The effect of convection on infrared detection by antennal warm cells in the bloodsucking bug Rhodnius prolixus

PubMed Central

Tichy, Harald

2015-01-01

Previous work revealed that bloodsucking bugs can discriminate between oscillating changes in infrared (IR) radiation and air temperature (T) using two types of warm cells located in peg-in-pit sensilla and tapered hairs (Zopf LM, Lazzari CR, Tichy H. J Neurophysiol 111: 1341–1349, 2014). These two stimuli are encoded and discriminated by the response quotient of the two warm cell types. IR radiation stimulates the warm cell in the peg-in-pit sensillum more strongly than that in the tapered hair. T stimuli evoke the reverse responses; they stimulate the latter more strongly than the former. In nature, IR and T cues are always present with certain radiation intensities and air temperatures, here referred to as background IR radiation and background T. In this article, we found that the response quotient permits the discrimination of IR and T oscillations even in the presence of different backgrounds. We show that the two warm cells respond well to IR oscillations if the background T operates by natural convection but poorly at forced convection, even if the background T is higher than at natural convection. Background IR radiation strongly affects the responses to T oscillations: the discharge rates of both warm cells are higher the higher the power of the IR background. We compared the warm cell responses with the T measured inside small model objects shaped like a cylinder, a cone, or a disc. The experiments indicate that passive thermal effects of the sense organs rather than intrinsic properties of the sensory cells are responsible for the observed results. PMID:25609113

A leadership initiative to improve communication and enhance safety.

PubMed

Donahue, Moreen; Miller, Matthew; Smith, Lisa; Dykes, Patricia; Fitzpatrick, Joyce J

2011-01-01

The EMPOWER project was a collaborative effort to promote a culture of patient safety at Danbury Hospital through an interdisciplinary leadership-driven communication program. The "EMPOWER" component includes Educating and Mentoring Paraprofessionals On Ways to Enhance Reporting of changes in patient status. Specifically, the EMPOWER program was designed to prepare paraprofessional staff (PPS) to communicate changes in patient status using SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendations) structured communication. The specific project goals included (a) translation of SBAR structured communication methods for use with PPS, (b) reduction of cultural and educational barriers to interdisciplinary communication, and (c) examination of the effect of the EMPOWER intervention on the PPS communication practices and perceptions of the patient safety culture. Results of the project indicate a change in the use of SBAR throughout the institution, with particular improvement in communication from PPS to professional staff.

High dynamic range pixel architecture for advanced diagnostic medical x-ray imaging applications

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

Izadi, Mohammad Hadi; Karim, Karim S.

2006-05-15

The most widely used architecture in large-area amorphous silicon (a-Si) flat panel imagers is a passive pixel sensor (PPS), which consists of a detector and a readout switch. While the PPS has the advantage of being compact and amenable toward high-resolution imaging, small PPS output signals are swamped by external column charge amplifier and data line thermal noise, which reduce the minimum readable sensor input signal. In contrast to PPS circuits, on-pixel amplifiers in a-Si technology reduce readout noise to levels that can meet even the stringent requirements for low noise digital x-ray fluoroscopy (<1000 noise electrons). However, larger voltagesmore » at the pixel input cause the output of the amplified pixel to become nonlinear thus reducing the dynamic range. We reported a hybrid amplified pixel architecture based on a combination of PPS and amplified pixel designs that, in addition to low noise performance, also resulted in large-signal linearity and consequently higher dynamic range [K. S. Karim et al., Proc. SPIE 5368, 657 (2004)]. The additional benefit in large-signal linearity, however, came at the cost of an additional pixel transistor. We present an amplified pixel design that achieves the goals of low noise performance and large-signal linearity without the need for an additional pixel transistor. Theoretical calculations and simulation results for noise indicate the applicability of the amplified a-Si pixel architecture for high dynamic range, medical x-ray imaging applications that require switching between low exposure, real-time fluoroscopy and high-exposure radiography.« less

Biodistribution and pharmacokinetic analysis of long-circulating thiolated gelatin nanoparticles following systemic administration in breast cancer-bearing mice.

PubMed

Kommareddy, Sushma; Amiji, Mansoor

2007-02-01

The objective of the present study was to modify thiolated gelatin nanoparticles with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains and examine their long circulating and tumor-targeting properties in vivo in an orthotopic a human breast adenocarcinoma xenograft model. The crosslinked nanoparticle systems were characterized to have a size of 150-250 nm with rapid payload release properties in a highly reducing environment. Upon PEG modification, the nanoparticle size increased to 300-350 nm in diameter. The presence of PEG chains on the surface was confirmed by characterization with electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis. The in vivo long-circulating potential, biodistribution and passive tumor targeting of the controls, and PEG-modified thiolated gelatin nanoparticles were evaluated by injecting indium-111 (111In)-labeled nanoparticles into breast tumor (MDA-MB-435)-bearing nude mice. Upon modification with PEG, the nanoparticles were found to have longer circulation times, with the plasma and tumor half-lives of 15.3 and 37.8 h, respectively. The results also showed preferential localization of thiolated nanoparticles in the tumor mass. The resulting nanoparticulate systems with long circulation properties could be used to target encapsulated drugs and genes to tumors passively by utilizing the enhanced permeability and retention effect of the tumor vasculature. Copyright (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The effect of convection on infrared detection by antennal warm cells in the bloodsucking bug Rhodnius prolixus.

PubMed

Tichy, Harald; Zopf, Lydia M

2015-04-01

Previous work revealed that bloodsucking bugs can discriminate between oscillating changes in infrared (IR) radiation and air temperature (T) using two types of warm cells located in peg-in-pit sensilla and tapered hairs (Zopf LM, Lazzari CR, Tichy H. J Neurophysiol 111: 1341-1349, 2014). These two stimuli are encoded and discriminated by the response quotient of the two warm cell types. IR radiation stimulates the warm cell in the peg-in-pit sensillum more strongly than that in the tapered hair. T stimuli evoke the reverse responses; they stimulate the latter more strongly than the former. In nature, IR and T cues are always present with certain radiation intensities and air temperatures, here referred to as background IR radiation and background T. In this article, we found that the response quotient permits the discrimination of IR and T oscillations even in the presence of different backgrounds. We show that the two warm cells respond well to IR oscillations if the background T operates by natural convection but poorly at forced convection, even if the background T is higher than at natural convection. Background IR radiation strongly affects the responses to T oscillations: the discharge rates of both warm cells are higher the higher the power of the IR background. We compared the warm cell responses with the T measured inside small model objects shaped like a cylinder, a cone, or a disc. The experiments indicate that passive thermal effects of the sense organs rather than intrinsic properties of the sensory cells are responsible for the observed results. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Private Practitioners’ Perspectives on Their Involvement With the Tuberculosis Control Programme in a Southern Indian State

PubMed Central

Salve, Solomon; Sheikh, Kabir; Porter, John DH

2016-01-01

Background: Public and private health sectors both play a crucial role in the health systems of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The tuberculosis (TB) control strategy in India encourages the public sector to actively partner with private practitioners (PPs) to improve the quality of front line service delivery. However, ensuring effective and sustainable involvement of PPs constitutes a major challenge. This paper reports the findings from an empirical study focusing on the perspectives and experiences of PPs towards their involvement in TB control programme in India. Methods: The study was carried out between November 2010 and December 2011 in a district of a Southern Indian State and utilised qualitative methodologies, combining observations and in-depth interviews with 21 PPs from different medical systems. The collected data was coded and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: PPs perceived themselves to be crucial healthcare providers, with different roles within the public-private mix (PPM) TB policy. Despite this, PPs felt neglected and undervalued in the actual process of implementation of the PPM-TB policy. The entire process was considered to be government driven and their professional skills and knowledge of different medical systems remained unrecognised at the policy level, and weakened their relationship and bond with the policy and with the programme. PPs had contrasting perceptions about the different components of the TB programme that demonstrated the public sector’s dominance in the overall implementation of the DOTS strategy. Although PPs felt responsible for their TB patients, they found it difficult to perceive themselves as ‘partners with the TB programme.’ Conclusion: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly utilized as a public health strategy to strengthen health systems. These policies will fail if the concerns of the PPs are neglected. To ensure their long-term involvement in the programme the abilities of PPs and the important perspectives from other Indian medical systems need to be recognised and supported. PMID:27801358

Functional impairment related to painful physical symptoms in patients with generalized anxiety disorder with or without comorbid major depressive disorder: post hoc analysis of a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most frequent anxiety disorder in primary care patients. It is known that painful physical symptoms (PPS) are associated with GAD, regardless the presence of comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD). However the specific role of such symptoms in patients' functional impairment is not well understood. The objective of the present study is to assess functional impairment related to the presence of PPS in patients with GAD. Methods This is a post hoc analysis of a cross-sectional study. Functioning, in the presence (overall pain score >30; Visual Analog Scale) or absence of PPS, was assessed using the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) in three groups of patients; 1) GAD and comorbid MDD (GAD+MDD+), 2) GAD without comorbid MDD (GAD+MDD-), 3) controls (GAD-MDD-). ANCOVA models were used. Results Of those patients with GAD+MDD+ (n = 559), 436 (78.0%) had PPS, compared with GAD+MDD- (249 of 422, 59%) and controls (95 of 336, 28.3%). Functioning worsened in both GAD groups in presence of PPS (SDS least squares mean total score: 16.1 vs. 9.8, p < 0.0001, GAD+MDD+; 14.3 vs. 8.2, p < 0.0001, GAD+MDD-). The presence of PPS was significantly associated with less productivity. Conclusions Functional impairment related to the presence of PPS was relevant. Clinical implications should be considered. PMID:21510887

Exploring the role of organizational policies and procedures in promoting research utilization in registered nurses

PubMed Central

Squires, Janet E; Moralejo, Donna; LeFort, Sandra M

2007-01-01

Background Policies and procedures (P&Ps) have been suggested as one possible strategy for moving research evidence into practice among nursing staff in hospitals. Research in the area of P&Ps is limited, however. This paper explores: 1) nurses' use of eight specific research-based practices (RBPs) and RBP overall, 2) nurses' use and understanding of P&Ps, and 3) the role of P&Ps in promoting research utilization. Methods Staff nurses from the eight health regions governing acute care services across the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador completed an anonymous questionnaire regarding their use of eight RBPs and associated P&Ps. Data were also obtained from authorities in six of the eight regions about existing relevant P&Ps. We used descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis to assess the relationship between key independent variables and self-reported use of RBP. Results Use of the eight RBPs ranged from 7.8% to 88.6%, depending on the practice. Nurses ranked P&P manuals as their number one source of practice knowledge. Most respondents (84.8%) reported that the main reason they consult the P&P manual is to confirm they are practicing according to agency rules. Multivariate regression analysis identified three significant predictors of being a user versus non-user of RBP overall: awareness, awareness by regular use, and persuasion. Six significant predictors of being a consistent versus less consistent user of RBP overall were also identified: perception of P&P existence, unit, nursing experience, personal experience as a source of practice knowledge, number of existing research-based P&Ps, and lack of time as a barrier to consulting P&P manuals. Conclusion Findings suggest that nurses use P&Ps to guide their practice. However, the mere existence of P&Ps is not sufficient to translate research into nursing practice. Individual and organizational factors related to nurses' understanding and use of P&Ps also play key roles. Thus, moving research evidence into practice will require careful interplay between the organization and the individual. P&Ps may be the interface through which this occurs. PMID:17550597

Inter-comparison of the EUMETSAT H-SAF and NASA PPS precipitation products over Western Europe.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kidd, Chris; Panegrossi, Giulia; Ringerud, Sarah; Stocker, Erich

2017-04-01

The development of precipitation retrieval techniques utilising passive microwave satellite observations has achieved a good degree of maturity through the use of physically-based schemes. The DMSP Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) has been the mainstay of passive microwave observations over the last 13 years forming the basis of many satellite precipitation products, including NASA's Precipitation Processing System (PPS) and EUMETSAT's Hydrological Satellite Application Facility (H-SAF). The NASA PPS product utilises the Goddard Profiling (GPROF; currently 2014v2-0) retrieval scheme that provides a physically consistent retrieval scheme through the use of coincident active/passive microwave retrievals from the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission core satellite. The GPM combined algorithm retrieves hydrometeor profiles optimized for consistency with both Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and GPM Microwave Imager (GMI); these profiles form the basis of the GPROF database which can be utilized for any constellation radiometer within the framework a Bayesian retrieval scheme. The H-SAF product (PR-OBS-1 v1.7) is based on a physically-based Bayesian technique where the a priori information is provided by a Cloud Dynamic Radiation Database (CDRD). Meteorological parameter constraints, derived from synthetic dynamical-thermodynamical-hydrological meteorological profile variables, are used in conjunction with multi-hydrometeor microphysical profiles and multispectral PMW brightness temperature vectors into a specialized a priori knowledge database underpinning and guiding the algorithm's Bayesian retrieval solver. This paper will present the results of an inter-comparison of the NASA PPS GPROF and EUMETSAT H-SAF PR-OBS-1 products over Western Europe for the period from 1 January 2015 through 31 December 2016. Surface radar is derived from the UKMO-derived Nimrod European radar product, available at 15 minute/5 km resolution. Initial results show that overall the correlations between the two satellite precipitation products and surface radar precipitation estimates are similar, particularly for cases where there is extensive precipitation; however, the H-SAF tends to have poorer correlations in situations where rain is light or limited in extent. Similarly, RMSEs for the GPROF scheme tend to a smaller than those of the H-SAF retrievals. The difference in the performance can be traced to the identification of precipitation; the GPROF2014v2-0 scheme overestimates the occurrence and extent of the precipitation, generating a significant amount of light precipitation. The H-SAF scheme has a lower precipitation threshold of about 0.25 mmh-1 while overestimating moderate and higher precipitation intensities.

Primordial power spectrum from Planck

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

Hazra, Dhiraj Kumar; Shafieloo, Arman; Souradeep, Tarun, E-mail: dhiraj@apctp.org, E-mail: arman@apctp.org, E-mail: tarun@iucaa.ernet.in

2014-11-01

Using modified Richardson-Lucy algorithm we reconstruct the primordial power spectrum (PPS) from Planck Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) temperature anisotropy data. In our analysis we use different combinations of angular power spectra from Planck to reconstruct the shape of the primordial power spectrum and locate possible features. Performing an extensive error analysis we found the dip near ℓ ∼ 750–850 represents the most prominent feature in the data. Feature near ℓ ∼ 1800–2000 is detectable with high confidence only in 217 GHz spectrum and is apparently consequence of a small systematic as described in the revised Planck 2013 papers. Fixing the background cosmological parameters andmore » the foreground nuisance parameters to their best fit baseline values, we report that the best fit power law primordial power spectrum is consistent with the reconstructed form of the PPS at 2σ C.L. of the estimated errors (apart from the local features mentioned above). As a consistency test, we found the reconstructed primordial power spectrum from Planck temperature data can also substantially improve the fit to WMAP-9 angular power spectrum data (with respect to power-law form of the PPS) allowing an overall amplitude shift of ∼ 2.5%. In this context low-ℓ and 100 GHz spectrum from Planck which have proper overlap in the multipole range with WMAP data found to be completely consistent with WMAP-9 (allowing amplitude shift). As another important result of our analysis we do report the evidence of gravitational lensing through the reconstruction analysis. Finally we present two smooth form of the PPS containing only the important features. These smooth forms of PPS can provide significant improvements in fitting the data (with respect to the power law PPS) and can be helpful to give hints for inflationary model building.« less

Treatment of 9L gliosarcoma in rats by ferrociphenol-loaded lipid nanocapsules based on a passive targeting strategy via the EPR effect.

PubMed

Huynh, Ngoc Trinh; Morille, Marie; Bejaud, Jerome; Legras, Pierre; Vessieres, Anne; Jaouen, Gerard; Benoit, Jean-Pierre; Passirani, Catherine

2011-12-01

To study a passive targeting strategy, via the enhanced permeability and retention effect following systemic administration of lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) loaded with ferrociphenol, FcdiOH. Long chains of polyethylene glycol (DSPE-mPEG2000) were incorporated onto the surface of LNCs by post-insertion technique. Stealth properties of LNCs were investigated by in vitro complement consumption and macrophage uptake, and in vivo pharmacokinetics in healthy rats. Antitumour effect of FcdiOH-loaded LNCs was evaluated in subcutaneous and intracranial 9L gliosarcoma rat models. LNCs and DSPE-mPEG2000-LNCs presented low complement activation and weak macrophage uptake. DSPE-mPEG2000-LNCs exhibited prolonged half-life and extended area under the curve in healthy rats. In a subcutaneous gliosarcoma model, a single intravenous injection of FcdiOH-LNCs (400 μL, 2.4 mg/rat) considerably inhibited tumour growth when compared to the control. DSPE-mPEG2000-FcdiOH-LNCs exhibited a strong antitumour effect by nearly eradicating the tumour by the end of the study. In intracranial gliosarcoma model, treatment with DSPE-mPEG2000-FcdiOH-LNCs and FcdiOH-LNCs statistically improved median survival time (28 and 27.5 days, respectively) compared to the control (25 days). These results demonstrate the interesting perspectives for the systemic treatment of glioma thanks to bio-organometallic chemotherapy via lipid nanocapsules.

Physical characterization and performance comparison of active- and passive-pixel CMOS detectors for mammography.

PubMed

Elbakri, I A; McIntosh, B J; Rickey, D W

2009-03-21

We investigated the physical characteristics of two complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) mammography detectors. The detectors featured 14-bit image acquisition, 50 microm detector element (del) size and an active area of 5 cm x 5 cm. One detector was a passive-pixel sensor (PPS) with signal amplification performed by an array of amplifiers connected to dels via data lines. The other detector was an active-pixel sensor (APS) with signal amplification performed at each del. Passive-pixel designs have higher read noise due to data line capacitance, and the APS represents an attempt to improve the noise performance of this technology. We evaluated the detectors' resolution by measuring the modulation transfer function (MTF) using a tilted edge. We measured the noise power spectra (NPS) and detective quantum efficiencies (DQE) using mammographic beam conditions specified by the IEC 62220-1-2 standard. Our measurements showed the APS to have much higher gain, slightly higher MTF, and higher NPS. The MTF of both sensors approached 10% near the Nyquist limit. DQE values near dc frequency were in the range of 55-67%, with the APS sensor DQE lower than the PPS DQE for all frequencies. Our results show that lower read noise specifications in this case do not translate into gains in the imaging performance of the sensor. We postulate that the lower fill factor of the APS is a possible cause for this result.

PEGylated graphene oxide elicits strong immunological responses despite surface passivation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Nana; Weber, Jeffrey K.; Wang, Shuang; Luan, Binquan; Yue, Hua; Xi, Xiaobo; Du, Jing; Yang, Zaixing; Wei, Wei; Zhou, Ruhong; Ma, Guanghui

2017-02-01

Engineered nanomaterials promise to transform medicine at the bio-nano interface. However, it is important to elucidate how synthetic nanomaterials interact with critical biological systems before such products can be safely utilized in humans. Past evidence suggests that polyethylene glycol-functionalized (PEGylated) nanomaterials are largely biocompatible and elicit less dramatic immune responses than their pristine counterparts. We here report results that contradict these findings. We find that PEGylated graphene oxide nanosheets (nGO-PEGs) stimulate potent cytokine responses in peritoneal macrophages, despite not being internalized. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations support a mechanism by which nGO-PEGs preferentially adsorb onto and/or partially insert into cell membranes, thereby amplifying interactions with stimulatory surface receptors. Further experiments demonstrate that nGO-PEG indeed provokes cytokine secretion by enhancing integrin β8-related signalling pathways. The present results inform that surface passivation does not always prevent immunological reactions to 2D nanomaterials but also suggest applications for PEGylated nanomaterials wherein immune stimulation is desired.

PEG-lipid micelles as drug carriers: physiochemical attributes, formulation principles and biological implication.

PubMed

Gill, Kanwaldeep K; Kaddoumi, Amal; Nazzal, Sami

2015-04-01

PEG-lipid micelles, primarily conjugates of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and distearyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE) or PEG-DSPE, have emerged as promising drug-delivery carriers to address the shortcomings associated with new molecular entities with suboptimal biopharmaceutical attributes. The flexibility in PEG-DSPE design coupled with the simplicity of physical drug entrapment have distinguished PEG-lipid micelles as versatile and effective drug carriers for cancer therapy. They were shown to overcome several limitations of poorly soluble drugs such as non-specific biodistribution and targeting, lack of water solubility and poor oral bioavailability. Therefore, considerable efforts have been made to exploit the full potential of these delivery systems; to entrap poorly soluble drugs and target pathological sites both passively through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and actively by linking the terminal PEG groups with targeting ligands, which were shown to increase delivery efficiency and tissue specificity. This article reviews the current state of PEG-lipid micelles as delivery carriers for poorly soluble drugs, their biological implications and recent developments in exploring their active targeting potential. In addition, this review sheds light on the physical properties of PEG-lipid micelles and their relevance to the inherent advantages and applications of PEG-lipid micelles for drug delivery.

Charting a path forward: policy analysis of China's evolved DRG-based hospital payment system

PubMed Central

Liu, Rui; Shi, Jianwei; Yang, Beilei; Jin, Chunlin; Sun, Pengfei; Wu, Lingfang; Yu, Dehua; Xiong, Linping; Wang, Zhaoxin

2017-01-01

Abstract Background At present, the diagnosis-related groups-based prospective payment system (DRG-PPS) that has been implemented in China is merely a prototype called the simplified DRG-PPS, which is known as the ‘ceiling price for a single disease’. Given that studies on the effects of a simplified DRG-PPS in China have usually been controversial, we aim to synthesize evidence examining whether DRGs can reduce medical costs and length of stay (LOS) in China. Methods Data were searched from both Chinese [Wan Fang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI)] and international databases (Web of Science and PubMed), as well as the official websites of Chinese health departments in the 2004–2016 period. Only studies with a design that included both experimental (with DRG-PPS implementation) and control groups (without DRG-PPS implementation) were included in the review. Results The studies were based on inpatient samples from public hospitals distributed in 12 provinces of mainland China. Among them, 80.95% (17/21) revealed that hospitalization costs could be reduced significantly, and 50.00% (8/16) indicated that length of stay could be decreased significantly. In addition, the government reports showed the enormous differences in pricing standards and LOS in various provinces, even for the same disease. Conclusions We conclude that the simplified DRGs are useful in controlling hospitalization costs, but they fail to reduce LOS. Much work remains to be done in China to improve the simplified DRG-PPS. PMID:28911128

Long-circulating DNA lipid nanocapsules as new vector for passive tumor targeting.

PubMed

Morille, Marie; Montier, Tristan; Legras, Pierre; Carmoy, Nathalie; Brodin, Priscille; Pitard, Bruno; Benoît, Jean-Pierre; Passirani, Catherine

2010-01-01

Systemic gene delivery systems are needed for therapeutic application to organs that are inaccessible by percutaneous injection. Currently, the main objective is the development of a stable and non-toxic vector that can encapsulate and deliver foreign genetic material to target cells. To this end, DNA, complexed with cationic lipids i.e. DOTAP/DOPE, was encapsulated into lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) leading to the formation of stable nanocarriers (DNA LNCs) with a size inferior to 130 nm. Amphiphilic and flexible poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymer coatings [PEG lipid derivative (DSPE-mPEG(2000)) or F108 poloxamer] at different concentrations were selected to make DNA LNCs stealthy. Some of these coated lipid nanocapsules were able to inhibit complement activation and were not phagocytized in vitro by macrophagic THP-1 cells whereas uncoated DNA LNCs accumulated in the vacuolar compartment of THP-1 cells. These results correlated with a significant increase of in vivo circulation time in mice especially for DSPE-mPEG(2000) 10 mm and an early half-life time (t(1/2) of distribution) 5-fold greater than for non-coated DNA LNCs (7.1 h vs 1.4 h). Finally, a tumor accumulation assessed by in vivo fluorescence imaging system was evidenced for these coated LNCs as a passive targeting without causing any hepatic damage.

The effect of a braking device in reducing the ground impact forces inherent in plyometric training.

PubMed

Humphries, B J; Newton, R U; Wilson, G J

1995-02-01

As a consequence of performing plyometric type exercises, such as depth jumps, impact forces placed on the musculoskeletal system during landing can lead to a potential for injury. A reduction of impact forces upon landing could therefore contribute to reduce the risk of injury. Twenty subjects performed a series of loaded jumps for maximal height, with and without a brake mechanism designed to reduce impact force during landing. The braked jumps were performed on the Plyometric Power System (PPS) with its braking mechanism set at 75% of body weight during the downward phase. The non-braked condition involved jumps with no braking. Vertical ground reaction force data, sampled for 5.5 s at 550 Hz from a Kistler forceplate, were collected for each jump condition. The following parameters were then calculated: peak vertical force, time to peak force, passive impact impulse and maximum concentric force. The brake served to significantly (p < 0.01) reduce peak impact force by 155% and passive impact impulse by 200%. No significant differences were found for peak concentric force production. The braking mechanism of the PPS significantly reduced ground impact forces without impeding concentric force production. The reduction in eccentric loading, using the braking mechanism, may reduce the incidence of injury associated with landings from high intensity plyometric exercises.

Between-Day Reliability of Pre-Participation Screening Components in Pre-Professional Ballet and Contemporary Dancers.

PubMed

Kenny, Sarah J; Palacios-Derflingher, Luz; Owoeye, Oluwatoyosi B A; Whittaker, Jackie L; Emery, Carolyn A

2018-03-15

Critical appraisal of research investigating risk factors for musculoskeletal injury in dancers suggests high quality reliability studies are lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine between-day reliability of pre-participation screening (PPS) components in pre-professional ballet and contemporary dancers. Thirty-eight dancers (35 female, 3 male; median age; 18 years; range: 11 to 30 years) participated. Screening components (Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28, body mass index, percent total body fat, total bone mineral density, Foot Posture Index-6, hip and ankle range of motion, three lumbopelvic control tasks, unipedal dynamic balance, and the Y-Balance Test) were conducted one week apart. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs: 95% confidence intervals), standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change (MDC), Bland-Altman methods of agreement [95% limits of agreement (LOA)], Cohen's kappa coefficients, standard error, and percent agreements were calculated. Depending on the screening component, ICC estimates ranged from 0.51 to 0.98, kappa coefficients varied between -0.09 and 0.47, and percent agreement spanned 71% to 95%. Wide 95% LOA were demonstrated by Foot Posture Index-6 (right: -6.06, 7.31), passive hip external rotation (right: -9.89, 16.54), and passive supine turnout (left: -15.36, 17.58). The PPS components examined demonstrated moderate to excellent relative reliability with mean between-day differences less than MDC, or sufficient percent agreement, across all assessments. However, due to wide 95% limits of agreement, the Foot Posture Index-6 and passive hip range of motion are not recommended for screening injury risk in pre-professional dancers.

A Functional Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Modified with PLA-PEG-DG as Tumor-Targeted MRI Contrast Agent.

PubMed

Xiong, Fei; Hu, Ke; Yu, Haoli; Zhou, Lijun; Song, Lina; Zhang, Yu; Shan, Xiuhong; Liu, Jianping; Gu, Ning

2017-08-01

Tumor targeting could greatly promote the performance of magnetic nanomaterials as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) agent for tumor diagnosis. Herein, we reported a novel magnetic nanoparticle modified with PLA (poly lactic acid)-PEG (polyethylene glycol)-DG (D-glucosamine) as Tumor-targeted MRI Contrast Agent. In this work, we took use of the D-glucose passive targeting on tumor cells, combining it on PLA-PEG through amide reaction, and then wrapped the PLA-PEG-DG up to the Fe 3 O 4 @OA NPs. The stability and anti phagocytosis of Fe 3 O 4 @OA@PLA-PEG-DG was tested in vitro; the MRI efficiency and toxicity was also detected in vivo. These functional magnetic nanoparticles demonstrated good biocompatibility and stability both in vitro and in vivo. Cell experiments showed that Fe 3 O 4 @OA@PLA-PEG-DG nanoparticles exist good anti phagocytosis and high targetability. In vivo MRI images showed that the contrast effect of Fe 3 O 4 @OA@PLA-PEG-DG nanoparticles prevailed over the commercial non tumor-targeting magnetic nanomaterials MRI agent at a relatively low dose. The DG can validly enhance the tumor-targetting effect of Fe 3 O 4 @OA@PLA-PEG nanoparticle. Maybe MRI agents with DG can hold promise as tumor-targetting development in the future.

Plasma-panel based detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedman, Peter

2017-09-01

The plasma panel sensor (PPS) is a novel micropattern gas detector inspired by plasma display panels (PDPs), the core component of plasma-TVs. A PDP comprises millions of discrete cells per square meter, each of which, when provided with a signal pulse, can initiate and sustain a plasma discharge. Configured as a detector, a pixel or cell is biased to discharge when a free-electron is generated in the gas. The PPS consists of an array of small plasma discharge pixels, and can be configured to have either an ``open-cell'' or ``closed-cell'' structure, operating with high gain in the Geiger region. We describe both configurations and their application to particle physics. The open-cell PPS lends itself to ultra-low-mass, ultrathin structures, whereas the closed-cell microhexcavity PPS is capable of higher performance. For the ultrathin-PPS, we are fabricating 3-inch devices based on two types of extremely thin, inorganic, transparent, substrate materials: one being 8-10 µm thick, and the other 25-27 µm thick. These gas-filled ultrathin devices are designed to operate in a beam-line vacuum environment, yet must be hermetically-sealed and gas-filled in an ambient environment at atmospheric pressure. We have successfully fabricated high resolution, submillimeter pixel electrodes on both types of ultrathin substrates. We will also report on the fabrication, staging and operation of the first microhexcavity detectors (µH-PPS). The first µH-PPS prototype devices have a 16 by 16 matrix of closed packed hexagon pixels, each having a 2 mm width. Initial tests of these detectors, conducted with Ne based gases at atmospheric pressure, indicate that each pixel responds independent of its neighboring cells, producing volt level pulse amplitudes in response to ionizing radiation. Results will include the hit rate response to a radioactive beta source, cosmic ray muons, the background from spontaneous discharge, pixel isolation and uniformity, and efficiency measurements. This work was funded in part by a DOE Office of Nuclear Physics SBIR Phase-II Grant.

Impact of road traffic “penalty points” on high energy pelvic trauma

PubMed Central

Ellanti, Prasad; Davarinos, Nikos; Morris, Seamus; McElwain, John Paul

2013-01-01

Background: The penalty points system (PPS) was introduced in 2002 in an attempt to reduce the increasing rate of road traffic accident (RTA) related fatalities and serious injuries. Points are awarded based on the severity of the offence and are cumulative. A total of 12 points results in the disqualification from driving. Objective: A few studies have looked at the immediate or short term impact of PPS on trauma services or specific injuries such as spine trauma in Ireland. Little data is available on the long term effect of the PPS. The aim of this study is to see if the PPS system has had an influence on the number of pelvic injuries referred to our unit for surgical intervention and if this influence is sustained in the longer term. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of all pelvic and acetabular injuries admitted to our unit from 1999 to 2008 was undertaken. The mechanism of injury, the site and patient demographics were noted. Results: A total of 467 patients were identified over the ten year period. 454 patients were included in the study. There was a significant male preponderance of 76%. Mean age was 36.5 years (range 16 to 83). RTA's were the cause in 74% (n = 335) of the cases. The annual work load remained similar over the years. There has been a reduction in the number of RTA related pelvic injuries. There have been notable drops in the number of these cases corresponding to the introduction of the PPS and its subsequent expansion. The number of pelvic injuries due to falls continues to rise. Conslusion: The introduction of the PPS and its subsequent expansion has had a positive influence on the number of RTA related pelvic trauma. Continued surveillance and enforcement of the PPS is important for a sustained benefit from it in the long term. PMID:23723619

Acute Effects of Different Stretching Techniques on the Number of Repetitions in A Single Lower Body Resistance Training Session

PubMed Central

Sá, Marcos A.; Neto, Gabriel R.; Costa, Pablo B.; Gomes, Thiago M.; Bentes, Cláudio M.; Brown, Amanda F.; Novaes, Jefferson S.

2015-01-01

This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of passive static and ballistic stretching on maximal repetition performance during a resistance training session (RTS). Nine male subjects underwent three experimental conditions: ballistic stretching (BS); passive static stretching (PSS); and a specific warm-up (SW). The RTS was composed of three sets of 12RM for the following exercises: leg press 45 (LP), leg extension (LE), leg curl (LC), and plantar flexors (PF). Performance of six sessions was assessed 48 hours apart. The first visit consisted of a familiarization session including stretching methods and exercises used in the RTS. On the second and third visit, a strength test and retest were performed. During the fourth to the sixth visit, the volunteers randomly performed the following protocols: BS+RTS; PSS+RTS; or SW+RTS. For the sum of the RM number of each three-set exercise, significant differences were found between PSS vs. SW for the LP (p = 0.001); LE (p = 0.005); MF (p = 0.001); and PF (p = 0.038). For the comparison between the methods of stretching PSS vs. BS, significant differences were found only for the FP (p = 0.019). When analyzing the method of stretching BS vs. SW, significant differences were found for the LP (p = 0.014) and MF (p = 0.002). For the total sum of the RM number of three sets of the four exercises that composed the RTS, significant differences were observed (p < 0.05) in the following comparisons: PPS vs. SW (p = 0.001), PPS vs. BS (p = 0.008), and BS vs. SW (p = 0.002). Accordingly, the methods of passive static and ballistic stretching should not be recommended before a RTS. PMID:25964821

PNA-PEG modified silicon platforms as functional bio-interfaces for applications in DNA microarrays and biosensors.

PubMed

Cattani-Scholz, Anna; Pedone, Daniel; Blobner, Florian; Abstreiter, Gerhard; Schwartz, Jeffrey; Tornow, Marc; Andruzzi, Luisa

2009-03-09

The synthesis and characterization of two types of silicon-based biofunctional interfaces are reported; each interface bonds a dense layer of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG(n)) and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes. Phosphonate self-assembled monolayers were derivatized with PNA using a maleimido-terminated PEG(45). Similarly, siloxane monolayers were functionalized with PNA using a maleimido-terminated PEG(45) spacer and were subsequently modified with a shorter methoxy-terminated PEG(12) ("back-filling"). The long PEG(45) spacer was used to distance the PNA probe from the surface and to minimize undesirable nonspecific adsorption of DNA analyte. The short PEG(12) "back-filler" was used to provide additional passivation of the surface against nonspecific DNA adsorption. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis near the C 1s and N 1s ionization edges was done to characterize chemical groups formed in the near-surface region, which confirmed binding of PEG and PNA to the phosphonate and silane films. XPS also indicated that additional PEG chains were tethered to the surface during the back-filling process. Fluorescence hybridization experiments were carried out with complementary and noncDNA strands; both phosphonate and siloxane biofunctional surfaces were effective for hybridization of cDNA strands and significantly reduced nonspecific adsorption of the analyte. Spatial patterns were prepared by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micromolding on the PNA-functionalized surfaces; selective hybridization of fluorescently labeled DNA was shown at the PNA functionalized regions, and physisorption at the probe-less PEG-functionalized regions was dramatically reduced. These results show that PNA-PEG derivatized phosphonate monolayers hold promise for the smooth integration of device surface chemistry with semiconductor technology for the fabrication of DNA biosensors. In addition, our results confirm that PNA-PEG derivatized self-assembled carboxyalkylsiloxane films are promising substrates for DNA microarray applications.

Semi-quantitative assay for polyketide prymnesins isolated from Prymnesium parvum (Haptophyta) cultures.

PubMed

La Claire, J W; Manning, S R; Talarski, A E

2015-08-01

A fluorometric assay was developed to semi-quantify co-purified polyketide prymnesins-1 and -2 (PPs) from Prymnesium parvum cultures. Evaluations performed throughout the growth cycle of 5 practical salinity unit (PSU) cultures detected relatively 8-10 × more PPs in the culture medium (exotoxins) than in cells (endotoxins). The [exotoxin] remained stable and relatively low until post-log growth, when they increased significantly. However, on a per-cell basis, [exotoxin] declined throughout log phase and subsequently increased dramatically during late- and post-log phases. The [endotoxin] remained stable until late- and post-log phases, when it achieved its highest level before declining sharply. Shaking cultures of strains from Texas, South Carolina and the United Kingdom displayed dramatically different [exotoxin] during post-log decline. Cultures adapted to 30 PSU had significantly lower [exotoxin] over the course of cultivation than those grown at 5 PSU. Phosphate limitation enhanced [exotoxin] on a per-cell basis, especially in late- and post-log cultures. Media containing streptomycin exhibited a ∼20% increase in [exotoxin] in post-log cultures vs. control treatments, but it had only negligible effects on endotoxin levels. Brefeldin A had minimal effects on [exotoxin], suggesting that the presence of PPs in the medium may be largely derived from cell lysis or some other passive means. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Depolarizing Effects of Daikenchuto on Interstitial Cells of Cajal from Mouse Small Intestine

PubMed Central

Kim, Hyungwoo; Kim, Hyun Jung; Yang, Dongki; Jung, Myeong Ho; Kim, Byung Joo

2017-01-01

Background: Daikenchuto (DKT; TJ-100, TU-100), a traditional herbal medicineis used in modern medicine to treat gastrointestinal (GI) functional disorders. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are the pacemaker cells of the GI tract and play important roles in the regulation of GI motility. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of DKT on the pacemaker potentials (PPs) of cultured ICCs from murine small intestine. Materials and Methods: Enzymatic digestions were used to dissociate ICCs from mouse small intestine tissues. All experiments on ICCs were performed after 12 h of culture. The whole-cell patch-clamp configuration was used to record ICC PPs (current clamp mode). All experiments were performed at 30-32°C. Results: In current-clamp modeDKT depolarized and concentration-dependently decreased the amplitudes of PPs. Y25130 (a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist) or SB269970 (a 5-HT7 receptor antagonist) did not block DKT-induced PP depolarization, but RS39604 (a 5-HT4 receptor antagonist) did. Methoctramine (a muscarinic M2 receptor antagonist) failed to block DKT-induced PP depolarization, but pretreating 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (a muscarinic M3 receptor antagonist) facilitated blockade of DKT-induced PP depolarization. Pretreatment with an external Ca2+-free solution or thapsigargin abolished PPsand under these conditions, DKT did not induce PP depolarization. Furthermore Ginseng radix and Zingiberis rhizomes depolarized PPs, whereas Zanthoxyli fructus fruit (the third component of DKT) hyperpolarized PPs. Conclusion: These results suggest that DKT depolarizes ICC PPs in an internal or external Ca2+-dependent manner by stimulating 5-HT4 and M3 receptors. Furthermore, the authors suspect that the component in DKT largely responsible for depolarization is probably also a component of Ginseng radix and Zingiberis rhizomes. SUMMARY Daikenchuto (DKT) depolarized and concentration-dependently decreased the amplitudes of pacemaker potentials (PPs)Y25130 (a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist) or SB269970 (a 5-HT7 receptor antagonist) did not block DKT-induced PP depolarization, but RS39604 (a 5-HT4 receptor antagonist) didMethoctramine (a muscarinic M2 receptor antagonist) failed to block DKT-induced PP depolarization, but pretreating 4-DAMP (a muscarinic M3 receptor antagonist) facilitated blockade of DKT-induced PP depolarizationGinseng radix and Zingiberis rhizomes depolarized PPswhereas Zanthoxyli fructus fruit (the third component of DKT) hyperpolarized PPs. Abbreviation used: DKT: Daikenchuto, GI: Gastrointestinal, ICCs: Interstitial cells of Cajal, PPs: Pacemaker Potentials. PMID:28216898

Pulse-rate discrimination by cochlear-implant and normal-hearing listeners with and without binaural cues

PubMed Central

Carlyon, Robert P.; Long, Christopher J.; Deeks, John M.

2008-01-01

Experiment 1 measured rate discrimination of electric pulse trains by bilateral cochlear implant (CI) users, for standard rates of 100, 200, and 300 pps. In the diotic condition the pulses were presented simultaneously to the two ears. Consistent with previous results with unilateral stimulation, performance deteriorated at higher standard rates. In the signal interval of each trial in the dichotic condition, the standard rate was presented to the left ear and the (higher) signal rate was presented to the right ear; the non-signal intervals were the same as in the diotic condition. Performance in the dichotic condition was better for some listeners than in the diotic condition for standard rates of 100 and 200 pps, but not at 300 pps. It is concluded that the deterioration in rate discrimination observed for CI users at high rates cannot be alleviated by the introduction of a binaural cue, and is unlikely to be limited solely by central pitch processes. Experiment 2 performed an analogous experiment in which 300-pps acoustic pulse trains were bandpass filtered (3900-5400 Hz) and presented in a noise background to normal-hearing listeners. Unlike the results of experiment 1, performance was superior in the dichotic than in the diotic condition. PMID:18397032

Accelerating large-scale protein structure alignments with graphics processing units

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Large-scale protein structure alignment, an indispensable tool to structural bioinformatics, poses a tremendous challenge on computational resources. To ensure structure alignment accuracy and efficiency, efforts have been made to parallelize traditional alignment algorithms in grid environments. However, these solutions are costly and of limited accessibility. Others trade alignment quality for speedup by using high-level characteristics of structure fragments for structure comparisons. Findings We present ppsAlign, a parallel protein structure Alignment framework designed and optimized to exploit the parallelism of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). As a general-purpose GPU platform, ppsAlign could take many concurrent methods, such as TM-align and Fr-TM-align, into the parallelized algorithm design. We evaluated ppsAlign on an NVIDIA Tesla C2050 GPU card, and compared it with existing software solutions running on an AMD dual-core CPU. We observed a 36-fold speedup over TM-align, a 65-fold speedup over Fr-TM-align, and a 40-fold speedup over MAMMOTH. Conclusions ppsAlign is a high-performance protein structure alignment tool designed to tackle the computational complexity issues from protein structural data. The solution presented in this paper allows large-scale structure comparisons to be performed using massive parallel computing power of GPU. PMID:22357132

Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment of the post-polio syndrome: sustained effects on quality of life variables and cytokine expression after one year follow up

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Expression of inflammatory cytokines in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has led to the hypothesis of intrathecal chronic inflammation to explain the denervation observed in post-polio syndrome (PPS). It has been shown that therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) improves physical performance and dampens down the inflammatory process at 6 months in PPS patients. We here examined the effects of IVIG on cytokine expression and clinical outcome one year after IVIG treatment. Methods From a previous study with 135 PPS patients included, 41 patients were further evaluated before un-blinding for one year (21 placebo and 20 treated with IVIG, Xepol® 50 mg/ml), and were assessed for clinical variables by performing the Short Form-36 survey (SF-36) questionnaire assessment, the 6 minute walk distance test (6MWT) and registering pain level by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after IVIG treatment. A separate cohort of 37 PPS patients went through lumbar puncture (LP) at baseline and 20 patients, treated with IVIG, repeated the LP one year later. Thirty patients affected with other neurological diseases (OND) were used as control group. Inflammatory cytokines TNF, TGFβ, IFNγ, IL-23, IL-13 and IL-10 were measured in blood cells and CSF cells with RT-PCR. Results Scores of the physical components of SF-36 were significantly higher at the one year follow up time-point in the IVIG-treated patients when compared to baseline as well as to the control subjects. Pain VAS score and 6MWT improved significantly in the IVIG-treated patients when compared with baseline Relative expression of TNF and IFN-γ in both PBMCs and CSF from PPS patients were increased compared to OND subjects at baseline (p < 0.05). One year after IVIG-treatment a decreased expression of IFN-γ and IL23 was found in CSF of PPS patients, while anti-inflammatory IL-13 was increased (p < 0.05). Conclusions IVIG has effects on relevant QoL variables and inflammatory cytokines up to one year in patients with PPS. This gives a basis for scheduling IVIG in upcoming trials with this therapy. PMID:22776106

Enhancing the Durability and Carrier Selectivity of Perovskite Solar Cells Using a Blend Interlayer.

PubMed

Sin, Dong Hun; Jo, Sae Byeok; Lee, Seung Goo; Ko, Hyomin; Kim, Min; Lee, Hansol; Cho, Kilwon

2017-05-31

A mechanically and thermally stable and electron-selective ZnO/CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 interface is created via hybridization of a polar insulating polymer, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), into ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). PEG successfully passivates the oxygen defects on ZnO and prevents direct contact between CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 and defects on ZnO. A uniform CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 film is formed on a soft ZnO:PEG layer after dispersion of the residual stress from the volume expansion during CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 conversion. PEG also increases the work of adhesion of the CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 film on the ZnO:PEG layer and holds the CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 film with hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, PEG tailors the interfacial electronic structure of ZnO, reducing the electron affinity of ZnO. As a result, a selective electron-collection cathode is formed with a reduced electron affinity and a deep-lying valence band of ZnO, which significantly enhances the carrier lifetime (473 μs) and photovoltaic performance (15.5%). The mechanically and electrically durable ZnO:PEG/CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 interface maintains the sustainable performance of the solar cells over 1 year. A soft and durable cathodic interface via PEG hybridization in a ZnO layer is an effective strategy toward flexible electronics and commercialization of the perovskite solar cells.

Cyclic RGD peptide-modified liposomal drug delivery system for targeted oral apatinib administration: enhanced cellular uptake and improved therapeutic effects.

PubMed

Song, Zhiwang; Lin, Yun; Zhang, Xia; Feng, Chan; Lu, Yonglin; Gao, Yong; Dong, Chunyan

2017-01-01

Apatinib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which selectively targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and has the potential to treat many tumors therapeutically. Cyclic arginylglycylaspartic acid (cRGD)- and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified liposomes (cRGD-Lipo-PEG) were constructed to act as a targeted delivery system for the delivery of apatinib to the human colonic cancer cell line, HCT116. These cRGD-modified liposomes specifically recognized integrin α v β 3 and exhibited greater uptake efficiency with respect to delivering liposomes into HCT116 cells when compared to nontargeted liposomes (Lipo-PEG), as well as greater death of tumor cells and apoptosis. The mechanism by which cRGD-Lipo-PEG targets cells was elucidated further with competition assays. To determine the anticancer efficacy in vivo, nude mice were implanted with HCT116 xenografts and treated with apatinib-loaded liposomes or free apatinib intravenously or via intragastric administration. The active and passive targeting of cRGD-Lipo-PEG led to significant tumor treatment targeting ability, better inhibition of tumor growth, and less toxicity when compared with treatments using uncombined apatinib. The results presented strongly support the case for cRGD-Lipo-PEG representing a targeted delivery system for apatinib in the treatment of colonic cancer.

Cyclic RGD peptide-modified liposomal drug delivery system for targeted oral apatinib administration: enhanced cellular uptake and improved therapeutic effects

PubMed Central

Song, Zhiwang; Lin, Yun; Zhang, Xia; Feng, Chan; Lu, Yonglin; Gao, Yong; Dong, Chunyan

2017-01-01

Apatinib is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which selectively targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and has the potential to treat many tumors therapeutically. Cyclic arginylglycylaspartic acid (cRGD)- and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified liposomes (cRGD-Lipo-PEG) were constructed to act as a targeted delivery system for the delivery of apatinib to the human colonic cancer cell line, HCT116. These cRGD-modified liposomes specifically recognized integrin αvβ3 and exhibited greater uptake efficiency with respect to delivering liposomes into HCT116 cells when compared to nontargeted liposomes (Lipo-PEG), as well as greater death of tumor cells and apoptosis. The mechanism by which cRGD-Lipo-PEG targets cells was elucidated further with competition assays. To determine the anticancer efficacy in vivo, nude mice were implanted with HCT116 xenografts and treated with apatinib-loaded liposomes or free apatinib intravenously or via intragastric administration. The active and passive targeting of cRGD-Lipo-PEG led to significant tumor treatment targeting ability, better inhibition of tumor growth, and less toxicity when compared with treatments using uncombined apatinib. The results presented strongly support the case for cRGD-Lipo-PEG representing a targeted delivery system for apatinib in the treatment of colonic cancer. PMID:28331317

Medication decision making and patient outcomes in GP, nurse and pharmacist prescriber consultations.

PubMed

Weiss, Marjorie C; Platt, Jo; Riley, Ruth; Chewning, Betty; Taylor, Gordon; Horrocks, Susan; Taylor, Andrea

2015-09-01

Aim The aims of this study were twofold: (a) to explore whether specific components of shared decision making were present in consultations involving nurse prescribers (NPs), pharmacist prescribers (PPs) and general practitioners (GPs) and (b) to relate these to self-reported patient outcomes including satisfaction, adherence and patient perceptions of practitioner empathy. There are a range of ways for defining and measuring the process of concordance, or shared decision making as it relates to decisions about medicines. As a result, demonstrating a convincing link between shared decision making and patient benefit is challenging. In the United Kingdom, nurses and pharmacists can now take on a prescribing role, engaging in shared decision making. Given the different professional backgrounds of GPs, NPs and PPs, this study sought to explore the process of shared decision making across these three prescriber groups. Analysis of audio-recordings of consultations in primary care in South England between patients and GPs, NPs and PPs. Analysis of patient questionnaires completed post consultation. Findings A total of 532 consultations were audio-recorded with 20 GPs, 19 NPs and 12 PPs. Prescribing decisions occurred in 421 (79%). Patients were given treatment options in 21% (102/482) of decisions, the prescriber elicited the patient's treatment preference in 18% (88/482) and the patient expressed a treatment preference in 24% (118/482) of decisions. PPs were more likely to ask for the patient's preference about their treatment regimen (χ 2=6.6, P=0.036, Cramer's V=0.12) than either NPs or GPs. Of the 275 patient questionnaires, 192(70%) could be matched with a prescribing decision. NP patients had higher satisfaction levels than patients of GPs or PPs. More time describing treatment options was associated with increased satisfaction, adherence and greater perceived practitioner empathy. While defining, measuring and enabling the process of shared decision making remains challenging, it may have patient benefit.

Burst firing versus synchrony in a gap junction connected olfactory bulb mitral cell network model

PubMed Central

O'Connor, Simon; Angelo, Kamilla; Jacob, Tim J. C.

2012-01-01

A key player in olfactory processing is the olfactory bulb (OB) mitral cell (MC). We have used dual whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from the apical dendrite and cell soma of MCs to develop a passive compartmental model based on detailed morphological reconstructions of the same cells. Matching the model to traces recorded in experiments we find: Cm = 1.91 ± 0.20 μF cm−2, Rm = 3547 ± 1934 Ω cm2 and Ri = 173 ± 99 Ω cm. We have constructed a six MC gap-junction (GJ) network model of morphologically accurate MCs. These passive parameters (PPs) were then incorporated into the model with Na+, Kdr, and KA conductances and GJs from Migliore et al. (2005). The GJs were placed in the apical dendrite tuft (ADT) and their conductance adjusted to give a coupling ratio between MCs consistent with experimental findings (~0.04). Firing at ~50 Hz was induced in all six MCs with continuous current injections (0.05–0.07 nA) at 20 locations to the ADT of two of the MCs. It was found that MCs in the network synchronized better when they shared identical PPs rather than using their own PPs for the fit suggesting that the OB may have populations of MCs tuned for synchrony. The addition of calcium-activated potassium channels (iKCa) and L-type calcium channels (iCa(L)) (Bhalla and Bower, 1993) to the model enabled MCs to generate burst firing. However, the GJ coupling was no longer sufficient to synchronize firing. When cells were stimulated by a continuous current injection there was an initial period of asynchronous burst firing followed after ~120 ms by synchronous repetitive firing. This occurred as intracellular calcium fell due to reduced iCa(L) activity. The kinetics of one of the iCa(L) gate variables, which had a long activation time constant (τ ~ range 18–150 ms), was responsible for this fall in iCa(L). The model makes predictions about the nature of the kinetics of the calcium current that will need experimental verification. PMID:23060786

Pneumococcal vaccination in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A multicenter placebo-controlled randomized double-blind study.

PubMed

Grabar, Sophie; Groh, Matthieu; Bahuaud, Mathilde; Le Guern, Véronique; Costedoat-Chalumeau, Nathalie; Mathian, Alexis; Hanslik, Thomas; Guillevin, Loïc; Batteux, Frédéric; Launay, Odile

2017-09-05

Invasive pneumococcal disease and respiratory tract infections are both frequent and severe in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to compare the immunological efficacy and safety of pneumococcal vaccination with the 23-valent polysaccharide (PPS) vaccine alone to a sequential immunization with the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate (PnCj) vaccine followed by PPS in patients with SLE and stable diseaase. Multicenter randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial: PPS vaccine alone (placebo-PPS group) or PnCj vaccine followed by PPS vaccine (PnCj-PPS group) 24weeks later. The primary endpoint was the rate of responders at week 28 to at least 5 of the 7 serotypes (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F and 23F) shared by both PPS and PnCj. Pneumococcal IgG antibodies' opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) were also assessed. Twenty-five patients in the placebo-PPS group and 17 in the PnCj-PPS group were included in a modified intention-to-treat analysis. The primary endpoint was reached in 72% (18/25) in the placebo-PPS and 76% (13/17) in the PnCj-PPS group (p=0.75). There was no difference in the rates of responders with OPA. At week 52, 13/18 (72%) patients in the placebo-PPS group and 10/13 (77%) patients in the PnCj-PPS group (p=0.77) that met the primary endpoint at week 28 were still responders to ≥5/7 serotypes shared by both PPS and PnCj vaccines. Nine SLE flares were reported in 6 patients (4 in the placebo-PPS and 2 in the PnCj-PPS groups respectively, p=0.70). Sequential administration of PnCj vaccine followed by PPS vaccine is safe and shows short-term immunological efficacy in patients with SLE but was not superior to the PPS vaccine alone. www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT NCT00611663. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Metalloporphyrin-based porous polymers prepared via click chemistry for size-selective adsorption of protein.

PubMed

Zhu, Dailian; Qin, Cunqi; Ao, Shanshi; Su, Qiuping; Sun, Xiying; Jiang, Tengfei; Pei, Kemei; Ni, Huagang; Ye, Peng

2018-08-01

Zinc porphyrin-based porous polymers (PPs-Zn) with different pore sizes were prepared by controlling the reaction condition of click chemistry, and the protein adsorption in PPs-Zn and the catalytic activity of immobilized enzyme were investigated. PPs-Zn-1 with 18 nm and PPS-Zn-2 with 90 nm of pore size were characterized by FTIR, NMR and nitrogen absorption experiments. The amount of adsorbed protein in PPs-Zn-1 was more than that in PPs-Zn-2 for small size proteins, such as lysozyme, lipase and bovine serum albumin (BSA). And for large size proteins including myosin and human fibrinogen (HFg), the amount of adsorbed protein in PPs-Zn-1 was less than that in PPs-Zn-2. The result indicates that the protein adsorption is size-selective in PPs-Zn. Both the protein size and the pore size have a significant effect on the amount of adsorbed protein in the PPs-Zn. Lipase and lysozyme immobilized in PPs-Zn exhibited excellent reuse stability.

Galaxy and Mass Assembly (GAMA): Impact of the Group Environment on Galaxy Star Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barsanti, S.; Owers, M. S.; Brough, S.; Davies, L. J. M.; Driver, S. P.; Gunawardhana, M. L. P.; Holwerda, B. W.; Liske, J.; Loveday, J.; Pimbblet, K. A.; Robotham, A. S. G.; Taylor, E. N.

2018-04-01

We explore how the group environment may affect the evolution of star-forming galaxies. We select 1197 Galaxy And Mass Assembly groups at 0.05 ≤ z ≤ 0.2 and analyze the projected phase space (PPS) diagram, i.e., the galaxy velocity as a function of projected group-centric radius, as a local environmental metric in the low-mass halo regime 1012 ≤ (M 200/M ⊙) < 1014. We study the properties of star-forming group galaxies, exploring the correlation of star formation rate (SFR) with radial distance and stellar mass. We find that the fraction of star-forming group members is higher in the PPS regions dominated by recently accreted galaxies, whereas passive galaxies dominate the virialized regions. We observe a small decline in specific SFR of star-forming galaxies toward the group center by a factor ∼1.2 with respect to field galaxies. Similar to cluster studies, we conclude for low-mass halos that star-forming group galaxies represent an infalling population from the field to the halo and show suppressed star formation.

Fabrication of biodegradable micelles with sheddable poly(ethylene glycol) shells as the carrier of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxy-camptothecin.

PubMed

Guo, Qian; Luo, Ping; Luo, Yu; Du, Fang; Lu, Wei; Liu, Shiyuan; Huang, Jin; Yu, Jiahui

2012-12-01

Biodegradable micelles with sheddable poly(ethylene glycol) shells were fabricated based on poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate) (mPEG-SS-PBLG) diblock copolymer and applied as the carrier of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxy-camptothecin (SN-38) in order to enhance its solubility and stability in aqueous media. The diblock polymer was designed to have the hydrophilic PEG moiety and hydrophobic PBLG moiety linked by biodegradable disulfide bond, so in reducing environment the PEG shells can be detached. The polymer was able to form the micelles of nano-scale in aqueous media, suggesting their passive targeting potential to tumor tissue. Water-insoluble antitumor drug, SN-38, was easily encapsulated into mPEG-SS-PBLG nanomicelles by lyophilization method. When setting theoretical drug loading content at 10 wt%, the drug encapsulation efficiency (EE) was assayed as 73.5%. Owing to the disulfide bond in mPEG-SS-PBLG, intense release of SN-38 occurred in the presence of dithiothreitol (DTT) at the concentration of simulating the intracellular condition, however, micelles showed gradual release of SN-38 in the absence of DTT. Also, the mPEG-SS-PBLG micelles effectively protected the active lactone ring of SN-38 from hydrolysis under physiological condition. Compared with free SN-38, SN-38-loaded nanomicelles showed essentially decreased cytotoxicity against L929 cell line in 24h, bare mPEG-SS-PBLG nanomicelles showed almost non-toxicity. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stable engineered vascular networks from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells cultured in synthetic hydrogels

PubMed Central

Zanotelli, Matthew R.; Ardalani, Hamisha; Zhang, Jue; Hou, Zhonggang; Nguyen, Eric H.; Swanson, Scott; Nguyen, Bao Kim; Bolin, Jennifer; Elwell, Angela; Bischel, Lauren L.; Xie, Angela W.; Stewart, Ron; Beebe, David J.; Thomson, James A.; Schwartz, Michael P.; Murphy, William L.

