic material near the free surface and the surface loaded by a die block to simulate the effect of an open fracture in the course of the multiple hydrofracturing. The experimental and calculated data are compared.

Wide-field in vivo neocortical calcium dye imaging using a convection-enhanced loading technique combined with simultaneous multiwavelength imaging of voltage-sensitive dyes and hemodynamic signals

PubMed Central

Ma, Hongtao; Harris, Samuel; Rahmani, Redi; Lacefield, Clay O.; Zhao, Mingrui; Daniel, Andy G. S.; Zhou, Zhiping; Bruno, Randy M.; Berwick, Jason; Schwartz, Theodore H.

2014-01-01

Abstract. In vivo calcium imaging is an incredibly powerful technique that provides simultaneous information on fast neuronal events, such as action potentials and subthreshold synaptic activity, as well as slower events that occur in the glia and surrounding neuropil. Bulk-loading methods that involve multiple injections can be used for single-cell as well as wide-field imaging studies. However, multiple injections result in inhomogeneous loading as well as multiple sites of potential cortical injury. We used convection-enhanced delivery to create smooth, continuous loading of a large area of the cortical surface through a solitary injection site and demonstrated the efficacy of the technique using confocal microscopy imaging of single cells and physiological responses to single-trial events of spontaneous activity, somatosensory-evoked potentials, and epileptiform events. Combinations of calcium imaging with voltage-sensitive dye and intrinsic signal imaging demonstrate the utility of this technique in neurovascular coupling investigations. Convection-enhanced loading of calcium dyes may be a useful technique to advance the study of cortical processing when widespread loading of a wide-field imaging is required. PMID:25525611

Wide-field in vivo neocortical calcium dye imaging using a convection-enhanced loading technique combined with simultaneous multiwavelength imaging of voltage-sensitive dyes and hemodynamic signals.

PubMed

Ma, Hongtao; Harris, Samuel; Rahmani, Redi; Lacefield, Clay O; Zhao, Mingrui; Daniel, Andy G S; Zhou, Zhiping; Bruno, Randy M; Berwick, Jason; Schwartz, Theodore H

2014-07-24

In vivo calcium imaging is an incredibly powerful technique that provides simultaneous information on fast neuronal events, such as action potentials and subthreshold synaptic activity, as well as slower events that occur in the glia and surrounding neuropil. Bulk-loading methods that involve multiple injections can be used for single-cell as well as wide-field imaging studies. However, multiple injections result in inhomogeneous loading as well as multiple sites of potential cortical injury. We used convection-enhanced delivery to create smooth, continuous loading of a large area of the cortical surface through a solitary injection site and demonstrated the efficacy of the technique using confocal microscopy imaging of single cells and physiological responses to single-trial events of spontaneous activity, somatosensory-evoked potentials, and epileptiform events. Combinations of calcium imaging with voltage-sensitive dye and intrinsic signal imaging demonstrate the utility of this technique in neurovascular coupling investigations. Convection-enhanced loading of calcium dyes may be a useful technique to advance the study of cortical processing when widespread loading of a wide-field imaging is required.

Accelerated drug release and clearance of PEGylated epirubicin liposomes following repeated injections: a new challenge for sequential low-dose chemotherapy

PubMed Central

Yang, Qiang; Ma, Yanling; Zhao, Yongxue; She, Zhennan; Wang, Long; Li, Jie; Wang, Chunling; Deng, Yihui

2013-01-01

Background Sequential low-dose chemotherapy has received great attention for its unique advantages in attenuating multidrug resistance of tumor cells. Nevertheless, it runs the risk of producing new problems associated with the accelerated blood clearance phenomenon, especially with multiple injections of PEGylated liposomes. Methods Liposomes were labeled with fluorescent phospholipids of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-snglycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-(7-nitro-2-1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl) and epirubicin (EPI). The pharmacokinetics profile and biodistribution of the drug and liposome carrier following multiple injections were determined. Meanwhile, the antitumor effect of sequential low-dose chemotherapy was tested. To clarify this unexpected phenomenon, the production of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM), drug release, and residual complement activity experiments were conducted in serum. Results The first or sequential injections of PEGylated liposomes within a certain dose range induced the rapid clearance of subsequently injected PEGylated liposomal EPI. Of note, the clearance of EPI was two- to three-fold faster than the liposome itself, and a large amount of EPI was released from liposomes in the first 30 minutes in a complement-activation, direct-dependent manner. The therapeutic efficacy of liposomal EPI following 10 days of sequential injections in S180 tumor-bearing mice of 0.75 mg EPI/kg body weight was almost completely abolished between the sixth and tenth day of the sequential injections, even although the subsequently injected doses were doubled. The level of PEG-specific IgM in the blood increased rapidly, with a larger amount of complement being activated while the concentration of EPI in blood and tumor tissue was significantly reduced. Conclusion Our investigation implied that the accelerated blood clearance phenomenon and its accompanying rapid leakage and clearance of drug following sequential low-dose injections may reverse the unique pharmacokinetic–toxicity profile of liposomes which deserved our attention. Therefore, a more reasonable treatment regime should be selected to lessen or even eliminate this phenomenon. PMID:23576868

Identification of the Allergenic Ingredients in Reduning Injection by Ultrafiltration and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography.

PubMed

Wang, Fang; Li, Cun-yu; Zheng, Yun-feng; Li, Hong-yang; Xiao, Wei; Peng, Guo-ping

2016-01-01

Reduning injection is a traditional Chinese medicine injection which has multiple functions such as clearing heat, dispelling wind, and detoxification. Although Reduning injection was widely utilized, reports of its allergenicity emerged one after another. However, there is little research on its allergenic substances. The aim of this study is to evaluate the sensitization of Reduning injection and explore the underlying cause of the anaphylactic reaction. The main ingredients in Reduning injection were analyzed before and after ultrafiltration. Ultrafiltrate Reduning injection, unfiltered Reduning injection, egg albumin, Tween-80, and nine effective components in Reduning injection were utilized to sensitize guinea pigs. The serum 5-hydroxytryptamine level was used to assess the sensitization effect of Reduning injection. We found a significant decrease in Tween-80 content comparing to other components in the injection after ultrafiltration. Unfiltered Reduning injection, Tween-80, chlorogenic acid, and cryptochlorogenin acid caused remarkable anaphylactoid reaction on guinea pigs while ultrafiltration Reduning resulted in a significantly lower degree of sensitization. Our results suggest that ultrafiltration could significantly reduce the sensitization of Reduning injection, which is likely due to the decrease of Tween-80. We also conjectured that the form of chlorogenic acid and cryptochlorogenin acid within the complex solution mixture may also affect the sensitizing effect.

An on-line potentiometric sequential injection titration process analyser for the determination of acetic acid.

PubMed

van Staden, J F; Mashamba, Mulalo G; Stefan, Raluca I

2002-09-01

An on-line potentiometric sequential injection titration process analyser for the determination of acetic acid is proposed. A solution of 0.1 mol L(-1) sodium chloride is used as carrier. Titration is achieved by aspirating acetic acid samples between two strong base-zone volumes into a holding coil and by channelling the stack of well-defined zones with flow reversal through a reaction coil to a potentiometric sensor where the peak widths were measured. A linear relationship between peak width and logarithm of the acid concentration was obtained in the range 1-9 g/100 mL. Vinegar samples were analysed without any sample pre-treatment. The method has a relative standard deviation of 0.4% with a sample frequency of 28 samples per hour. The results revealed good agreement between the proposed sequential injection and an automated batch titration method.

Rugged large volume injection for sensitive capillary LC-MS environmental monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roberg-Larsen, Hanne; Abele, Silvija; Demir, Deniz; Dzabijeva, Diana; Amundsen, Sunniva F.; Wilson, Steven R.; Bartkevics, Vadims; Lundanes, Elsa

2017-08-01

A rugged and high throughput capillary column (cLC) LC-MS switching platform using large volume injection and on-line automatic filtration and filter back-flush (AFFL) solid phase extraction (SPE) for analysis of environmental water samples with minimal sample preparation is presented. Although narrow columns and on-line sample preparation are used in the platform, high ruggedness is achieved e.g. injection of 100 non-filtrated water samples would did not result in a pressure rise/clogging of the SPE/capillary columns (inner diameter 300 µm). In addition, satisfactory retention time stability and chromatographic resolution were also features of the system. The potential of the platform for environmental water samples was demonstrated with various pharmaceutical products, which had detection limits (LOD) in the 0.05 - 12.5 ng/L range. Between-day and within-day repeatability of selected analytes were < 20% RSD.

Ducted fuel injection: A new approach for lowering soot emissions from direct-injection engines

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

Mueller, Charles J.; Nilsen, Christopher W.; Ruth, Daniel J.

Designers of direct-injection compression-ignition engines use a variety of strategies to improve the fuel/charge-gas mixture within the combustion chamber for increased efficiency and reduced pollutant emissions. Strategies include the use of high fuel-injection pressures, multiple injections, small injector orifices, flow swirl, long-ignition-delay conditions, and oxygenated fuels. This is the first journal publication paper on a new mixing-enhancement strategy for emissions reduction: ducted fuel injection. The concept involves injecting fuel along the axis of a small cylindrical duct within the combustion chamber, to enhance the mixture in the autoignition zone relative to a conventional free-spray configuration (i.e., a fuel spray thatmore » is not surrounded by a duct). Finally, the results described herein, from initial proof-of-concept experiments conducted in a constant-volume combustion vessel, show dramatically lower soot incandescence from ducted fuel injection than from free sprays over a range of charge-gas conditions that are representative of those in modern direct-injection compression-ignition engines.« less

Ducted fuel injection: A new approach for lowering soot emissions from direct-injection engines

DOE PAGES

Mueller, Charles J.; Nilsen, Christopher W.; Ruth, Daniel J.; ...

2017-07-18

Designers of direct-injection compression-ignition engines use a variety of strategies to improve the fuel/charge-gas mixture within the combustion chamber for increased efficiency and reduced pollutant emissions. Strategies include the use of high fuel-injection pressures, multiple injections, small injector orifices, flow swirl, long-ignition-delay conditions, and oxygenated fuels. This is the first journal publication paper on a new mixing-enhancement strategy for emissions reduction: ducted fuel injection. The concept involves injecting fuel along the axis of a small cylindrical duct within the combustion chamber, to enhance the mixture in the autoignition zone relative to a conventional free-spray configuration (i.e., a fuel spray thatmore » is not surrounded by a duct). Finally, the results described herein, from initial proof-of-concept experiments conducted in a constant-volume combustion vessel, show dramatically lower soot incandescence from ducted fuel injection than from free sprays over a range of charge-gas conditions that are representative of those in modern direct-injection compression-ignition engines.« less

Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion as an Effective Method of Desensitization Therapy for Diabetic Patients with Insulin Allergy: A 4-year Single-center Experience.

PubMed

Yuan, Tao; Zhao, Weigang; Wang, Lianglu; Dong, Yingyue; Li, Naishi

2016-11-01

This article summarizes our experiences in the application of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) as a method of rapid desensitization therapy for diabetic patients with insulin allergy that was subsequently switched to a regimen of multiple-dose injections for long-term insulin therapy. The clinical data of 11 diabetic patients with insulin allergy in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from April 1, 2008, through December 31, 2011, were retrospectively analyzed. All 11 conditions were diagnosed by case history, skin testing, determination of serum specific anti-insulin IgE, and reaction to withdrawal of insulin. Seven patients accepted the traditional injection method of desensitization, and 5 patients accepted CSII with the protocol designed for this study (1 patient accepted CSII after failure by the formal method). Six of the 7 patients who accepted the traditional method and all 5 patients who accepted CSII had successful results. All 5 patients in the CSII group switched to a regimen of multiple dosage injections. In a survey of 28 nurses, both experienced nurses and practical nurses preferred to use CSII as the method of desensitization. It is feasible and effective for diabetic patients with insulin allergy to use CSII as a method of rapid desensitization with subsequent switching to a regimen of multiple-dose injections for long-term insulin therapy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.

Flow injection analysis-flame atomic absorption spectrometry system for indirect determination of sulfite after on-line reduction of solid-phase manganese (IV) dioxide reactor.

PubMed

Zare-Dorabei, Rouholah; Boroun, Shokoufeh; Noroozifar, Meissam

2018-02-01

A new and simple flow injection method followed by atomic absorption spectrometry was developed for indirect determination of sulfite. The proposed method is based on the oxidation of sulfite to sulphate ion using solid-phase manganese dioxide (30% W/W suspended on silica gel beads) reactor. MnO 2 will be reduced to Mn(II) by sample injection in to the column under acidic carrier stream of HNO 3 (pH 2) with flow rate of 3.5mLmin -1 at room temperature. Absorption measurement of Mn(II) which is proportional to the concentration of sulfite in the sample was carried out by atomic absorption spectrometry. The calibration curve was linear up to 25mgL -1 with a detection limit (DL) of 0.08mgL -1 for 400µL injection sample volume. The presented method is efficient toward sulfite determination in sugar and water samples with a relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 1.2% and a sampling rate of about 60h -1 . Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Patient Preferences for Injectable Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis in the United States: A Discrete-Choice Experiment.

PubMed

Poulos, Christine; Kinter, Elizabeth; Yang, Jui-Chen; Bridges, John F P; Posner, Joshua; Reder, Anthony T

2016-04-01

Patients' perceptions and experiences of medication efficacy, medication adverse events, dosing frequency, and dosing complexity have been found to influence adherence to injectable disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to quantify patient preferences for features of injectable DMTs for MS. Adult patients in the United States (US) with a self-reported diagnosis of MS completed an online discrete-choice experiment survey to assess preference for a number of features of a hypothetical injectable DMT. Patients chose hypothetical treatments in paired comparisons, where each treatment was described by features or attributes, including the number of years until disability progression, the number of relapses in the next 4 years, injection time, the frequency of injections, the occurrence of flu-like symptoms (FLS), and severity of injection-site reactions. Random-parameters logit regression parameters were used to calculate preference weights of attribute levels and the relative importance of changes in treatment features. Of the 205 patients who completed the survey, 192 provided sufficient data for analysis. The results indicated a broad range of tradeoffs that patients would be willing to make. With regard to this, the relative importance of an improvement in the number of years until disability progression from 1 to 2 (i.e., vertical distance between preference weights for these attribute levels) was 0.9 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.5-1.2], the relative importance of this change was approximately equivalent to that of an improvement from 12 injections per month to two (mean 0.8, 95% CI 0.4-1.2), or approximately equivalent to a decrease from four to one relapses in the next 4 years (mean 0.8, 95% CI 0.5-1.2), or FLS 3 days after every injection to 3 days after some injections (mean 1.0, 95% CI 0.6-1.4). These results suggest that an improvement in treatment efficacy may be as important as a reduction in injection frequency or a reduction in some adverse events for patients who self-administer injectable DMTs for MS. Understanding the preferences of patients who use injectable treatments will inform the development of such treatments, which may in turn improve patient medication adherence and well-being.

ESPA-Based Multiple Satellite Architecture for Mars Science and Exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lo, A. S.; Griffin, K.; Hanson, M.; Lee, G.

2012-06-01

We propose a LCROSS-based approach, enabled by ts innovative use of the ESPA ring. Exploiting this architecture for Mars mission can use the upcoming Mars launch opportunities to inject multiple satellites that can support the wide range of NASA’s goals.

REDUCTION OF COAL-BASED METAL EMISSIONS BY FURNACE SORBENT INJECTION

EPA Science Inventory

The ability of sorbent injection technology to reduce the potential for trace metal emissions from coal combustion was researched. Pilot scale tests of high-temperature furnace sorbent injection were accompanied by stack sampling for coal-based, metallic air toxics. Tested sorben...

Employment-based reinforcement of adherence to depot naltrexone in unemployed opioid-dependent adults: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Everly, Jeffrey J; DeFulio, Anthony; Koffarnus, Mikhail N; Leoutsakos, Jeannie-Marie S; Donlin, Wendy D; Aklin, Will M; Umbricht, Annie; Fingerhood, Michael; Bigelow, George E; Silverman, Kenneth

2011-07-01

Naltrexone can be used to treat opioid dependence, but patients refuse to take it. Extended-release depot formulations may improve adherence, but long-term adherence rates to depot naltrexone are not known. This study determined long-term rates of adherence to depot naltrexone and whether employment-based reinforcement can improve adherence. Participants who were inducted onto oral naltrexone were assigned randomly to contingency (n = 18) or prescription (n = 17) groups. Participants were offered six depot naltrexone injections and invited to work at the therapeutic workplace on week days for 26 weeks, where they earned stipends for participating in job skills training. Contingency participants were required to accept naltrexone injections to maintain workplace access and to maintain maximum pay. Prescription participants could work independently of whether they accepted injections. The therapeutic workplace, a model employment-based intervention for drug addiction and unemployment. Opioid-dependent unemployed adults. Depot naltrexone injections accepted and opiate-negative urine samples. Contingency participants accepted significantly more naltrexone injections than prescription participants (81% versus 42%), and were more likely to accept all injections (66% versus 35%). At monthly assessments (with missing urine samples imputed as positive), the groups provided similar percentages of samples negative for opiates (74% versus 62%) and for cocaine (56% versus 54%). Opiate-positive samples were more likely when samples were also positive for cocaine. Employment-based reinforcement can maintain adherence to depot naltrexone. Future research should determine whether persistent cocaine use compromises naltrexone's effect on opiate use. Workplaces may be useful for promoting sustained adherence to depot naltrexone. © 2011 The Authors, Addiction © 2011 Society for the Study of Addiction.

Skin sterility after application of ethyl chloride spray.

PubMed

Polishchuk, Daniil; Gehrmann, Robin; Tan, Virak

2012-01-18

Ethyl chloride topical anesthetic spray is labeled as nonsterile, yet it is widely used during injection procedures performed in an outpatient setting. The purpose of this study was to investigate the sterility of ethyl chloride topical anesthetic spray applied before an injection. Our a priori hypothesis was that application of the spray after the skin has been prepared would not alter the sterility of the injection site. We conducted a prospective, blinded, controlled study to assess the effect of ethyl chloride spray on skin sterility. Fifteen healthy adult subjects (age, twenty-three to sixty-one years) were prepared for mock injections into both shoulders and both knees, although no injection was actually performed. Three culture samples were obtained from each site on the skin: one before skin preparation with isopropyl alcohol, one after skin preparation and before application of ethyl chloride, and one after ethyl chloride had been sprayed on the site. In addition, the sterility of the ethyl chloride was tested directly by inoculating cultures with spray from the bottles. Growth occurred in 70% of the samples obtained before skin preparation, 3% of the samples obtained after skin preparation but before application of ethyl chloride, and 5% of the samples obtained after the injection site had been sprayed with ethyl chloride. The percentage of positive cultures did not increase significantly after application of ethyl chloride (p = 0.65). Spraying of ethyl chloride directly on agar plates resulted in growth on 13% of these plates compared with 11% of the control plates; this difference was also not significant (p = 0.80). Although ethyl chloride spray is not sterile, its application did not alter the sterility of the injection sites in the shoulder and knee.

Injection port derivatization following ion-pair hollow fiber-protected liquid-phase microextraction for determining acidic herbicides by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Wu, Jingming; Lee, Hian Kee

2006-10-15

Injection port derivatization following ion-pair hollow fiber-protected liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) for the trace determination of acidic herbicides (2,4-dichlorobenzoic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)propionic acid, 3,5-dichlorobenzoic acid, 2-(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)propionic acid) in aqueous samples by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was developed. Prior to GC injection port derivatization, acidic herbicides were converted into their ion-pair complexes with tetrabutylammonium chloride in aqueous samples and then extracted by 1-octanol impregnated in the hollow fiber. Upon injection, ion pairs of acidic herbicides were quantitatively derivatized to their butyl esters in the GC injection port. Thus, several parameters related to the derivatization process (i.e., injection temperature, purge-off time) were evaluated, and main parameters affecting the hollow fiber-protected LPME procedure such as extraction organic solvent, ion-pair reagent type, pH of aqueous medium, concentration of ion-pair reagent, sodium chloride concentration added to the aqueous medium, stirring speed, and extraction time profile, optimized. At the selected extraction and derivatization conditions, no matrix effects were observed. This method proved good repeatability (RSDs <12.3%, n = 6) and good linearity (r2 > or = 0.9939) for spiked deionized water samples for five analytes. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.51-13.7 ng x L(-1) (S/N =3) under GC/MS selected ion monitoring mode. The results demonstrated that injection port derivatization following ion-pair hollow fiber-protected LPME was a simple, rapid, and accurate method for the determination of trace acidic herbicides from aqueous samples. In addition, this method proved to be environmentally friendly since it completely avoided open derivatization with potentially hazardous reagents.

Design and characterization of poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based valves for interfacing continuous-flow sampling to microchip electrophoresis.

PubMed

Li, Michelle W; Huynh, Bryan H; Hulvey, Matthew K; Lunte, Susan M; Martin, R Scott

2006-02-15

This work describes the fabrication and evaluation of a poly(dimethyl)siloxane (PDMS)-based device that enables the discrete injection of a sample plug from a continuous-flow stream into a microchannel for subsequent analysis by electrophoresis. Devices were fabricated by aligning valving and flow channel layers followed by plasma sealing the combined layers onto a glass plate that contained fittings for the introduction of liquid sample and nitrogen gas. The design incorporates a reduced-volume pneumatic valve that actuates (on the order of hundreds of milliseconds) to allow analyte from a continuously flowing sampling channel to be injected into a separation channel for electrophoresis. The injector design was optimized to include a pushback channel to flush away stagnant sample associated with the injector dead volume. The effect of the valve actuation time, the pushback voltage, and the sampling stream flow rate on the performance of the device was characterized. Using the optimized design and an injection frequency of 0.64 Hz showed that the injection process is reproducible (RSD of 1.77%, n = 15). Concentration change experiments using fluorescein as the analyte showed that the device could achieve a lag time as small as 14 s. Finally, to demonstrate the potential uses of this device, the microchip was coupled to a microdialysis probe to monitor a concentration change and sample a fluorescein dye mixture.

Association of birth defects with the mode of assisted reproductive technology in a Chinese data-linkage cohort.

PubMed

Yu, Hui-Ting; Yang, Qing; Sun, Xiao-Xi; Chen, Guo-Wu; Qian, Nai-Si; Cai, Ren-Zhi; Guo, Han-Bing; Wang, Chun-Fang

2018-05-01

To evaluate the impact of assisted reproductive technology (ART) on the offspring of Chinese population. Retrospective, data-linkage cohort. Not applicable. Live births resulting from ART or natural conception. None. Birth defects coded according to ICD-10. Births after ART were more likely to be female and multiple births, especially after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). ART was associated with a significantly increased risk of birth defects, especially, among singleton births, a significantly increased risk in fresh-embryo cycles after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and frozen-embryo cycles after ICSI. Associations between ART and multiple defects, between ART and gastrointestinal malformation, genital organs malformation, and musculoskeletal malformation among singleton births, and between ART and cardiac septa malformation among multiple births were observed. This study suggests that ART increases the risk of birth defects. Subgroup analyses indicate higher risk for both fresh and frozen embryos, although nonsignificantly for frozen embryos after IVF and for fresh embryos were presented with low power. Larger sample size research is needed to clarify effects from fresh- or frozen-embryo cycles after IVF and ICSI. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Understanding the interaction of injected CO2 and reservoir fluids in the Cranfield enhanced oil recovery (EOR) field (MS, USA) by non-radiogenic noble gas isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gyore, Domokos; Stuart, Finlay; Gilfillan, Stuart

2016-04-01

Identifying the mechanism by which the injected CO2 is stored in underground reservoirs is a key challenge for carbon sequestration. Developing tracing tools that are universally deployable will increase confidence that CO2 remains safely stored. CO2 has been injected into the Cranfield enhanced oil recovery (EOR) field (MS, USA) since 2008 and significant amount of CO2 has remained (stored) in the reservoir. Noble gases (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe) are present as minor natural components in the injected CO2. He, Ne and Ar previously have been shown to be powerful tracers of the CO2 injected in the field (Györe et al., 2015). It also has been implied that interaction with the formation water might have been responsible for the observed CO2 loss. Here we will present work, which examines the role of reservoir fluids as a CO2 sink by examining non-radiogenic noble gas isotopes (20Ne, 36Ar, 84Kr, 132Xe). Gas samples from injection and production wells were taken 18 and 45 months after the start of injection. We will show that the fractionation of noble gases relative to Ar is consistent with the different degrees of CO2 - fluid interaction in the individual samples. The early injection samples indicate that the CO2 injected is in contact with the formation water. The spatial distribution of the data reveal significant heterogeneity in the reservoir with some wells exhibiting a relatively free flow path, where little formation water is contacted. Significantly, in the samples, where CO2 loss has been previously identified show active and ongoing contact. Data from the later stage of the injection shows that the CO2 - oil interaction has became more important than the CO2 - formation water interaction in controlling the noble gas fingerprint. This potentially provides a means to estimate the oil displacement efficiency. This dataset is a demonstration that noble gases can resolve CO2 storage mechanisms and its interaction with the reservoir fluids with high resolution. References: Györe, D., Stuart, F.M., Gilfillan, S.M.V., Waldron, S., 2015. Tracing injected CO2 in the Cranfield enhanced oil recovery field (MS, USA) using He, Ne and Ar isotopes. Int. J. Greenh. Gas Con. 42, 554-561.