2016-01-01

Here, we describe an in vitro strategy to model vascular morphogenesis where human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells (iPSC-ECs) are encapsulated in peptide-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels, either on standard well plates or within a passive pumping polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) tri-channel microfluidic device. PEG hydrogels permissive towards cellular remodeling were fabricated using thiol-ene photopolymerization to incorporate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-degradable crosslinks and CRGDS cell adhesion peptide. Time lapse microscopy, immunofluorescence imaging, and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) demonstrated that iPSC-ECs formed vascular networks through mechanisms that were consistent with in vivo vasculogenesis and angiogenesis when cultured in PEG hydrogels. Migrating iPSC-ECs condensed into clusters, elongated into tubules, and formed polygonal networks through sprouting. Genes upregulated for iPSC-ECs cultured in PEG hydrogels relative to control cells on tissue culture polystyrene (TCP) surfaces included adhesion, matrix remodeling, and Notch signaling pathway genes relevant to in vivo vascular development. Vascular networks with lumens were stable for at least 14 days when iPSC-ECs were encapsulated in PEG hydrogels that were polymerized within the central channel of the microfluidic device. Therefore, iPSC-ECs cultured in peptide-functionalized PEG hydrogels offer a defined platform for investigating vascular morphogenesis in vitro using both standard and microfluidic formats. PMID:26945632

Pine polyphenols from Pinus koraiensis prevent injuries induced by gamma radiation in mice

PubMed Central

Li, Hui; Xu, Yier; Sun, Guicai

2016-01-01

Pine polyphenols (PPs) are bioactive dietary constituents that enhance health and help prevent diseases through antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce the level of oxidative damages caused by ionizing radiation (IR). The main purpose of this paper is to study the protective effect of PPs on peripheral blood, liver and spleen injuries in mice induced by IR. ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) male mice were administered orally with PPs (200 mg/kg b.wt.) once daily for 14 consecutive days prior to 7 Gy γ-radiations. PPs showed strong antioxidant activities. PPs significantly increased white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets counts. PPs also significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidases, and the level of glutathione. PPs reduced the spleen morphologic injury. In addition, PPs inhibited mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathways in splenocytes induced by IR. These results indicate that PPs are radioprotective promising reagents. PMID:27069807

Dissolution and bioavailability enhancement of alpha-asarone by solid dispersions via oral administration.

PubMed

Deng, Li; Wang, Yu; Gong, Tao; Sun, Xun; Zhang, Zhi-Rong

2017-11-01

Alpha (α)-asarone (1-propenyl-2,4,5-methoxybenzol) (ARE) has been extensively used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), bronchial asthma, pneumonia, and epilepsy. Due to its poor solubility and bioavailability, ARE was clinically administered via intravenous injection. However, severe allergies were often reported due to the presence of solublizers in the injection formulation. In our study, we sought to explore the biopharmaceutical classification of ARE, elucidate the mechanisms behind ARE absorption, and to develop a viable formulation to improve the oral bioavailability of ARE. ARE was not a P-glycoprotein substrate, which was absorbed in the passive mode without site specificity in the gastrointestinal tract. Solid dispersions prepared using hydrophilic matrix materials such as Pluronic F68, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) of varying molecular weights (PEG4K, PEG10K, and PEG20K) were proven to significantly improve the dissolution of ARE in vitro and the oral bioavailability of ARE in rats, which represent a promising strategy for the oral administration of ARE and other BCS II compounds.

Restless legs syndrome and post polio syndrome: a case-control study.

PubMed

Romigi, A; Pierantozzi, M; Placidi, F; Evangelista, E; Albanese, M; Liguori, C; Nazzaro, M; Risina, B U; Simonelli, V; Izzi, F; Mercuri, N B; Desiato, M T

2015-03-01

The aim was to investigate the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS), fatigue and daytime sleepiness in a large cohort of patients affected by post polio syndrome (PPS) and their impact on patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared with healthy subjects. PPS patients were evaluated by means of the Stanford Sleepiness Scale and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire was utilized to assess HRQoL in PPS. RLS was diagnosed when standard criteria were met. Age and sex matched healthy controls were recruited amongst spouses or friends of PPS subjects. A total of 66 PPS patients and 80 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. A significantly higher prevalence of RLS (P < 0.0005; odds ratio 21.5; 95% confidence interval 8.17-57) was found in PPS patients (PPS/RLS+ 63.6%) than in healthy controls (7.5%). The FSS score was higher in PPS/RLS+ than in PPS/RLS- patients (P = 0.03). A significant decrease of SF-36 scores, including the physical function (P = 0.001), physical role (P = 0.0001) and bodily pain (P = 0.03) domains, was found in PPS/RLS+ versus PPS/RLS- patients. Finally, it was found that PPS/RLS+ showed a significant correlation between International Restless Legs Scale score and FSS (P < 0.0001), as well as between International Restless Legs Scale score and most of the SF-36 items (physical role P = 0.0018, general health P = 0.0009, vitality P = 0.0022, social functioning P = 0.002, role emotional P = 0.0019, and mental health P = 0.0003). Our findings demonstrate a high prevalence of RLS in PPS, and that RLS occurrence may significantly influence the HRQoL and fatigue of PPS patients. A hypothetical link between neuroanatomical and inflammatory mechanisms in RLS and PPS is suggested. © 2014 EAN.

Pentosan Polysulfate: Oral Versus Subcutaneous Injection in Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I Dogs

PubMed Central

Simonaro, Calogera M.; Tomatsu, Shunji; Sikora, Tracy; Kubaski, Francyne; Frohbergh, Michael; Guevara, Johana M.; Wang, Raymond Y.; Vera, Moin; Kang, Jennifer L.; Smith, Lachlan J.; Schuchman, Edward H.; Haskins, Mark E.

2016-01-01

Background We previously demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of pentosan polysulfate (PPS) in a rat model of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type VI. Reduction of inflammation, reduction of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) storage, and improvement in the skeletal phenotype were shown. Herein, we evaluate the long-term safety and therapeutic effects of PPS in a large animal model of a different MPS type, MPS I dogs. We focused on the arterial phenotype since this is one of the most consistent and clinically significant features of the model. Methodology/Principal Findings MPS I dogs were treated with daily oral or biweekly subcutaneous (subQ) PPS at a human equivalent dose of 1.6 mg/kg for 17 and 12 months, respectively. Safety parameters were assessed at 6 months and at the end of the study. Following treatment, cytokine and GAG levels were determined in fluids and tissues. Assessments of the aorta and carotid arteries also were performed. No drug-related increases in liver enzymes, coagulation factors, or other adverse effects were observed. Significantly reduced IL-8 and TNF-alpha were found in urine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). GAG reduction was observed in urine and tissues. Increases in the luminal openings and reduction of the intimal media thickening occurred in the carotids and aortas of PPS-treated animals, along with a reduction of storage vacuoles. These results were correlated with a reduction of GAG storage, reduction of clusterin 1 staining, and improved elastin integrity. No significant changes in the spines of the treated animals were observed. Conclusions PPS treatment led to reductions of pro-inflammatory cytokines and GAG storage in urine and tissues of MPS I dogs, which were most evident after subQ administration. SubQ administration also led to significant cytokine reductions in the CSF. Both treatment groups exhibited markedly reduced carotid and aortic inflammation, increased vessel integrity, and improved histopathology. We conclude that PPS may be a safe and useful therapy for MPS I, either as an adjunct or as a stand-alone treatment that reduces inflammation and GAG storage. PMID:27064989

Study on the fluorescence characteristics of carbon dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Xiao-Jiao; Zheng, Hu-Zhi; Long, Yi-Juan; Du, Juan; Hao, Jian-Yu; Wang, Ling-Ling; Zhou, Dong-Bo

2010-02-01

Herein, we prepared water-soluble fluorescent carbon dots with diameter about 1.5 nm from cheap commercial lampblack. These fluorescent carbon nanoparticles are stable toward photobleaching and stable in water for more than half a year without fluorescence decrease. In order to improve its fluorescence properties, we passivated these nanoparticles with bisamino-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG 1500N). Therefore, both fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime increased after this progress. In addition, the passivated carbon dots were more inert to solvent than the bare one and showed different responses to pH change.

Evidence that Altered Cis Element Spacing Affects PpsR Mediated Redox Control of Photosynthesis Gene Expression in Rubrivivax gelatinosus.

PubMed

Shimizu, Takayuki; Cheng, Zhuo; Matsuura, Katsumi; Masuda, Shinji; Bauer, Carl E

2015-01-01

PpsR is a major regulator of photosynthesis gene expression among all characterized purple photosynthetic bacteria. This transcription regulator has been extensively characterized in Rhodobacter (Rba.) capsulatus and Rba. sphaeroides which are members of the α-proteobacteria lineage. In this study, we have investigated the biochemical properties and mutational effects of a ppsR deletion strain in the β-proteobacterium Rubrivivax (Rvi.) gelatinosus in order to reveal phylogenetically conserved mechanisms and species-specific characteristics. A deletion of the ppsR gene resulted in de-repression of photosystem synthesis showing that PpsR functions as a repressor of photosynthesis genes in this species. We also constructed a Rvi. gelatinosus PpsR mutant in which a conserved cysteine at position 436 was changed to an alanine to examine whether or not this residue is important for sensing redox, as reported in Rhodobacter species. Surprisingly, the Cys436 Ala mutant retained the ability to repress photosynthesis gene expression under aerobic conditions, suggesting that PpsR from Rvi. gelatinosus has different redox-responding characteristics. Furthermore, biochemical analyses demonstrated that Rvi. gelatinosus PpsR only shows redox-dependent binding to promoters with 9-bp spacing, but not 8-bp spacing, between two PpsR-recognition sequences. These results indicate that redox-dependent binding of PpsR requires appropriate cis configuration of PpsR target sequences in Rvi. gelatinosus. These results also indicate that PpsR homologs from different species regulate photosynthesis genes with altered biochemical properties.

Association between painful physical symptoms and clinical outcomes in East Asian patients with major depressive disorder: a 3-month prospective observational study.

PubMed

Ang, Q Q; Wing, Y K; He, Y; Sulaiman, A H; Chiu, N-Y; Shen, Y-C; Wang, G; Zhang, C; Lee, K-H; Singh, P; Granger, R E; Raskin, J; Dossenbach, M

2009-07-01

Reports from non-Asian populations indicate that painful physical symptoms (PPS) are associated with poorer clinical and functional outcomes in major depressive disorder (MDD). The purpose of this study is to report comparative changes in disease severity, treatment patterns and quality of life observed in East Asian patients with MDD, with and without PPS, as assessed prospectively over a 3-month observation period. This observational study enrolled 909 patients with MDD in psychiatric care settings in China, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan. Patients were classified as PPS positive (PPS+) or negative (PPS-) based on mean modified Somatic Symptom Inventory scores of >or= 2 or < 2 respectively. The Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-S) and 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD(17)) determined depression severity; a visual analogue scale (VAS) determined pain severity; and the EuroQoL (EQ-5D) assessed well-being after 3 months observation. Of the 909 enrollees, 355/471 (75.4%) of PPS+ patients and 363/438 (82.9%) of PPS- patients completed the study (p = 0.006). PPS+ patients improved less than PPS- patients on depression, pain and quality of life measures during the study (HAMD(17) p < 0.001, CGI-S p < 0.001, VAS p = 0.008 and EQ-5D p = 0.004). Fewer PPS+ patients (46.5%) achieved remission compared with PPS- patients (69.4%, p < 0.001). As the presence of PPS is associated with poorer outcomes in East Asian MDD patients, clinical management should aim to address both the mental and PPS associated with MDD.

Ultra-small iron-gallic acid coordination polymer nanoparticles for chelator-free labeling of 64Cu and multimodal imaging-guided photothermal therapy.

PubMed

Jin, Qiutong; Zhu, Wenjun; Jiang, Dawei; Zhang, Rui; Kutyreff, Christopher J; Engle, Jonathan W; Huang, Peng; Cai, Weibo; Liu, Zhuang; Cheng, Liang

2017-08-31

Cancer nanotechnology has become the hot topic nowadays. While various kinds of nanomaterials have been widely explored for innovative cancer imaging and therapy applications, safe multifunctional nano-agents without long-term retention and toxicity are still demanded. Herein, iron-gallic acid coordination nanoparticles (Fe-GA CPNs) with ultra-small sizes are successfully synthesized by a simple method for multimodal imaging-guided cancer therapy. After surface modification with polyethylene glycol (PEG), the synthesized Fe-GA-PEG CPNs show high stability in various physiological solutions. Taking advantage of high near-infrared (NIR) absorbance as well as the T 1 -MR contrasting ability of Fe-GA-PEG CPNs, in vivo photoacoustic tomography (PAT) and magnetic resonance (MR) bimodal imaging are carried out, revealing the efficient passive tumor targeting of these ultra-small CPNs after intravenous (i.v.) injection. Interestingly, such Fe-GA-PEG CPNs could be labeled with the 64 Cu isotope via a chelator-free method for in vivo PET imaging, which also illustrates the high tumor uptake of Fe-GA CPNs. We further utilize Fe-GA-PEG CPNs for in vivo photothermal therapy and achieve highly effective tumor destruction after i.v. injection of Fe-GA-PEG CPNs and the following NIR laser irradiation of the tumors, without observing any apparent toxicity of such CPNs to the treated animals. Our work highlights the promise of ultra-small iron coordination nanoparticles for imaging-guided cancer therapy.

Design of a vascularized synthetic poly(ethylene glycol) macroencapsulation device for islet transplantation.

PubMed

Weaver, Jessica D; Headen, Devon M; Hunckler, Michael D; Coronel, Maria M; Stabler, Cherie L; García, Andrés J

2018-07-01

The use of immunoisolating macrodevices in islet transplantation confers the benefit of safety and translatability by containing transplanted cells within a single retrievable device. To date, there has been limited development and characterization of synthetic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogel macrodevices for islet encapsulation and transplantation. Herein, we describe a two-component synthetic PEG hydrogel macrodevice system, designed for islet delivery to an extrahepatic islet transplant site, consisting of a hydrogel core cross-linked with a non-degradable PEG dithiol and a vasculogenic outer layer cross-linked with a proteolytically sensitive peptide to promote degradation and enhance localized vascularization. Synthetic PEG macrodevices exhibited equivalent passive molecular transport to traditional microencapsulation materials (e.g., alginate) and long-term stability in the presence of proteases in vitro and in vivo, out to 14 weeks in rats. Encapsulated islets demonstrated high viability within the device in vitro and the incorporation of RGD adhesive peptides within the islet encapsulating PEG hydrogel improved insulin responsiveness to a glucose challenge. In vivo, the implementation of a vasculogenic, degradable hydrogel layer at the outer interface of the macrodevice enhanced vascular density within the rat omentum transplant site, resulting in improved encapsulated islet viability in a syngeneic diabetic rat model. These results highlight the benefits of the facile PEG platform to provide controlled presentation of islet-supportive ligands, as well as degradable interfaces for the promotion of engraftment and overall graft efficacy. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Challenges in the new prospective payment system: action steps for social work in home health care.

PubMed

Lee, Ji Seon; Rock, Barry D

2005-02-01

The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 changed the reimbursement rules for Medicare home health benefits from a fee-for-service system to a prospective payment system (PPS). As with Medicare's hospital reimbursement system, home health agencies have to provide appropriate and adequate care for a flat rate reimbursement for each patient. As a result coordination and collaboration among all members of the home health care team (that is, nurses, social workers, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and home health aides) is critical to provide home care for frail and chronically ill populations. The authors provide background on the PPS, home health care, and social work roles in home health care and propose policy and research action steps for the social work profession.

Probing features in the primordial perturbation spectrum with large-scale structure data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

L'Huillier, Benjamin; Shafieloo, Arman; Hazra, Dhiraj Kumar; Smoot, George F.; Starobinsky, Alexei A.

2018-06-01

The form of the primordial power spectrum (PPS) of cosmological scalar (matter density) perturbations is not yet constrained satisfactorily in spite of the tremendous amount of information from the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) data. While a smooth power-law-like form of the PPS is consistent with the CMB data, some PPSs with small non-smooth features at large scales can also fit the CMB temperature and polarization data with similar statistical evidence. Future CMB surveys cannot help distinguish all such models due to the cosmic variance at large angular scales. In this paper, we study how well we can differentiate between such featured forms of the PPS not otherwise distinguishable using CMB data. We ran 15 N-body DESI-like simulations of these models to explore this approach. Showing that statistics such as the halo mass function and the two-point correlation function are not able to distinguish these models in a DESI-like survey, we advocate to avoid reducing the dimensionality of the problem by demonstrating that the use of a simple three-dimensional count-in-cell density field can be much more effective for the purpose of model distinction.

Platinum(iv) prodrug conjugated Pd@Au nanoplates for chemotherapy and photothermal therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Saige; Chen, Xiaolan; Wei, Jingping; Huang, Yizhuan; Weng, Jian; Zheng, Nanfeng

2016-03-01

Owing to the excellent near infrared (NIR) light absorption and efficient passive targeting toward tumor tissue, two-dimensional (2D) core-shell PEGylated Pd@Au nanoplates have great potential in both photothermal therapy and drug delivery systems. In this work, we successfully conjugate Pd@Au nanoplates with a platinum(iv) prodrug c,c,t-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2(O2CCH2CH2CO2H)2] to obtain a nanocomposite (Pd@Au-PEG-Pt) for combined photothermal-chemotherapy. The prepared Pd@Au-PEG-Pt nanocomposite showed excellent stability in physiological solutions and efficient Pt(iv) prodrug loading. Once injected into biological tissue, the Pt(iv) prodrug was easily reduced by physiological reductants (e.g. ascorbic acid or glutathione) into its cytotoxic and hydrophilic Pt(ii) form and released from the original nanocomposite, and the NIR laser irradiation could accelerate the release of Pt(ii) species. More importantly, Pd@Au-PEG-Pt has high tumor accumulation (29%ID per g), which makes excellent therapeutic efficiency at relatively low power density possible. The in vivo results suggested that, compared with single therapy the combined thermo-chemotherapy treatment with Pd@Au-PEG-Pt resulted in complete destruction of the tumor tissue without recurrence, while chemotherapy using Pd@Au-PEG-Pt without irradiation or photothermal treatment using Pd@Au-PEG alone did not. Our work highlights the prospects of a feasible drug delivery strategy of the Pt prodrug by using 2D Pd@Au nanoplates as drug delivery carriers for multimode cancer treatment.Owing to the excellent near infrared (NIR) light absorption and efficient passive targeting toward tumor tissue, two-dimensional (2D) core-shell PEGylated Pd@Au nanoplates have great potential in both photothermal therapy and drug delivery systems. In this work, we successfully conjugate Pd@Au nanoplates with a platinum(iv) prodrug c,c,t-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2(O2CCH2CH2CO2H)2] to obtain a nanocomposite (Pd@Au-PEG-Pt) for combined photothermal-chemotherapy. The prepared Pd@Au-PEG-Pt nanocomposite showed excellent stability in physiological solutions and efficient Pt(iv) prodrug loading. Once injected into biological tissue, the Pt(iv) prodrug was easily reduced by physiological reductants (e.g. ascorbic acid or glutathione) into its cytotoxic and hydrophilic Pt(ii) form and released from the original nanocomposite, and the NIR laser irradiation could accelerate the release of Pt(ii) species. More importantly, Pd@Au-PEG-Pt has high tumor accumulation (29%ID per g), which makes excellent therapeutic efficiency at relatively low power density possible. The in vivo results suggested that, compared with single therapy the combined thermo-chemotherapy treatment with Pd@Au-PEG-Pt resulted in complete destruction of the tumor tissue without recurrence, while chemotherapy using Pd@Au-PEG-Pt without irradiation or photothermal treatment using Pd@Au-PEG alone did not. Our work highlights the prospects of a feasible drug delivery strategy of the Pt prodrug by using 2D Pd@Au nanoplates as drug delivery carriers for multimode cancer treatment. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Synthesis process of Pt(iv) prodrug, mass data and FT-IR spectra of the intermediate product and Pt(iv) prodrug, TEM images of Pd@Au and Au NPs, thermal gravimetric analysis of nanoparticles, dispersion stability of Pd@Au-PEG-Pt NSs in different solutions, chemical reduction of Pt(ii) in a water bath, viability of different cell lines incubated with different concentrations of materials, uptake of different drugs by HeLa cells, size distribution of nanoparticles, tissue distribution by measuring the Pt amounts and zeta potential information of prodrug function nanomaterials. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr09120a

Mission Operations Center (MOC) - Precipitation Processing System (PPS) Interface Software System (MPISS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferrara, Jeffrey; Calk, William; Atwell, William; Tsui, Tina

2013-01-01

MPISS is an automatic file transfer system that implements a combination of standard and mission-unique transfer protocols required by the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission (GPM) Precipitation Processing System (PPS) to control the flow of data between the MOC and the PPS. The primary features of MPISS are file transfers (both with and without PPS specific protocols), logging of file transfer and system events to local files and a standard messaging bus, short term storage of data files to facilitate retransmissions, and generation of file transfer accounting reports. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) to control the system, allow manual operations, and to display events in real time. The PPS specific protocols are an enhanced version of those that were developed for the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). All file transfers between the MOC and the PPS use the SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP). For reports and data files generated within the MOC, no additional protocols are used when transferring files to the PPS. For observatory data files, an additional handshaking protocol of data notices and data receipts is used. MPISS generates and sends to the PPS data notices containing data start and stop times along with a checksum for the file for each observatory data file transmitted. MPISS retrieves the PPS generated data receipts that indicate the success or failure of the PPS to ingest the data file and/or notice. MPISS retransmits the appropriate files as indicated in the receipt when required. MPISS also automatically retrieves files from the PPS. The unique feature of this software is the use of both standard and PPS specific protocols in parallel. The advantage of this capability is that it supports users that require the PPS protocol as well as those that do not require it. The system is highly configurable to accommodate the needs of future users.

Initial home health outcomes under prospective payment.

PubMed

Schlenker, Robert E; Powell, Martha C; Goodrich, Glenn K

2005-02-01

To assess initial changes in home health patient outcomes under Medicare's home health Prospective Payment System (PPS), implemented by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in October 2000. Pre-PPS and early PPS data were obtained from CMS Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) and Medicare claims files. Regression analysis was applied to national random samples (n=164,810) to estimate pre-PPS/PPS outcome and visit-per-episode changes. Outcome episodes were constructed from OASIS data and linked with Medicare claims data on visits. Outcome changes (risk adjusted) were mixed and generally modest. Favorable changes included higher improvement rates under PPS for functioning and dyspnea, higher community discharge rates, and lower hospitalization and emergent care rates. Most stabilization (nonworsening) outcome rates also increased. However, improvement rates were lower under PPS for wounds, incontinence, and cognitive and emotional/behavioral outcomes. Total visits per episode (case-mix adjusted) declined 16.6 percent although therapy visits increased by 8.4 percent. The outcome and visit results suggest improved system efficiency under PPS (fewer visits, similar outcomes). However, declines in several improvement rates merit ongoing monitoring, as do subsequent (posthome health) hospitalization and emergent care use. Since only the early PPS period was examined, longer-term analyses are needed.

Indocyanine Green Loaded Reduced Graphene Oxide for In Vivo Photoacoustic/Fluorescence Dual-Modality Tumor Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jingqin; Liu, Chengbo; Zeng, Guang; You, Yujia; Wang, Huina; Gong, Xiaojing; Zheng, Rongqin; Kim, Jeesu; Kim, Chulhong; Song, Liang

2016-02-01

Multimodality imaging based on multifunctional nanocomposites holds great promise to fundamentally augment the capability of biomedical imaging. Specifically, photoacoustic and fluorescence dual-modality imaging is gaining much interest because of their non-invasiveness and the complementary nature of the two modalities in terms of imaging resolution, depth, sensitivity, and speed. Herein, using a green and facile method, we synthesize indocyanine green (ICG) loaded, polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated, reduced nano-graphene oxide nanocomposite (rNGO-PEG/ICG) as a new type of fluorescence and photoacoustic dual-modality imaging contrast. The nanocomposite is shown to have minimal toxicity and excellent photoacoustic/fluorescence signals both in vitro and in vivo. Compared with free ICG, the nanocomposite is demonstrated to possess greater stability, longer blood circulation time, and superior passive tumor targeting capability. In vivo study shows that the circulation time of rNGO-PEG/ICG in the mouse body can sustain up to 6 h upon intravenous injection; while after 1 day, no obvious accumulation of rNGO-PEG/ICG is found in any major organs except the tumor regions. The demonstrated high fluorescence/photoacoustic dual contrasts, together with its low toxicity and excellent circulation life time, suggest that the synthesized rNGO-PEG/ICG can be a promising candidate for further translational studies on both the early diagnosis and image-guided therapy/surgery of cancer.

Identification of lipid-phosphatidylserine (PS) as the target of unbiasedly selected cancer specific peptide-peptoid hybrid PPS1.

PubMed

Desai, Tanvi J; Toombs, Jason E; Minna, John D; Brekken, Rolf A; Udugamasooriya, Damith Gomika

2016-05-24

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is an anionic phospholipid maintained on the inner-leaflet of the cell membrane and is externalized in malignant cells. We previously launched a careful unbiased selection targeting biomolecules (e.g. protein, lipid or carbohydrate) distinct to cancer cells by exploiting HCC4017 lung cancer and HBEC30KT normal epithelial cells derived from the same patient, identifying HCC4017 specific peptide-peptoid hybrid PPS1. In this current study, we identified PS as the target of PPS1. We validated direct PPS1 binding to PS using ELISA-like assays, lipid dot blot and liposome based binding assays. In addition, PPS1 recognized other negatively charged and cancer specific lipids such as phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylglycerol. PPS1 did not bind to neutral lipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine found in cancer and phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin found in normal cells. Further we found that the dimeric version of PPS1 (PPS1D1) displayed strong cytotoxicity towards lung cancer cell lines that externalize PS, but not normal cells. PPS1D1 showed potent single agent anti-tumor activity and enhanced the efficacy of docetaxel in mice bearing H460 lung cancer xenografts. Since PS and anionic phospholipid externalization is common across many cancer types, PPS1 may be an alternative to overcome limitations of protein targeted agents.

Microbiota-derived butyrate suppresses group 3 innate lymphoid cells in terminal ileal Peyer's patches.

PubMed

Kim, Sae-Hae; Cho, Byeol-Hee; Kiyono, Hiroshi; Jang, Yong-Suk

2017-06-21

The regional specialization of intestinal immune cells is affected by the longitudinal heterogeneity of environmental factors. Although the distribution of group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) is well characterized in the lamina propria, it is poorly defined in Peyer's patches (PPs) along the intestine. Given that PP ILC3s are closely associated with mucosal immune regulation, it is important to characterize the regulatory mechanism of ILC3s. Here, we found that terminal ileal PPs of specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice have fewer NKp46 + ILC3s than jejunal PPs, while there was no difference in NKp46 + ILC3 numbers between terminal ileal and jejunal PPs in antibiotics (ABX)-treated mice. We also found that butyrate levels in the terminal ileal PPs of SPF mice were higher than those in the jejunal PPs of SPF mice and terminal ileal PPs of ABX-treated mice. The reduced number of NKp46 + ILC3s in terminal ileal PPs resulted in a decrease in Csf2 expression and, in turn, resulted in reduced regulatory T cells and enhanced antigen-specific T-cell proliferation. Thus, we suggest that NKp46 + ILC3s are negatively regulated by microbiota-derived butyrate in terminal ileal PPs and the reduced ILC3 frequency is closely associated with antigen-specific immune induction in terminal ileal PPs.

Colonoscopy Preparation: Polyethylene Glycol with Gatorade is as Safe and Efficacious as 4 Liters of Polyethylene Glycol with Balanced Electrolytes

PubMed Central

McKenna, Thomas; Macgill, Alice; Porat, Gail; Friedenberg, Frank K.

2013-01-01

Background Four liters of polyethylene glycol 3350 with balanced electrolytes for colonoscopy preparation has had poor acceptance. Another approach is the use of electrolyte-free PEG combined with 1.9L of Gatorade. Despite its widespread use, there are no data on metabolic safety and minimal data on efficacy. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and electrolyte safety of these two PEG-based preparations. Methods This was a prospective, randomized, single-blind, non-inferiority trial. Patients were randomized to 238g PEG + 1.9L Gatorade or 4L of PEG-ELS containing 236g PEG. Split dosing was not performed. On procedure day blood was drawn for basic chemistries. The primary outcome was preparation quality from procedure photos using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. Results We randomized 136 patients (66 PEG + Gatorade, 70 PEG-ELS). There were no differences in preparation scores between the two agents in the ITT analysis (7.2 ± 1.9 for PEG-ELS and 7.0 ± 2.1 for PEG + Gatorade; p = 0.45). BBPS scores were identical for those who completed the preparation and dietary instructions as directed (7.4 ± 1.7 for PEG-ELS, and 7.4 ± 1.8 for PEG + Gatorade; p = 0.98). There were no statistical differences in serum electrolytes between the two preparations. Patients who received PEG + Gatorade gave higher overall satisfaction scores for the preparation experience (p = 0.001), and had fewer adverse effects. Conclusions Use of 238g PEG + 1.9L Gatorade appears to be safe, better tolerated, and non-inferior to 4L PEG-ELS. This preparation may be especially useful for patients who previously tolerated PEG-ELS poorly. PMID:22711499

Study on the fluorescence characteristics of carbon dots.

PubMed

Mao, Xiao-Jiao; Zheng, Hu-Zhi; Long, Yi-Juan; Du, Juan; Hao, Jian-Yu; Wang, Ling-Ling; Zhou, Dong-Bo

2010-02-01

Herein, we prepared water-soluble fluorescent carbon dots with diameter about 1.5 nm from cheap commercial lampblack. These fluorescent carbon nanoparticles are stable toward photobleaching and stable in water for more than half a year without fluorescence decrease. In order to improve its fluorescence properties, we passivated these nanoparticles with bisamino-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG(1500 N)). Therefore, both fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime increased after this progress. In addition, the passivated carbon dots were more inert to solvent than the bare one and showed different responses to pH change. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantitation of blood lymphocytes secreting antibodies to pneumococcal polysaccharides after in vivo antigenic stimulation.

PubMed

Heilmann, C; Pedersen, F K

1986-02-01

An indirect plaque-forming cell assay detecting B cells secreting IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies against pneumococcal polysaccharides (PPS) is described. The numbers of anti-PPS-secreting cells (SC) and Ig-SC in the blood of normal persons immunized with a polyvalent PPS vaccine were quantitated. Anti-PPS-SC were recorded from the fourth to the twelfth post-vaccination day, and the maximum number was found between days 6 and 9. Quantitatively IgA anti-PPS-SC outnumbered the IgM and IgG anti-PPS-SC. Concomitant with the increase in the numbers of antibody-SC an increase in polyclonally activated IgM-, IgG- and IgA-SC was recorded. The specific anti-PPS-antibody-SC constituted 20-80% of the total numbers of Ig-SC from the sixth to the ninth post-vaccination day.

Feasibility study of strengthening the public-private partnership for tuberculosis case detection in Bandung City, Indonesia.

PubMed

Lestari, Bony Wiem; Arisanti, Nita; Siregar, Adiatma Y M; Sihaloho, Estro Dariatno; Budiman, Gelar; Hill, Philip C; Alisjahbana, Bachti; McAllister, Susan

2017-08-14

Private practitioner's (PPs) collaboration for detection, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) is recommended by the World Health Organization and encouraged by the Indonesian National TB control programme. TB case management by PPs, however, are mostly not in line with current guidelines. Therefore, we developed an intervention package for PPs comprising of TB training, implementation of a mobile phone application for notification of TB cases and a 6-month regular follow-up with PPs. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of the intervention package to increase TB case detection and notification rates among PPs in five community health centre areas in Bandung City, Indonesia. A total of 87 PPs were registered within the study area of whom 17 attended the training and 12 had the mobile phone application successfully installed. The remaining five PPs had phones that did not support the application. During the follow-up period, five PPs registered patients with TB symptoms and cases into the application. A total of 36 patients with TB symptoms were identified and 17 were confirmed TB positive.

A Bayesian analysis of inflationary primordial spectrum models using Planck data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos da Costa, Simony; Benetti, Micol; Alcaniz, Jailson

2018-03-01

The current available Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) data show an anomalously low value of the CMB temperature fluctuations at large angular scales (l < 40). This lack of power is not explained by the minimal ΛCDM model, and one of the possible mechanisms explored in the literature to address this problem is the presence of features in the primordial power spectrum (PPS) motivated by the early universe physics. In this paper, we analyse a set of cutoff inflationary PPS models using a Bayesian model comparison approach in light of the latest CMB data from the Planck Collaboration. Our results show that the standard power-law parameterisation is preferred over all models considered in the analysis, which motivates the search for alternative explanations for the observed lack of power in the CMB anisotropy spectrum.

Frequency and outcomes of painful physical symptoms in a naturalistic population with major depressive disorder: an analysis of pooled observational studies focusing on subjects aged 65 years and over.

PubMed

Brnabic, A; Raskin, J; Alev, L; Serap Monkul, E; Lowry, A

2012-12-01

To estimate the frequency of painful physical symptoms (PPS) in elderly subjects (≥ 65 years) with major depressive disorder (MDD) in real-world clinical conditions and to establish whether PPS are associated with poor depression outcomes, including more severe depression and worse health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Observational studies of MDD that included assessment of PPS and elderly subjects were screened. Measures of PPS were based on the Somatic Symptom Inventory (SSI) or Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Data from a variety of depressive symptom severity and HRQoL scales were used. Analysis cohorts were based on age [aged ≥ 65 years (elderly) or < 65 years (younger)] and/or PPS status (presence or absence); five subsets were used to examine specific outcomes in matched elderly subjects. Data from seven studies (representing 26 countries) were collated. Of the 11,477 subjects, 14% were aged ≥ 65 years and 71% were classified as having PPS (PPS+). PPS were more frequent in elderly subjects (74% vs. 70% of younger subjects) and were positively associated with being female and Hispanic, and negatively associated with being East Asian in the elderly. The presence of PPS was associated with more severe clinical symptomatology and comparatively poorer HRQoL in elderly subjects. PPS, although frequent in younger MDD patients, were slightly more frequent in elderly MDD patients and associated with comparatively poorer clinical and functional outcomes. As elderly patients report somatic symptoms more readily than emotional symptoms, physicians should consider depression in addition to physical causes when PPS are present. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Extending peripersonal space representation without tool-use: evidence from a combined behavioral-computational approach

PubMed Central

Serino, Andrea; Canzoneri, Elisa; Marzolla, Marilena; di Pellegrino, Giuseppe; Magosso, Elisa

2015-01-01

Stimuli from different sensory modalities occurring on or close to the body are integrated in a multisensory representation of the space surrounding the body, i.e., peripersonal space (PPS). PPS dynamically modifies depending on experience, e.g., it extends after using a tool to reach far objects. However, the neural mechanism underlying PPS plasticity after tool use is largely unknown. Here we use a combined computational-behavioral approach to propose and test a possible mechanism accounting for PPS extension. We first present a neural network model simulating audio-tactile representation in the PPS around one hand. Simulation experiments showed that our model reproduced the main property of PPS neurons, i.e., selective multisensory response for stimuli occurring close to the hand. We used the neural network model to simulate the effects of a tool-use training. In terms of sensory inputs, tool use was conceptualized as a concurrent tactile stimulation from the hand, due to holding the tool, and an auditory stimulation from the far space, due to tool-mediated action. Results showed that after exposure to those inputs, PPS neurons responded also to multisensory stimuli far from the hand. The model thus suggests that synchronous pairing of tactile hand stimulation and auditory stimulation from the far space is sufficient to extend PPS, such as after tool-use. Such prediction was confirmed by a behavioral experiment, where we used an audio-tactile interaction paradigm to measure the boundaries of PPS representation. We found that PPS extended after synchronous tactile-hand stimulation and auditory-far stimulation in a group of healthy volunteers. Control experiments both in simulation and behavioral settings showed that the same amount of tactile and auditory inputs administered out of synchrony did not change PPS representation. We conclude by proposing a simple, biological-plausible model to explain plasticity in PPS representation after tool-use, which is supported by computational and behavioral data. PMID:25698947

Extending peripersonal space representation without tool-use: evidence from a combined behavioral-computational approach.

PubMed

Serino, Andrea; Canzoneri, Elisa; Marzolla, Marilena; di Pellegrino, Giuseppe; Magosso, Elisa

2015-01-01

Stimuli from different sensory modalities occurring on or close to the body are integrated in a multisensory representation of the space surrounding the body, i.e., peripersonal space (PPS). PPS dynamically modifies depending on experience, e.g., it extends after using a tool to reach far objects. However, the neural mechanism underlying PPS plasticity after tool use is largely unknown. Here we use a combined computational-behavioral approach to propose and test a possible mechanism accounting for PPS extension. We first present a neural network model simulating audio-tactile representation in the PPS around one hand. Simulation experiments showed that our model reproduced the main property of PPS neurons, i.e., selective multisensory response for stimuli occurring close to the hand. We used the neural network model to simulate the effects of a tool-use training. In terms of sensory inputs, tool use was conceptualized as a concurrent tactile stimulation from the hand, due to holding the tool, and an auditory stimulation from the far space, due to tool-mediated action. Results showed that after exposure to those inputs, PPS neurons responded also to multisensory stimuli far from the hand. The model thus suggests that synchronous pairing of tactile hand stimulation and auditory stimulation from the far space is sufficient to extend PPS, such as after tool-use. Such prediction was confirmed by a behavioral experiment, where we used an audio-tactile interaction paradigm to measure the boundaries of PPS representation. We found that PPS extended after synchronous tactile-hand stimulation and auditory-far stimulation in a group of healthy volunteers. Control experiments both in simulation and behavioral settings showed that the same amount of tactile and auditory inputs administered out of synchrony did not change PPS representation. We conclude by proposing a simple, biological-plausible model to explain plasticity in PPS representation after tool-use, which is supported by computational and behavioral data.

Neural adaptation accounts for the dynamic resizing of peripersonal space: evidence from a psychophysical-computational approach.

PubMed

Noel, Jean-Paul; Blanke, Olaf; Magosso, Elisa; Serino, Andrea

2018-06-01

Interactions between the body and the environment occur within the peripersonal space (PPS), the space immediately surrounding the body. The PPS is encoded by multisensory (audio-tactile, visual-tactile) neurons that possess receptive fields (RFs) anchored on the body and restricted in depth. The extension in depth of PPS neurons' RFs has been documented to change dynamically as a function of the velocity of incoming stimuli, but the underlying neural mechanisms are still unknown. Here, by integrating a psychophysical approach with neural network modeling, we propose a mechanistic explanation behind this inherent dynamic property of PPS. We psychophysically mapped the size of participant's peri-face and peri-trunk space as a function of the velocity of task-irrelevant approaching auditory stimuli. Findings indicated that the peri-trunk space was larger than the peri-face space, and, importantly, as for the neurophysiological delineation of RFs, both of these representations enlarged as the velocity of incoming sound increased. We propose a neural network model to mechanistically interpret these findings: the network includes reciprocal connections between unisensory areas and higher order multisensory neurons, and it implements neural adaptation to persistent stimulation as a mechanism sensitive to stimulus velocity. The network was capable of replicating the behavioral observations of PPS size remapping and relates behavioral proxies of PPS size to neurophysiological measures of multisensory neurons' RF size. We propose that a biologically plausible neural adaptation mechanism embedded within the network encoding for PPS can be responsible for the dynamic alterations in PPS size as a function of the velocity of incoming stimuli. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Interactions between body and environment occur within the peripersonal space (PPS). PPS neurons are highly dynamic, adapting online as a function of body-object interactions. The mechanistic underpinning PPS dynamic properties are unexplained. We demonstrate with a psychophysical approach that PPS enlarges as incoming stimulus velocity increases, efficiently preventing contacts with faster approaching objects. We present a neurocomputational model of multisensory PPS implementing neural adaptation to persistent stimulation to propose a neurophysiological mechanism underlying this effect.

An investigation into the role of macromolecules of different polarity as passivating agent on the physical, chemical and structural properties of fluorescent carbon nanodots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alas, Melis Ozge; Genc, Rukan

2017-05-01

In this study, comparative evaluation of fluorescent carbon nanodots (C-Dots) prepared using carob molasses was reported by screening various biocompatible macromolecules as passivating agent (PA). Incorporation of PAs with different molecular weight, polarity, and chemical structure was examined, and compared with the polyethylene glycol (PEG, Mn = 10 kN) passivated and pristine C-Dots. Not only the fluorescence properties but also many other features including size, crystal structure, colloidal conductivity, resistance to photobleaching, quantum yield, and UV-modulated surface interaction of them with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as ROS production were investigated. Photoluminescence (PL) capacity of C-Dots was found to be associated with the number of surface alkyl groups and polymeric hydrogen bounding present on the C-Dot surface (increased number is associated with decreased PL) while surface conductivity of C-Dots in water was proportional to the PL intensity. More importantly, C-Dots with relatively poorer fluorescent were investigated in various organic solvents (hexane, methanol, acetone, ethanol, dimethylformamide (DMF), and DMSO). As happens with the fluorescent dyes, their PL intensities were significantly enhanced (even for pristine C-Dots) depending on the solvent characteristics. All of the C-Dots synthesized were further evaluated by means of UV-induced generation of ROS and inhibition of ROS by using H2O2 as model. In contrary to other carbonaceous nanomaterials, they did not show any ROS generation, on the contrary, they showed ROS scavenging activity that can be modulated by UV-irradiation ( λ exc = 365 nm). PEG and alginate passivated C-Dots inhibited H2O2 activity at LC50 values below 10 mg/mL.

Overcoming barriers to effective early parenting interventions for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): parent and practitioner views

PubMed Central

Smith, E; Koerting, J; Latter, S; Knowles, M M; McCann, D C; Thompson, M; Sonuga-Barke, E J

2015-01-01

Background The importance of early intervention approaches for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been increasingly acknowledged. Parenting programmes (PPs) are recommended for use with preschool children with ADHD. However, low ‘take-up’ and high ‘drop-out’ rates compromise the effectiveness of such programmes within the community. Methods This qualitative study examined the views of 25 parents and 18 practitioners regarding currently available PPs for preschool children with ADHD-type problems in the UK. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken to identify both barriers and facilitators associated with programme access, programme effectiveness, and continued engagement. Results and conclusions Many of the themes mirrored previous accounts relating to generic PPs for disruptive behaviour problems. There were also a number of ADHD-specific themes. Enhancing parental motivation to change parenting practice and providing an intervention that addresses the parents' own needs (e.g. in relation to self-confidence, depression or parental ADHD), in addition to those of the child, were considered of particular importance. Comparisons between the views of parents and practitioners highlighted a need to increase awareness of parental psychological barriers among practitioners and for better programme advertising generally. Clinical implications and specific recommendations drawn from these findings are discussed and presented. PMID:24814640

Impact of Large Aggregated Uricases and PEG Diol on Accelerated Blood Clearance of PEGylated Canine Uricase

PubMed Central

Zhang, Chun; Fan, Kai; Ma, Xuefeng; Wei, Dongzhi

2012-01-01

Background Uricase has proven therapeutic value in treating hyperuricemia but sufficient reduction of its immunogenicity may be the largest obstacle to its chronic use. In this study, canine uricase was modified with 5 kDa mPEG-SPA and the impact of large aggregated uricases and cross-linked conjugates induced by difunctional PEG diol on immunogenicity was investigated. Methods and Findings Recombinant canine uricase was first expressed and purified to homogeneity. Source 15Q anion-exchange chromatography was used to separate tetrameric and aggregated uricase prior to pegylation, while DEAE anion-exchange chromatography was used to remove Di-acid PEG (precursor of PEG diol) from unfractionated 5 kDa mPEG-propionic acid. Tetrameric and aggregated uricases were separately modified with the purified mPEG-SPA. In addition, tetrameric uricases was modified with unfractionated mPEG-SPA, resulting in three types of 5 kDa mPEG-SPA modified uricase. The conjugate size was evaluated by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscope. The influence of differently PEGylated uricases on pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity were evaluated in vivo. The accelerated blood clearance (ABC) phenomenon previously identified for PEGylated liposomes occurred in rats injected with PEGylated uricase aggregates. Anti-PEG IgM antibodies, rather than neutralizing antibodies, were found to mediate the ABC. Conclusions The size of conjugates is important for triggering such phenomena and we speculate that 40–60 nm is the lower size limit that can trigger ABC. Removal of the uricase aggregates and the PEG diol contaminant and modifying with small PEG reagents enabled ABC to be successfully avoided and sufficient reduction in the immunogenicity of 5 kDa mPEG-modified tetrameric canine uricase. PMID:22745806

Pressure pain sensitivity as a marker for stress and pressure pain sensitivity-guided stress management in women with primary breast cancer.

PubMed

Axelsson, Christen K; Ballegaard, Søren; Karpatschof, Benny; Schousen, Peer

2014-08-01

To validate (1) Pressure Pain Sensitivity (PPS) as a marker for stress and (2) a PPS-guided intervention in women with primary Breast Cancer (BC). (1) A total of 58 women with BC were examined before and after 6 months of intervention. A control group of 165 women office employees was divided in a High Stress Group (HSG, n = 37) and a Low Stress Group (LSG, n = 128) to evaluate the association between PPS, questionnaire-related Quality of Life (QOL) and self-evaluated stress. (2) A PPS-guided stress management program (n = 40) was compared to a Psychosocial Group Intervention (PGI, n = 91) and no treatment (n = 86) with respect to a European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaire measured QOL. (1) Resting PPS and changes in PPS during the intervention period correlated significantly to EORTC and Short Form 36 (SF 36) main scores: (all p < 0.05). Between BC, HSG and LSG there was a significant and positive correlation with respect to PPS, SF 36 main scores, depression, and clinical stress scores (all p < 0.05). However, the BC group scored significantly lower than both HSG and LSG (both p < 0.05) with respect to self-evaluated stress. (2) The PPS-guided intervention group improved EORTC main score, pain and nausea, when compared to the control groups (all p < 0.05). PPS was positively associated with QOL, which was in contrast to self-evaluated stress. PPS-guided intervention improved QOL in women with breast cancer.

Rehabilitation services after the implementation of the nursing home prospective payment system: differences related to patient and nursing home characteristics.

PubMed

Murray, Patrick K; Love, Thomas E; Dawson, Neal V; Thomas, Charles L; Cebul, Randall D

2005-11-01

The prospective payment system (PPS) for nursing homes was designed to curtail the rapid expansion of Medicare costs for skilled nursing care. This study examines the changes that occurred in nursing home patients and rehabilitation services following the PPS. Free-standing Medicare and/or Medicaid certified nursing homes in Ohio. The percent of new admissions receiving therapy and the amount of rehabilitation therapy provided. A total of 7006 first admissions in 1994-6 (pre-PPS) and 61,569 first admissions in 2000-1 (post-PPS). A logistic model predicting likelihood of rehabilitation was developed and validated in pre-PPS admissions and applied to the post-PPS patients. Rehabilitation services were compared in the pre-PPS and post-PPS cohorts overall, stratified by quintile of predicted score, diagnosis group, and by nursing home profit status. Post-PPS patients had less cognitive impairment, more depression, and more family support. The amount of rehabilitation services declined the most in the higher quintiles of predicted likelihood of rehabilitation and among patients with stroke. The percent of patients receiving rehabilitation services increased the most in the lowest quintile and among patients with medical conditions. These changes were greater in for-profit nursing homes. The implementation of the PPS in nursing homes has been associated with a decrease in the amount of rehabilitation services, targeted at those predicted to receive higher amounts and an increased frequency of providing services targeted at those predicted to be less likely to receive them. The outcomes of the changes deserve further study.

Phosphorylation of psyllium seed polysaccharide and its characterization.

PubMed

Rao, Monica R P; Warrier, Deepa U; Gaikwad, Snehal R; Shevate, Prachi M

2016-04-01

Psyllium is widely used as a medicinally active natural polysaccharide for treating conditions like constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and colon cancer. Studies have been performed to characterize and modify the polysaccharide obtained from psyllium seed husk and to evaluate its use as a pharmaceutical excipient, but no studies have been performed to evaluate the properties of the polysaccharide present in psyllium seeds. The present study focuses on phosphorylation of psyllium seed polysaccharide (PPS) using sodium tri-meta phosphate as the cross-linking agent. The modified phosphorylated psyllium seed polysaccharide was then evaluated for physicochemical properties, rheological properties, spectral analysis, thermal analysis, crosslinking density and acute oral toxicity studies. The modified polysaccharide (PhPPS) has a high swelling index due to which it can be categorized as a hydrogel. The percent increase in swelling of PhPPS as compared to PPS was found to be 90.26%. The PPS & PhPPS mucilages of all strengths were found to have shear thinning properties. These findings are suggestive of the potential use of PhPPS as gelling & suspending agent. PhPPS was found to have a mucoadhesive property which was comparable with carbopol. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Neuropathic pain in post-burn hypertrophic scars: a psychophysical and neurophysiological study.

PubMed

Isoardo, Gianluca; Stella, Maurizio; Cocito, Dario; Risso, Daniela; Migliaretti, Giuseppe; Cauda, Franco; Palmitessa, Angela; Faccani, Giuliano; Ciaramitaro, Palma

2012-06-01

Pain complicates hypertrophic post-burn pathologic scars (PPS) METHODS: To investigate the possible neuropathic origin of pain, 13 patients with painful PPS involving at least 1 hand underwent clinical examination, including the Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questions (DN4) questionnaire; median, ulnar, and radial nerve conduction studies (NCS); cold- (CDT) and heat-induced pain threshold evaluation by quantitative sensory testing; and cutaneous silent period (CSP) testing of the abductor pollicis brevis. Controls included 9 patients with non-painful PPS, 52 healthy subjects, and 28 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). All patients with painful PPS had possible neuropathic pain (DN4 score ≥4). NCS signs of CTS were similarly present in PPS subjects with or without pain. Hands with painful PPS had lower CDT and CSP duration, more frequent cold- and heat-pain hypesthesia, and more thermal allodynia than controls. In PPS, possible neuropathic pain is associated with psychophysical and neurophysiological abnormalities suggestive of small-fiber damage. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Development and performance of power processor system for 2-gigahertz, 200-watt amplifier for communications technology satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siegert, C. E.; Gourash, F.; Vasicek, R. W.

1977-01-01

The electrical and environmental requirements for a power processor system (PPS) designed to supply the appropriate voltages and currents to a 200-watt traveling wave tube (TWT) for a communication technology satellite is described. A block diagram of the PPS, the interface requirements between the PPS and spacecraft, the interface requirements between the PPS and 200-watt TWT, and the environmental requirements of the PPS are presented. Also included are discussions of protection circuits, interlocking sequences, and transient requirements. Predictions of the flight performance, based on ground test data, are provided.

The Evaluation Of Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety Profile of Simvastatin Prodrug Micelles in a Closed Fracture Mouse Model

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yijia; Jia, Zhenshan; Yuan, Hongjiang; Dusad, Anand; Ren, Ke; Wei, Xin; Fehringer, Edward V.; Purdue, P. Edward; Daluiski, Aaron; Goldring, Steven R.; Wang, Dong

2016-01-01

Purpose To evaluate the therapeutic efficiency of a micellar prodrug formulation of simvastatin (SIM/SIM-mPEG) and explore its safety in a closed femoral fracture mouse model. Methods The amphiphilic macromolecular prodrug of simvastatin (SIM-mPEG) was synthesized and formulated together with free simvastatin into micelles. It was also labeled with a near infrared dye for in vivo imaging purpose. A closed femoral fracture mouse model was established using a three-point bending device. The mice with established closed femoral fracture were treated with SIM/SIM-mPEG micelle, using free simvastatin and saline as controls. The therapeutic efficacy of the micelles was evaluated using a high-resolution micro-CT. Serum biochemistry and histology analyses were performed to explore the potential toxicity of the micelle formulation. Results Near Infrared Fluorescence (NIRF) imaging confirmed the passive targeting of SIM/SIM-mPEG micelles to the bone lesion of the mice with closed femoral fracture. The micelle was found to promote fracture healing with an excellent safety profile. In addition, the accelerated healing of the femoral fracture also helped to prevent disuse-associated same-side tibia bone loss accompanying the femur fracture. Conclusion SIM/SIM-mPEG micelle was found to be an effective and safe treatment for closed femoral fracture repair in mice. The evidence obtained in this study suggests that it may have the potential to be translated into a novel therapy for clinical management of skeletal fractures and non-union. PMID:27164897

Current status of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in a general hospital in Japan: a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

Kusano, Chika; Yamada, Nobuo; Kikuchi, Kenji; Hashimoto, Masaji; Gotoda, Takuji

2016-01-01

Background: There has been debate over the indications for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in recent years in Japan. In addition, the level of satisfaction of patients and patient’s family after PEG remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the current status of PEG and the level of satisfaction of patients and patients’ families after PEG in Japan. Methods: We reviewed the existing data of all patients who underwent PEG tube insertion at Yuri Kumiai General Hospital (Akita, Japan) between February 2000 and December 2010. We examined the following points: underlying diseases requiring PEG, levels of consciousness, and performance status. We also sent a questionnaire to the patients and patient’s families to ask about their satisfaction with and thoughts about PEG. Results: The data of 545 patients who underwent PEG were reviewed. There were 295 men and 250 women, with a mean age of 77.2 ± 11.4 years. PEG was indicated most frequently for cerebrovascular disorders (48.2%, 239/545). There were 515 (94.4%, 515/545) patients showing consciousness disturbance and 444 (81.5%, 444/545) bedridden patients. The questionnaire was answered by one patient himself and 316 patients’ families. When asked, “Was performing PEG a good decision?”, 57.5% (182/316) of the patients’ families answered yes. Meanwhile, when patients’ family members were asked if they would wish to undergo PEG if they were in the same condition as the patient, 28.4% (90/316) answered yes, whereas 55.3% (175/316) answered no. Conclusions: Few patients were able to make their own decision about PEG tube placement because of consciousness disturbance. As a result, many family members of the patients did not want to experience PEG for themselves. Future studies should be performed to clarify the quality of life and ethical aspects associated with PEG. PMID:27313796

Performance of freestanding inpatient rehabilitation hospitals before and after the rehabilitation prospective payment system.

PubMed

Thompson, Jon M; McCue, Michael J

2010-01-01

Inpatient rehabilitation hospitals provide important services to patients to restore physical and cognitive functioning. Historically, these hospitals have been reimbursed by Medicare under a cost-based system; but in 2002, Medicare implemented a rehabilitation prospective payment system (PPS). Despite the implementation of a PPS for rehabilitation, there is limited published research that addresses the operating and financial performance of these hospitals. We examined operating and financial performance in the pre- and post-PPS periods for for-profit and nonprofit freestanding inpatient rehabilitation hospitals to test for pre- and post-PPS differences within the ownership groups. We identified freestanding inpatient rehabilitation hospitals from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Health Care Cost Report Information System database for the first two fiscal years under PPS. We excluded facilities that had fiscal years less than 270 days, facilities with missing data, and government facilities. We computed average values for performance variables for the facilities in the two consecutive fiscal years post-PPS. For the pre-PPS period, we collected data on these same facilities and, once facilities with missing data and fiscal years less than 270 days were excluded, computed average values for the two consecutive fiscal years pre-PPS. Our final sample of 140 inpatient rehabilitation facilities was composed of 44 nonprofit hospitals and 96 for-profit hospitals both pre- and post-PPS. We utilized a pairwise comparison test (t-test comparison) to measure the significance of differences on each performance variable between pre- and post-PPS periods within each ownership group. Findings show that both nonprofit and for-profit freestanding inpatient rehabilitation hospitals reduced length of stay, increased discharges, and increased profitability. Within the for-profit ownership group, the percentage of Medicare discharges increased and operating expense per adjusted discharge decreased. Findings suggest that managers of these hospitals have adapted their administrative practices to conform with the financial incentives of the rehabilitation PPS. Managers must continue to control costs, increase discharges, and reduce length of stay to remain financially viable under the rehabilitation PPS.

Dual tumor-targeted poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)–polyethylene glycol–folic acid nanoparticles: a novel biodegradable nanocarrier for secure and efficient antitumor drug delivery

PubMed Central

Chen, Jia; Wu, Qi; Luo, Li; Wang, Yi; Zhong, Yuan; Dai, Han-Bin; Sun, Da; Luo, Mao-Ling; Wu, Wei; Wang, Gui-Xue

2017-01-01

Further specific target-ability development of biodegradable nanocarriers is extremely important to promote their security and efficiency in antitumor drug-delivery applications. In this study, a facilely prepared poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)–polyethylene glycol (PEG)–folic acid (FA) copolymer was able to self-assemble into nanoparticles with favorable hydrodynamic diameters of around 100 nm and negative surface charge in aqueous solution, which was expected to enhance intracellular antitumor drug delivery by advanced dual tumor-target effects, ie, enhanced permeability and retention induced the passive target, and FA mediated the positive target. Fluorescence-activated cell-sorting and confocal laser-scanning microscopy results confirmed that doxorubicin (model drug) loaded into PLGA-PEG-FA nanoparticles was able to be delivered efficiently into tumor cells and accumulated at nuclei. In addition, all hemolysis, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, and zebrafish-development experiments demonstrated that PLGA-PEG-FA nanoparticles were biocompatible and secure for biomedical applications, even at high polymer concentration (0.1 mg/mL), both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, PLGA-PEG-FA nanoparticles provide a feasible controlled-release platform for secure and efficient antitumor drug delivery. PMID:28848351

Pentosan polysulfate inhibits atherosclerosis in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits: differential modulation of metalloproteinase-2 and -9.

PubMed

Lupia, Enrico; Zheng, Feng; Grosjean, Fabrizio; Tack, Ivan; Doublier, Sophie; Elliot, Sharon J; Vlassara, Helen; Striker, Gary E

2012-02-01

Pentosan polysulfate (PPS), a heparinoid compound essentially devoid of anticoagulant activity, modulates cell growth and decreases inflammation. We investigated the effect of PPS on the progression of established atherosclerosis in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits. After severe atherosclerosis developed on an atherogenic diet, WHHL rabbits were treated with oral PPS or tap water for 1 month. The aortic intima-to-media ratio and macrophage infiltration were reduced, plaque collagen content was increased, and plaque fibrous caps were preserved by PPS treatment. Plasma lipid levels and post-heparin hepatic lipase activity remained unchanged. However, net collagenolytic activity in aortic extracts was decreased, and the levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) activity were increased by PPS. Moreover, PPS treatment decreased tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-stimulated proinflammatory responses, in particular activation of nuclear factor-κB and p38, and activation of MMPs in macrophages. In conclusion, oral PPS treatment prevents progression of established atherosclerosis in WHHL rabbits. This effect may be partially mediated by increased MMP-2 and TIMP activities in the aortic wall and reduced TNFα-stimulated inflammation and MMP activation in macrophages. Thus, PPS may be a useful agent in inhibiting the progression of atherosclerosis.

Pentosan polysulfate inhibits atherosclerosis in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits: differential modulation of metalloproteinase-2 and -9

PubMed Central

Lupia, Enrico; Zheng, Feng; Grosjean, Fabrizio; Tack, Ivan; Doublier, Sophie; Elliot, Sharon J; Vlassara, Helen; Striker, Gary E

2013-01-01

Pentosan polysulfate (PPS), a heparinoid compound essentially devoid of anticoagulant activity, modulates cell growth and decreases inflammation. We investigated the effect of PPS on the progression of established atherosclerosis in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits. After severe atherosclerosis developed on an atherogenic diet, WHHL rabbits were treated with oral PPS or tap water for 1 month. The aortic intima-to-media ratio and macrophage infiltration were reduced, plaque collagen content was increased, and plaque fibrous caps were preserved by PPS treatment. Plasma lipid levels and post-heparin hepatic lipase activity remained unchanged. However, net collagenolytic activity in aortic extracts was decreased, and the levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) activity were increased by PPS. Moreover, PPS treatment decreased tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-stimulated proinflammatory responses, in particular activation of nuclear factor-κB and p38, and activation of MMPs in macrophages. In conclusion, oral PPS treatment prevents progression of established atherosclerosis in WHHL rabbits. This effect may be partially mediated by increased MMP-2 and TIMP activities in the aortic wall and reduced TNFα-stimulated inflammation and MMP activation in macrophages. Thus, PPS may be a useful agent in inhibiting the progression of atherosclerosis. PMID:22042083

PpsA-mediated alternative pathway to complement RNase E essentiality in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Tamura, Masaru; Honda, Naoko; Fujimoto, Hirofumi; Cohen, Stanley N; Kato, Atsushi

2016-07-01

Escherichia coli cells require RNase E, encoded by the essential gene rne, to propagate. The growth properties on different carbon sources of E. coli cells undergoing suppression of RNase E production suggested that reduction in RNase E is associated with decreased expression of phosphoenolpyruvate synthetase (PpsA), which converts pyruvate to phosphoenolpyruvate during gluconeogenesis. Western blotting and genetic complementation confirmed the role of RNase E in PpsA expression. Adventitious ppsA overexpression from a multicopy plasmid was sufficient to restore colony formation of ∆rne E. coli on minimal media containing glycerol or succinate as the sole carbon source. Complementation of ∆rne by ppsA overproduction was observed during growth on solid media but was only partial, and bacteria showed slowed cell division and grew as filamentous chains. We found that restoration of colony-forming ability by ppsA complementation occurred independent of the presence of endogenous RNase G or second-site suppressors of RNase E essentiality. Our investigations demonstrate the role of phosphoryl transfer catalyzable by PpsA as a determinant of RNase E essentiality in E. coli.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Poly(ethylene glycol)-Poly(simvastatin) Diblock Copolymer

PubMed Central

Asafo-Adjei, Theodora A.; Dziubla, Thomas D.; Puleo, David A.

2014-01-01

Biodegradable polyesters are commonly used as drug delivery vehicles, but their role is typically passive, and encapsulation approaches have limited drug payload. An alternative drug delivery method is to polymerize the active agent or its precursor into a degradable polymer. The prodrug simvastatin contains a lactone ring that lends itself to ring-opening polymerization (ROP). Consequently, simvastatin polymerization was initiated with 5 kDa monomethyl ether poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) and catalyzed via stannous octoate. Melt condensation reactions produced a 9.5 kDa copolymer with a polydispersity index of 1.1 at 150 °C up to a 75 kDa copolymer with an index of 6.9 at 250 °C. Kinetic analysis revealed first-order propagation rates. Infrared spectroscopy of the copolymer showed carboxylic and methyl ether stretches unique to simvastatin and mPEG, respectively. Slow degradation was demonstrated in neutral and alkaline conditions. Lastly, simvastatin, simvastatin-incorporated molecules, and mPEG were identified as the degradation products released. The present results show the potential of using ROP to polymerize lactone-containing drugs such as simvastatin. PMID:25431653

Impact of the new payment system on laparoscopic appendectomy in Korea.

PubMed

Kim, Jong Wan; Shin, Dong Woo; Chae, Jin Ju; Kim, Jeong Yeon; Park, Sung Gil

2015-12-01

Korea has a nationalized health system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Korea diagnosis related group-based prospective payment system (K-DRG/PPS) on the use of medical resources and the rate of adverse events during laparoscopic appendectomy. We included patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Korea, between November 2012 and February 2014. The patients were divided into two groups: before-DRG/PPS or after-DRG/PPS groups. The length of the postoperative hospital stay (LOS) and medical costs were indicators of the medical resources. Medical costs included those of the initial hospital stay, outpatient clinic, readmission, and the sum of these charges. Complication and readmission rates were indicators of the rates of adverse events. After the implementation of the DRG/PPS, length of the hospital stay decreased by 10% (4.9 d before versus 4.4 d after DRG/PPS; P < 0.001). The initial hospital stay and total cost were significantly lower in the after-DRG/PPS group (both P < 0.001). The complication rates during the initial hospital stay (3.5% before versus 2.3% after DRG/PPS; P = 0.225) and the readmission rates (4.3% versus 2.5%, respectively; P = 0.227) were statistically similar. This study shows that the K-DRG/PPS for laparoscopic appendectomy had no negative effect on the rate of adverse events and reduced the use of medical resources. Further evaluation of other procedures is required to determine the overall effects of the K-DRG/PPS. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Identification of the minimum pharmacophore of lipid-phosphatidylserine (PS) binding peptide-peptoid hybrid PPS1D1.

PubMed

Singh, Jaspal; Shukla, Satya Prakash; Desai, Tanvi J; Udugamasooriya, D Gomika

2016-09-15

We previously reported a unique peptide-peptoid hybrid, PPS1 that specifically recognizes lipid-phosphatidylserine (PS) and a few other negatively charged phospholipids, but not neutral phospholipids, on the cell membrane. The dimeric version of PPS1, i.e., PPS1D1 triggers strong cancer cell cytotoxicity and has been validated in lung cancer models both in vitro and in vivo. Given that PS and other negatively charged phospholipids are abundant in almost all tumor microenvironments, PPS1D1 is an attractive drug lead that can be developed into a globally applicable anti-cancer agent. Therefore, it is extremely important to identify the minimum pharmacophore of PPS1D1. In this study, we have synthesized alanine/sarcosine derivatives as well as truncated derivatives of PPS1D1. We performed ELISA-like competitive binding assay to evaluate the PS-recognition potential and standard MTS cell viability assay on HCC4017 lung cancer cells to validate the cell cytotoxicity effects of these derivatives. Our studies indicate that positively charged residues at the second and third positions, as well as four hydrophobic residues at the fifth through eighth positions, are imperative for the binding and activity of PPS1D1. Methionine at the first position was not essential, whereas the positively charged Nlys at the fourth position was minimally needed, as two derivatives that were synthesized replacing this residue were almost as active as PPS1D1. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

GM1 antibodies in post-polio syndrome and previous paralytic polio.

PubMed

Farbu, E; Rekand, T; Tysnes, O-B; Aarli, J A; Gilhus, N E; Vedeler, C A

2003-06-01

We studied the relationship between post-polio syndrome (PPS) and GM1 antibodies, since such antibodies have been associated with PPS and motor neuron disorders. Sera from 144 patients with previous poliomyelitis (105 paralytic, 22 nonparalytic and 17 PPS), 60 with previous Guillain-Barré syndrome, 44 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and 22 healthy blood donors were analyzed with ELISA for GM1 IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies. GM1 antibodies were present in 14% of the PPS patients, but the prevalence did not differ significantly from that of the other groups. Our study does not support the hypothesis that GM1 antibodies are involved in the pathogenesis of PPS.

Implementation of a six-degree-of-freedom manual controller with passive force feedback

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Will, Carol C.; Crane, Carl D., III; Adsit, Phillip

1995-12-01

Force reflective controllers can be divided into two classes; active and passive with the most common being active. Active force-feedback controllers are prone to self-actuation which can generate unintended commands and may injure the user. A six-degree-of-freedom positional input device was designed and constructed that was capable of providing force-feedback passively through the use of six magnetic hysteresis brakes. Special hardware and control strategies were developed to account for some of the limitations of a passive system and the characteristics of hysteresis brakes. The force-feedback input device has been interfaced to a six-degree-of-freedom robot to perform a variety of tasks. Initial research was conducted with a peg-in-hole task. Future research is to include contour following and bead-on-wire tests. Initial results indicated that force-feedback may only be an improvement in situations where visual cues are not clear, and may actually be a hindrance when a clear line of sight exists.

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

Gong, Yan-Xiang, E-mail: yxgong@sina.com

A hydrodynamical simulation shows that a circumbinary planet will migrate inward to the edge of the disk cavity. If multiple planets form in a circumbinary disk, successive migration will lead to planet–planet scattering (PPS). PPS of Kepler -like circumbinary planets is discussed in this paper. The aim of this paper is to answer how PPS affects the formation of these planets. We find that a close binary has a significant influence on the scattering process. If PPS occurs near the unstable boundary of a binary, about 10% of the systems can be completely destroyed after PPS. In more than 90%more » of the systems, there is only one planet left. Unlike the eccentricity distribution produced by PPS in a single star system, the surviving planets generally have low eccentricities if PPS take place near the location of the currently found circumbinary planets. In addition, the ejected planets are generally the innermost of two initial planets. The above results depend on the initial positions of the two planets. If the initial positions of the planets are moved away from the binary, the evolution tends toward statistics similar to those around single stars. In this process, the competition between the planet–planet force and the planet-binary force makes the eccentricity distribution of surviving planets diverse. These new features of P-type PPS will deepen our understanding of the formation of these circumbinary planets.« less

Gait characteristics of post-poliomyelitis patients: standardization of quantitative data reporting.

PubMed

Portnoy, S; Schwartz, I

2013-10-01

To evaluate the differences in gait characteristics and gait symmetry of post-polio syndrome (PPS) patients ambulating with or without shoes and between subgroups walking with different walking aids and orthoses, study the correlation of these data with personal data, illness condition, physical health, frequency of using aids and orthotics and frequency of falls, and derive recommendations for standardization of reporting these data. Twenty-six PPS subjects ambulated with their own walking devices. We calculated spatio-temporal parameters and symmetry indices (SI) of gait using a data acquired by a motion capture system. We compared inter-subject differences in gait pattern for PPS groups that differed by questionnaire-obtained data of demographics, physical activity, polio history, falls and walking aids. Additional inter-subject comparisons were performed between normal subjects (n=16), PPS patients walking with shoes with/without an ankle-foot-orthosis (n=11), PPS patients walking with knee-ankle-foot-orthosis (n=5), and PPS patients walking with a walker/crutches (n=10). We also compared intra-subject variability in PPS subjects who were able to repeat the trials barefoot. Our main results show that subjects who reported participating in physical activity twice a week or more had significantly better step time and double support symmetry. Subjects who use walking aids on a daily basis had significantly higher gait cadence and shorter stride time. Also, subjects that do not require knee-ankle-foot orthoses and/or walking aids walked with a smaller base width and better symmetry in stance and swing durations than PPS subjects who require these aids. The gait pattern of PPS patients is related to numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Standardization of the reporting protocol of gait-related data of PPS patients is crucial for patient evaluation and treatment design. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Catching the PEG-induced attractive interaction between proteins.

PubMed

Vivarès, D; Belloni, L; Tardieu, A; Bonneté, F

2002-09-01

We present the experimental and theoretical background of a method to characterize the protein-protein attractive potential induced by one of the mostly used crystallizing agents in the protein-field, the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). This attractive interaction is commonly called, in colloid physics, the depletion interaction. Small-Angle X-ray Scattering experiments and numerical treatments based on liquid-state theories were performed on urate oxidase-PEG mixtures with two different PEGs (3350 Da and 8000 Da). A "two-component" approach was used in which the polymer-polymer, the protein-polymer and the protein-protein pair potentials were determined. The resulting effective protein-protein potential was characterized. This potential is the sum of the free-polymer protein-protein potential and of the PEG-induced depletion potential. The depletion potential was found to be hardly dependent upon the protein concentration but strongly function of the polymer size and concentration. Our results were also compared with two models, which give an analytic expression for the depletion potential.

EKPD: a hierarchical database of eukaryotic protein kinases and protein phosphatases.

PubMed

Wang, Yongbo; Liu, Zexian; Cheng, Han; Gao, Tianshun; Pan, Zhicheng; Yang, Qing; Guo, Anyuan; Xue, Yu

2014-01-01

We present here EKPD (http://ekpd.biocuckoo.org), a hierarchical database of eukaryotic protein kinases (PKs) and protein phosphatases (PPs), the key molecules responsible for the reversible phosphorylation of proteins that are involved in almost all aspects of biological processes. As extensive experimental and computational efforts have been carried out to identify PKs and PPs, an integrative resource with detailed classification and annotation information would be of great value for both experimentalists and computational biologists. In this work, we first collected 1855 PKs and 347 PPs from the scientific literature and various public databases. Based on previously established rationales, we classified all of the known PKs and PPs into a hierarchical structure with three levels, i.e. group, family and individual PK/PP. There are 10 groups with 149 families for the PKs and 10 groups with 33 families for the PPs. We constructed 139 and 27 Hidden Markov Model profiles for PK and PP families, respectively. Then we systematically characterized ∼50,000 PKs and >10,000 PPs in eukaryotes. In addition, >500 PKs and >400 PPs were computationally identified by ortholog search. Finally, the online service of the EKPD database was implemented in PHP + MySQL + JavaScript.

The influence of surface chemistry and size of nanoscale graphene oxide on photothermal therapy of cancer using ultra-low laser power.

PubMed

Yang, Kai; Wan, Jianmei; Zhang, Shuai; Tian, Bo; Zhang, Youjiu; Liu, Zhuang

2012-03-01

Photothermal therapy as a physical treatment approach to destruct cancer has emerged as an alternative of currently used cancer therapies. Previously we have shown that polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalized nano-graphene oxide (nGO-PEG) with strong optical absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) region was a powerful photothermal agent for in vivo cancer treatment. In this work, by using ultra-small reduced graphene oxide (nRGO) with non-covalent PEG coating, we study how sizes and surface chemistry affect the in vivo behaviors of graphene, and remarkably improve the performance of graphene-based in vivo photothermal cancer treatment. Owing to the enhanced NIR absorbance and highly efficient tumor passive targeting of nRGO-PEG, excellent in vivo treatment efficacy with 100% of tumor elimination is observed after intravenous injection of nRGO-PEG and the followed 808 nm laser irradiation, the power density (0.15 W/cm(2), 5 min) of which is an order of magnitude lower than that usually applied for in vivo tumor ablation using many other nanomaterials. All mice after treatment survive over a period of 100 days without a single death or any obvious sign of side effect. Our results highlight that both surface chemistry and sizes are critical to the in vivo performance of graphene, and show the promise of using optimized nano-graphene for ultra-effective photothermal treatment, which may potentially be combined with other therapeutic approaches to assist our fight against cancer. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Your place or mine: shared sensory experiences elicit a remapping of peripersonal space.

PubMed

Maister, Lara; Cardini, Flavia; Zamariola, Giorgia; Serino, Andrea; Tsakiris, Manos

2015-04-01

Our perceptual systems integrate multisensory information about objects that are close to our bodies, which allow us to respond quickly and appropriately to potential threats, as well as act upon and manipulate useful tools. Intriguingly, the representation of this area close to our body, known as the multisensory 'peripersonal space' (PPS), can expand or contract during social interactions. However, it is not yet known how different social interactions can alter the representation of PPS. In particular, shared sensory experiences, such as those elicited by bodily illusions such as the enfacement illusion, can induce feelings of ownership over the other's body which has also been shown to increase the remapping of the other's sensory experiences onto our own bodies. The current study investigated whether such shared sensory experiences between two people induced by the enfacement illusion could alter the way PPS was represented, and whether this alteration could be best described as an expansion of one's own PPS towards the other or a remapping of the other's PPS onto one's own. An audio-tactile integration task allowed us to measure the extent of the PPS before and after a shared sensory experience with a confederate. Our results showed a clear increase in audio-tactile integration in the space close to the confederate's body after the shared experience. Importantly, this increase did not extend across the space between participant and confederate, as would be expected if the participant's PPS had expanded. Thus, the pattern of results is more consistent with a partial remapping of the confederate's PPS onto the participant's own PPS. These results have important consequences for our understanding of interpersonal space during different kinds of social interactions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Did the introduction of a prospective payment system for nursing home stays reduce the likelihood of pharmacological management of secondary ischaemic stroke?

PubMed

Lapane, Kate L; Hughes, Carmel M

2006-01-01

Since 1998, a prospective payment system (PPS) for Medicare services provided by nursing homes in the US has been in operation. Concerns have been expressed that the PPS may affect the quality of care delivered to residents. This study evaluates the impact of the PPS on pharmacological secondary ischaemic stroke prevention in nursing homes. The nationally mandated Minimum Data Set and Online Survey Certification and Automated Record data system from 1997 and 2000 for four states were used. We conducted a quasi-experimental study comparing the pharmacological treatment rates for secondary stroke prevention in the pre-PPS period (1997) with those in the post-PPS period (2000) in residents who experienced an ischaemic stroke within 6 months (n1997 = 5008; n2000 = 5243) of living in nursing facilities (n1997 = 1226; n2000 = 1092) in Kansas, Maine, Mississippi or Ohio. The sample was stratified according to recommendations for use of warfarin. Logistic regression models adjusting for clustering effects of residents residing in homes using generalised estimating equations provided estimates of the PPS effect on use of antiplatelets and the use of warfarin. The unadjusted proportion of use of pharmacological agents for the secondary prevention of stroke was similar for warfarin in both time periods and increased for antiplatelets in 2000. Relative to the pre-PPS era, the likelihood of use of antiplatelets increased in the post-PPS era (adjusted odds ratio 1.26; 95% CI 1.15, 1.38); there was no effect on the use of warfarin. Although the lack of a PPS effect on pharmacological management of secondary ischaemic stroke is encouraging, there is still room for improvement in overall stroke management.

Physicochemical properties, immunomodulation and antitumor activities of polysaccharide from Pavlova viridis.

PubMed

Sun, Liqin; Chu, Jinling; Sun, Zhongliang; Chen, Lihong

2016-01-01

Polysaccharides synthesized by microalgae can be used as the functional ingredients of food or drugs. Here, we investigated the physicochemical properties and bioactivities of the polysaccharide from microalgae Pavlova viridis, and indicated the structure-activity relationship. The polysaccharides (PPS0) were degraded with H2O2-vitamin C assisted by ultrasonic waves. The functional group content, monosaccharide composition, and average molecular weight (avg-MW) were detected by chemical or chromatographic method. The immunomodulatory activities were evaluated in vitro by detecting nitric oxide (NO) emission, neutral red uptake and macrophage proliferation. Antitumor activities of degraded fragments were detected using S180-tumor-bearing mouse model by intragastric administration. Degraded polysaccharides PPS1 and PPS2 were obtained at avg-MW of 386.96 and 54.99 kDa. The sulfate group content of polysaccharide was 16%, and the uronic acid content was 5.88 and 8.48%. PPS mainly consisted of fructose, glucose and mannose. All the degraded PPSs could increase phagocytosis and proliferation of macrophages, and stimulated NO emission in a dose-dependently way. PPS2 in Low-MW fragments had the strongest immunoenhancing activities. Different doses of PPS all could inhibit the growth of implanted S180 tumor. At dose of 200 mg/kg/day, the tumor inhibition rate of PPS2 was 57.06%, about 23.6% less than that of CTX-treated group. Different-MW PPS significantly increased lymphocyte proliferation. At 200 mg/L, the proliferation index of PPS2 was 1.37, 2.03 times higher than that of CTX-treated group. The polysaccharides of Pavlova viridis had potential antitumor activities by improving immune response. Moreover, the bioactivities depend on their molecular weight. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The initial impact of Medicare's new prospective payment system for kidney dialysis.

PubMed

Hirth, Richard A; Turenne, Marc N; Wheeler, John R C; Nahra, Tammie A; Sleeman, Kathryn K; Zhang, Wei; Messana, Joseph A

2013-10-01

Medicare implemented a new prospective payment system (PPS) on January 1, 2011. This PPS covers an expanded bundle of services, including services previously paid on a fee-for-service basis. The objectives of the new PPS include more efficient decisions about treatment service combinations and modality choice. Primary data for this study are Medicare claims files for all dialysis patients for whom Medicare is the primary payer. We compare use of key injectable medications under the bundled PPS to use when those drugs were separately billable and examine variability across providers. We also compare each patient's dialysis modality before and after the PPS. Use of relatively expensive drugs, including erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, declined substantially after institution of the new PPS, whereas use of iron products, often therapeutic substitutes for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, increased. Less expensive vitamin D products were substituted for more expensive types. Drug spending overall decreased by ∼$25 per session, or about 5 times the mandated reduction in the base payment rate of ∼$5. Use of peritoneal dialysis increased in 2011 after being nearly flat in the years prior to the PPS, with the increase concentrated in patients in their first or second year of dialysis. Home hemodialysis continued to increase as a percentage of total dialysis services, but at a rate similar to the pre-PPS trend. The expanded bundle dialysis PPS provided incentives for the use of lower cost therapies. These incentives seem to have motivated dialysis providers to move toward lower cost methods of care in both their use of drugs and choice of modalities. Copyright © 2013 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved.

An extended model for the repression of photosynthesis genes by the AppA/PpsR system in Rhodobacter sphaeroides.

PubMed

Pandey, Rakesh; Flockerzi, Dietrich; Hauser, Marcus J B; Straube, Ronny

2012-09-01

Purple bacteria derive energy from aerobic respiration or photosynthesis depending on the availability of oxygen and light. Under aerobic conditions, photosynthesis genes are specifically repressed by the PpsR protein. In Rhodobacter sphaeroides, the repressive action of PpsR is antagonized by the blue-light and redox-sensitive flavoprotein AppA, which sequesters PpsR under anaerobic conditions into transcriptionally inactive complexes. However, under semi-aerobic conditions, blue-light excitation of AppA causes the AppA-PpsR complexes to dissociate, again leading to a repression of photosynthesis genes. We have recently developed a simple mathematical model suggesting that this phenotype arises from the formation of a maximum in the response curve of reduced PpsR at intermediate oxygen concentrations. However, this model focused mainly on the oxygen-dependent interactions whereas light regulation was only implemented in a simplified manner. In the present study, we incorporate a more detailed mechanism for the light-dependent interaction between AppA and PpsR, which now allows for a direct comparison with experiments. Specifically, we take into account that, upon blue-light excitation, AppA undergoes a conformational change, creating a long-lived signalling state causing the dissociation of the AppA-PpsR complexes. The predictions of the extended model are found to be in good agreement with experimental results on the light-dependent repression of photosynthesis genes under semi-aerobic conditions. We also identify the potential kinetic and stoichiometric constraints that the interplay between light and redox regulation imposes on the functionality of the AppA/PpsR system, especially with respect to a possible bistable response. © 2012 The Authors Journal compilation © 2012 FEBS.

A proposed time transfer experiment between the USA and the South Pacific

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luck, John; Dunkley, John; Armstrong, Tim; Gifford, Guy A.; Landis, Paul; Rasmussen, Scott; Wheeler, Paul J.; Bartholomew, Thomas R.; Stein, Samuel R.

1992-01-01

Described here are the concept, architecture and preliminary details of an experiment directed towards providing continuous Ultra High Precision (UHP) time transfer between Washington, DC; Salisbury, SA Australia; Orroral Valley, ACT Australia; and Lower Hutt, New Zealand. A proposed method of distributing UTC(USNO) at a high level of precision to passive users over a broad area of the South Pacific is described. The concept is based on active two-way satellite time transfer from the United States Naval Observatory (USNO) to the proposed USNO Master Clock West (MCW) in Wahiwa, HI at the 1 nanosecond level using active satellite two-way time transfer augmented by Precise Positioning Service (PPS) of the Global Positioning System (GPS). MCW would act as an intermediate transfer/reference station, again linked to Salisbury at the 1 nanosecond level using active satellite two-way time transfer augmented by PPS GPS. From this point, time would be distributed within the region by two methods. The first is an existing TV line sync system using an Australian communications satellite (AUSSAT K1) which is useful to the 20 nanosecond level. The second approach is RF ranging and multilateration between Salisbury, Orroral Observatory, Lower Hutt and the AUSSAT B1 and B2 to be launched in 1992. Orroral Observatory will provide precise laser ranging to the AUSSAT B1/B2 retro reflectors which will reduce ephemeris related time transfer errors to below 1 nanosecond. The corrected position will be transmitted by both the time transfer modem and the existing TV line sync dissemination process. Multilateration has the advantage of being an all weather approach and when used with the laser ranging technique will provide a precise measurement of the propagation path delays. This will result in time transfer performance levels on the order of 10 nanoseconds to passive users in both Australia and New Zealand.

Some Aspects of Psychophysiological Support of Crew Member's Performance Reliability in Space Flight

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nechaev, A. P.; Myasnikov, V. I.; Stepanova, S. I.; Isaev, G. F.; Bronnikov, S. V.

The history of cosmonautics demonstrates many instances in which only crewmembers' intervention allowed critical situations to be resolved, or catastrophes to be prevented. However, during "crew-spacecraft" system operation human is exposed by influence of numerous flight factors, and beforehand it is very difficult to predict their effects on his functional state and work capacity. So, the incidents are known when unfavorable alterations of crewmember's psychophysiological state (PPS) provoked errors in task performance. The objective of the present investigation was to substantiate the methodological approach directed to increase reliability of a crewmember performance (human error prevention) by means of management of his/her PPS. The specific aims of the investigation were: 1) to evaluate the statistical significance of the interrelation between crew errors (CE) and crewmember's PPS, and 2) to develop the way of PPS management. At present, there is no conventional method to assess combined effect of flight conditions (microgravity, confinement, psychosocial factors, etc.) on crewmembers' PPS. For this purpose experts of the Medical Support Group (psychoneurologists and psychologists) at the Moscow Mission Control Center analyze information received during radio and TV contacts with crew. Peculiarities of behavior, motor activity, sleep, speech, mood, emotional reactions, well-being and sensory sphere, trend of dominant interests and volitional acts, signs of deprivation phenomena are considered as separate indicators of crewmember's PPS. The set of qualitative symptoms reflecting PPS alterations and corresponding to them ratings (in arbitrary units) was empirically stated for each indicator. It is important to emphasize that symptoms characterizing more powerful PPS alterations have higher ratings. Quantitative value of PPS integral parameter is calculating by adding up the ratings of all separate indicators over a day, a week, or other temporal interval (in the present investigation - over a week). As a result of processing the data collected during 14 "Mir" station Missions, the significant dependence of CE frequency on value of PPS integral parameter has been established. This dependence demonstrates growth of CE frequency with aggravation of crewmembers' PPS. Additionally, a significant positive correlation between PPS integral parameter and crew work-rest schedule (WRS) intensity has been also found (r=0.71, p<0.05). The WRS intensity was characterized by sleep-wake phase shifts and surplus workload (separate indicators) and quantitative evaluations of both separate and integral indicators were calculated by analogy with psychophysiological parameters. These findings form the basis of the approach to PPS crewmember's management by reduction of the WRS intensity (eliminating separate flight tasks, night work, etc.). Utilization of the approach makes it possible to decrease CE quantity by means of normalization of crewmembers functional state.

Preparation and evaluation of APTES-PEG coated iron oxide nanoparticles conjugated to rhenium-188 labeled rituximab.

PubMed

Azadbakht, Bakhtiar; Afarideh, Hossein; Ghannadi-Maragheh, Mohammad; Bahrami-Samani, Ali; Asgari, Mehdi

2017-05-01

Radioimmuno-conjugated (Rhenium-188 labeled Rituximab), 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and then characterized. Therapeutic effect and targeting efficacy of complex were evaluated in CD20 express B cell lines and tumor bearing Balb/c mice respectively. To reach these purposes, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were synthesized using coprecipitation method and then their surface was treated with APTES for increasing retention time of SPIONs in blood circulation and amine group creation. In the next step, N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester of polyethylene glycol maleimide (NHS-PEG-Mal) was conjugated to the APTES-treated SPIONs. After radiolabeling of Rituximab antibody with Rhenium-188 (T 1/2 =16.9h) using synthesized N 2 S 4 chelator, it was attached to the APTES-PEG-MAL-SPIONs surface through thiol-maleimide coupling reaction. In vitro evaluation of the 188 ReN 2 S 4 -Rituximab-SPION-complex thus obtained revealed that at 24 and 48h post-treatment effective cancer cell killing had been achieved. Bio-distribution study in tumor bearing mice showed capability of this complex for targeted cancer therapy. Active and passive tumor targeting strategies were applied through incorporated anti-CD20 (Rituximab) antibody and also enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect of solid tumors for nanoparticles respectively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The impacts of migraine and anxiety disorders on painful physical symptoms among patients with major depressive disorder.

PubMed

Hung, Ching-I; Liu, Chia-Yih; Chen, Ching-Yen; Yang, Ching-Hui; Wang, Shuu-Jiun

2014-11-10

No study has simultaneously investigated the impacts of migraine and anxiety disorders on painful physical symptoms (PPS) among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The study aimed to investigate this issue. This open-label study enrolled 155 outpatients with MDD, who were then treated with venlafaxine 75 mg per day for four weeks. Eighty-five participants with good compliance completed the treatment. Migraine was diagnosed according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders. MDD and anxiety disorders were diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the severity of eight PPS. Multiple linear and logistic regressions were used to investigate the impacts of migraine and anxiety disorders on PPS. Compared with patients without migraine, patients with migraine had a greater severity of PPS at baseline and post-treatment. After controlling for demographic variables and depressive severity, migraine independently predicted the intensities of eight PPS at baseline and four PPS post-treatment. Moreover, migraine independently predicted poorer treatment responses of chest pain and full remission of pains in the head, chest, neck and/or shoulder. Anxiety disorders predicted less full remission of pains in the abdomen and limbs. Migraine and anxiety disorders have negative impacts on PPS among patients with MDD. Integrating the treatment of migraine and anxiety disorders into the management of depression might help to improve PPS and the prognosis of MDD.

Maximizing MST's inductive capability with a Bp programmable power supply

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chapman, B. E.; Holly, D. J.; Jacobson, C. M.; McCollam, K. J.; Morin, J. C.; Sarff, J. S.; Squitieri, A.

2016-10-01

A major goal of the MST program is the advancement of inductive control for the development of both the RFP's fusion potential and, synergistically, the predictive capability of fusion science. This entails programmable power supplies (PPS's) for the Bt and Bp circuits. A Bt PPS is already in place, allowing advanced RFP operation and the production of tokamak plasmas, and a Bp PPS prototype is under construction. To explore some of the new capabilities to be provided by the Bp PPS, the existing Bt PPS has been temporarily connected to the Bp circuit. One key result is new-found access to very low Ip (20 kA) and very low Lundquist number, S (104). At this low S, simulation of RFP plasmas with the MHD code NIMROD is readily achievable, and work toward validation of extended MHD models using NIMROD is underway with direct comparisons to these MST plasmas. The full Bp PPS will also provide higher Ip and S than presently possible, allowing MST to produce plasmas with S spanning as much as five orders of magnitude, a dramatic extension of MST's capability. In these initial tests, the PPS has also increased five-fold MST's Ip flattop duration, to about 100 ms. This, coupled with the recently demonstrated PPS ability to drive large-amplitude sinusoidal oscillations in Ip, will allow tests of extended-duration oscillating field current drive, the goal of which is ac sustainment of a quasi-dc plasma current. Work supported by US DOE.

Pros and cons of the liposome platform in cancer drug targeting.

PubMed

Gabizon, Alberto A; Shmeeda, Hilary; Zalipsky, Samuel

2006-01-01

Coating of liposomes with polyethylene-glycol (PEG) by incorporation in the liposome bilayer of PEG-derivatized lipids results in inhibition of liposome uptake by the reticulo-endothelial system and significant prolongation of liposome residence time in the blood stream. Parallel developments in drug loading technology have improved the efficiency and stability of drug entrapment in liposomes, particularly with regard to cationic amphiphiles such as anthracyclines. An example of this new generation of liposomes is a formulation of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin known as Doxil or Caelyx, whose clinical pharmacokinetic profile is characterized by slow plasma clearance and small volume of distribution. A hallmark of these long-circulating liposomal drug carriers is their enhanced accumulation in tumors. The mechanism underlying this passive targeting effect is the phenomenon known as enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) which has been described in a broad variety of experimental tumor types. Further to the passive targeting effect, the liposome drug delivery platform offers the possibility of grafting tumor-specific ligands on the liposome membrane for active targeting to tumor cells, and potentially intracellular drug delivery. The pros and cons of the liposome platform in cancer targeting are discussed vis-à-vis nontargeted drugs, using as an example a liposome drug delivery system targeted to the folate receptor.

METAS New Time Scale Generation System - A Progress Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

and a TWSTFT station are used for remote T&F comparisons. The GPS TAI link is driven by one of the atomic clocks defined as the REF clock...UTC(CH.P) paper clock TA(CH.P) paper clock TWSTFT link GPS link CH00 WAB1 H-maser 1-PPS H-maser 1-PPS REF 1-PPS 5-MHz from all clocks UTC(CH.R) 1-PPS...lost, the only consequence would be a transient of UTC (CH.P), which can be corrected by a subsequent steering. The GPS and TWSTFT links can be

Incidental and Underreported Pleural Plaques at Chest CT: Do Not Miss Them—Asbestos Exposure Still Exists

PubMed Central

Contorni, Francesco; Gentili, Francesco; Pinto, Antonio; Sisinni, Antonietta Gerardina; Paolucci, Valentina; Romeo, Riccardo; Sartorelli, Pietro

2017-01-01

Pleural plaques (PPs) may be a risk factor for mortality from lung cancer in asbestos-exposed workers and are considered to be a marker of exposure. Diagnosing PPs is also important because asbestos-exposed patients should be offered a health surveillance that is mandatory in many countries. On the other hand PPs are useful for compensation purposes. In this study we aimed to evaluate the prevalence, as incidental findings, and the underreporting rate of PPs in chest CT scans (CTs) performed in a cohort of patients (1512) who underwent chest CT with a slice thickness no more than 1.25 mm. PPs were found in 76 out of 1482 patients (5.1%); in 13 out of 76 (17,1%) CTs were performed because of clinical suspicion of asbestos exposure and 5 of them (38%) were underreported by radiologist. In the remaining 63 cases (82.9%) there was no clinical suspicion of asbestos exposure at the time of CTs (incidental findings) and in 38 of these 63 patients (60.3%) PPs were underreported. Reaching a correct diagnosis of PPs requires a good knowledge of normal locoregional anatomy and rigorous technical approach in chest CT execution. However the job history of the patient should always be kept in mind. PMID:28656146

Long-term stability of the Leksell Gamma Knife{sup ®} Perfexion™ patient positioning system (PPS)

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

Novotny, J., E-mail: josef.novotnyml@homolka.cz; Department of Medical Physics, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague 150 30; Institute of Biophysics and Informatics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague 120 00

2014-03-15

Purpose: To assess the long-term mechanical stability and accuracy of the patient positioning system (PPS) of the Leksell Gamma Knife{sup ®} Perfexion™ (LGK PFX). Methods: The mechanical stability of the PPS of the LGK PFX was evaluated using measurements obtained between September 2007 and June 2011. Three methods were employed to measure the deviation of the coincidence of the radiological focus point (RFP) and the PPS calibration center point (CCP). In the first method, the onsite diode test tool with single diode detector was used together with the 4 mm collimator on a daily basis. In the second method, amore » service diode test tool with three diode detectors was used biannually at the time of the routine preventive maintenance. The test performed with the service diode test tool measured the deviations for all three collimators 4, 8, and 16 mm and also for three different positions of the PPS. The third method employed the conventional film pin-prick method. This test was performed annually for the 4 mm collimator at the time of the routine annual QA. To estimate the effect of the patient weight on the performance of the PPS, the focus precision tests were also conducted with varying weights on the PPS using a set of lead bricks. Results: The average deviations measured from the 641 daily focus precision tests were 0.1 ± 0.1, 0.0 ± 0.0, and 0.0 ± 0.0 mm, respectively, for the 4 mm collimator in the X (left/right of the patient), Y (anterior/posterior of the patient), and Z (superior/inferior of the patient) directions. The average of the total radial deviations as measured during ten semiannual measurements with the service diode test tool were 0.070 ± 0.029, 0.060 ± 0.022, and 0.103 ± 0.028 mm, respectively for the central, long, and short diodes for the 4 mm collimator. Similarly, the average total radial deviations measured during the semiannual measurements for the 4, 8, and 16 mm collimators and using the central diode were 0.070 ± 0.029, 0.097 ± 0.025, 0.159 ± 0.028 mm, respectively. The average values of the deviations as obtained from the five annual film pin-prick tests for the 4 mm collimator were 0.10 ± 0.06, 0.06 ± 0.09, and 0.03 ± 0.03 mm for the X, Y, Z stereotactic directions, respectively. Only a minor change was observed in the total radial deviations of the PPS as a function of the simulated patient weight up to 202 kg on the PPS. Conclusions: Excellent long-term mechanical stability and high accuracy was observed for the PPS of the LGK PFX. No PPS recalibration or any adjustment in the PPS was needed during the monitored period of time. Similarly, the weight on the PPS did not cause any significant disturbance in the performance of the PPS for up to 202 kg simulated patient weight.« less

Pleural plaques and their effect on lung function in Libby vermiculite miners.

PubMed

Clark, Kathleen A; Flynn, J Jay; Goodman, Julie E; Zu, Ke; Karmaus, Wilfried J J; Mohr, Lawrence C

2014-09-01

Multiple studies have investigated the relationship between asbestos-related pleural plaques (PPs) and lung function, with disparate and inconsistent results. Most use chest radiographs to identify PPs and simple spirometry to measure lung function. High-resolution CT (HRCT) scanning improves the accuracy of PP identification. Complete pulmonary function tests (PFTs), including spirometry, lung volumes, and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, provide a more definitive assessment of lung function. The goal of this study was to determine, using HRCT scanning and complete PFTs, the effect of PPs on lung function in Libby vermiculite miners. The results of HRCT scanning and complete PFTs performed between January 2000 and August 2012 were obtained from the medical records of 166 Libby vermiculite miners. Multivariate regression analyses with Tukey multivariate adjustment were used to assess statistical associations between the presence of PPs and lung function. Adjustments were made for age, BMI, smoking history, duration of employment, and years since last occupational asbestos exposure. Nearly 90% of miners (n = 149) had evidence of PPs on HRCT scan. No significant differences in spirometry results, lung volumes, or diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide were found between miners with PPs alone and miners with normal HRCT scans. Miners with both interstitial fibrosis and the presence of PPs had a significantly decreased total lung capacity in comparison with miners with normal HRCT scans (P = .02). Age, cumulative smoking history, and BMI were significant covariates that contributed to abnormal lung function. Asbestos-related PPs alone have no significant effect on lung function in Libby vermiculite miners.

Psychophysiological Approach To Support Of Cosmonauts Performance Reliability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nechaev, A. P.

Space flight factors may effect negatively on psychophysiological state (PPS) and work capacity of crewmembers, lead to errors in tasks performance. Such errors cannot be entirely prevented during "crew-spacecraft" system designing and/or crewmembers training as they are consequence of a human "psychophysiological troubles". In the present investigation we paid special attention to work and rest schedule (WRS) intensity due to sleep-wake rhythm disturbances and crewmembers overload may cause PPS aggravation. By methods of the correlation analysis of the data collected during 9 "Mir" missions (18 Russian cosmonauts, 226 flight weeks) the significant (p<0.05) interrelations between WRS intensity and cosmonauts PPS as well as between cosmonauts PPS and crewmembers errors (CE) frequency have been established. It allows to consider WRS intensity as "the controlling factor" in relation to crewmember's PPS. Quantitative characteristics of these interrelations have been also determined. This findings have been used for development of algorithm of crewmember's PPS management with the purpose of decrease in CE frequency. The algorithm can be briefly described in the following kind. On the basis of the analysis of crew forthcoming work experts should assess WRS intensity, possible crewmembers PPS alterations, and expected CE frequency. If CE frequency is allowable the management may be limited to recommendations that operative vigilance increase. If CE frequency is higher allowable it is necessary to carry out the measures on crewmembers PPS normalization by means of decrease in WRS intensity. The algorithm is intended for use in the on-ground expert system of psychophysiological support of cosmonauts performance.

Pixel electronic noise as a function of position in an active matrix flat panel imaging array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazdandoost, Mohammad Y.; Wu, Dali; Karim, Karim S.

2010-04-01

We present an analysis of output referred pixel electronic noise as a function of position in the active matrix array for both active and passive pixel architectures. Three different noise sources for Active Pixel Sensor (APS) arrays are considered: readout period noise, reset period noise and leakage current noise of the reset TFT during readout. For the state-of-the-art Passive Pixel Sensor (PPS) array, the readout noise of the TFT switch is considered. Measured noise results are obtained by modeling the array connections with RC ladders on a small in-house fabricated prototype. The results indicate that the pixels in the rows located in the middle part of the array have less random electronic noise at the output of the off-panel charge amplifier compared to the ones in rows at the two edges of the array. These results can help optimize for clearer images as well as help define the region-of-interest with the best signal-to-noise ratio in an active matrix digital flat panel imaging array.

78 FR 3031 - Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-15

... PRINTING SYSTEMS (PPS), SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS (FORMERLY KNOWN AS IWS), VANCOUVER, WA. In accordance with... Services (IWS) and Supply Chain Operations (formerly known as IWS) units. The workers within PPS (both... Group, Vancouver, Washington (TA-W-81,739A), and H-P, PPS, Supply Chain Operations, Vancouver...

Optimization of Photosensitized Tryptophan Oxidation in the Presence of Dimegin-Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Chitosan Systems.

PubMed

Solovieva, Anna B; Kardumian, Valeria V; Aksenova, Nadezhda A; Belovolova, Lyudmila V; Glushkov, Mikhail V; Bezrukov, Evgeny A; Sukhanov, Roman B; Kotova, Svetlana L; Timashev, Peter S

2018-05-23

By the example of a model process of tryptophan photooxidation in the aqueous medium in the presence of a three-component photosensitizing complex (porphyrin photosensitizer-polyvinylpyrrolidone- chitosan, PPS-PVP-CT) in the temperature range of 20-40 °С, we have demonstrated a possibility of modification of such a process by selecting different molar ratios of the components in the reaction mixture. The actual objective of this selection is the formation of a certain PPS-PVP-CT composition in which PVP macromolecules would coordinate with PPS molecules and at the same time practically block the complex binding of PPS molecules with chitosan macromolecules. Such blocking allows utilization of the bactericidal properties of chitosan to a greater extent, since chitosan is known to depress the PPS photosensitizing activity in PPS-PVP-CT complexes when using those in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The optimal composition of photosensitizing complexes appears to be dependent on the temperature at which the PDT sessions are performed. We have analyzed the correlations of the effective rate constants of tryptophan photooxidation with the photophysical characteristics of the formed complexes.

Ecto-Nucleotidase Activities of Promastigotes from Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Relates to Parasite Infectivity and Disease Clinical Outcome

PubMed Central

Leite, Pauline M.; Gomes, Rodrigo S.; Figueiredo, Amanda B.; Serafim, Tiago D.; Tafuri, Wagner L.; de Souza, Carolina C.; Moura, Sandra A. L.; Fietto, Juliana L. R.; Melo, Maria N.; Ribeiro-Dias, Fátima; Oliveira, Milton A. P.; Rabello, Ana; Afonso, Luís C. C.

2012-01-01

Background Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis has been associated with a broad range of clinical manifestations ranging from a simple cutaneous ulcer to destructive mucosal lesions. Factors leading to this diversity of clinical presentations are not clear, but parasite factors have lately been recognized as important in determining disease progression. Given the fact that the activity of ecto-nucleotidases correlates with parasitism and the development of infection, we evaluated the activity of these enzymes in promastigotes from 23 L. braziliensis isolates as a possible parasite-related factor that could influence the clinical outcome of the disease. Methodology/Principal Findings Our results show that the isolates differ in their ability to hydrolyze adenine nucleotides. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between the time for peak of lesion development in C57BL/6J mice and enzymatic activity and clinical manifestation of the isolate. In addition, we found that L. (V.) braziliensis isolates obtained from mucosal lesions hydrolyze higher amounts of adenine nucleotides than isolates obtained from skin lesions. One isolate with high (PPS6m) and another with low (SSF) ecto-nucleotidase activity were chosen for further studies. Mice inoculated with PPS6m show delayed lesion development and present larger parasite loads than animals inoculated with the SSF isolate. In addition, PPS6m modulates the host immune response by inhibiting dendritic cell activation and NO production by activated J774 macrophages. Finally, we observed that the amastigote forms from PPS6m and SSF isolates present low enzymatic activity that does not interfere with NO production and parasite survival in macrophages. Conclusions/Significance Our data suggest that ecto-nucleotidases present on the promastigote forms of the parasite may interfere with the establishment of the immune response with consequent impaired ability to control parasite dissemination and this may be an important factor in determining the clinical outcome of leishmaniasis. PMID:23071853

Social Franchising and a Nationwide Mass Media Campaign Increased the Prevalence of Adequate Complementary Feeding in Vietnam: A Cluster-Randomized Program Evaluation123

PubMed Central

Rawat, Rahul; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Hajeebhoy, Nemat; Nguyen, Huan Van; Baker, Jean; Frongillo, Edward A; Ruel, Marie T; Menon, Purnima

2017-01-01

Background: Rigorous evaluations of health system–based interventions in large-scale programs to improve complementary feeding (CF) practices are limited. Alive & Thrive applied principles of social franchising within the government health system in Vietnam to improve the quality of interpersonal counseling (IPC) for infant and young child feeding combined with a national mass media (MM) campaign and community mobilization (CM). Objective: We evaluated the impact of enhanced IPC + MM + CM (intensive) compared with standard IPC + less-intensive MM and CM (nonintensive) on CF practices and anthropometric indicators. Methods: A cluster-randomized, nonblinded evaluation design with cross-sectional surveys (n = ∼500 children aged 6–23.9 mo and ∼1000 children aged 24–59.9 mo/group) implemented at baseline (2010) and endline (2014) was used. Difference-in-difference estimates (DDEs) of impact were calculated for intent-to-treat (ITT) analyses and modified per-protocol analyses (MPAs; mothers who attended the social franchising at least once: 62%). Results: Groups were similar at baseline. In ITT analyses, there were no significant differences between groups in changes in CF practices over time. In the MPAs, greater improvements in the intensive than in the nonintensive group were seen for minimum dietary diversity [DDE: 6.4 percentage points (pps); P < 0.05] and minimum acceptable diet (8.0 pps; P < 0.05). Significant stunting declines occurred in both intensive (7.1 pps) and nonintensive (5.4 pps) groups among children aged 24–59.9 mo, with no differential decline. Conclusions: When combined with MM and CM, an at-scale social franchising approach to improve IPC, delivered through the existing health care system, significantly improved CF practices, but not child growth, among mothers who used counseling services at least once. A greater impact may be achieved with strategies designed to increase service utilization. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01676623. PMID:28179488

Social Franchising and a Nationwide Mass Media Campaign Increased the Prevalence of Adequate Complementary Feeding in Vietnam: A Cluster-Randomized Program Evaluation.

PubMed

Rawat, Rahul; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Hajeebhoy, Nemat; Nguyen, Huan Van; Baker, Jean; Frongillo, Edward A; Ruel, Marie T; Menon, Purnima

2017-04-01

Background: Rigorous evaluations of health system-based interventions in large-scale programs to improve complementary feeding (CF) practices are limited. Alive & Thrive applied principles of social franchising within the government health system in Vietnam to improve the quality of interpersonal counseling (IPC) for infant and young child feeding combined with a national mass media (MM) campaign and community mobilization (CM). Objective: We evaluated the impact of enhanced IPC + MM + CM (intensive) compared with standard IPC + less-intensive MM and CM (nonintensive) on CF practices and anthropometric indicators. Methods: A cluster-randomized, nonblinded evaluation design with cross-sectional surveys ( n = ∼500 children aged 6-23.9 mo and ∼1000 children aged 24-59.9 mo/group) implemented at baseline (2010) and endline (2014) was used. Difference-in-difference estimates (DDEs) of impact were calculated for intent-to-treat (ITT) analyses and modified per-protocol analyses (MPAs; mothers who attended the social franchising at least once: 62%). Results: Groups were similar at baseline. In ITT analyses, there were no significant differences between groups in changes in CF practices over time. In the MPAs, greater improvements in the intensive than in the nonintensive group were seen for minimum dietary diversity [DDE: 6.4 percentage points (pps); P < 0.05] and minimum acceptable diet (8.0 pps; P < 0.05). Significant stunting declines occurred in both intensive (7.1 pps) and nonintensive (5.4 pps) groups among children aged 24-59.9 mo, with no differential decline. Conclusions: When combined with MM and CM, an at-scale social franchising approach to improve IPC, delivered through the existing health care system, significantly improved CF practices, but not child growth, among mothers who used counseling services at least once. A greater impact may be achieved with strategies designed to increase service utilization. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01676623.

The efficacy of nimodipine drug delivery using mPEG-PLA micelles and mPEG-PLA/TPGS mixed micelles.

PubMed

Huang, Shuling; Yu, Xiaohong; Yang, Linlin; Song, Fenglan; Chen, Gang; Lv, Zhufen; Li, Tiao; Chen, De; Zhu, Wanhua; Yu, Anan; Zhang, Yongming; Yang, Fan

2014-10-15

In order to develop and compare mPEG-PLA micelles and mPEG-PLA/TPGS mixed micelles, with the intention to develop a highly efficient formulation for nimodipine (NIM), NIM-loaded micelles and mixed micelles were made and their pharmacokinetics were studied. Single factor experiments and orthogonal experiments were designed to optimize the final preparation process, characterizations and drug release behaviors were studied. Pharmacokinetics of NIM micelles, NIM mixed micelles were researched and were compared to NIM solution. Micelles and mixed micelles were prepared by solvent evaporation method, with relatively high drug loading efficiency and within nano-particle size range. The CMC value of mPEG-PLA was lower than that of mPEG-PLA/TPGS. The results of FTIR and TEM confirmed the spherical core-shell structure of micelles as well as mixed micelles, and the encapsulation of NIM inside the cores. In vitro release showed that micelles and mixed micelles had sustained release effect in the forms of passive diffusion and dissolution process, respectively. Following intraperitoneal administration (5mg/kg), micelles and mixed micelles were absorbed faster than solution, and with larger MRT(0-t), smaller CLz and larger AUC(0-t) as compared to that of solution, which showed micelles and mixed micelles had higher retention, slower elimination and higher bioavailability. This experiment also showed that mixed micelles released NIM more stably than micelles. By evaluate the bioequivalence, NIM micelles and NIM mixed micelles were testified non-bioequivalent to NIM solution. Micelles and mixed micelles could sustain the NIM concentrations more efficiently in plasma as compared to solution. Mixed micelles were the best ones since they had high loading content and released more stably. Thus, apprehending micelles and mixed micelles were suited as poor aqueous solubility drug carriers, and mixed micelles were better due to their high loading content and more stable release. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efficacy and tolerability of peg-only laxative on faecal impaction and chronic constipation in children. A controlled double blind randomized study vs a standard peg-electrolyte laxative

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background PEG-based laxatives are considered today the gold standard for the treatment of constipation in children. PEG formulations differ in terms of composition of inactive ingredients which may have an impact on acceptance, compliance and adherence to treatment. We therefore compared the efficacy, tolerability, acceptance and compliance of a new PEG-only formulation compared to a reference PEG-electrolyte (PEG-EL) formulation in resolving faecal impaction and in the treatment of chronic constipation. Methods Children aged 2–16 years with functional chronic constipation for at least 2 months were randomized to receive PEG-only 0.7 g/kg/day in 2 divided doses or 6.9 g PEG-EL 1–4 sachets according to age for 4 weeks. Children with faecal impaction were randomized to receive PEG-only 1.5/g/kg in 2 divided doses until resolution or for 6 days or PEG-EL with an initial dose of 4 sachets and increasing 2 sachets a day until resolution or for 7 days. Results Ninety-six children were randomized into the study. Five patients withdrew consent before starting treatment. Three children discontinued treatment for refusal due to bad taste of the product (1 PEG-only, 2 PEG-EL); 1 (PEG-EL) for an adverse effect (abdominal pain). Intent-to-treat analysis was carried out in 49 children in the PEG-only group and 42 in the PEG-EL group. No significant differences were observed between the two treatment groups at baseline. Adequate relief of constipation in terms of normalized frequency and painless defecation of soft stools was achieved in all patients in both groups. The number of stools/week was 9.2 ± 3.2 (mean ± SD) in the PEG-only group and 7.8 ± 2.4 in the PEG-EL group (p = 0.025); the number of days with stool was 22.4 ± 5.1 in the PEG-only group and 19.6 ± 7.2 in the PEG-EL group (p = 0.034). In the PEG-only group faecaloma resolution was observed in 5 children on the second day and in 2 children on the third day, while in the PEG-EL group it was observed in 2 children on the second day, in 3 children on the third day and in 1 child on the fifth day. Only 2 patients reported mild treatment-related adverse events: 1 child in the PEG-only group had diarrhoea and vomiting and 1 child in the PEG-EL group had abdominal pain requiring treatment discontinuation. The PEG-only preparation was better tolerated as shown by the lower frequency of nausea than in the PEG-EL group. In the PEG-only group, 96% of patients did not demonstrate any difficulties associated with treatment, as compared with 52% of patients in the PEG-EL group (p < 0.001). Also, the PEG-only formulation taste was better than that of PEG-EL (p < 0.001). The difference between the percentage of subjects who took > 80% of the prescribed dose was in favour of the PEG-only group (98% vs. 88%), though it did not reach a conventional statistical level (p = 0.062). Conclusion PEG-only was better tolerated and accepted than PEG-EL in children with chronic constipation. At the higher PEG doses recommended by the manufactures children in the PEG-only group had higher and more regular soft stool frequency than PEG-EL. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01592734 PMID:23152962

Visualization of GPM Standard Products at the Precipitation Processing System (PPS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelley, O.

2010-12-01

Many of the standard data products for the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) constellation of satellites will be generated at and distributed by the Precipitation Processing System (PPS) at NASA Goddard. PPS will provide several means to visualize these data products. These visualization tools will be used internally by PPS analysts to investigate potential anomalies in the data files, and these tools will also be made available to researchers. Currently, a free data viewer called THOR, the Tool for High-resolution Observation Review, can be downloaded and installed on Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X systems. THOR can display swath and grid products, and to a limited degree, the low-level data packets that the satellite itself transmits to the ground system. Observations collected since the 1997 launch of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite can be downloaded from the PPS FTP archive, and in the future, many of the GPM standard products will also be available from this FTP site. To provide easy access to this 80 terabyte and growing archive, PPS currently operates an on-line ordering tool called STORM that provides geographic and time searches, browse-image display, and the ability to order user-specified subsets of standard data files. Prior to the anticipated 2013 launch of the GPM core satellite, PPS will expand its visualization tools by integrating an on-line version of THOR within STORM to provide on-the-fly image creation of any portion of an archived data file at a user-specified degree of magnification. PPS will also provide OpenDAP access to the data archive and OGC WMS image creation of both swath and gridded data products. During the GPM era, PPS will continue to provide realtime globally-gridded 3-hour rainfall estimates to the public in a compact binary format (3B42RT) and in a GIS format (2-byte TIFF images + ESRI WorldFiles).

Comparing the outcomes of two strategies for colorectal tumor detection: policy-promoted screening program versus health promotion service.

PubMed

Wu, Ping-Hsiu; Lin, Yu-Min; Liao, Chao-Sheng; Chang, Hung-Chuen; Chen, Yu-Hung; Yang, Kuo-Ching; Shih, Chia-Hui

2013-06-01

The Taiwanese government has proposed a population-based colorectal tumor detection program for the average-risk population. This study's objectives were to understand the outcomes of these screening policies and to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. We compared two databases compiled in one medical center. The "policy-promoted cancer screening" (PPS) database was built on the basis of the policy of the Taiwan Bureau of National Health Insurance for cancer screening. The "health promotion service" (HPS) database was built to provide health check-ups for self-paid volunteers. Both the PPS and HPS databases employ the immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) and colonoscopy for colorectal tumor screening using different strategies. A comparison of outcomes between the PPS and HPS included: (1) quality indicators-compliance rate, cecum reaching rate, and tumor detection rate; and (2) validity indicators-sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values for detecting colorectal neoplasms. A total of 10,563 and 1481 individuals were enrolled in PPS and HPS, respectively. Among quality indicators, there was no statistically significant difference in the cecum reaching rate between PPS and HPS. The compliance rates were 56.1% for PPS and 91.8% for HPS (p < 0.001). The advanced adenoma detection rates of PPS and HPS were 1.0% and 3.6%, respectively (p < 0.01). The carcinoma detection rates were 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively (p = 0.59). For validity indicators, PPS provides only a positive predictive value for colorectal tumor detection. HPS provides additional validity indicators, including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value, for colorectal tumor screening. In comparison with the outcomes of the HPS database, the screening efficacy of the PPS database is even for detecting colorectal carcinoma but is limited in detecting advanced adenoma. HPS may provide comprehensive validity indicators and will be helpful in adjusting current policies for improving screening performance. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Involving private practitioners in the Indian tuberculosis programme: a randomised trial.