Enhancing motivation within a rapid opioid substitution treatment feasibility RCT: a nested qualitative study.

PubMed

Ayres, Rachel; Ingram, Jenny; Rees, Avril; Neale, Jane; Beattie, Angela; Telfer, Maggie

2014-11-18

Opioid substitution treatment (OST) has multiple benefits for heroin injectors and is an evidence-based major component of international treatment. The current qualitative study sought to explore participants' attitudes to and reasons for participating in a feasibility randomised trial in primary care offering 'same day' OST (methadone) for injecting heroin users compared to usual care. Twenty injecting heroin users (8 intervention and 12 controls; 16 males and 4 females) were interviewed; purposive sampling was used to select a maximum variation sample from those who agreed; and analysis used thematic methods. Motivation to join the trial included the need to secure treatment set against some ambivalence due to previous negative experiences of trying to obtain OST. Positive effects of securing methadone via the trial, included self-reported improvements in health and self-care; reduction in crime, stress and drug use. Completing the baseline questionnaires at recruitment appeared to enhance motivation for treatment for all participants. For some control participants, this motivation seemed to increase a sense of self-efficacy and cognitive dissonance generated was resolved by seeking treatment from their GP. Self-determination theory suggests that behaviour change may have been initiated during the recruitment appointment, resulting in an increased determination to seek treatment amongst control participants. Taking part in the 'script in a day' trial enabled participants in the intervention arm to gain same-day access to methadone and reduce their drug use. For those in the control arm, completing the baseline questionnaires at recruitment appeared to create cognitive dissonance between their current health state and own aspirations, so increasing motivation for treatment. Over 50% obtained and were still in receipt of OST (methadone or buprenorphine) at the 3 month follow-up. We suggest that a regular 'health evaluation' for injecting heroin users not in treatment, paired with low-barrier access to treatment, may be a way of exploring this and encouraging more into obtaining OST more quickly and at the best time for them. This intervention should be delivered without pressure for change. This trial is registered with International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register: SCript In a Day for injecting drug users: feasibility trial: ISRCTN16846554.

Analysis of selected antibiotics in surface freshwater and seawater using direct injection in liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Bayen, Stéphane; Yi, Xinzhu; Segovia, Elvagris; Zhou, Zhi; Kelly, Barry C

2014-04-18

Emerging contaminants such as antibiotics have received recent attention as they have been detected in natural waters and health concerns over potential antibiotic resistance. With the purpose to investigate fast and high-throughput analysis, and eventually the continuous on-line analysis of emerging contaminants, this study presents results on the analysis of seven selected antibiotics (sulfadiazine, sulfamethazine, sulfamerazine, sulfamethoxazole, chloramphenicol, lincomycin, tylosin) in surface freshwater and seawater using direct injection of a small sample volume (20μL) in liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Notably, direct injection of seawater in the LC-ESI-MS/MS was made possible on account of the post-column switch on the system, which allows diversion of salt-containing solutions flushed out of the column to the waste. Mean recoveries based on the isotope dilution method average 95±14% and 96±28% amongst the compounds for spiked freshwater and seawater, respectively. Linearity across six spiking levels was assessed and the response was linear (r(2)>0.99) for all compounds. Direct injection concentrations were compared for real samples to those obtained with the conventional SPE-based analysis and both techniques concurs on the presence/absence and levels of the compounds in real samples. These results suggest direct injection is a reliable method to detect antibiotics in both freshwater and seawater. Method detection limits for the direct injection technique (37pg/L to 226ng/L in freshwater, and from 16pg/to 26ng/L in seawater) are sufficient for a number of environmental applications, for example the fast screening of water samples for ecological risk assessments. In the present study of real samples, this new method allowed for example the positive detection of some compounds (e.g. lincomycin) down to the sub ng/L range. The direct injection method appears to be relatively cheaper and faster, requires a smaller sample size, and is more robust to equipment cross-contamination as compared to the conventional SPE-based method. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A validated UPLC-MS/MS method for the analysis of linezolid and a novel oxazolidinone derivative (PH027) in plasma and its application to tissue distribution study in rabbits.

PubMed

Hedaya, Mohsen A; Thomas, Vidhya; Abdel-Hamid, Mohamed E; Kehinde, Elijah O; Phillips, Oludotun A

2017-01-01

Linezolid is the first approved oxazolidinone antibacterial agent, whereas PH027 is a novel compound of the same class that exhibits good in vitro antibacterial activity. The objective of this study was to develop an UPLC-MS/MS assay for the analysis of linezolid and PH027 in plasma and to apply the method for comparative pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies of both compounds. Plasma samples and calibrators were extracted with diethyl ether after addition of the internal standard solution. After evaporation of the ether layer, the residue was reconstituted in mobile phase and injected into UPLC-MS/MS. The mobile phase consisted of 2mM ammonium acetate buffer solution and acetonitrile (70:30) at a flow rate of 0.2ml/min. Separation was achieved using UPLC BEH C 18 column, and quantitative determination of the analytes was performed using multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) scanning mode. The method was validated by analyzing quality control tissue homogenate samples, and was applied to analyze tissue homogenate samples obtained following IV injections of linezolid and PH027 in rabbits. The developed UPLC-MS/MS method was linear in the concentration range of 50-5000ng/ml. Validation of the method proved that the method's precision, selectivity and stability were all within the acceptable limits. Linezolid and PH027 concentrations were accurately determined in the quality control tissue homogenate samples, and analysis of samples obtained following IV administration of the two compounds showed that the tissue to plasma concentration ratio of PH027 was higher than that of linezolid probably due to its higher lipophilicity. The developed UPLC-MS/MS method for the analysis of linezolid and PH027 in rabbit's plasma can accurately determine the concentrations of these compounds in different tissues. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of albumin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by flow-injection fluorometry using chromazurol S.

PubMed

Sato, Takaji; Saito, Yoshihiro; Chikuma, Masahiko; Saito, Yutaka; Nagai, Sonoko

2008-03-01

A highly sensitive flow injection fluorometry for the determination of albumin was developed and applied to the determination of albumin in human bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF). This method is based on binding of chromazurol S (CAS) to albumin. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 5-200 microg/ml of albumin. A highly linear correlation (r=0.986) was observed between the albumin level in BALF samples (n=25) determined by the proposed method and by a conventional fluorometric method using CAS (CAS manual method). The IgG interference was lower in the CAS flow injection method than in the CAS manual method. The albumin level in BALF collected from healthy volunteers (n=10) was 58.5+/-13.1 microg/ml. The albumin levels in BALF samples obtained from patients with sarcoidosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were increased. This finding shows that the determination of albumin levels in BALF samples is useful for investigating lung diseases and that CAS flow injection method is promising in the determination of trace albumin in BALF samples, because it is sensitive and precise.

Application of the HeartLander Crawling Robot for Injection of a Thermally Sensitive Anti-Remodeling Agent for Myocardial Infarction Therapy

PubMed Central

Chapman, Michael P.; López González, Jose L.; Goyette, Brina E.; Fujimoto, Kazuro L.; Ma, Zuwei; Wagner, William R.; Zenati, Marco A.; Riviere, Cameron N.

2011-01-01

The injection of a mechanical bulking agent into the left ventricular (LV) wall of the heart has shown promise as a therapy for maladaptive remodeling of the myocardium after myocardial infarct (MI). The HeartLander robotic crawler presented itself as an ideal vehicle for minimally-invasive, highly accurate epicardial injection of such an agent. Use of the optimal bulking agent, a thermosetting hydrogel developed by our group, presents a number of engineering obstacles, including cooling of the miniaturized injection system while the robot is navigating in the warm environment of a living patient. We present herein a demonstration of an integrated miniature cooling and injection system in the HeartLander crawling robot, that is fully biocompatible and capable of multiple injections of a thermosetting hydrogel into dense animal tissue while the entire system is immersed in a 37°C water bath. PMID:21096276

Injection drug use: an understudied cause of venous disease.

PubMed

Pieper, Barbara; Kirsner, Robert S; Templin, Thomas N; Birk, Thomas J

2007-10-01

Injection drug use has devastating effects on the veins, skin, muscles, and joints of the lower extremities, thus increasing the risk of chronic venous disease (CVD). We examined the following risk factors for CVD in persons who injected drugs: health and drug use history, ankle mobility, pain, and skin and wound assessment. Because of deep venous thrombosis and injury and immobility to the calf muscle pump from injected drugs, CVD occurs at a young age. Decreased ankle joint movement, decreased walking, and increased pain are associated with worsening CVD clinical classification. Associated venous ulcers tend to be multiple and large by the time wound care is sought. Cellulitis and abscesses may also be present. Injection drug users serve as a model for the multifactorial nature of CVD including vein damage, diminished ankle range of motion, and decreased calf muscle strength. Persons who inject drugs need to have their lower extremities assessed for CVD on a routine basis.

Development and evaluation of a multiple-plate fraction collector for sample processing: application to radioprofiling in drug metabolism studies.

PubMed

Barros, Anthony; Ly, Van T; Chando, Theodore J; Ruan, Qian; Donenfeld, Scott L; Holub, David P; Christopher, Lisa J

2011-04-05

Microplate scintillation counters are utilized routinely in drug metabolism laboratories for the off-line radioanalysis of fractions collected during HPLC radioprofiling. In this process, the current fraction collection technology is limited by the number of plates that can be used per injection as well as the potential for sample loss due to dripping or spraying as the fraction collector head moves from well to well or between plates. More importantly, sample throughput is limited in the conventional process, since the collection plates must be manually exchanged after each injection. The Collect PAL, an innovative multiple-plate fraction collector, was developed to address these deficiencies and improve overall sample throughput. It employs a zero-loss design and has sub-ambient temperature control. Operation of the system is completely controlled with software and up to 24 (96- or 384-well) fraction collection plates can be loaded in a completely automated run. The system may also be configured for collection into various-sized tubes or vials. At flow rates of 0.5 or 1.0 mL/min and at collection times of 10 or 15s, the system precisely delivered 83-μL fractions (within 4.1% CV) and 250-μL fractions (within 1.4% CV), respectively, of three different mobile phases into 12 mm × 32 mm vials. Similarly, at a flow rate of 1 mL/min and 10s collection times, the system precisely dispensed mobile phase containing a [(14)C]-radiolabeled compound across an entire 96-well plate (% CV was within 5.3%). Triplicate analyses of metabolism test samples containing [(14)C]buspirone and its metabolites, derived from three different matrices (plasma, urine and bile), indicated that the Collect PAL produced radioprofiles that were reproducible and comparable to the current technology; the % CV for 9 selected peaks in the radioprofiles generated with the Collect PAL were within 9.3%. Radioprofiles generated by collecting into 96- and 384-well plates were qualitatively comparable; however, the peak resolution was greater in the profiles that were collected in 384-well plates due to the collection of a larger number of fractions per minute. In conclusion, this new and innovative fraction collector generated radioprofile results that were comparable to current technology and should provide a major improvement in capacity and throughput for radioprofiling studies. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Corticosteroid Injections Give Small and Transient Pain Relief in Rotator Cuff Tendinosis: A Meta-analysis.

PubMed

Mohamadi, Amin; Chan, Jimmy J; Claessen, Femke M A P; Ring, David; Chen, Neal C

2017-01-01

The ability of injection of corticosteroids into the subacromial space to relieve pain ascribed to rotator cuff tendinosis is debated. The number of patients who have an injection before one gets relief beyond what a placebo provides is uncertain. We asked: (1) Do corticosteroid injections reduce pain in patients with rotator cuff tendinosis 3 months after injection, and if so, what is the number needed to treat (NNT)? (2) Are multiple injections better than one single injection with respect to pain reduction at 3 months? We systematically searched seven electronic databases for randomized controlled trials of corticosteroid injection for rotator cuff tendinosis compared with a placebo injection. Eligible studies had at least 10 adults and used pain intensity as an outcome measure. The Hedges's g as adjusted pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) (which expresses the size of the intervention effect in each study relative to the total variability observed among pooled studies) and NNT were calculated at assessment points less than 1 month, 1-2 months, and 2-3 months. The protocol of this study was registered at the international prospective register of systematic reviews. Eleven studies of 726 patients satisfied our criteria for data pooling. Three studies containing 292 patients used repeat injections. A random effects model was used owing to substantial heterogeneity among studies. The funnel plot indicated the possibility of some missing studies, but Orwin's fail-safe N and Duval and Tweedie's trim and fill suggested that missing studies would not significantly affect the results. Corticosteroid injection did not reduce pain intensity in adult patients with rotator cuff tendinosis more than a placebo injection at the 3-month assessment. A small transient pain relief occurred at the assessment between 4 and 8 weeks with a SMD of 0.52 (range, 0.27-0.78) (p < 0.001). At least five patients must be treated for one patient's pain to be transiently reduced to no more than mild. Multiple injections were not found to be more effective than a single injection at any time. Corticosteroid injections provide-at best-minimal transient pain relief in a small number of patients with rotator cuff tendinosis and cannot modify the natural course of the disease. Given the discomfort, cost, and potential to accelerate tendon degeneration associated with corticosteroids, they have limited appeal. Their wide use may be attributable to habit, underappreciation of the placebo effect, incentive to satisfy rather than discuss a patient's drive toward physical intervention, or for remuneration, rather than their utility. Level I, therapeutic study.

Performance of a High-Speed Compression-Ignition Engine Using Multiple Orifice Fuel Injection Nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spanogle, J A; Foster, H H

1930-01-01

This report presents test results obtained at the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics during an investigation to determine the relative performance of a single-cylinder, high-speed, compression-ignition engine when using fuel injection valve nozzles with different numbers, sizes, and directions of round orifices. A spring-loaded, automatic injection valve was used, centrally located at the top of a vertical disk-type combustion chamber formed between horizontally opposed inlet and exhaust valves of a 5 inch by 7 inch engine.

Cost and Performance Assessment of In-situ Chemical Oxidation for Intermittent and Continuous Oxidant Injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, U.; Parker, J.; Borden, R. C.

2015-12-01

In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) is a popular remediation technology that involves injection of chemical oxidant into groundwater to destroy dissolved and non-aqueous liquid phase contaminants. Depending on site conditions, oxidant can be injected into the contaminated subsurface periodically (intermittently) or continuously. A common approach is to intermittently inject oxidant into a network of wells over a period long enough to emplace oxidant over a target treatment volume (referred to ISCO-int). The injection phase is followed by a passive phase when the oxidant is allowed to react with contaminants and natural oxygen demand (NOD) and to migrate under natural hydraulic gradients. This process may be repeated multiple times until termination criteria are met. Recently, some practitioners have adopted an alternative approach in which oxidant is injected continuously with extraction wells recovering unreacted oxidant to recycle with additional makeup oxidant to maintain its constant concentration (referred to ISCO-cont). Each method has certain advantages and disadvantages. This study numerically evaluates those two ISCO practices in terms of remediation costs and performance based on multiple equi-probable parameter sets. Stochastic cost optimization toolbox (SCOToolkit) is used for this purpose. SCOToolkit is an integrated semi-analytical model for contaminant transport and remediation (e.g., thermal source treatment, ISCO, electron donor injections, permeable reactive barriers) enabling inverse solution and Monte Carlo simulations. Four different aquifer settings, slow and fast Darcy velocities combined with low and high NOD conditions, are used for the evaluation. Preliminary results showed that ISCO-cont is effective for a full scale application without large investment while ISCO-int is more efficient to utilize oxidant in well-characterized sites. Pros and cons of each approach are discussed for the practical use of ISCO for various site conditions.

Long-Term Persistence with Injectable Therapy in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: An 18-Year Observational Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Zhornitsky, Simon; Greenfield, Jamie; Koch, Marcus W.; Patten, Scott B.; Harris, Colleen; Wall, Winona; Alikhani, Katayoun; Burton, Jodie; Busche, Kevin; Costello, Fiona; Davenport, Jeptha W.; Jarvis, Scott E.; Lavarato, Dina; Parpal, Helene; Patry, David G.; Yeung, Michael; Metz, Luanne M.

2015-01-01

Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) reduce the frequency of relapses and accumulation of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Long-term persistence with treatment is important to optimize treatment benefit. This long-term, cohort study was conducted at the Calgary MS Clinic. All consenting adults with relapsing-remitting MS who started either glatiramer acetate (GA) or interferon-β 1a/1b (IFN-β) between January 1st, 1996 and July 1st, 2011 were included. Follow-up continued to February 1st, 2014. Time-to-discontinuation of the initial and subsequently-prescribed DMTs (switches) was analysed using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. Group differences were compared using log-rank tests and multivariable Cox regression models. Analysis included 1471 participants; 906 were initially prescribed GA and 565 were initially prescribed IFN-β. Follow-up information was available for 87%; 29 (2%) were lost to follow-up and 160 (11%) moved from Southern Alberta while still using DMT. Median time-to-discontinuation of all injectable DMTs was 11.1 years. Participants with greater disability at treatment initiation, those who started treatment before age 30, and those who started between 2006 and 2011 were more likely to discontinue use of all injectable DMTs. Median time-to-discontinuation of the initial DMT was 8.6 years. Those initially prescribed GA remained on treatment longer. Of 610 participants who discontinued injectable DMT, 331 (54%) started an oral DMT, or a second-line DMT, or resumed injectable DMT after 90 days. Persistence with injectable DMTs was high in this long-term population-based study. Most participants who discontinued injectable DMT did not remain untreated. Further research is required to understand treatment outcomes and outcomes after stopping DMT. PMID:25867095

Impact of Sodium Bicarbonate-Buffered Lidocaine on Patient Pain During Image-Guided Breast Biopsy.

PubMed

Vasan, Alison; Baker, Jay A; Shelby, Rebecca A; Soo, Mary Scott C

2017-09-01

This randomized, double-blind controlled study evaluated the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate-buffered lidocaine on reducing pain during imaging-guided breast biopsies. This prospective, HIPAA-compliant study randomly assigned 85 women undergoing ultrasound- or stereotactic-guided core-needle breast biopsies to receive intradermally and intraparenchymally either 1% lidocaine buffered with sodium bicarbonate (9:1 ratio) (bicarbonate study group) or 1% lidocaine alone (control group). Pain was evaluated using a 0-to-10 Likert pain scale during both intradermal and intraparenchymal anesthesia injections and during tissue sampling. Prebiopsy breast pain, anxiety, medical history, demographics, biopsy type, radiologist level of training, breast density, and lesion histology were recorded. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. Unadjusted mean pain scores were 1.47 and 2.07 (study and control groups, respectively; P = .15) during intradermal injections, and 1.84 and 2.98 (study and control groups, respectively; P = .03) during intraparenchymal injections. Tissue sampling mean pain scores were .81 and 1.71 (study and control groups, respectively; P = .07). Moderator analyses found (1) among patients with preprocedural pain, those in the bicarbonate group experienced less intradermal injection pain (0.85 ± 1.23) than patients in the control group (2.50 ± 2.09); (2) among patients with fatty or scattered fibroglandular tissue, those in the bicarbonate group (1.35 ± 1.95) experienced less intraparenchymal injection pain than the control group (3.52 ± 3.13); and (3) during ultrasound-guided biopsies, patients in the bicarbonate group experienced less tissue-sampling pain (0.23 ± 0.63) than the control group (1.79 ± 3.05). Overall, buffering lidocaine with sodium bicarbonate significantly reduced pain during intraparenchymal injections, and additional pain reduction was found in certain patient subgroups during intradermal injections, intraparenchymal injections, and tissue sampling. Copyright © 2017 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Associations between injection risk and community disadvantage among suburban injection drug users in southwestern Connecticut, USA.

PubMed

Heimer, Robert; Barbour, Russell; Palacios, Wilson R; Nichols, Lisa G; Grau, Lauretta E

2014-03-01

Increases in drug abuse, injection, and opioid overdoses in suburban communities led us to study injectors residing in suburban communities in southwestern Connecticut, US. We sought to understand the influence of residence on risk and injection-associated diseases. Injectors were recruited by respondent-driven sampling and interviewed about sociodemographics, somatic and mental health, injection risk, and interactions with healthcare, harm reduction, substance abuse treatment, and criminal justice systems. HIV, hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV) serological testing was also conducted. Our sample was consistent in geographic distribution and age to the general population and to the patterns of heroin-associated overdose deaths in the suburban towns. High rates of interaction with drug abuse treatment and criminal justice systems contrasted with scant use of harm reduction services. The only factors associated with both dependent variables-residence in less disadvantaged census tracts and more injection risk-were younger age and injecting in one's own residence. This contrasts with the common association among urban injectors of injection-associated risk behaviors and residence in disadvantaged communities. Poor social support and moderate/severe depression were associated with risky injection practices (but not residence in specific classes of census tracts), suggesting that a region-wide dual diagnosis approach to the expansion of harm reduction services could be effective at reducing the negative consequences of injection drug use.

Gaseous Emissions Results from a Three-Cup Flametube Test of a Third-Generation Swirl-Venturi Lean Direct Injection Combustion Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tacina, Kathleen M.; Podboy, Derek P.; Lee, Phil; Dam, Bidhan

2017-01-01

This paper summarizes the development of lean direct injection (LDI) combustor technology at, or in collaboration with, the NASA Glenn Research Center. These configurations differ mainly in fuel-air mixing strategy. The paper reviews the NOx performance and operability characteristics of multiple LDI configurations tested at NASA Glenn.

A bolus/basal multiple injection regimen in type I diabetes. A multicentre trial using a new 'fountain-pen' device for short-acting human insulin as well as long-acting human insulin.

PubMed

Distiller, L A; Robertson, L I; Moore, R; Bonnici, F

1987-06-20

A trial was undertaken to ascertain the effect and acceptability of a multiple insulin injection regimen (MII) in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus using short-acting monocomponent human soluble insulin (Actrapid HM; Novo) for pre-meal bolus injections with the NovoPen injection device (Novo) and long-acting human insulin (Ultratard HM; Novo) at bedtime. Fifty-four patients, all previously on twice-daily short/intermediate-acting human insulin (Monotard HM; Novo) and Actrapid HM, were randomly selected. There was a significant overall improvement in diabetic control over the 12 weeks of the trial, the glycosylated haemoglobin (Hb A1) dropping from a mean of 9.8 +/- 2.2% to 8.6 +/- 1.7% (P less than 0.05). MII, using the NovoPen, was found to be more convenient than conventional insulin administration by 92% of the subjects. It is concluded that the NovoPen is a useful and convenient means of administering pre-meal boluses in an MII regimen, with a very high rate of acceptance by patients of all ages.

Illicit narcotic injection masquerading as acute pulmonary embolism.

PubMed

Klochan, Shelley A; Taleb, Mohammed; Hoover, Matthew J; Mauro, Vincent F; Anandan, Vasuki; Willey, James; Cooper, Christopher J

2013-04-01

A 23-year-old male presented from a nursing home with hypotension, tachycardia, diaphoresis and electrocardiographic evidence of right ventricular strain that was confirmed by echocardiography. His differential diagnosis included sepsis and pulmonary embolism. A high-resolution computed tomography scan demonstrated no pulmonary emboli but did demonstrate multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules. Upon questioning he admitted to injecting a long-acting narcotic that had been manually macerated, dissolved in saline, and injected through an indwelling intravenous line. Lung biopsy findings were consistent with cellulose-induced perivascular granulomatosis. Cellulose granulomatosis can be seen in patients who inject medications designed for oral use and should be considered in patients who present with acute pulmonary hypertension.

Plasma Sheet Injections into the Inner Magnetosphere: Two-way Coupled OpenGGCM-RCM model results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raeder, J.; Cramer, W. D.; Toffoletto, F.; Gilson, M. L.; Hu, B.