PubMed

Yellappa, Vijayashree; Battaglioli, Tullia; Gurum, Sanath Kumar; Narayanan, Devadasan; Van der Stuyft, Patrick

2018-05-01

To assess a multicomponent intervention to improve private practitioners (PPs) involvement in referral of presumptive pulmonary TB (PTB) cases to the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP) for sputum examination. Randomised controlled trial. We randomly allocated all 189 eligible PPs in Tumkur city, South India, to intervention or control arm. The intervention, implemented between December 2014 and January 2016, included two sets of activities, one targeted at health system strengthening (building RNTCP staff capacity to collaborate with PPs, provision of feedback on referrals through SMS) and one targeted at intervention PPs (training in RNTCP, provision of referral pads and education materials and monthly visits to PPs by RNTCP staff). Crude and adjusted referral and PTB case-finding rate ratios were calculated with negative binomial regression. PPs referred 836 individuals (548 from intervention and 169 from control arm PPs) of whom 176 were diagnosed with bacteriologically confirmed PTB. The proportion (95% confidence interval) of referring PPs [0.59 (0.49, 0.68) vs. 0.42 (0.32, 0.52) in the intervention and control arm, respectively], mean referral rate per PP-year [(5.7 (3.8, 8.7) vs. 1.8 (1.2, 2.8)] and smear-positive PTB case-finding rate per PP-year [(1.5 (0.9, 2.2) vs. 0.6 (0.3, 0.9)] were significantly higher in the intervention than the control arm. Stratifying by qualification, a statistically significant difference in the above indicators remained only among GPs and internists. Overall, surgeons, paediatricians and gynaecologists referred few patients. PP referrals contributed to 20% of the sputum smear positive PTB cases detected by RNTCP in Tumkur city (14% were from intervention arm PPs). We demonstrated the effectiveness of a health system-oriented intervention to improve PP's referrals of presumptive PTB cases to RNTCP. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A modified method for locating parapharyngeal space neoplasms on magnetic resonance images: implications for differential diagnosis

PubMed Central

Liu, Xue-Wen; Wang, Ling; Li, Hui; Zhang, Rong; Geng, Zhi-Jun; Wang, De-Ling; Xie, Chuan-Miao

2014-01-01

The parapharyngeal space (PPS) is an inverted pyramid-shaped deep space in the head and neck region, and a variety of tumors, such as salivary gland tumors, neurogenic tumors, nasopharyngeal carcinomas with parapharyngeal invasion, and lymphomas, can be found in this space. The differential diagnosis of PPS tumors remains challenging for radiologists. This study aimed to develop and test a modified method for locating PPS tumors on magnetic resonance (MR) images to improve preoperative differential diagnosis. The new protocol divided the PPS into three compartments: a prestyloid compartment, the carotid sheath, and the areas outside the carotid sheath. PPS tumors were located in these compartments according to the displacements of the tensor veli palatini muscle and the styloid process, with or without blood vessel separations and medial pterygoid invasion. This protocol, as well as a more conventional protocol that is based on displacements of the internal carotid artery (ICA), was used to assess MR images captured from a series of 58 PPS tumors. The consequent distributions of PPS tumor locations determined by both methods were compared. Of all 58 tumors, our new method determined that 57 could be assigned to precise PPS compartments. Nearly all (13/14; 93%) tumors that were located in the pre-styloid compartment were salivary gland tumors. All 15 tumors within the carotid sheath were neurogenic tumors. The vast majority (18/20; 90%) of trans-spatial lesions were malignancies. However, according to the ICA-based method, 28 tumors were located in the pre-styloid compartment, and 24 were located in the post-styloid compartment, leaving 6 tumors that were difficult to locate. Lesions located in both the pre-styloid and the post-styloid compartments comprised various types of tumors. Compared with the conventional ICA-based method, our new method can help radiologists to narrow the differential diagnosis of PPS tumors to specific compartments. PMID:25104280

PEG 3350 (Transipeg) versus lactulose in the treatment of childhood functional constipation: a double blind, randomised, controlled, multicentre trial

PubMed Central

Voskuijl, W; de Lorijn, F; Verwijs, W; Hogeman, P; Heijmans, J; Mäkel, W; Taminiau, J; Benninga, M

2004-01-01

Background: Recently, polyethylene glycol (PEG 3350) has been suggested as a good alternative laxative to lactulose as a treatment option in paediatric constipation. However, no large randomised controlled trials exist evaluating the efficacy of either laxative. Aims: To compare PEG 3350 (Transipeg: polyethylene glycol with electrolytes) with lactulose in paediatric constipation and evaluate clinical efficacy/side effects. Patients: One hundred patients (aged 6 months–15 years) with paediatric constipation were included in an eight week double blinded, randomised, controlled trial. Methods: After faecal disimpaction, patients <6 years of age received PEG 3350 (2.95 g/sachet) or lactulose (6 g/sachet) while children ⩾6 years started with 2 sachets/day. Primary outcome measures were: defecation and encopresis frequency/week and successful treatment after eight weeks. Success was defined as a defecation frequency ⩾3/week and encopresis ⩽1 every two weeks. Secondary outcome measures were side effects after eight weeks of treatment. Results: A total of 91 patients (49 male) completed the study. A significant increase in defecation frequency (PEG 3350: 3 pre v 7 post treatment/week; lactulose: 3 pre v 6 post/week) and a significant decrease in encopresis frequency (PEG 3350: 10 pre v 3 post/week; lactulose: 8 pre v 3 post/week) was found in both groups (NS). However, success was significantly higher in the PEG group (56%) compared with the lactulose group (29%). PEG 3350 patients reported less abdominal pain, straining, and pain at defecation than children using lactulose. However, bad taste was reported significantly more often in the PEG group. Conclusions: PEG 3350 (0.26 (0.11) g/kg), compared with lactulose (0.66 (0.32) g/kg), provided a higher success rate with fewer side effects. PEG 3350 should be the laxative of first choice in childhood constipation. PMID:15479678

Peritonitis related to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy using the direct method for cancer patients.

PubMed

Osera, Shozo; Yano, Tomonori; Odagaki, Tomoyuki; Oono, Yasuhiro; Ikematsu, Hiroaki; Ohtsu, Atsushi; Kaneko, Kazuhiro

2015-10-01

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) using the direct method is generally indicated for cancer patients. However, there are little available data about peritonitis related to this method. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to assess peritonitis related to PEG using the direct method in patients with cancer. We assessed the prevalence of peritonitis and the relationship between peritonitis and patients' backgrounds, as well as the clinical course after peritonitis. Between December 2008 and December 2011, peritonitis was found in 9 (2.1 %) of 421 patients. Of the 9 patients with peritonitis, 4 had received PEG prior to chemoradiotherapy. Emergency surgical drainage was required in 1 patient, and the remaining 8 recovered with conservative treatment. Peritonitis occurred within 8 days of PEG for 8 of the 9 patients and occurred within 2 days of suture removal for 4 of the 9 patients. Peritonitis related to PEG using the direct method was less frequent for cancer patients. Peritonitis tended to occur within a few days after removal of securing suture and in patients with palliative stage.

Cognitive Style and Mobile E-Learning in Emergent Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Disorders for Millennial Undergraduate Medical Students: Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Chao, Yi-Ping; Huang, Chung-Guei; Fang, Ji-Tseng; Wang, Shu-Ling; Chuang, Cheng-Keng; Kang, Chung-Jan; Hsin, Li-Jen; Lin, Wan-Ni; Fang, Tuan-Jen; Li, Hsueh-Yu

2018-01-01

Background Electronic learning (e-learning) through mobile technology represents a novel way to teach emergent otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery (ORL-HNS) disorders to undergraduate medical students. Whether a cognitive style of education combined with learning modules can impact learning outcomes and satisfaction in millennial medical students is unknown. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the impact of cognitive styles and learning modules using mobile e-learning on knowledge gain, competence gain, and satisfaction for emergent ORL-HNS disorders. Methods This randomized controlled trial included 60 undergraduate medical students who were novices in ORL-HNS at an academic teaching hospital. The cognitive style of the participants was assessed using the group embedded figures test. The students were randomly assigned (1:1) to a novel interactive multimedia (IM) group and conventional Microsoft PowerPoint show (PPS) group matched by age, sex, and cognitive style. The content for the gamified IM module was derived from and corresponded to the textbook-based learning material of the PPS module (video lectures). The participants were unblinded and used fully automated courseware containing the IM or PPS module on a 7-inch tablet for 100 min. Knowledge and competence were assessed using multiple-choice questions and multimedia situation tests, respectively. Each participant also rated their global satisfaction. Results All of the participants (median age 23 years, range 22-26 years; 36 males and 24 females) received the intended intervention after randomization. Overall, the participants had significant gains in knowledge (median 50%, interquartile range [IQR]=17%-80%, P<.001) and competence (median 13%, IQR=0%-33%, P=.006). There were no significant differences in knowledge gain (40%, IQR=13%-76% vs 60%, IQR=20%-100%, P=.42) and competence gain (0%, IQR= −21% to 38% vs 25%, IQR=0%-33%, P=.16) between the IM and PPS groups. However, the IM group had a higher satisfaction score (8, IQR=6-9 vs 6, IQR=4-7, P=.01) compared with the PPS group. Using Friedman’s two-way nonparametric analysis of variance, cognitive styles (field-independent, field-intermediate, or field-dependent classification) and learning modules (IM or PPS) had significant effects on both knowledge gain (both adjusted P<.001) and satisfaction (both adjusted P<.001). Conclusions Mobile e-learning is an effective modality to improve knowledge of emergent ORL-HNS in millennial undergraduate medical students. Our findings suggest the necessity of developing various modules for undergraduate medical students with different cognitive styles. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02971735; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02971735 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6waoOpCEV) PMID:29439943

Development of Regulatory Documents for Creation (Upgrade) of Physical Protection Systems under the Russian/American MPC&A Program

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

Izmaylov, Alexandr V.; Babkin, Vladimir; Kurov, Valeriy

2009-10-07

The development of new or the upgrade of existing physical protection systems (PPS) for nuclear facilities involves a multi-step and multidimensional process. The process consists of conceptual design, design, and commissioning stages. The activities associated with each of these stages are governed by Russian government and agency regulations. To ensure a uniform approach to development or upgrading of PPS at Russian nuclear facilities, the development of a range of regulatory and methodological documents is necessary. Some issues of PPS development are covered by the regulatory documents developed by Rosatom, as well as other Russian agencies with nuclear facilities under theirmore » control. This regulatory development has been accomplished as part of the U.S.-Russian MPC&A cooperation or independently by the Russian Federation. While regulatory coverage is extensive, there are a number of issues such as vulnerability analysis, effectiveness assessment, upgrading PPS, and protection of information systems for PPS that require additional regulations be developed. This paper reports on the status of regulatory coverage for PPS development or upgrade, and outlines a new approach to regulatory document development. It describes the evolutionary process of regulatory development through experience gained in the design, development and implementation of PPS as well as experience gained through the cooperative efforts of Russian and U.S. experts involved the development of MPC&A regulations.« less

Ripple Effects of PPS on Nursing Homes: Swimming or Drowning in the Funding Stream?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swan, James H.; And Others

1990-01-01

Of 189 nursing homes, 83 percent reported that Medicare's hospital Prospective Payment System (PPS) affected patient needs, 53 percent said it affected patients and services provided, and 25 percent said it affected referrals to hospitals. PPS effects depended on facility factors of size, Medicare certification, tax status, and on local market…

Improving of bowel cleansing effect for polyethylene glycol with ascorbic acid using simethicone

PubMed Central

Yoo, In Kyung; Jeen, Yoon Tae; Kang, Seung Hun; Lee, Jae Hyung; Kim, Seung Han; Lee, Jae Min; Choi, Hyuk Soon; Kim, Eun Sun; Keum, Bora; Chun, Hoon Jai; Lee, Hong Sik; Kim, Chang Duck

2016-01-01

Abstract Background and Aim: Low-volume polyethylene glycol with ascorbic acid (PEG-Asc) use is reported to be as safe and effective as traditional 4-L polyethylene glycol use. However, PEG-Asc produces bubbles, which cause problems during colonoscopy. Data on the effects of using antifoaming agents such as simethicone with PEG-Asc are lacking. The aim of this CONSORT-prospective, randomized, observer-blinded, controlled trial is to compare the quality of bowel preparation and compliance between PEG-Asc users and PEG-Asc plus simethicone users. Methods: Adult outpatients aged 18 to 80 years undergoing colonoscopy were recruited to the study. Two hundred sixty patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment arms, PEG-Asc or PEG-Asc plus simethicone. The primary outcome measure was the bowel cleansing quality using Boston bowel preparation scale and bubble scores. The secondary outcome measures were patient tolerability and doctor tolerability. Results: The simethicone group showed superior cleansing results (6–9 Boston scale scores: 99% vs. 84%, <5% bubble scores: 96% vs. 49%, P < 0.001) and fewer gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal fullness: 24% vs. 55%, colicky pain: 5% vs. 24%, P < 0.001) than the non-simethicone group. Moreover, endoscopist fatigue during colonoscopy was lower in the simethicone group than in the non-simethicone group (1.31 ± 0.75 vs. 2.97 ± 2.14, P < 0.001). Conclusion: PEG-Asc plus simethicone use was more effective and associated with better patient and endoscopist tolerance than PEG-Asc use. Therefore, this combination is recommended as one of the promising methods for bowel preparation before colonoscopy. PMID:27428209

Content and cultural validity in the development of the Indigenous Play Partner Scale.

PubMed

Dender, Alma M; Stagnitti, Karen E

2017-08-01

Culturally relevant assessments of Australian Indigenous children's social pretend play do not exist. This study investigated the content validity and cultural validity of the Indigenous Play Partner Scale (I-PPS). Six pairs of children (i.e. 12 children) aged four-six years from a remote Australian town were videoed playing in pairs, and 14 community elders and mothers participated across three focus groups. The social interactions between the children were transcribed from the videos. Nineteen verbs, grouped into five categories of social interaction, described the social interactions between the pairs of children. The descriptions of the social interaction verbs were presented to the community elders and mothers in a focus group. The themes from the focus groups were 'background of Indigenous understanding of play' and 'proposed social interaction verbs'. The first theme reflected community collaboration, children playing in multi-aged groups and the role of older children within the play. Guided by the focus group discussion, the videos were re-analysed and 20 social interaction verbs were described that reflected the cultural context of play. The content and cultural validity of the I-PPS was established through community consultation. Twenty social interaction verbs, which form the basis of the items of the I-PPS, reflected Indigenous cultural values of being non-judgemental of Indigenous children's social interactions during pretend play. Culturally relevant assessments for Australian Indigenous children do not disadvantage this population group and are essential for practice in occupational therapy. © 2017 Occupational Therapy Australia.

[Musculoskeletal symptoms in patients with post-polio syndrome].

PubMed

Balzien, B; Hofner, B; Harlander-Weikert, E; Frommelt, P; Bork, H; Forst, R; Fujak, A

2014-06-01

The prevalence of the post-polio syndrome (PPS) is in estimated 50 % of persons with established poliomyelitis with a subsequently stable phase of at least 15 years. The basic mechanism is a loss of motoneuron cells in the spinal cord resulting in muscle weakness and fatigue. In addition pain, cold intolerance and a loss of stamina are frequently reported. There are few studies focusing on the orthopaedic symptoms in the PPS. This study should support the health-care professionals to the address the needs of PPS patients. A questionnaire was developed to collect data on patients who have been diagnosed by a neurologist as fulfilling the criteria of a PPS. It consists of two parts. In the first part, general patient data are collected. In the second part, details of health, pain, and activities of daily living are collected at two points in time: the time of the stable phase immediately after the acute phase of the disease and the phase after the PPS diagnosis. The questionnaires were sent to patients with a diagnosis of PPS. A total of 124 questionnaires were analysed (male: 45, female: 79). Parts of the data were used to calculate a score. It was hypothesised that the score would demonstrate a higher load of orthopaedic symptoms in the PPS phase. The results show that the phase after poliomyelitis (stable phase vs. PPS phase) was associated with significantly different sum score relating to the orthopaedic impairments. The score in the stable phase is on average 18.6 units lower than that in the post-PPS diagnosis phase (p < 0.001). The hypothesis that in the PPS phase the load of orthopaedic symptoms is increased is confirmed by our data. The "loss of functioning in the upper extremity" is also significantly associated with the score (p = 0.004). At the time the survey was taken, patients reveal a high level of musculoskeletal impairments and disabilities after PPS than during the stable phase with regard to general health as well as pain status and performance of daily activities. Age has no significant impact. Many of the patients are severely limited, especially with regard to activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and performing simple household tasks. Since there is no causal therapy for the underlying degeneration of the anterior horn cell pools, treatment is focused on the compensation of the functional limitations. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Effect of the cross-linking agent on performances of NaCS-CS/WSC microcapsules.

PubMed

Wu, Qing-Xi; Xu, Xin; Wang, Zu-Li; Yao, Shan-Jing; Tong, Wang-Yu; Chen, Yan

2016-11-01

Based on the properties of oppositely charged natural polysaccharides, the polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) prepared with chitosan-related polycationic polyelectrolytes and cellulose-related polyanionic polyelectrolytes have been widely concerned for their potential applications as micro-drug-carriers for colon. However, the poor mechanical property of the PECs becomes the obstacle encountered in practical applications. This study investigated the effect of the cross-linking agent (sodium polyphosphate, PPS) on the performances of sodium cellulose sulfate -chitosan/water soluble chitosan (NaCS-CS/WSC) microcapsules. The results revealed that PPS could penetrate through the PEC film and form tighter interior structures compared with the microcapsules without the addition of cross-linking agent. The NaCS-CS microcapsules and NaCS-WSC microcapsules with or without PPS had distinct microstructures, which could be ascribed to the different physicochemical properties of CS and WSC. During the formation process, CS can be dissolved in water under acidic conditions, while WSC can be directly dissolved and protonated in acid-free aqueous providing NH3(+) groups quickly, which resulted in the microstructure's difference. Further analysis showed the NaCS-CS-PPS microcapsules and NaCS-WSC-PPS microcapsules had lower swelling ratios due to their tighter interior microstructures that formed. The cross-linking agent had important effect on the total mass of PECs that produced; moreover, the decline of zeta potential of NaCS-CS-PPS microcapsules was lower than that of NaCS-CS microcapsules, similar trend was found in the NaCS-WSC-PPS microcapsules compared with NaCS-WSC microcapsules, indicating the PPS participated in the interactions and played a role in the microcapsules' formation process. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The impact of DRGs on the cost and quality of health care in the United States.

PubMed

Davis, C; Rhodes, D J

1988-01-01

The prospective Payment System (PPS) represents a fundamental change in the way the United States government reimburses hospitals for medical services covered under Medicare, a federal health care insurance program for the elderly and disabled. PPS replaced the retrospective cost-based system of payment for Medicare services with a prospective payment system. Under PPS, a predetermined specific rate for each discharge dictates payment according to the diagnosis related group (DRG) in which the discharge is classified. The PPS was intended to create financial incentives that encourage hospitals to restrain the use of resources while providing high-quality inpatient care. Both objectives appear to have been met under PPS. Hospital utilization has declined, average length of stay has fallen, and the locus of care has shifted from the inpatient setting to less costly outpatient settings. The growth in inpatient hospital benefits has slowed and the impending insolvency of the Medicare trust fund has been forestalled. Studies have found no deterioration in the quality of care rendered to Medicare beneficiaries. Neither the mortality rate nor the rate of re-admission (presumably related to premature discharge) increased under PPS. Indeed, PPS appears to have enhanced the quality of inpatient care by discouraging unnecessary and potentially harmful procedures, and by encouraging the concentration of complex procedures in facilities in which the high frequency of these procedures promotes efficiency. Incentive-based reimbursement also appears to have contributed to the growth in alternative delivery systems, such as HMOs and PPOs, which contain costs by maintaining a high volume of a limited range of services. The success of the PPS/DRG system in controlling costs and promoting quality in this country suggests its application in other countries, either as a method of reimbursement or as a product line management tool.

Hierarchical regulation of photosynthesis gene expression by the oxygen-responsive PrrBA and AppA-PpsR systems of Rhodobacter sphaeroides.

PubMed

Gomelsky, Larissa; Moskvin, Oleg V; Stenzel, Rachel A; Jones, Denise F; Donohue, Timothy J; Gomelsky, Mark

2008-12-01

In the facultatively phototrophic proteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides, formation of the photosynthetic apparatus is oxygen dependent. When oxygen tension decreases, the response regulator PrrA of the global two-component PrrBA system is believed to directly activate transcription of the puf, puh, and puc operons, encoding structural proteins of the photosynthetic complexes, and to indirectly upregulate the photopigment biosynthesis genes bch and crt. Decreased oxygen also results in inactivation of the photosynthesis-specific repressor PpsR, bringing about derepression of the puc, bch, and crt operons. We uncovered a hierarchical relationship between these two regulatory systems, earlier thought to function independently. We also more accurately assessed the spectrum of gene targets of the PrrBA system. First, expression of the appA gene, encoding the PpsR antirepressor, is PrrA dependent, which establishes one level of hierarchical dominance of the PrrBA system over AppA-PpsR. Second, restoration of the appA transcript to the wild-type level is insufficient for rescuing phototrophic growth impairment of the prrA mutant, whereas inactivation of ppsR is sufficient. This suggests that in addition to controlling appA transcription, PrrA affects the activity of the AppA-PpsR system via an as yet unidentified mechanism(s). Third, PrrA directly activates several bch and crt genes, traditionally considered to be the PpsR targets. Therefore, in R. sphaeroides, the global PrrBA system regulates photosynthesis gene expression (i) by rigorous control over the photosynthesis-specific AppA-PpsR regulatory system and (ii) by extensive direct transcription activation of genes encoding structural proteins of photosynthetic complexes as well as genes encoding photopigment biosynthesis enzymes.

[Comparison of port needle with safety device between Huber Plus (HP) and Poly PERF Safe (PPS)].

PubMed

Shimono, Chigusa; Tanaka, Atsuko; Fujita, Ai; Ishimoto, Miki; Oura, Shoji; Yamaue, Hiroki; Sato, Morio

2010-05-01

An embedded port is frequently used for outpatients with advanced cancer in central venous chemotherapy or hepatic arterial chemoinfusion. The port needle with a safety device in an ambulatory treatment center is indispensable for medical employees and patient plus family to reduce the risk of a needle puncture accident and to prevent iatrogenic infection. The port needle with safety system has been already introduced in our chemotherapy center. There are two types of port needle with safety device; Huber Plus (HP, Medicon Co., Ltd.) and POLY PERF Safe (PPS, Pyolax Device, Co., Ltd.). The comparison of the feasibility between HP and PPS was conducted by both medical employees and patients plus family using an inquiry score method. HP was highly regarded for its stability plus fixation and PPS for its usefulness in puncture and extraction of the needle. PPS was found to be preferable to HP based on the overall evaluation.

On the Measurement of Procrastination: Comparing Two Scales in Six European Countries

PubMed Central

Svartdal, Frode; Pfuhl, Gerit; Nordby, Kent; Foschi, Gioel; Klingsieck, Katrin B.; Rozental, Alexander; Carlbring, Per; Lindblom-Ylänne, Sari; Rębkowska, Kaja

2016-01-01

Procrastination is a common problem, but defining and measuring it has been subject to some debate. This paper summarizes results from students and employees (N = 2893) in Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, and Sweden using the Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS) and the Irrational Procrastination Scale (IPS; Steel, 2010), both assumed to measure unidimensional and closely related constructs. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated inadequate configural fit for the suggested one-factor model for PPS; however, acceptable fit was observed for a three-factor model corresponding to the three different scales the PPS is based on. Testing measurement invariance over countries and students–employees revealed configural but not strong or strict invariance, indicating that both instruments are somewhat sensitive to cultural differences. We conclude that the PPS and IPS are valid measures of procrastination, and that the PPS may be particularly useful in assessing cultural differences in unnecessary delay. PMID:27630595

On the Measurement of Procrastination: Comparing Two Scales in Six European Countries.

PubMed

Svartdal, Frode; Pfuhl, Gerit; Nordby, Kent; Foschi, Gioel; Klingsieck, Katrin B; Rozental, Alexander; Carlbring, Per; Lindblom-Ylänne, Sari; Rębkowska, Kaja

2016-01-01

Procrastination is a common problem, but defining and measuring it has been subject to some debate. This paper summarizes results from students and employees (N = 2893) in Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, and Sweden using the Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS) and the Irrational Procrastination Scale (IPS; Steel, 2010), both assumed to measure unidimensional and closely related constructs. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated inadequate configural fit for the suggested one-factor model for PPS; however, acceptable fit was observed for a three-factor model corresponding to the three different scales the PPS is based on. Testing measurement invariance over countries and students-employees revealed configural but not strong or strict invariance, indicating that both instruments are somewhat sensitive to cultural differences. We conclude that the PPS and IPS are valid measures of procrastination, and that the PPS may be particularly useful in assessing cultural differences in unnecessary delay.

Quantitative muscle ultrasound and quadriceps strength in patients with post-polio syndrome.

PubMed

Bickerstaffe, Alice; Beelen, Anita; Zwarts, Machiel J; Nollet, Frans; van Dijk, Johannes P

2015-01-01

We investigated whether muscle ultrasound can distinguish muscles affected by post-polio syndrome (PPS) from healthy muscles and whether severity of ultrasound abnormalities is associated with muscle strength. Echo intensity, muscle thickness, and isometric strength of the quadriceps muscles were measured in 48 patients with PPS and 12 healthy controls. Patients with PPS had significantly higher echo intensity and lower muscle thickness than healthy controls. In patients, both echo intensity and muscle thickness were associated independently with muscle strength. A combined measure of echo intensity and muscle thickness was more strongly related to muscle strength than either parameter alone. Quantitative ultrasound distinguishes healthy muscles from those affected by PPS, and measures of muscle quality and quantity are associated with muscle strength. Hence, ultrasound could be a useful tool for assessing disease severity and monitoring changes resulting from disease progression or clinical intervention in patients with PPS. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Rhenium-188 Labeled Tungsten Disulfide Nanoflakes for Self-Sensitized, Near-Infrared Enhanced Radioisotope Therapy.

PubMed

Chao, Yu; Wang, Guanglin; Liang, Chao; Yi, Xuan; Zhong, Xiaoyan; Liu, Jingjing; Gao, Min; Yang, Kai; Cheng, Liang; Liu, Zhuang

2016-08-01

Radioisotope therapy (RIT), in which radioactive agents are administered or implanted into the body to irradiate tumors from the inside, is a clinically adopted cancer treatment method but still needs improvement to enhance its performances. Herein, it is found that polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified tungsten disulfide (WS2 ) nanoflakes can be easily labeled by (188) Re, a widely used radioisotope for RIT, upon simple mixing. Like other high-Z elements acting as radiosensitizers, tungsten in the obtained (188) Re-WS2 -PEG would be able to absorb ionization radiation generated from (188) Re, enabling ''self-sensitization'' to enhance the efficacy of RIT as demonstrated in carefully designed in vitro experiments of this study. In the meanwhile, the strong NIR absorbance of WS2 -PEG could be utilized for NIR light-induced photothermal therapy (PTT), which if applied on tumors would be able to greatly relieve their hypoxia state and help to overcome hypoxia-associated radioresistance of tumors. Therefore, with (188) Re-WS2 -PEG as a multifunctional agent, which shows efficient passive tumor homing after intravenous injection, in vivo self-sensitized, NIR-enhanced RIT cancer treatment is realized, achieving excellent tumor killing efficacy in a mouse tumor model. This work presents a new concept of applying nanotechnology in RIT, by delivering radioisotopes into tumors, self-sensitizing the irradiation-induced cell damage, and modulating the tumor hypoxia state to further enhance the therapeutic outcomes. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Microfluidic generation of particle-stabilized water-in-water emulsions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbasi, Niki; Navi, Maryam; Tsai, Scott

2017-11-01

We present a microfluidic platform that generates particle-stabilized water-in-water emulsions, using an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Dextran (DEX). DEX droplets are generated passively at a flow focusing junction, in a continuous phase of PEG and carboxylated particles, using weak hydrostatic pressure to drive the flow. As DEX droplets travel inside the microfluidic device, carboxylated particles partition to the interface of the droplets. The number of particles partitioning to the interface of droplets increases as the droplets migrate downstream in the microchannel. As a result, the DEX droplets become stabilized against coalescence. We study the coverage and stability of the DEX droplets further downstream inside a reservoir, by changing the carboxylated particle concentration and the particle size. We anticipate that particle-stabilized water-in-water emulsions may have important biotechnological applications, due to their intrinsic biocompatibility compared to traditional particle-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions, for example for cell encapsulation.

Pilot production system cost/benefit analysis: Digital document storage project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

The Digital Document Storage (DDS)/Pilot Production System (PPS) will provide cost effective electronic document storage, retrieval, hard copy reproduction, and remote access for users of NASA Technical Reports. The DDS/PPS will result in major benefits, such as improved document reproduction quality within a shorter time frame than is currently possible. In addition, the DDS/PPS will provide an important strategic value through the construction of a digital document archive. It is highly recommended that NASA proceed with the DDS Prototype System and a rapid prototyping development methodology in order to validate recent working assumptions upon which the success of the DDS/PPS is dependent.

[To the issue of postreperfusion syndrome predictors in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT)].

PubMed

Kiseleva, E A; Ushakova, I A; Kim, E F; Matveev, G P; Biriulina, N Iu; Vabishchevich, A V

2012-01-01

The aim of the study is revelation of postperfusion syndrome (pPS) predictors in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Was conducted a retrospective analysis of anesthesia maintainance protocols during orthotopic liver transplantation in 261 patients aged from 6 months to 60 years. Investigated the effect of various factors on the development of PPS by the application of methods of non-parametric statistics. Significantly more frequent development of the PPS is noted in the age group from 3 to 18 years (up to 30% of patients). In recipients older than 18 years the frequency of the development of the PPS does not depend on age, with an average of 14%. The development of the PPS does not depend on the recipient sex, the nature of the pathology which served as an indication to the OTP, the initial severity of the state, type of OTP (living related donor or cadaveric transplantation, primary or re-transplantation), the transplant warm ischemia duration, use, or the lack of venous-venous bypass, metabolic status of the patient. The obtained results do not contradict to the data of foreign publications. Among parameters available for screening, predictor of PPS was not detected.

NF-κB pathways are involved in M1 polarization of RAW 264.7 macrophage by polyporus polysaccharide in the tumor microenvironment

PubMed Central

Liu, Chun-Ping; Zhang, Xian; Tan, Qing-Long; Xu, Wen-Xing; Zhou, Chang-Yuan; Luo, Min; Li, Xiong; Zeng, Xing

2017-01-01

Bladder cancer is one of the most malignant tumors closely associated with macrophages. Polyporus polysaccharide (PPS) has shown excellent efficacy in treating bladder cancer with minimal side effects. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of PPS in inhibiting bladder cancer remain unclear. In this study, we used macrophages cultured alone or with T24 human bladder cancer cell culture supernatant as study models. We found that PPS enhanced the activities of IFN-γ-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, as shown by the release of inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS), secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, phagocytosis activity, as well as expression of M1 phenotype indicators, such as CD40, CD284 and CD86. PPS acted upstream in activation cascade of nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathways by interfering with IκB phosphorylation. In addition, PPS regulated NF-κB (P65) signaling by interfering with Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, INOS and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. Our results indicate that PPS activates macrophages through TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways. PMID:29155869

Femtosecond Polarization Phase Selective (PPS) High Magnetic Field Studies of Electron-Spin-Hole (ESH) Dynamics: New Tools for Ultrafast Imaging Fe-centered ESH Transfer Mechanisms Steps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rupnik, Kresimir; Cooper, Benjamin; Dunne, Taylor; Gerosa, Katherine; Mercer, Kaitlyn; McGill, Stephen

In previous work, new Nanoparticle-enzyme Based Hybrids (NEBH) synthesis methods were investigated for nanoparticles of different shapes and electron energies. These hybrids can provide electromagnetic-field-driven ESH separations and transfers to desired molecular locations. Of paramount biomedical interest are the activity centers (including Fe-clusters) in proteins that perform their intended function and help synthesize other molecules. In this work we discuss results of our recent in situ ESH dynamics measurements: we use <15fs (Vitara) PPS broad band pulses and ultrahigh, 25T, magnetic fields from Split-helix magnet at NHMFL. Work included multi-spectral domain PPS harmonic generations and PPS sum frequency generations. Model compounds, including cytochromes, were used for testing and calibrations and previously studied Fe-S enzymes were prepared for measurements. While PPS opto-magnetic methods are known for their insight into electronic structure, our femtosecond measurements can provide ultrafast dynamic imaging of ESH mechanisms decision making steps. UF-PPS Project, performed in part at NHMFL, supported by NSF CA No. DMR-1157490, and 0654118 and U.S. DOE.

Use of transcriptomic data for extending a model of the AppA/PpsR system in Rhodobacter sphaeroides.

PubMed

Pandey, Rakesh; Armitage, Judith P; Wadhams, George H

2017-12-28

Photosynthetic (PS) gene expression in Rhodobacter sphaeroides is regulated in response to changes in light and redox conditions mainly by PrrB/A, FnrL and AppA/PpsR systems. The PrrB/A and FnrL systems activate the expression of them under anaerobic conditions while the AppA/PpsR system represses them under aerobic conditions. Recently, two mathematical models have been developed for the AppA/PpsR system and demonstrated how the interaction between AppA and PpsR could lead to a phenotype in which PS genes are repressed under semi-aerobic conditions. These models have also predicted that the transition from aerobic to anaerobic growth mode could occur via a bistable regime. However, they lack experimentally quantifiable inputs and outputs. Here, we extend one of them to include such quantities and combine all relevant micro-array data publically available for a PS gene of this bacterium and use that to parameterise the model. In addition, we hypothesise that the AppA/PpsR system alone might account for the observed trend of PS gene expression under semi-aerobic conditions. Our extended model of the AppA/PpsR system includes the biological input of atmospheric oxygen concentration and an output of photosynthetic gene expression. Following our hypothesis that the AppA/PpsR system alone is sufficient to describe the overall trend of PS gene expression we parameterise the model and suggest that the rate of AppA reduction in vivo should be faster than its oxidation. Also, we show that despite both the reduced and oxidised forms of PpsR binding to the PS gene promoters in vitro, binding of the oxidised form as a repressor alone is sufficient to reproduce the observed PS gene expression pattern. Finally, the combination of model parameters which fit the biological data well are broadly consistent with those which were previously determined to be required for the system to show (i) the repression of PS genes under semi-aerobic conditions, and (ii) bistability. We found that despite at least three pathways being involved in the regulation of photosynthetic genes, the AppA/PpsR system alone is capable of accounting for the observed trends in photosynthetic gene expression seen at different oxygen levels.

Private Practitioners' Perspectives on Their Involvement With the Tuberculosis Control Programme in a Southern Indian State.

PubMed

Salve, Solomon; Sheikh, Kabir; Porter, John Dh

2016-05-08

Public and private health sectors both play a crucial role in the health systems of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The tuberculosis (TB) control strategy in India encourages the public sector to actively partner with private practitioners (PPs) to improve the quality of front line service delivery. However, ensuring effective and sustainable involvement of PPs constitutes a major challenge. This paper reports the findings from an empirical study focusing on the perspectives and experiences of PPs towards their involvement in TB control programme in India. The study was carried out between November 2010 and December 2011 in a district of a Southern Indian State and utilised qualitative methodologies, combining observations and in-depth interviews with 21 PPs from different medical systems. The collected data was coded and analysed using thematic analysis. PPs perceived themselves to be crucial healthcare providers, with different roles within the public-private mix (PPM) TB policy. Despite this, PPs felt neglected and undervalued in the actual process of implementation of the PPM-TB policy. The entire process was considered to be government driven and their professional skills and knowledge of different medical systems remained unrecognised at the policy level, and weakened their relationship and bond with the policy and with the programme. PPs had contrasting perceptions about the different components of the TB programme that demonstrated the public sector's dominance in the overall implementation of the DOTS strategy. Although PPs felt responsible for their TB patients, they found it difficult to perceive themselves as 'partners with the TB programme.' Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly utilized as a public health strategy to strengthen health systems. These policies will fail if the concerns of the PPs are neglected. To ensure their long-term involvement in the programme the abilities of PPs and the important perspectives from other Indian medical systems need to be recognised and supported. © 2016 The Author(s); Published by Kerman University of Medical Sciences. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Interoceptive influences on peripersonal space boundary.

PubMed

Ardizzi, Martina; Ferri, Francesca

2018-08-01

Integration of body-related signals within the peripersonal space (PPS) contributes to bodily self-awareness. Whereas several studies have shown how individual PPS extension is shaped by external factors, e.g. during interactions with people and objects, no studies have looked at interoceptive influences on PPS extension. We exposed participants to an audio-tactile interaction task, to measure their PPS boundary (Session 1), and to a heartbeat counting task and a time estimation task, to specifically assess their interoceptive accuracy (Session 2). Participants' traits of private self-consciousness and social anxiety were also evaluated, to account for their possible effect on the relation between interoception and PPS representation. We found that higher interoceptive accuracy specifically predicts narrower PPS boundary. Moreover, this relation is moderated by individual traits of private self-consciousness, but not social anxiety. Extending the concept of interoceptive influences on exteroceptive body representations to PPS, our results, first, support the idea that a dynamic balance between intero-exteroceptive processing might represent a general principle underlying bodily self-awareness; second, they shed light on how interoception may affect also the way we interface with the external world. Finally, showing that, in order for interoceptive accuracy to be effective on the intero-exteroceptive balance, it is important that individuals tend to focus on inner sensations and feelings, our results suggest that a comprehensive intero-exteroceptive model of bodily self-awareness should be (at least) a three-dimensional model that includes individual self-consciousness traits. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A new method to precisely control the depth of percutaneous screws into the pedicle by counting the rotation number of the screw with low radiation exposure: technical note.

PubMed

Li, Xu; Zhang, Feng; Zhang, Wenzhi; Shang, Xifu; Han, Jintao; Liu, Pengfei

2017-03-01

Technique note. To report a new method for precisely controlling the depth of percutaneous pedicle screws (PPS)-without radiation exposure to surgeons and less fluoroscopy exposure to patients than with conventional methods. PPS is widely used in minimal invasive spine surgery; the advantages include reduced muscle damage, pain, and hospital stays. However, placement of PPS demands repeated checking with fluoroscopy. Thus, radiation exposure is considerable for both surgeons and patients. The PPS depth was determined by counting rotations of the screws. The distance between screw threads can be measured for particular screws; thus, full rotations of the PPS results in the screw advancing in the pedicle the distance between screw threads. To fully insert screws into the pedicle, the number of full rotations is equal to the number of threads in the PPS. We applied this technique in 58 patients with thoracolumbar fracture. The position and depth of the screws was checked during the operation with the C-arm and after operation by anteroposterior X-ray film or computed tomography. No additional procedures were required to correct the screws; we observed no neurological deficits or malpositioning of the screws. In the screw placement procedure, the radiation exposure for surgeons is zero, and the patient is well protected from extensive radiation exposure. This method of counting rotation of screws is a safe way to precisely determine the depth of PPS in the placement procedure. IV.

Forecasting E > 50-MeV proton events with the proton prediction system (PPS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahler, Stephen W.; White, Stephen M.; Ling, Alan G.

2017-11-01

Forecasting solar energetic (E > 10-MeV) particle (SEP) events is an important element of space weather. While several models have been developed for use in forecasting such events, satellite operations are particularly vulnerable to higher-energy (≥50-MeV) SEP events. Here we validate one model, the proton prediction system (PPS), which extends to that energy range. We first develop a data base of E ≥ 50-MeV proton events >1.0 proton flux units (pfu) events observed on the GOES satellite over the period 1986-2016. We modify the PPS to forecast proton events at the reduced level of 1 pfu and run PPS for four different solar input parameters: (1) all ≥M5 solar X-ray flares; (2) all ≥200 sfu 8800-MHz bursts with associated ≥M5 flares; (3) all ≥500 sfu 8800-MHz bursts; and (4) all ≥5000 sfu 8800-MHz bursts. The validation contingency tables and skill scores are calculated for all groups and used as a guide to use of the PPS. We plot the false alarms and missed events as functions of solar source longitude, and argue that the longitude-dependence employed by PPS does not match modern observations. Use of the radio fluxes as the PPS driver tends to result in too many false alarms at the 500 sfu threshold, and misses more events than the soft X-ray predictor at the 5000 sfu threshold.

Polyethylene glycol versus dual sugar assay for gastrointestinal permeability analysis: is it time to choose?

PubMed Central

van Wijck, Kim; Bessems, Babs AFM; van Eijk, Hans MH; Buurman, Wim A; Dejong, Cornelis HC; Lenaerts, Kaatje

2012-01-01

Background Increased intestinal permeability is an important measure of disease activity and prognosis. Currently, many permeability tests are available and no consensus has been reached as to which test is most suitable. The aim of this study was to compare urinary probe excretion and accuracy of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) assay and dual sugar assay in a double-blinded crossover study to evaluate probe excretion and the accuracy of both tests. Methods Gastrointestinal permeability was measured in nine volunteers using PEG 400, PEG 1500, and PEG 3350 or lactulose-rhamnose. On 4 separate days, permeability was analyzed after oral intake of placebo or indomethacin, a drug known to increase intestinal permeability. Plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein and calprotectin levels were determined to verify compromised intestinal integrity after indomethacin consumption. Urinary samples were collected at baseline, hourly up to 5 hours after probe intake, and between 5 and 24 hours. Urinary excretion of PEG and sugars was determined using high-pressure liquid chromatography-evaporative light scattering detection and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Results Intake of indomethacin increased plasma intestinal fatty acid-binding protein and calprotectin levels, reflecting loss of intestinal integrity and inflammation. In this state of indomethacin-induced gastrointestinal compromise, urinary excretion of the three PEG probes and lactulose increased compared with placebo. Urinary PEG 400 excretion, the PEG 3350/PEG 400 ratio, and the lactulose/rhamnose ratio could accurately detect indomethacin-induced increases in gastrointestinal permeability, especially within 2 hours of probe intake. Conclusion Hourly urinary excretion and diagnostic accuracy of PEG and sugar probes show high concordance for detection of indomethacin-induced increases in gastrointestinal permeability. This comparative study improves our knowledge of permeability analysis in man by providing a clear overview of both tests and demonstrates equivalent performance in the current setting. PMID:22888267

Comparison of anti-EGFR-Fab’ conjugated immunoliposomes modified with two different conjugation linkers for siRNa delivery in SMMC-7721 cells

PubMed Central

Deng, Li; Zhang, Yingying; Ma, Lulu; Jing, Xiaolong; Ke, Xingfa; Lian, Jianhao; Zhao, Qiang; Yan, Bo; Zhang, Jinfeng; Yao, Jianzhong; Chen, Jianming

2013-01-01

Background Targeted liposome-polycation-DNA complex (LPD), mainly conjugated with antibodies using functionalized PEG derivatives, is an effective nanovector for systemic delivery of small interference RNA (siRNA). However, there are few studies reporting the effect of different conjugation linkers on LPD for gene silencing. To clarify the influence of antibody conjugation linkers on LPD, we prepared two different immunoliposomes to deliver siRNA in which DSPE-PEG-COOH and DSPE-PEG-MAL, the commonly used PEG derivative linkers, were used to conjugate anti-EGFR Fab’ with the liposome. Methods First, 600 μg of anti-EGFR Fab’ was conjugated with 28.35 μL of a micelle solution containing DSPE-PEG-MAL or DSPE-PEG-COOH, and then post inserted into the prepared LPD. Various liposome parameters, including particle size, zeta potential, stability, and encapsulation efficiency were evaluated, and the targeting ability and gene silencing activity of TLPD-FPC (DSPE-PEG-COOH conjugated with Fab’) was compared with that of TLPD-FPM (DSPE-PEG-MAL conjugated with Fab’) in SMMC-7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Results There was no significant difference in particle size between the two TLPDs, but the zeta potential was significantly different. Further, although there was no significant difference in siRNA encapsulation efficiency, cell viability, or serum stability between TLPD-FPM and TLPD-FPC, cellular uptake of TLPD-FPM was significantly greater than that of TLPD-FPC in EGFR-overexpressing SMMC-7721 cells. The luciferase gene silencing efficiency of TLPD-FPM was approximately three-fold high than that of TLPD-FPC. Conclusion Different conjugation linkers whereby antibodies are conjugated with LPD can affect the physicochemical properties of LPD and antibody conjugation efficiency, thus directly affecting the gene silencing effect of TLPD. Immunoliposomes prepared by DSPE-PEG-MAL conjugation with anti-EGFR Fab’ are more effective than TLPD containing DSPE-PEG-COOH in targeting hepatocellular carcinoma cells for siRNA delivery. PMID:24023515

Systematic review and meta-analysis: Sodium picosulphate with magnesium citrate as bowel preparation for colonoscopy

PubMed Central

Munsterman, Isabelle D; Eskes, Anne M; Maaskant, Jolanda M; van der Hulst, René

2016-01-01

Background An effective and tolerable bowel preparation is important to secure quality of colonoscopies. It remains unclear if sodium picosulphate with magnesium citrate (SPMC), which is considered a tolerable bowel preparation agent, is also an effective alternative for polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium phosphate (NaP). Aim The aim of this article is to compare effectiveness of SPMC to PEG and NaP through assessment of quality of bowel cleansing measured by validated tools. Methods We searched electronic databases up to January 2015. Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Two authors independently performed selection of studies, risk of bias assessment and data extraction. Results Thirteen RCTs were included, with overall good quality, but large heterogeneity. SPMC had slightly better quality of bowel cleansing than PEG (pooled RR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.11). In most trials SPMC was significantly better tolerated than PEG. There were no significant differences in effectiveness or tolerability between SPMC and NaP. Side effects were similar between agents, except for dizziness (pooled RR 1.71; 95% CI 1.32 to 2.21 in favour of PEG vs. SPMC) and vomiting (pooled RR 0.35; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.95 in favour of single-dose SPMC vs. split-dose). Conclusions SPMC is equally effective to NaP and little superior to PEG in terms of bowel cleansing. SPMC preparations were better tolerated than PEG preparations. SPMC may be considered as standard bowel preparation for colonoscopy. PMID:29163958

Multi-PAS domain-mediated protein oligomerization of PpsR from Rhodobacter sphaeroides

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

Heintz, Udo; Meinhart, Anton; Winkler, Andreas, E-mail: andreas.winkler@mpimf-heidelberg.mpg.de

2014-03-01

Crystal structures of two truncated variants of the transcription factor PpsR from R. sphaeroides are presented that enabled the phasing of a triple PAS domain construct. Together, these structures reveal the importance of α-helical PAS extensions for multi-PAS domain-mediated protein oligomerization and function. Per–ARNT–Sim (PAS) domains are essential modules of many multi-domain signalling proteins that mediate protein interaction and/or sense environmental stimuli. Frequently, multiple PAS domains are present within single polypeptide chains, where their interplay is required for protein function. Although many isolated PAS domain structures have been reported over the last decades, only a few structures of multi-PAS proteinsmore » are known. Therefore, the molecular mechanism of multi-PAS domain-mediated protein oligomerization and function is poorly understood. The transcription factor PpsR from Rhodobacter sphaeroides is such a multi-PAS domain protein that, in addition to its three PAS domains, contains a glutamine-rich linker and a C-terminal helix–turn–helix DNA-binding motif. Here, crystal structures of two N-terminally and C-terminally truncated PpsR variants that comprise a single (PpsR{sub Q-PAS1}) and two (PpsR{sub N-Q-PAS1}) PAS domains, respectively, are presented and the multi-step strategy required for the phasing of a triple PAS domain construct (PpsR{sub ΔHTH}) is illustrated. While parts of the biologically relevant dimerization interface can already be observed in the two shorter constructs, the PpsR{sub ΔHTH} structure reveals how three PAS domains enable the formation of multiple oligomeric states (dimer, tetramer and octamer), highlighting that not only the PAS cores but also their α-helical extensions are essential for protein oligomerization. The results demonstrate that the long helical glutamine-rich linker of PpsR results from a direct fusion of the N-cap of the PAS1 domain with the C-terminal extension of the N-domain that plays an important role in signal transduction.« less

Brain volume and fatigue in patients with postpoliomyelitis syndrome.

PubMed

Trojan, Daria A; Narayanan, Sridar; Francis, Simon J; Caramanos, Zografos; Robinson, Ann; Cardoso, Mauro; Arnold, Douglas L

2014-03-01

Acute paralytic poliomyelitis is associated with encephalitis. Early brain inflammation may produce permanent neuronal injury with brain atrophy, which may result in symptoms such as fatigue. Brain volume has not been assessed in postpoliomyelitis syndrome (PPS). To determine whether brain volume is decreased compared with that in normal controls, and whether brain volume is associated with fatigue in patients with PPS. A cross-sectional study. Tertiary university-affiliated hospital postpolio and multiple sclerosis (MS) clinics. Forty-nine ambulatory patients with PPS, 28 normal controls, and 53 ambulatory patients with MS. We studied the brains of all study subjects with magnetic resonance imaging by using a 1.5 T Siemens Sonata machine. The subjects completed the Fatigue Severity Scale. Multivariable linear regression models were computed to evaluate the contribution of PPS and MS compared with controls to explain brain volume. Normalized brain volume (NBV) was assessed with the automated program Structured Image Evaluation, using Normalization, of Atrophy method from the acquired magnetic resonance images. This method may miss brainstem atrophy. Technically adequate NBV measurements were available for 42 patients with PPS, 27 controls, and 49 patients with MS. The mean (standard deviation) age was 60.9 ± 7.6 years for patients with PPS, 47.0 ± 14.6 years for controls, and 46.2 ± 9.4 years for patients with MS. In a multivariable model adjusted for age and gender, NBV was not significantly different in patients with PPS compared with that in controls (P = .28). As expected, when using a similar model for patients with MS, NBV was significantly decreased compared with that in controls (P = .006). There was no significant association between NBV and fatigue in subjects with PPS (Spearman ρ = 0.23; P = .19). No significant whole-brain atrophy was found, and no association of brain volume with fatigue in PPS. Brain atrophy was confirmed in MS. It is possible that brainstem atrophy was not recognized by this study. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Observation of proton-tagged, central (semi)exclusive production of high-mass lepton pairs in pp collisions at 13 TeV with the CMS-TOTEM precision proton spectrometer

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

Sirunyan, Albert M; et al.

The process ppmore » $$\\to\\ell^+\\ell^-$$p$$^{(*)}$$, with $$\\ell^+\\ell^-$$ a muon or an electron pair produced at midrapidity with mass larger than 110 GeV, has been observed for the first time at the LHC in pp collisions at $$\\sqrt{s} =$$ 13 TeV. One of the two scattered protons is measured in the CMS-TOTEM precision proton spectrometer (CT-PPS), which operated for the first time in 2016. The second proton either remains intact or is excited and then dissociates into a low-mass state p$$^{*}$$, which is undetected. The measurement is based on an integrated luminosity of 9.4 fb$$^{-1}$$ collected during standard, high-luminosity LHC operation. A total of 12 $$\\mu^+\\mu^-$$ and 8 e$^+$e$^-$ pairs with $$m(\\ell^{+}\\ell^{-}) >$$ 110 GeV, and matching forward proton kinematics, are observed, with expected backgrounds of 1.49 $$\\pm$$ 0.07 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 0.53 (syst) and 2.36 $$\\pm$$ 0.09 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 0.47 (syst), respectively. This corresponds to an excess of more than five standard deviations over the expected background. The present result constitutes the first observation of proton-tagged $$\\gamma\\gamma$$ collisions at the electroweak scale. This measurement also demonstrates that CT-PPS performs according to the design specifications.« less

Orlistat and antisense-miRNA-loaded PLGA-PEG nanoparticles for enhanced triple negative breast cancer therapy

PubMed Central

Bhargava-Shah, Aarohi; Foygel, Kira; Devulapally, Rammohan; Paulmurugan, Ramasamy

2016-01-01

Background: This study explores the use of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol)-conjugated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA-PEG-NPs) as delivery system to improve the antitumor effect of antiobesity drug orlistat for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) therapy by improving its bioavailability. Materials & methods: PLGA-PEG-NPs were synthesized by emulsion-diffusion-evaporation method, and the experiments were conducted in vitro in MDA-MB-231 and SKBr3 TNBC and normal breast fibroblast cells. Results: Delivery of orlistat via PLGA-PEG-NPs reduced its IC50 compared with free orlistat. Combined treatment of orlistat-loaded NPs and doxorubicin or antisense-miR-21-loaded NPs significantly enhanced apoptotic effect compared with independent doxorubicin, anti-miR-21-loaded NPs, orlistat-loaded NPs or free orlistat treatments. Conclusion: We demonstrate that orlistat in combination with antisense-miR-21 or current chemotherapy holds great promise as a novel and versatile treatment agent for TNBC. PMID:26787319

Towards Virtual FLS: Development of a Peg Transfer Simulator

PubMed Central

Arikatla, Venkata S; Ahn, Woojin; Sankaranarayanan, Ganesh; De, Suvranu

2014-01-01

Background Peg transfer is one of five tasks in the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS), program. We report the development and validation of a Virtual Basic Laparoscopic Skill Trainer-Peg Transfer (VBLaST-PT©) simulator for automatic real-time scoring and objective quantification of performance. Methods We have introduced new techniques in order to allow bi-manual manipulation of pegs and automatic scoring/evaluation while maintaining high quality of simulation. We performed a preliminary face and construct validation study with 22 subjects divided into two groups: experts (PGY 4–5, fellow and practicing surgeons) and novice (PGY 1–3). Results Face validation shows high scores for all the aspects of the simulation. A two-tailed Mann-Whitney U-test scores showed significant difference between the two groups on completion time (p=0.003), FLS score (p=0.002) and the VBLaST-PT© score (p=0.006). Conclusions VBLaST-PT© is a high quality virtual simulator that showed both face and construct validity. PMID:24030904

Moisture and temperature influence on mechanical behavior of PPS/buckypapers carbon fiber laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rojas, J. A.; Santos, L. F. P.; Costa, M. L.; Ribeiro, B.; Botelho, E. C.

2017-07-01

In this work, multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were dispersed in water with the assistance of water based surfactant and then sonicated in order to obtain a very well dispersed solution. The suspension was filtrate under vaccum conditions, generating a thin film called buckypapers (BP). Poly (phenylene sulphide) (PPS) reinforced carbon fiber (CF) and PPS reinforced CF/BP composites were manufactured through hot compression molding technique. Subsequently the samples were exposed to extreme humidity (90% of moisture) combined with high temperature (80 °C). The mechanical properties of the laminates were evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis, compression shear test, interlaminar shear strength and impulse excitation of vibration. Volume fraction of pores were 10.93% for PPS/CF and 16.18% for PPS/BP/CF, indicating that the hot compression molding parameters employed in this investigation (1.4 MPa, 5 min and 330 °C) affected both the consolidation quality of the composites and the mechanical properties of the final laminates.

Intermolecular Structural Change for Thermoswitchable Polymeric Photosensitizer

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

Park, Wooram; Park, Sin-Jung; Cho, Soojeong

2016-08-17

A switchable photosensitizer (PS), which can be activated at a spe-cific condition beside light, has tremendous advantages for photo-dynamic therapy (PDT). Herein, we developed a thermo-switchable polymeric photosensitizer (T-PPS) by conjugating PS (Pheophor-bide-a, PPb-a) to a temperature-responsive polymer backbone of biocompatible hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC). Self-quenched PS molecules linked in close proximity by pi-pi stacking in T-PPS were easily transited to an active monomeric state by the tempera-ture induced phase transition of polymer backbones. The tempera-ture responsive inter-molecular interaction changes of PS molecules in T-PPS were demonstrated in synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and UV-Vis spectrophotometer analysis. The T-PPS allowed switchablemore » activation and synergistically enhanced cancer cell killing effect at the hyperthermia temperature (45 °C). Our developed T-PPS has the considerable potential not only as a new class of photomedicine in clinics but also as a biosensor based on temperature responsiveness.« less

Circadian variation of fatigue in both patients with paralytic poliomyelitis and post-polio syndrome.

PubMed

Viana, Celiana Figueiredo; Pradella-Hallinan, Márcia; Quadros, Abrahão Augusto Juviniano; Marin, Luis Fabiano; Oliveira, Acary Souza Bulle

2013-07-01

It was to evaluate the degree of fatigue in patients with paralytic poliomyelitis (PP) and with post-polio syndrome (PPS), and correlate it with parameters of sleep and the circadian cycle. Thirty patients, 17 female (56.7%), participated in the study: they answered the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale and performed a nocturnal polysomnographic study. Eleven had PP (mean age±standard deviation of 47.9±6.4 years), and 19 had PPS (mean age±standard deviation of 46.4±5.6 years). Our study showed that fatigue was worse in the afternoon in the PP Group and had a progressive increase throughout the day in the PPS Group. We also observed compromised quality of sleep in both groups, but no statically significant difference was found in the sleep parameters measured by polysomnography. Fatigue has a well-defined circadian variation, especially in PPS Group. Poor sleep quality is associated with fatigue and, therefore, sleep disturbances should be evaluated and treated in this group of PPS.

Post-Polio Syndrome and the Late Effects of Poliomyelitis: Part 1. Pathogenesis, Biomechanical Considerations, Diagnosis, and Investigations.

PubMed

Lo, Julian K; Robinson, Lawrence R

2018-05-12

Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) is characterized by new muscle weakness and/or muscle fatigability that occurs many years following the initial poliomyelitis illness. There are many theories that exist on the pathogenesis of PPS, which remains incompletely understood. In contrast, the Late Effects of Poliomyelitis are often a consequence of biomechanical alterations that occur as a result of polio-related surgeries, musculoskeletal deformities or weakness. Osteoporosis and fractures of the polio-involved limbs are common. A comprehensive clinical evaluation with appropriate investigations is essential to fulfilling the established PPS diagnostic criteria. PPS is a diagnosis of exclusion, in which a key clinical feature required for the diagnosis is new muscle weakness and/or muscle fatigability that is persistent for at least one year. Electromyographic and muscle biopsy findings including evidence of ongoing denervation cannot reliably distinguish between patients with or without PPS. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A ternary AppA-PpsR-DNA complex mediates light regulation of photosynthesis-related gene expression.

PubMed

Winkler, Andreas; Heintz, Udo; Lindner, Robert; Reinstein, Jochen; Shoeman, Robert L; Schlichting, Ilme

2013-07-01

The anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides uses different energy sources, depending on environmental conditions including aerobic respiration or, in the absence of oxygen, photosynthesis. Photosynthetic genes are repressed at high oxygen tension, but at intermediate levels their partial expression prepares the bacterium for using light energy. Illumination, however, enhances repression under semiaerobic conditions. Here, we describe molecular details of two proteins mediating oxygen and light control of photosynthesis-gene expression: the light-sensing antirepressor AppA and the transcriptional repressor PpsR. Our crystal structures of both proteins and their complex and hydrogen/deuterium-exchange data show that light activation of AppA-PpsR2 affects the PpsR effector region within the complex. DNA binding studies demonstrate the formation of a light-sensitive ternary AppA-PpsR-DNA complex. We discuss implications of these results for regulation by light and oxygen, highlighting new insights into blue light-mediated signal transduction.

Microanalysis characterization of bioactive protein-bound polysaccharides produced by Amanita ponderosa cultures.

PubMed

Salvador, Cátia; Martins, M Rosário; Caldeira, A Teresa

2015-02-01

Different compounds of edible mushrooms are responsible for their bioactivity. The ability to synthesize polysaccharides, namely protein-polysaccharide (PPS) complexes, is related to the antioxidant capacity of these compounds and present great interest in preventing a number of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular and auto-immune diseases, and accelerated aging. Amanita ponderosa are wild edible mushrooms that grow in Mediterranean "montado" areas [Portuguese name given to cork oak (Quercus suber) and holm oak (Quercus ilex) forests]. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of PPS complexes obtained from A. ponderosa cultures using a new microanalytical approach to quickly and easily monitor the production process. Microanalysis using Fourier-transform infrared using attenuated total reflection and Raman spectroscopy of PPS samples showed spectra compatible with identification of this type of compound in culture extracts. PPS separated by size-exclusion chromatography showed seven main complexes. Molecular weights of the main PPS complexes isolated from cultures ranged between 1.5 and 20 kDa and did not present toxicity against Artemia salina, demonstrating the potential of A. ponderosa as a source of biologically active compounds with nutraceutical value. Application of this microanalytical approach to monitoring the production of PPS compounds can be successfully applied in biotechnological processes.

Audio-visual sensory deprivation degrades visuo-tactile peri-personal space.

PubMed

Noel, Jean-Paul; Park, Hyeong-Dong; Pasqualini, Isabella; Lissek, Herve; Wallace, Mark; Blanke, Olaf; Serino, Andrea

2018-05-01

Self-perception is scaffolded upon the integration of multisensory cues on the body, the space surrounding the body (i.e., the peri-personal space; PPS), and from within the body. We asked whether reducing information available from external space would change: PPS, interoceptive accuracy, and self-experience. Twenty participants were exposed to 15 min of audio-visual deprivation and performed: (i) a visuo-tactile interaction task measuring their PPS; (ii) a heartbeat perception task measuring interoceptive accuracy; and (iii) a series of questionnaires related to self-perception and mental illness. These tasks were carried out in two conditions: while exposed to a standard sensory environment and under a condition of audio-visual deprivation. Results suggest that while PPS becomes ill defined after audio-visual deprivation, interoceptive accuracy is unaltered at a group-level, with some participants improving and some worsening in interoceptive accuracy. Interestingly, correlational individual differences analyses revealed that changes in PPS after audio-visual deprivation were related to interoceptive accuracy and self-reports of "unusual experiences" on an individual subject basis. Taken together, the findings argue for a relationship between the malleability of PPS, interoceptive accuracy, and an inclination toward aberrant ideation often associated with mental illness. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Determination of pharmaceutical residues and assessment of their removal efficiency at the Daugavgriva municipal wastewater treatment plant in Riga, Latvia.

PubMed

Reinholds, I; Muter, O; Pugajeva, I; Rusko, J; Perkons, I; Bartkevics, V

2017-01-01

Pharmaceutical products (PPs) belong to emerging contaminants that may accumulate along with other chemical pollutants in wastewaters (WWs) entering industrial and/or urban wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In the present study, the technique of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (Orbitrap-HRMS) was applied for the analysis of 24 multi-class PPs in WW samples collected at different technological stages of Daugavgriva WWTP located in Riga, Latvia. Caffeine and acetaminophen levels in the range of 7,570-11,403 ng/L and 810-1,883 ng/L, respectively, were the predominant compounds among 19 PPs determined in the WW. The results indicate that aerobic digestion in biological ponds was insufficiently effective to degrade most of the PPs (reduction efficiency <0-50.0%) with the exception of four PPs that showed degradation efficiency varying from 55.0 to 99.9%. Tests of short-term chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis for PP degradation in WW samples were performed, and the results reflected the complexity of different degradation mechanisms and physicochemical transformations of PPs. The toxicological studies of WW impact on Daphnia magna indicated gradual reduction of the total toxicity through the treatment stages at the WWTP.

Development of a robotic patient positioning system with a wide beam-angle range for fixed-beam particle therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Hongseok; Park, Jong-Oh; Ko, Seong Young; Park, Sukho; Cho, Sungho; Jung, Won-Gyun; Park, Yong Kyun; Kang, Jung Suk

2016-10-01

This paper describes a robotic patient positioning system (PPS) for a fixed-beam heavy-ion therapy system. In order to extend the limited irradiation angle range of the fixed beam, we developed a 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) serial-link robotic arm and used it as the robotic PPS for the fixed-beam heavy-ion therapy system. This research aims to develop a robotic PPS for use in the Korea Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator (KHIMA) system, which is under development at the Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS). In particular, we select constraints and criteria that will be used for designing and evaluating the robotic PPS through full consultation with KIRAMS. In accordance with the constraints and criteria, we develop a 6-DOF serial-link robotic arm that consists of six revolute joints for the robotic PPS, where the robotic arm covers the upper body of a patient as a treatment area and achieves a 15 ° roll and pitch angle in the treatment area without any collision. Various preliminary experiments confirm that the robotic PPS can meet all criteria for extension of the limited irradiation angle range in the treatment area and has a positioning repeatability of 0.275 mm.

Polynomial Phase Estimation Based on Adaptive Short-Time Fourier Transform

PubMed Central

Jing, Fulong; Zhang, Chunjie; Si, Weijian; Wang, Yu; Jiao, Shuhong

2018-01-01

Polynomial phase signals (PPSs) have numerous applications in many fields including radar, sonar, geophysics, and radio communication systems. Therefore, estimation of PPS coefficients is very important. In this paper, a novel approach for PPS parameters estimation based on adaptive short-time Fourier transform (ASTFT), called the PPS-ASTFT estimator, is proposed. Using the PPS-ASTFT estimator, both one-dimensional and multi-dimensional searches and error propagation problems, which widely exist in PPSs field, are avoided. In the proposed algorithm, the instantaneous frequency (IF) is estimated by S-transform (ST), which can preserve information on signal phase and provide a variable resolution similar to the wavelet transform (WT). The width of the ASTFT analysis window is equal to the local stationary length, which is measured by the instantaneous frequency gradient (IFG). The IFG is calculated by the principal component analysis (PCA), which is robust to the noise. Moreover, to improve estimation accuracy, a refinement strategy is presented to estimate signal parameters. Since the PPS-ASTFT avoids parameter search, the proposed algorithm can be computed in a reasonable amount of time. The estimation performance, computational cost, and implementation of the PPS-ASTFT are also analyzed. The conducted numerical simulations support our theoretical results and demonstrate an excellent statistical performance of the proposed algorithm. PMID:29438317

Permeable pavement and stormwater management systems: a review.

PubMed

Imran, H M; Akib, Shatirah; Karim, Mohamed Rehan

2013-01-01

Uncontrolled stormwater runoff not only creates drainage problems and flash floods but also presents a considerable threat to water quality and the environment. These problems can, to a large extent, be reduced by a type of stormwater management approach employing permeable pavement systems (PPS) in urban, industrial and commercial areas, where frequent problems are caused by intense undrained stormwater. PPS could be an efficient solution for sustainable drainage systems, and control water security as well as renewable energy in certain cases. Considerable research has been conducted on the function of PPS and their improvement to ensure sustainable drainage systems and water quality. This paper presents a review of the use of permeable pavement for different purposes. The paper focuses on drainage systems and stormwater runoff quality from roads, driveways, rooftops and parking lots. PPS are very effective for stormwater management and water reuse. Moreover, geotextiles provide additional facilities to reduce the pollutants from infiltrate runoff into the ground, creating a suitable environment for the biodegradation process. Furthermore, recently, ground source heat pumps and PPS have been found to be an excellent combination for sustainable renewable energy. In addition, this study has identified several gaps in the present state of knowledge on PPS and indicates some research needs for future consideration.

Polynomial Phase Estimation Based on Adaptive Short-Time Fourier Transform.

PubMed

Jing, Fulong; Zhang, Chunjie; Si, Weijian; Wang, Yu; Jiao, Shuhong

2018-02-13

Polynomial phase signals (PPSs) have numerous applications in many fields including radar, sonar, geophysics, and radio communication systems. Therefore, estimation of PPS coefficients is very important. In this paper, a novel approach for PPS parameters estimation based on adaptive short-time Fourier transform (ASTFT), called the PPS-ASTFT estimator, is proposed. Using the PPS-ASTFT estimator, both one-dimensional and multi-dimensional searches and error propagation problems, which widely exist in PPSs field, are avoided. In the proposed algorithm, the instantaneous frequency (IF) is estimated by S-transform (ST), which can preserve information on signal phase and provide a variable resolution similar to the wavelet transform (WT). The width of the ASTFT analysis window is equal to the local stationary length, which is measured by the instantaneous frequency gradient (IFG). The IFG is calculated by the principal component analysis (PCA), which is robust to the noise. Moreover, to improve estimation accuracy, a refinement strategy is presented to estimate signal parameters. Since the PPS-ASTFT avoids parameter search, the proposed algorithm can be computed in a reasonable amount of time. The estimation performance, computational cost, and implementation of the PPS-ASTFT are also analyzed. The conducted numerical simulations support our theoretical results and demonstrate an excellent statistical performance of the proposed algorithm.

Transoral robotic approach to parapharyngeal space tumors: Case series and technical limitations.

PubMed

Boyce, Brian J; Curry, Joseph M; Luginbuhl, Adam; Cognetti, David M

2016-08-01

The transoral robotic approach to parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors is a new technique with limited data available on its feasibility, safety, and efficacy. We analyzed our experience with transoral robotic excisions of PPS tumors to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique. Retrospective chart analysis at tertiary academic medical center. From July 2010 to June 2014, 17 patients who had transoral robotic excision of PPS tumors were included in the study. Our cohort had an average age of 61.6 years and was 52.9% male. All patients had successful removal of their PPS tumors, and the average size of the tumors was 27.3 cm(3) (range 2-80 cm(3) ). Two cases (11.7%) required a cervical incision to assist with tumor removal. The average total operative time was 140.5 minutes. Two PPS PAs had focal areas of capsule rupture and one was fragmented. The average length of stay was 1.8 days (range 1-7 days), and all patients were discharged on an oral diet. Three patients experienced complications. There was no clinical or radiographic evidence of recurrence. This is the largest single-institution case series of transoral robotic approaches to PPS tumors. We demonstrate that this approach is feasible and safe but also note limitations of the robotic approaches for tumors on the far lateral and superior areas of the PPS, which required transcervical assistance. There were no patients who demonstrated recurrent tumor either radiographically or clinically. 4. Laryngoscope, 126:1776-1782, 2016. © 2016 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Co-expression of five genes in E coli for L-phenylalanine in Brevibacterium flavum

PubMed Central

Wu, Yong-Qing; Jiang, Pei-Hong; Fan, Chang-Sheng; Wang, Jian-Gang; Shang, Liang; Huang, Wei-Da

2003-01-01

AIM: To study the effect of co-expression of ppsA, pckA, aroG, pheA and tyrB genes on the production of L-phenylalanine, and to construct a genetic engineering strain for L-phenylalanine. METHODS: ppsA and pckA genes were amplified from genomic DNA of E. coli by polymerase chain reaction, and then introduced into shuttle vectors between E coli and Brevibacterium flavum to generate constructs pJN2 and pJN5. pJN2 was generated by inserting ppsA and pckA genes into vector pCZ; whereas pJN5 was obtained by introducing ppsA and pckA genes into pCZ-GAB, which was originally constructed for co-expression of aroG, pheA and tyrB genes. The recombinant plasmids were then introduced into B. flavum by electroporation and the transformants were used for L-phenylalanine fermentation. RESULTS: Compared with the original B. flavum cells, all the transformants were showed to have increased five enzyme activities specifically, and have enhanced L-phenylalanine biosynthesis ability variably. pJN5 transformant was observed to have the highest elevation of L-phenylalanine production by a 3.4-fold. Co-expression of ppsA and pckA increased activity of DAHP synthetase significantly. CONCLUSION: Co-expression of ppsA and pckA genes in B. flavum could remarkably increase the expression of DAHP synthetase; Co-expression of ppsA, pckA, aroG, pheA and tyrB of E. coli in B. flavum was a feasible approach to construct a strain for phenylalanine production. PMID:12532463

Long-term modelling of fly ash and radionuclide emissions as well as deposition fluxes due to the operation of large oil shale-fired power plants.

PubMed

Vaasma, Taavi; Kaasik, Marko; Loosaar, Jüri; Kiisk, Madis; Tkaczyk, Alan H

2017-11-01

Two of the world's largest oil shale-fired power plants (PPs) in Estonia have been operational over 40 years, emitting various pollutants, such as fly ash, SO x , NO x , heavy metals, volatile organic compounds as well as radionuclides to the environment. The emissions from these PPs have varied significantly during this period, with the maximum during the 1970s and 1980s. The oil shale burned in the PPs contains naturally occurring radionuclides from the 238 U and 232 Th decay series as well as 40 K. These radionuclides become enriched in fly ash fractions (up to 10 times), especially in the fine fly ash escaping the purification system. Using a validated Gaussian-plume model, atmospheric dispersion modelling was carried out to determine the quantity and a real magnitude of fly ash and radionuclide deposition fluxes during different decades. The maximum deposition fluxes of volatile radionuclides ( 210 Pb and 210 Po) were around 70 mBq m -2 d -1 nearby the PPs during 1970s and 1980s. Due to the reduction of burned oil shale and significant renovations done on the PPs, the deposition fluxes were reduced to 10 mBq m -2 d -1 in the 2000s and down to 1.5 mBq m -2 d -1 in 2015. The maximum deposition occurs within couple of kilometers of the PPs, but the impacted area extends to over 50 km from the sources. For many radionuclides, including 210 Po, the PPs have been larger contributors of radionuclides to the environment via atmospheric pathway than natural sources. This is the first time that the emissions and deposition fluxes of radionuclides from the PPs have been quantified, providing the information about their radionuclide deposition load on the surrounding environment during various time periods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Post-Polio Syndrome and Risk Factors in Korean Polio Survivors: A Baseline Survey by Telephone Interview

PubMed Central

Bang, Hyun; Suh, Jee Hyun; Lee, Seung Yeol; Kim, Keewon; Yang, Eun Joo; Jung, Se Hee; Jang, Soong-Nang; Han, Soo Jeong; Kim, Wan-Ho; Oh, Min-Gyun; Kim, Jeong-Hwan; Lee, Sam-Gyu

2014-01-01

Objective To obtain information on the socioeconomic, medical, and functional status of polio survivors, and to use these results as the preliminary data for establishing the middle-aged cohort of polio survivors. Methods The subjects were recruited based on the medical records of multiple hospitals and centers. They were assessed through a structured questionnaire over the phone. Post-poliomyelitis syndrome (PPS) was identified according to the specified diagnostic criteria. Differences between polio survivors with or without PPS were evaluated, and the risk factors for PPS were analyzed by the odds ratio (OR). Results Majority of polio survivors were middle-aged and mean age was 51.2±8.3 years. A total of 188 out of 313 polio survivors met the adopted criteria for PPS based on the symptoms, yielding a prevalence of 61.6%. Mean interval between acute poliomyelitis and the development of PPS was 38.5±11.6 years. Female gender (OR 1.82; confidence interval [CI] 1.09-3.06), the age at onset of poliomyelitis (OR 1.75; CI 1.05-2.94), the use of orthoses or walking aids (OR 2.46; CI 1.44-4.20), and the history of medical treatment for paralysis, pain or gait disturbance (OR 2.62; CI 1.52-4.51) represented independent risk factors for PPS. Conclusion We found that the majority of Korean polio survivors entered middle age with many medical, functional, and social problems. Female gender, early age of onset of poliomyelitis, the use of orthoses or walking aids, and the history of medical treatment for paralysis, pain or gait disturbance were identified as the significant risk factors for PPS. A comprehensive and multidisciplinary plan should be prepared to manage polio survivors considering their need for health care services and the risk factors for late effects, such as PPS. PMID:25379493

Formation of methotrexate-PLLA-PEG-PLLA composite microspheres by microencapsulation through a process of suspension-enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO2

PubMed Central

Chen, Ai-Zheng; Wang, Guang-Ya; Wang, Shi-Bin; Li, Li; Liu, Yuan-Gang; Zhao, Chen

2012-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to improve the drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and sustained-release properties of supercritical CO2-based drug-loaded polymer carriers via a process of suspension-enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO2 (SpEDS), which is an advanced version of solution-enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO2 (SEDS). Methods Methotrexate nanoparticles were successfully microencapsulated into poly (L-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(L-lactide) (PLLA-PEG-PLLA) by SpEDS. Methotrexate nanoparticles were first prepared by SEDS, then suspended in PLLA-PEG-PLLA solution, and finally microencapsulated into PLLA-PEG-PLLA via SpEDS, where an “injector” was utilized in the suspension delivery system. Results After microencapsulation, the composite methotrexate (MTX)-PLLA-PEG-PLLA microspheres obtained had a mean particle size of 545 nm, drug loading of 13.7%, and an encapsulation efficiency of 39.2%. After an initial burst release, with around 65% of the total methotrexate being released in the first 3 hours, the MTX-PLLA-PEG-PLLA microspheres released methotrexate in a sustained manner, with 85% of the total methotrexate dose released within 23 hours and nearly 100% within 144 hours. Conclusion Compared with a parallel study of the coprecipitation process, microencapsulation using SpEDS offered greater potential to manufacture drug-loaded polymer microspheres for a drug delivery system. PMID:22787397

Effects of Electrical Stimulation Rate on Speech Recognition in Cochlear Implant Users

PubMed Central

Park, Sung Hye; Kim, Eunoak; Lee, Hyo-Jeong

2012-01-01

Background and Objectives The stimulus signals delivered in cochlear implant (CI) systems are generally derived by sampling the temporal envelope of each channel at some constant rate and using its intensity to control the stimulation current level delivered to the corresponding electrode site. The objective of the study was to investigate speech recognition performance of cochlear implant users in quiet and noisy environments using either moderate or high rates of electrical stimulations. Materials and Methods Six post-lingually deafened adult users of the Nucleus CI24 cochlear implant (Contour® electrode array, Cochlear™, Macquarie Park, Australia) with the Freedom® speech processor participated in the study. Stimulation rates of 900 and 2400 pulses-per-second/channel (pps/ch) were used after both stimulation programs were balanced for loudness. Monosyllabic word and sentence recognition scores in quiet and noisy environments were evaluated for each stimulation program after two months of practice. Subjects were also asked to respond to a questionnaire to examine their preference to any stimulation rate in different hearing conditions. Results Word recognition scores for monosyllabic words in quiet conditions with the 900 stimulation rate was better than that of the 2400 stimulation rate, although no significant differences between them were found for sentence test in noise. A survey questionnaire indicated that most subjects preferred the 900 stimulation rate to the 2400 stimulation rate, especially in quiet conditions. Conclusions Most subjects indicated a preference for 900 pps/ch rate in quiet conditions. It is recommended to remap at 900 pps/ch for those CI users whose performance in quiet conditions is less than ideal. PMID:24653862

Pinon Pine Tree Study, Los Alamos National Laboratory: Source document

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

P. R. Fresquez; J. D. Huchton; M. A. Mullen

One of the dominant tree species growing within and around Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM, lands is the pinon pine (Pinus edulis) tree. Pinon pine is used for firewood, fence posts, and building materials and is a source of nuts for food--the seeds are consumed by a wide variety of animals and are also gathered by people in the area and eaten raw or roasted. This study investigated the (1) concentration of {sup 3}H, {sup 137}Cs, {sup 90}Sr, {sup tot}U, {sup 238}Pu, {sup 239,240}Pu, and {sup 241}Am in soils (0- to 12-in. [31 cm] depth underneath themore » tree), pinon pine shoots (PPS), and pinon pine nuts (PPN) collected from LANL lands and regional background (BG) locations, (2) concentrations of radionuclides in PPN collected in 1977 to present data, (3) committed effective dose equivalent (CEDE) from the ingestion of nuts, and (4) soil to PPS to PPN concentration ratios (CRs). Most radionuclides, with the exception of {sup 3}H in soils, were not significantly higher (p < 0.10) in soils, PPS, and PPN collected from LANL as compared to BG locations, and concentrations of most radionuclides in PPN from LANL have decreased over time. The maximum net CEDE (the CEDE plus two sigma minus BG) at the most conservative ingestion rate (10 lb [4.5 kg]) was 0.0018 mrem (0.018 {micro}Sv). Soil-to-nut CRs for most radionuclides were within the range of default values in the literature for common fruits and vegetables.« less

A Diagnostic Model for Impending Death in Cancer Patients: Preliminary Report

PubMed Central

Hui, David; Hess, Kenneth; dos Santos, Renata; Chisholm, Gary; Bruera, Eduardo

2015-01-01

Background We recently identified several highly specific bedside physical signs associated with impending death within 3 days among patients with advanced cancer. In this study, we developed and assessed a diagnostic model for impending death based on these physical signs. Methods We systematically documented 62 physical signs every 12 hours from admission to death or discharge in 357 patients with advanced cancer admitted to acute palliative care units (APCUs) at two tertiary care cancer centers. We used recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) to develop a prediction model for impending death in 3 days using admission data. We validated the model with 5 iterations of 10-fold cross-validation, and also applied the model to APCU days 2/3/4/5/6. Results Among 322/357 (90%) patients with complete data for all signs, the 3-day mortality was 24% on admission. The final model was based on 2 variables (palliative performance scale [PPS] and drooping of nasolabial fold) and had 4 terminal leaves: PPS≤20% and drooping of nasolabial fold present, PPS≤20% and drooping of nasolabial fold absent, PPS 30–60% and PPS ≥ 70%, with 3-day mortality of 94%, 42%, 16% and 3%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy was 81% for the original tree, 80% for cross-validation, and 79%–84% for subsequent APCU days. Conclusion(s) We developed a diagnostic model for impending death within 3 days based on 2 objective bedside physical signs. This model was applicable to both APCU admission and subsequent days. Upon further external validation, this model may help clinicians to formulate the diagnosis of impending death. PMID:26218612

MSL Lessons Learned and Knowledge Capture

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buxbaum, Karen L.

2012-01-01

The Mars Program has recently been informed of the Planetary Protection Subcommittee (PPS) recommendation, which was endorsed by the NAC, concerning Mars Science Lab (MSL) lessons learned and knowledge capture. The Mars Program has not had an opportunity to consider any decisions specific to the PPS recommendation. Some of the activities recommended by the PPS would involve members of the MSL flight team who are focused on cruise, entry descent & landing, and early surface operations; those activities would have to wait. Members of the MSL planetary protection team at JPL are still available to support MSL lessons learned and knowledge capture; some of the specifically recommended activities have already begun. The Mars Program shares the PPS/NAC concerns about loss of potential information & expertise in planetary protection practice.

High-Resolution, High-Throughput, Positive-Tone Patterning of Poly(ethylene glycol) by Helium Beam Exposure through Stencil Masks

PubMed Central

Cacao, Eliedonna E.; Nasrullah, Azeem; Sherlock, Tim; Kemper, Steven; Kourentzi, Katerina; Ruchhoeft, Paul; Stein, Gila E.; Willson, Richard C.

2013-01-01

In this work, a collimated helium beam was used to activate a thiol-poly(ethylene glycol) (SH-PEG) monolayer on gold to selectively capture proteins in the exposed regions. Protein patterns were formed at high throughput by exposing a stencil mask placed in proximity to the PEG-coated surface to a broad beam of helium particles, followed by incubation in a protein solution. Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR) spectra showed that SH-PEG molecules remain attached to gold after exposure to beam doses of 1.5–60 µC/cm2 and incubation in PBS buffer for one hour, as evidenced by the presence of characteristic ether and methoxy peaks at 1120 cm−1 and 2870 cm−1, respectively. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) spectra showed that increasing beam doses destroy ether (C–O) bonds in PEG molecules as evidenced by the decrease in carbon C1s peak at 286.6 eV and increased alkyl (C–C) signal at 284.6 eV. XPS spectra also demonstrated protein capture on beam-exposed PEG regions through the appearance of a nitrogen N1s peak at 400 eV and carbon C1s peak at 288 eV binding energies, while the unexposed PEG areas remained protein-free. The characteristic activities of avidin and horseradish peroxidase were preserved after attachment on beam-exposed regions. Protein patterns created using a 35 µm mesh mask were visualized by localized formation of insoluble diformazan precipitates by alkaline phosphatase conversion of its substrate bromochloroindoyl phosphate-nitroblue tetrazolium (BCIP-NBT) and by avidin binding of biotinylated antibodies conjugated on 100 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNP). Patterns created using a mask with smaller 300 nm openings were detected by specific binding of 40 nm AuNP probes and by localized HRP-mediated deposition of silver nanoparticles. Corresponding BSA-passivated negative controls showed very few bound AuNP probes and little to no enzymatic formation of diformazan precipitates or silver nanoparticles. PMID:23717382

Anatomic Severity, Midfacial Growth, and Speech Outcomes in Van der Woude/Popliteal Pterygium Syndromes Compared to Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip/Palate.

PubMed

Reardon, Jeffrey B; Brustowicz, Katherine A; Marrinan, Eileen M; Mulliken, John B; Padwa, Bonnie L

2015-11-01

To summarize the clinical characteristics and surgical and speech outcomes for patients with Van der Woude/popliteal pterygium syndromes (VWS/PPS) and to compare them with a historic cohort of patients with nonsyndromic cleft lip/cleft palate (CL/P). Retrospective chart review. Tertiary care center. All patients with VWS/PPS seen at Boston Children's Hospital from 1979 to 2012: 28 patients with VWS (n = 21)/PPS (n = 7) whose mean age was 17.3 ± 10.4 years, including 18 females (64%) and 10 males (36%); 18 patients (64%) had a family history of VWS/PPS. Cleft type, operative procedures, speech, and midfacial growth. Data were compared with historic cohorts of patients with nonsyndromic CL/P treated at one tertiary care center. There were 24 patients (86%) with CP±L, Veau types I (n = 4, 17%), II (n = 4, 17%), III (n = 5, 21%), and IV (n = 11, 46%). Nine patients (38%) had palatal fistula after palatoplasty. Fourteen of 23 (61%) patients with CL/P age 5 years or older had midfacial retrusion, and 10 (43%) required a pharyngeal flap for velopharyngeal insufficiency. Fisher's exact test demonstrated higher frequencies of Veau type IV CP±L (P = .0016), bilateral CL±P (P = .0001), and complete CL±P (P < .0001) in VWS/PPS compared with nonsyndromic patients. Incidences of midfacial retrusion (P = .0001), palatal fistula (P < .0001), and need for pharyngeal flap (P = .0014) were significantly greater in patients with VWS/PPS. Patients with VWS/PPS have more severe forms of labiopalatal clefting and higher incidences of midfacial retrusion, palatal fistula, and velopharyngeal insufficiency following primary repair as compared with nonsyndromic CL/P.

Helping members of a community-based health insurance scheme access quality inpatient care through development of a preferred provider system in rural Gujarat.

PubMed

Ranson, M Kent; Sinha, Tara; Gandhi, Fenil; Jayswal, Rupal; Mills, Anne J

2006-01-01

We describe and analyse the experience of piloting a preferred provider system (PPS) for rural members of Vimo SEWA, a fixed-indemnity, community-based health insurance (CBHI) scheme run by the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA). The objectives of the PPS were (i) to facilitate access to hospitalization by providing financial benefits at the time of service utilization; (ii) to shift the burden of compiling a claim away from members and towards Vimo SEWA staff; and (iii) to direct members to inpatient facilities of acceptable quality. The PPS was launched between August and October 2004, in 8 subdistricts covering 15,000 insured. The impact of the scheme was analysed using data from a household survey of claimants and qualitative data from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The PPS appears to have been successful in terms of two of the three primary objectives--it has transferred much of the burden of compiling a health Insurance claim onto Vimo SEWA staff, and it has directed members to inpatient facilities with acceptable levels of technical quality (defined in terms of structural Indicators). However, even under the PPS, user fees pose a financial barrier, as the insured have to mobilize funds to cover the costs of medicines, supplies, registration fee, etc. before receipt of cash payment from Vimo SEWA. Other barriers to the success of the PPS were the geographic Inaccessibility of some of the selected hospitals, lack of awareness about the PPS among members and a variety of administrative problems. This pilot project provides useful lessons relating to strategic purchasing by CBHI schemes and, more broadly, managed care in India. In particular, the pragmatic approach taken to assessing hospitals and identifying preferred providers is likely to be useful elsewhere.

Full body action remapping of peripersonal space: the case of walking.

PubMed

Noel, Jean-Paul; Grivaz, Petr; Marmaroli, Patrick; Lissek, Herve; Blanke, Olaf; Serino, Andrea

2015-04-01

The space immediately surrounding the body, i.e. peripersonal space (PPS), is represented by populations of multisensory neurons, from a network of premotor and parietal areas, which integrate tactile stimuli from the body's surface with visual or auditory stimuli presented within a limited distance from the body. Here we show that PPS boundaries extend while walking. We used an audio-tactile interaction task to identify the location in space where looming sounds affect reaction time to tactile stimuli on the chest, taken as a proxy of the PPS boundary. The task was administered while participants either stood still or walked on a treadmill. In addition, in two separate experiments, subjects either received or not additional visual inputs, i.e. optic flow, implying a translation congruent with the direction of their walking. Results revealed that when participants were standing still, sounds boosted tactile processing when located within 65-100 cm from the participants' body, but not at farther distances. Instead, when participants were walking PPS expands as reflected in boosted tactile processing at ~1.66 m. This was found despite the fact the spatial relationship between the participant's body and the sound's source did not vary between the Standing and the Walking condition. This expansion effect on PPS boundaries due to walking was the same with or without optic flow, suggesting that kinematics and proprioceptive cues, rather than visual cues, are critical in triggering the effect. These results are the first to demonstrate an adaptation of the chest's PPS representation due to whole body motion and are compatible with the view that PPS constitutes a dynamic sensory-motor interface between the individual and the environment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fengycin produced by Bacillus subtilis 9407 plays a major role in the biocontrol of apple ring rot disease.

PubMed

Fan, Haiyan; Ru, Jinjiang; Zhang, Yuanyuan; Wang, Qi; Li, Yan

2017-06-01

Apple ring rot, caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea, is a serious apple disease in China. Bacillus subtilis 9407 was isolated from healthy apples and showed strong antifungal activity against B. dothidea. To identify the primary antifungal compound of B. subtilis 9407 and determine its role in controlling apple ring rot, a transposon mutant library was constructed using TnYLB-1, and a mutant completely defective in antifungal activity was obtained. The gene inactivated in the antifungal activity mutant had 98.5% similarity to ppsB in B. subtilis subsp. subtilis str. 168, which encodes one of the five synthetases responsible for synthesizing fengycin. A markerless ppsB deletion mutant was constructed. Compared with the wild-type strain, lipopeptide crude extracts from ΔppsB showed almost no inhibition of B. dothidea mycelial growth. Furthermore, fengycin-like lipopeptides (retention factor 0.1-0.2) that exhibited antifungal activity against B. dothidea were observed in the wild-type strain by thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-bioautography analysis, but not in ΔppsB. Semipreparative reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) detection revealed that ΔppsB lost the ability to synthesize fengycin. These results suggest that ppsB is responsible for synthesizing fengycin and that fengycin is the major antifungal compound produced by B. subtilis 9407 against B. dothidea. Moreover, a biocontrol assay showed that the control efficacy of ΔppsB was reduced by half compared with the wild-type strain, indicating that fengycin plays a major role in controlling apple ring rot disease. This is the first report on the use of a B. subtilis strain as a potential biological control agent to control apple ring rot disease by the production of fengycin. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Simple prognostic model for patients with advanced cancer based on performance status.

PubMed

Jang, Raymond W; Caraiscos, Valerie B; Swami, Nadia; Banerjee, Subrata; Mak, Ernie; Kaya, Ebru; Rodin, Gary; Bryson, John; Ridley, Julia Z; Le, Lisa W; Zimmermann, Camilla

2014-09-01

Providing survival estimates is important for decision making in oncology care. The purpose of this study was to provide survival estimates for outpatients with advanced cancer, using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), Palliative Performance Scale (PPS), and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scales, and to compare their ability to predict survival. ECOG, PPS, and KPS were completed by physicians for each new patient attending the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre outpatient Oncology Palliative Care Clinic (OPCC) from April 2007 to February 2010. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The log-rank test for trend was employed to test for differences in survival curves for each level of performance status (PS), and the concordance index (C-statistic) was used to test the predictive discriminatory ability of each PS measure. Measures were completed for 1,655 patients. PS delineated survival well for all three scales according to the log-rank test for trend (P < .001). Survival was approximately halved for each worsening performance level. Median survival times, in days, for each ECOG level were: EGOG 0, 293; ECOG 1, 197; ECOG 2, 104; ECOG 3, 55; and ECOG 4, 25.5. Median survival times, in days, for PPS (and KPS) were: PPS/KPS 80-100, 221 (215); PPS/KPS 60 to 70, 115 (119); PPS/KPS 40 to 50, 51 (49); PPS/KPS 10 to 30, 22 (29). The C-statistic was similar for all three scales and ranged from 0.63 to 0.64. We present a simple tool that uses PS alone to prognosticate in advanced cancer, and has similar discriminatory ability to more complex models. Copyright © 2014 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Peripersonal space as the space of the bodily self.

PubMed

Noel, Jean-Paul; Pfeiffer, Christian; Blanke, Olaf; Serino, Andrea

2015-11-01

Bodily self-consciousness (BSC) refers to experience of one's self as located within an owned body (self-identification) and as occupying a specific location in space (self-location). BSC can be altered through multisensory stimulation, as in the Full Body Illusion (FBI). If participants view a virtual body from a distance being stroked, while receiving synchronous tactile stroking on their physical body, they feel as if the virtual body were their own and they experience, subjectively, to drift toward the virtual body. Here we hypothesized that--while normally the experience of the body in space depends on the integration of multisensory body-related signals within a limited space surrounding the body (i.e. peripersonal space, PPS)--during the FBI the boundaries of PPS would shift toward the virtual body, that is, toward the position of experienced self-location. To test this hypothesis, we used synchronous visuo-tactile stroking to induce the FBI, as contrasted with a control condition of asynchronous stroking. Concurrently, we applied an audio-tactile interaction paradigm to estimate the boundaries of PPS. PPS was measured in front of and behind the participants' body as the distance where tactile information interacted with auditory stimuli looming in space toward the participant's physical body. We found that during synchronous stroking, i.e. when participants experienced the FBI, PPS boundaries extended in the front-space, toward the avatar, and concurrently shrunk in the back-space, as compared to the asynchronous stroking control condition, when FBI was induced. These findings support the view that during the FBI, PPS boundaries translate toward the virtual body, such that the PPS representation shifts from being centered at the location of the physical body to being now centered at the subjectively experienced location of the self. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Peripersonal Space as the space of the Bodily Self

PubMed Central

Noel, Jean-Paul; Pfeiffer, Christian; Blanke, Olaf; Serino, Andrea

2016-01-01

Bodily self-consciousness (BSC) refers to experience of our self as located within an owned body (self-identification) and as occupying a specific location in space (self-location). BSC can be altered through multisensory stimulation, as in the Full Body Illusion (FBI). If participants view a virtual body from a distance being stroked, while receiving synchronous tactile stroking on their physical body, they feel such as the virtual body were their own and they experience, subjectively, to drift toward the virtual body. Here we hypothesized that - while normally the experience of the body in space depends on the integration of multisensory body-related signals within a limited space surrounding the body (i.e. peripersonal space, PPS) - during the FBI the boundaries of PPS would shift toward the virtual body, that is toward the position of self-location. To test this hypothesis, we used synchronous visuo-tactile stroking to induce the FBI, as contrasted with a control condition of asynchronous stroking. Concurrently, we applied an audio-tactile interaction paradigm to estimate the boundaries of PPS. PPS was measured in front of and behind the participants' body as the distance where tactile information interacted with auditory stimuli looming in space toward the participant's physical body. We found that during synchronous stroking, i.e. when participants experienced the FBI, PPS boundaries extended in the front-space, toward the avatar, and concurrently shrunk in the back-space, as compared to the asynchronous stroking control condition, where no FBI was induced. These findings support the view that during the FBI, PPS boundaries translate toward the virtual body, such that the PPS representation shifts from being centered at the location of the physical body to being now centered at the subjectively experienced location of the self. PMID:26231086

Capacity upgrade in short-reach optical fibre networks: simultaneous 4-PAM 20 Gbps data and polarization-modulated PPS clock signal using a single VCSEL carrier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isoe, G. M.; Wassin, S.; Gamatham, R. R. G.; Leitch, A. W. R.; Gibbon, T. B.

2017-11-01

In this work, a four-level pulse amplitude modulation (4-PAM) format with a polarization-modulated pulse per second (PPS) clock signal using a single vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) carrier is for the first time experimentally demonstrated. We propose uncomplex alternative technique for increasing capacity and flexibility in short-reach optical communication links through multi-signal modulation onto a single VCSEL carrier. A 20 Gbps 4-PAM data signal is directly modulated onto a single mode 10 GHz bandwidth VCSEL carrier at 1310 nm, therefore, doubling the network bit rate. Carrier spectral efficiency is further maximized by exploiting the inherent orthogonal polarization switching of the VCSEL carrier with changing bias in transmission of a PPS clock signal. We, therefore, simultaneously transmit a 20 Gbps 4-PAM data signal and a polarization-based PPS clock signal using a single VCSEL carrier. It is the first time a signal VCSEL carrier is reported to simultaneously transmit a directly modulated 20 Gbps 4-PAM data signal and a polarization-based PPS clock signal. We further demonstrate on the design of a software-defined digital signal processing (DSP)-assisted receiver as an alternative to costly receiver hardware. Experimental results show that a 3.21 km fibre transmission with simultaneous 20 Gbps 4-PAM data signal and polarization-based PPS clock signal introduced a penalty of 3.76 dB. The contribution of polarization-based PPS clock signal to this penalty was found out to be 0.41 dB. Simultaneous distribution of data and timing clock signals over shared network infrastructure significantly increases the aggregated data rate at different optical network units (ONUs), without costly investment.

EAP recordings in ineraid patients--correlations with psychophysical measures and possible implications for patient fitting.

PubMed

Zimmerling, Martin J; Hochmair, Erwin S

2002-04-01

Objective measurements can be helpful for cochlear implant fitting of difficult populations, as for example very young children. One method, the recording of the electrically evoked compound action potential (EAP), measures the nerve recruitment in the cochlea in response to stimulation through the implant. For coding strategies implemented at a moderate stimulation rate of 250 pps per channel, useful correlations between EAP data and psychophysical data have been already found. With new systems running at higher rates, it is important to check these correlations again. This study investigates the correlations between psychophysical data and EAP measures calculated from EAP amplitude growth functions. EAP data were recorded in 12 Ineraid subjects. Additionally, behavioral thresholds (THR) and maximum acceptable loudness levels (MAL) were determined for stimulation rates of 80 pps and 2,020 pps for each electrode. Useful correlations between EAP data and psychophysical data were found at the low stimulation rate (80 pps). However, at the higher stimulation rate (2,020 pps) correlations were not significant. They were improved substantially, however, by introducing a factor that corrected for disparities due to temporal integration. Incorporation of this factor, which controls for the influence of the stimulation rate on the threshold, improved the correlations between EAP measures recorded at 80 pps and psychophysical MALs measured at 2,020 pps to better than r = 0.70. EAP data as such can only be used to predict behavioral THRs or MCLs at low stimulation rates. To cope with temporal integration effects at higher stimulation rates, EAP data must be rate corrected. The introduction of a threshold-rate-factor is a promising way to achieve that goal. Further investigations need to be performed.

Post-polio syndrome. Cases report and review of literature.

PubMed

Pastuszak, Żanna; Stępień, Adam; Tomczykiewicz, Kazimierz; Piusińska-Macoch, Renata; Galbarczyk, Dariusz; Rolewska, Agnieszka

It is estimated that around 15 million people survived polio infection worldwide since early twentieth century. In 1950 effective vaccination was used for first time. Since that time number of affected people decreased. The last epidemic of Haine-Medine disease in Poland was in 1950s. Another rare cases of infections were observed till 1970s. About at least 15 years after polio virus infection, slowly progressive muscle limbs paresis with muscle atrophy, joints pain, paresthesia were observed in polio survivors. That constellation of symptoms was called post-polio syndrome (PPS). PPS frequency among people after paralytic and nonparalytic polio infectious is ranged from 30% to 80%. Fatigue that leads to physical and mental activity deterioration is another important symptom that is observed in 90% of patients with PPS. Etiology of disease remains elusive. Probably it is an effect of spine frontal horns motoneurons damage during acute virus polio infection that leads to overloading and degeneration of remaining ones. The most important risk factors of PPS are female sex and respiratory symptoms during acute polio infection. Electromyography is an important part of PPS diagnostic process. Electrophysiological abnormalities are seen in clinically affected and unaffected muscles. The most frequent are fasciculations and fibrillations during rest activity, extension of motor unit area, time duration and amplitude. In this study we described three cases of people who developed PPS years after Haine-Medine disease and correlation between their EMG results and clinical status. We also analyzed electromyography results both after one month since first PPS signs occurred as well as after few years. Presentation of dynamic changes in EMG was the most important aim of that study. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o.

75 FR 49029 - Medicare Program; End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-12

...This final rule implements a case-mix adjusted bundled prospective payment system (PPS) for Medicare outpatient end-stage renal disease (ESRD) dialysis facilities beginning January 1, 2011 (ESRD PPS), in compliance with the statutory requirement of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA), enacted July 15, 2008. This ESRD PPS also replaces the current basic case-mix adjusted composite payment system and the methodologies for the reimbursement of separately billable outpatient ESRD services.

Testing for new physics: neutrinos and the primordial power spectrum

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

Canac, Nicolas; Abazajian, Kevork N.; Aslanyan, Grigor

2016-09-01

We test the sensitivity of neutrino parameter constraints from combinations of CMB and LSS data sets to the assumed form of the primordial power spectrum (PPS) using Bayesian model selection. Significantly, none of the tested combinations, including recent high-precision local measurements of H{sub 0} and cluster abundances, indicate a signal for massive neutrinos or extra relativistic degrees of freedom. For PPS models with a large, but fixed number of degrees of freedom, neutrino parameter constraints do not change significantly if the location of any features in the PPS are allowed to vary, although neutrino constraints are more sensitive to PPSmore » features if they are known a priori to exist at fixed intervals in log k . Although there is no support for a non-standard neutrino sector from constraints on both neutrino mass and relativistic energy density, we see surprisingly strong evidence for features in the PPS when it is constrained with data from Planck 2015, SZ cluster counts, and recent high-precision local measurements of H{sub 0}. Conversely combining Planck with matter power spectrum and BAO measurements yields a much weaker constraint. Given that this result is sensitive to the choice of data this tension between SZ cluster counts, Planck and H{sub 0} measurements is likely an indication of unmodeled systematic bias that mimics PPS features, rather than new physics in the PPS or neutrino sector.« less

The Incremental Cost-Effectiveness of Engaging Private Practitioners to Refer Tuberculosis Suspects to DOTS Services in Jogjakarta, Indonesia

PubMed Central

Mahendradhata, Yodi; Probandari, Ari; Ahmad, Riris A.; Utarini, Adi; Trisnantoro, Laksono; Lindholm, Lars; van der Werf, Marieke J.; Kimerling, Michael; Boelaert, Marleen; Johns, Benjamin; Van der Stuyft, Patrick

2010-01-01

We aimed to evaluate the incremental cost-effectiveness of engaging private practitioners (PPs) to refer tuberculosis (TB) suspects to public health centers in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. Effectiveness was assessed for TB suspects notified between May 2004 and April 2005. Private practitioners referred 1,064 TB suspects, of which 57.5% failed to reach a health center. The smear-positive rate among patients reaching a health center was 61.8%. Two hundred eighty (280) out of a total of 1,306 (21.4%) new smear-positive cases were enrolled through the PPs strategy. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per smear-positive case successfully treated for the PPs strategy was US$351.66 (95% CI 322.84–601.33). On the basis of an acceptability curve using the National TB control program's willingness-to-pay threshold (US$448.61), we estimate the probability that the PPs strategy is cost-effective at 66.8%. The strategy of engaging PPs was incrementally cost-effective, although under specific conditions, most importantly a well-functioning public directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) program. PMID:20519613

Surrogate endpoints for overall survival in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients with mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene.

PubMed

Yoshino, Reiko; Imai, Hisao; Mori, Keita; Takei, Kousuke; Tomizawa, Mai; Kaira, Kyoichi; Yoshii, Akihiro; Tomizawa, Yoshio; Saito, Ryusei; Yamada, Masanobu

2014-09-01

Subsequent therapies confound the ability to discern the effect of first-line chemotherapy on overall survival (OS). We investigated whether progression-free survival (PFS), post-progression survival (PPS) and tumor response were valid surrogate endpoints for OS following first-line chemotherapy in individual patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring sensitive epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutations. We retrospectively analyzed 35 patients with advanced NSCLC treated with first-line gefitinib. The associations of PFS, PPS and tumor response with OS were analyzed. PPS was found to be strongly correlated with OS, unlike PFS and tumor shrinkage. The factors significantly associated with PPS were performance status (PS) after first-line treatment, best response to second-line treatment and number of regimens used after disease progression. PPS may be a surrogate for OS in this patient population and further therapy after disease progression following first-line chemotherapy may significantly affect OS. However, a larger study is required to validate these results.

Critical role of dendritic cells in T cell retention in the interfollicular region of Peyer's patches.

PubMed

Obata, Takashi; Shibata, Naoko; Goto, Yoshiyuki; Ishikawa, Izumi; Sato, Shintaro; Kunisawa, Jun; Kiyono, Hiroshi

2013-07-15

Peyer's patches (PPs) simultaneously initiate active and quiescent immune responses in the gut. The immunological function is achieved by the rigid regulation of cell distribution and trafficking, but how the cell distribution is maintained remains to be elucidated. In this study, we show that binding of stromal cell-derived lymphoid chemokines to conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) is essential for the retention of naive CD4(+) T cells in the interfollicular region (IFR) of PPs. Transitory depletion of CD11c(high) cDCs in mice rapidly impaired the IFR structure in the PPs without affecting B cell follicles or germinal centers, lymphoid chemokine production from stromal cells, or the immigration of naive T cells into the IFRs of PPs. The cDC-orchestrated retention of naive T cells was mediated by heparinase-sensitive molecules that were expressed on cDCs and bound the lymphoid chemokine CCL21 produced from stromal cells. These data collectively reveal that interactions among cDCs, stromal cells, and naive T cells are necessary for the formation of IFRs in the PPs.

THE EFFECT OF PLANET-PLANET SCATTERING ON THE SURVIVAL OF EXOMOONS

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

Gong Yanxiang; Zhou Jilin; Xie Jiwei

2013-05-20

Compared to the giant planets in the solar system, exoplanets have many remarkable properties, such as the prevalence of giant planets on eccentric orbits and the presence of hot Jupiters. Planet-planet scattering (PPS) between giant planets is a possible mechanism to interpret the above and other observed properties. If the observed giant planet architectures are indeed outcomes of PPS, such a drastic dynamical process must affect their primordial moon systems. In this Letter, we discuss the effect of PPS on the survival of exoplanets' regular moons. From an observational viewpoint, some preliminary conclusions are drawn from the simulations. (1) PPSmore » is a destructive process to the moon systems; single planets on eccentric orbits are not ideal moon-search targets. (2) If hot Jupiters formed through PPS, their original moons have little chance of survival. (3) Planets in multiple systems with small eccentricities are more likely to hold their primordial moons. (4) Compared with lower-mass planets, massive planets in multiple systems may not be the preferred moon-search targets if the system underwent a PPS history.« less

Quadriceps muscle strength and voluntary activation after polio.

PubMed

Beelen, Anita; Nollet, Frans; de Visser, Marianne; de Jong, Bareld A; Lankhorst, Gustaaf J; Sargeant, Anthony J

2003-08-01

Quadriceps strength, maximal anatomical cross-sectional area (CSA), maximal voluntary activation (MVA), and maximal relaxation rate (MRR) were studied in 48 subjects with a past history of polio, 26 with and 22 without postpoliomyelitis syndrome (PPS), and in 13 control subjects. It was also investigated whether, apart from CSA, MVA and MRR were determinants of muscle strength. Polio subjects had significantly less strength, CSA, and MRR in the more-affected quadriceps than control subjects. MVA was reduced in 18 polio subjects and normal in all controls. PPS subjects differed from non-PPS subjects only in that the MVA of the more-affected quadriceps was significantly lower. Both CSA and MVA were found to be associated with muscle strength. Quadriceps strength in polio subjects was dependent not only on muscle mass, but also on the ability to activate the muscles. Since impaired activation was more pronounced in PPS subjects, the new muscle weakness and functional decline in PPS may be due not only to a gradual loss of muscle fibers, but also to an increasing inability to activate the muscles.

Modulation of Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis by Pegylated Hyaluronidase and Dopamine Receptor Antagonist in Mice

PubMed Central

Pershina, Olga Victorovna; Reztsova, Alena Mikhaylovna; Ermakova, Natalia Nikolaevna; Khmelevskaya, Ekaterina Sergeevna; Krupin, Vycheslav Andreevich; Stepanova, Inna Ernestovna; Artamonov, Andrew Vladimirovich; Bekarev, Andrew Alexandrovich; Madonov, Pavel Gennadjevich

2015-01-01

Hyaluronidases are groups of enzymes that degrade hyaluronic acid (HA). To stop enzymatic hydrolysis we modified testicular hyaluronidase (HYAL) by activated polyethylene oxide with the help of electron-beam synthesis. As a result we received pegylated hyaluronidase (pegHYAL). Spiperone is a selective D2 dopamine receptor antagonist. It was demonstrated on the model of a single bleomycin damage of alveolar epithelium that during the inflammatory phase monotherapy by pegHYAL or spiperone reduced the populations of hematopoietic stem /progenitor cells in the lung parenchyma. PegHYAL also reduced the levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the serum and lungs, while spiperone reduced the level of the serum IL-1β. Polytherapy by spiperone and pegHYAL caused the increase of the quantity of hematopoietic stem/ progenitor cells in the lungs. Such an influx of blood cell precursors was observed on the background of considerable fall level of TGF-β and the increase level of TNF-α in the serum and lungs. These results show pegHYAL reduced the bleomycin-induced fibrosis reaction (production and accumulation of collagen) in the lung parenchyma. This effect was observed at a single and repetitive bleomycin damage of alveolar epithelium, the antifibrotic activity of pegHYAL surpassing the activity of testicular HYAL. The antifibrotic effect of pegHYAL is enhanced by an additional instillation of spiperone. Therapy by pegHYAL causes the flow of CD31‒CD34‒CD45‒CD44+CD73+CD90+CD106+-cells into the fibrous lungs. These cells are incapable of differentiating into fibroblast cells. Spiperone instillation separately or together with pegHYAL reduced the MSC-like cells considerably. These data enable us to assume, that pegHYAL is a new and promising instrument both for preventive and therapy of toxic pneumofibrosis. The blockage of D2 dopamine receptors with the following change of hyaluronan matrix can be considered as a new strategy in treatment of pneumofibrosis. PMID:25927611

Biodegradable Poly(polyol sebacate) Polymers

PubMed Central

Bruggeman, Joost P.; de Bruin, Berend-Jan; Bettinger, Christopher J.; Langer, Robert

2010-01-01

We have developed a family of synthetic biodegradable polymers that are composed of structural units endogenous to the human metabolism, designated poly(polyol sebacates) (PPS) polymers. Material properties of PPS polymers can be tuned by altering the polyol monomer and reacting stiochiometric ratio of sebacic acid. These thermoset networks exhibited tensile Young’s moduli ranging from 0.37 ± 0.08 to 378 ± 33 MPa with maximum elongations at break from 10.90 ± 1.37 to 205.16 ± 55.76%, and glass-transition temperatures ranged from ~7 to 46 °C. In vitro degradation under physiological conditions was slower than in vivo degradation rates observed for some PPS polymers. PPS polymers demonstrated similar in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility compared to poly(L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). PMID:18824260

Post-Polio Syndrome

MedlinePlus

... PPS is unknown but experts have offered several theories to explain the phenomenon—ranging from the fatigue ... families. Managing PPS can involve lifestyle changes. Support groups that encourage self-help, group participation, and positive ...

Dual keel Space Station payload pointing system design and analysis feasibility study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smagala, Tom; Class, Brian F.; Bauer, Frank H.; Lebair, Deborah A.

1988-01-01

A Space Station attached Payload Pointing System (PPS) has been designed and analyzed. The PPS is responsible for maintaining fixed payload pointing in the presence of disturbance applied to the Space Station. The payload considered in this analysis is the Solar Optical Telescope. System performance is evaluated via digital time simulations by applying various disturbance forces to the Space Station. The PPS meets the Space Station articulated pointing requirement for all disturbances except Shuttle docking and some centrifuge cases.

PEGylation of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Extends Virus Persistence in Blood Circulation of Passively Immunized Mice

PubMed Central

Tesfay, Mulu Z.; Kirk, Amber C.; Hadac, Elizabeth M.; Griesmann, Guy E.; Federspiel, Mark J.; Barber, Glen N.; Henry, Stephen M.; Peng, Kah-Whye

2013-01-01

We are developing oncolytic vesicular stomatitis viruses (VSVs) for systemic treatment of multiple myeloma, an incurable malignancy of antibody-secreting plasma cells that are specifically localized in the bone marrow. One of the presumed advantages for using VSV as an oncolytic virus is that human infections are rare and preexisting anti-VSV immunity is typically lacking in cancer patients, which is very important for clinical success. However, our studies show that nonimmune human and mouse serum can neutralize clinical-grade VSV, reducing the titer by up to 4 log units in 60 min. In addition, we show that neutralizing anti-VSV antibodies negate the antitumor efficacy of VSV, a concern for repeat VSV administration. We have investigated the potential use of covalent modification of VSV with polyethylene glycol (PEG) or a function-spacer-lipid (FSL)–PEG construct to inhibit serum neutralization and to limit hepatosplenic sequestration of systemically delivered VSV. We report that in mice passively immunized with neutralizing anti-VSV antibodies, PEGylation of VSV improved the persistence of VSV in the blood circulation, maintaining a more than 1-log-unit increase in VSV genome copies for up to 1 h compared to the genome copy numbers for the non-PEGylated virus, which was mostly cleared within 10 min after intravenous injection. We are currently investigating if this increase in PEGylated VSV circulating half-life can translate to increased virus delivery and better efficacy in mouse models of multiple myeloma. PMID:23325695

Phase, compositional, and morphological changes of human dentin after Nd:YAG laser treatment.

PubMed

Lin, C P; Lee, B S; Lin, F H; Kok, S H; Lan, W H

2001-06-01

Although techniques for repairing root fracture have been proposed, the prognosis is generally poor. If the fusion of a root fracture by laser is possible, it will offer an alternative to extraction. Our group has attempted to use lasers to fuse a low melting-point bioactive glass to fractured dentin. This report is focused on the phase, compositional, and morphological changes observed by means of X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transforming infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in human dentin after exposure to Nd:YAG laser. The irradiation energies were from 150 mJ/ pulse-10 pps-4 s to 150 mJ/pulse-30 pps-4 s. After exposure to Nd:YAG laser, dentin showed four peaks on the X-ray diffractometer that corresponding to a-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and beta-TCP at 20 = 30.78 degrees/34.21 degrees and 32.47 degrees/33.05 degrees, respectively. The peaks of a-TCP and beta-TCP gradually increased in intensity with the elevation of irradiation energy. In Fourier transforming infrared analysis, two absorption bands at 2200 cm(-1) and 2015 cm(-1) could be traced on dentin treated by Nd:YAG laser with the irradiation energies beyond 150 mJ/pulse-10 pps-4 s. The energy dispersive X-ray results showed that the calcium/phosphorus ratios of the irradiated area proportionally increased with the elevation of irradiation energy. The laser energies of 150 mJ/ pulse-30 pps-4 s and 150 mJ/pulse-20 pps-4 s could result in the a-TCP formation and collagen breakdown. However, the formation of glass-like melted substances without a-TCP at the irradiated site was induced by the energy output of 150 mJ/ pulse-10 pps-4 s. Scanning electron micrographs also revealed that the laser energy of 150 mJ/ pulse-10 pps-4 s was sufficient to prompt melting and recrystallization of dentin crystals without cracking. Therefore, we suggest that the irradiation energy of Nd:YAG laser used to fuse a low melting-point bioactive glass to dentin is 150 mJ/ pulse-10 pps-4 s.

Portable disposable ultrathin endoscopy tested through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

PubMed Central

Baeg, Myong Ki; Lim, Chul-Hyun; Kim, Jin Su; Cho, Yu Kyung; Park, Jae Myung; Lee, Bo-In; Lee, In-Seok; Choi, Myung-Gyu

2016-01-01

Abstract Background: A portable disposable ultrathin endoscope (DUE) with high visual quality and maneuverability would reduce the need for expensive facilities and emergency endoscopy could be available anywhere. It would increase patient satisfaction, prevent unnecessary sedation, and reduce infection. Our aim was to evaluate the usefulness of portable DUE in performing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients who underwent PEG under DUE guidance and compared them with historical controls who underwent PEG under conventional ultrathin endoscopy (CUE) guidance. The primary outcomes were successful stomach visualization and PEG tube insertion. Results: Twenty-five patients (19 male) were enrolled and compared with 25 gender and indication-matched controls. The most common indications for PEG were aspiration due to stroke or brain injury, dementia, and head and neck cancer. Entrance into the stomach was achieved in 92.0% (23/25) and 96% (24/25) in the DUE and CUE groups, and PEG was performed in 91.3% (21/23) and 95.8% (23/24), respectively. The mean insertion time for the DUE and CUE groups were 22.7 ± 9.3 minutes and 17.1 ± 5.7 minutes (P = 0.044). The 3 cases of failure to reach the stomach in both groups were caused by esophageal blockage. The 3 cases of failed PEG tube insertion were caused by poor visualization of the insertion site. Bleeding and pneumoperitoneum occurred in 1 and 2 patients in the DUE group. One case of fever was noted in the CUE group. All adverse events were conservatively managed. Conclusions: Our study shows that portable DUE in facilities without endoscopy equipment may be clinically feasible. PMID:27902596

Clinical efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol 3350 versus liquid paraffin in the treatment of pediatric functional constipation

PubMed Central

Rafati, MR.; Karami, H.; Salehifar, E.; Karimzadeh, A.

2011-01-01

Background and the purpose of the study Functional constipation is prevalent in children. Recently polyethylene glycol has been introduced as an effective and safe drug to treat chronic constipation. There are only a few clinical trials on comparison of PEG and liquid paraffin in childhood constipation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of PEG 3350 solution and liquid paraffin in the treatment of children with functional constipation in Sari Toba clinic during the period of 2008–2009. Methods Children with a history of functional constipation were subjects of this study. One hundred and sixty children of 2–12 years old with functional constipation were randomized in two PEG and paraffin treatment groups. Patients received either 1.0–1.5 g/kg/day PEG 3350 or 1.0–1.5 ml/kg/day liquid paraffin for 4 months. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by stool and encopresis frequency/week and overall treatment success rate was compared in two groups. Results and major conclusion Compared with the baseline, defecation frequency/ week increased significantly and encopresis frequency meaningfully decreased in two groups during the period of the study. Patients using PEG 3350 had more success rate (mean: 95.3%±3.7) compared with the patients in paraffin group (mean: 87.2%±7.1) (p=0.087). Administration of PEG 3350 were associated with less adverse events than liquid paraffin. In conclusion in treatment of pediatric functional constipation, regarding clinical efficacy and safety, PEG 3350 were at least as effective as liquid paraffin and but less adverse drug events. PMID:22615652

Face and Construct Validation of a Virtual Peg Transfer Simulator

PubMed Central

Arikatla, Venkata S; Sankaranarayanan, Ganesh; Ahn, Woojin; Chellali, Amine; De, Suvranu; Caroline, GL; Hwabejire, John; DeMoya, Marc; Schwaitzberg, Steven; Jones, Daniel B.

2013-01-01

Background The Fundamentals of Laparascopic Surgery (FLS) trainer box is now established as a standard for evaluating minimally invasive surgical skills. A particularly simple task in this trainer box is the peg transfer task which is aimed at testing the surgeon’s bimanual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, speed and precision. The Virtual Basic Laparoscopic Skill Trainer (VBLaST©) is a virtual version of the FLS tasks which allows automatic scoring and real time, subjective quantification of performance without the need of a human proctor. In this paper we report validation studies of the VBLaST© peg transfer (VBLaST-PT©) simulator. Methods Thirty-five subjects with medical background were divided into two groups: experts (PGY 4-5, fellows and practicing surgeons) and novices (PGY 1-3). The subjects were asked to perform the peg transfer task on both the FLS trainer box and the VBLaST-PT© simulator and their performance was evaluated based on established metrics of error and time. A new length of trajectory (LOT) metric has also been introduced for offline analysis. A questionnaire was used to rate the realism of the virtual system on a 5-point Likert scale. Results Preliminary face validation of the VBLaST-PT© with 34 subjects rated on a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire revealed high scores for all aspects of simulation, with 3.53 being the lowest mean score across all questions. A two-tailed Mann-Whitney performed on the total scores showed significant (p=0.001) difference between the groups. A similar test performed on the task time (p=0.002) and the length of trajectory (p=0.004) separately showed statistically significant differences between the experts and novice groups (p<0.05). The experts appear to be traversing shorter overall trajectories in less time than the novices. Conclusion VBLaST-PT© showed both face and construct validity and has promise as a substitute for the FLS to training peg transfer skills. PMID:23263645

The role of Medicare reimbursement in contemporary hospital finance.