2017-12-01

Plasma sheet injections associated with low flux tube entropy bubbles have been found to be the primary means of mass transport from the plasma sheet to the inner magnetosphere. A two-way coupled global magnetosphere-ring current model, where the magnetosphere is modeled by the OpenGGCM MHD model and the ring current is modeled by the Rice Convection Model (RCM), is used to determine the frequency of association of bubbles with injections and inward plasma transport, as well as typical injection characteristics. Multiple geomagnetic storms and quiet periods are simulated to track and characterize inward flow behavior. Dependence on geomagnetic activity levels or drivers is also examined.

Focal plane infrared readout circuit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pain, Bedabrata (Inventor)

2002-01-01

An infrared imager, such as a spectrometer, includes multiple infrared photodetectors and readout circuits for reading out signals from the photodetectors. Each readout circuit includes a buffered direct injection input circuit including a differential amplifier with active feedback provided through an injection transistor. The differential amplifier includes a pair of input transistors, a pair of cascode transistors and a current mirror load. Photocurrent from a photodetector can be injected onto an integration capacitor in the readout circuit with high injection efficiency at high speed. A high speed, low noise, wide dynamic range linear infrared multiplexer array for reading out infrared detectors with large capacitances can be achieved even when short exposure times are used. The effect of image lag can be reduced.

Rapid in vivo testing of drug response in multiple myeloma made possible by xenograft to turkey embryos

PubMed Central

Farnoushi, Y; Cipok, M; Kay, S; Jan, H; Ohana, A; Naparstek, E; Goldstein, R S; Deutsch, V R

2011-01-01

Background: The best current xenograft model of multiple myeloma (MM) in immune-deficient non-obese diabetic/severe-combined immunodeficient mice is costly, animal maintenance is complex and several weeks are required to establish engraftment and study drug efficacy. More practical in vivo models may reduce time and drug development cost. We recently described a rapid low-cost xenograft model of human blood malignancies in pre-immune turkey. Here, we report application of this system for studying MM growth and the preclinical assessment of anticancer therapies. Methods: Cell lines and MM patient cells were injected intravenously into embryonic veins on embryonic day 11 (E11). Engraftment of human cells in haematopoietic organs was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and circulating free light chain. Results: Engraftment was detected after 1 week in all embryos injected with cell lines and in 50% of those injected with patient cells. Injection of bortezomib or lenalinomide 48 h after cell injection at therapeutic levels that were not toxic to the bone marrow dramatically reduced MM engraftment. Conclusion: The turkey embryo provides a practical, xenograft system to study MM and demonstrates the utility of this model for rapid and affordable testing therapeutics in vivo. With further development, this model may enable rapid, inexpensive personalised drug screening. PMID:22045188

Room Temperature Electroluminescence from Tensile-Strained Si0.13Ge0.87/Ge Multiple Quantum Wells on a Ge Virtual Substrate

PubMed Central

Lin, Guangyang; Chen, Ningli; Zhang, Lu; Huang, Zhiwei; Huang, Wei; Wang, Jianyuan; Xu, Jianfang; Chen, Songyan; Li, Cheng

2016-01-01

Direct band electroluminescence (EL) from tensile-strained Si0.13Ge0.87/Ge multiple quantum wells (MQWs) on a Ge virtual substrate (VS) at room temperature is reported herein. Due to the competitive result of quantum confinement Stark effect and bandgap narrowing induced by tensile strain in Ge wells, electroluminescence from Γ1-HH1 transition in 12-nm Ge wells was observed at around 1550 nm. As injection current density increases, additional emission shoulders from Γ2-HH2 transition in Ge wells and Ge VS appeared at around 1300–1400 nm and 1600–1700 nm, respectively. The peak energy of EL shifted to the lower energy side superquadratically with an increase of injection current density as a result of the Joule heating effect. During the elevation of environmental temperature, EL intensity increased due to a reduction of energy between L and Γ valleys of Ge. Empirical fitting of the relationship between the integrated intensity of EL (L) and injection current density (J) with L~Jm shows that the m factor increased with injection current density, suggesting higher light emitting efficiency of the diode at larger injection current densities, which can be attributed to larger carrier occupations in the Γ valley and the heavy hole (HH) valance band at higher temperatures. PMID:28773923

Room Temperature Electroluminescence from Tensile-Strained Si0.13Ge0.87/Ge Multiple Quantum Wells on a Ge Virtual Substrate.

PubMed

Lin, Guangyang; Chen, Ningli; Zhang, Lu; Huang, Zhiwei; Huang, Wei; Wang, Jianyuan; Xu, Jianfang; Chen, Songyan; Li, Cheng

2016-09-27

Direct band electroluminescence (EL) from tensile-strained Si 0.13 Ge 0.87 /Ge multiple quantum wells (MQWs) on a Ge virtual substrate (VS) at room temperature is reported herein. Due to the competitive result of quantum confinement Stark effect and bandgap narrowing induced by tensile strain in Ge wells, electroluminescence from Γ1-HH1 transition in 12-nm Ge wells was observed at around 1550 nm. As injection current density increases, additional emission shoulders from Γ2-HH2 transition in Ge wells and Ge VS appeared at around 1300-1400 nm and 1600-1700 nm, respectively. The peak energy of EL shifted to the lower energy side superquadratically with an increase of injection current density as a result of the Joule heating effect. During the elevation of environmental temperature, EL intensity increased due to a reduction of energy between L and Γ valleys of Ge. Empirical fitting of the relationship between the integrated intensity of EL ( L ) and injection current density ( J ) with L ~ J m shows that the m factor increased with injection current density, suggesting higher light emitting efficiency of the diode at larger injection current densities, which can be attributed to larger carrier occupations in the Γ valley and the heavy hole (HH) valance band at higher temperatures.

Thermal Modeling of the Injection of Standard and Thermally Insulated Cored Wire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castro-Cedeno, E.-I.; Jardy, A.; Carré, A.; Gerardin, S.; Bellot, J. P.

2017-12-01

Cored wire injection is a widespread method used to perform alloying additions during ferrous and non-ferrous liquid metal treatment. The wire consists of a metal casing that is tightly wrapped around a core of material; the casing delays the release of the material as the wire is immersed into the melt. This method of addition presents advantages such as higher repeatability and yield of cored material with respect to bulk additions. Experimental and numerical work has been performed by several authors on the subject of alloy additions, spherical and cylindrical geometries being mainly considered. Surprisingly this has not been the case for cored wire, where the reported experimental or numerical studies are scarce. This work presents a 1-D finite volume numerical model aimed for the simulation of the thermal phenomena which occurs when the wire is injected into a liquid metal bath. It is currently being used as a design tool for the conception of new types of cored wire. A parametric study on the effect of injection velocity and steel casing thickness for an Al cored wire immersed into a steel melt at 1863 K (1590 °C) is presented. The standard single casing wire is further compared against a wire with multiple casings. Numerical results show that over a certain range of injection velocities, the core contents' release is delayed in the multiple casing when compared to a single casing wire.

Perspectives on biomedical HIV prevention options among women who inject drugs in Kenya.

PubMed

Bazzi, Angela Robertson; Yotebieng, Kelly A; Agot, Kawango; Rota, Grace; Syvertsen, Jennifer L

2018-03-01

Due to heightened vulnerability to HIV from frequent engagement in sex work and overlapping drug-using and sexual networks, women who inject drugs should be a high priority population for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and other biomedical HIV prevention tools. Kenya is one of the first African countries to approve oral PrEP for HIV prevention among "key populations," including people who inject drugs and sex workers. The objective of this study was to explore preferences and perceived challenges to PrEP adoption among women who inject drugs in Kisumu, Kenya. We conducted qualitative interviews with nine HIV-uninfected women who inject drugs to assess their perceptions of biomedical HIV interventions, including oral PrEP, microbicide gels, and intravaginal rings. Despite their high risk and multiple biomedical studies in the region, only two women had ever heard of any of these methods. All women were interested in trying at least one biomedical prevention method, primarily to protect themselves from partners who were believed to have multiple other sexual partners. Although women shared concerns about side effects and product efficacy, they did not perceive drug use as a significant deterrent to adopting or adhering to biomedical prevention methods. Beginning immediately and continuing throughout Kenya's planned PrEP rollout, efforts are urgently needed to include the perspectives of high risk women who use drugs in biomedical HIV prevention research and programing.

An Efficient Silent Data Corruption Detection Method with Error-Feedback Control and Even Sampling for HPC Applications

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

Di, Sheng; Berrocal, Eduardo; Cappello, Franck

The silent data corruption (SDC) problem is attracting more and more attentions because it is expected to have a great impact on exascale HPC applications. SDC faults are hazardous in that they pass unnoticed by hardware and can lead to wrong computation results. In this work, we formulate SDC detection as a runtime one-step-ahead prediction method, leveraging multiple linear prediction methods in order to improve the detection results. The contributions are twofold: (1) we propose an error feedback control model that can reduce the prediction errors for different linear prediction methods, and (2) we propose a spatial-data-based even-sampling method tomore » minimize the detection overheads (including memory and computation cost). We implement our algorithms in the fault tolerance interface, a fault tolerance library with multiple checkpoint levels, such that users can conveniently protect their HPC applications against both SDC errors and fail-stop errors. We evaluate our approach by using large-scale traces from well-known, large-scale HPC applications, as well as by running those HPC applications on a real cluster environment. Experiments show that our error feedback control model can improve detection sensitivity by 34-189% for bit-flip memory errors injected with the bit positions in the range [20,30], without any degradation on detection accuracy. Furthermore, memory size can be reduced by 33% with our spatial-data even-sampling method, with only a slight and graceful degradation in the detection sensitivity.« less

[Protective effect of Tanreqing injection on acute hepatic injury induced by CCl4 in rats].

PubMed

Lei, Yang; Zhou, Ai-Min; Guo, Tao; Tan, Ye; Tao, Yan-Yan; Liu, Cheng-Hai

2013-04-01

To observe the protective effect of Tanreqing injection(TRQ) on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatic injury in rats. Rats were randomly divided into the normal group and the model group, and injected subcutaneously with 100% CCl4 5 mL x kg(-1) to establish the single CCl4 infection model, in order to observe the changes in rat liver injury after 3 h and 6 h. Subsequently, the multiple CCl4 infection liver injury model was reproduced by subcutaneously injecting 100% CCl4 (5 mL x kg(-1)), 50% CCl4 olive oil solution (2 mL x kg(-1)) and then 20% CCl4 olive oil solution (2 mL x kg(-1)). At 6 h after the first CCl4 injection, the rats were divided into six groups: the model group, the control group, the diammonium glycyrrhizinate-treated group, and TRQ high, middle and low dose groups. They were injected through caudal veins, while a normal control group was set up. Their weight and liver-body ratio were observed. Hepatic inflammation was observed with HE staining. Assay kits were adopted to detect ALT, AST, T. Bil, D. Bil, CHE, TBA, gamma-GT and Alb. According to the single injection model, serum AST and T. Bil of model rats were obviously increased at 6 h after single subcutaneous injection of CCl4, with disordered lobular structure in liver tissues, notable swollen liver cells and remarkable liver injury. According to the results of the multiple injection pharmacological experiment, compared with the normal group, the model group had higher serum ALT, AST, and gamma-GT activities (P < 0. 05), TBA and T. Bil contents (P < 0.05) and lower CHE activity (P < 0.05). HE staining showed disorganized lobular structure in liver tissues and notable ballooning degeneration in liver cells. Compared with the model group, TRQ high and middle dose groups and the diammonium glycyrrhizinate-treated group showed significant charges in serum liver function and inflammation in liver cells. Specifically, TRQ high and middle dose groups were superior to the diammonium glycyrrhizinate-treated group. Tanreqing injection has significant protective effect on CCl4-induced acute hepatic injury in rats.

Comparison of liquid chromatographic and bioassay procedures for determining depletion of intramuscularly injected tylosin.

PubMed

Moats, W A; Harris, E W; Steele, N C

1985-01-01

Crossbred pigs weighing 80-110 kg were injected intramuscularly in the ham with 8.8 mg/kg tylosin. Animals were slaughtered in groups of 3 at intervals of 4 h, and 1, 2, 4, and 8 days after injection, and samples of blood, injected muscle, uninjected muscle, liver, and kidney were analyzed by liquid chromatography (LC) and by bioassay using Sarcina lutea as the test organism. The LC method was far more sensitive with a detection limit of less than 0.1 ppm, while the detection limit by bioassay was about 0.5 ppm in tissue. Results by bioassay and LC sometimes differed considerably for tissue samples. Residues in all tissues were below the tolerance limit of 0.2 ppm at 24 h, except in the injected muscle in one animal. Residues were not detected in any tissue of any animal at 48 h after treatment.

[Erythropoietin influence on oxygen transport function of blood and prooxidant/antioxidant balance in rabbits under lipopolysaccharide injection].

PubMed

Zinchuk, V V; Shul'ga, E V; Guliaĭ, I E

2010-01-01

We aimed to study the erythropoietin influence on oxygen transport function of blood and prooxidant/antioxidant balance in rabbits under lipopolysaccharide injection. Recombinant human erythropoietin-alpha was administered intraperitoneally in the dose 1000 U/kg 30 minutes before intravenous injection of 500 mkg/kg lipopolysaccharide from E. coli. After 12 hours, blood samples were collected for the assessment of oxygen transport function of blood; nitrate/nitrite levels and tissue samples were collected for measurement of conjugated dienes, malondialdehyde, alpha-tocopherol and catalase. Erythropoietin improves parameters of oxygen transport function of blood, increases hemoglobin-oxygen affinity through the NO-dependent mechanism, reduces activity of free radical processes, and increases antioxidant protection under lipopolysaccharide injection.

Rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method for the quantitative determination of potentially harmful substance 5,5'-oxydimethylenebis (2-furfural) in traditional Chinese medicine injections.

PubMed

Zang, Qingce; Gao, Yang; Huang, Luojiao; He, Jiuming; Lin, Sheng; Jin, Hongtao; Zhang, Ruiping; Abliz, Zeper

2018-03-01

With the rapid development and wide application of traditional Chinese medicine injection (TCMI), a number of adverse events of some TCMIs have incessantly been reported and have drawn broad attention in recent years. Establishing effective and practical analytical methods for safety evaluation and quality control of TCMI can help to improve the safety of TCMIs in clinical applications. In this study, a sensitive and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the quantitative determination of potentially harmful substance 5,5'-oxydimethylenebis (2-furfural, OMBF) in TCMI samples. Chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 reversed-phase column (150 mm × 2.1 mm, 5 µm) by gradient elution, using methanol-water containing 0.1% formic acid as mobile phase at the flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. MS/MS detection was performed on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with positive electrospray ionization in the multiple reaction-monitoring mode. The method was sensitive with a limit of quantification of 0.3 ng/mL and linear over the range of 0.3-30 ng/mL ( r =0.9998). Intra- and inter-day precision for analyte was <9.52% RSD with recoveries in the range 88.0-109.67% at three concentration levels. The validated method was successfully applied to quantitatively determine the compound OMBF in TCMIs and glucose injections. Our study indicates that this method is simple, sensitive, practicable and reliable, and could be applied for safety evaluation and quality control of TCMIs and glucose injections.

Quantitative analysis of fragrance in selectable one dimensional or two dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with simultaneous detection of multiple detectors in single injection.

PubMed

Tan, Hui Peng; Wan, Tow Shi; Min, Christina Liew Shu; Osborne, Murray; Ng, Khim Hui

2014-03-14

A selectable one-dimensional ((1)D) or two-dimensional ((2)D) gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system coupled with flame ionization detector (FID) and olfactory detection port (ODP) was employed in this study to analyze perfume oil and fragrance in shower gel. A split/splitless (SSL) injector and a programmable temperature vaporization (PTV) injector are connected via a 2-way splitter of capillary flow technology (CFT) in this selectable (1)D/(2)D GC-MS/FID/ODP system to facilitate liquid sample injections and thermal desorption (TD) for stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) technique, respectively. The dual-linked injectors set-up enable the use of two different injector ports (one at a time) in single sequence run without having to relocate the (1)D capillary column from one inlet to another. Target analytes were separated in (1)D GC-MS/FID/ODP and followed by further separation of co-elution mixture from (1)D in (2)D GC-MS/FID/ODP in single injection without any instrumental reconfiguration. A (1)D/(2)D quantitative analysis method was developed and validated for its repeatability - tR; calculated linear retention indices (LRI); response ratio in both MS and FID signal, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), as well as linearity over a concentration range. The method was successfully applied in quantitative analysis of perfume solution at different concentration level (RSD≤0.01%, n=5) and shower gel spiked with perfume at different dosages (RSD≤0.04%, n=5) with good recovery (96-103% for SSL injection; 94-107% for stir bar sorptive extraction-thermal desorption (SBSE-TD). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rapid determination of tafenoquine in small volume human plasma samples by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Doyle, E; Fowles, S E; Summerfield, S; White, T J

2002-03-25

A method was developed for the determination of tafenoquine (I) in human plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Prior to analysis, the protein in plasma samples was precipitated with methanol containing [2H3(15N)]tafenoquine (II) to act as an internal standard. The supernatant was injected onto a Genesis-C18 column without any further clean-up. The mass spectrometer was operated in the positive ion mode, employing a heat assisted nebulisation, electrospray interface. Ions were detected in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The assay required 50 microl of plasma and was precise and accurate within the range 2 to 500 ng/ml. The average within-run and between-run relative standard deviations were < 7% at 2 ng/ml and greater concentrations. The average accuracy of validation standards was generally within +/- 4% of the nominal concentration. There was no evidence of instability of I in human plasma following three complete freeze-thaw cycles and samples can safely be stored for at least 8 months at approximately -70 degrees C. The method was very robust and has been successfully applied to the analysis of clinical samples from patients and healthy volunteers dosed with I.

Isolation and identification of human metabolites from a novel anti-tumor candidate drug 5-chlorogenic acid injection by HPLC-HRMS/MSn and HPLC-SPE-NMR.

PubMed

Ren, Tiankun; Wang, Yanan; Wang, Caihong; Zhang, Mengtian; Huang, Wang; Jiang, Jiandong; Li, Wenbin; Zhang, Jinlan

2017-12-01

A novel anti-tumor candidate drug, 5-chlorogenic acid (5-CQA) injection, was used for the treatment of malignant glioma in clinical trial (phase I) in China. The isolation and identification of the metabolites of 5-CQA injection in humans were investigated in the present study. Urine and feces samples obtained after intramuscular administration of 5-CQA injection to healthy adults have been analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass and multiple-stage mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS/MS n ). No metabolite was detected in human feces; however, in human urine, a total of six metabolites were identified including isomerized 5-CQA (P1 and P2), hydrolyzed 5-CQA (M1and M2), and methylated 5-CQA (M3 and M4). Among them, M3 and M4 were the main metabolites and target analytes for human mass balance study. Additionally, the structure of M3 and M4 was characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography-solid phase extraction-nuclear magnetic resonance (HPLC-SPE-NMR), and the results demonstrated that the methoxy group of M3 and M4 was exclusively attributed to C-3' and C-4', respectively. Due to the unavailability of commercial reference, the pure products of M3 and M4 were synthesized by 5-CQA methylation and followed by isolation and purification. Moreover, the potential activity of M3 and M4 on malignant glioma was predicted using a reverse molecular docking analysis on eight malignant glioma-related pathways. The results showed that M3 and M4 had various interactions against malignant glioma-related targets. Our study provides an insight into the metabolism of 5-CQA injection in humans and supports the clinical human mass balance study. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

The Effectiveness of Nitrate-Mediated Control of the Oil Field Sulfur Cycle Depends on the Toluene Content of the Oil

PubMed Central

Suri, Navreet; Voordouw, Johanna; Voordouw, Gerrit

2017-01-01

The injection of nitrate is one of the most commonly used technologies to impact the sulfur cycle in subsurface oil fields. Nitrate injection enhances the activity of nitrate-reducing bacteria, which produce nitrite inhibiting sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Subsequent reduction of nitrate to di-nitrogen (N2) alleviates the inhibition of SRB by nitrite. It has been shown for the Medicine Hat Glauconitic C (MHGC) field, that alkylbenzenes especially toluene are important electron donors for the reduction of nitrate to nitrite and N2. However, the rate and extent of reduction of nitrate to nitrite and of nitrite to nitrogen have not been studied for multiple oil fields. Samples of light oil (PNG, CPM, and Tundra), light/heavy oil (Gryphon and Obigbo), and of heavy oil (MHGC) were collected from locations around the world. The maximum concentration of nitrate in the aqueous phase, which could be reduced in microcosms inoculated with MHGC produced water, increased with the toluene concentration in the oil phase. PNG, Gryphon, CPM, Obigbo, MHGC, and Tundra oils had 77, 17, 5.9, 4.0, 2.6, and 0.8 mM toluene, respectively. In incubations with 49 ml of aqueous phase and 1 ml of oil these were able to reduce 22.2, 12.3, 7.9, 4.6, 4.0, and 1.4 mM of nitrate, respectively. Nitrate reduced increased to 35 ± 4 mM upon amendment of all these oils with 570 mM toluene prior to incubation. Souring control by nitrate injection requires that the nitrate is directed toward oxidation of sulfide, not toluene. Hence, the success of nitrate injections will be inversely proportional to the toluene content of the oil. Oil composition is therefore an important determinant of the success of nitrate injection to control souring in a particular field. PMID:28620357

Public reporting influences antibiotic and injection prescription in primary care: a segmented regression analysis.

PubMed

Liu, Chenxi; Zhang, Xinping; Wan, Jie

2015-08-01

Inappropriate use and overuse of antibiotics and injections are serious threats to the global population, particularly in developing countries. In recent decades, public reporting of health care performance (PRHCP) has been an instrument to improve the quality of care. However, existing evidence shows a mixed effect of PRHCP. This study evaluated the effect of PRHCP on physicians' prescribing practices in a sample of primary care institutions in China. Segmented regression analysis was used to produce convincing evidence for health policy and reform. The PRHCP intervention was implemented in Qian City that started on 1 October 2013. Performance data on prescription statistics were disclosed to patients and health workers monthly in 10 primary care institutions. A total of 326 655 valid outpatient prescriptions were collected. Monthly effective prescriptions were calculated as analytical units in the research (1st to 31st every month). This study involved multiple assessments of outcomes 13 months before and 11 months after PRHCP intervention (a total of 24 data points). Segmented regression models showed downward trends from baseline on antibiotics (coefficient = -0.64, P = 0.004), combined use of antibiotics (coefficient = -0.41, P < 0.001) and injections (coefficient = -0.5957, P = 0.001) after PRHCP intervention. The average expenditure of patients slightly increased monthly before the intervention (coefficient = 0.8643, P < 0.001); PRHCP intervention also led to a temporary increase in average expenditure of patients (coefficient = 2.20, P = 0.307) but slowed down the ascending trend (coefficient = -0.45, P = 0.033). The prescription rate of antibiotics and injections after intervention (about 50%) remained high. PRHCP showed positive effects on physicians' prescribing behaviour, considering the downward trends on the use of antibiotics and injections and average expenditure through the intervention. However, the effect was not immediately observed; a lag time existed before public reporting intervention worked. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Measuring tissue back-pressure--in vivo injection forces during subcutaneous injection.

PubMed

Allmendinger, Andrea; Mueller, Robert; Schwarb, Edward; Chipperfield, Mark; Huwyler, Joerg; Mahler, Hanns-Christian; Fischer, Stefan

2015-07-01

Limited information is available on injection forces of parenterals representing the in vivo situation. Scope of the present study was to investigate the contribution of the subcutaneous (sc) tissue layer to injection forces during in vivo injection. Göttingen minipigs received injections of isotonic dextran solutions (1-100 mPas) into the plica inguinalis using different injection rates and volumes (0.025-0.2 mL/s and 2.5 vs. 4.5 mL). The contribution of the sc back-pressure to injection forces was found to increase linearly with viscosity and injection rate ranging from 0.6 ± 0.5 N to 1.0 ± 0.4 N (1 mPas), 0.7 ± 0.2 N to 2.4 ± 1.9 N (10 mPas), and 1.8 ± 0.6 N to 4.7 ± 3.3 N (20 mPas) for injection rates of 0.025 to 0.2 mL/s, respectively. Variability increased with viscosity and injection rate. Values are average values from 10 randomized injections. A maximum of 12.9 N was reached for 20 mPas at 0.2 mL/s; 6.9 ± 0.3 N was determined for 100 mPas at 0.025 mL/s. No difference was found between injection volumes of 2.5 and 4.5 mL. The contribution of the tissue was differentiated from the contribution of the injection device and a local temperature effect. This effect was leading to warming of the (equilibrated) sample in the needle, therefore smaller injection forces than expected compensating tissue resistance to some parts. When estimating injection forces representative for the in vivo situation, the contribution of the tissue has to be considered as well as local warming of the sample in the needle during injection.

Differentiation of the two major species of Echinacea (E. augustifolia and E. purpurea) using a flow injection mass spectrometric (FIMS) fingerprinting method and chemometric analysis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A rapid, simple, and reliable flow-injection mass spectrometric (FIMS) method was developed to discriminate two major Echinacea species (E. purpurea and E. angustifolia) samples. Fifty-eight Echinacea samples collected from United States were analyzed using FIMS. Principle component analysis (PCA) a...

Viscoelastic and histologic properties in scarred rabbit vocal folds after mesenchymal stem cell injection.

PubMed

Hertegård, S; Cedervall, J; Svensson, B; Forsberg, K; Maurer, F H J; Vidovska, D; Olivius, P; Ahrlund-Richter, L; Le Blanc, K

2006-07-01

The aim of this study was to analyze the short-term viscoelastic and histologic properties of scarred rabbit vocal folds after injection of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) as well as the degree of MSC survival. Because MSCs are antiinflammatory and regenerate mesenchymal tissues, can MSC injection reduce vocal fold scarring after injury? Twelve vocal folds from 10 New Zealand rabbits were scarred by a localized resection and injected with human MSC or saline. Eight vocal folds were left as controls. After 4 weeks, 10 larynges were stained for histology and evaluation of the lamina propria thickness. Collagen type I content was analyzed from six rabbits. MSC survival was analyzed by fluorescent in situ hybridization staining from three rabbits. Viscoelasticity for 10 vocal folds was analyzed in a parallel-plate rheometer. The rheometry on fresh-frozen samples showed decreased dynamic viscosity and lower elastic modulus (P<.01) in the scarred samples injected with MSC as compared with the untreated scarred group. Normal controls had lower dynamic viscosity and elastic modulus as compared with the scarred untreated and treated vocal folds (P<.01). Histologic analysis showed a higher content of collagen type 1 in the scarred samples as compared with the normal vocal folds and with the scarred folds treated with MSC. MSCs remained in all samples analyzed. The treated scarred vocal folds showed persistent MSC. Injection of scarred rabbit vocal folds with MSC rendered improved viscoelastic parameters and less signs of scarring expressed as collagen content in comparison to the untreated scarred vocal folds.

Rapid Quantitation of Ascorbic and Folic Acids in SRM 3280 Multivitamin/Multielement Tablets using Flow-Injection Tandem Mass Spectrometry

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

Bhandari, Deepak; Kertesz, Vilmos; Van Berkel, Gary J

RATIONALE: Ascorbic acid (AA) and folic acid (FA) are water-soluble vitamins and are usually fortified in food and dietary supplements. For the safety of human health, proper intake of these vitamins is recommended. Improvement in the analysis time required for the quantitative determination of these vitamins in food and nutritional formulations is desired. METHODS: A simple and fast (~5 min) in-tube sample preparation was performed, independently for FA and AA, by mixing extraction solvent with a powdered sample aliquot followed by agitation, centrifugation, and filtration to recover an extract for analysis. Quantitative detection was achieved by flow-injection (1 L injectionmore » volume) electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) in negative ion mode using the method of standard addition. RESULTS: Method of standard addition was employed for the quantitative estimation of each vitamin in a sample extract. At least 2 spiked and 1 non-spiked sample extract were injected in triplicate for each quantitative analysis. Given an injection-to-injection interval of approximately 2 min, about 18 min was required to complete the quantitative estimation of each vitamin. The concentration values obtained for the respective vitamins in the standard reference material (SRM) 3280 using this approach were within the statistical range of the certified values provided in the NIST Certificate of Analysis. The estimated limit of detections of FA and AA were 13 and 5.9 ng/g, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Flow-injection ESI-MS/MS was successfully applied for the rapid quantitation of FA and AA in SRM 3280 multivitamin/multielement tablets.« less

A versatile approach to vacuum injection casting for materials research and development.

PubMed

Xu, Donghua; Xu, Yifan

2017-03-01

Vacuum injection casting (VIC) is important for research and development (R&D) of materials that are prone to oxidation at high temperatures, particularly metals and metallic alloys (e.g., metallic glasses and high entropy alloys). VIC in R&D laboratories often involves initial melting/alloying in a prior step, transporting the sample to a dedicated vacuum chamber, re-melting the sample in a quartz tube, and finally injecting the melt with an inert gas to a dedicated mold. Here we present a new approach to laboratory VIC that requires no sample transfer (for a variety of materials), no dedicated vacuum chamber/space nor dedicated mold, and hence provides more versatility and higher efficiency and yet lowers the capital equipment cost. Our approach takes advantage of the exceptional portability, thermal and chemical stability, and thermoplastic processability of quartz glass and uses quartz tubes for all the melting, re-melting, injection casting, and molding. In addition, our approach includes oxygen gettering to remove residual oxygen for all the steps and allows for slow or fast cooling (e.g., water quenching) upon injection. This paper focuses on the design, the procedures, and the versatile features of this new approach while also demonstrating the practical implementation of this approach and computational modeling of the heat transfer and the cooling rates for two exemplary cases. The new approach is expected to bring notable expedition to sample fabrication and materials discovery, as well as wider adoption of vacuum injection casting in materials science and condensed matter physics research laboratories.

A versatile approach to vacuum injection casting for materials research and development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Donghua; Xu, Yifan

2017-03-01

Vacuum injection casting (VIC) is important for research and development (R&D) of materials that are prone to oxidation at high temperatures, particularly metals and metallic alloys (e.g., metallic glasses and high entropy alloys). VIC in R&D laboratories often involves initial melting/alloying in a prior step, transporting the sample to a dedicated vacuum chamber, re-melting the sample in a quartz tube, and finally injecting the melt with an inert gas to a dedicated mold. Here we present a new approach to laboratory VIC that requires no sample transfer (for a variety of materials), no dedicated vacuum chamber/space nor dedicated mold, and hence provides more versatility and higher efficiency and yet lowers the capital equipment cost. Our approach takes advantage of the exceptional portability, thermal and chemical stability, and thermoplastic processability of quartz glass and uses quartz tubes for all the melting, re-melting, injection casting, and molding. In addition, our approach includes oxygen gettering to remove residual oxygen for all the steps and allows for slow or fast cooling (e.g., water quenching) upon injection. This paper focuses on the design, the procedures, and the versatile features of this new approach while also demonstrating the practical implementation of this approach and computational modeling of the heat transfer and the cooling rates for two exemplary cases. The new approach is expected to bring notable expedition to sample fabrication and materials discovery, as well as wider adoption of vacuum injection casting in materials science and condensed matter physics research laboratories.

Roles of V-shaped pits on the improvement of quantum efficiency in InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well light-emitting diodes

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

Quan, Zhijue, E-mail: quanzhijue@ncu.edu.cn; Wang, Li, E-mail: wl@ncu.edu.cn; Zheng, Changda

2014-11-14

The roles of V-shaped pits on the improvement of quantum efficiency in InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW) light-emitting diodes are investigated by numerical simulation. The simulation results show that V-shaped pits cannot only screen dislocations, but also play an important role on promoting hole injection into the MQWs. It is revealed that the injection of holes into the MQW via the sidewalls of the V-shaped pits is easier than via the flat region, due to the lower polarization charge densities in the sidewall structure with lower In concentration and (10–11)-oriented semi-polar facets.

SWI enhances vein detection using gadolinium in multiple sclerosis

PubMed Central

Mazzoni, Lorenzo N; Moretti, Marco; Grammatico, Matteo; Chiti, Stefano; Massacesi, Luca

2015-01-01

Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) combined with the FLAIR sequence provides the ability to depict in vivo the perivenous location of inflammatory demyelinating lesions – one of the most specific pathologic features of multiple sclerosis (MS). In addition, in MS white matter (WM) lesions, gadolinium-based contrast media (CM) can increase vein signal loss on SWI. This report focuses on two cases of WM inflammatory lesions enhancing on SWI images after CM injection. In these lesions in fact the CM increased the contrast between the parenchyma and the central vein allowing as well, in one of the two cases, the detection of a vein not visible on the same SWI sequence acquired before CM injection. PMID:25815209

Study of injection molded microcellular polyamide-6 nanocomposites

Treesearch

Mingjun Yuan; Lih-Sheng Turng; Shaoqin Gong; Daniel Caulfield; Chris Hunt; Rick Spindler

2004-01-01

This study aims to explore the processing benefits and property improvements of combining nanocomposites with microcellular injection molding. The microcellular nanocomposite processing was performed on an injection-molding machine equipped with a commercially available supercritical fluid (SCF) system. The molded samples produced based on the Design of Experiments (...

Evaluation of Flow-Injection Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Rapid and High-Throughput Quantitative Determination of B-Vitamins in Nutritional Supplements

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

Bhandari, Deepak; Van Berkel, Gary J

2012-01-01

The use of flow-injection electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for rapid and high-throughput mass spectral analysis of selected B-vitamins, viz. B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6, in nutritional formulations was demonstrated. A simple and rapid (~5 min) in-tube sample preparation was performed by adding extraction solvent to a powdered sample aliquot followed by agitation, centrifugation, and filtration to recover an extract for analysis. Automated flow injection introduced 1 L of the extracts directly into the mass spectrometer ion source without chromatographic separation. Sample-to-sample analysis time was 60 s representing significant improvement over conventional liquid chromatography approaches which typically require 25-45more » min, and often require more significant sample preparation procedures. Quantitative capabilities of the flow-injection analysis were tested using the method of standard additions and NIST standard reference material (SRM 3280) multivitamin/multielement tablets. The quantity determined for each B-vitamin in SRM 3280 was within the statistical range provided for the respective certified values. The same sample preparation and analysis approach was also applied to two different commercial vitamin supplement tablets and proved to be successful in the quantification of the selected B-vitamins as evidenced by an agreement with the labels values and the results obtained using isotope dilution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.« less

Direct injection GC method for measuring light hydrocarbon emissions from cooling-tower water.

PubMed

Lee, Max M; Logan, Tim D; Sun, Kefu; Hurley, N Spencer; Swatloski, Robert A; Gluck, Steve J

2003-12-15

A Direct Injection GC method for quantifying low levels of light hydrocarbons (C6 and below) in cooling water has been developed. It is intended to overcome the limitations of the currently available technology. The principle of this method is to use a stripper column in a GC to strip waterfrom the hydrocarbons prior to entering the separation column. No sample preparation is required since the water sample is introduced directly into the GC. Method validation indicates that the Direct Injection GC method offers approximately 15 min analysis time with excellent precision and recovery. The calibration studies with ethylene and propylene show that both liquid and gas standards are suitable for routine calibration and calibration verification. The sampling method using zero headspace traditional VOA (Volatile Organic Analysis) vials and a sample chiller has also been validated. It is apparent that the sampling method is sufficient to minimize the potential for losses of light hydrocarbons, and samples can be held at 4 degrees C for up to 7 days with more than 93% recovery. The Direct Injection GC method also offers <1 ppb (w/v) level method detection limits for ethylene, propylene, and benzene. It is superior to the existing El Paso stripper method. In addition to lower detection limits for ethylene and propylene, the Direct Injection GC method quantifies individual light hydrocarbons in cooling water, provides better recoveries, and requires less maintenance and setup costs. Since the instrumentation and supplies are readily available, this technique could easily be established as a standard or alternative method for routine emission monitoring and leak detection of light hydrocarbons in cooling-tower water.

Development of a sequential injection-square wave voltammetry method for determination of paraquat in water samples employing the hanging mercury drop electrode.

PubMed

dos Santos, Luciana B O; Infante, Carlos M C; Masini, Jorge C

2010-03-01

This work describes the development and optimization of a sequential injection method to automate the determination of paraquat by square-wave voltammetry employing a hanging mercury drop electrode. Automation by sequential injection enhanced the sampling throughput, improving the sensitivity and precision of the measurements as a consequence of the highly reproducible and efficient conditions of mass transport of the analyte toward the electrode surface. For instance, 212 analyses can be made per hour if the sample/standard solution is prepared off-line and the sequential injection system is used just to inject the solution towards the flow cell. In-line sample conditioning reduces the sampling frequency to 44 h(-1). Experiments were performed in 0.10 M NaCl, which was the carrier solution, using a frequency of 200 Hz, a pulse height of 25 mV, a potential step of 2 mV, and a flow rate of 100 µL s(-1). For a concentration range between 0.010 and 0.25 mg L(-1), the current (i(p), µA) read at the potential corresponding to the peak maximum fitted the following linear equation with the paraquat concentration (mg L(-1)): i(p) = (-20.5 ± 0.3)C (paraquat) - (0.02 ± 0.03). The limits of detection and quantification were 2.0 and 7.0 µg L(-1), respectively. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by recovery studies using spiked water samples that were also analyzed by molecular absorption spectrophotometry after reduction of paraquat with sodium dithionite in an alkaline medium. No evidence of statistically significant differences between the two methods was observed at the 95% confidence level.

Relative effectiveness of insulin pump treatment over multiple daily injections and structured education during flexible intensive insulin treatment for type 1 diabetes: cluster randomised trial (REPOSE).

PubMed

2017-03-30

Objective  To compare the effectiveness of insulin pumps with multiple daily injections for adults with type 1 diabetes, with both groups receiving equivalent training in flexible insulin treatment. Design  Pragmatic, multicentre, open label, parallel group, cluster randomised controlled trial (Relative Effectiveness of Pumps Over MDI and Structured Education (REPOSE) trial). Setting  Eight secondary care centres in England and Scotland. Participants  Adults with type 1 diabetes who were willing to undertake intensive insulin treatment, with no preference for pumps or multiple daily injections. Participants were allocated a place on established group training courses that taught flexible intensive insulin treatment ("dose adjustment for normal eating," DAFNE). The course groups (the clusters) were then randomly allocated in pairs to either pump or multiple daily injections. Interventions  Participants attended training in flexible insulin treatment (using insulin analogues) structured around the use of pump or injections, followed for two years. Main outcome measures  The primary outcomes were a change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) values (%) at two years in participants with baseline HbA1c value of ≥7.5% (58 mmol/mol), and the proportion of participants achieving an HbA1c value of <7.5%. Secondary outcomes included body weight, insulin dose, and episodes of moderate and severe hypoglycaemia. Ancillary outcomes included quality of life and treatment satisfaction. Results  317 participants (46 courses) were randomised (156 pump and 161 injections). 267 attended courses and 260 were included in the intention to treat analysis, of which 235 (119 pump and 116 injection) had baseline HbA1c values of ≥7.5%. Glycaemic control and rates of severe hypoglycaemia improved in both groups. The mean change in HbA1c at two years was -0.85% with pump treatment and -0.42% with multiple daily injections. Adjusting for course, centre, age, sex, and accounting for missing values, the difference was -0.24% (-2.7 mmol/mol) in favour of pump users (95% confidence interval -0.53 to 0.05, P=0.10). Most psychosocial measures showed no difference, but pump users showed greater improvement in treatment satisfaction and some quality of life domains (dietary freedom and daily hassle) at 12 and 24 months. Conclusions  Both groups showed clinically relevant and long lasting decreases in HbA1c, rates of severe hypoglycaemia, and improved psychological measures, although few participants achieved glucose levels currently recommended by national and international guidelines. Adding pump treatment to structured training in flexible intensive insulin treatment did not substantially enhance educational benefits on glycaemic control, hypoglycaemia, or psychosocial outcomes in adults with type 1 diabetes. These results do not support a policy of providing insulin pumps to adults with poor glycaemic control until the effects of training on participants' level of engagement in intensive self management have been determined. Trial registration  Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN61215213. 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.

Detecting Distributed SQL Injection Attacks in a Eucalyptus Cloud Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kebert, Alan; Barnejee, Bikramjit; Solano, Juan; Solano, Wanda

2013-01-01

The cloud computing environment offers malicious users the ability to spawn multiple instances of cloud nodes that are similar to virtual machines, except that they can have separate external IP addresses. In this paper we demonstrate how this ability can be exploited by an attacker to distribute his/her attack, in particular SQL injection attacks, in such a way that an intrusion detection system (IDS) could fail to identify this attack. To demonstrate this, we set up a small private cloud, established a vulnerable website in one instance, and placed an IDS within the cloud to monitor the network traffic. We found that an attacker could quite easily defeat the IDS by periodically altering its IP address. To detect such an attacker, we propose to use multi-agent plan recognition, where the multiple source IPs are considered as different agents who are mounting a collaborative attack. We show that such a formulation of this problem yields a more sophisticated approach to detecting SQL injection attacks within a cloud computing environment.

Current profile redistribution driven by neutral beam injection in a reversed-field pinch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parke, E.; Anderson, J. K.; Brower, D. L.; Den Hartog, D. J.; Ding, W. X.; Johnson, C. A.; Lin, L.

2016-05-01

Neutral beam injection in reversed-field pinch (RFP) plasmas on the Madison Symmetric Torus [Dexter et al., Fusion Sci. Technol. 19, 131 (1991)] drives current redistribution with increased on-axis current density but negligible net current drive. Internal fluctuations correlated with tearing modes are observed on multiple diagnostics; the behavior of tearing mode correlated structures is consistent with flattening of the safety factor profile. The first application of a parametrized model for island flattening to temperature fluctuations in an RFP allows inferrence of rational surface locations for multiple tearing modes. The m = 1, n = 6 mode is observed to shift inward by 1.1 ± 0.6 cm with neutral beam injection. Tearing mode rational surface measurements provide a strong constraint for equilibrium reconstruction, with an estimated reduction of q0 by 5% and an increase in on-axis current density of 8% ± 5%. The inferred on-axis current drive is consistent with estimates of fast ion density using TRANSP [Goldston et al., J. Comput. Phys. 43, 61 (1981)].

Impact of rail pressure and biodiesel fueling on the particulate morphology and soot nanostructures from a common-rail turbocharged direct injection diesel engine

DOE PAGES

Ye, Peng; Vander Wal, Randy; Boehman, Andre L.; ...

2014-12-26

The effect of rail pressure and biodiesel fueling on the morphology of exhaust particulate agglomerates and the nanostructure of primary particles (soot) was investigated with a common-rail turbocharged direct injection diesel engine. The engine was operated at steady state on a dynamometer running at moderate speed with both low (30%) and medium–high (60%) fixed loads, and exhaust particulate was sampled for analysis. Ultra-low sulfur diesel and its 20% v/v blends with soybean methyl ester biodiesel were used. Fuel injection occurred in a single event around top dead center at three different injection pressures. Exhaust particulate samples were characterized with TEMmore » imaging, scanning mobility particle sizing, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and XRD analysis. Particulate morphology and oxidative reactivity were found to vary significantly with rail pressure and with biodiesel blend level. Higher biodiesel content led to increases in the primary particle size and oxidative reactivity but did not affect nanoscale disorder in the as-received samples. For particulates generated with higher injection pressures, the initial oxidative reactivity increased, but there was no detectable correlation with primary particle size or nanoscale disorder.« less

Impact of rail pressure and biodiesel fueling on the particulate morphology and soot nanostructures from a common-rail turbocharged direct injection diesel engine

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

Ye, Peng; Vander Wal, Randy; Boehman, Andre L.

The effect of rail pressure and biodiesel fueling on the morphology of exhaust particulate agglomerates and the nanostructure of primary particles (soot) was investigated with a common-rail turbocharged direct injection diesel engine. The engine was operated at steady state on a dynamometer running at moderate speed with both low (30%) and medium–high (60%) fixed loads, and exhaust particulate was sampled for analysis. Ultra-low sulfur diesel and its 20% v/v blends with soybean methyl ester biodiesel were used. Fuel injection occurred in a single event around top dead center at three different injection pressures. Exhaust particulate samples were characterized with TEMmore » imaging, scanning mobility particle sizing, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and XRD analysis. Particulate morphology and oxidative reactivity were found to vary significantly with rail pressure and with biodiesel blend level. Higher biodiesel content led to increases in the primary particle size and oxidative reactivity but did not affect nanoscale disorder in the as-received samples. For particulates generated with higher injection pressures, the initial oxidative reactivity increased, but there was no detectable correlation with primary particle size or nanoscale disorder.« less

Simultaneous Determination of 13 Priority Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Tehran’s Tap Water and Water for Injection Samples Using Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Micro Extraction Method and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

Sadeghi, Ramezan; Kobarfard, Farzad; Yazdanpanah, Hassan; Eslamizad, Samira; Bayate, Mitra

2016-01-01

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are classified as persistent and carcinogenic organic pollutants. PAHs contamination has been reported in water. Many of relevant regulatory bodies such as EU and EPA have regulated the limit levels for PAHs in drinking water. In this study, 13 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in tap water samples of Tehran and water for injection. Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction procedure combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for the extraction and determination of PAHs in the samples. Under the optimized conditions, the range of extraction recoveries and relative standard deviations (RSDs) of PAHs in water using internal standard (anthracene-d10) were in the range of 71-90% and 4-16%, respectively. Limit of detection for different PAHs were between 0.03 and 0.1 ngmL-1. The concentration of PAHs in all tap water as well as water for injection samples were lower than the limit of quantification of PAHs. This is the first study addressing the occurrence of PAHs in water for injection samples in Iran using dispersive liquid-liquid micro extraction procedure combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. PMID:27642318

Quantitation of glycerophosphorylcholine by flow injection analysis using immobilized enzymes.

PubMed

Mancini, A; Del Rosso, F; Roberti, R; Caligiana, P; Vecchini, A; Binaglia, L

1996-09-20

A method for quantitating glycerophosphorylcholine by flow injection analysis is reported in the present paper. Glycerophosphorylcholine phosphodiesterase and choline oxidase, immobilized on controlled porosity glass beads, are packed in a small reactor inserted in a flow injection manifold. When samples containing glycerophosphorylcholine are injected, glycerophosphorylcholine is hydrolyzed into choline and sn-glycerol-3-phosphate. The free choline produced in this reaction is oxidized to betain and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is detected amperometrically. Quantitation of glycerophosphorylcholine in samples containing choline and phosphorylcholine is obtained inserting ahead of the reactor a small column packed with a mixed bed ion exchange resin. The time needed for each determination does not exceed one minute. The present method, applied to quantitate glycerophosphorylcholine in samples of seminal plasma, gave results comparable with those obtained using the standard enzymatic-spectrophotometric procedure. An alternative procedure, making use of co-immobilized glycerophosphorylcholine phosphodiesterase and glycerol-3-phosphate oxidase for quantitating glycerophosphorylcholine, glycerophosphorylethanolamine and glycerophosphorylserine is also described.

Development of stereotactic mass spectrometry for brain tumor surgery.

PubMed

Agar, Nathalie Y R; Golby, Alexandra J; Ligon, Keith L; Norton, Isaiah; Mohan, Vandana; Wiseman, Justin M; Tannenbaum, Allen; Jolesz, Ferenc A

2011-02-01

Surgery remains the first and most important treatment modality for the majority of solid tumors. Across a range of brain tumor types and grades, postoperative residual tumor has a great impact on prognosis. The principal challenge and objective of neurosurgical intervention is therefore to maximize tumor resection while minimizing the potential for neurological deficit by preserving critical tissue. To introduce the integration of desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry into surgery for in vivo molecular tissue characterization and intraoperative definition of tumor boundaries without systemic injection of contrast agents. Using a frameless stereotactic sampling approach and by integrating a 3-dimensional navigation system with an ultrasonic surgical probe, we obtained image-registered surgical specimens. The samples were analyzed with ambient desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and validated against standard histopathology. This new approach will enable neurosurgeons to detect tumor infiltration of the normal brain intraoperatively with mass spectrometry and to obtain spatially resolved molecular tissue characterization without any exogenous agent and with high sensitivity and specificity. Proof of concept is presented in using mass spectrometry intraoperatively for real-time measurement of molecular structure and using that tissue characterization method to detect tumor boundaries. Multiple sampling sites within the tumor mass were defined for a patient with a recurrent left frontal oligodendroglioma, World Health Organization grade II with chromosome 1p/19q codeletion, and mass spectrometry data indicated a correlation between lipid constitution and tumor cell prevalence. The mass spectrometry measurements reflect a complex molecular structure and are integrated with frameless stereotaxy and imaging, providing 3-dimensional molecular imaging without systemic injection of any agents, which can be implemented for surgical margins delineation of any organ and with a rapidity that allows real-time analysis.