PubMed

Golub, S

1986-01-01

A hospital, while performing its major function of providing health care, is also viewed as a business. It needs capital from a wide variety of sources, many of which are government regulated. Over the past few years, federal expenditures for Medicare have increased dramatically, as has regulation of hospital revenue sources. Congress enacted the Medicare Prospective Payment System (PPS) to curb hospital cost inflation. This Note examines historical trends in health care financing and analyzes the Medicare reimbursement system, with emphasis on PPS and its impact on hospital revenues. The Note suggests that hospitals, due to the effects of PPS, will be forced to reduce their levels of financial leverage and will have to look for corporate financial alternatives. PPS may signal a new era in hospital finance. Survival mandates an increased focus on efficient corporate, financial and managerial policies.

Unique isothermal crystallization behavior of novel polyphenylene sulfide/inorganic fullerene-like WS2 nanocomposites.

PubMed

Naffakh, Mohammed; Marco, Carlos; Gómez, Marián A; Jiménez, Ignacio

2008-11-27

The isothermal crystallization of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) nanocomposites with inorganic fullerene-like tungsten disulfide nanoparticles (IF-WS2) has been studied from a thermal and morphological point of view, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), polarized optical microscopy (POM) and time-resolved synchrotron X-ray diffraction. All the analyses revealed that the incorporation of the IF-WS2 altered significantly the crystallization behavior of PPS, in a way strongly dependent with the nanocomposite composition. The addition of IF-WS2 in 0.1 wt % proportion retarded the crystallization of PPS by increasing its fold surface free energy in a 10%. However, addition of the nanoparticles in excess of 1 wt % results in a promotion of the crystallization rate with reduction of the fold surface free energy to half the value of pure PPS.

Parapharyngeal space tumors: another consideration for otalgia and temporomandibular disorders.

PubMed

Grosskopf, Courtney C; Kuperstein, Arthur S; O'Malley, Bert W; Sollecito, Thomas P

2013-05-01

Parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors are rare, accounting for 0.5% of all head and neck neoplasms. PPS tumors are difficult to diagnose due to limited presenting signs and symptoms and because of their location deep within the neck. A 60-year-old woman presented with complaints of otalgia, which appeared to be consistent with a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Due to disproportionate symptoms, an MRI of the temporomandibular joints was ordered. The MRI revealed a mass within the PPS, which was later diagnosed as a mucoepidermoid carcinoma. A literature search failed to reveal otalgia, and facial pain, thought to be related to a TMD, as the primary presenting symptoms of a PPS neoplasm. Patients presenting with disproportionate signs and symptoms of a TMD should be evaluated with advanced imaging to rule out occult pathology. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prospective clinical evaluation of the Polyperf® Safe, a safety Huber needle, in cancer patients.

PubMed

Goossens, Godelieve A; Moons, Philip; Jérôme, Martine; Stas, Marguerite

2011-01-01

Evaluation of the Polyperf® Safe (PPS) needle on safety and user-friendliness, as experienced by first-time and non-first-time users of the device. A prospective, descriptive study was carried out at the University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium. Five hundred PPS needles were individually evaluated in cancer patients. Different aspects of the PPS were assessed: packaging, needle insertion, and needle removal. Nurses were asked whether they had previously inserted or removed this type of needle. We compared the PPS needle with the standard Gripper® needle in terms of safety, ease of use, and ease of training. Three hundred sixty-six evaluation forms were available for analysis (73.2%). Packaging and access evaluations were scored positively, except for two aspects: (1) needle stability, and (2) ease of dressing. Ease of removal was scored unsatisfactory in up to 22.4% of the registrations. Pain at insertion was reported in about 20% registrations, and blood contact was reported by 2.5% of non-first-time users. Safety was scored as good, although ease of use and ease in training scored 25.4% and 43.8%, respectively, lower than the Gripper®. In general, nurses evaluated the PPS positively, with the exception of needle stability, ease of dressing, and ease of removal. No needlestick accidents were recorded. Aspects of ease of use and ease of training for PPS needles scored less than those for the Gripper® needles in up to one-third of the registrations.

ROS-Responsive Microspheres for On Demand Antioxidant Therapy in a Model of Diabetic Peripheral Arterial Disease

PubMed Central

Poole, KM; Nelson, CE; Joshi, RV; Martin, JR; Gupta, MK; Haws, SC; Kavanaugh, TE; Skala, MC; Duvall, CL

2014-01-01

A new microparticle-based delivery system was synthesized from reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive poly(propylene sulfide) (PPS) and tested for “on demand” antioxidant therapy. PPS is hydrophobic but undergoes a phase change to become hydrophilic upon oxidation and thus provides a useful platform for ROS-demanded drug release. This platform was tested for delivery of the promising anti-inflammatory and antioxidant therapeutic molecule curcumin, which is currently limited in use in its free form due to poor pharmacokinetic properties. PPS microspheres efficiently encapsulated curcumin through oil-in-water emulsion and provided sustained, on demand release that was modulated in vitro by hydrogen peroxide concentration. The cytocompatible, curcumin-loaded microspheres preferentially targeted and scavenged intracellular ROS in activated macrophages, reduced in vitro cell death in the presence of cytotoxic levels of ROS, and decreased tissue-level ROS in vivo in the diabetic mouse hind limb ischemia model of peripheral arterial disease. Interestingly, due to the ROS scavenging behavior of PPS, the blank microparticles also showed inherent therapeutic properties that were synergistic with the effects of curcumin in these assays. Functionally, local delivery of curcumin-PPS microspheres accelerated recovery from hind limb ischemia in diabetic mice, as demonstrated using non-invasive imaging techniques. This work demonstrates the potential for PPS microspheres as a generalizable vehicle for ROS-demanded drug release and establishes the utility of this platform for improving local curcumin bioavailability for treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. PMID:25522975

Poly(1,3-propylene sebacate) and Poly(sebacoyl diglyceride): A Pair of Potential Polymers for the Proliferation and Differentiation of Retinal Progenitor Cells.

PubMed

Ni, Ni; Ji, Jing; Chen, Shuo; Zhang, Dandan; Wang, Zi; Shen, Bingqiao; Guo, Chunyu; Zhang, Yi; Wang, Shaofei; Fan, Xianqun; You, Zhengwei; Luo, Min; Gu, Ping

2016-09-01

Using suitable polymers as a carrier for growing and delivering retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) is a promising therapeutic strategy in retinal cell-replacement therapy. Herein recently developed polymer, poly(sebacoyl diglyceride) (PSeD), is selected and its nonhydroxylized counterpart poly(1,3-propylene sebacate) (PPS) is designed to evaluate their potentials for RPC growth and future RPC application. The structures and mechanical properties of the polymers are characterized. The cytocompatibility and effects of these polymers on RPC proliferation, differentiation, and migration are systematically investigated in vitro. Our data show that PPS and PSeD display excellent cytocompatibility with low expression of inflammation and apoptosis factors, which benefit RPC growth. In proliferation assays reveal that RPCs expands well on the polymers, but PPS performs the best for RPC expansion, indicating that PPS can remarkably promote RPC proliferation. In differentiation conditions, RPCs grown on PSeD are more likely to differentiate toward retinal neurons, including photoreceptors, the most interesting type of cells for retinal cell-replacement therapy. Additionally, our results demonstrate that RPCs grown on PSeD display an outstanding ability to migrate. In conclusion, PPS can markedly promote RPC proliferation, whereas PSeD can enhance RPC differentiation toward retinal neurons, suggesting that PSeD and PPS have potential applications in future retinal cell-replacement therapies. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Association of Medicare's Bundled Payment Reform With Changes in Use of Vitamin D Among Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis: An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis.

PubMed

Spoendlin, Julia; Schneeweiss, Sebastian; Tsacogianis, Theodore; Paik, Julie M; Fischer, Michael A; Kim, Seoyoung C; Desai, Rishi J

2018-06-08

Medicare's 2011 prospective payment system (PPS) was introduced to curb overuse of separately billable injectable drugs. After epoietin, intravenous (IV) vitamin D analogues are the biggest drug cost drivers in hemodialysis (HD) patients, but the association between PPS introduction and vitamin D therapy has been scarcely investigated. Interrupted time-series analyses. Adult US HD patients represented in the US Renal Data System between 2008 and 2013. PPS implementation. The cumulative dose of IV vitamin D analogues (paricalcitol equivalents) per patient per calendar quarter in prevalent HD patients. The average starting dose of IV vitamin D analogues and quarterly rates of new vitamin D use (initiations/100 person-months) in incident HD patients within 90 days of beginning HD therapy. Segmented linear regression models of the immediate change and slope change over time of vitamin D use after PPS implementation. Among 359,600 prevalent HD patients, IV vitamin D analogues accounted for 99% of the total use, and this trend was unchanged over time. PPS resulted in an immediate 7% decline in the average dose of IV vitamin D analogues (average baseline dose = 186.5 μg per quarter; immediate change = -13.5 μg [P < 0.001]; slope change = 0.43 per quarter [P = 0.3]) and in the starting dose of IV vitamin D analogues in incident HD patients (average baseline starting dose = 5.22 μg; immediate change = -0.40 μg [P < 0.001]; slope change = -0.03 per quarter [P = 0.03]). The baseline rate of vitamin D therapy initiation among 99,970 incident HD patients was 44.9/100 person-months and decreased over time, even before PPS implementation (pre-PPS β = -0.46/100 person-months [P < 0.001]; slope change = -0.19/100 person-months [P = 0.2]). PPS implementation was associated with an immediate change in initiation levels (by -4.5/100 person-months; P < 0.001). Incident HD patients were restricted to those 65 years or older. PPS implementation was associated with a 7% reduction in the average dose and starting dose of IV vitamin D analogues and a 10% reduction in the rate of vitamin D therapy initiation. Copyright © 2018 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Depolarizing Effects of Daikenchuto on Interstitial Cells of Cajal from Mouse Small Intestine.

PubMed

Kim, Hyungwoo; Kim, Hyun Jung; Yang, Dongki; Jung, Myeong Ho; Kim, Byung Joo

2017-01-01

Daikenchuto (DKT; TJ-100, TU-100), a traditional herbal medicineis used in modern medicine to treat gastrointestinal (GI) functional disorders. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are the pacemaker cells of the GI tract and play important roles in the regulation of GI motility. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of DKT on the pacemaker potentials (PPs) of cultured ICCs from murine small intestine. Enzymatic digestions were used to dissociate ICCs from mouse small intestine tissues. All experiments on ICCs were performed after 12 h of culture. The whole-cell patch-clamp configuration was used to record ICC PPs (current clamp mode). All experiments were performed at 30-32°C. In current-clamp modeDKT depolarized and concentration-dependently decreased the amplitudes of PPs. Y25130 (a 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist) or SB269970 (a 5-HT 7 receptor antagonist) did not block DKT-induced PP depolarization, but RS39604 (a 5-HT 4 receptor antagonist) did. Methoctramine (a muscarinic M 2 receptor antagonist) failed to block DKT-induced PP depolarization, but pretreating 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (a muscarinic M 3 receptor antagonist) facilitated blockade of DKT-induced PP depolarization. Pretreatment with an external Ca 2+ -free solution or thapsigargin abolished PPsand under these conditions, DKT did not induce PP depolarization. Furthermore Ginseng radix and Zingiberis rhizomes depolarized PPs, whereas Zanthoxyli fructus fruit (the third component of DKT) hyperpolarized PPs. These results suggest that DKT depolarizes ICC PPs in an internal or external Ca 2+ -dependent manner by stimulating 5-HT 4 and M 3 receptors. Furthermore, the authors suspect that the component in DKT largely responsible for depolarization is probably also a component of Ginseng radix and Zingiberis rhizomes. Daikenchuto (DKT) depolarized and concentration-dependently decreased the amplitudes of pacemaker potentials (PPs)Y25130 (a 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist) or SB269970 (a 5-HT 7 receptor antagonist) did not block DKT-induced PP depolarization, but RS39604 (a 5-HT 4 receptor antagonist) didMethoctramine (a muscarinic M 2 receptor antagonist) failed to block DKT-induced PP depolarization, but pretreating 4-DAMP (a muscarinic M 3 receptor antagonist) facilitated blockade of DKT-induced PP depolarizationGinseng radix and Zingiberis rhizomes depolarized PPswhereas Zanthoxyli fructus fruit (the third component of DKT) hyperpolarized PPs. Abbreviation used: DKT: Daikenchuto, GI: Gastrointestinal, ICCs: Interstitial cells of Cajal, PPs: Pacemaker Potentials.

Tuning optoelectronic properties of small semiconductor nanocrystals through surface ligand chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawrence, Katie N.

Semiconductor nanocrystals (SNCs) are a class of material with one dimension <100 nm, which display size, shape, and composition dependent photophysical (absorption and emission) properties. Ultrasmall SNCs are a special class of SNCs whose diameter is <3.0 nm and are strongly quantum confined leading to a high surface to volume ratio. Therefore, their electronic and photophysical properties are fundamentally dictated by their surface chemistry, and as such, even a minute variation of the surface ligation can have a colossal impact on these properties. Since the development of the hot injection-method by Bawendi et al., the synthetic methods of SNCs have evolved from high-temperature, highly toxic precursors to low-temperature, relatively benign precursors over the last 25 years. Unfortunately, optimization of their synthetic methods by appropriate surface ligation is still deficient. The deficiency lies in the incomplete or inappropriate surface passivation during the synthesis and/or post-synthetic modification procedure, which due to the high surface to volume ratio of ultrasmall SNCs, is a significant problem. Currently, direct synthetic methods produce SNCs that are either soluble in an aqueous media or soluble in organic solvents therefore limiting their applicability. In addition, use of insulating ligands hinder SNCs' transport properties and thus their potential application in solid state devices. Appropriate choice of surface ligation can provide 1) solubility, 2) stability, and 3) facilitate exciton delocalization. In this dissertation, the effects of appropriate surface ligation on strongly quantum confined ultrasmall SNCs was investigated. Due to their high surface to volume ratio, we are able to highly control their optical and electronic properties through surface ligand modification. Throughout this dissertation, we utilized a variety of ligands (e.g. oleylamine, cadmium benzoate, and PEGn-thiolate) in order to change the solubility of the SNC as well as investigate their optical and electronic properties. First delocalization of the excitonic wave function 1) into the ligand monolayer using metal carboxylates and 2) beyond the ligand monolayer to provide strong inter-SNC electronic coupling using poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG)-thiolate was explored. Passivation of the Se sites of metal chalcogenide SNCs by metal carboxylates provided a two-fold outcome: (1) facilitating the delocalization of exciton wave functions into ligand monolayers (through appropriate symmetry matching and energy alignment) and (2) increasing fluorescence quantum yield (through passivation of midgap trap states). An ˜240 meV red-shift in absorbance was observed upon addition of Cd(O2CPh)2, as well as a ˜260 meV shift in emission with an increase in PL-QY to 73%. Through a series of control experiments, as well as full reversibility of our system, we were able to conclude that the observed bathochromic shifts were the sole consequence of delocalization, not a change in size or relaxation of the inorganic core, as previously reported. Furthermore, the outstanding increase in PL-QY was found to be a product of both passivation and delocalization effects. Next we used poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG)-thiolate ligands to passivate the SNC and provide unique solubility properties in both aqueous and organic solvents as well as utilized their highly conductive nature to explore inter-SNC electronic coupling. The electronic coupling was studied: 1) as a function of SNC size where the smallest SNC exhibited the largest coupling energy (170 meV) and 2) as a function of annealing temperature, where an exceptionally large (˜400 meV) coupling energy was observed. This strong electronic coupling in self-organized films could facilitate the large-scale production of highly efficient electronic materials for advanced optoelectronic device applications. Strong inter-SNC electronic coupling together with high solubility, such as that provided by PEG-thiolate-coated CdSe SNCs, can increase the stability of SNCs during solution-phase electrochemical characterization. Therefore, we utilized these properties to characterize solution-state electrochemical properties and photocatalytic activity of ternary copper indium diselenide (CuInSe2) SNCs as a function of their size and surface ligand chemistry. Electrochemical characterization of our PEG-thiolate-coated SNCs showed that the thermodynamic driving force (-?G) for oxygen reduction, which increased with decreasing bandgap, was a major contributor to the overall photocatalytic reaction. Additionally, phenol degradation efficiency was monitored in which the smallest diameter SNC and shortest chain length of PEG provided the highest efficiency. The information provided herein could be used to produce superior SNC photocatalysts for a variety of applications including oxidation of organic contaminants, conversion of water to hydrogen gas, and decomposition of crude oil or pesticides. Therefore, we believe our work will significantly advance quantitative electrochemical characterization of SNCs and allow for the design of highly efficient, sustainable photocatalysts resulting in economic and environmental benefits.

Nanopolymers improve delivery of exon skipping oligonucleotides and concomitant dystrophin expression in skeletal muscle of mdx mice

PubMed Central

Williams, Jason H; Schray, Rebecca C; Sirsi, Shashank R; Lutz, Gordon J

2008-01-01

Background Exon skipping oligonucleotides (ESOs) of 2'O-Methyl (2'OMe) and morpholino chemistry have been shown to restore dystrophin expression in muscle fibers from the mdx mouse, and are currently being tested in phase I clinical trials for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). However, ESOs remain limited in their effectiveness because of an inadequate delivery profile. Synthetic cationic copolymers of poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) are regarded as effective agents for enhanced delivery of nucleic acids in various applications. Results We examined whether PEG-PEI copolymers can facilitate ESO-mediated dystrophin expression after intramuscular injections into tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of mdx mice. We utilized a set of PEG-PEI copolymers containing 2 kDa PEI and either 550 Da or 5 kDa PEG, both of which bind 2'OMe ESOs with high affinity and form stable nanoparticulates with a relatively low surface charge. Three weekly intramuscular injections of 5 μg of ESO complexed with PEI2K-PEG550 copolymers resulted in about 500 dystrophin-positive fibers and about 12% of normal levels of dystrophin expression at 3 weeks after the initial injection, which is significantly greater than for injections of ESO alone, which are known to be almost completely ineffective. In an effort to enhance biocompatibility and cellular uptake, the PEI2K-PEG550 and PEI2K-PEG5K copolymers were functionalized by covalent conjugation with nanogold (NG) or adsorbtion of colloidal gold (CG), respectively. Surprisingly, using the same injection and dosing regimen, we found no significant difference in dystrophin expression by Western blot between the NG-PEI2K-PEG550, CG-PEI2K-PEG5K, and non-functionalized PEI2K-PEG550 copolymers. Dose-response experiments using the CG-PEI2K-PEG5K copolymer with total ESO ranging from 3–60 μg yielded a maximum of about 15% dystrophin expression. Further improvements in dystrophin expression up to 20% of normal levels were found at 6 weeks after 10 twice-weekly injections of the NG-PEI2K-PEG550 copolymer complexed with 5 μg of ESO per injection. This injection and dosing regimen showed over 1000 dystrophin-positive fibers. H&E staining of all treated muscle groups revealed no overt signs of cytotoxicity. Conclusion We conclude that PEGylated PEI2K copolymers are efficient carriers for local delivery of 2'OMe ESOs and warrant further development as potential therapeutics for treatment of DMD. PMID:18384691

Site Specific Discrete PEGylation of 124I-Labeled mCC49 Fab′ Fragments Improves Tumor MicroPET/CT Imaging in Mice

PubMed Central

Ding, Haiming; Carlton, Michelle M.; Povoski, Stephen P.; Milum, Keisha; Kumar, Krishan; Kothandaraman, Shankaran; Hinkle, George H.; Colcher, David; Brody, Rich; Davis, Paul D.; Pokora, Alex; Phelps, Mitchell; Martin, Edward W.; Tweedle, Michael F.

2014-01-01

The tumor-associated glycoprotein-72 (TAG-72) antigen is highly overexpressed in various human adenocarcinomas and anti-TAG-72 monoclonal antibodies, and fragments are therefore useful as pharmaceutical targeting vectors. In this study, we investigated the effects of site-specific PEGylation with MW 2–4 kDa discrete, branched PEGylation reagents on mCC49 Fab′ (MW 50 kDa) via in vitro TAG72 binding, and in vivo blood clearance kinetics, biodistribution, and mouse tumor microPET/CT imaging. mCC49Fab′ (Fab′-NEM) was conjugated at a hinge region cysteine with maleimide-dPEG12-(dPEG24COOH)3 acid (Mal-dPEG-A), maleimide-dPEG12-(dPEG12COOH)3 acid (Mal-dPEG-B), or maleimide-dPEG12-(m-dPEG24)3 (Mal-dPEG-C), and then radiolabeled with iodine-124 (124I) in vitro radioligand binding assays and in vivo studies used TAG-72 expressing LS174T human colon carcinoma cells and xenograft mouse tumors. Conjugation of mCC49Fab′ with Mal-dPEG-A (Fab′-A) reduced the binding affinity of the non PEGylated Fab′ by 30%; however, in vivo, Fab′-A significantly lengthened the blood retention vs Fab′-NEM (47.5 vs 28.1%/ID at 1 h, 25.1 vs 8.4%/ID at 5 h, p < 0.01), showed excellent tumor to background, better microPET/CT images due to higher tumor accumulation, and increased tumor concentration in excised tissues at 72 h by 130% (5.09 ± 0.83 vs 3.83 ± 1.50%ID/g, p < 0.05). Despite the strong similarity of the three PEGylation reagents, PEGylation with Mal-dPEG-B or -C reduced the in vitro binding affinity of Fab′-NEM by 70%, blood retention, microPET/CT imaging tumor signal intensity, and residual 72 h tumor concentration by 49% (3.83 ± 1.50 vs 1.97 ± 0.29%ID/g, p < 0.05) and 63% (3.83 ± 1.50 vs 1.42 ± 0.35%ID/g, p < 0.05), respectively. We conclude that remarkably subtle changes in the structure of the PEGylation reagent can create significantly altered biologic behavior. Further study is warranted of conjugates of the triple branched, negatively charged Mal-dPEG-A. PMID:24175669

Cinnamon, a promising prospect towards Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Momtaz, Saeideh; Hassani, Shokoufeh; Khan, Fazlullah; Ziaee, Mojtaba; Abdollahi, Mohammad

2018-04-01

Over the last decades, an exponential increase of efforts concerning the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been practiced. Phytochemicals preparations have a millenary background to combat various pathological conditions. Various cinnamon species and their biologically active ingredients have renewed the interest towards the treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate AD through the inhibition of tau protein aggregation and prevention of the formation and accumulation of amyloid-β peptides into the neurotoxic oligomeric inclusions, both of which are considered to be the AD trademarks. In this review, we presented comprehensive data on the interactions of a number of cinnamon polyphenols (PPs) with oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory signaling pathways in the brain. In addition, we discussed the potential association between AD and diabetes mellitus (DM), vis-à-vis the effluence of cinnamon PPs. Further, an upcoming prospect of AD epigenetic pathophysiological conditions and cinnamon has been sighted. Data was retrieved from the scientific databases such as PubMed database of the National Library of Medicine, Scopus and Google Scholar without any time limitation. The extract of cinnamon efficiently inhibits tau accumulations, Aβ aggregation and toxicity in vivo and in vitro models. Indeed, cinnamon possesses neuroprotective effects interfering multiple oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory pathways. Besides, cinnamon modulates endothelial functions and attenuates the vascular cell adhesion molecules. Cinnamon PPs may induce AD epigenetic modifications. Cinnamon and in particular, cinnamaldehyde seem to be effective and safe approaches for treatment and prevention of AD onset and/or progression. However, further molecular and translational research studies as well as prolonged clinical trials are required to establish the therapeutic safety and efficacy in different cinnamon spp. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of antioxidant and immuno-enhancing activities of Purslane polysaccharides in gastric cancer rats.

PubMed

Li, Yunqiao; Hu, Yanke; Shi, Shaojun; Jiang, Lei

2014-07-01

In the last three decades, numerous polysaccharides and polysaccharide-protein complexes have been isolated from plant or animal and used as a promising source of therapeutic agents for cancer. In this study, we examined the effects of Purslane polysaccharides (PPs) on the oxidative injury and immune status in N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced gastric cancer rats. PPs administration (200, 400 or 800mg/kg body weight) could not only increase the body weight, peripheral white blood cells (WBC) count, thymus and spleen indexes, but also remarkably promote splenocytes proliferation of gastric cancer rats. Furthermore, the production of serum cytokines in gastric cancer rats, such as interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was enhanced by PPs treatment. Besides, treatment with PPs was found to provide a dose-dependent protection against MNNG-induced oxidative injury by enhancing SOD, CAT, GSH-Px activities of gastric cancer rats. Taken together, we concluded that enhancement of antioxidants and immune response might be responsible for the anticancer effect of PPs in gastric cancer. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development and characterization of hybrid thermoplastic composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karkhanis, Priyanka Chandrashekhar

This work is aimed at studying the possibility of using interply hybrid woven thermoplastic semi-pregs in secondary structures in aircrafts at TenCate Advanced Composites, Netherlands and Purdue University. Three different interply hybrids were designed from combination of Cetex(c) carbon-PPS semi-preg, Owen corning's woven glass with PPS sheets and discontinuous chopped Cetex(c) carbon-PPS semi-preg to get desired flexural, out of plane and bearing properties. The design calculations are done based on classical laminate theory and the selection of materials to be used with carbon-PPS was done based on cost and availability. The Hybrid laminate performances are analyzed and compared to the conventional Cetex (c) Carbon-PPS semi-preg laminates. Observations are reported on three point bend test (European standard 2562), four point bend test(ASTM D6415-99) and bearing test (Airbus standards AITM 1-0009) for the laminates and it was found that hybrid laminates show a reduction of 5-10% in bending stiffness, 20-40% reduction in out-of-plane strength and 2-5%reduction in bearing with a cost reduction of 20-30%. The research identifies and documents the different factors responsible for failures and reduction in strength in the Hybrids.

Validation of a French version of the pure procrastination scale (PPS).

PubMed

Rebetez, Marie My Lien; Rochat, Lucien; Gay, Philippe; Van der Linden, Martial

2014-08-01

Procrastination is a widespread phenomenon that affects everyone's day-to-day life and interferes with the clinical treatment of several psychopathological states. To assess this construct, Steel (2010) developed the Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS), a short scale intended to capture the general notion of dysfunctional delay. The aim of the current study was to present a French version of this questionnaire. To this end, the 12 items of the PPS were translated into French and data were collected from an online survey in a sample of 245 French-speaking individuals from the general population. The results revealed that one item had problematic face validity; it was therefore removed. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses performed on the resulting 11-item version of the French PPS indicated that the scale was composed of two factors ("voluntary delay" and "observed delay") depending on a common, higher-order construct ("general procrastination"). Good internal consistency and test-retest reliability were found. External validity was supported by specific relationships with measures of personality traits, impulsivity, and subjective well-being. The French PPS therefore presents satisfactory psychometric properties and may be considered a reliable and valid instrument for research, teaching and clinical practice. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Forecasting E > 50-MeV Proton Events with the Proton Prediction System (PPS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahler, S. W.; White, S. M.; Ling, A. G.

2017-12-01

Forecasting solar energetic (E > 10 MeV) particle (SEP) events is an important element of space weather. While several models have been developed for use in forecasting such events, satellite operations are particularly vulnerable to higher-energy (> 50 MeV) SEP events. Here we validate one model, the proton prediction system (PPS), which extends to that energy range. We first develop a data base of E > 50-MeV proton events > 1.0 proton flux units (pfu) events observed on the GOES satellite over the period 1986 to 2016. We modify the PPS to forecast proton events at the reduced level of 1 pfu and run PPS for four different solar input parameters: (1) all > M5 solar X-ray flares; (2) all > 200 sfu 8800-MHz bursts with associated > M5 flares; (3) all > 500 sfu 8800-MHz bursts; and (4) all > 5000 sfu 8800-MHz bursts. For X-ray flare inputs the forecasted event peak intensities and fluences are compared with observed values. The validation contingency tables and skill scores are calculated for all groups and used as a guide to use of the PPS. We plot the false alarms and missed events as functions of solar source longitude.

Mobile Technology in E-Learning for Undergraduate Medical Education on Emergent Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Disorders: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Lee, Li-Ang; Wang, Shu-Ling; Chao, Yi-Ping; Tsai, Ming-Shao; Hsin, Li-Jen; Kang, Chung-Jan; Fu, Chia-Hsiang; Chao, Wei-Chieh; Huang, Chung-Guei; Li, Hsueh-Yu

2018-01-01

Background The use of mobile technology in e-learning (M-TEL) can add new levels of experience and significantly increase the attractiveness of e-learning in medical education. Whether an innovative interactive e-learning multimedia (IM) module or a conventional PowerPoint show (PPS) module using M-TEL to teach emergent otorhinolaryngology–head and neck surgery (ORL-HNS) disorders is feasible and efficient in undergraduate medical students is unknown. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the impact of a novel IM module with a conventional PPS module using M-TEL for emergent ORL-HNS disorders with regard to learning outcomes, satisfaction, and learning experience. Methods This pilot study was conducted at an academic teaching hospital and included 24 undergraduate medical students who were novices in ORL-HNS. The cognitive style was determined using the Group Embedded Figures Test. The participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to one of the two groups matched by age, sex, and cognitive style: the IM group and the PPS group. During the 100-min learning period, the participants were unblinded to use the IM or PPS courseware on a 7-inch tablet. Pretests and posttests using multiple-choice questions to evaluate knowledge and multimedia situational tests to evaluate competence were administered. Participants evaluated their satisfaction and learning experience by the AttrakDiff2 questionnaire, and provided feedback about the modules. Results Overall, the participants had significant gains in knowledge (median of percentage change 71, 95% CI 1-100, P<.001) and competence (median of percentage change 25, 95% CI 0-33, P=.007) after 100 min of learning. Although there was no significant difference in knowledge gain between the two groups (median of difference of percentage change 24, 95% CI −75 to 36; P=.55), competence gain was significantly lower in the IM group compared with the PPS group (median of difference of percentage change −41, 95% CI −67 to −20; P=.008). However, the IM group had significantly higher scores of satisfaction (difference 2, 95% CI 2-4; P=.01), pragmatic quality (difference 1.7, 95% CI 0.1-2.7; P=.03), and hedonic stimulation (difference 1.9, 95% CI 0.3-3.1; P=.01) compared with the PPS group. Qualitative feedback indicated that the various games in the IM module attracted the participants’ attention but that the nonlinearly arranged materials affected their learning. Conclusions Using M-TEL for undergraduate medical education on emergent ORL-HNS disorders, an IM module seems to be useful for gaining knowledge, but competency may need to occur elsewhere. While the small sample size reduces the statistical power of our results, its design seems to be appropriate to determine the effects of M-TEL using a larger group. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02971735; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02971735 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6waoOpCEV) PMID:29519776

Covalent IR820-PEG-diamine nanoconjugates for theranostic applications in cancer.

PubMed

Fernandez-Fernandez, Alicia; Manchanda, Romila; Carvajal, Denny A; Lei, Tingjun; Srinivasan, Supriya; McGoron, Anthony J

2014-01-01

Near-infrared dyes can be used as theranostic agents in cancer management, based on their optical imaging and localized hyperthermia capabilities. However, their clinical translatability is limited by issues such as photobleaching, short circulation times, and nonspecific biodistribution. Nanoconjugate formulations of cyanine dyes, such as IR820, may be able to overcome some of these limitations. We covalently conjugated IR820 with 6 kDa polyethylene glycol (PEG)-diamine to create a nanoconjugate (IRPDcov) with potential for in vivo applications. The conjugation process resulted in nearly spherical, uniformly distributed nanoparticles of approximately 150 nm diameter and zeta potential -0.4±0.3 mV. The IRPDcov formulation retained the ability to fluoresce and to cause hyperthermia-mediated cell-growth inhibition, with enhanced internalization and significantly enhanced cytotoxic hyperthermia effects in cancer cells compared with free dye. Additionally, IRPDcov demonstrated a significantly longer (P<0.05) plasma half-life, elimination half-life, and area under the curve (AUC) value compared with IR820, indicating larger overall exposure to the theranostic agent in mice. The IRPDcov conjugate had different organ localization than did free IR820, with potential reduced accumulation in the kidneys and significantly lower (P<0.05) accumulation in the lungs. Some potential advantages of IR820-PEG-diamine nanoconjugates may include passive targeting of tumor tissue through the enhanced permeability and retention effect, prolonged circulation times resulting in increased windows for combined diagnosis and therapy, and further opportunities for functionalization, targeting, and customization. The conjugation of PEG-diamine with a near-infrared dye provides a multifunctional delivery vector whose localization can be monitored with noninvasive techniques and that may also serve for guided hyperthermia cancer treatments.

Validating the Proton Prediction System (PPS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

hazards for astro - proton fluence model (Feynman et al., 2002) fits nauts on the missions to the Moon and Mars observed SEP event fluences of E>10MeV...events limited the useful PPS test cases to 78 of the J(E>10MeV) = 347 x ( Fx )0.941, (3) 101 solar flares. Although they can be serious radiation...hazards (Reames, 1999), PPS does not where Fx is the GOES 1-8 A X-ray flare half-power predict the E> 10MeV peaks often seen during the fluence in J cm -2

Protruding anterior medial meniscus-An indirect sign of posterior cruciate ligament deficiency.

PubMed

Parkar, Anagha P; Bleskestad, Kristiane; Løken, Susanne; Adriaensen, Miraude E A P M; Solheim, Eirik

2018-02-01

to examine if PROTruding of the Anterior Medial Meniscus (PROTAMM) could be an indirect sign of PCL deficiency by comparing PROTAMM to passive posterior tibial sagging (PSS) for chronic PCL rupture on routine MRI. Patients with PCL reconstruction between 2011 and 2016 were included in a case control study. Primarily cases with combined ACL/PCL injury were excluded. Secondary exclusion criteria were bony fractures, medial meniscus pathology and poor quality MRIs. Three (blinded) observers reviewed the pre-operative MRIs according to a pre-defined protocol. After applying the inclusion and primary exclusion criteria 16 patients were identified in the PCL rupture group. The control group consisted of 15 patients. After reviewing the MRIs, 6 were excluded due to secondary exclusion criteria. Mean PPS measured 4.8 mm (± 4.4 mm) in the PCL rupture group and 1.8 mm (±2.9 mm) in the control group, p = 0.05. Mean PROTAMM was 3.6 mm (±0.6 mm) in the PCL rupture group and 0.7 mm (±0.9 mm) in the control group, p = 0.004. We found a mean PROTAMM of 3.6 mm in patients with PCL rupture. We suggest that this sign, after knee injury in an otherwise normal medial meniscus, is a promising indirect sign of PCL deficiency compared to PPS. Implementation of this sign in clinical practice may improve the sensitivity of routine non-weight bearing MRI in identifying PCL deficient knees. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Measuring Responsible Gambling amongst Players: Development of the Positive Play Scale

PubMed Central

Wood, Richard T. A.; Wohl, Michael J. A.; Tabri, Nassim; Philander, Kahlil

2017-01-01

The modern gambling industry has, by-in-large, assumed a duty of care to minimize the risks associated with gambling, which has manifested in responsible gambling (RG) programming (e.g., educating players about the odds of success). The current study fills a void in gambling operators, regulators, and researchers ability to measure RG beliefs and behavior in their player-base, with the development and validation of the Positive Play Scale (PPS). In Study 1, we reviewed the literature and consulted 30 players as well as 10 RG experts to help generate a definition of RG beliefs and behavior that helped guide item generation. In Study 2, regular players (N = 1,551) of a Canadian provincial gambling operator completed a positive play survey. Four components from a principal components analysis (PCA) were extracted: Honesty and Control, Pre-commitment, Personal Responsibility, and Gambling Literacy. The PPS subscales were either not associated with gambling frequency or had small-to-moderate negative relationships with frequency of play for games most often associated with disordered gambling (e.g., electronic games). In Study 3 (N = 413), the factor structure of the PPS was confirmed and refined in a new sample of players. Moreover, a 1-month follow-up session demonstrated that the PPS has high test-retest reliability. The PPS is the first validated scale that reliably assesses the extent to which a consumer base has positive beliefs about gambling and gambles in a positive manner. The PPS can be used by the gambling industry to objectively assess the efficacy of their RG strategy, pinpoint specific areas for future focus, as well as examine the utility of new RG initiatives that aim to promote healthy patterns of gambling consumption. Furthermore, by examining the PPS scores for different player segments (e.g., sex, age, games played) it becomes possible to tailor RG strategy to the needs of specific players. In this way, RG strategy can be optimized by focusing resources where they will be most effective. PMID:28280472

Helping members of a community-based health insurance scheme access quality inpatient care through development of a preferred provider system in rural Gujarat

PubMed Central

RANSON, M. KENT; SINHA, TARA; GANDHI, FENIL; JAYSWAL, RUPAL; MILLS, ANNE J.

2007-01-01

We describe and analyse the experience of piloting a preferred provider system (PPS) for rural members of Vimo SEWA, a fixed-indemnity, community-based health insurance (CBHI) scheme run by the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA). The objectives of the PPS were (i) to facilitate access to hospitalization by providing financial benefits at the time of service utilization; (ii) to shift the burden of compiling a claim away from members and towards Vimo SEWA staff; and (iii) to direct members to inpatient facilities of acceptable quality. The PPS was launched between August and October 2004, in 8 subdistricts covering 15 000 insured. The impact of the scheme was analysed using data from a household survey of claimants and qualitative data from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The PPS appears to have been successful in terms of two of the three primary objectives—it has transferred much of the burden of compiling a health insurance claim onto Vimo SEWA staff, and it has directed members to inpatient facilities with acceptable levels of technical quality (defined in terms of structural indicators). However, even under the PPS, user fees pose a financial barrier, as the insured have to mobilize funds to cover the costs of medicines, supplies, registration fee, etc. before receipt of cash payment from Vimo SEWA. Other barriers to the success of the PPS were the geographic inaccessibility of some of the selected hospitals, lack of awareness about the PPS among members and a variety of administrative problems. This pilot project provides useful lessons relating to strategic purchasing by CBHI schemes and, more broadly, managed care in India. In particular, the pragmatic approach taken to assessing hospitals and identifying preferred providers is likely to be useful elsewhere. PMID:17203684

Simvastatin Prodrug Micelles Target Fracture and Improve Healing

PubMed Central

Dusad, Anand; Yuan, Hongjiang; Ren, Ke; Li, Fei; Fehringer, Edward V.; Purdue, P. Edward; Goldring, Steven R.; Daluiski, Aaron; Wang, Dong

2014-01-01

Simvastatin (SIM), a widely used anti-lipidaemic drug, has been identified as a bone anabolic agent. Its poor water solubility and the lack of distribution to the skeleton, however, have limited its application in the treatment of bone metabolic diseases. In this study, an amphiphilic macromolecular prodrug of SIM was designed and synthesized to overcome these limitations. The polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based prodrug can spontaneously self-assemble to form micelles. The use of SIM trimer as the prodrug’s hydrophobic segment allows easy encapsulation of additional free SIM. The in vitro studies showed that SIM/SIM-mPEG micelles were internalized by MC3T3 cells via lysosomal trafficking and consistently induced expression of both BMP2 and DKK1 mRNA, suggesting that the prodrug micelle retains the biological functions of SIM. After systemic administration, optical imaging suggests that the micelles would passively target to bone fracture sites associated with hematoma and inflammation. Furthermore, flow cytometry study revealed that SIM/SIM-mPEG micelles had preferred cellular uptake by inflammatory and resident cells within the fracture callus tissue. The treatment study using a mouse osteotomy model validated the micelles’ therapeutic efficacy in promoting bone fracture healing as demonstrated by micro-CT and histological analyses. Collectively, these data suggest that the macromolecular prodrug-based micelle formulation of SIM may have great potential for clinical management of impaired fracture healing. PMID:25542644

A comparison study between lycobetaine-loaded nanoemulsion and liposome using nRGD as therapeutic adjuvant for lung cancer therapy.

PubMed

Chen, Tijia; Gong, Ting; Zhao, Ting; Fu, Yao; Zhang, Zhirong; Gong, Tao

2018-01-01

To achieve tumor-selective drug delivery, various nanocarriers have been explored using either passive or active targeting strategies. Despite the great number of studies published annually in the field, only nanocarriers using approved excipients reach the clinical stage. In our study, two classic nanoscale formulations, nanoemulsion (NE) and liposome (Lipo) were selected for the encapsulation of lycobetaine (LBT). To improve the lipid solubility of LBT, oleic acid (OA) was used to complex (LBT-OA) with lycobetaine (LBT). Besides, PEGylated lecithin was used to enhance the circulation time. The release behaviors of LBT from non-PEGylated and PEGylated NE and Lipo were compared. PEGylated LBT-OA loaded Lipo (LBT-OA-PEG-Lipo) exhibited a sustained release rate pattern, and in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles showed the extended circulation compared nanoemlusions. Besides, LBT-OA-PEG-Lipo showed an enhanced anti-tumor effect in the mice xenograft lung carcinoma model. Moreover, a multi-target peptide nRGD was co-administered as a therapeutic adjuvant with LBT-OA loaded formulations, which demonstrated improved tumor penetration and enhanced extravasation of formulations. Also, co-administration of nRGD significantly improved the in vivo antitumor efficacy of different formulations, likely due to the depletion of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Thus, LBT-OA-PEG-Lipo+nRGD may represent a promising strategy for cancer chemotherapy against lung carcinoma. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Medicare's prospective payment system: A critical appraisal

PubMed Central

Coulam, Robert F.; Gaumer, Gary L.

1992-01-01

Implementation of the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for hospital payment has produced major changes in the hospital industry and in the way hospital services are used by physicians and their patients. The substantial published literature that examines these changes is reviewed in this article. This literature suggests that most of the intended effects of PPS on costs and intensity of care have been realized. But the literature fails to answer fundamental questions about the effectiveness and equity of administered pricing as a policy tool for cost containment. The literature offers some hope that the worst fears about the effects of PPS on quality of care and the health of the hospital industry have not materialized. But because of data lags, the studies done to date seem to tell us more about the effects of the early, more generous period of PPS than about the opportunity costs of reducing hospital cost inflation. PMID:25372306

The fairness of the PPS reimbursement methodology.

PubMed Central

Gianfrancesco, F D

1990-01-01

In FY 1984 the Medicare program implemented a new method of reimbursing hospitals for inpatient services, the Prospective Payment System (PPS). Under this system, hospitals are paid a predetermined amount per Medicare discharge, which varies according to certain patient and hospital characteristics. This article investigates the presence of systematic biases and other potential imperfections in the PPS reimbursement methodology as revealed by its effects on Medicare operating ratios. The study covers the first three years of the PPS (approximately 1984-1986) and is based on hospital data from the Medicare cost reports and other related sources. Regression techniques were applied to these data to determine how Medicare operating ratios were affected by specific aspects of the reimbursement methodology. Several possible imbalances were detected. The potential undercompensation relating to these can be harmful to certain classes of hospitals and to the Medicare populations that they serve. PMID:2109738

Amputation and prosthesis implantation shape body and peripersonal space representations

PubMed Central

Canzoneri, Elisa; Marzolla, Marilena; Amoresano, Amedeo; Verni, Gennaro; Serino, Andrea

2013-01-01

Little is known about whether and how multimodal representations of the body (BRs) and of the space around the body (Peripersonal Space, PPS) adapt to amputation and prosthesis implantation. In order to investigate this issue, we tested BR in a group of upper limb amputees by means of a tactile distance perception task and PPS by means of an audio-tactile interaction task. Subjects performed the tasks with stimulation either on the healthy limb or the stump of the amputated limb, while wearing or not wearing their prosthesis. When patients performed the tasks on the amputated limb, without the prosthesis, the perception of arm length shrank, with a concurrent shift of PPS boundaries towards the stump. Conversely, wearing the prosthesis increased the perceived length of the stump and extended the PPS boundaries so as to include the prosthetic hand, such that the prosthesis partially replaced the missing limb. PMID:24088746

Combining hard and soft magnetism into a single core-shell nanoparticle to achieve both hyperthermia and image contrast

PubMed Central

Yang, Qiuhong; Gong, Maogang; Cai, Shuang; Zhang, Ti; Douglas, Justin T; Chikan, Viktor; Davies, Neal M; Lee, Phil; Choi, In-Young; Ren, Shenqiang; Forrest, M Laird

2015-01-01

Background A biocompatible core/shell structured magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was developed to mediate simultaneous cancer therapy and imaging. Methods & results A 22-nm MNP was first synthesized via magnetically coupling hard (FePt) and soft (Fe3O4) materials to produce high relative energy transfer. Colloidal stability of the FePt@Fe3O4 MNPs was achieved through surface modification with silane-polyethylene glycol (PEG). Intravenous administration of PEG-MNPs into tumor-bearing mice resulted in a sustained particle accumulation in the tumor region, and the tumor burden of treated mice was a third that of the mice in control groups 2 weeks after a local hyperthermia treatment. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging exhibited enhanced T2 contrast in the tumor region. Conclusion This work has demonstrated the feasibility of cancer theranostics with PEG-MNPs. PMID:26606855

In situ electrodeposition of CoP nanoparticles on carbon nanomaterial doped polyphenylene sulfide flexible electrode for electrochemical hydrogen evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Tingxia; Jiang, Yimin; Zhou, Yaxin; Du, Yongling; Wang, Chunming

2018-06-01

Active and durable electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is pivotal to generate molecular hydrogen more energy-efficient, but directly grafting electrocatalyst on electrode material by a single-step method without compromising the catalytic activity and stability remains a challenge. Herein, an intriguing electrode, reduced graphene oxide modified carbon nanotube/reduced graphene oxide/polyphenylene sulfide (RGO-CNT/RGO/PPS) film, is used to replace conventional electrodes. In situ electrodeposition is proposed to fabricate CoP on the RGO-CNT/RGO/PPS (CoP-RGO-CNT/RGO/PPS) electrode and achieves a favorably electrical contact between CoP nanoparticles and RGO-CNT/RGO/PPS electrode due to without any polymer binder. Additionally, the coupling of different electrodeposition stages with scanning electron microscope (SEM) can investigate the nanostructure evolution of CoP nanoparticles, which gives valuable insights into the optimized electrodeposition cycles. The rational integration of RGO onto CNT/RGO/PPS film is an effective approach for enhancing its intrinsic electrical conductivity and favoring the formation of a high density of dispersive CoP nanoparticles. The CoP-RGO-CNT/RGO/PPS film has shown outstanding HER electrocatalytic behaviors performed a current density of 10 mA cm-2 at a relatively low overpotential of 160 mV with a Tafel slope of 60 mV dec-1 in acidic medium, which can be mainly attributed to the synergistic effect between optimized morphology and accelerated kinetics. Additionally, this film electrocatalyst exhibits a good HER activity and stability under both neutral and basic conditions.

Interaction of Selected Phenylpropenes with Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine Membrane and Their Relevance to Antibacterial Activity.

PubMed

Gharib, Riham; Najjar, Amal; Auezova, Lizette; Charcosset, Catherine; Greige-Gerges, Hélène

2017-06-01

The effect of structurally closely related phenylpropenes (PPs), estragole, anethole, eugenol, and isoeugenol, on the fluidity of dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline (DPPC) liposome membrane was investigated by DSC, Raman, and fluorescence anisotropy of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH). Liposomes were prepared by thin-film hydration method at various DPPC:PP molar ratios. The DPH anisotropy measurements of blank and PP-loaded liposomes were performed at 28, 41, and 50 °C, which correspond, respectively, to gel phase, main transition temperature of DPPC, and liquid phase. The Raman images showed the formation of nano- and micrometric spherical multi-lamellar vesicles. All studied PPs exhibited a membrane fluidizing effect which was reinforced by the presence of phenolic hydroxyl group in eugenol and isoeugenol. The PPs interacted with the choline head group and the alkyl chains of DPPC membrane, wherein isoeugenol and anethole possessing the same C7-C8 position of the double bond in the propenyl side chain, incorporated deeply in the bilayer. Additionally, the PPs were analyzed for antibacterial activity against E. coli by macrobroth dilution method. Anethole and estragole were more efficient in inhibiting the bacterial growth than eugenol and isoeugenol. We conclude that the fluidizing effect of PPs on the membrane is a common mechanism that is not related to the hydrophobicity of the PP molecule. Besides, other target sites may be involved in PP antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. The greater hydrophobicity of these PPs may contribute to their penetrability through the outer bacterial membrane.

Charting a path forward: policy analysis of China's evolved DRG-based hospital payment system.

PubMed

Liu, Rui; Shi, Jianwei; Yang, Beilei; Jin, Chunlin; Sun, Pengfei; Wu, Lingfang; Yu, Dehua; Xiong, Linping; Wang, Zhaoxin

2017-09-01

At present, the diagnosis-related groups-based prospective payment system (DRG-PPS) that has been implemented in China is merely a prototype called the simplified DRG-PPS, which is known as the 'ceiling price for a single disease'. Given that studies on the effects of a simplified DRG-PPS in China have usually been controversial, we aim to synthesize evidence examining whether DRGs can reduce medical costs and length of stay (LOS) in China. Data were searched from both Chinese [Wan Fang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI)] and international databases (Web of Science and PubMed), as well as the official websites of Chinese health departments in the 2004-2016 period. Only studies with a design that included both experimental (with DRG-PPS implementation) and control groups (without DRG-PPS implementation) were included in the review. The studies were based on inpatient samples from public hospitals distributed in 12 provinces of mainland China. Among them, 80.95% (17/21) revealed that hospitalization costs could be reduced significantly, and 50.00% (8/16) indicated that length of stay could be decreased significantly. In addition, the government reports showed the enormous differences in pricing standards and LOS in various provinces, even for the same disease. We conclude that the simplified DRGs are useful in controlling hospitalization costs, but they fail to reduce LOS. Much work remains to be done in China to improve the simplified DRG-PPS. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

New entrants' practice patterns in Medicare home health care after the prospective payment system revision in 2008.

PubMed

Kim, Hyunjee; Jung, Jeah Kyoungrae

2015-09-01

Medicare home health care spending increased under the prospective payment system (PPS) that was introduced specifically to control the rising spending. To explain this unexpected spending rise, we focused on new home health agencies that entered the market under the PPS. The high profit margins under the PPS attracted many new agencies to the market partially due to home health care's unique feature of low entry costs. We examined whether new entrants were more likely to adopt the practice patterns leading to higher profit margins than incumbent agencies that had been operating in the market before the PPS. Using 2008 to 2010 Medicare Home Health Claims and Provider of Services File, we estimated regressions of agencies' practice patterns controlling for agency and patient characteristics. We found that new entrants were more likely than incumbents to adopt practice patterns leading to high profit margins. They were more likely to target the 14th and 20th therapy visit where marginal revenue is relatively greater than that of other number of visits. Under the payment system that compensates extra therapy visits but not for other types of visits, entrants were also more likely to provide therapy visits, but less likely to provide medical social service visits. Given the high entry rates of agencies under the PPS, distinct practice patterns among entrants explain the drastic home health spending increase under the PPS. Heterogeneity in agencies' practice patterns also suggests an opportunity to improve efficiency in the Medicare home health care market. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Outcome of pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoblastic lymphoma with hypersensitivity to pegaspargase treated with PEGylated Erwinia asparaginase, pegcrisantaspase: A report from the Children's Oncology Group

PubMed Central

Rau, Rachel E.; Dreyer, ZoAnn; Choi, Mi Rim; Liang, Wei; Skowronski, Roman; Allamneni, Krishna P.; Devidas, Meenakshi; Raetz, Elizabeth A.; Adamson, Peter C.; Blaney, Susan M.; Loh, Mignon L; Hunger, Stephen P.

2018-01-01

Background Erwinia asparaginase is a Food and Drug Administration approved agent for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) for patients who develop hypersensitivity to Escherichia coli derived asparaginases. Erwinia asparaginase is efficacious, but has a short half-life, requiring six doses to replace one dose of the most commonly used first-line asparaginase, pegaspargase, a polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugated E. coli asparaginase. Pegcristantaspase, a recombinant PEGylated Erwinia asparaginase with improved pharmacokinetics, was developed for patients with hypersensitivity to pegaspargase. Here, we report a series of patients treated on a pediatric phase 2 trial of pegcrisantaspase. Procedure Pediatric patients with ALL or lymphoblastic lymphoma and hypersensitivity to pegaspargase enrolled on Children's Oncology Group trial AALL1421 (Jazz 13-011) and received intravenous pegcrisantaspase. Serum asparaginase activity (SAA) was monitored before and after dosing; immunogenicity assays were performed for antiasparaginase and anti-PEG antibodies and complement activation was evaluated. Results Three of the four treated patients experienced hypersensitivity to pegcrisantaspase manifested as clinical hypersensitivity reactions or rapid clearance of SAA. Immunogenicity assays demonstrated the presence of anti-PEG immunoglobulin G antibodies in all three hypersensitive patients, indicating a PEG-mediated immune response. Conclusions This small series of patients, nonetheless, provides data, suggesting preexisting immunogenicity against the PEG moiety of pegaspargase and poses the question as to whether PEGylation may be an effective strategy to optimize Erwinia asparaginase administration. Further study of larger cohorts is needed to determine the incidence of preexisting antibodies against PEG-mediated hypersensitivity to pegaspargase. PMID:29090524

Comparative proteomic analysis of somatic embryo maturation in Carica papaya L.

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Somatic embryogenesis is a complex process regulated by numerous factors. The identification of proteins that are differentially expressed during plant development could result in the development of molecular markers of plant metabolism and provide information contributing to the monitoring and understanding of different biological responses. In addition, the identification of molecular markers could lead to the optimization of protocols allowing the use of biotechnology for papaya propagation and reproduction. This work aimed to investigate the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on somatic embryo development and the protein expression profile during somatic embryo maturation in papaya (Carica papaya L.). Results The maturation treatment supplemented with 6% PEG (PEG6) resulted in the greatest number of somatic embryos and induced differential protein expression compared with cultures grown under the control treatment. Among 135 spots selected for MS/MS analysis, 76 spots were successfully identified, 38 of which were common to both treatments, while 14 spots were unique to the control treatment, and 24 spots were unique to the PEG6 treatment. The identified proteins were assigned to seven categories or were unclassified. The most representative class of proteins observed in the control treatment was associated with the stress response (25.8%), while those under PEG6 treatment were carbohydrate and energy metabolism (18.4%) and the stress response (18.4%). Conclusions The differential expression of three proteins (enolase, esterase and ADH3) induced by PEG6 treatment could play an important role in maturation, and these proteins could be characterized as candidate biomarkers of somatic embryogenesis in papaya. PMID:25076862

A superactive leptin antagonist alters metabolism and locomotion in high-leptin mice.

PubMed

Chapnik, Nava; Solomon, Gili; Genzer, Yoni; Miskin, Ruth; Gertler, Arieh; Froy, Oren

2013-06-01

Transgenic alpha murine urokinase-type plasminogen activator (αMUPA) mice are resistant to obesity and their locomotor activity is altered. As these mice have high leptin levels, our objective was to test whether leptin is responsible for these characteristics. αMUPA, their genetic background control (FVB/N), and C57BL mice were injected s.c. every other day with 20  mg/kg pegylated superactive mouse leptin antagonist (PEG-SMLA) for 6 weeks. We tested the effect of PEG-SMLA on body weight, locomotion, and bone health. The antagonist led to a rapid increase in body weight and subsequent insulin resistance in all treated mice. Food intake of PEG-SMLA-injected animals increased during the initial period of the experiment but then declined to a similar level to that of the control animals. Interestingly, αMUPA mice were found to have reduced bone volume (BV) than FVB/N mice, although PEG-SMLA increased bone mass in both strains. In addition, PEG-SMLA led to disrupted locomotor activity and increased corticosterone levels in C57BL but decreased levels in αMUPA or FVB/N mice. These results suggest that leptin is responsible for the lean phenotype and reduced BV in αMUPA mice; leptin affects corticosterone levels in mice in a strain-specific manner; and leptin alters locomotor activity, a behavior determined by the central circadian clock.

Direct quantitative 13 C-filtered 1 H magnetic resonance imaging of PEGylated biomacromolecules in vivo.

PubMed

Alvares, Rohan D A; Lau, Justin Y C; Macdonald, Peter M; Cunningham, Charles H; Prosser, R Scott

2017-04-01

1 H MRI is an established diagnostic method that generally relies on detection of water. Imaging specific macromolecules is normally accomplished only indirectly through the use of paramagnetic tags, which alter the water signal in their vicinity. We demonstrate a new approach in which macromolecular constituents, such as proteins and drug delivery systems, are observed directly and quantitatively in vivo using 1 H MRI of 13 C-labeled poly(ethylene glycol) ( 13 C-PEG) tags. Molecular imaging of 13 C-PEG-labeled species was accomplished by incorporating a modified heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence filter into a gradient echo imaging sequence. We demonstrate the approach by monitoring the real-time distribution of 13 C-PEG and 13 C-PEGylated albumin injected into the hind leg of a mouse. Filtering the 1 H PEG signal through the directly coupled 13 C nuclei largely eliminates background water and fat signals, thus enabling the imaging of molecules using 1 H MRI. PEGylation is widely employed to enhance the performance of a multitude of macromolecular therapeutics and drug delivery systems, and 13 C-filtered 1 H MRI of 13 C-PEG thus offers the possibility of imaging and quantitating their distribution in living systems in real time. Magn Reson Med 77:1553-1561, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Assessment of iron status in settings of inflammation: challenges and potential approaches.

PubMed

Suchdev, Parminder S; Williams, Anne M; Mei, Zuguo; Flores-Ayala, Rafael; Pasricha, Sant-Rayn; Rogers, Lisa M; Namaste, Sorrel Ml

2017-12-01

The determination of iron status is challenging when concomitant infection and inflammation are present because of confounding effects of the acute-phase response on the interpretation of most iron indicators. This review summarizes the effects of inflammation on indicators of iron status and assesses the impact of a regression analysis to adjust for inflammation on estimates of iron deficiency (ID) in low- and high-infection-burden settings. We overviewed cross-sectional data from 16 surveys for preschool children (PSC) ( n = 29,765) and from 10 surveys for nonpregnant women of reproductive age (WRA) ( n = 25,731) from the Biomarkers Reflecting the Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia (BRINDA) project. Effects of C-reactive protein (CRP) and α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) concentrations on estimates of ID according to serum ferritin (SF) (used generically to include plasma ferritin), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and total body iron (TBI) were summarized in relation to infection burden (in the United States compared with other countries) and population group (PSC compared with WRA). Effects of the concentrations of CRP and AGP on SF, sTfR, and TBI were generally linear, especially in PSC. Overall, regression correction changed the estimated prevalence of ID in PSC by a median of +25 percentage points (pps) when SF concentrations were used, by -15 pps when sTfR concentrations were used, and by +14 pps when TBI was used; the estimated prevalence of ID in WRA changed by a median of +8 pps when SF concentrations were used, by -10 pps when sTfR concentrations were used, and by +3 pps when TBI was used. In the United States, inflammation correction was done only for CRP concentrations because AGP concentrations were not measured; regression correction for CRP concentrations increased the estimated prevalence of ID when SF concentrations were used by 3 pps in PSC and by 7 pps in WRA. The correction of iron-status indicators for inflammation with the use of regression correction appears to substantially change estimates of ID prevalence in low- and high-infection-burden countries. More research is needed to determine the validity of inflammation-corrected estimates, their dependence on the etiology of inflammation, and their applicability to individual iron-status assessment in clinical settings.