Single-use autoinjector for once-weekly intramuscular injection of IFNβ-1a.

PubMed

Limmroth, Volker; Gerbershagen, Kathrin

2014-12-01

IFNβ products and glatiramer acetate are established treatment first-line options in long-term disease-modifying therapy of multiple sclerosis (MS). These self-injectable medications are used once weekly to once daily. Injection-related issues are common patient-cited reasons for nonadherence. Autoinjectors have been shown to support long-term adherence to injectable medications. The ability to self-inject in MS patients has been associated with a reduced risk of missed injections and drug discontinuation, and a beneficial effect on patient independence. The recently introduced easy-to-use prefilled once-weekly pen is a safe and effective device for intramuscular (IM) IFNβ-1a application and provides a convenient method for self-injection. We reviewed the available published evidence on the characteristics of this device. The once-weekly pen facilitates self-injection and was preferred over prefilled syringes by patients in a prospective open-label, multicenter Phase IIIb trial in MS patients who had been using IM IFNβ-1a in prefilled syringes. The simple and safe handling, shielded short needle, single-use disposable design and virtually painless injection by the device may contribute to adherence, quality of life and independence in patients using IM IFNβ-1a.

Efficacy of peripheral lidocaine application (neural therapy) in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity in multiple sclerosis patients.

PubMed

Tamam, Yusuf; Özdemir, Hasan Hüseyin; Gedik, Abdullah; Tamam, Cüneyt; Nazlıkul, Hüseyin

2017-09-01

Many agents and treatments are used in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in MS patients, but no study has been conducted on the use of peripheric lidocaine (neural therapy-NT) on MS patients. We evaluated the effects of local administration of lidocaine on NDO in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients. For each patient local anesthetic lidocaine was injected at each session. Sessions were held once a week for 5 weeks. At each session, Th 10-L1, urogenital segment intradermal injections, Frankenhauser, and sacral epidural injections were given. The patients had clinical and urodynamic assessment 1 month before and 3, 9, and 12 months after NT. In addition, multiple sclerosis quality of life inventory (MSQL-54) and bladder control scale (BLCS) was performed for patients. Twenty-eight patients were included in the study (8 males, 20 females). The patients' average age was 31.7 ± 8.1 years. The injection therapy significantly improved volume at first involuntary bladder contraction (FCV), maximal detrusor pression during filling (P det. max.), maximal cystometric bladder capacity (MCC) after 3 months. Also, the MSQL-54 and BLCS scores were improved with treatment. However, these improvements reached a maximum 3 months after treatment, but from the 9 month a regression was seen in the parameters, and after 12 months the findings were seen to be slightly above their basal levels. These results suggest that NDO treatment in MS patients could be an effective treatment which is easy and has very few side effects, and is cost effective. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

An ex vivo gene therapy approach in X-linked retinoschisis.

PubMed

Bashar, Abu E; Metcalfe, Andrew L; Viringipurampeer, Ishaq A; Yanai, Anat; Gregory-Evans, Cheryl Y; Gregory-Evans, Kevin

2016-01-01

X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is juvenile-onset macular degeneration caused by haploinsufficiency of the extracellular cell adhesion protein retinoschisin (RS1). RS1 mutations can lead to either a non-functional protein or the absence of protein secretion, and it has been established that extracellular deficiency of RS1 is the underlying cause of the phenotype. Therefore, we hypothesized that an ex vivo gene therapy strategy could be used to deliver sufficient extracellular RS1 to reverse the phenotype seen in XLRS. Here, we used adipose-derived, syngeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that were genetically modified to secrete human RS1 and then delivered these cells by intravitreal injection to the retina of the Rs1h knockout mouse model of XLRS. MSCs were electroporated with two transgene expression systems (cytomegalovirus (CMV)-controlled constitutive and doxycycline-induced Tet-On controlled inducible), both driving expression of human RS1 cDNA. The stably transfected cells, using either constitutive mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) or inducible MSC cassettes, were assayed for their RS1 secretion profile. For single injection studies, 100,000 genetically modified MSCs were injected into the vitreous cavity of the Rs1h knockout mouse eye at P21, and data were recorded at 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-injection. The control groups received either unmodified MSCs or vehicle injection. For the multiple injection studies, the mice received intravitreal MSC injections at P21, P60, and P90 with data collection at P120. For the single- and multiple-injection studies, the outcomes were measured with electroretinography, optokinetic tracking responses (OKT), histology, and immunohistochemistry. Two lines of genetically modified MSCs were established and found to secrete RS1 at a rate of 8 ng/million cells/day. Following intravitreal injection, RS1-expressing MSCs were found mainly in the inner retinal layers. Two weeks after a single injection of MSCs, the area of the schisis cavities was reduced by 65% with constitutive MSCs and by 83% with inducible MSCs, demonstrating improved inner nuclear layer architecture. This benefit was maintained up to 8 weeks post-injection and corresponded to a significant improvement in the electroretinogram (ERG) b-/a-wave ratio at 8 weeks (2.6 inducible MSCs; 1.4 untreated eyes, p<0.05). At 4 months after multiple injections, the schisis cavity areas were reduced by 78% for inducible MSCs and constitutive MSCs, more photoreceptor nuclei were present (700/µm constitutive MSC; 750/µm inducible MSC; 383/µm untreated), and the ERG b-wave was significantly improved (threefold higher with constitutive MSCs and twofold higher with inducible MSCs) compared to the untreated control group. These results establish that extracellular delivery of RS1 rescues the structural and functional deficits in the Rs1h knockout mouse model and that this ex vivo gene therapy approach can inhibit progression of disease. This proof-of-principle work suggests that other inherited retinal degenerations caused by a deficiency of extracellular matrix proteins could be targeted by this strategy.

Comparative Study of Effects of CO 2 Concentration and pH on Microbial Communities from a Saline Aquifer, a Depleted Oil Reservoir, and a Freshwater Aquifer

DOE PAGES

Gulliver, Djuna M.; Lowry, Gregory V.; Gregory, Kelvin B.

2016-08-09

Injected CO 2 from geologic carbon storage is expected to impact the microbial communities of proposed storage sites, such as depleted oil reservoirs and deep saline aquifers, as well as overlying freshwater aquifers at risk of receiving leaking CO 2. Microbial community change in these subsurface sites may affect injectivity of CO 2, permanence of stored CO 2, and shallow subsurface water quality. The effect of CO 2 concentration on the microbial communities in fluid collected from a depleted oil reservoir and a freshwater aquifer was examined at subsurface pressures and temperatures. The community was exposed to 0%, 1%, 10%,more » and 100% pCO 2 for 56 days. Bacterial community structure was analyzed through 16S rRNA gene clone libraries, and total bacterial abundance was estimated through quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Changes in the microbial community observed in the depleted oil reservoir samples and freshwater samples were compared to previous results from CO 2-exposed deep saline aquifer fluids. Overall, results suggest that CO 2 exposure to microbial communities will result in pH-dependent population change, and the CO 2-selected microbial communities will vary among sites. In conclusion, this is the first study to compare the response of multiple subsurface microbial communities at conditions expected during geologic carbon storage, increasing the understanding of environmental drivers for microbial community changes in CO 2-exposed environments.« less

Hepatitis C virus infection among illicit drug users in an archipelago of the Amazon.

PubMed

Silva, Fabricio Q; Santos, Francisco J A; Andrade, Andreia P; Pacheco, Suzy D B; Fischer, Benedikt; Pinho, João Renato R; Lemos, José Alexandre R; Oliveira-Filho, Aldemir B

2018-03-01

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes acute and chronic liver disease and may lead to cirrhosis, liver failure or hepatocellular carcinoma. The behavior of illicit drug users (DUs) typically exposes them to risks of viral infection. In the Brazilian Amazon region, a number of studies have identified high rates of drug use among adolescents, and a high prevalence of HBV infection in DUs, disseminated by sexual and parenteral activities. However, the epidemiological scenario of HCV infection in the region is still poorly understood. This study determined the prevalence, genotypes, and risk factors for HCV infection among DUs of the Marajó Archipelago. This cross-sectional study collected samples and epidemiological information from DUs in 11 municipalities. The diagnosis was established by EIA and real-time PCR, and the samples were genotyped by multiplex real time PCR. The data were analyzed by simple and multiple logistical regression. In 466 DUs, 28.3% had anti-HCV antibodies, and 25.5% had HCV-RNA. In 92 injecting drug users, 88.0% had anti-HCV antibodies, and 80.4% had HCV-RNA. Genotypes 1 and 3 were detected, with three cases of mixed infections. The multivariate analysis indicated associations of HCV infection with age (≥ 35 years), tattoos, intravenous drug use, shared use of injection equipment, and the daily and long-term (> 3 years) use of illicit drugs. These findings will contribute to the development of effective measures for the prevention of HCV infection among Brazilian DUs, as well as its general population.

Risky driving and sexual behaviors as developmental outcomes of co-occurring substance use and antisocial behavior.

PubMed

Luk, Jeremy W; Worley, Matthew J; Winiger, Evan; Trim, Ryan S; Hopfer, Christian J; Hewitt, John K; Brown, Sandra A; Wall, Tamara L

2016-12-01

To examine the associations between substance use and antisocial behavior trajectories and seven risky behaviors over time. Data were collected from a high-risk sample of adolescents followed into young adulthood. Five trajectory classes, identified based on dual development of substance use and antisocial behavior symptoms, were used to predict three risky driving and four risky sexual behaviors. In this high-risk sample (n=530), participants reported notably high overall rates of reckless driving (55.5%) and unprotected sex under the influence (44.8%) in the past year. Risky behaviors that are typically of low base rates in population-based studies were also elevated, with 8.8% reporting past-year driving under the influence (DUI) charge, 17.6% reporting lifetime sexually transmitted infection (STI), and 10.4% reporting lifetime injection drug use. The Dual Chronic class had the highest levels of all seven risky behaviors, and were 3-4 times more likely to report risky driving, lifetime STI, and injection drug use than the Relatively Resolved class. Rates of past-year reckless driving and DUI were elevated among classes with persistent antisocial behavior, whereas rates of DUI, DUI charge, and unprotected sex under the influence were elevated among classes with persistent substance use. Young adults with persistent co-occurring substance use and antisocial behavior engage in multiple very costly risky behaviors. Differential associations between risky behaviors and trajectory classes highlight the need for targeted interventions. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Comparative Study of Effects of CO 2 Concentration and pH on Microbial Communities from a Saline Aquifer, a Depleted Oil Reservoir, and a Freshwater Aquifer

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

Gulliver, Djuna M.; Lowry, Gregory V.; Gregory, Kelvin B.

Injected CO 2 from geologic carbon storage is expected to impact the microbial communities of proposed storage sites, such as depleted oil reservoirs and deep saline aquifers, as well as overlying freshwater aquifers at risk of receiving leaking CO 2. Microbial community change in these subsurface sites may affect injectivity of CO 2, permanence of stored CO 2, and shallow subsurface water quality. The effect of CO 2 concentration on the microbial communities in fluid collected from a depleted oil reservoir and a freshwater aquifer was examined at subsurface pressures and temperatures. The community was exposed to 0%, 1%, 10%,more » and 100% pCO 2 for 56 days. Bacterial community structure was analyzed through 16S rRNA gene clone libraries, and total bacterial abundance was estimated through quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Changes in the microbial community observed in the depleted oil reservoir samples and freshwater samples were compared to previous results from CO 2-exposed deep saline aquifer fluids. Overall, results suggest that CO 2 exposure to microbial communities will result in pH-dependent population change, and the CO 2-selected microbial communities will vary among sites. In conclusion, this is the first study to compare the response of multiple subsurface microbial communities at conditions expected during geologic carbon storage, increasing the understanding of environmental drivers for microbial community changes in CO 2-exposed environments.« less

Deltoid Injections of Risperidone Long-acting Injectable in Patients with Schizophrenia

PubMed Central

Quiroz, Jorge A.; Rusch, Sarah; Thyssen, An; Kushner, Stuart

2011-01-01

Background Risperidone long-acting injectable was previously approved for treatment of schizophrenia as biweekly injections in the gluteal muscle only. We present data on local injection-site tolerability and safety of risperidone long-acting injectable and comparability of systemic exposure of deltoid versus gluteal injections. Methods Risperidone long-acting injectable was administered in an open-label, single-dose, two-way crossover study, with patients randomized to receive either 25mg gluteal/37.5mg deltoid crossover in two treatment periods or 50mg gluteal/50mg deltoid injections crossover; each treatment period was separated by an 85-day observation period (Study 1) and an open-label, multiple-dose study (4 sequential 37.5mg or 50mg deltoid injections every 2 weeks) (Study 2). The pharmacokinetic results from both the studies have already been published. Results In Study 1 (n=170), the majority of patients had no local injection-site findings, based on investigator and patient-rated evaluations. In Study 2 (n=53), seven of the 51 patients who received at least two deltoid injections discontinued (primary endpoint). However, none of the discontinuations were due to injection-site related reasons. The 90-percent upper confidence limit of the true proportion of injection-site issue withdrawals was 5.7 percent. No moderate or severe injection-site reactions were reported. Conclusion Intramuscular injections via the deltoid and gluteal sites are equivalent routes of administration of risperidone long-acting injectable with respect to local injection-site tolerability. The overall safety and tolerability profile of risperidone long-acting injectable was comparable when administered as an intramuscular injection in the deltoid (37.5mg and 50mg) and gluteal (25mg and 50mg) sites. PMID:21779538

Inference and analysis of xenon outflow curves under multi-pulse injection in two-dimensional chromatography.

PubMed

Shu-Jiang, Liu; Zhan-Ying, Chen; Yin-Zhong, Chang; Shi-Lian, Wang; Qi, Li; Yuan-Qing, Fan

2013-10-11

Multidimensional gas chromatography is widely applied to atmospheric xenon monitoring for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). To improve the capability for xenon sampling from the atmosphere, sampling techniques have been investigated in detail. The sampling techniques are designed by xenon outflow curves which are influenced by many factors, and the injecting condition is one of the key factors that could influence the xenon outflow curves. In this paper, the xenon outflow curves of single-pulse injection in two-dimensional gas chromatography has been tested and fitted as a function of exponential modified Gaussian distribution. An inference formula of the xenon outflow curve for six-pulse injection is derived, and the inference formula is also tested to compare with its fitting formula of the xenon outflow curve. As a result, the curves of both the one-pulse and six-pulse injections obey the exponential modified Gaussian distribution when the temperature of the activated carbon column's temperature is 26°C and the flow rate of the carrier gas is 35.6mLmin(-1). The retention time of the xenon peak for one-pulse injection is 215min, and the peak width is 138min. For the six-pulse injection, however, the retention time is delayed to 255min, and the peak width broadens to 222min. According to the inferred formula of the xenon outflow curve for the six-pulse injection, the inferred retention time is 243min, the relative deviation of the retention time is 4.7%, and the inferred peak width is 225min, with a relative deviation of 1.3%. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nanoliter-Scale Oil-Air-Droplet Chip-Based Single Cell Proteomic Analysis.

PubMed

Li, Zi-Yi; Huang, Min; Wang, Xiu-Kun; Zhu, Ying; Li, Jin-Song; Wong, Catherine C L; Fang, Qun

2018-04-17

Single cell proteomic analysis provides crucial information on cellular heterogeneity in biological systems. Herein, we describe a nanoliter-scale oil-air-droplet (OAD) chip for achieving multistep complex sample pretreatment and injection for single cell proteomic analysis in the shotgun mode. By using miniaturized stationary droplet microreaction and manipulation techniques, our system allows all sample pretreatment and injection procedures to be performed in a nanoliter-scale droplet with minimum sample loss and a high sample injection efficiency (>99%), thus substantially increasing the analytical sensitivity for single cell samples. We applied the present system in the proteomic analysis of 100 ± 10, 50 ± 5, 10, and 1 HeLa cell(s), and protein IDs of 1360, 612, 192, and 51 were identified, respectively. The OAD chip-based system was further applied in single mouse oocyte analysis, with 355 protein IDs identified at the single oocyte level, which demonstrated its special advantages of high enrichment of sequence coverage, hydrophobic proteins, and enzymatic digestion efficiency over the traditional in-tube system.

Multiple intravitreal injections of ganciclovir for cytomegalovirus retinitis after stem-cell transplantation.

PubMed

Miao, Heng; Tao, Yong; Jiang, Yan-Rong; Li, Xiao-Xin

2013-07-01

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Although much effort has been put into dealing with CMV retinitis secondary to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the few reports which have been published have mainly focused on treatment of CMVR after HSCT. This clinical interventional retrospective study included 14 patients (eight men; mean age 23.89 ± 12.09; 23 eyes) who suffered from CMV retinitis after stem-cell transplantation, in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of multiple intravitreal injections of ganciclovir (IVG) for patients with CMV retinitis. All patients received 4 injections of IVG of 1 mg at 1 week intervals, and were followed up weekly for at least 2 months with measurement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and CMV levels in anterior aqueous humor with real-time polymerase chain reaction. Anterior aqueous humor was obtained before each injection. The levels of CMV in anterior aqueous humor showed significant decrease from (6.34 ± 15.78) × 10(5) copies/ml at baseline to (5.22 ± 12.15) × 10(3) copies/ml at 1 month (P < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). CMV couldn't be detected in 11 eyes (47.8 %) after two injections, and this rose to 18 eyes (78.3 %) at 1 month. The mean logMAR BCVA was 0.659 ± 0.572 at baseline and 0.680 ± 0.527 at 2 months, which suggested no significant improvement (P = 0.736, Mann-Whitney U test) during the procedure. All patients experienced improved vitreous opacity and diminished area of the lesion under funduscopy after 4 injections of IVG. No severe complications developed. Multiple IVG seemed to be beneficial for patients with CMV retinitis after stem-cell transplantation, in reducing CMV levels in aqueous humor. Further study to optimize the dose of ganciclovir is needed in order to achieve better treatment outcomes.

Determination of As, Sb, Bi and Hg in water samples by flow-injection inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with an in-situ nebulizer/hydride generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chih-Shyue; Jiang, Shiuh-Jen

1996-12-01

A simple and very inexpensive in-situ nebulizer/hydride generator was used with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the determination of As, Sb, Bi and Hg in water samples. The application of hydride generation ICP-MS alleviated the sensitivity problem of As, Sb, Bi and Hg determinations encountered when the conventional pneumatic nebulizer was used for sample introduction. The sample was introduced by flow injection to minimize the deposition of solids on the sampling orifice. The elements in the sample were reduced to the lower oxidation states with L-cysteine before being injected into the hydride generation system. This method has a detection limit of 0.003, 0.003, 0.017 and 0.17 ng ml -1 for As, Bi, Sb and Hg, respectively. This method was applied to determine As, Sb, Bi and Hg in a CASS-3 nearshore seawater reference sample, a SLRS-2 riverine water reference sample and a tap water collected from National Sun Yat-Sen University. The concentrations of the elements were determined by standard addition method. The precision was better than 20% for most of the determinations.

Low Multiplicity of HIV-1 Infection and No Vaccine Enhancement in VAX003 Injection Drug Users

PubMed Central

Sterrett, Sarah; Learn, Gerald H.; Edlefsen, Paul T.; Haynes, Barton F.; Hahn, Beatrice H.; Shaw, George M.; Bar, Katharine J.

2014-01-01

Background  We performed human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmitted/founder (T/F) virus analysis of the VAX003 vaccine efficacy trial participants to characterize the transmission bottleneck and test for vaccine-associated reduction or enhancement of infection in this injection drug user (IDU) cohort. Methods  We performed single genome sequencing of plasma vRNA from 50 subjects sampled in early HIV infection. Sequences were analyzed phylogenetically, T/F viruses enumerated, and a sieve analysis performed. Results  Eight of 19 (42%) placebo recipients were productively infected by more than 1 virus (range 1–5, median 1, mean 1.7). This frequency of multiple virus transmission was greater than reported for heterosexual cohorts (19%, P = .03) but not statistically different from vaccine recipients (22.6%, P > .05), where the range was 1–3, median 1, and mean 1.3 (P > .05 for all comparisons). An atypical sieve effect was detected in Env V2 but was not associated with reduction or enhancement of virus acquisition. Conclusions  The number of T/F viruses in IDUs was surprising low, with 95% of individuals infected by only 1–3 viruses. This finding suggests that a successful vaccine or other prevention modality generally needs to protect against only one or a few viruses regardless of risk behavior. T/F analysis identified an atypical genetic sieve in the V2 region of Envelope and found no evidence for vaccine-mediated enhancement in VAX003. PMID:25734126

Gene delivery by direct injection (microinjection) using a controlled-flow system.

PubMed

Dean, David A

2006-12-01

INTRODUCTIONThis protocol describes a method for constant-flow microinjection using the Pneumatic PicoPump (World Precision Instruments). This type of system is very simple and can be assembled on a relatively low budget. In this method, a constant flow of sample is delivered from the tip of the pipette, and the amount of sample injected into the cell is determined by how long the pipette remains in the cell. A typical system is composed of a pressure regulator that can be adjusted for two pressures (back pressure and injection pressure), a capillary holder, and a coarse and fine micromanipulator.

Simultaneous determination of Vitamin A, 25-hydroxyl vitamin D3 α-tocopherol in small biological fluids by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Zhang, Haifeng; Quan, Li; Pei, Pei; Lin, Ye; Feng, Chao; Guan, Hongyan; Wang, Fang; Zhang, Ting; Wu, Jianxin; Huo, Junsheng

2018-03-15

A sensitive method for the simultaneous analysis of vitamin A (VA), 25-hydroxyl vitamin D 3 (25-OH VD 3 ) and α-tocopherol (VE) in children plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has been developed and validated. Sample preparation chose the solid phase extraction. 100 μL of plasma was mixed with 300 μL ethanol contained 4 μL isotope-labelled analytes. After a series operation, the supernatant was applied to the solid phase extraction (SPE) plate (HLB μElution plate). The eluate was evaporated, and reconstituted in 100 μL methanol. And then, 6 μL reconstituted sample was injected into LC-MS/MS. Quantitative analysis was carried out by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with a positive mode electrospray (ESi + ). Separations of VA, 25-OH VD 3 and VE were performed on an Acquity UPLC reversed-phase Phenyl-Hexyl analytical column (CSH, 2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm). Gradient elution was used at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min with a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid solution and 0.1% formic acid, 5 mM ammonium formate in acetonitrile. The total time of analysis was 10 min. The method had a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 10.03, 1.20, and 0.04 ng/mL for VA, 25-OH VD 3 and VE in methanol, respectively. The linear calibration curves were fitted over the range of 0.14-14.32 μg/mL, 1.80-180.29 ng/mL, and 6.03-602.99 ng/mL for VA, 25-OH VD 3 and VE in methanol. The correlation coefficients were greater than 0.998 for all analytes. The recoveries for all analytes were between 80 and 120% with the inter- and intra-day precisions (presented as relative standard deviation, RSD%) less than 10.0%. Analysis of VA, 25-OH VD 3 and VE in recurrent respiratory tract infection children plasma and anemic infants' fingertip blood was then carried out using this method and statistical analysis of the data with statistic package for social science 20.0 (SPSS 20.0). Using this method, multiple fat-soluble vitamins could be detected at the same time. Solid phase extraction was used to simplify sample pretreatment. μElution plate used here could reduce the sample volume, only 100 μL sample was used in this method, and 6 μL reconstituted sample was injected into LC-MS/MS. This makes the method appropriate for larger sample pretreatment, and suitable for children, especially infants and newborns' sample detection, in whom the circulation blood was low. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Combining Laser Ablation/Liquid Phase Collection Surface Sampling and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

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

Ovchinnikova, Olga S; Kertesz, Vilmos; Van Berkel, Gary J

This paper describes the coupling of ambient pressure transmission geometry laser ablation with a liquid phase sample collection method for surface sampling and ionization with subsequent mass spectral analysis. A commercially available autosampler was adapted to produce a liquid droplet at the end of the syringe injection needle while in close proximity to the surface to collect the sample plume produced by laser ablation. The sample collection was followed by either flow injection or a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation of the extracted components and detection with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). To illustrate the analytical utility of thismore » coupling, thin films of a commercial ink sample containing rhodamine 6G and of mixed isobaric rhodamine B and 6G dyes on glass microscope slides were analyzed. The flow injection and HPLC/ESI-MS analysis revealed successful laser ablation, capture and, with HPLC, the separation of the two compounds. The ablated circular area was about 70 m in diameter for these experiments. The spatial sampling resolution afforded by the laser ablation, as well as the ability to use sample processing methods like HPLC between the sample collection and ionization steps, makes this combined surface sampling/ionization technique a highly versatile analytical tool.« less

Goddard scientist Jennifer Eigenbrode

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

On Saturday, November 26, NASA is scheduled to launch the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission featuring Curiosity, the largest and most advanced rover ever sent to the Red Planet. The Curiosity rover bristles with multiple cameras and instruments, including Goddard's Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite. By looking for evidence of water, carbon, and other important building blocks of life in the Martian soil and atmosphere, SAM will help discover whether Mars ever had the potential to support life. Curiosity will be delivered to Gale crater, a 96-mile-wide crater that contains a record of environmental changes in its sedimentary rock, in August 2012. ----- Goddard scientist Jennifer Eigenbrode injected a chemical into a rock sample and then heated the test tube to determine whether the sample-preparation method preserved the sample's molecular structure. Her testing proved successful, ultimately leading to the experiment's inclusion on the Sample Analysis at Mars instrument. Credit: NASA/GSFC/Chris Gunn NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

Optimization of magnetic flux density measurement using multiple RF receiver coils and multi-echo in MREIT.

PubMed

Jeong, Woo Chul; Chauhan, Munish; Sajib, Saurav Z K; Kim, Hyung Joong; Serša, Igor; Kwon, Oh In; Woo, Eung Je

2014-09-07

Magnetic Resonance Electrical Impedance Tomography (MREIT) is an MRI method that enables mapping of internal conductivity and/or current density via measurements of magnetic flux density signals. The MREIT measures only the z-component of the induced magnetic flux density B = (Bx, By, Bz) by external current injection. The measured noise of Bz complicates recovery of magnetic flux density maps, resulting in lower quality conductivity and current-density maps. We present a new method for more accurate measurement of the spatial gradient of the magnetic flux density gradient (∇ Bz). The method relies on the use of multiple radio-frequency receiver coils and an interleaved multi-echo pulse sequence that acquires multiple sampling points within each repetition time. The noise level of the measured magnetic flux density Bz depends on the decay rate of the signal magnitude, the injection current duration, and the coil sensitivity map. The proposed method uses three key steps. The first step is to determine a representative magnetic flux density gradient from multiple receiver coils by using a weighted combination and by denoising the measured noisy data. The second step is to optimize the magnetic flux density gradient by using multi-echo magnetic flux densities at each pixel in order to reduce the noise level of ∇ Bz and the third step is to remove a random noise component from the recovered ∇ Bz by solving an elliptic partial differential equation in a region of interest. Numerical simulation experiments using a cylindrical phantom model with included regions of low MRI signal to noise ('defects') verified the proposed method. Experimental results using a real phantom experiment, that included three different kinds of anomalies, demonstrated that the proposed method reduced the noise level of the measured magnetic flux density. The quality of the recovered conductivity maps using denoised ∇ Bz data showed that the proposed method reduced the conductivity noise level up to 3-4 times at each anomaly region in comparison to the conventional method.

Depression as Measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II among Injecting Drug Users

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Mark E.; Neal, David B.; Brems, Christiane; Fisher, Dennis G.

2006-01-01

This study conducts a confirmatory factor analysis of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) with a sample of 598 individuals who reported recent injecting drug use. Findings indicate that out of four models tested, the best model for this sample is a three-factor solution (somatic, affective, and cognitive) previously reported by Buckley,…

Differentiation of the four major types (C. Burmannii, C. Verum, C. cassia, And C. Loureiroi) of cinnamons using a flow-injection mass spectrometric (FIMS) fingerprinting method

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A simple and efficient flow-injection mass spectrometric (FIMS) method was developed to differentiate cinnamon (Cinnamomum) bark (CB) samples of the four major species (C. burmannii, C. verum, C. aromaticum, and C. loureiroi) of cinnamon. Fifty cinnamon samples collected from China, Vietnam, Indon...

High Dead-Space Syringes and the Risk of HIV and HCV Infection among Injecting Drug Users

PubMed Central

Zule, William A.; Bobashev, Georgiy; International, RTI

2009-01-01

This study examines the association between using and sharing high dead-space syringes (HDSSs)—which retain over 1,000 times more blood after rinsing than low dead-space syringes (LDSSs)—and prevalent HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among injecting drug users (IDUs). A sample of 851 out-of-treatment IDUs was recruited in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, between 2003 and 2005. Participants were tested for HIV and HCV antibodies. Demographic, drug use, and injection practice data were collected via interviews. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Participants had a mean age of 40 years and 74% percent are male, 63% are African American, 29% are non-Hispanic white, and 8% are of other race/ethnicity. Overall, 42% of participants had ever used an HDSS and 12% had shared one. HIV prevalence was 5% among IDUs who had never used an HDSS compared with 16% among IDUs who had shared one. The HIV model used a propensity score approach to adjust for differences between IDUs who had used an HDSS and those who had never used one. The HCV models included all potential confounders as covariates. A history of sharing HDSSs was associated with prevalent HIV (Odds Ratio = 2.50; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.01, 6.15). Use and sharing of HDSSs were also associated with increased odds of HCV infection. Prospective studies are needed to determine if sharing HDSSs is associated with increased HIV and HCV incidence among IDUs. PMID:19004579

Deportation along the U.S.-Mexico border: its relation to drug use patterns and accessing care.

PubMed

Brouwer, K C; Lozada, R; Cornelius, W A; Firestone Cruz, M; Magis-Rodríguez, C; Zúñiga de Nuncio, M L; Strathdee, S A

2009-02-01

Since migration has been linked to new drug trends and risky behaviors, and deported individuals face unique economic and social stressors, we investigated behaviors of injection drug users (IDUs) from Tijuana, Mexico in relation to deportation history. In 2005, IDUs > or =18 years old who injected within the prior month were recruited by respondent-driven sampling, administered a questionnaire, and underwent antibody testing for HIV, HCV, and syphilis. Logistic regression compared IDUs who reported coming to Tijuana due to deportation from the U.S. versus others in the study. Of 219 participants, 16% were deportees. Prevalence of HIV, HCV and syphilis was 3, 95 and 13%, respectively. Deportees had lived in Tijuana for a shorter time (median: 2 vs. 16 years), were more likely to inject multiple times/day (OR: 5.52; 95%CI: 1.62-18.8), but less likely to have smoked/inhaled methamphetamine (OR: 0.17; 95%CI: 0.17-0.86). Deportation history was inversely associated with receiving drug treatment (OR: 0.41; 95%CI: 0.19-0.89), recent medical care (OR: 0.37; 95%CI: 0.13-1.00), or HIV testing (OR: 0.44; 95%CI: 0.19-1.02). Deportees had different drug use patterns and less interaction with public health services than other study participants. Our study is an indication that migration history might relate to current risk behaviors and access to health care. More in-depth studies to determine factors driving such behaviors are needed.

Switching to multiple daily injection therapy with glulisine improves glycaemic control, vascular damage and treatment satisfaction in basal insulin glargine-injected diabetic patients.

PubMed

Yanagisawa, Katsuyuki; Ashihara, Junya; Obara, Shinji; Wada, Norio; Takeuchi, Masayoshi; Nishino, Yuri; Maeda, Sayaka; Ishibashi, Yuji; Yamagishi, Sho-ichi

2014-11-01

Basal and bolus insulin therapy is required for strict blood control in diabetic patients, which could lead to prevention of vascular complications in diabetes. However, the optimal combination regimen is not well established. Fifty-nine diabetic patients (49 type 1 and 10 type 2; 52.9 ± 13.3 years old) whose blood glucose levels were uncontrolled (HbA1c  > 6.2%) by combination treatment of basal insulin glargine with multiple daily pre-meal injections of bolus short-acting insulin [aspart (n = 19), lispro (n = 37) and regular human insulin (n = 3)] for at least 8 weeks were enrolled in this study. We examined whether glycaemic control and vascular injury were improved by replacement of short-acting insulin with glulisine. Patient satisfaction was assessed with Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire. Although bolus and basal insulin doses were almost unchanged before and after replacement therapy, switching to glulisine insulin for 24 weeks significantly decreased level of HbA1c , advanced glycation end products (AGEs), soluble receptor for AGEs (sRAGE), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and urinary albumin excretion. In multiple stepwise regression analysis, change in MCP-1 values from baseline (ΔMCP-1) was a sole determinant of log urinary albumin excretion. ΔAGEs and ΔsRAGE were independently correlated with each other. The relationship between ΔMCP-1 and ΔsRAGE was marginally significant (p = 0.05). Replacement of short-acting insulin by glulisine significantly increased Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire scores. Our present study suggests that combination therapy of glargine with multiple daily pre-meal injections of glulisine might show superior efficacy in controlling blood glucose, preventing vascular damage and improving treatment satisfaction in diabetic patients. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Determination of mercury by multisyringe flow injection system with cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometry.

PubMed

Leal, L O; Elsholz, O; Forteza, R; Cerdà, V

2006-07-28

A new software-controlled time-based multisyringe flow injection system for mercury determination by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometry is proposed. Precise known volumes of sample, reducing agent (1.1% SnCl2 in 3% HCl) and carrier (3% HCl) are dispensed into a gas-liquid separation cell with a multisyringe burette coupled with one three-way solenoid valve. An argon flow delivers the reduced mercury to the spectrometer. The optimization of the system was carried out testing reaction coils and gas-liquid separators of different design as well as changing parameters, such as sample and reagents volumes, reagent concentrations and carrier gas flow rate, among others. The analytical curves were obtained within the range 50-5000 ng L(-1). The detection limit (3sigma(b)/S) achieved is 5 ng L(-1). The relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) was 1.4%, evaluated from 16 successive injections of 250 ng L(-1) Hg standard solution. The injection and sample throughput per hour were 44 and 11, respectively. This technique was validated by means of solid and water reference materials with good agreement with the certified values and was successfully applied to fish samples.

Integration of a Capacitive EIS Sensor into a FIA System for pH and Penicillin Determination

PubMed Central

Rolka, David; Poghossian, Arshak; Schöning, Michael J.

2004-01-01

A field-effect based capacitive EIS (electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor) sensor with a p-Si-SiO2-Ta2O5 structure has been successfully integrated into a commercial FIA (flow-injection analysis) system and system performances have been proven and optimised for pH and penicillin detection. A flow-through cell was designed taking into account the requirement of a variable internal volume (from 12 μl up to 48 μl) as well as an easy replacement of the EIS sensor. FIA parameters (sample volume, flow rate, distance between the injection valve and the EIS sensor) have been optimised in terms of high sensitivity and reproducibility as well as a minimum dispersion of the injected sample zone. An acceptable compromise between different FIA parameters has been found. For the cell design used in this study, best results have been achieved with a flow rate of 1.4 ml/min, distance between the injection valve and the EIS sensor of 6.5 cm, probe volume of 0.75 ml, cell internal volume of 12 μl. A sample throughput of at least 15 samples/h was typically obtained.

Viscoelasticity of rabbit vocal folds after injection augmentation.

PubMed

Dahlqvist, Ake; Gärskog, Ola; Laurent, Claude; Hertegård, Stellan; Ambrosio, Luigi; Borzacchiello, Assunta

2004-01-01

Vocal fold function is related to the viscoelasticity of the vocal fold tissue. Augmentation substances used for injection treatment of voice insufficiency may alter the viscoelastic properties of vocal folds and their vibratory capacity. The objective was to compare the mechanical properties (viscoelasticity) of various injectable substances and the viscoelasticity of rabbit vocal folds, 6 months after injection with one of these substances. Animal model. Cross-linked collagen (Zyplast), double cross-linked hyaluronan (hylan B gel), dextranomers in hyaluronan (DHIA), and polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) were injected into rabbit vocal folds. Six months after the injection, the animals were killed and the right- and left-side vocal folds were removed. Dynamic viscosity of the injected substances and the vocal folds was measured with a Bohlin parallel-plate rheometer during small-amplitude oscillation. All injected vocal folds showed a decreasing dynamic viscosity with increasing frequency. Hylan B gel and DiHA showed the lowest dynamic viscosity values, and vocal folds injected with these substances also showed the lowest dynamic viscosity (similar to noninjected control samples). Teflon (and vocal folds injected with Teflon) showed the highest dynamic viscosity values, followed by the collagen samples. Substances with low viscoelasticity alter the mechanical properties of the vocal fold to a lesser degree than substances with a high viscoelasticity. The data indicated that hylan B gel and DiHA render the most natural viscoelastic properties to the vocal folds. These substances seem to be appropriate for preserving or restoring the vibratory capacity of the vocal folds when glottal insufficiency is treated with augmentative injections.

Factors associated with time between using a drug and injection initiation among people who inject drugs in Kermanshah, Iran.

PubMed

Noroozi, Mehdi; Farhadi, Mohammad Hassan; Armoon, Bahram; Farhoudian, Ali; Shushtari, Zahra Jorjoran; Sharhani, Asaad; Karimi, Salah Eddin; Sayadnasiri, Mohammad; Rezaei, Omid; Ghiasvand, Hesam

2018-05-17

Background The transition from non-injection to injection drug use dramatically increases the risk of transmitting HIV and other blood borne infections including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with the transition from first illicit drug use to first injection among drug users. Methods Using snowball sampling and convenience sampling through needle and syringe programmes (NSPs), we recruited 500 people who inject drugs (PWID) in Kermanshah, between September and December 2014. Trained interviewers collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, HIV testing and drug-related risk behaviors over the last month prior to interview using a structured questionnaire. Our main outcome variable was first illicit drug use to first injection (TIJ). TIJ was calculated by subtracting age at first drug injection from age of first illicit drug use. Results Overall, the average age at first drug use and injection were 21.4 [standard deviation (SD 5.6)] and 22.8 (SD 8.9), respectively. The average duration of injection was 6.0 (SD 4.6) years. Overall, the mean of TIJ for participants was 1.4 (IQR = 2, 4) years. Age of first injecting drug use negatively correlated with TIJ (R2 = 0.219, p = 0.001). Education level and socioeconomic status (SES), and negatively correlated with TIJ. Conclusion Some demographic factors and drug use characteristics including educational level, SES, knowledge of HIV status, age of initiating drug use, being a poly drug user and using methamphetamine were predictors of the time to transition.

DMA engine for repeating communication patterns

DOEpatents

Chen, Dong; Gara, Alan G.; Giampapa, Mark E.; Heidelberger, Philip; Steinmacher-Burow, Burkhard; Vranas, Pavlos

2010-09-21

A parallel computer system is constructed as a network of interconnected compute nodes to operate a global message-passing application for performing communications across the network. Each of the compute nodes includes one or more individual processors with memories which run local instances of the global message-passing application operating at each compute node to carry out local processing operations independent of processing operations carried out at other compute nodes. Each compute node also includes a DMA engine constructed to interact with the application via Injection FIFO Metadata describing multiple Injection FIFOs where each Injection FIFO may containing an arbitrary number of message descriptors in order to process messages with a fixed processing overhead irrespective of the number of message descriptors included in the Injection FIFO.

Filler migration and extensive lesions after lip augmentation: Adverse effects of polydimethylsiloxane filler.

PubMed

Abtahi-Naeini, Bahareh; Faghihi, Gita; Shahmoradi, Zabihollah; Saffaei, Ali

2018-01-07

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), also called liquid silicone, belongs to a group of polymeric compounds that are commonly referred to as silicones. These filling agents have been used as injectable filler for soft tissue augmentation. There are limited experiences about management of the severe complications related to filler migration associated with PDMS injection. We present a 35-year-old female with severe erythema, edema over her cheeks and neck, and multiple irregularities following cosmetic lip augmentation with PDMS. Further studies are required for management of this complicated case of PDMS injection. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Screening for basic drugs in equine urine using direct-injection differential-gradient LC-LC coupled to hybrid tandem MS/MS.

PubMed

Stanley, Shawn M R; Foo, Hsiao Ching

2006-05-19

A rapid, selective and robust direct-injection LC/hybrid tandem MS method has been developed for simultaneous screening of more than 250 basic drugs in the supernatant of enzyme hydrolysed equine urine. Analytes, trapped using a short HLB extraction column, are refocused and separated on a Sunfire C(18) analytical column using a controlled differential gradient generated by proportional dilution of the first column's eluent with water. Independent data acquisition (IDA) was configured to trigger a sensitive enhanced product ion (EPI) scan when a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) survey scan signal exceeded the defined criteria. The decision on whether or not to report a sample as a positive result was based upon both the presence of a MRM response within the correct retention time range and a qualitative match between the EPI spectrum obtained and the corresponding reference standard. Ninety seven percent of the drugs targeted by this method met our detection criteria when spiked into urine at 100 ng/ml; 199 were found at 10 ng/ml, 83 at 1 ng/ml and 4 at 0.1 ng/ml.

Platelet-rich plasma-containing fragmin-protamine micro-nanoparticles promote epithelialization and angiogenesis in split-thickness skin graft donor sites.

PubMed

Takabayashi, Yuki; Ishihara, Masayuki; Sumi, Yuki; Takikawa, Makoto; Nakamura, Shingo; Kiyosawa, Tomoharu

2015-01-01

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains multiple growth factors, and fragmin-protamine micro-nanoparticles (F-P M-NPs) significantly enhance and stabilize growth factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of PRP-containing F-P M-NPs (PRP&F-P M-NPs) on wound repair in split-thickness skin graft (STSG-) donor sites (DS). A total of 56 inbred male rats were anesthetized and split-thickness skin graft donor site (STSG-DS) were created with a Padgett dermatome. PRP&F-P M-NPs, F-P M-NPs, PRP, and saline (control) were then intradermally injected evenly into the STSG-DSs. On 3, 4, 5, 7, and 10 d after creation of STSG-DS, skin sample sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to evaluate reepithelialization and angiogenesis. Treatment of STSG-DS with PRP&F-P M-NPs effectively promoted epithelialization and new vessel formation compared with those treated with PRP, F-P M-NPs, and control (saline). The intradermal injection of PRP&F-P M-NPs promotes epithelialization and angiogenesis in STSG-DS wounds. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Overlooked Threats to Respondent Driven Sampling Estimators: Peer Recruitment Reality, Degree Measures, and Random Selection Assumption.

PubMed

Li, Jianghong; Valente, Thomas W; Shin, Hee-Sung; Weeks, Margaret; Zelenev, Alexei; Moothi, Gayatri; Mosher, Heather; Heimer, Robert; Robles, Eduardo; Palmer, Greg; Obidoa, Chinekwu

2017-06-28

Intensive sociometric network data were collected from a typical respondent driven sample (RDS) of 528 people who inject drugs residing in Hartford, Connecticut in 2012-2013. This rich dataset enabled us to analyze a large number of unobserved network nodes and ties for the purpose of assessing common assumptions underlying RDS estimators. Results show that several assumptions central to RDS estimators, such as random selection, enrollment probability proportional to degree, and recruitment occurring over recruiter's network ties, were violated. These problems stem from an overly simplistic conceptualization of peer recruitment processes and dynamics. We found nearly half of participants were recruited via coupon redistribution on the street. Non-uniform patterns occurred in multiple recruitment stages related to both recruiter behavior (choosing and reaching alters, passing coupons, etc.) and recruit behavior (accepting/rejecting coupons, failing to enter study, passing coupons to others). Some factors associated with these patterns were also associated with HIV risk.

Organic palladium and palladium-magnesium chemical modifiers in direct determination of lead in fractions from distillation of crude oil by electrothermal atomic absorption analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kowalewska, Zofia; Bulska, Ewa; Hulanicki, Adam

1999-05-01

Platinum reforming catalysts are easily poisoned by increased levels of lead, therefore a sensitive atomic absorption spectrometric procedure for lead determination in fractions from crude oil distillation was developed. Lead was present in organic form in the samples analysed therefore the behaviour of various lead compounds (Pb-alkylarylsulphonate, Pb-4-cyclohexanobutyrate, tetraethyllead, Pb in fuel oil) was studied. The best procedure for the determination of lead in different petroleum products, including those containing asphaltenes includes a pretreatment with iodine and methyltrioctylammonium chloride, followed by the use of an organic Pd-Mg modifier. Under these conditions an effective matrix removal is possible at a pyrolysis temperature up to approximately 1100°C and the behaviour of lead present in different forms is unified. The characteristic mass is 11-12 pg Pb, corresponding to a detection limit of 0.25 ng g -1 for 20 μl sample solution. This can be lowered by multiple injection.

Simultaneous quantification of poly-dispersed anionic, amphoteric and nonionic surfactants in simulated wastewater samples using C18 high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole ion-trap mass spectrometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, Lanfang H.; Garland, Jay L.; Johnson, Jodie V.

2005-01-01

This paper describes the development of a guantitative method for direct and simultaneous determination of three frequently encountered surfactants, amphoteric (cocoamphoacetate, CAA), anionic (sodium laureth sulfate, SLES), and nonionic (alcohol ethoxylate, AE) using a reversed-phase C18 HPLC coupled with an ESI ion-trap mass spectrometer (MS). Chemical composition, ionization characteristics and fragmentation pathways of the surfactants are presented. Positive ESI was effective for all three surfactants in agueous methanol buffered with ammonium acetate. The method enables rapid determinations in small sample volumes containing inorganic salts (up to 3.5 g L(-1)) and multiple classes of surfactants with high specificity by applying surfactant specific tandem mass spectrometric strategies. It has dynamic linear ranges of 2-60, 1.5-40, 0.8-56 mg L(-1) with R2 egual or greater than 0.999, 0.98 and 0.999 (10 microL injection) for CAA, SLES, and AE, respectively.

Collagenase Treatment in Dupuytren Contractures: A Review of the Current State Versus Future Needs.

PubMed

Degreef, Ilse

2016-06-01

Dupuytren disease is highly prevalent and the finger contractures can be very extensile, compromising the patients' hand function. To restore full function, contractures have been addressed by cutting the causative strands for nearly 200 years, ever since Baron Guillaume Dupuytren demonstrated his technique at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Surgery can be minimal (fasciotomy) or quite invasive (fasciectomy and even skin replacement). However, in the last decade translational research has introduced the non-surgical technique of enzymatic fasciotomy with collagenase injections. Now, finger contractures can be released with single injections on monthly intervals, to address one joint contracture at a time. However, in hands affected with Dupuytren contractures to the extent that the patient calls for treatment, most often more than one joint is involved. In surgical treatment options all contracted joints are addressed in a single procedure. Nevertheless, extensile surgery withholds inherent risks of complications and intense rehabilitation. Today, the minimally-invasive method with enzymatic fasciotomy by collagenase injection has demonstrated reliable outcomes with few morbidities and early recovery. However, single-site injection is todays' standard procedure and multiple joints are addressed in several sessions with monthly intervals. This triggers a longer recovery and treatment burden in severely affected hands even though surgery is avoided. Therefore, further treatment modalities of collagenase use are explored. Adjustments in the treatment regimes' flexibility and collagenase injections addressing more than one joint contracture simultaneously will improve the burden of multiple sessions and, therefore, enzymatic fasciotomy may become the preferred method in more extensile Dupuytren contractures. In this independent review, the challenge of Dupuytren disease affecting a single versus multiple joints is presented. The pros and cons of collagenase use are weighed, founded by the available scientific background. The demands and options for collagenase in future treatment regimens for extensile Dupuytren contractures are discussed.