Characteristics of Plantar Loads During Walking in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhiwang; Wang, Lin; Hu, Kaijun; Liu, Yu

2017-12-01

BACKGROUND Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common disease that can change the load on lower limbs during walking. Plantar loads in patients with KOA may provide a basis for clinical decisions regarding footwear and foot orthoses. This study aimed to compare plantar loads in females with and without KOA during gait. MATERIAL AND METHODS Plantar pressure during walking was recorded in 23 females with KOA and 23 females without KOA. Maximum force (MF), contact area (CA), and peak pressure (PP) were measured at 7 different regions underneath the foot, named heel (M1), midfoot (M2), first metatarsophalangeal joint (MPJ) (M3), second MPJ (M4), third to fifth MPJ (M5), hallux (M6), and lesser toes (M7). RESULTS PPs for M2 and (M3) in females with KOA were higher than those in females without KOA. High PPs were also found in females with KOA for M2, M3, and M4. CONCLUSIONS Increased plantar loading in females with KOA may lead to foot pronation and gait changes during walking. Plantar loading may be offered to patients with KOA when considering footwear and foot orthoses.

Bioactive coating with low-fouling polymers for the development of biocompatible vascular implants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thalla, Pradeep Kumar

The replacement of occluded blood vessels and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) are performed with the use of synthetic vascular grafts and stent grafts, respectively. Both implants lead to frequent clinical complications that are different but due to a similar problem, namely the inadequate surface properties of the polymeric biomaterials used (generally polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)). Therefore the general objective of this thesis was to create a versatile bioactive coating on vascular biomaterials that reduce material-induced thrombosis and promote desired cell interactions favorable to tissue healing around implants. The use of low-fouling backgrounds was decided in order to reduce platelet adhesion as well as the non-specific protein adsorption and thus increase the bioactivity of immobilized biomolecules. As part of the preliminary objective, a multi-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) was chosen to create a versatile low-fouling surface, since the current coating methods are far from being versatile and rely on the availability of compatible functional groups on both PEG and the host surface. This PEG coating method was developed by taking advantage of novel primary amine-rich plasma polymerized coatings (LP). As demonstrated by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), fluorescence measurements and platelet adhesion assays, our PEG coatings exhibited low protein adsorption and almost no platelet adhesion after 15 min perfusion in whole blood. Although protein adsorption was not completely abrogated and short-term platelet adhesion assay was clearly insufficient to draw conclusions for long-term prevention of thrombosis in vivo, the low-fouling properties of this PEG coating were sufficient to be exploited for further coupling of bioactive molecules to create bioactive coatings. Therefore, as a part of the second objective, an innovative and versatile bioactive coating was developed on PEG and carboxymethylated dextran (CMD), using the combination of an adhesive peptide (KQAGDV/RGD) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). CMD was chosen as an alternative to PEG due to its better low-fouling properties and the presence of abundant carboxyl terminal groups. Although the QCM-D technique enabled us to optimize the combined immobilization of KQAGDV/RGD and EGF, cell adhesion assay results did not show improvement of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) adhesion on peptide-modified PEG or CMD surfaces. Among the reasons explaining low cell adhesion on peptides grafted low-fouling surfaces is the difficulty of preventing protein adsorption/platelet adhesion without significantly reducing cell adhesion. Preliminary data in our laboratory indicated that CS could be an ideal substrate to find this compromise. For that reason, the final objective of this PhD consisted in evaluating the potential of chondroitin sulfate (CS) coating by comparing its properties with well-known low-fouling polymers such as PEG and CMD. It was shown that CS presents selective low-fouling properties, low-platelet adhesion and pro-endothelial cell (EC) adhesive properties As demonstrated by QCM-D and fluorescence measurements, CS was as effective as PEG in reducing fibrinogen adsorption, but it reduced adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fetal bovine serum (FBS) to a lower extent than PEG and CMD surfaces. Whole blood perfusion assays indicated that all three surfaces drastically decreased platelet adhesion and activation to levels significantly lower than PET surfaces. However, while EC adhesion and growth were found to be very limited on PEG and CMD, cell attachment on CS was strong, with focal adhesion points and resistance to shear stress. CS coatings therefore form a low-thrombogenic background promoting the formation of a confluent endothelium layer, which may then act as an active anti-thrombogenic surface. CS coating can also be used to further graft biomolecules. Combination of LP, CS coating followed by GF immobilization shows great promise as a bioactive coating to optimize the biocompatibility and clinical outcome of vascular implants, in particular vascular grafts.

End-pumped 1.5 microm monoblock laser for broad temperature operation.

PubMed

Schilling, Bradley W; Chinn, Stephen R; Hays, A D; Goldberg, Lew; Trussell, C Ward

2006-09-01

We describe a next-generation monoblock laser capable of a greater than 10 mJ, 1.5 microm output at 10 pulses/s (pps) over broad ambient temperature extremes with no active temperature control. The transmitter design is based on a Nd:YAG laser with a Cr4+ passive Q switch and intracavity potassium titanyl phosphate optical parametric oscillator. To achieve the repetition rate and efficiency goals of this effort, but still have wide temperature capability, the Nd:YAG slab is end pumped with a 12-bar stack of 100 W (each) diode bars. Different techniques for focusing the pump radiation into the 4.25 mmx4.25 mm end of the slab are compared, including a lensed design, a reflective concentrator, and a lens duct. A wide temperature operation (-20 degrees C to 50 degrees C) for each end-pumped configuration is demonstrated.

Evaluation of the accuracy of LF and TV synchronization techniques inChina via portable clock.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, Y.-R.; Pan, X.-P.; Song, J.-A.; Bian, Y.-J.; Luo, D.-C.; Zhuang, Q.-X.

Shanxi, Beijing and Shanghai observatories cooperated with the U. S. Naval Observatory in making two portable clock experiments in 1981 and 1982. A high performance cesium clock was compared with the 1 pps signals from master clock, Loran-C receiver and TV Line-6 receiver in different observatories. The comparison of the experimental results with the prediction of the time delay between transmitter and each observatory indicates that the accuracy of LF synchronization technique in China can reach ±1 μs, timing precision is 0.05 - 0.2 μs at a distance of 2000 km. (It has been shown that there is a systematic error in the Daily Relative Phase Values, Ser. 4 of the U. S. Naval Observatory for the Northwest Pacific Loran-C chain.) For passive CCTV synchronization, timing accuracy is 2 μs or better and daily frequency calibration precision is (2 - 20)×10-13.

Peritoneal retention of liposomes: Effects of lipid composition, PEG coating and liposome charge.

PubMed

Dadashzadeh, S; Mirahmadi, N; Babaei, M H; Vali, A M

2010-12-01

In the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis, systemic chemotherapy is not quite effective due to the poor penetration of cytotoxic agents into the peritoneal cavity, whereas intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapeutic agents is generally accompanied by quick absorption of the free drug from the peritoneum. Local delivery of drugs with controlled-release delivery systems like liposomes could provide sustained, elevated drug levels and reduce local and systemic toxicity. In order to achieve an ameliorated liposomal formulation that results in higher peritoneal levels of the drug and retention, vesicles composed of different phospholipid compositions (distearoyl [DSPC]; dipalmitoyl [DPPC]; or dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine [DMPC]) and various charges (neutral; negative, containing distearoylphosphatidylglycerol [DSPG]; or positive, containing dioleyloxy trimethylammonium propane [DOTAP]) were prepared at two sizes of 100 and 1000nm. The effect of surface hydrophilicity was also investigated by incorporating PEG into the DSPC-containing neutral and charged liposomes. Liposomes were labeled with (99m)Tc and injected into mouse peritoneum. Mice were then sacrificed at eight different time points, and the percentage of injected radiolabel in the peritoneal cavity and the tissue distribution in terms of the percent of the injected dose/gram of tissue (%ID/g) were obtained. The ratio of the peritoneal AUC to the free label ranged from a minimum of 4.95 for DMPC/CHOL (cholesterol) 100nm vesicles to a maximum of 24.99 for DSPC/CHOL/DOTAP 1000nm (DOTAP 1000) vesicles. These last positively charged vesicles had the greatest peritoneal level; moreover, their level remained constant at approximately 25% of the injected dose from 2 to 48h. Among the conventional (i.e., without PEG) 100nm liposomes, the positively charged vesicles again showed the greatest retention. Incorporation of PEG at this size into the lipid structures augmented the peritoneal level, particularly for negatively charged liposomes. The positively charged PEGylated vesicles (DOTAP/PEG 100) had the second-greatest peritoneal level after DOTAP 1000; however, their peritoneal-to-blood AUC ratio was low (3.05). Overall, among the different liposomal formulations, the positively charged conventional liposomes (100 and 1000nm) provided greater peritoneal levels and retention. DOTAP/PEG100 may also be a more efficient formulation because this formulation can provide a high level of anticancer drug into the peritoneal cavity and also can passively target the primary tumor. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quantum solution to a class of two-party private summation problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Run-Hua; Zhang, Shun

2017-09-01

In this paper, we define a class of special two-party private summation (S2PPS) problems and present a common quantum solution to S2PPS problems. Compared to related classical solutions, our solution has advantages of higher security and lower communication complexity, and especially it can ensure the fairness of two parties without the help of a third party. Furthermore, we investigate the practical applications of our proposed S2PPS protocol in many privacy-preserving settings with big data sets, including private similarity decision, anonymous authentication, social networks, secure trade negotiation, secure data mining.

Consistent characterization of semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors with single-pulse and pump-probe spectroscopy.

PubMed

Fleischhaker, R; Krauss, N; Schättiger, F; Dekorsy, T

2013-03-25

We study the comparability of the two most important measurement methods used for the characterization of semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors (SESAMs). For both methods, single-pulse spectroscopy (SPS) and pump-probe spectroscopy (PPS), we analyze in detail the time-dependent saturation dynamics inside a SESAM. Based on this analysis, we find that fluence-dependent PPS at complete spatial overlap and zero time delay is equivalent to SPS. We confirm our findings experimentally by comparing data from SPS and PPS of two samples. We show how to interpret this data consistently and we give explanations for possible deviations.

Overcoming barriers to work participation for patients with postpoliomyelitis syndrome.

PubMed

Ten Katen, Kim; Beelen, Anita; Nollet, Frans; Frings-Dresen, Monique H W; Sluiter, Judith K

2011-01-01

This study aimed to explore the perceived work ability of patients with postpoliomyelitis syndrome (PPS), to identify barriers and factors that are impeding or conducive, respectively, to work participation, and to identify possible interventions. Qualitative cross-sectional interview study with 17 subjects with PPS, 12 women and 5 men, mean age 49 years (SD: 11). Semi-structured interviews were held with the subjects in their homes, with the aid of a topic list. The COREQ criteria list for qualitative research was used as guideline in design and analysis. Thirteen out of 17 subjects rated their work ability six or higher on a scale from 0 to 10. Most subjects worked in an administrative, educational or managerial function. Five subjects stopped working, four worked between 0 and 20 h/week and eight worked between 20 and 40 h/week. Factors conducive to working were physical adaptations in the workplace, accessibility of the workplace and high decision latitude. Barriers to full work ability in PPS patients were high physical job demands, low social support and the symptoms of PPS, especially fatigue and pain. These findings suggest that work-oriented interventions aimed at preventing PPS patients from dropping out of the workforce should primarily focus on reducing physical job demands, arranging adaptations in the workplace and increasing job control.

Sensitivity to binaural timing in bilateral cochlear implant users.

PubMed

van Hoesel, Richard J M

2007-04-01

Various measures of binaural timing sensitivity were made in three bilateral cochlear implant users, who had demonstrated moderate-to-good interaural time delay (ITD) sensitivity at 100 pulses-per-second (pps). Overall, ITD thresholds increased at higher pulse rates, lower levels, and shorter durations, although intersubject differences were evident. Monaural rate-discrimination thresholds, using the same stimulation parameters, showed more substantial elevation than ITDs with increased rate. ITD sensitivity with 6000 pps stimuli, amplitude-modulated at 100 Hz, was similar to that with unmodulated pulse trains at 100 pps, but at 200 and 300 Hz performance was poorer than with unmodulated signals. Measures of sensitivity to binaural beats with unmodulated pulse-trains showed that all three subjects could use time-varying ITD cues at 100 pps, but not 300 pps, even though static ITD sensitivity was relatively unaffected over that range. The difference between static and dynamic ITD thresholds is discussed in terms of relative contributions from initial and later arriving cues, which was further examined in an experiment using two-pulse stimuli as a function of interpulse separation. In agreement with the binaural-beat data, findings from that experiment showed poor discrimination of ITDs on the second pulse when the interval between pulses was reduced to a few milliseconds.

Medicare constrains social workers' and nurses' home care for clients with Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Cabin, William D

2015-01-01

The Medicare home health prospective payment system (PPS) has existed for 13 years, yielding significant profits to providers. However, studies indicate many unresolved questions about whether PPS improves patient quality of care, is cost-effective, and reduces patient levels of unmet need. In addition, PPS has undermined the provision of social work home health services. The article presents the views of 29 home health care nurses regarding the impact ofPPS on their care decisions for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. The nurses identify Alzheimer's disease symptom management and psychosocial needs as phantoms, omnipresent below the surface but not attended to by home care clinicians. The interviews support the greater involvement of social workers to more adequately address the psychosocial needs of Medicare home health patients. The article contends that the current failure to simultaneously address the cost, needs, and quality-of-life issues of people with Alzheimer's disease who are cared for at home is analogous to the end-of-life care situation before passage of the Medicare Hospice Benefit. A collaborative demonstration project--social work and nursing--is proposed to determine how PPS might better address quality of life and costs of home-based people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.

Overview of MST Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chapman, B. E.

2017-10-01

MST progress in advancing the RFP for (1) fusion plasma confinement with ohmic heating and minimal external magnetization, (2) predictive capability in toroidal confinement physics, and (3) basic plasma physics is summarized. Validation of key plasma models is a program priority, which is enhanced by programmable power supplies (PPS) to maximize inductive capability. The existing PPS enables access to very low plasma current, down to Ip =0.02 MA. This greatly expands the Lundquist number range S =104 -108 and allows nonlinear, 3D MHD computation using NIMROD and DEBS with dimensionless parameters that overlap those of MST plasmas. A new, second PPS will allow simultaneous PPS control of the Bp and Bt circuits. The PPS also enables MST tokamak operation, thus far focused on disruptions and RMP suppression of runaway electrons. Gyrokinetic modeling with GENE predicts unstable TEM in improved-confinement RFP plasmas. Measured fluctuations have TEM properties including a density-gradient threshold larger than for tokamak plasmas. Turbulent energization of an electron tail occurs during sawtooth reconnection. Probe measurements hint that drift waves are also excited via the turbulent cascade in standard RFP plasmas. Exploration of basic plasma science frontiers in MST RFP and tokamak plasmas is proposed as part of WiPPL, a basic science user facility. Work supported by USDoE.

Loss of motor unit size and quadriceps strength over 10 years in post-polio syndrome.

PubMed

Bickerstaffe, A; van Dijk, J P; Beelen, A; Zwarts, M J; Nollet, F

2014-06-01

To investigate whether strength decline in post-polio syndrome (PPS) results from excessive distal axonal degeneration of enlarged motor units. We assessed changes over 10 years in isometric quadriceps strength, mean motor unit action potential (MUAP) size, root mean squared (RMS) amplitude, and level of interference (LOI) in 47 patients with PPS and 12 healthy controls, using high density surface EMG. At baseline, all patients had symptomatic quadriceps dysfunction, evidenced by transmission defects on single-fibre EMG. MU size and strength declined significantly by 20% and 15%, respectively in patients with PPS. Those with the largest initial MU sizes exhibited the greatest losses of mean MU size (27%) and proportional decreases in quadriceps strength (23%). Initial strength, change in LOI and change in RMS amplitude together explained 35% of the variability in strength changes in patients. MU size of controls did not change, although they lost 29% strength. MU size and strength declined concomitantly in a homogeneous cohort of patients with PPS and quadriceps dysfunction. This long term follow-up study provides evidence that size diminution of enlarged MUs combined with a reduced number of active MUs contributes to the gradual strength decline in PPS. Copyright © 2013 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel local anti-colorectal cancer drug delivery system: negative lipidoid nanoparticles with a passive target via a size-dependent pattern

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Weifeng; Wang, Feng; Zhang, Jianfeng; Guo, Yibing; Ju, Shaoqing; Wang, Huimin

2013-09-01

The nontoxic, targeted and effective delivery of nucleic acid drugs remains an important challenge for clinical development. Here, we describe a novel negative lipidoid nanoparticle delivery system, providing entrapment-based transfection agents for local delivery of siRNA to the colorectal cancer focus. The delivery system was synthesized with lipidoid material 98N12-5(1), mPEG2000-C12/C14 glyceride and cholesterol at a desired molar ratio to realize the anionic surface charge of particles, which could alleviate to a larger degree the inflammatory response and immune stimulation of the organism, embodying dramatic biocompatibility. In particular, mPEG2000-C12/C14 glyceride was selected to ameliorate the stability of the delivery system and protection of nucleic acids by extending the tail length of the carbons, crucial also to neutralize the positive charge of 98N12-5(1) to form a resultant anionic particle. In vivo experiments revealed that a particle size of 90 nm perfectly realized a passive target in a size-dependent manner and did not affect the function of the liver and kidneys by a local delivery method, enema. We clarified that the uptake of negative lipidoid nanoparticles internalized through a lipid raft endocytotic pathway with low cytotoxicity, strong biocompatibility and high efficacy. This study suggests that negative lipidoid nanoparticles with enema delivery costitute, uniquely and appropriately, a local anti-colorectal cancer nucleic acid drug delivery platform, and the application of similar modes may be feasible in other therapeutic settings.

The Arecibo Pisces-Perseus Survey: An Undergraduate ALFALFA Team Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Donoghue, Aileen A.; Koopmann, Rebecca A.; Haynes, Martha P.; Jones, Michael; Craig, David; Hallenbeck, Gregory L.; Rosenberg, Jessica L.; Venkatesan, Aparna; Undergraduate ALFALFA Team

2016-01-01

The Milky Way's position in an outer filament of Lanieakea affords us a striking view of the Pisces-Perseus Supercluster (PPS) arcing roughly from 22h to 4h and 0° to +50° concentrated between cz = 4,000 km/s and cz = 8,000 km/s as a "wall" parallel to the plane of the sky. It is bounded by voids both between Laniakea and PPS and beyond PPS. Within this box, the 70% ALFALFA survey has detected 4,800 galaxies within cz = 8,000 km/s. Of these, 80% have masses greater than 108 M⊙. At the distance of the PPS, galaxies with MHI ≤ 108 M⊙ are below the ALFALFA detection limit. Thus to further explore this rich diversity of galaxy environments and the adjoining voids, the Undergraduate ALFALFA Team is in the process of using the L-band Wide receiver at Arecibo Observatory for the Arecibo Pisces-Perseus Supercluster Survey (APPSS). We will observe galaxies with 108 M⊙ ≤ MHI ≤ 109 M⊙ chosen from the SDSS DR12 and GALEX catalogs. We are limiting our observations to the PPS ridge in 21h 30m to 3h 15m and 23° to 35°. Since this region lacks SDSS spectroscopy, targets have been selected using photometric criteria derived from SDSS and GALEX observations for galaxies detected by ALFALFA. The results of these observations will allow us to constrain the HI mass function along the PPS ridge. Application of the Tully-Fisher relation will allow a robust measure of the infall velocities of galaxies into the filament. This work has been supported by NSF grant AST-1211005.

A hybrid bioreactor based on insolubilized tyrosinase and laccase catalysis and microfiltration membrane remove pharmaceuticals from wastewater.

PubMed

Ba, Sidy; Haroune, Lounès; Soumano, Lassine; Bellenger, Jean-Phillipe; Jones, J Peter; Cabana, Hubert

2018-06-01

The increasing presence of pharmaceutical products (PPs) and other organic contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in aquatic systems has become one of the major global environmental contamination concerns. Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are one of the major sources of PPs discharge into natural waters due to the deficiencies of conventional treatment processes to deal with these micropollutants. Numerous new treatment processes and technologies have been investigated for the removals of CECs in wastewaters with more or less success. In the present study, we investigated the efficiency of a hybrid bioreactor (HBR) of a combined crosslinked tyrosinase and laccase aggregates and hollow fiber microfiltration (MF) membrane to remove a mixture of 14 PPs from municipal wastewater at environmentally relevant concentration of 10 μg/L. After a 5-day continuous operation, the HBR achieved complete removal of all tested PPs. Results also highlight that these high performances result from a synergistic action of the MF membrane and the insoluble enzymes. The biocatalyst retained nearly 70% of its initial enzymatic activity over the treatment period. The removal of PPs is unlikely to result from their sole sorption on the membrane. Overall, the results suggest that the HBR is well suited to the biocatalysts (i.e. insolubilized tyrosinase and laccase). The results invite to further investigate how the HBR can be tailored with various types of enzymes and membranes for either specific or non-specific target substrates and to further explore the applicability of this technology for the continuous treatment of wastewater at environmentally relevant concentration of PPs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Airborne ultrasonic transducer using polymer-based elastomer with high output-to-weight ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jiang; Mizuno, Yosuke; Tabaru, Marie; Nakamura, Kentaro

2015-08-01

With the properties of low density, low elastic modulus, and low mechanical loss, poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) is a suitable material as the elastomer in an airborne ultrasonic transducer for generating large vibration velocity. In this study, we design and fabricate a transducer composed of a PPS-based longitudinal vibrator and a PPS-based disk of 0.3 mm thickness to obtain high-intensity ultrasound. The rated sound pressure at a distance of 300 mm reached 38.9 Pa (125 dB, 0 dB re. 0.02 mPa) when the frequency and voltage were 58.90 kHz and 20 V. The weight of this transducer is 6.3 g. The ratio of the sound pressure to the weight of the prototype transducer is 1.8 times larger than that of the commercial transducer. The experimental results indicate that PPS is a good substitute for metal as the elastomer for manufacturing airborne ultrasonic transducers with a high output-to-weight ratio.

The Effect of Prospective Payment on Admission and Treatment Policy: Evidence from Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities

PubMed Central

Sood, Neeraj; Huckfeldt, Peter J; Grabowski, David C; Newhouse, Joseph P; Escarce, José J

2013-01-01

We examine provider responses to the Medicare inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) prospective payment system (PPS), which simultaneously reduced marginal reimbursement and increased average reimbursement. IRFs could respond to the PPS by changing the number of patients admitted, admitting different types of patients, or changing the intensity of care. We use Medicare claims data to separately estimate each type of provider response. We also examine changes in patient outcomes and spillover effects on other post-acute care providers. We find that costs of care initially fell following the PPS, which we attribute to changes in treatment decisions rather than the characteristics of patients admitted to IRFs within the diagnostic categories we examine. However, the probability of admission to IRFs increased after the PPS due to the expanded admission policies of providers. We find modest spillover effects in other post-acute settings and negative health impacts for only one of three diagnostic groups studied. PMID:23994598

Peyer’s patches: Organizing B cell responses at the intestinal frontier

PubMed Central

Reboldi, Andrea; Cyster, Jason G

2015-01-01

Summary Secondary lymphoid tissues share the important function of bringing together antigens and rare antigen-specific lymphocytes to foster induction of adaptive immune responses. Peyer’s patches (PPs) are unique compared to other secondary lymphoid tissues in their continual exposure to an enormous diversity of microbiome- and food-derived antigens and in the types of pathogens they encounter. Antigens are delivered to PPs by specialized microfold (M) epithelial cells and they may be captured and presented by resident dendritic cells (DCs). In accord with their state of chronic microbial antigen exposure, PPs exhibit continual germinal center (GC) activity. These GCs contribute to the generation of B cells and plasma cells producing somatically mutated gut antigen-specific IgA antibodies, but have also been suggested to support antigen-nonspecific diversification of the B cell repertoire. Here we review current understanding of how PPs foster B cell encounters with antigen, how they favor isotype switching to the secretory IgA isotype, and how their GC responses may uniquely contribute to mucosal immunity. PMID:27088918

A new timing detector for the CT-PPS project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arcidiacono, R.; Cms; TOTEM Collaborations

2017-02-01

The CT-PPS detector will be installed close to the beam line on both sides of CMS, 200 m downstream the interaction point. This detector will measure forward scattered protons, allowing detailed studies of diffractive hadron physics and Central Exclusive Production. The main components of the CT-PPS detector are a silicon tracking system and a timing system. In this contribution we present the proposal of an innovative solution for the timing system, based on Ultra-Fast Silicon Detectors (UFSD). UFSD are a novel concept of silicon detectors potentially able to obtain the necessary time resolution (∼20 ps on the proton arrival time). The use of UFSD has also other attractive features as its material budget is small and the pixel geometries can be tailored to the precise physics distribution of protons. UFSD prototypes for CT-PPS have been designed by CNM (Barcelona) and FBK (Trento): we will present the status of the sensor productions and of the low-noise front-end electronics currently under development and test.

Encapsulation and release studies of strawberry polyphenols in biodegradable chitosan nanoformulation.

PubMed

Pulicharla, Rama; Marques, Caroline; Das, Ratul Kumar; Rouissi, Tarek; Brar, Satinder Kaur

2016-07-01

Polyphenols (negative groups) of strawberry extract interacts with positively protonated amino groups of chitosan which helps in maximum encapsulation. This approach can improve the bioavailability and sustained release of phytochemicals having lower bioavailability. The optimum mass ratio of chitosan-tripolyphosphate and polyphenols (PPs) loading was investigated to be 3:1 and 0.5mg/ml of strawberry extract, respectively. Prepared nanoformulation were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The formed particles size ranged between 300 and 600nm and polydispersity index (PDI) of≈0.5. The optimized formulation showed encapsulation efficiency of 58.09% at 36.47% of polyphenols loading. Initial burst and continuous release of PPs was observed at pH 7.4 of in vitro release studies. PPs release profile at this pH was found to be non-Fickian analomous diffusion and the release was followed first order kinetics. And at pH 1.4, diffusion-controlled Fickian release of PPs was observed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Transoral robotic surgery for parapharyngeal space tumors.

PubMed

O'Malley, Bert W; Quon, Harry; Leonhardt, Fernando D; Chalian, Ara A; Weinstein, Gregory S

2010-01-01

To evaluate the outcomes of patients with parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors treated with a transoral robotic surgery (TORS) approach. We prospectively enrolled well-defined benign PPS tumors accessible from the oropharynx with no carotid encasement or bone erosion. We designated outcome measures that included technical feasibility of the approach, local tumor control and complication rates. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the outcome data. With a mean follow-up of 29.9 months (range 12-40 months), a total of 10 patients have been enrolled. TORS was completed in 9 of 10 patients with acceptable operative time and blood loss and no significant complications including hemorrhage, infection, trismus or tumor spillage. Local control has been 100% for 7 patients with pleomorphic adenomas. We confirm the safety and feasibility of the TORS approach for PPS tumors that achieves a high local control and low surgical complication rate. TORS is a viable approach for removing benign tumors and lesions of the PPS. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The influence of a change in medicare reimbursement on the effectiveness of stage III or greater decubitus ulcer home health nursing care.

PubMed

Eaton, Melody K

2005-02-01

This study was designed to describe and evaluate the influence of a change in a Medicare reimbursement on the effectiveness of home health nursing care for stage III or greater decubitus ulcer patients. This health policy originated from the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997 and took its full effect with initiation of the Prospective Payment System (PPS) on October 1, 2000. A quantitative quasi-experimental design used OASIS data from the state of Virginia to evaluate 555 stage III or greater decubitus ulcer patients, age 65 or older. Comparisons were investigated between pre-PPS, 2000, and post-PPS, 2001, outcomes related to reported ulcer healing, lengths of stay, and discharge disposition. Results demonstrated significant differences for the outcomes studied. In addition, sanitation, ulcer healing, and discharge disposition were linked as predictors for length of stay. Results demonstrated that PPS has affected nursing care effectiveness for stage III or greater decubitus ulcer home health patients.

Spray-coating process in preparing PTFE-PPS composite super-hydrophobic coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weng, Rui; Zhang, Haifeng; Liu, Xiaowei

2014-03-01

In order to improve the performance of a liquid-floated rotor micro-gyroscope, the resistance of the moving interface between the rotor and the floating liquid must be reduced. Hydrophobic treatment can reduce the frictional resistance between such interfaces, therefore we proposed a method to prepare a poly-tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-poly-phenylene sulphide (PPS) composite super-hydrophobic coating, based on a spraying process. This method can quickly prepare a continuous, uniform PTFE-PPS composite super-hydrophobic surface on a 2J85 material. This method can be divided into three steps, namely: pre-treatment; chemical etching; and spraying. The total time for this is around three hours. When the PTFE concentration is 4%, the average contact angle of the hydrophobic coating surface is 158°. If silicon dioxide nanoparticles are added, this can further improve the adhesion and mechanical strength of the super-hydrophobic composite coating. The maximum average contact angle can reach as high as 164° when the mass fraction of PTFE, PPS and silicon dioxide is 1:1:1.

[Post-polio syndrome. A case report].

PubMed

Bartman, Wojciech; Biernawska, Jolanta; ŁAbuz-Roszak, Beata; Kumor, Klaudiusz; Pierzchała, Krystyna

2004-01-01

Certain acute anterior poliomyelitis survivors express complaints of abnormal fatigue, weakness and muscular atrophy many years after acute onset. These are basic clinical symptoms of so-called post-polio syndrome (PPS). PPS is characterized by a relatively slow, but progressive pathological muscular process, in some cases leading to functional impairment of daily living and professional activity. Breathing, speaking and swallowing impairment are common but not severe medical problems of post-polio patients. Diagnosis is usually based on a typical medical history, electromyographic investigation and exclusion of other diseases presenting similar features. We report a case of PPS in a 49-year-old woman diagnosed in the Neurological Department in Zabrze. Thirty six years after acute anterior poliomyelitis with partial recovery, new symptoms of fatigue, muscular atrophy, exertional dyspnea, walking impairment and joint pain developed. Electromyography revealed features of coexisting spinal denervation and reinnervation in tested muscles. The differential diagnosis excluded other neuromuscular diseases. The patient fulfilled clinical and electromyographic criteria of PPS.

Using PEGylated magnetic nanoparticles to describe the EPR effect in tumor for predicting therapeutic efficacy of micelle drugs.

PubMed

Chen, Ling; Zang, Fengchao; Wu, Haoan; Li, Jianzhong; Xie, Jun; Ma, Ming; Gu, Ning; Zhang, Yu

2018-01-25

Micelle drugs based on a polymeric platform offer great advantages over liposomal drugs for tumor treatment. Although nearly all of the nanomedicines approved in the clinical use can passively target to the tumor tissues on the basis of an enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, the nanodrugs have shown heterogenous responses in the patients. This phenomenon may be traced back to the EPR effect of tumor, which is extremely variable in the individuals from extensive studies. Nevertheless, there is a lack of experimental data describing the EPR effect and predicting its impact on therapeutic efficacy of nanoagents. Herein, we developed 32 nm magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MION) as a T 2 -weighted contrast agent to describe the EPR effect of each tumor by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MION were synthesized by a thermal decomposition method and modified with DSPE-PEG2000 for biological applications. The PEGylated MION (Fe 3 O 4 @PEG) exhibited high r 2 of 571 mM -1 s -1 and saturation magnetization (M s ) of 94 emu g -1 Fe as well as long stability and favorable biocompatibility through the in vitro studies. The enhancement intensities of the tumor tissue from the MR images were quantitatively measured as TNR (Tumor/Normal tissue signal Ratio) values, which were correlated with the delay of tumor growth after intravenous administration of the PLA-PEG/PTX micelle drug. The results demonstrated that the group with the smallest TNR values (TNR < 0.5) displayed the best tumor inhibitory effect. In addition, there was a superior correlation between TNR value and relative tumor delay in individual mice. These analysis results indicated that the TNR value of the tumor region enhanced by Fe 3 O 4 @PEG (d = 32 nm) could be used to predict the therapeutic efficacy of the micelle drugs (d ≤ 32 nm) in a certain period of time. Fe 3 O 4 @PEG has a potential to serve as an ideal MRI contrast agent to visualize the EPR effect in patients for accurate medication guidance of micelle drugs in the future treatment of tumors.

Do adjuvants add to the efficacy and tolerance of bowel preparations? A meta-analysis of randomized trials.

PubMed

Restellini, Sophie; Kherad, Omar; Menard, Charles; Martel, Myriam; Barkun, Alan N

2018-02-01

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS : Recommendations on adjuvant use with bowel preparations remain disparate. We performed a meta-analysis determining the clinical impact of adding an adjuvant to polyethylene glycol (PEG), sodium phosphate, picosulfate (PICO), or oral sulfate solutions (OSS)-based regimens.  Systematic searches were made of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CENTRAL and ISI Web of knowledge for randomized trials from January 1980 to April 2016 that assessed preparations with or without adjuvants, given in split and non-split dosing, and PEG high- (> 3 L) or low-dose (≤ 2 L) regimens. Bowel cleansing efficacy was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included patient willingness to repeat the procedure, and polyp and adenoma detection rates.  Of 3093 citations, 77 trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Overall, addition of an adjuvant compared with no adjuvant, irrespective of the type of preparation and mode of administration, yielded improvements in bowel cleanliness (odds ratio [OR] 1.23 [1.01 - 1.51]) without greater willingness to repeat (OR 1.40 [0.91 - 2.15]). Adjuvants combined with high-dose PEG significantly improved colon cleansing (OR 1.96 [1.32 - 2.94]). The odds for achieving adequate preparation with low-dose PEG with an adjuvant were not different to high-dose PEG alone (OR 0.95 [0.73 - 1.22]), but yielded improved tolerance (OR 3.22 [1.85 - 5.55]). However, split high-dose PEG yielded superior cleanliness to low-dose PEG with adjuvants (OR 2.53 [1.25 - 5.13]). No differences were noted for OSS and PICO comparisons, or for any products regarding polyp or adenoma detection rates.  Critical heterogeneity precludes firm conclusion on the impact of adjuvants with existing bowel preparations. Additional research is required to better characterize the methods of administration and resulting roles of adjuvants in an era of split-dosing. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

A randomised, double-blind study of polyethylene glycol 4000 and lactulose in the treatment of constipation in children

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Chronic constipation is frequent in children. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of PEG 4000 and lactulose for the treatment of chronic constipation in young children. Methods This randomised, double-blind study enrolled 88 young children aged 12 to 36 months, who were randomly assigned to receive lactulose (3.3 g per day) or PEG 4000 (8 g per day) for four weeks. The primary efficacy variable was stool frequency during the fourth week of treatment. Secondary outcomes were the number and frequency of subjective symptoms associated with defecation at each visit. Results Stool frequency was comparable in the two groups at baseline (lactulose: 0.7 ± 0.5; PEG 4000: 0.5 ± 0.55). Mean stool frequency increased from 0.70 ± 0.50 stools/day at baseline to 0.80 ± 0.41 at Week 4 in the lactulose group and from 0.50 ± 0.55 to 1.10 ± 0.55 stools/day in the PEG 4000 group. A significant difference was observed in the adjusted mean change from baseline, which was 0.15 stools/day in the lactulose group and 0.51 stools/day in the PEG 4000 group, with a least-squares mean difference of 0.36 stools/day [95% CI: 0.16 to 0.56]. With respect to secondary outcome variables, stool consistency and ease of stool passage improved more in the PEG 4000 group (p = 0.001). The incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups, the majority of which were mild. Conclusions PEG 4000 has superior efficacy to lactulose for the treatment of chronic constipation in young children and is well tolerated. Trial registration US National Institute of Health Clinical Trials database; study NCT00255372 first registered 17th November 2005. PMID:24943105

Pressure pain and isometric strength of neck flexors are related in chronic tension-type headache.

PubMed

Castien, Rene; Blankenstein, Annette; De Hertogh, Willem

2015-01-01

In patients with chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) changes in pressure pain in the cervical region are associated with peripheral or central sensitization. It is hypothesized that an increase of isometric strength of neck flexors would lead to a decrease of pressure pain in CTTH, as an expression of reduced peripheral or central sensitization In this study we aimed to analyze the correlation between change in isometric strength of the neck flexors and change in pressure pain scores (PPS) in patients with CTTH. Comparative analysis of data from previous study. Primary healthcare center. Data from 145 patients with CTTH who underwent a manual therapy program including isometric strength training of the neck flexors were analyzed at 8 and 26 weeks post-treatment. PPS were measured as a total of pain scores on a numeric rating scale (score 0 to 10) on application of a pressure stimulus of 3kg/cm at 8 cervical- and suboccipital muscles. Isometric strength of the neck flexors was measured in seconds. Correlations were computed between changes in PPS and isometric neck flexor strength. Isometric strength of neck flexors scored significantly different compared to baseline measurement (mean 30.0 seconds, sd:25.2), and increased with a mean difference of 17.33 seconds (95%CI: 20.61 to 14.05) at 8 weeks and 19.18 seconds (95%CI: 23.48 to 14.87) at 26 weeks. Similarly, compared to PPS baseline measurement (31.6 points, sd:18.6), mean difference in PPS was significantly decreased at 8 and 26 weeks: -11.3 points (95%CI: -8.77 to -13.83) and -11.15 points (95%CI: -8.31 to -13.99). There is a negative correlation between changes in PPS and changes in isometric strength of neck flexors which is weak at 8 weeks (r = -0.243, P = 0.004) and moderate at 26 weeks (r = -0.318, P < 0.000). Correlational analysis. Decrease in PPS correlates with increases in isometric strength of neck flexors in patients with CTTH in short- and long-term.

Sequential algorithm analysis to facilitate selective biliary access for difficult biliary cannulation in ERCP: a prospective clinical study.

PubMed

Lee, Tae Hoon; Hwang, Soon Oh; Choi, Hyun Jong; Jung, Yunho; Cha, Sang Woo; Chung, Il-Kwun; Moon, Jong Ho; Cho, Young Deok; Park, Sang-Heum; Kim, Sun-Joo

2014-02-17

Numerous clinical trials to improve the success rate of biliary access in difficult biliary cannulation (DBC) during ERCP have been reported. However, standard guidelines or sequential protocol analysis according to different methods are limited in place. We planned to investigate a sequential protocol to facilitate selective biliary access for DBC during ERCP. This prospective clinical study enrolled 711 patients with naïve papillae at a tertiary referral center. If wire-guided cannulation was deemed to have failed due to the DBC criteria, then according to the cannulation algorithm early precut fistulotomy (EPF; cannulation time > 5 min, papillary contacts > 5 times, or hook-nose-shaped papilla), double-guidewire cannulation (DGC; unintentional pancreatic duct cannulation ≥ 3 times), and precut after placement of a pancreatic stent (PPS; if DGC was difficult or failed) were performed sequentially. The main outcome measurements were the technical success, procedure outcomes, and complications. Initially, a total of 140 (19.7%) patients with DBC underwent EPF (n = 71) and DGC (n = 69). Then, in DGC group 36 patients switched to PPS due to difficulty criteria. The successful biliary cannulation rate was 97.1% (136/140; 94.4% [67/71] with EPF, 47.8% [33/69] with DGC, and 100% [36/36] with PPS; P < 0.001). The mean successful cannulation time (standard deviation) was 559.4 (412.8) seconds in EPF, 314.8 (65.2) seconds in DGC, and 706.0 (469.4) seconds in PPS (P < 0.05). The DGC group had a relatively low successful cannulation rate (47.8%) but had a shorter cannulation time compared to the other groups due to early switching to the PPS method in difficult or failed DGC. Post-ERCP pancreatitis developed in 14 (10%) patients (9 mild, 1 moderate), which did not differ significantly among the groups (P = 0.870) or compared with the conventional group (P = 0.125). Based on the sequential protocol analysis, EPF, DGC, and PPS may be safe and feasible for DBC. The use of EPF in selected DBC criteria, DGC in unintentional pancreatic duct cannulations, and PPS in failed or difficult DGC may facilitate successful biliary cannulation.

Physiological and Transcriptional Characterization of Escherichia Coli Strains Lacking Interconversion of Phosphoenolpyruvate and Pyruvate When Glucose and Acetate are Coutilized

PubMed Central

Sabido, Andrea; Sigala, Juan Carlos; Hernández-Chávez, Georgina; Flores, Noemí; Gosset, Guillermo; Bolívar, Francisco

2013-01-01

Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) is a precursor involved in the biosynthesis of aromatics and other valuable compounds in Escherichia coli. The PEP:carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS) is the major glucose transport system and the largest PEP consumer. To increase intracellular PEP availability for aromatics production purposes, mutant strains of E. coli JM101 devoid of the ptsHIcrr operon (PB11 strain) have been previously generated. In this derivative, transport and growth rate on glucose decreased significantly. A laboratory evolved strain derived from PB11 that partially recovered its growth capacity on glucose was named PB12. In the present study, we blocked carbon skeletons interchange between PEP and pyruvate (PYR) in these ptsHIcrr− strains by deleting the pykA, pykF, and ppsA genes. The PB11 pykAF− ppsA− strain exhibited no growth on glucose or acetate alone, but it was viable when both substrates were consumed simultaneously. In contrast, the PB12 pykAF− ppsA− strain displayed a low growth rate on glucose or acetate alone, but in the mixture, growth was significantly improved. RT-qPCR expression analysis of PB11 pykAF− ppsA− growing with both carbon sources showed a downregulation of all central metabolic pathways compared with its parental PB11 strain. Under the same conditions, transcription of most of the genes in PB12 pykAF− ppsA− did not change, and few like aceBAK, sfcA, and poxB were overexpressed compared with PB12. We explored the aromatics production capabilities of both ptsHIcrr− pykAF− ppsA− strains and the engineered PB12 pykAF− ppsA− tyrR− pheAev2+/pJLBaroGfbrtktA enhanced the yield of aromatic compounds when coutilizing glucose and acetate compared with the control strain PB12 tyrR− pheAev2+/pJLBaroGfbrtktA. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1150–1160. © 2013 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:24375081

Measuring hospital input price increases: The rebased hospital market basket

PubMed Central

Freeland, Mark S.; Chulis, George S.; Brown, Aaron P.; Skellan, David; Maple, Brenda T.; Singer, Naphtale; Lemieux, Jeffrey; Arnett, Ross H.

1991-01-01

The input prices indexes used in part to set payment rates for Medicare inpatient hospital services in both prospective payment system (PPS) and PPS-excluded hospitals were rebased from 1982 to 1987 beginning with payments for fiscal year 1991. In this article, the issues and evidence used to determine the composition of the revised hospital input price indexes are discussed. One issue is the need for a separate market basket for PPS-excluded hospitals. Also, the payment implications of using hospital-industry versus economywide measures of wage rates as price proxies for the growth in hospital wage rates are addressed. PMID:10113610

Hand hygiene compliance rates: Fact or fiction?

PubMed

McLaws, Mary-Louise; Kwok, Yen Lee Angela

2018-05-16

The mandatory national hand hygiene program requires Australian public hospitals to use direct human auditing to establish compliance rates. To establish the magnitude of the Hawthorne effect, we compared direct human audit rates with concurrent automated surveillance rates. A large tertiary Australian teaching hospital previously trialed automated surveillance while simultaneously performing mandatory human audits for 20 minutes daily on a medical and a surgical ward. Subtracting automated surveillance rates from human audit rates provided differences in percentage points (PPs) for each of the 3 quarterly reporting periods for 2014 and 2015. Direct human audit rates for the medical ward were inflated by an average of 55 PPs in 2014 and 64 PPs in 2015, 2.8-3.1 times higher than automated surveillance rates. The rates for the surgical ward were inflated by an average of 32 PPs in 2014 and 31 PPs in 2015, 1.6 times higher than automated surveillance rates. Over the 6 mandatory reporting quarters, human audits collected an average of 255 opportunities, whereas automation collected 578 times more data, averaging 147,308 opportunities per quarter. The magnitude of the Hawthorne effect on direct human auditing was not trivial and produced highly inflated compliance rates. Mandatory compliance necessitates accuracy that only automated surveillance can achieve, whereas daily hand hygiene ambassadors or reminder technology could harness clinicians' ability to hyperrespond to produce habitual compliance. Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Immunome differences between porcine ileal and jejunal Peyer's patches revealed by global transcriptome sequencing of gut-associated lymphoid tissues.

PubMed

Maroilley, T; Berri, M; Lemonnier, G; Esquerré, D; Chevaleyre, C; Mélo, S; Meurens, F; Coville, J L; Leplat, J J; Rau, A; Bed'hom, B; Vincent-Naulleau, S; Mercat, M J; Billon, Y; Lepage, P; Rogel-Gaillard, C; Estellé, J

2018-06-13

The epithelium of the intestinal mucosa and the gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) constitute an essential physical and immunological barrier against pathogens. In order to study the specificities of the GALT transcriptome in pigs, we compared the transcriptome profiles of jejunal and ileal Peyer's patches (PPs), mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and peripheral blood (PB) of four male piglets by RNA-Seq. We identified 1,103 differentially expressed (DE) genes between ileal PPs (IPPs) and jejunal PPs (JPPs), and six times more DE genes between PPs and MLNs. The master regulator genes FOXP3, GATA3, STAT4, TBX21 and RORC were less expressed in IPPs compared to JPPs, whereas the transcription factor BCL6 was found more expressed in IPPs. In comparison between IPPs and JPPs, our analyses revealed predominant differential expression related to the differentiation of T cells into Th1, Th2, Th17 and iTreg in JPPs. Our results were consistent with previous reports regarding a higher T/B cells ratio in JPPs compared to IPPs. We found antisense transcription for respectively 24%, 22% and 14% of the transcripts detected in MLNs, PPs and PB, and significant positive correlations between PB and GALT transcriptomes. Allele-specific expression analyses revealed both shared and tissue-specific cis-genetic control of gene expression.

Pentosanpolysulfate coating of silicone reduces encrustation.

PubMed

Zupkas, P; Parsons, C L; Percival, C; Monga, M

2000-08-01

A significant problem associated with catheterization in the urinary tract is the encrustation of the catheter materials. One approach to reducing encrustation is to alter the surface properties of the catheters. We evaluated the effectiveness of coating with pentosanpolysulfate (PPS), a semisynthetic polysaccharide similar to heparin, in reducing encrustation and the foreign-body inflammatory response to silicone stents in the bladders of male New Zealand White rabbits. Sixteen rabbits were divided into three groups to receive placement in their bladders of uncoated (N = 7), PPS-coated (N = 7), or sham matrix-processed silicone rings (N = 2) via open cystotomy. After 50 days of maintenance on normal food and water, all rabbits were sacrificed, and the air-dried, unfixed silicone ring surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Bladders and remaining silicone rings were removed and preserved separately. Silicone rings, cleaned of all encrustation, were stained with toluidene blue to determine the presence or absence of PPS coating on the surface. Histologic examination revealed normal tissue in bladder sections exposed to coated silicone rings and an inflammatory response in sections from bladders having uncoated silicone rings. Coating with PPS was associated with an eightfold reduction in the amount of encrustation of silicone and a marked reduction in the inflammatory response of the bladder wall to the foreign body. A PPS coating may be useful in reducing the encrustation of long-term indwelling silicone stents or catheters in the human urinary tract.

A unique mid-sequence linker used to multimerize the lipid-phosphatidylserine (PS) binding peptide-peptoid hybrid PPS1.

PubMed

Shukla, Satya Prakash; Manarang, Joseph C; Udugamasooriya, D Gomika

2017-09-08

Ligand multimerizations enhance the binding affinity towards cell surface biomarkers through their avidity effects. Typical linkers connect individual monomeric ligand moieties from one end (e.g., C- or N-terminus of a peptide) and exclusively target protein receptors. The lipid phosphatidylserine (PS) is normally present on the cytoplasmic side of the eukaryotic cell membrane, but in tumors and tumor endothelial cells, this negatively charged PS flips to the outer layer. We recently reported a PS binding peptide-peptoid hybrid (PPS1) that has distinct positively charged and hydrophobic residue-containing regions. The PPS1 monomer is inactive, and upon C-terminal dimerization (PPS1D1), it triggers cytotoxicity. In the current study, a unique series of PPS1 multimeric derivatives were synthesized by switching the linker from the C-terminus to an internal position. The unimportant fourth residue (N-lys) from the C-terminus was utilized to build the linker. The synthesis strategy was developed employing variations of (I) the linker size, (II) the number of positively charged residues, and (III) the number of hydrophobic regions. Cytotoxicity of these new derivatives on HCC4017 lung cancer cells showed that a minimum of two hydrophobic regions was important to retain the activity and that the shortest linker length was optimal for activity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Motor unit activation patterns during concentric wrist flexion in humans with different muscle fibre composition.

PubMed

Søgaard, K; Christensen, H; Fallentin, N; Mizuno, M; Quistorff, B; Sjøgaard, G

1998-10-01

Muscle activity was recorded from the flexor carpi radialis muscle during static and dynamic-concentric wrist flexion in six subjects, who had exhibited large differences in histochemically identified muscle fibre composition. Motor unit recruitment patterns were identified by sampling 310 motor units and counting firing rates in pulses per second (pps). During concentric wrist flexion at 30% of maximal exercise intensity the mean firing rate was 27 (SD 13) pps. This was around twice the value of 12 (SD 5) pps recorded during sustained static contraction at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, despite a larger absolute force level during the static contraction. A similar pattern of higher firing rates during dynamic exercise was seen when concentric wrist flexion at 60% of maximal exercise intensity [30 (SD 14) pps] was compared with sustained static contraction at 60% of maximal voluntary contraction [19 (SD 8) pps]. The increase in dynamic exercise intensity was accomplished by recruitment of additional motor units rather than by increasing the firing rate as during static contractions. No difference in mean firing rates was found among subjects with different muscle fibre composition, who had previously exhibited marked differences in metabolic response during corresponding dynamic contractions. It was concluded that during submaximal dynamic contractions motor unit firing rate cannot be deduced from observations during static contractions and that muscle fibre composition may play a minor role.

Use of Medicare services before and after introduction of the prospective payment system.

PubMed

Manton, K G; Woodbury, M A; Vertrees, J C; Stallard, E

1993-08-01

The case mix-adjusted pattern of use of health care services, especially posthospital care, is compared before and after the introduction of Medicare's Prospective Payment System (PPS). The 1982 and 1984 National Long Term Care Surveys (NLTCS) linked to Medicare administrative records 1982-1986 provide health and health service use data for 12-month periods before and after the introduction of PPS. Case-mix differences between pre- and post-periods are controlled by using the Grade of Membership model to identify health groups from the NLTCS data. Differences in timing (e.g., hospital length of stay) were controlled using life table models estimated for each health group, that is, service use patterns pre- and post-PPS are compared within groups. Hospital LOS and admission rates declined post-PPS. Changes in the timing and location of death occurred but, overall, mortality did not increase. Changes in post-acute care service use by elderly, chronically disabled Medicare beneficiaries were observed: home health service use increased overall and among the unmarried disabled population. PPS did not adversely affect quality of care as reflected in mortality or in hospital readmissions. Moreover, the differential use of post-acute care, and changes in hospital LOS by health group, indicate that the system responded, specific to marital status and age, to the severity of needs of chronically disabled persons.

How To Become a Great Public Space.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Block, Marylaine

2003-01-01

Presents interviews with Fred Kent, founder of the Project for Public Spaces (PPS) and Phil Myrick, PPS's assistant vice president, about transforming libraries into desirable public spaces. Discusses qualities people value in public spaces; great library buildings and what they are doing right; the first thing library directors should do when…

ATRAZINE-INDUCED REPRODUCTIVE TRACT ALTERATIONS AFTER TRANSPLACENTAL AND LACTATIONAL EXPOSURE IN LONG-EVANS RAT PUPS

EPA Science Inventory

Studies have shown that early postnatal exposure to the common herbicide atrazine (ATR) will delay preputial separation (PPS) in Wistar rats and increase incidence of prostate inflammation in adults. To evaluate ATR exposure parameters required for pubertal delays (PPS), we used...

Parent-child relationship disorders. Part I. Parental overprotection and the development of the Parent Protection Scale.

PubMed

Thomasgard, M; Metz, W P; Edelbrock, C; Shonkoff, J P

1995-08-01

There is a spectrum of parental protective behaviors promoting child safety and security, ranging from neglect to overprotection. This paper describes the development and psychometric properties of a new measure of parental protective behaviors toward children age 2 to 10 years, the Parent Protection Scale (PPS). Items were selected to represent key dimensions of protective behaviors. Factor analyses suggested four subscales: Supervision, Separation Problems, Dependence, and Control. The PPS has acceptable internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and clinical validity. Norms by child age in the form of cutoff points corresponding to +1 SD were determined. Clinical and research uses for the PPS are noted.

Development and Initial Validation of the Performance Perfectionism Scale for Sport (PPS-S)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hill, Andrew P.; Appleton, Paul R.; Mallinson, Sarah H.

2016-01-01

Valid and reliable instruments are required to appropriately study perfectionism. With this in mind, three studies are presented that describe the development and initial validation of a new instrument designed to measure multidimensional performance perfectionism for use in sport (Performance Perfectionism Scale--Sport [PPS-S]). The instrument is…

42 CFR 1001.1401 - Violations of PPS corrective action.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 42 Public Health 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Violations of PPS corrective action. 1001.1401 Section 1001.1401 Public Health OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL-HEALTH CARE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN... documented history of criminal, civil or administrative wrongdoing (The lack of any prior record is to be...

Assessing Object-to-Picture and Picture-to-Object Matching as Prerequisite Skills for Pictorial Preference Assessments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clevenger, Theresa M.; Graff, Richard B.

2005-01-01

Tangible and pictorial paired-stimulus (PPS) preference assessments were compared for 6 individuals with developmental disabilities. During tangible and PPS assessments, two edible items or photographs were presented on each trial, respectively, and approach responses were recorded. Both assessments yielded similar preference hierarchies for 3…

Comparison of gene expression levels of appA, ppsR, and EL368 in Erythrobacter litoralis spheroplasts under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and under blue light, red light, and dark conditions.

PubMed

Nishino, Koki; Takahashi, Sawako; Nishida, Hiromi

2018-03-31

We compared the gene expression levels of the blue-light-responsive genes, appA (encoding photosynthesis promoting protein AppA), ppsR (encoding photosynthesis suppressing protein PpsR), and EL368 (encoding a blue-light-activated histidine kinase with a light, oxygen, or voltage domain) between aerobic and anaerobic conditions in spheroplasts of the aerobic photosynthetic bacterium Erythrobacter litoralis. The spheroplasts conducted photosynthesis under red light but not under blue light. All three blue-light-responsive genes showed higher expression under aerobic conditions than under anaerobic conditions under blue light. In contrast, under red light, although the expression level of appA was higher in the presence of oxygen than in the absence of oxygen, the expression levels of ppsR and EL368 were similar in the presence and absence of oxygen. Our findings demonstrate that the expression of blue-light-responsive genes is strongly affected by oxygen in E. litoralis spheroplasts.

Formation and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticle Composite with Poly(p-Br/F-phenylsilane).

PubMed

Roh, Sung-Hee; Noh, Ji Eun; Woo, Hee-Gweon; Cho, Myong-Shik; Sohn, Honglae

2015-02-01

The one-pot production and structural characterization of composites of silver nanoparticles with poly(p-Br/F-phenylsilane), Br/F-PPS, have been performed. The conversion of Ag+ ions to stable Ag0 nanoparticles is mediated by the copolymer Br/F-PPS having both possibly reactive Si-H bonds in the polymer backbone and C-Br bonds in the substituents along with relatively inert C-F bonds. Transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy analyses show the formation of the composites where silver nanoparticles (less than 30 nm of size) are well dispersed over the Br/F-PPS matrix. X-ray diffraction patterns are consistent with that for face-centered-cubic typed silver. The polymer solubility in toluene implys that the cleavage of C-Br bond and the Si-F dative bonding may not be occurred appreciably at ambient temperature. Nonetheless, thermogravimetric analysis data suggest that some sort of cross-linking could take place at high temperature. Most of the silver particles undergo macroscopic aggregation without Br/F-PPS, which indicates that the polysilane is necessary for stabilizing the silver nanoparticles.

76 FR 68525 - Medicare Program; Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update for Calendar Year 2012

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-04

...This final rule sets forth updates to the home health prospective payment system (HH PPS) rates, including: the national standardized 60-day episode rates; the national per-visit rates; and the low utilization payment amount (LUPA) under the Medicare PPS for home health agencies effective January 1, 2012. This rule applies a 1.4 percent update factor to the episode rates, which reflects a 1 percent reduction applied to the 2.4 percent market basket update factor, as mandated by the Affordable Care Act. This rule also updates the wage index used under the HH PPS, and further reduces home health payments to account for continued nominal growth in case-mix which is unrelated to changes in patient health status. This rule removes two hypertension codes from the HH PPS case-mix system, thereby requiring recalibration of the case-mix weights. In addition, the rule implements two structural changes designed to decrease incentives to upcode and provide unneeded therapy services. Finally, this rule incorporates additional flexibility regarding face-to-face encounters with providers related to home health care.

Unique nucleation activity of inorganic fullerene-like WS2 nanoparticles in polyphenylene sulfide nanocomposites: isokinetic and isoconversional study of dynamic crystallization kinetics.

PubMed

Naffakh, Mohammed; Marco, Carlos; Gómez, Marián A; Jiménez, Ignacio

2009-05-21

The dynamic crystallization kinetics of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) nanocomposites with inorganic fullerene WS2 nanopartices (IF-WS2) content varying from 0.05 to 8 wt % has been studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The analysis of the crystallization at different cooling rates demonstrates that the completely isokinetic description of the crystallization process is not possible. However, the isoconversional methods in combination with the JMAEK equation provide a better understanding of the kinetics of the dynamic crystallization process. The addition of IF-WS2 influences the crystallization kinetics of PPS but in ways unexpected for polymer nanocomposites. A drastic change from retardation to promotion of crystallization is observed with increasing nanoparticle content. In the same way, the results of the nucleation activity and the effective energy barrier confirmed the unique dependence of the crystallization behavior of PPS on composition. In addition, the morphological data obtained from the polarized optical microscopy (POM) and time-resolved synchrotron X-ray diffraction is consistent with results of the crystallization kinetics of PPS/IF-WS2 nanocomposites.