Effect of pyrogen and antipyretics on prostaglandin activity in cisternal c.s.f. of unanaesthetized cats

PubMed Central

Feldberg, W.; Gupta, K. P.; Milton, A. S.; Wendlandt, Sabine

1973-01-01

1. Samples of cisternal cerebrospinal fluid (c.s.f.) were collected from unanaesthetized cats while rectal temperature was continuously recorded. From the same cat, samples were collected during normal body temperature, during pyrogen fever and when the fever was brought down by an I.P. injection of an antipyretic. Fever was produced by injection of the bacterial pyrogen of Shigella dysenteriae either into the third ventricle, cisterna magna or I.V. The samples of c.s.f. were assayed for PGE1-like activity on the rat stomach fundus strip preparation rendered insensitive to 5-HT. 2. In samples of c.s.f. collected during normal body temperature, usually either no PGE1-like activity was detected, or its activity was low. Higher values were obtained in only a few cats. 3. In each experiment the PGE1-like activity increased, often many-fold, in samples collected during the pyrogen fever, irrespective, of the route of administration of the pyrogen. However, on I.V. injection, about 1000 times larger doses of the pyrogen were required than on injection into the liquor space to produce fever and the increase in PGE1-like activity of cisternal c.s.f. 4. The antipyretic drugs indomethacin, paracetamol and aspirin, injected I.P. during the pyrogen fever, brought down temperature, and the PGE1-like activity of the cisternal c.s.f. again became low. 5. When samples of cisternal c.s.f. were subjected to thin layer chromatography the prostaglandin-like activity was solely or mainly found in the zone corresponding to the prostaglandins of the E series. 6. These findings support the theory that pyrogens produce fever by increasing synthesis and release of prostaglandin in the preoptic anterior hypothalamic area, and that antipyretics of the aspirin type bring down this fever because they inhibit this synthesis. 7. It is concluded that pyrogen increases prostaglandin synthesis not only in the preoptic anterior hypothalamic area. When injected into the liquor space increased synthesis of prostaglandin probably occurs in many regions near the surface of the brain stem, and when injected I.V. may occur in other parts of the C.N.S. as well. But to produce fever the prostaglandin has to act on the preoptic anterior hypothalamic area. PMID:4588122

Influence of fuel injection timing and pressure on in-flame soot particles in an automotive-size diesel engine.

PubMed

Zhang, Renlin; Kook, Sanghoon

2014-07-15

The current understanding of soot particle morphology in diesel engines and their dependency on the fuel injection timing and pressure is limited to those sampled from the exhaust. In this study, a thermophoretic sampling and subsequent transmission electron microscope imaging were applied to the in-flame soot particles inside the cylinder of a working diesel engine for various fuel injection timings and pressures. The results show that the number count of soot particles per image decreases by more than 80% when the injection timing is retarded from -12 to -2 crank angle degrees after the top dead center. The late injection also results in over 90% reduction of the projection area of soot particles on the TEM image and the size of soot aggregates also become smaller. The primary particle size, however, is found to be insensitive to the variations in fuel injection timing. For injection pressure variations, both the size of primary particles and soot aggregates are found to decrease with increasing injection pressure, demonstrating the benefits of high injection velocity and momentum. Detailed analysis shows that the number count of soot particles per image increases with increasing injection pressure up to 130 MPa, primarily due to the increased small particle aggregates that are less than 40 nm in the radius of gyration. The fractal dimension shows an overall decrease with the increasing injection pressure. However, there is a case that the fractal dimension shows an unexpected increase between 100 and 130 MPa injection pressure. It is because the small aggregates with more compact and agglomerated structures outnumber the large aggregates with more stretched chain-like structures.

Factors associated with history of drug use among female sex workers (FSW) in a high HIV prevalence state of India.

PubMed

Medhi, Gajendra Kumar; Mahanta, Jagadish; Kermode, Michelle; Paranjape, Ramesh S; Adhikary, Rajatashuvra; Phukan, Sanjib Kumar; Ngully, P

2012-04-05

The intersection between illicit drug use and female commercial sex work has been identified as an important factor responsible for rising HIV prevalence among female sex workers (FSW) in several northeastern states of India. But, little is know about the factors associated with the use of drugs among FSWs in this region. The objective of the paper was to describe the factors associated with history of drug use among FSWs in Dimapur, an important commercial hub of Nagaland, which is a high HIV prevalence state of India. FSWs were recruited using respondent driven sampling (RDS), and were interviewed to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and HIV risk behaviours. Biological samples were tested for HIV, syphilis gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with drug use. Among the 426 FSWs in the study, about 25% (n = 107) reported having ever used illicit drugs. Among 107 illicit drug users, 83 (77.6%) were non-injecting and 24 (22.4%) were injecting drug users. Drug-using FSWs were significantly more likely to test positive for one or more STIs (59% vs. 33.5%), active syphilis (27.1% vs. 11.4%) and Chlamydia infection (30% vs. 19.9%) compared to their non-drug using peers. Drug-using FSWs were also significantly more likely to be currently married, widowed or separated compared with non-drug-using FSWs. In multiple logistic regression analysis, being an alcohol user, being married, having a larger volume of clients, and having sexual partners who have ever used or shared injecting drugs were found to be independently associated with illicit drug use. Drug-using FSWs were more vulnerable to STIs including HIV compared to their non-drug using peers. Several important factors associated with being an FSW who uses drugs were identified in this study and this knowledge can be used to plan more effectively targeted harm reduction strategies and programs.

Autoignition in a premixing-prevaporizing fuel duct using 3 different fuel injection systems at inlet air temperatures to 1250 K

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tacina, R. R.

1983-01-01

Conditions were determined in a continuous-flow, premixing-prevaporizing duct at which autoignition occurred. Test conditions were representative of an advanced, regenerative-cycle, automotive gas turbine. The test conditions inlet air temperatures from 600 to 1250 K (a vitiated preheater was used), pressures from 170 to 600 kPa, air velocities of 10 to 30 m/sec, equivalence ratios from 0.3 to 1.0, mixing lengths from 10 to 60 cm, and residence times of 2 to 100 ms. The fuel was diesel number 2. The duct was insulated and had an inside diameter of 12 cm. Three different fuel injection systems were used: One was a single simplex pressure atomizer, and the other two were multiple-source injectors. The data obtained with the simplex and one of the multiple-source injectors agreed satisfactorily with the references and correlated with an Arrenhius expression. The data obtained with the other multiple source injector, which used multiple cones to improve the fuel-air distribution, did not correlate well with residence time.

A microfluidic flow injection system for DNA assay with fluids driven by an on-chip integrated pump based on capillary and evaporation effects.

PubMed

Xu, Zhang-Run; Zhong, Chong-Hui; Guan, Yan-Xia; Chen, Xu-Wei; Wang, Jian-Hua; Fang, Zhao-Lun

2008-10-01

A miniaturized flow injection analysis (FIA) system integrating a micropump on a microfluidic chip based on capillary and evaporation effects was developed. The pump was made by fixing a filter paper plug with a vent tube at the channel end, it requires no peripheral equipment and provides steady flow in the microl min(-1) range for FIA operation. Valve-free sample injection was achieved at nanolitre level using an array of slotted vials. The practical applicability of the system was demonstrated by DNA assay with laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection. A precision of 1.6% RSD (10.0 ng microl(-1), n=15) was achieved with a sampling throughput of 76 h(-1) and sample consumption of 95 nl.

Differentiation of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus from Poniciri Trifoliatae Fructus Immaturus using Flow- injection Mass spectrometric (FIMS) Metabolic Fingerprinting Method Combined with Chemometrics

PubMed Central

Zhao, Yang; Chang, Yuan-Shiun; Chen, Pei

2015-01-01

A flow-injection mass spectrometric metabolic fingerprinting method in combination with chemometrics was used to differentiate Aurantii Fructus Immaturus from its counterfeit Poniciri Trifoliatae Fructus Immaturus. Flow-injection mass spectrometric (FIMS) fingerprints of 9 Aurantii Fructus Immaturus samples and 12 Poniciri Trifoliatae Fructus Immaturus samples were acquired and analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA). The authentic herbs were differentiated from their counterfeits easily. Eight characteristic components which were responsible for the difference between the samples were tentatively identified. Furthermore, three out of the eight components, naringin, hesperidin, and neohesperidin, were quantified. The results are useful to help identify the authenticity of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus. PMID:25622204

Initiation and Activation of Faults in Dry and Wet Rock by Fluid Injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanchits, S.; Mayr, S.; Shapiro, S. A.; Dresen, G.

2008-12-01

We studied fracturing of rock samples induced by water injection in axial compression tests on cylindrical specimens of Flechtingen sandstone and Aue granite of 50 mm diameter and 105-125 mm length. Samples were intact solid rock cylinders and cylinders with central boreholes of 5 mm diameter and 52 mm length or through-boreholes of 2.5 mm diameter. To monitor acoustic emissions (AE) and ultrasonic velocities, twelve P-wave and six polarized S-wave sensors were glued to the cylindrical surface of the rock. Full waveforms were stored in a 12 channel transient recording system (PROEKEL, Germany). Polarity of AE first motion was used to discriminate source types associated with tensile, shear and pore-collapse cracking. To monitor strain, two pairs of orthogonally oriented strain-gages were glued onto the specimen surface. Samples were deformed in two consecutive loading steps: 1) Initial triaxial loading was performed at 20-50 MPa confining pressure on dry (under vacuum) or fully saturated samples until the yield point was reached. 2) In a second stage distilled water was injected into the samples with pore pressure increasing up to 20 MPa. For saturated samples the pore pressure was increased in steps and in periodic pulses. Injection of water into dry porous sandstone resulted in propagation of an AE hypocenter cloud closely linked to propagation of the water front. Position of the migrating water front was estimated from ultrasonic velocity measurements and measurements of the injected water volume. Propagation rate of AE-induced cloud parallel to bedding was higher than perpendicular to bedding, possibly related to permeability anisotropy. Nucleation of a brittle shear fault occurred at a critical pore pressure level with a nucleation patch located at the central borehole. Micro-structural analysis of fractured samples shows excellent agreement between location of AE hypocenters and macroscopic faults.

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction prior to field-amplified sample injection for the sensitive analysis of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, phencyclidine and lysergic acid diethylamide by capillary electrophoresis in human urine.

PubMed

Airado-Rodríguez, Diego; Cruces-Blanco, Carmen; García-Campaña, Ana M

2012-12-07

A novel capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with ultraviolet detection method has been developed and validated for the analysis of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and phencyclidine (PCP) in human urine. The separation of these three analytes has been achieved in less than 8 min in a 72-cm effective length capillary with 50-μm internal diameter. 100 mM NaH(2)PO(4)/Na(2)HPO(4), pH 6.0 has been employed as running buffer, and the separation has been carried out at temperature and voltage of 20°C, and 25kV, respectively. The three drugs have been detected at 205 nm. Field amplified sample injection (FASI) has been employed for on-line sample preconcentration. FASI basically consists in a mismatch between the electric conductivity of the sample and that of the running buffer and it is achieved by electrokinetically injecting the sample diluted in a solvent of lower conductivity than that of the carrier electrolyte. Ultrapure water resulted to be the better sample solvent to reach the greatest enhancement factor. Injection voltage and time have been optimized to 5 kV and 20s, respectively. The irreproducibility associated to electrokinetic injection has been correcting by using tetracaine as internal standard. Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) has been employed as sample treatment using experimental design and response surface methodology for the optimization of critical variables. Linear responses were found for MDMA, PCP and LSD in presence of urine matrix between 10.0 and 100 ng/mL approximately, and LODs of 1.00, 4.50, and 4.40 ng/mL were calculated for MDMA, PCP and LSD, respectively. The method has been successfully applied to the analysis of the three drugs of interest in human urine with satisfactory recovery percentages. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Principal component analysis of physicochemical and sensory characteristics of beef rounds extended with gum arabic from Acacia senegal var. kerensis.

PubMed

Mwove, Johnson K; Gogo, Lilian A; Chikamai, Ben N; Omwamba, Mary; Mahungu, Symon M

2018-03-01

Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to study the relationship between 24 meat quality measurements taken from beef round samples that were injected with curing brines containing gum arabic (1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, and 3%) and soy protein concentrate (SPC) (3.5%) at two injection levels (30% and 35%). The measurements used to describe beef round quality were expressible moisture, moisture content, cook yield, possible injection, achieved gum arabic level in beef round, and protein content, as well as descriptive sensory attributes for flavor, texture, basic tastes, feeling factors, color, and overall acceptability. Several significant correlations were found between beef round quality parameters. The highest significant negative and positive correlations were recorded between color intensity and gray color and between color intensity and brown color, respectively. The first seven principal components (PCs) were extracted explaining over 95% of the total variance. The first PC was characterized by texture attributes (hardness and denseness), feeling factors (chemical taste and chemical burn), and two physicochemical properties (expressible moisture and achieved gum arabic level). Taste attribute (saltiness), physicochemical attributes (cook yield and possible injection), and overall acceptability were useful in defining the second PC, while the third PC was characterized by metallic taste, gray color, brown color, and physicochemical attributes (moisture and protein content). The correlation loading plot showed that the distribution of the samples on the axes of the first two PCs allowed for differentiation of samples injected to 30% injection level which were placed on the upper side of the biplot from those injected to 35% which were placed on the lower side. Similarly, beef samples extended with gum arabic and those containing SPC were also visible when scores for the first and third PCs were plotted. Thus, PCA was efficient in analyzing the quality characteristics of beef rounds extended with gum arabic.

Salinity increases in the navajo aquifer in southeastern Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Naftz, D.L.; Spangler, L.E.

1994-01-01

Salinity increases in water in some parts of the Navajo aquifer in southeastern Utah have been documented previously. The purpose of this paper is to use bromide, iodide, and chloride concentrations and del oxygen-18 and deuterium values in water from the study area to determine if oil-field brines (OFB) could be the source of increased salinity. Mixing-model results indicate that the bromide-to-chloride X 10,000 weight ratio characteristic of OFB in and outside the study area could not be causing the bromide depletion with increasing salinity in the Navajo aquifer. Mixing-model results indicate that a mixture of one percent OFB with 99 percent Navajo aquifer water would more than double the bromide-to-chloride weight ratio, instead of the observed decrease in the weight ratio with increasing chloride concentration. The trend of the mixing line representing the isotopically enriched samples from the Navajo aquifer does not indicate OFB as the source of isotopically enriched water; however, the simulated isotopic composition of injection water could be a salinity source. The lighter isotopic composition of OFB samples from the Aneth, Ratherford, White Mesa Unit, and McElmo Creek injection sites relative to the Ismay site is a result of continued recycling of injection water mixed with various proportions of isotopically lighter make-up water from the alluvial aquifer along the San Juan River. A mixing model using the isotopic composition of the simulated injection water suggests that enriched samples from the Navajo aquifer are composed of 36 to 75 percent of the simulated injection water. However, chloride concentrations predicted by the isotopic mixing model are up to 13.4 times larger than the measured chloride concentrations in isotopically enriched samples from the Navajo aquifer, indicating that injection water is not the source of increased salinity. Geochemical data consistently show that OFB and associated injection water from the Greater Aneth Oil Field are not the source of salinity increases in the Navajo aquifer.

Levels of plasma and fecal glucocorticoid metabolites following an ACTH challenge in male and female coyotes (Canis latrans).

PubMed

Stevenson, Erika T; Gese, Eric M; Neuman-Lee, Lorin A; French, Susannah S

2018-03-01

Knowledge of endocrine stress responses can be advantageous for understanding how animals respond to their environment. One tool in wildlife endocrinology is to measure the adrenocortical activity as a parameter of disturbance of animals. Fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (GCMs) provide a noninvasive assessment of adrenocortical activity. Using an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge administered to 28 captive coyotes (Canis latrans), we measured the levels of plasma cortisol, and fecal cortisol and corticosterone metabolites (i.e., GCMs). Our goal was to determine the dose-response in the plasma and fecal samples following the injection and determine if there were effects of sex, age, and time of day. Specifically, animals were anesthetized for ~ 90 min with treatment animals intravenously injected with exogenous ACTH and control animals receiving saline. We collected blood samples prior to injection and at 4 different time points post-injection. We also collected fecal samples 2 days pre- and 2 days post-injection to measure fecal GCMs and determine if an endocrine stress response could be detected in fecal samples. We found a definite response in cortisol levels in the plasma for coyotes to the ACTH challenge. There was a response in fecal corticosterone 1 day post-injection, but the control males showed a similar response indicating a handling effect. Fecal cortisol levels did not indicate a response to the ACTH challenge, and were significantly lower than corticosterone concentrations. We also found significant sex, but not age or diurnal, differences in fecal GCMs. Radioimmunoassays for fecal corticosterone levels appeared to be a reliable indicator of physiological stress in coyotes.

Gas-water-rock interactions in Frio Formation following CO2 injection: Implications for the storage of greenhouse gases in sedimentary basins

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kharaka, Yousif K.; Cole, David R.; Hovorka, Susan D.; Gunter, W.D.; Knauss, Kevin G.; Freifeild, Barry M.

2006-01-01

To investigate the potential for the geologic storage of CO2 in saline sedimentary aquifers, 1600 t of CO2 were injected at 1500 m depth into a 24-m-thick sandstone section of the Frio Formation, a regional brine and oil reservoir in the U.S. Gulf Coast. Fluid samples obtained from the injection and observation wells before CO2 injection showed a Na-Ca-Cl–type brine with 93,000 mg/L total dissolved solids (TDS) at near saturation with CH4 at reservoir conditions. Following CO2 breakthrough, samples showed sharp drops in pH (6.5–5.7), pronounced increases in alkalinity (100–3000 mg/L as HCO3) and Fe (30–1100 mg/L), and significant shifts in the isotopic compositions of H2O, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and CH4. Geochemical modeling indicates that brine pH would have dropped lower but for the buffering by dissolution of carbonate and iron oxyhydroxides. This rapid dissolution of carbonate and other minerals could ultimately create pathways in the rock seals or well cements for CO2 and brine leakage. Dissolution of minerals, especially iron oxyhydroxides, could mobilize toxic trace metals and, where residual oil or suitable organics are present, the injected CO2 could also mobilize toxic organic compounds. Environmental impacts could be major if large brine volumes with mobilized toxic metals and organics migrated into potable groundwater. The δ18O values for brine and CO2 samples indicate that supercritical CO2 comprises ∼50% of pore-fluid volume ∼6 mo after the end of injection. Postinjection sampling, coupled with geochemical modeling, indicates that the brine gradually will return to its preinjection composition.

Evaluation of tracer tests completed in 1999 and 2000 on the upper Santa Clara River, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cox, Marisa H.; Mendez, Gregory O.; Kratzer, Charles R.; Reichard, Eric G.

2003-01-01

The interaction of surface water and hyporheic water along the Santa Clara River in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, California, was evaluated by conducting tracer tests and analyzing water-quality data under different flow conditions in October 1999 and May 2000. Tracer and water-quality samples were collected at multiple river and hyporheic sites as well as at the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts Saugus and Valencia Water Reclamation Plants. These water reclamation plants provide the main source of base flow in the river. Rhodamine WT dye was injected into the river to determine river traveltimes and to indicate when Lagrangian water-quality sampling could be performed at each site. Sodium bromide was injected into the river at a constant rate at the water reclamation plants to evaluate the surface-water and shallow ground-water interactions in the hyporheic zone. In the upper reach of the study area, which extends 2.9 river miles downstream from the Saugus Water Reclamation Plant, traveltime was 3.2 hours during May 2000. In the lower reach, which extends 14.1 river miles downstream from the Valencia Water Reclamation Plant, traveltime was 9.6 hours during October 1999 and 7.1 hours during May 2000. The sodium bromide tracer was detected at both hyporheic locations sampled during October 1999, and at two of the three hyporheic locations sampled during May 2000. On the basis of Rhodamine dye tests, flow curves were constructed from the discharge measurements in the Valencia reach. Flow-curve results indicate net gains in flow throughout most, but not all, of the upper parts of the reach and net losses in flow at the lower part of the reach. Lagrangian water-quality sampling provides information on the changes in chemistry as the water flows downstream from the water reclamation plants. Along both reaches there is an increase in sulfate (40-60 mg/L in the Saugus reach and 160 mg/L in the Valencia reach) and a decrease in chloride (about 45 mg/L in the Saugus reach and about 10 mg/L in the Valencia reach). The increasing sulfate concentrations are consistent with discharge of higher sulfate ground water into the river. Along both reaches there is a trend of decreasing ammonia and slightly increasing nitrate concentrations. This trend is consistent with nitrification. Samples were also analyzed for numerous compounds associated with wastewater, but analysis focused on four indicators. Concentrations of wastewater indicators in the Santa Clara River were low and decreased downstream from the reclamation plants. There is general consistency between the chemical and tracer data collected from the hyporheic and the river-aquifer flow regime within a reach. The water quality at the hyporheic site in a gaining reach of the river resembled that of the local ground water and no wastewater indicators or injected tracers were observed; whereas, the water quality at the hyporheic sites in a losing reach of the river resembled the water quality of the river at the corresponding river site, and injected tracers were observed.

Time history of diesel particle deposition in cylindrical dielectric barrier discharge reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talebizadeh, P.; Rahimzadeh, H.; Ahmadi, G.; Brown, R.; Inthavong, K.

2016-12-01

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) treatment reactors have recently been developed for elimination of diesel particulate matter for reducing both the mass and number concentration of particles. The role of the plasma itself is obscured by the phenomenon of particle deposition on the reactor surface. Therefore, in this study, the Lagrangian particle transport model is used to simulate the dispersion and deposition of nano-particles in the range of 5 to 500 nm in a NTP reactor in the absence of an electric field. A conventional cylindrical dielectric barrier discharge reactor is selected for the analysis. Brownian diffusion, gravity and Saffman lift forces were included in the simulations, and the deposition efficiencies of different sized diesel particles were studied. The results show that for the studied particle diameters, the effect of Saffman lift is negligible and gravity only affects the motion of particles with a diameter of 500 nm or larger. Time histories of particle transport and deposition were evaluated for one-time injection and a continuous (multiple-time) injection. The results show that the number of deposited particles for one-time injection is identical to the number of deposited particles for multiple-time injections when adjusted with the shift in time. Furthermore, the maximum number of escaped particles occurs at 0.045 s after the injection for all particle diameters. The presented results show that some particle reduction previously ascribed to plasma treatment has ignored contributions from the surface deposition.

Injected mass deposition thresholds for lithium granule instigated triggering of edge localized modes on EAST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lunsford, R.; Sun, Z.; Maingi, R.; Hu, J. S.; Mansfield, D.; Xu, W.; Zuo, G. Z.; Diallo, A.; Osborne, T.; Tritz, K.; Canik, J.; Huang, M.; Meng, X. C.; Gong, X. Z.; Wan, B. N.; Li, J. G.; the EAST Team

2018-03-01

The ability of an injected lithium granule to promptly trigger an edge localized mode (ELM) has been established in multiple experiments. By horizontally injecting granules ranging in diameter from 200 microns to 1 mm in diameter into the low field side of EAST H-mode discharges we have determined that granules with diameter  >600 microns are successful in triggering ELMs more than 95% of the time. It was also demonstrated that below 600 microns the triggering efficiency decreased roughly with granule size. Granules were radially injected from the outer midplane with velocities ~80 m s-1 into EAST upper single null discharges with an ITER like tungsten monoblock divertor. These granules were individually tracked throughout their injection cycle in order to determine their efficacy at triggering an ELM. For those granules of sufficient size, ELM triggering was a prompt response to granule injection. By simulating the granule injection with an experimentally benchmarked neutral gas shielding (NGS) model, the ablatant mass deposition required to promptly trigger an ELM is calculated and the fractional mass deposition is determined.

[Impact analysis of shuxuetong injection on abnormal changes of ALT based on generalized boosted models propensity score weighting].

PubMed

Yang, Wei; Yi, Dan-Hui; Xie, Yan-Ming; Yang, Wei; Dai, Yi; Zhi, Ying-Jie; Zhuang, Yan; Yang, Hu

2013-09-01

To estimate treatment effects of Shuxuetong injection on abnormal changes on ALT index, that is, to explore whether the Shuxuetong injection harms liver function in clinical settings and to provide clinical guidance for its safe application. Clinical information of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) injections is gathered from hospital information system (HIS) of eighteen general hospitals. This is a retrospective cohort study, using abnormal changes in ALT index as an outcome. A large number of confounding biases are taken into account through the generalized boosted models (GBM) and multiple logistic regression model (MLRM) to estimate the treatment effects of Shuxuetong injections on abnormal changes in ALT index and to explore possible influencing factors. The advantages and process of application of GBM has been demonstrated with examples which eliminate the biases from most confounding variables between groups. This serves to modify the estimation of treatment effects of Shuxuetong injection on ALT index making the results more reliable. Based on large scale clinical observational data from HIS database, significant effects of Shuxuetong injection on abnormal changes in ALT have not been found.

Study of pore pressure reaction on hydraulic fracturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trimonova, Mariia; Baryshnikov, Nikolay; Turuntaev, Sergey; Zenchenko, Evgeniy; Zenchenko, Petr

2017-04-01

We represent the results of the experimental study of the hydraulic fracture propagation influence on the fluid pore pressure. Initial pore pressure was induced by injection and production wells. The experiments were carried out according to scaling analysis based on the radial model of the fracture. All required geomechanical and hydrodynamical properties of a sample were derived from the scaling laws. So, gypsum was chosen as a sample material and vacuum oil as a fracturing fluid. The laboratory setup allows us to investigate the samples of cylindrical shape. It can be considered as an advantage in comparison with standard cubic samples, because we shouldn't consider the stress field inhomogeneity induced by the corners. Moreover, we can set 3D-loading by this setting. Also the sample diameter is big enough (43cm) for placing several wells: the fracturing well in the center and injection and production wells on two opposite sides of the central well. The experiment consisted of several stages: a) applying the horizontal pressure; b) applying the vertical pressure; c) water solution injection in the injection well with a constant pressure; d) the steady state obtaining; e) the oil injection in the central well with a constant rate. The pore pressure was recorded in the 15 points along bottom side of the sample during the whole experiment. We observe the pore pressure change during all the time of the experiment. First, the pore pressure changed due to water injection. Then we began to inject oil in the central well. We compared the obtained experimental data on the pore pressure changes with the solution of the 2D single-phase equation of pore-elasticity, and we found significant difference. The variation of the equation parameters couldn't help to resolve the discrepancy. After the experiment, we found that oil penetrated into the sample before and after the fracture initiation. This fact encouraged us to consider another physical process - the oil-water displacement. Have taken into account the phenomenon, we could find the parameter values for the best matching the experimental data with the analytical one. After such a comparison, we could estimate the permeability variation in the different directions due to changes in the pore pressure during fracturing. Thus it was found that for the correct solution of hydrodynamic problems in relation with hydraulic fracturing (for example, to estimate the production rate of the fractured well) one should take into account the change of the permeability in the vicinity of the fracture and solve nonlinear pore-elasticity problem.

Ultrasound guided therapeutic injections of the cervical spine and brachial plexus.

PubMed

Cormick, Wes

2014-02-01

Introduction : Recent applications in ultrasound imaging include ultrasound assessment and ultrasound guided therapeutic injections of the spine and brachial plexus. Discussion : Ultrasound is an ideal modality for these regions as it allows accurate safe and quick injection of single or multiple sites. It has the added advantages of lack of ionising radiation, and can be done without requiring large expensive radiology equipment. Conclusion : Brachial plexus pathology may be present in patients presenting for shoulder symptoms where very little is found at imaging the shoulder. It is important to understand the anatomy and normal variants that may exist to be able to recognise when pathology is present. When pathology is demonstrated it is easy to do a trial of therapy with ultrasound guided injection of steroid around the nerve lesion. This review will outline the normal anatomy and variants and common pathology, which can be amenable to ultrasound guided injection of steroid.

Lithium wall conditioning by high frequency pellet injection in RFX-mod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Innocente, P.; Mansfield, D. K.; Roquemore, A. L.; Agostini, M.; Barison, S.; Canton, A.; Carraro, L.; Cavazzana, R.; De Masi, G.; Fassina, A.; Fiameni, S.; Grando, L.; Rais, B.; Rossetto, F.; Scarin, P.

2015-08-01

In the RFX-mod reversed field pinch experiment, lithium wall conditioning has been tested with multiple scopes: to improve density control, to reduce impurities and to increase energy and particle confinement time. Large single lithium pellet injection, lithium capillary-pore system and lithium evaporation has been used for lithiumization. The last two methods, which presently provide the best results in tokamak devices, have limited applicability in the RFX-mod device due to the magnetic field characteristics and geometrical constraints. On the other side, the first mentioned technique did not allow injecting large amount of lithium. To improve the deposition, recently in RFX-mod small lithium multi-pellets injection has been tested. In this paper we compare lithium multi-pellets injection to the other techniques. Multi-pellets gave more uniform Li deposition than evaporator, but provided similar effects on plasma parameters, showing that further optimizations are required.

Characterizing SRAM Single Event Upset in Terms of Single and Double Node Charge Collection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Black, J. D.; Ball, D. R., II; Robinson, W. H.; Fleetwood, D. M.; Schrimpf, R. D.; Reed, R. A.; Black, D. A.; Warren, K. M.; Tipton, A. D.; Dodd, P. E.;

Dampened hippocampal oscillations and enhanced spindle activity in an asymptomatic model of developmental cortical malformations

PubMed Central

Cid, Elena; Gomez-Dominguez, Daniel; Martin-Lopez, David; Gal, Beatriz; Laurent, François; Ibarz, Jose M.; Francis, Fiona; Menendez de la Prida, Liset

2014-01-01

Developmental cortical malformations comprise a large spectrum of histopathological brain abnormalities and syndromes. Their genetic, developmental and clinical complexity suggests they should be better understood in terms of the complementary action of independently timed perturbations (i.e., the multiple-hit hypothesis). However, understanding the underlying biological processes remains puzzling. Here we induced developmental cortical malformations in offspring, after intraventricular injection of methylazoxymethanol (MAM) in utero in mice. We combined extensive histological and electrophysiological studies to characterize the model. We found that MAM injections at E14 and E15 induced a range of cortical and hippocampal malformations resembling histological alterations of specific genetic mutations and transplacental mitotoxic agent injections. However, in contrast to most of these models, intraventricularly MAM-injected mice remained asymptomatic and showed no clear epilepsy-related phenotype as tested in long-term chronic recordings and with pharmacological manipulations. Instead, they exhibited a non-specific reduction of hippocampal-related brain oscillations (mostly in CA1); including theta, gamma and HFOs; and enhanced thalamocortical spindle activity during non-REM sleep. These data suggest that developmental cortical malformations do not necessarily correlate with epileptiform activity. We propose that the intraventricular in utero MAM approach exhibiting a range of rhythmopathies is a suitable model for multiple-hit studies of associated neurological disorders. PMID:24782720

Dampened hippocampal oscillations and enhanced spindle activity in an asymptomatic model of developmental cortical malformations.

PubMed

Cid, Elena; Gomez-Dominguez, Daniel; Martin-Lopez, David; Gal, Beatriz; Laurent, François; Ibarz, Jose M; Francis, Fiona; Menendez de la Prida, Liset

2014-01-01

Developmental cortical malformations comprise a large spectrum of histopathological brain abnormalities and syndromes. Their genetic, developmental and clinical complexity suggests they should be better understood in terms of the complementary action of independently timed perturbations (i.e., the multiple-hit hypothesis). However, understanding the underlying biological processes remains puzzling. Here we induced developmental cortical malformations in offspring, after intraventricular injection of methylazoxymethanol (MAM) in utero in mice. We combined extensive histological and electrophysiological studies to characterize the model. We found that MAM injections at E14 and E15 induced a range of cortical and hippocampal malformations resembling histological alterations of specific genetic mutations and transplacental mitotoxic agent injections. However, in contrast to most of these models, intraventricularly MAM-injected mice remained asymptomatic and showed no clear epilepsy-related phenotype as tested in long-term chronic recordings and with pharmacological manipulations. Instead, they exhibited a non-specific reduction of hippocampal-related brain oscillations (mostly in CA1); including theta, gamma and HFOs; and enhanced thalamocortical spindle activity during non-REM sleep. These data suggest that developmental cortical malformations do not necessarily correlate with epileptiform activity. We propose that the intraventricular in utero MAM approach exhibiting a range of rhythmopathies is a suitable model for multiple-hit studies of associated neurological disorders.

Idiopathic Supraglottic Stenosis Refractory to Multiple Interventions Improved With Serial Office-based Steroid Injections.

PubMed

Hoffman, Matthew R; Mai, Johnny P; Dailey, Seth H

2017-10-30

The objective of this study was to describe a patient with idiopathic supraglottic stenosis who experienced persistent disease despite multiple office-based and operative interventions, whose disease is now better controlled with scheduled serial office-based steroid injections. This is a case report and literature review. A 42-year-old female was referred for worsening supraglottic stenosis despite systemic steroids. She underwent awake tracheotomy. A thorough historical, histologic, and laboratory workup did not reveal an etiology to her stenosis. She later underwent endoscopic partial laryngectomy and was able to be decannulated. She underwent a second endoscopic partial laryngectomy two years later for worsening disease and then was managed over the next seven years with intermittent systemic steroids. Over the last year, she has undergone eight office-based steroid injections with improvement in her degree of stenosis and symptom burden. There are only four prior reported cases of idiopathic supraglottic stenosis, none of which has been managed with serial office-based steroid injections. This case report adds to the small body of literature on the management of this rare disease and proposes a new office-based treatment pathway that may help induce regression of stenosis. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Performance of a multiple venturi fuel-air preparation system. [fuel injection for gas turbines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tacina, R. R.

1979-01-01

Spatial fuel-air distributions, degree of vaporization, and pressure drop were measured 16.5 cm downstream of the fuel injection plane of a multiple Venturi tube fuel injector. Tests were performed in a 12 cm tubular duct. Test conditions were: a pressure of 0.3 MPa, inlet air temperature from 400 to 800K, air velocities of 10 and 20 m/s, and fuel-air ratios of 0.010 and 0.020. The fuel was Diesel #2. Spatial fuel-air distributions were within + or - 20 percent of the mean at inlet air temperatures above 450K. At an inlet air temperature of 400K, the fuel-air distribution was measured when a 50 percent blockage plate was placed 9.2 cm upstream of the fuel injection plane to distort the inlet air velocity fuel injection plane to distort the inlet air velocity profile. Vaporization of the fuel was 50 percent complete at an inlet air temperature of 400K and the percentage increased linearly with temperature to complete vaporization at 600K. The pressure drop was 3 percent at the design point which was three times greater than the designed value and the single tube experiment value. No autoignition or flashback was observed at the conditions tested.

Fluoroscopically Guided Diagnostic and Therapeutic Intra-Articular Sacroiliac Joint Injections: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Kennedy, David J; Engel, Andrew; Kreiner, D Scott; Nampiaparampil, Devi; Duszynski, Belinda; MacVicar, John

2015-08-01

To assess the validity of fluoroscopically guided diagnostic intra-articular injections of local anesthetic and effectiveness of intra-articular steroid injections in treating sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain. Systematic review. Ten reviewers independently assessed 45 publications on diagnostic validity or effectiveness of fluoroscopically guided intra-articular SIJ injections. For diagnostic injections, the primary outcome was validity; for therapeutic injections, analgesia. Secondary outcomes were also described. Of 45 articles reviewed, 39 yielded diagnostic data on physical exam findings, provocation tests, and SIJ injections for diagnosing SIJ pain, and 15 addressed therapeutic effectiveness. When confirmed by comparative local anesthetic blocks with a high degree of pain relief, no single physical exam maneuver predicts response to diagnostic injections. When at least three physical exam findings are present, sensitivity, and specificity increases significantly. The prevalence of SIJ pain is likely 20-30% among patients that have suspected SIJ pain based on history and physical examination. This estimate may be higher in certain subgroups such as the elderly and fusion patients. Two randomized controlled trials and multiple observational studies supported the effectiveness of therapeutic sacroiliac joint injections. Based on this literature, it is unclear whether image-guided intra-articular diagnostic injections of local anesthetic predict positive responses to therapeutic agents. The overall quality of evidence is moderate for the effectiveness of therapeutic SIJ injections. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Numerical analysis of combustion characteristics of hybrid rocket motor with multi-section swirl injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chengen; Cai, Guobiao; Tian, Hui

2016-06-01

This paper is aimed to analyse the combustion characteristics of hybrid rocket motor with multi-section swirl injection by simulating the combustion flow field. Numerical combustion flow field and combustion performance parameters are obtained through three-dimensional numerical simulations based on a steady numerical model proposed in this paper. The hybrid rocket motor adopts 98% hydrogen peroxide and polyethylene as the propellants. Multiple injection sections are set along the axis of the solid fuel grain, and the oxidizer enters the combustion chamber by means of tangential injection via the injector ports in the injection sections. Simulation results indicate that the combustion flow field structure of the hybrid rocket motor could be improved by multi-section swirl injection method. The transformation of the combustion flow field can greatly increase the fuel regression rate and the combustion efficiency. The average fuel regression rate of the motor with multi-section swirl injection is improved by 8.37 times compared with that of the motor with conventional head-end irrotational injection. The combustion efficiency is increased to 95.73%. Besides, the simulation results also indicate that (1) the additional injection sections can increase the fuel regression rate and the combustion efficiency; (2) the upstream offset of the injection sections reduces the combustion efficiency; and (3) the fuel regression rate and the combustion efficiency decrease with the reduction of the number of injector ports in each injection section.

Dynamic reservoir-condition microtomography of reactive transport in complex carbonates: Effect of initial pore structure and initial brine pH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Menke, H. P.; Bijeljic, B.; Blunt, M. J.

2017-05-01

We study the impact of brine acidity and initial pore structure on the dynamics of fluid/solid reaction at high Péclet numbers and low Damköhler numbers. A laboratory μ-CT scanner was used to image the dissolution of Ketton, Estaillades, and Portland limestones in the presence of CO2-acidified brine at reservoir conditions (10 MPa and 50 °C) at two injected acid strengths for a period of 4 h. Each sample was scanned between 6 and 10 times at ∼4 μm resolution and multiple effluent samples were extracted. The images were used as inputs into flow simulations, and analysed for dynamic changes in porosity, permeability, and reaction rate. Additionally, the effluent samples were used to verify the image-measured porosity changes. We find that initial brine acidity and pore structure determine the type of dissolution. Dissolution is either uniform where the porosity increases evenly both spatially and temporally, or occurs as channelling where the porosity increase is concentrated in preferential flow paths. Ketton, which has a relatively homogeneous pore structure, dissolved uniformly at pH = 3.6 but showed more channelized flow at pH = 3.1. In Estaillades and Portland, increasingly complex carbonates, channelized flow was observed at both acidities with the channel forming faster at lower pH. It was found that the effluent pH, which is higher than that injected, is a reasonably good indicator of effective reaction rate during uniform dissolution, but a poor indicator during channelling. The overall effective reaction rate was up to 18 times lower than the batch reaction rate measured on a flat surface at the effluent pH, with the lowest reaction rates in the samples with the most channelized flow, confirming that transport limitations are the dominant mechanism in determining reaction dynamics at the fluid/solid boundary.

CZE determination of submicromolar level of phenol in seawater using improved dynamic pH junction.

PubMed

Yasuno, Koki; Fukushi, Keiichi

2016-10-01

Using an improved dynamic pH junction as an on-line concentration procedure, we developed CZE for determining submicromolar phenol in seawater for chloride to phenol concentration ratios of 1 000 000. To enhance the effect of conventional dynamic pH junction, a saturated fatty acid solution was injected into the capillary after sample injection. We named the procedure an improved dynamic pH junction. The method requires no sample pretreatment. The following optimum conditions were established: BGE, 40 mM sodium tetraborate decahydrate adjusted to pH 9.8 containing 0.001% m/v hexadimethrine bromide; 190 nm detection wavelength; 18 s (370 nL) vacuum injection period of sample; a saturated fatty acid solution, 30 mM sodium n-hexanoate; 20 s (420 nL) vacuum injection period of the sodium n-hexanoate; and 15 kV applied voltage with the sample inlet side as the cathode. The LOD for phenol was 5.9 μg/L at S/N of 3. The respective values of the RSD (intraday) of the peak area, peak height, and migration time for phenol were 1.9, 2.9, and 0.46%. The recoveries of phenol (25-100 μg/L) spiked into the natural seawater sample obtained using the peak areas were 92-110%. The proposed method was applied to simple biodegradation experiments using natural seawater samples containing phenol. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Pathology, Organ Distribution, and Immune Response after Single and Repeated Intravenous Injection of Rats with Clinical-Grade Parvovirus H1

PubMed Central

Geletneky, Karsten; Leoni, Anne-Laure; Pohlmeyer-Esch, Gabriele; Loebhard, Stephanie; Baetz, Andrea; Leuchs, Barbara; Roscher, Mandy; Hoefer, Constance; Jochims, Karin; Dahm, Michael; Huber, Bernard; Rommelaere, Jean; Krebs, Ottheinz; Hajda, Jacek

2015-01-01

Parvovirus H1 (H1PV) is an autonomous parvovirus that is transmitted in rodent populations. Its natural host is rats. H1PV infection is nonpathogenic except in rat and hamster fetuses and newborns. H1PV infection of human cancer cells caused strong oncolytic effects in preclinical models. For a clinical trial of H1PV in patients with brain tumors, clinical-grade H1PV was produced according to Good Manufacturing Practices. This report focuses on results obtained after a single high-dose intravenous injection of highly purified H1PV in 30 rats and multiple (n = 17) intravenous injections at 3 dose levels in 223 rats. In both studies, no virus-related mortality or macroscopic organ changes related to H1PV occurred. Histopathology after multiple virus injections revealed minimal diffuse bile duct hyperplasia in livers of animals of the highest dose group and germinal center development in spleens of animals from the high-dose group. Liver changes were reversible within a 2-wk recovery period after the last injection. Hematology, blood chemistry, and coagulation analyses did not reveal significant toxicologic changes due to H1PV. Virus injection stimulated the production of IgG antibodies but did not alter mononuclear cell function or induce cytokine release. PCR analysis showed dose-dependent levels of viral genomes in all organs tested. The virus was excreted primarily through feces. These data provide important information regarding H1PV infection in its natural host. Due to the confirmation of the favorable safety profile of H1PV in a permissive animal model, a phase I/IIa clinical trial of H1PV in brain tumor patients could be initiated. PMID:25730754

An ethnographic exploration of drug markets in Kisumu, Kenya

PubMed Central

Syvertsen, Jennifer L.; Ohaga, Spala; Agot, Kawango; Dimova, Margarita; Guise, Andy; Rhodes, Tim; Wagner, Karla D.

2016-01-01

Background Illegal drug markets are shaped by multiple forces, including local actors and broader economic, political, social, and criminal justice systems that intertwine to impact health and social wellbeing. Ethnographic analyses that interrogate multiple dimensions of drug markets may offer both applied and theoretical insights into drug use, particularly in developing nations where new markets and local patterns of use traditionally have not been well understood. This paper explores the emergent drug market in Kisumu, western Kenya, where our research team recently documented evidence of injection drug use. Methods Our exploratory study of injection drug use was conducted in Kisumu from 2013-2014. We draw on 151 surveys, 29 in-depth interviews, and 8 months of ethnographic fieldwork to describe the drug market from the perspective of injectors, focusing on their perceptions of the market and reports of drug use therein. Results Injectors described a dynamic market in which the availability of drugs and proliferation of injection drug use have taken on growing importance in Kisumu. In addition to reports of white and brown forms of heroin and concerns about drug adulteration in the market, we unexpectedly documented widespread perceptions of cocaine availability and injection in Kisumu. Examining price data and socio-pharmacological experiences of cocaine injection left us with unconfirmed evidence of its existence, but opened further possibilities about how the chaos of new drug markets and diffusion of injection-related beliefs and practices may lend insight into the sociopolitical context of western Kenya. Conclusions We suggest a need for expanded drug surveillance, education and programming responsive to local conditions, and further ethnographic inquiry into the social meanings of emergent drug markets in Kenya and across sub-Saharan Africa. PMID:26838470

Treatment of unicameral bone cysts in pediatric patients with an injectable regenerative graft: a preliminary report.

PubMed

Gentile, John V; Weinert, Carl R; Schlechter, John A

2013-01-01

Multiple treatment modalities exist for unicameral bone cysts (UBC), including steroid injection, autologous bone marrow injection, mechanical decompression, intramedullary fixation, curettage, and bone grafting. All have their own potential limitations such as high recurrence rates, cyst persistence, need for multiple procedures, and prolonged immobilization. A minimally invasive regimen consisting of curettage, decompression, and injection of a calcium sulfate-calcium phosphate (CaSO4-CaPO4) composite has been utilized at our institution in an attempt to obtain optimal results for the treatment of UBCs in the pediatric population. We retrospectively evaluated 16 patients with pathologically confirmed UBC who were treated with curettage, decompression, and injection of a calcium sulfate-calcium phosphate composite between April 2006 and August 2010 at a single institution. The average age of the patients at time of surgical intervention was 9.4 years of age (range, 3 to 16 y). Average follow-up was 16 months (range, 6 to 36 mo). Radiographic healing, clinical outcomes, and complications were evaluated. Final follow-up radiographs demonstrated healing in 93.7% (15 of 16) of patients after a single procedure. Complete healing was observed in 14 of 16 patients and partially healed with a defect in 1 of 16 patients. One patient had a persistent cyst but did not wish to receive further treatment. All patients returned to full activities including sports on average at 3.1 months (range, 1 to 6 mo) and were asymptomatic on most recent follow-up. No postoperative complications, including refracture, were observed. Curettage, decompression, and injection of a calcium sulfate-calcium phosphate composite for UBC in the pediatric population demonstrates encouraging results with low recurrence rates and complications compared with conventional methods. Case series, Level of Evidence IV.

First-line disease-modifying drugs in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: an Italian real-life multicenter study on persistence.

PubMed

Ferraro, Diana; Camera, Valentina; Baldi, Eleonora; Vacchiano, Veria; Curti, Erica; Guareschi, Angelica; Malagù, Susanna; Montepietra, Sara; Strumia, Silvia; Santangelo, Mario; Caniatti, Luisa; Foschi, Matteo; Lugaresi, Alessandra; Granella, Franco; Pesci, Ilaria; Motti, Luisa; Neri, Walter; Immovilli, Paolo; Montanari, Enrico; Vitetta, Francesca; Simone, Anna Maria; Sola, Patrizia

2018-04-12

The introduction of oral disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) in addition to the available, injectable, ones for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) could be expected to improve medication persistence due to a greater acceptability of the route of administration. The aim of the study was to compare the proportion of patients discontinuing injectable DMDs (interferon beta 1a/1b, pegylated interferon, glatiramer acetate) with those discontinuing oral DMDs (dimethylfumarate and teriflunomide) during an observation period of at least 12 months. Secondary aims were to compare the time to discontinuation and the reasons for discontinuation between the two groups and to explore the demographic and clinical factors associated with DMD discontinuation. In this prospective, multi-center, real-life observational study, patients commencing any first-line DMD between 1 January 2015 and 31 July 2016 were enrolled and followed up for at least 12 months or until the drug was discontinued. Of the 520 included patients, 262 (49.6%) started an injectable and 258 (50.4%) an oral DMD. There was no difference in the proportion of patients on oral (n = 62, 24%) or on injectable (n = 60, 23%) DMDs discontinuing treatment, the most frequent reason being adverse events/side-effects. Higher baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores and younger age increased the odds of treatment withdrawal. Time to treatment discontinuation was not different between the two groups and was not influenced by the initiated DMD (oral versus injectable), even after adjustment for baseline differences. The route of administration alone (i.e. oral versus injectable) was not a significant predictor of persistence with first-line DMDs in RRMS.

An ethnographic exploration of drug markets in Kisumu, Kenya.

PubMed

Syvertsen, Jennifer L; Ohaga, Spala; Agot, Kawango; Dimova, Margarita; Guise, Andy; Rhodes, Tim; Wagner, Karla D

2016-04-01

Illegal drug markets are shaped by multiple forces, including local actors and broader economic, political, social, and criminal justice systems that intertwine to impact health and social wellbeing. Ethnographic analyses that interrogate multiple dimensions of drug markets may offer both applied and theoretical insights into drug use, particularly in developing nations where new markets and local patterns of use traditionally have not been well understood. This paper explores the emergent drug market in Kisumu, western Kenya, where our research team recently documented evidence of injection drug use. Our exploratory study of injection drug use was conducted in Kisumu from 2013 to 2014. We draw on 151 surveys, 29 in-depth interviews, and 8 months of ethnographic fieldwork to describe the drug market from the perspective of injectors, focusing on their perceptions of the market and reports of drug use therein. Injectors described a dynamic market in which the availability of drugs and proliferation of injection drug use have taken on growing importance in Kisumu. In addition to reports of white and brown forms of heroin and concerns about drug adulteration in the market, we unexpectedly documented widespread perceptions of cocaine availability and injection in Kisumu. Examining price data and socio-pharmacological experiences of cocaine injection left us with unconfirmed evidence of its existence, but opened further possibilities about how the chaos of new drug markets and diffusion of injection-related beliefs and practices may lend insight into the sociopolitical context of western Kenya. We suggest a need for expanded drug surveillance, education and programming responsive to local conditions, and further ethnographic inquiry into the social meanings of emergent drug markets in Kenya and across sub-Saharan Africa. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.