Early performance of the 12-GHz, 200-watt transmitter experiment package in the communications technology satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

Measured performance characteristics of the transmitter experiment package (TEP) aboard the Communications Technology Satellite for the first 90 operating days in orbit are presented. The TEP consists of a nominal 200-watt output stage tube (OST), a supporting power processing system (PPS), and a variable-conductance heat pipe system (VCHPS). The OST, a traveling-wave tube augmented with a 10-stage depressed collector, has an overall saturated average efficiency of 51.5 percent and an average saturated radiofrequency (RF) output power at center-band frequency of 240 watts. The PPS operated with a measured efficiency of 86.5 percent to 88.5 percent. The VCHPS, using three pipes to conduct heat from the PPS and the body of the OST to a 52-centimeter by 124-centimeter (20.5-in. by 48.75-in.) radiator fin, maintained by the PPS baseplate temperature below 50 C for all operating conditions. The TEP performance characteristics presented include frequency response, RF output power, efficiency, and distortions. Communications characteristics were evaluated by using both video and audio modulated signals.

Effect of fiber-matrix adhesion on the creep behavior of CF/PPS composites: temperature and physical aging characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motta Dias, M. H.; Jansen, K. M. B.; Luinge, J. W.; Bersee, H. E. N.; Benedictus, R.

2016-06-01

The influence of fiber-matrix adhesion on the linear viscoelastic creep behavior of `as received' and `surface modified' carbon fibers (AR-CF and SM-CF, respectively) reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) composite materials was investigated. Short-term tensile creep tests were performed on ±45° specimens under six different isothermal conditions, 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 75 °C. Physical aging effects were evaluated on both systems using the short-term test method established by Struik. The results showed that the shapes of the curves were affected neither by physical aging nor by the test temperature, allowing then superposition to be made. A unified model was proposed with a single physical aging and temperature-dependent shift factor, a_{T,te}. It was suggested that the surface treatment carried out in SM-CF/PPS had two major effects on the creep response of CF/PPS composites at a reference temperature of 40 °C: a lowering of the initial compliance of about 25 % and a slowing down of the creep response of about 1.1 decade.

Simultaneous 10 Gbps data and polarization-based pulse-per-second clock transmission using a single VCSEL for high-speed optical fibre access networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isoe, G. M.; Wassin, S.; Gamatham, R. R. G.; Leitch, A. W. R.; Gibbon, T. B.

2017-01-01

Access networks based on vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) transmitters offer alternative solution in delivering different high bandwidth, cost effective services to the customer premises. Clock and reference frequency distribution is critical for applications such as Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), GPS, banking and big data science projects. Simultaneous distribution of both data and timing signals over shared infrastructure is thus desirable. In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel, cost-effective technique for multi-signal modulation on a single VCSEL transmitter. Two signal types, an intensity modulated 10 Gbps data signal and a polarization-based pulse per second (PPS) clock signal are directly modulated onto a single VCSEL carrier at 1310 nm. Spectral efficiency is maximized by exploiting inherent orthogonal polarization switching of the VCSEL with changing bias in transmission of the PPS signal. A 10 Gbps VCSEL transmission with PPS over 11 km of G.652 fibre introduced a transmission penalty of 0.52 dB. The contribution of PPS to this penalty was found to be 0.08 dB.

Hepatotoxic microcystin removal using pumice embedded monolithic composite cryogel as an alternative water treatment method.

PubMed

Gurbuz, Fatma; Ceylan, Şeyda; Odabaşı, Mehmet; Codd, Geoffrey A

2016-03-01

Microcystins are the most commonly encountered water-borne cyanotoxins which present short- and long-term risks to human health. Guidelines at international and national level, and legislation in some countries, have been introduced for the effective health risk management of these potent hepatotoxic, tumour-promoters. The stable cyclic structure of microcystins and their common production by cyanobacteria in waterbodies at times of high total dissolved organic carbon content presents challenges to drinking water treatment facilities, with conventional, advanced and novel strategies under evaluation. Here, we have studied the removal of microcystins using three different forms of pumice particles (PPs), which are embedded into macroporous cryogel columns. Macroporous composite cryogel columns (MCCs) are a new generation of separation media designed to face this challenging task. Three different MCCs were prepared by adding plain PPs, Cu(2+)-attached PPs and Fe(3+)-attached PPs to reaction media before the cryogelation step. Column studies showed that MCCs could be successfully used as an alternative water treatment method for successful microcystin removal. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Concomitant CNS pathology in a patient with amyotropic lateral sclerosis following poliomyelitis in childhood.

PubMed

Casula, M; Steentjes, K; Aronica, E; van Geel, B M; Troost, D

2011-01-01

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) develops in approximately 30% of polio survivors several decades after the acute attack of paralytic poliomyelitis. Some of these patients develop post-poliomyelitis muscular atrophy (PPMA) which is characterized by a slowly progressive muscle weakness. Due to its clinicopathological features, investigators have often studied PPS and PPMA in association with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the underlying hypothesis being an increased risk of developing ALS from a prior acute paralytic poliomyelitis. Various studies, however, have indicated that de novo ALS cases in patients with prior acute paralytic poliomyelitis are rare. Herein, we describe a rare case of a 75-year-old woman who at post-mortem examination presented a combination of a PPS with proven histopathological sporadic ALS features. Furthermore, neuropathology of this case also revealed several other histopathological findings reminiscent of a tauopathy, synucleinopathy and amyloid angiopathy and a large pituitary cyst. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of PPS with clear pathological hallmarks of sporadic ALS, including ubiquitin-, TDP-43, phosphorylated TDP-43- and p62-positive inclusions, with accompanying features compatible with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Medicare program; home health prospective payment system rate update for calendar year 2012. Final rule.

PubMed

2011-11-04

This final rule sets forth updates to the home health prospective payment system (HH PPS) rates, including: the national standardized 60-day episode rates; the national per-visit rates; and the low utilization payment amount (LUPA) under the Medicare PPS for home health agencies effective January 1, 2012. This rule applies a 1.4 percent update factor to the episode rates, which reflects a 1 percent reduction applied to the 2.4 percent market basket update factor, as mandated by the Affordable Care Act. This rule also updates the wage index used under the HH PPS, and further reduces home health payments to account for continued nominal growth in case-mix which is unrelated to changes in patient health status. This rule removes two hypertension codes from the HH PPS case-mix system, thereby requiring recalibration of the case-mix weights. In addition, the rule implements two structural changes designed to decrease incentives to upcode and provide unneeded therapy services. Finally, this rule incorporates additional flexibility regarding face-to-face encounters with providers related to home health care.

Environmental colonization and onward clonal transmission of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) in a medical intensive care unit: the case for environmental hygiene.

PubMed

Ng, Deborah H L; Marimuthu, Kalisvar; Lee, Jia Jun; Khong, Wei Xin; Ng, Oon Tek; Zhang, Wei; Poh, Bee Fong; Rao, Pooja; Raj, Maya Devi Rajinder; Ang, Brenda; De, Partha Pratim

2018-01-01

In May 2015, we noticed an increase in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infections in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). To investigate this, we studied the extent of environmental contamination and subsequent onward clonal transmission of CRAB. We conducted a one-day point prevalence screening (PPS) of the patients and environment in the MICU. We screened patients using endotracheal tube aspirates and swabs from nares, axillae, groin, rectum, wounds, and exit sites of drains. We collected environmental samples from patients' rooms and environment outside the patients' rooms. CRAB isolates from the PPS and clinical samples over the subsequent one month were studied for genetic relatedness by whole genome sequencing (WGS). We collected 34 samples from seven patients and 244 samples from the environment. On the day of PPS, we identified 8 CRAB carriers: 3 who screened positive and 5 previously known clinical infections. We detected environmental contamination in nearly two-thirds of the rooms housing patients with CRAB. WGS demonstrated genetic clustering of isolates within rooms but not across rooms. We analysed 4 CRAB isolates from clinical samples following the PPS. One genetically-related CRAB was identified in the respiratory sample of a patient with nosocomial pneumonia, who was admitted to the MICU five days after the PPS. The extensive environmental colonization of CRAB by patients highlights the importance of environmental hygiene. The transmission dynamics of CRAB needs further investigation.

Resistance of the genome of Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes to irradiation evaluated by the induction of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and 6-4 photoproducts using gamma and UV-C radiations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beauchamp, S.; Lacroix, M.

2012-08-01

The effect of gamma and UV-C irradiation on the production of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and 6-4 photoproducts (6-4 PPs) in DNA was investigated to compare the natural resistance of the genome of a Gram-positive bacterium and a Gram-negative bacterium against irradiation. Solution of pure DNA and bacterial strains Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli were irradiated using gamma and UV-C rays. Extracted DNA from bacteria and pure DNA samples were then analysed by ELISA using anti-CPDs and anti-6-4 PPs monoclonal antibodies. The results show that gamma rays, as well as UV-C rays, induce the formation of CPDs and 6-4 PPs in DNA. During UV-C irradiation, the three samples showed a difference in their sensitivity against formation of CPDs (P≤0.05). Pure DNA was the most sensitive while the genome of L. monocytogenes was the most resistant. Also during UV-C irradiation, the genome of L. monocytogenes was the only one to show a significant resistance against formation of 6-4 PPs (P≤0.05). During gamma irradiation, for both types of lesion, pure DNA and the genome of E. coli did not show significant difference in their sensitivity (P>0.05) while the genome of L. monocytogenes showed a resistance against formation of CPDs and 6-4 PPs.

Post-Progression Survival Associated with Overall Survival in Patients with Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Receiving Docetaxel Monotherapy as Second-Line Chemotherapy.

PubMed

Kotake, Mie; Miura, Yosuke; Imai, Hisao; Mori, Keita; Sakurai, Reiko; Kaira, Kyoichi; Tomizawa, Yoshio; Minato, Koichi; Saito, Ryusei; Hisada, Takeshi

2017-01-01

In patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the effects of second-line chemotherapy on overall survival (OS) might be confounded by subsequent therapies. Therefore, using individual-level data, we aimed to determine the relationships between progression-free survival (PFS) and post-progression survival (PPS) with OS in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with docetaxel monotherapy as second-line chemotherapy. Between April 2002 and December 2014, data from 86 patients with advanced NSCLC who underwent second-line docetaxel monotherapy following first-line treatment with platinum combination chemotherapy were analyzed. The relationships of PFS and PPS with OS were analyzed at the individual level. Spearman rank correlation and linear regression analyses showed that PPS was strongly associated with OS (r = 0.86, p < 0.05, R2 = 0.93), whereas PFS was moderately correlated with OS (r = 0.50, p < 0.05, R2 = 0.21). Performance status at the end of second-line treatment and the number of regimens after progression beyond second-line chemotherapy were significantly associated with PPS (p < 0.05). In patients with advanced NSCLC with unknown oncogenic driver mutations undergoing docetaxel monotherapy as second-line chemotherapy, when compared with PFS, PPS had a stronger association with OS. This finding suggests that subsequent treatment after disease progression following second-line docetaxel monotherapy has a significant influence on OS. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The Design, Usability, and Feasibility of a Family-Focused Diabetes Self-Care Support mHealth Intervention for Diverse, Low-Income Adults with Type 2 Diabetes.

PubMed

Mayberry, Lindsay Satterwhite; Berg, Cynthia A; Harper, Kryseana J; Osborn, Chandra Y

2016-01-01

Family members' helpful and harmful actions affect adherence to self-care and glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and low socioeconomic status. Few family interventions for adults with T2D address harmful actions or use text messages to reach family members. Through user-centered design and iterative usability/feasibility testing, we developed a mHealth intervention for disadvantaged adults with T2D called FAMS. FAMS delivers phone coaching to set self-care goals and improve patient participant's (PP) ability to identify and address family actions that support/impede self-care. PPs receive text message support and can choose to invite a support person (SP) to receive text messages. We recruited 19 adults with T2D from three Federally Qualified Health Centers to use FAMS for two weeks and complete a feedback interview. Coach-reported data captured coaching success, technical data captured user engagement, and PP/SP interviews captured the FAMS experience. PPs were predominantly African American, 83% had incomes <$35,000, and 26% were married. Most SPs ( n = 7) were spouses/partners or adult children. PPs reported FAMS increased self-care and both PPs and SPs reported FAMS improved support for and communication about diabetes. FAMS is usable and feasible and appears to help patients manage self-care support, although some PPs may not have a SP.

The Design, Usability, and Feasibility of a Family-Focused Diabetes Self-Care Support mHealth Intervention for Diverse, Low-Income Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

PubMed Central

Berg, Cynthia A.; Harper, Kryseana J.; Osborn, Chandra Y.

2016-01-01

Family members' helpful and harmful actions affect adherence to self-care and glycemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and low socioeconomic status. Few family interventions for adults with T2D address harmful actions or use text messages to reach family members. Through user-centered design and iterative usability/feasibility testing, we developed a mHealth intervention for disadvantaged adults with T2D called FAMS. FAMS delivers phone coaching to set self-care goals and improve patient participant's (PP) ability to identify and address family actions that support/impede self-care. PPs receive text message support and can choose to invite a support person (SP) to receive text messages. We recruited 19 adults with T2D from three Federally Qualified Health Centers to use FAMS for two weeks and complete a feedback interview. Coach-reported data captured coaching success, technical data captured user engagement, and PP/SP interviews captured the FAMS experience. PPs were predominantly African American, 83% had incomes <$35,000, and 26% were married. Most SPs (n = 7) were spouses/partners or adult children. PPs reported FAMS increased self-care and both PPs and SPs reported FAMS improved support for and communication about diabetes. FAMS is usable and feasible and appears to help patients manage self-care support, although some PPs may not have a SP. PMID:27891524

Interaction of albumins and heparinoids investigated by affinity capillary electrophoresis and free flow electrophoresis.

PubMed

Mozafari, Mona; El Deeb, Sami; Krull, Friederike; Wildgruber, Robert; Weber, Gerhard; Reiter, Christian G; Wätzig, Hermann

2018-02-01

A fast and precise affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE) method has been applied to investigate the interactions between two serum albumins (HSA and BSA) and heparinoids. Furthermore, different free flow electrophoresis methods were developed to separate the species which appears owing to interaction of albumins with pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) under different experimental conditions. For ACE experiments, the normalized mobility ratios (∆R/R f ), which provided information about the binding strength and the overall charge of the protein-ligand complex, were used to evaluate the binding affinities. ACE experiments were performed at two different temperatures (23 and 37°C). Both BSA and HSA interact more strongly with PPS than with unfractionated and low molecular weight heparins. For PPS, the interactions can already be observed at low mg/L concentrations (3 mg/L), and saturation is already obtained at approximately 20 mg/L. Unfractionated heparin showed almost no interactions with BSA at 23°C, but weak interactions at 37°C at higher heparin concentrations. The additional signals also appeared at higher concentrations at 37°C. Nevertheless, in most cases the binding data were similar at both temperatures. Furthermore, HSA showed a characteristic splitting in two peaks especially after interacting with PPS, which is probably attributable to the formation of two species or conformational change of HSA after interacting with PPS. The free flow electrophoresis methods have confirmed and completed the ACE experiments. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Nano-hydrogels of methoxy polyethylene glycol-grafted branched polyethyleneimine via biodegradable cross-linking of Zn2+-ionomer micelle template

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abolmaali, Samira Sadat; Tamaddon, Ali Mohammad; Dinarvand, Rasoul

2013-12-01

Soft polymeric nanomaterials were synthesized by the template-assisted method involving self-association of methoxy polyethylene glycol- g-branched polyethyleneimine (mPEG- g-branched PEI) ionomer by transition metal ions such as Zn2+ followed by chemical cross-linking of the polyamine core by dithiopropionic acid. The formation of donor-acceptor complexes of Zn2+ and PEI ionomer was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy and potentiometric titration. Turbidimetry was performed to study the solution property of the complexes which depended on pH, relative weight fraction of mPEG, and the molar ratio of Zn2+. The cross-linking reaction was studied by TNBS assay, 1H-NMR, and size exclusion chromatography. Upon removal of Zn2+ from cl-mPEG- g-branched PEI/Zn2+ at pH 3 by dialysis, the resulting cross-linked self-assembly represented a uniform, stable, and less positively charged hydrogel-like nanosphere with an intensity-averaged size ranging from 150 to 250 nm as determined by a Zetasizer. Atomic forced microscopy imaging was performed in intermittent contact mode in air that revealed discrete and oval-to-spherically shaped particles with average sizes ranging from 40 to 50 nm depending on the degree of cross-linking. This functional nanocarrier is expected to exhibit some key features such as active encapsulation of negatively charged hydrophilic agents in the swollen core of polyamine network and a hydrophilic mPEG shell which provides an increased solubility and passive targeting of active pharmaceutical agents to impaired tissues. The nano-hydrogels especially at 12 % degrees of cross-link demonstrated excellent biocompatibility determined by different experiments such as albumin aggregation, erythrocyte aggregation, hemolysis, and MTT cytotoxicity assay. Moreover, biodegradability of the cross-links as shown by the Ellman assay can offer a time-dependent degradation and redox-stimulated release of active agents.

Novel theranostic zinc phthalocyanine-phospholipid complex self-assembled nanoparticles for imaging-guided targeted photodynamic treatment with controllable ROS production and shape-assisted enhanced cellular uptake.

PubMed

Ma, Jinyuan; Li, Yang; Liu, Guihua; Li, Ai; Chen, Yilin; Zhou, Xinyi; Chen, Dengyue; Hou, Zhenqing; Zhu, Xuan

2018-02-01

The novel drug delivery system based on self-assembly of zinc phthalocyanine-soybean phosphatidylcholine (ZnPc-SPC) complex was developed by a co-solvent method followed by a nanoprecipitaion technique. DSPE-PEG-methotrexate (DSPE-PEG-MTX) was introduced on the surface of ZnPc-SPC self-assembled nanoparticles (ZS) to endow them with folate receptor-targeting property. NMR, XRD, FTIR, and UV-vis-NIR analysis demonstrated the weak molecular interaction between ZnPc and SPC. The ZS functionalized with DSPE-PEG-MTX (ZSPM) was successfully constructed with an average particle size of ∼170nm, a narrow size distribution, and could remain physiologically stable for at least 7days. In vitro cellular uptake and cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that ZSPM exhibited stronger cellular uptake efficacy and photodynamic cytotoxicity against HeLa and MCF-7 cells than ZS functionalized with DSPE-mPEG (ZSP) and free ZnPc. More importantly, ZSPM showed the enhanced accumulation effect at the tumor region compared with ZSP by the active-plus-passive targeting via enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and folate receptor-mediated endocytosis. Furthermore, in vivo antitumor effect and histological analysis demonstrated the superior tumor growth inhibition effect of ZSPM. In addition, the needle-shape ZSP (ZSPN) exhibited better in vitro cellular uptake and in vivo tumor accumulation compared with ZSP due to the shape-assisted effect. Moreover, the interesting off-on switch effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of ZnPc-SPC complex-based nanoparticles was discovered to achieve photodynamic treatment in a controllable way. These findings suggested that the ZnPc-SPC complex-based self-assembled nanoparticles could serve as a promising and effective formulation to achieve tumor-targeting fluorescence imaging and enhanced photodynamic treatment. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Using a simple point-prevalence survey to define appropriate antibiotic prescribing in hospitalised children across the UK

PubMed Central

Gharbi, Myriam; Doerholt, Katja; Vergnano, Stefania; Bielicki, Julia Anna; Paulus, Stéphane; Menson, Esse; Riordan, Andrew; Lyall, Hermione; Patel, Sanjay Valabh; Bernatoniene, Jolanta; Versporten, Ann; Heginbothom, Maggie; Goossens, Herman; Sharland, Mike

2016-01-01

Background The National Health Service England, Commissioning for Quality and Innovation for Antimicrobial Resistance (CQUIN AMR) aims to reduce the total antibiotic consumption and the use of certain broad-spectrum antibiotics in secondary care. However, robust baseline antibiotic use data are lacking for hospitalised children. In this study, we aim to describe, compare and explain the prescription patterns of antibiotics within and between paediatric units in the UK and to provide a baseline for antibiotic prescribing for future improvement using CQUIN AMR guidance. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using a point prevalence survey (PPS) in 61 paediatric units across the UK. The standardised study protocol from the Antibiotic Resistance and Prescribing in European Children (ARPEC) project was used. All inpatients under 18 years of age present in the participating hospital on the day of the study were included except neonates. Results A total of 1247 (40.9%) of 3047 children hospitalised on the day of the PPS were on antibiotics. The proportion of children receiving antibiotics showed a wide variation between both district general and tertiary hospitals, with 36.4% ( 95% CI 33.4% to 39.4%) and 43.0% (95% CI 40.9% to 45.1%) of children prescribed antibiotics, respectively. About a quarter of children on antibiotic therapy received either a medical or surgical prophylaxis with parenteral administration being the main prescribed route for antibiotics (>60% of the prescriptions for both types of hospitals). General paediatrics units were surprisingly high prescribers of critical broad-spectrum antibiotics, that is, carbapenems and piperacillin-tazobactam. Conclusions We provide a robust baseline for antibiotic prescribing in hospitalised children in relation to current national stewardship efforts in the UK. Repeated PPS with further linkage to resistance data needs to be part of the antibiotic stewardship strategy to tackle the issue of suboptimal antibiotic use in hospitalised children. PMID:27810974

Relationships between molecular structure and kinetic and thermodynamic controls in lipid systems. Part II: Phase behavior and transformation paths of SSS, PSS and PPS saturated triacylglycerols--effect of chain length mismatch.

PubMed

Bouzidi, Laziz; Narine, Suresh S

2012-01-01

The kinetic phase behavior and phase transformation paths of purified tristearoylglycerol (SSS), 3-palmitoyl-1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycerol (PSS) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-stearoyl-sn-glycerol (PPS) were investigated in terms of polymorphism, crystallization and melting. The details of the phase transformation paths were obtained using the heating cycles of two sets of experiments: (a) cooling rate was varied and heating rate fixed and (b) cooling rate was fixed and heating rate varied. Kinetic effects were manifest in all measured properties, underscoring the complexity of the phase transformation paths for each TAG, and the intricate thermodynamics-molecular relationships. For the first time, XRD data obtained for SSS, PSS and PPS TAGs, cooled at rates higher than 0.5°C/min, suggested the formation of a transient structure similar to the so-called α(2)-phase which has been observed in mixed saturated-unsaturated TAGs quenched from the melt. The more stable phases (β' in PSS and PPS, and β in SSS) were only observed for cooling rates lower than 1.0°C/min. The kinetic and thermodynamic differences observed in the crystallization, structure and melting of SSS, PSS and PPS are proposed to be mainly due to the disturbances introduced at the "terrace" level via methyl-end group interactions, i.e., the missing of two or four CH(2) groups compared to SSS. The symmetrical SSS with a relatively flat "terrace" crystallizes preferably in the most stable β-form. Two missing CH(2) groups at the sn-1 position (PSS) introduces enough structural disturbances to promote the relative prevalence and persistence of the β'-phase, and four missing CH(2) groups at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions (PPS) is relatively too large of a disturbance and therefore favors the α-form. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Managing oral phosphate binder medication expenditures within the Medicare bundled end-stage renal disease prospective payment system: economic implications for large U.S. dialysis organizations.

PubMed

Park, Haesuk; Rascati, Karen L; Keith, Michael S

2015-06-01

From January 2016, payment for oral-only renal medications (including phosphate binders and cinacalcet) was expected to be included in the new Medicare bundled end-stage renal disease (ESRD) prospective payment system (PPS). The implementation of the ESRD PPS has generated concern within the nephrology community because of the potential for inadequate funding and the impact on patient quality of care. To estimate the potential economic impact of the new Medicare bundled ESRD PPS reimbursement from the perspective of a large dialysis organization in the United States. We developed an interactive budget impact model to evaluate the potential economic implications of Medicare payment changes to large dialysis organizations treating patients with ESRD who are receiving phosphate binders. In this analysis, we focused on the budget impact of the intended 2016 integration of oral renal drugs, specifically oral phosphate binders, into the PPS. We also utilized the model to explore the budgetary impact of a variety of potential shifts in phosphate binder market shares under the bundled PPS from 2013 to 2016. The base model predicts that phosphate binder costs will increase to $34.48 per dialysis session in 2016, with estimated U.S. total costs for phosphate binders of over $682 million. Based on these estimates, a projected Medicare PPS $33.44 reimbursement rate for coverage of all oral-only renal medications (i.e., phosphate binders and cinacalcet) would be insufficient to cover these costs. A potential renal drugs and services budget shortfall for large dialysis organizations of almost $346 million was projected. Our findings suggest that large dialysis organizations will be challenged to manage phosphate binder expenditures within the planned Medicare bundled rate structure. As a result, large dialysis organizations may have to make treatment choices in light of potential inadequate funding, which could have important implications for the quality of care for patients with ESRD.

Primary payer status is significantly associated with postoperative mortality, morbidity, and hospital resource utilization in pediatric surgical patients within the United States.

PubMed

Stone, Matthew L; LaPar, Damien J; Mulloy, Daniel P; Rasmussen, Sara K; Kane, Bartholomew J; McGahren, Eugene D; Rodgers, Bradley M

2013-01-01

Current healthcare reform efforts have highlighted the potential impact of insurance status on patient outcomes. The influence of primary payer status (PPS) within the pediatric surgical patient population remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine risk-adjusted associations between PPS and postoperative mortality, morbidity, and resource utilization in pediatric surgical patients within the United States. A weighted total of 153,333 pediatric surgical patients were evaluated using the national Kids' Inpatient Database (2003 and 2006): appendectomy, intussusception, decortication, pyloromyotomy, congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair, and colonic resection for Hirschsprung's disease. Patients were stratified according to PPS: Medicare (n=180), Medicaid (n=51,862), uninsured (n=12,539), and private insurance (n=88,753). Multivariable hierarchical regression modeling was utilized to evaluate risk-adjusted associations between PPS and outcomes. Overall median patient age was 12 years, operations were primarily non-elective (92.4%), and appendectomies accounted for the highest proportion of cases (81.3%). After adjustment for patient, hospital, and operation-related factors, PPS was independently associated with in-hospital death (p<0.0001) and postoperative complications (p<0.02), with increased risk for Medicaid and uninsured populations. Moreover, Medicaid PPS was also associated with greater adjusted lengths of stay and total hospital charges (p<0.0001). Importantly, these results were dependent on operation type. Primary payer status is associated with risk-adjusted postoperative mortality, morbidity, and resource utilization among pediatric surgical patients. Uninsured patients are at increased risk for postoperative mortality while Medicaid patients accrue greater morbidity, hospital lengths of stay, and total charges. These results highlight a complex interaction between socioeconomic and patient-related factors, and primary payer status should be considered in the preoperative risk stratification of pediatric patients. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of the prospective payment system on speech-language pathology services.

PubMed

Frymark, Tobi B; Mullen, Robert C

2005-01-01

The present study was performed to determine the clinical effects of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System (IRF PPS) on speech and language intervention services and to examine the feasibility of using the federally mandated FIM instrument to establish resource allocation to patients with cognitive, communication, and swallowing disorders. A pre-IRF PPS and post-IRF PPS comparative study was conducted over a 1-yr time interval using data from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's National Outcomes Measurement System. Toward this end, the National Outcomes Measurement System's Functional Communication Measures were used to obtain data from 2,631 patients residing in 96 freestanding rehabilitation hospitals or hospitals with rehabilitation units implementing the prospective payment system on or after January 1, 2002. To ensure reliable retrospective and prospective data comparisons, all sites were active participants within the National Outcomes Measurement System program before the introduction of IRF PPS within their facilities. Findings revealed changes in both the utilization of speech-language pathologists and patient outcomes. Under the IRF PPS, there was a clear decline in speech- and language-related lengths of stay. However, clinicians attempted to compensate for these decrements in lengths of stay by increasing the intensity and frequency of their speech and language services. Despite these compensatory efforts, further analyses of the data revealed that under the IRF PPS, fewer patients achieved multiple levels of functional progress in speech and language abilities than before this payment system was implemented. This trend was most noteworthy in the treatment areas of swallowing, motor speech, and memory. In addition, this study revealed that, compared with the National Outcomes Measurement System's Functional Communication Measures, the FIM instrument significantly under-represented and undervalued the extent of a patient's overall progress in recovering from their cognitive, communication, or swallowing disabilities. These findings support the notion that the introduction of the IRF PPS has, perhaps unintentionally, caused more patients with cognitive, communication, and swallowing disorders to be discharged from inpatient rehabilitative care with less than adequate functional skill levels. The discouraging results in speech-language pathology utilization and patient outcomes will be useful for clinicians in the future when facing the ongoing challenges of maintaining quality care while streamlining services under the prospective payment system.

Natural carcinogenic fiber and pleural plaques assessment in a general population: A cross-sectional study

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

Ledda, Caterina, E-mail: cledda@unict.it

Natural carcinogenic fibers are asbestos and asbestiform fibers present as a natural component of soils or rocks. These fibers are released into the environment resulting in exposure of the general population. Environmental contamination by fibers are those cases occurred in: rural regions of Turkey, in Mediterranean countries and in other sites of the world, including northern Europe, USA and China. Fluoro-edenite(FE) is a natural mineral species first isolated in Biancavilla, Sicily. The fibers are similar in size and morphology to some amphibolic asbestos fibers, whose inhalation can cause chronic inflammation and cancer. The aim of the current study is tomore » assess the presence and features of pleural plaques (PPs) in Biancavilla's general population exposed to FE through a retrospective cross-sectional study. All High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) chest scans carried out between June 2009 and June 2015 in Biancavilla municipality hospital site (exposed subjects) were reviewed. The exposed groups were 1:1 subjects, matched according to age and sex distributions, with unexposed subjects (n.1.240) randomly selected among HRCT chest scans carried out in a Hospital 30 km away from Biancavilla. Subjects from Biancavilla with PPs were significantly more numerous than the control group ones (218 vs 38). Average age of either group was >60 years; the age of exposed subjects was significantly (p=0.0312) lesser than the unexposed group. In exposed subjects, in most PPs thickness ranged between 2 and 4.9 cm(38%, n=83); while in unexposed ones PPs thickness was less than 2 cm (55%, n=21). As to the size of PPs in exposed subjects, in most cases it ranged between 1 cm and 24% of chest wall (53%, n=116); while in unexposed ones the size of PPs was lesser than 1 cm (23%, n=58). Among exposed subjects, 36 cases (17%) PPs were detected with calcification, whereas in unexposed ones only three (8%) presented calcification. 137 lung parenchymal abnormalities were observed in exposed group; whereas, 12 lung parenchymal involvement were registered in unexposed subjects. The RR for PPs is 6,74 CI 95% (4,47–9,58) p<0,0001 in the exposed population. These findings, suggested the urge to extend the screening on the possible involvement of the respiratory tract to all Biancavilla's population, particularly in those aged more than 30. Besides, it seems essential to start indoor monitoring Biancavilla's municipality. - Highlights: • High risk for pleural plaques in people exposed to fluoro-edenite. • Naturally carcinogenic fibers increase the risk of parenchymal abnormalities. • It is important to organize an extended screening to all Biancavilla's population.« less

In vivo therapeutic efficacy of TNFα silencing by folate-PEG-chitosan-DEAE/siRNA nanoparticles in arthritic mice

PubMed Central

Shi, Qin; Rondon-Cavanzo, Elsa-Patricia; Dalla Picola, Isadora Pfeifer; Tiera, Marcio José; Zhang, Xiaoling; Dai, Kerong; Benabdoune, Houda Abir; Benderdour, Mohamed; Fernandes, Julio Cesar

2018-01-01

Background Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, has been shown to play a role in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis. Silencing TNFα expression with small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a promising approach to treatment of the condition. Methods Towards this end, our team has developed a modified chitosan (CH) nanocarrier, deploying folic acid, diethylethylamine (DEAE) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) (folate-PEG-CH-DEAE15). The gene carrier protects siRNA against nuclease destruction, its ligands facilitate siRNA uptake via cell surface receptors, and it provides improved solubility at neutral pH with transport of its load into target cells. In the present study, nanoparticles were prepared with siRNA-TNFα, DEAE, and folic acid-CH derivative. Nanoparticle size and zeta potential were verified by dynamic light scattering. Their TNFα-knockdown effects were tested in a murine collagen antibody-induced arthritis model. TNFα expression was examined along with measurements of various cartilage and bone turnover markers by performing histology and microcomputed tomography analysis. Results We demonstrated that folate-PEG-CH-DEAE15/siRNA nanoparticles did not alter cell viability, and significantly decreased inflammation, as demonstrated by improved clinical scores and lower TNFα protein concentrations in target tissues. This siRNA nanocarrier also decreased articular cartilage destruction and bone loss. Conclusion The results indicate that folate-PEG-CH-DEAE15 nanoparticles are a safe and effective platform for nonviral gene delivery of siRNA, and their potential clinical applications warrant further investigation. PMID:29391796

Registered Nurse Staffing in Pennsylvania Nursing Homes: Comparison before and after Implementation of Medicare's Prospective Payment System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kanda, Katsuya; Mezey, Mathy

1991-01-01

Examined changes in resident acuity and registered nurse staffing in all nursing homes in Pennsylvania before and after introduction of Medicare Prospective Payment System (PPS) in 1983. Found that acuity of nursing home residents increased significantly since introduction of PPS, full-time registered nurse staffing remained unchanged, and…

Army 86 Cost Sensitivity Analysis.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-05-01

NI VI AN/PVS-4 W/IMG 5 Q15414 RADAR ST AN/MPQ-4A LP 25 Q16110 RADAR SET AN/PPS- SALP 773 Q34308 RADIO SET AN/GRC-160 191 Q45779 RADIO SET AN/VRC-12 654...VI AN/PVS-4 W/ING 5 Q15414 RADAR ST AN/MPQ-4A LP 25 Q16110 RADAR SET AN/PPS- SALP 592 Q34308 RADIO SET AN/GRC-160 555 Q38299 RADIO SET AN/PRC-25 474...PVS-4 W/IMG Q15414 RADAR ST AN/MPQ-4A LP Q16110 RADAR SET AN/PPS- SALP Q34308 RADIO SET AN/GRC-160 Q38299 RADIO SET AN/PRC-25 Q45779 RADIO SET AN/VRC-12

Ionically fixed polymeric nanoparticles as a novel drug carrier.

PubMed

Lee, Sa-Won; Chang, Dong-Hoon; Shim, Myung-Seop; Kim, Bong-Oh; Kim, Sun-Ok; Seo, Min-Hyo

2007-08-01

In this study, we have prepared a novel polymeric drug delivery system comprised of ionically fixed polymeric nanoparticles (IFPN) and investigated their potential as a drug carrier for the passive targeting of water-insoluble anticancer drugs. For this purpose, the physicochemical characteristics of the IFPN were investigated by comparing them with conventional polymeric micelles. IFPN containing paclitaxel were prepared and evaluated for in vitro stability and in vivo pharmacokinetics. The IFPN were successfully fabricated using a monomethoxypolyethylene glycol-polylactide (mPEG-PLA) diblock copolymer and a sodium salt of D,L-poly(lactic acid) (D,L-PLACOONa) upon the addition of CaCl2. The transmittance of the IFPN solution was much lower than that of a polymeric micelle solution at the same polymer concentration implicating an increase in the number of appreciable particles. The particle size of the IFPN was approximately 20 approximately 30 nm which is in the range of particle sizes that facilitate sterile filtration using a membrane filter. The IFPN also have a regular spherical shape with a narrow size distribution. The zeta potential of the IFPN was almost neutral, similar to that of the polymeric micelles. In contrast, mixed micelles with a combination of mPEG-PLA and D,L-PLACOONa prior to the addition of Ca2+ showed a negative charge (-17 mV), possibly due to the carboxyl anion of polylactic acid exposed on the surface of the micelles. The IFPN formulation was highly kinetically stable in aqueous medium compared to the polymeric micelle formulation. The molecular weight of D,L-PLACOONa in the IFPN and the mPEG-PLA/D,L-PLACOONa molar ratio had a great influence upon the kinetic stability of the IFPN. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that the area under the concentration vs time curve (AUC) of IFPN in blood was statistically higher (about two times) when compared with that of Cremophor EL-based formulation (Taxol equivalent) or polymeric micelle formulation. The results suggests that the IFPN were retained in the circulation long enough to play a significant role as a drug carrier in the bloodstream, possibly resulting in improved therapeutic efficiency. Therefore, the IFPN are expected to be a promising novel polymeric nanoparticulate system for passive tumor targeting of water-insoluble anticancer drugs including paclitaxel.

Imaging experimental intraabdominal abscesses with 99mTc-PEG liposomes and 99mTc-HYNIC IgG.

PubMed Central

Dams, E T; Reijnen, M M; Oyen, W J; Boerman, O C; Laverman, P; Storm, G; van der Meer, J W; Corstens, F H; van Goor, H

1999-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of technetium-99m-labeled polyethylene glycol-coated liposomes (99mTc-PEG liposomes) and technetium-99m-labeled nonspecific human immunoglobulin G (99mTc-HYNIC IgG) for the scintigraphic detection of experimental intraabdominal abscesses in comparison with that of a standard agent, gallium-67 citrate. BACKGROUND: Scintigraphic imaging techniques can be very useful for the rapid and accurate localization of intraabdominal abscesses. Two newly developed radiolabeled agents, 99mTc-PEG liposomes and 99mTc-HYNIC IgG, have shown to be excellent agents for imaging experimental focal infection, but have not yet been studied in the detection of abdominal abscesses. METHODS: Intraabdominal abscesses were induced in 42 rats using the cecal ligation and puncture technique. Seven days later, randomized groups of rats received 99mTc-PEG liposomes, 99mTc-HYNIC IgG, or 67Ga citrate intravenously. The rats were imaged up to 24 hours after the injection. The biodistribution of the radiolabel was determined by counting dissected tissues ex vivo. Macroscopic intraabdominal abnormalities and focal uptake on the images were independently scored on a semiquantitative scale. RESULTS: 99mTc-PEG liposomes provided the earliest scintigraphic visualization of the abscess (as soon as 2 hours after the injection vs. 4 hours for the other two agents). Liposomes, IgG, and gallium all showed similarly high absolute uptake in the abscess. Focal uptake of liposomes and gallium correlated best with the extent of the macroscopic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: 99mTc-PEG liposomes and 99mTc-HYNIC IgG performed at least as well as the standard agent, 67Ga citrate, in the detection of experimental intraabdominal abscesses, with obvious advantages such as lower radiation exposure and more favorable physical properties. Of the two technetium agents, the liposomes seemed to be superior, providing the earliest diagnostic image and the best correlation with the inflammatory abnormalities. In addition, the preferential localization of radiolabeled PEG liposomes holds promise for targeted delivery of liposome-encapsulated drugs. Images Figure 1. PMID:10203089

Effect of polyethelene oxide on the thermal degradation of cellulose biofilm – Low cost material for soft tissue repair in dentistry

PubMed Central

Tyler, Rakim; Schiraldi, David; Roperto, Renato; Faddoul, Fady; Teich, Sorin

2017-01-01

Background Bio cellulose is a byproduct of sweet tea fermentation known as kombusha. During the biosynthesis by bacteria cellulose chains are polymerized by enzyme from activated glucose. The single chains are then extruded through the bacterial cell wall. Interestingly, a potential of the Kombucha’s byproduct bio cellulose (BC) as biomaterial had come into focus only in the past few decades. The unique physical and mechanical properties such as high purity, an ultrafine and highly crystalline network structure, a superior mechanical strength, flexibility, pronounced permeability to gases and liquids, and an excellent compatibility with living tissue that reinforced by biodegradability, biocompatibility, large swelling ratios. Material and Methods The bio-cellulose film specimens were provided by the R.P Dressel dental materials laboratory, Department of Comprehensive Care, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, US. The films were harvested, washed with water and dried at room temperature overnight. 1wt% of PEG-2000 and 10wt% of NaOH were added into ultrapure water to prepare PEG/NaOH solution. Then bio-cellulose film was added to the mixture and swell for 3 h at room temperature. All bio-cellulose film specimens were all used in the TA Instruments Q500 Thermogravmetric Analyzer to investigate weight percent lost and degradation. The TGA was under ambient air conditions at a heating rate of 10ºC/min. Results and Conclusions PEG control exhibited one transition with the peak at 380ºC. Cellulose and cellulose/ PEG films showed 3 major transitions. Interestingly, the cellulose/PEG film showed slightly elevated temperatures when compared to the corresponding transitions for cellulose control. The thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) degradation curves were analyzed. Cellulose control film exhibited two zero order transitions, that indicate the independence of the rate of degradation from the amount on the initial substance. The activation energies for three transitions for cellulose and cellulose/PEG showed increasingly higher values for the transitions at higher temperatures. Key words:TGA, Bio-cellulose, PEG. PMID:28828153

Evaluation in vitro and in vivo of curcumin-loaded mPEG-PLA/TPGS mixed micelles for oral administration.

PubMed

Duan, Yuwei; Zhang, Baomei; Chu, Lianjun; Tong, Henry Hy; Liu, Weidong; Zhai, Guangxi

2016-05-01

The aim of this work is to prepare and characterize curcumin-loaded methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide) (mPEG-PLA)/D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) mixed micelles (CUR-MPP-TPGS-MMs), analyze the influence of formulation on enhancing the solubility of curcumin in water, and evaluate the improvement of intestinal absorption after oral administration. CUR-MPP-TPGS-MMs were prepared using the thin film diffusion method and optimized with the uniform design. The optimal CUR-MPP-TPGS-MMs were provided with high drug-loading (16.1%), small size (46.0 nm) and spherical shape. Low critical micelle concentration (CMC) and superior dilution stability showed that CUR-MPP-TPGS-MMs could keep integrity during the dilution of gastrointestinal fluid. In vitro drug release study indicated a sustained release of curcumin from CUR-MPP-TPGS-MMs in simulated gastrointestinal solution. The absorption mechanism of passive diffusion was obtained by measuring in situ intestinal absorption of CUR-MPP-TPGS-MMs in rats, and the best absorption segment was found to be the duodenum. The pharmacokinetics was evaluated in rats at the dose of 75 mg/kg by intragastric administration. The Cmax and mean retention time (MRT0-24) for CUR-MPP-TPGS-MMs were both increased, and the relative bioavailability of micelle formulation to curcumin suspension was 927.3%. These results suggested that mPEG-PLA/TPGS mixed micelle system (MPP-TPGS-MMs) showed great potential in improving oral bioavailability of curcumin. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Treatment with L-citrulline in patients with post-polio syndrome: study protocol for a single-center, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

PubMed

Schmidt, Simone; Gocheva, Vanya; Zumbrunn, Thomas; Rubino-Nacht, Daniela; Bonati, Ulrike; Fischer, Dirk; Hafner, Patricia

2017-03-09

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that affects polio survivors years after recovery from an initial acute infection by the Poliomyelitis virus. Most often, patients who suffered from polio start to experience gradual new weakening in muscles, a gradual decrease in the size of muscles (muscle atrophy) and fatigue years after the acute illness. L-citrulline is known to change muscular metabolism synthesis by raising nitric oxide (NO) levels and increasing protein synthesis. This investigator-initiated, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, trial aims to demonstrate that L-citrulline positively influences muscle function and increases muscular energy production in patients with PPS. Thirty ambulant PPS patients will be recruited in Switzerland. Patients will be randomly allocated to one of the two arms of the study (placebo:verum 1:1). After a 24-week run-in phase to observe natural disease history and progression, participants will be treated either with L-citrulline or placebo for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint is change in the 6-min Walking Distance Test. Secondary endpoints will include motor function measure, quantitative muscle force, quantitative muscle magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy and serum biomarker laboratory analysis DISCUSSION: The aim of this phase IIa trial is to determine if treatment with L-citrulline shows a positive effect on clinical function and paraclinical biomarkers in PPS. If treatment with L-citrulline shows positive effects, this might represent a cost-efficient symptomatic therapy for PPS patients. ClinicalTrial.gov, ID: NCT02801071 . Registered on 6 June 2016.

Racial Differences in the Extracellular Matrix and Histone Acetylation of the Lamina Cribrosa and Peripapillary Sclera.

PubMed

Park, Hae-Young Lopilly; Kim, Jie Hyun; Jung, Younhea; Park, Chan Kee

2017-08-01

We investigated the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the lamina cribrosa (LC) and peripapillary sclera (PPS) and compared histone acetylation and related enzymes to identify racial differences between Korean and Caucasian donor eyes. Posterior segment tissues were obtained from 30 Caucasian donors and 42 age and axial length-matched Korean donors. Histone modification was assessed for histone deacetylase (HDAC) 2, HDAC3, and acetylated histone H3. The promoter regions of the major ECM in the LC and PPS including collagen type I and III, and elastic fiber components (elastin and fibrillin-1) and lysyl oxidase enzymes including lysyl oxidase-like 1 and 2 (LOXL2) were evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Protein and mRNA expression of major ECM components were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemical staining. HDAC2 and HDAC3 expression levels were decreased and acetylated histone H3 was increased in the LC and PPS of Korean eyes than Caucasian eyes. The promoter regions of LOXL2, elastin, and fribrillin-1 genes were highly acetylated in Korean LC. Expression of LOXL2 and elastic fiber components (elastin and fibrillin-1) were significantly increased in Korean LC and PPS than Caucasians according to the real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot analyses, and quantification of elastic fiber staining. Histone acetylation status differed in the promoter regions of the elastic fiber components and LOXL2 in the LC and PPS according to race. Further study to reveal the association with these findings to the pathogenesis of glaucoma in Korean eyes is needed.

Film and digital periapical radiographs for the measurement of apical root shortening.

PubMed

El-Angbawi, Ahmed M F; McIntyre, Grant T; Bearn, David R; Thomson, Donald J

2012-12-01

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy and agreement of scanned film and digital periapical radiographs for the measurement of apical root shortening. Twenty-four film and digital [phosphor plate sensor (PPS)] periapical radiographs were taken using the long-cone paralleling technique for six extracted teeth before and after 1mm of apical root trimming. All teeth were mounted using a typodont and the radiographs were recorded using a film holder and polysiloxane occlusal index for each tooth to ensure standardization during the different radiographic exposures. The film radiographs were scanned and the tooth length measurements for the scanned film and digital (PPS) images were calculated using Image-J-Link 1.4 software (http://rebweb.nih.gov/ij/index.html) for the two groups. The accuracy and agreement among the tooth length measurements from each group and the true tooth length measurements were calculated using intra-class correlation (ICC) tests and Bland and Altman plots. A high level of agreement was found between the true tooth length measurements and the scanned film measurements (ICC=0.979, limit of agreement 0.579 to -0.565) and the digital (PPS) radiograph measurements (ICC= 0.979, limit of agreement 0.596 to -0.763). Moreover, a high level of agreement was found between the scanned film and digital (PPS) radiographs for the measurement of tooth length ICC=0.991, limit of agreement 0.411-0.231. Film and digital (PPS) periapical radiographs are accurate methods for measuring apical root shortening with a high level of agreement. Key words:Root shortening, measurement, periapical radiographs, film, digital.

Visuospatial Aptitude Testing Differentially Predicts Simulated Surgical Skill.

PubMed

Hinchcliff, Emily; Green, Isabel; Destephano, Christopher; Cox, Mary; Smink, Douglas; Kumar, Amanika; Hokenstad, Erik; Bengtson, Joan; Cohen, Sarah

2018-02-05

To determine if visuospatial perception (VSP) testing is correlated to simulated or intraoperative surgical performance as rated by the American College of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) milestones. Classification II-2 SETTING: Two academic training institutions PARTICIPANTS: 41 residents, including 19 Brigham and Women's Hospital and 22 Mayo Clinic residents from three different specialties (OBGYN, general surgery, urology). Participants underwent three different tests: visuospatial perception testing (VSP), Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS®) peg transfer, and DaVinci robotic simulation peg transfer. Surgical grading from the ACGME milestones tool was obtained for each participant. Demographic and subject background information was also collected including specialty, year of training, prior experience with simulated skills, and surgical interest. Standard statistical analysis using Student's t test were performed, and correlations were determined using adjusted linear regression models. In univariate analysis, BWH and Mayo training programs differed in both times and overall scores for both FLS® peg transfer and DaVinci robotic simulation peg transfer (p<0.05 for all). Additionally, type of residency training impacted time and overall score on robotic peg transfer. Familiarity with tasks correlated with higher score and faster task completion (p= 0.05 for all except VSP score). There was no difference in VSP scores by program, specialty, or year of training. In adjusted linear regression modeling, VSP testing was correlated only to robotic peg transfer skills (average time p=0.006, overall score p=0.001). Milestones did not correlate to either VSP or surgical simulation testing. VSP score was correlated with robotic simulation skills but not with FLS skills or ACGME milestones. This suggests that the ability of VSP score to predict competence differs between tasks. Therefore, further investigation is required into aptitude testing, especially prior to its integration as an entry examination into a surgical subspecialty. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The first 3 years of Medicare prospective payment: An overview

PubMed Central

Guterman, Stuart; Eggers, Paul W.; Riley, Gerald; Greene, Timothy F.; Terrell, Sherry A.

1988-01-01

This article provides a synopsis of the available evidence on the impact of the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) for hospitals over the first 3 years of its implementation. The impact of PPS on hospitals, Medicare beneficiaries, post-hospital care, other payers for inpatient hospital services, other health care providers, and Medicare program operations and expenditures is examined. PMID:10312519

Measuring Procrastination: Psychometric Properties of the Norwegian Versions of the Irrational Procrastination Scale (IPS) and the Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Svartdal, Frode

2017-01-01

Procrastination has been defined in different ways. Two instruments--the Irrational Procrastination Scale (IPS) and the Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS)--focus on a core problem in procrastination--the irrational delay of intended behavior. The present paper examined the psychometric properties of the Norwegian translations of these scales. In…

Fear of falling, balance confidence and health-related quality of life in individuals with postpolio syndrome.

PubMed

Legters, Kristine; Verbus, Nicole Barber; Kitchen, Sara; Tomecsko, Jennifer; Urban, Nicole

2006-06-01

The purposes of this study were to examine prevalence of fear of falling (FOF) and decreased balance confidence in individuals with postpolio syndrome (PPS) and to determine whether balance confidence was correlated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in this population. A survey, which included demographic questions, the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, and the MOS SF-36v2, was made available by mail and electronically to individuals with PPS. Descriptive and correlation statistics were used to analyze the responses. Fear of falling was reported in 95% of respondents, with 80% indicating that FOF affected their quality of life. Median ABC score (42 of 100), physical component score (27 of 100), and mental component score (47 of 100) were below average compared with the general population. A moderate correlation (r = 0.4; p < 0.001) was found between balance confidence and the physical component score of HRQOL in PPS. There was an overwhelming presence of FOF and severely impaired balance confidence in the majority of those with PPS. A fair correlation between the physical functioning component of HRQOL and balance confidence was noted in this population.

The stigma of having psychological problems: relations with engagement, working alliance, and depression in psychotherapy.

PubMed

Kendra, Matthew S; Mohr, Jonathan J; Pollard, Jeffrey W

2014-12-01

The stigma of having psychological problems is a barrier to seeking mental health treatment, but little research has examined whether this stigma influences the experiences of those in treatment. In a sample of 42 psychotherapy clients, we explored links over the first few sessions between 2 facets of stigma (self-stigma and perceived public stigma) and 3 variables germane to the therapeutic process (depression, working alliance, and engagement). Initial self-stigma (SS) level was positively associated with initial depression, negatively associated with initial working alliance, and unrelated to initial engagement. Initial perceived public stigma (PPS) level was unrelated to initial levels in the 3 outcome variables. Initial SS and PPS levels were both generally unrelated to linear changes in the outcomes over the initial phase of counseling. Relations between stigma and outcome variables often differed within- and between-persons. For example, the association between PPS and engagement was negative at the between-person level but positive at the within-person level. Finally, on average, PPS decreased over the first few sessions but SS remained constant. Such findings may help therapists better understand the role of stigma in their clinical work, and stimulate research examining how to address stigmatization in psychotherapy.

Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticle composite with poly(p-Br-phenylsilane).

PubMed

Kim, Myoung-Hee; Lee, Jun; Mo, Soo-Yong; Woo, Hee-Gweon; Yang, Kap Seung; Kim, Bo-Hye; Lee, Byeong-Gweon; Sohn, Honglae

2012-05-01

The one-pot synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticle-poly(p-Br-phenylsilane) composites have been carried out. The conversion of silver(+1) salt to stable silver(0) nanoparticles is promoted by poly(p-Br-phenylsilane), Br-PPS possessing both possible reactive Si-H bonds in the polymer backbone and C-Br bonds in the substituents. The composites were characterized using XRD, TEM, FE-SEM, and solid-state UV-vis analytical techniques. TEM and FE-SEM data show the formation of the composites where large number of silver nanoparticles (less than 30 nm of size) are well dispersed throughout the Br-PPS matrix. XRD patterns are consistent with that for fcc-typed silver. The elemental analysis for Br atom and the polymer solubility confirm that the cleavage of C-Br bond and the Si-Br dative bonding were not occurred appreciably at ambient temperature. Nonetheless, TGA data suggest that some sort of cross-linking was occurred at high temperature. The size and processability of such nanoparticles depend on the ratio of metal to Br-PPS. In the absence of Br-PPS, most of the silver particles undergo macroscopic aggregation, which indicates that the polysilane is necessary for stabilizing the silver nanoparticles.

Leadership, management and technical lessons learnt from a successful public-private partnership for TB control in Nepal.

PubMed

Newell, J N; Pande, S B; Baral, S C; Bam, D S; Malla, P

2005-09-01

There is considerable interest in involving private practitioners (PPs) in tuberculosis (TB) control, but little experience. To describe and discuss leadership, management and technical lessons learnt from the successful implementation of a public-private partnership (PPP) for TB control in Nepal. Description and discussion of implementation of the PPP is based on feedback from the working group charged with developing the PPP, PPs involved in diagnosis and referral, NGOs providing direct observation of treatment and tracing of late patients, and members of the Nepal National TB Programme. The process of building the partnership was slow and demoralising, yet with perseverance partners gradually increased their involvement and commitment to the PPP. Leadership was needed to foster communication and openness between partners. It was not necessary to involve all PPs: many patients bypassed PPs and went directly to the free DOTS centres. An understanding of issues that arose during development of the Lalitpur PPP may assist assessment of the feasibility of PPPs in other settings, and increase the likelihood of successful implementation. The wider literature on partnerships may be useful to further inform the development of PPPs for health in developing countries.

Alternative Treatment in Prostate Pain Syndrome Based on Iranian Traditional Medicine

PubMed Central

Latifi, Seied Amirhossein; Kamalinejad, Mohammad; Minaiee, Bagher; Bahrami, Mohsen; Gooran, Shahram; Nikbakht Nasrabadi, Alireza

2014-01-01

Introduction: Unknown etiology and pathophysiology of prostate pain syndrome (PPS) has led to a lack of proper and competent treatment in modern medicine. According to the guidelines of European Association of Urology (EAU), use of complementary treatments is recommended for PPS. In this preliminary study, analyzing the signs and symptoms of PPS from the viewpoint of Iranian traditional medicine (ITM) was helpful in selecting the appropriate alternative treatment. Case Presentation: Two male patients diagnosed with PPS were evaluated and treated according to the ITM. Each patient took 15 mL oxymel 45 minutes after lunch and dinner. For each patient, four clinical visits were made with one week intervals and the validated Farsi version of international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and numeric pain rating score (NPRS) were completed for them. Conclusions: Considering the fact that other major pathological causes are ruled out, many of the symptoms and signs observed in these patients were similar to those associated with flatulency-related diseases in ITM. Selecting treatment with oxymel was based on this view and led to improvements in the digestive and urinary symptoms according to Farsi version of the IPSS and NPRS. PMID:25237573

An appealing photo-powered multi-functional energy system for the poly-generation of hydrogen and electricity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Tiantian; Li, Kan; Shen, Zhemin; Sun, Tonghua; Wang, Yalin; Jia, Jinping

2015-10-01

This paper focuses on a photo-powered poly-generation system (PPS) that is powered by the photocatalytic oxidation of organic substrate to produce hydrogen energy and electrical energy synchronously. This particular device runs entirely on light energy and chemical energy of substrate without external voltage. The performance measurements and optimization experiments are all investigated by using the low concentration of pure ethanol (EtOH) solution. Compared with the conventional submerged reactor for the photogeneration of hydrogen, the hydrogen and the electric current obtained in the constructed PPS are all relatively stable in experimental period and the numerical values detected are many times higher than that of the former by using various simulated ethanol waste liquid. When using Chinese rice wine as substrate at the same ethanol content level (i.e., 0.1 mol L-1), the production of hydrogen is close to that of the pure ethanol solution in the constructed PPS, but no hydrogen is detected in the conventional submerged reactor. These results demonstrate that the constructed PPS could effectively utilize light energy and perform good capability in poly-generation of hydrogen and electricity.

Interaction of two photoreceptors in the regulation of bacterial photosynthesis genes

PubMed Central

Metz, Sebastian; Haberzettl, Kerstin; Frühwirth, Sebastian; Teich, Kristin; Hasewinkel, Christian; Klug, Gabriele

2012-01-01

The expression of photosynthesis genes in the facultatively photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides is controlled by the oxygen tension and by light quantity. Two photoreceptor proteins, AppA and CryB, have been identified in the past, which are involved in this regulation. AppA senses light by its N-terminal BLUF domain, its C-terminal part binds heme and is redox-responsive. Through its interaction to the transcriptional repressor PpsR the AppA photoreceptor controls expression of photosynthesis genes. The cryptochrome-like protein CryB was shown to affect regulation of photosynthesis genes, but the underlying signal chain remained unknown. Here we show that CryB interacts with the C-terminal domain of AppA and modulates the binding of AppA to the transcriptional repressor PpsR in a light-dependent manner. Consequently, binding of the transcription factor PpsR to its DNA target is affected by CryB. In agreement with this, all genes of the PpsR regulon showed altered expression levels in a CryB deletion strain after blue-light illumination. These results elucidate for the first time how a bacterial cryptochrome affects gene expression. PMID:22434878

Interaction of two photoreceptors in the regulation of bacterial photosynthesis genes.

PubMed

Metz, Sebastian; Haberzettl, Kerstin; Frühwirth, Sebastian; Teich, Kristin; Hasewinkel, Christian; Klug, Gabriele

2012-07-01

The expression of photosynthesis genes in the facultatively photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides is controlled by the oxygen tension and by light quantity. Two photoreceptor proteins, AppA and CryB, have been identified in the past, which are involved in this regulation. AppA senses light by its N-terminal BLUF domain, its C-terminal part binds heme and is redox-responsive. Through its interaction to the transcriptional repressor PpsR the AppA photoreceptor controls expression of photosynthesis genes. The cryptochrome-like protein CryB was shown to affect regulation of photosynthesis genes, but the underlying signal chain remained unknown. Here we show that CryB interacts with the C-terminal domain of AppA and modulates the binding of AppA to the transcriptional repressor PpsR in a light-dependent manner. Consequently, binding of the transcription factor PpsR to its DNA target is affected by CryB. In agreement with this, all genes of the PpsR regulon showed altered expression levels in a CryB deletion strain after blue-light illumination. These results elucidate for the first time how a bacterial cryptochrome affects gene expression.

Hot pressing of nanocrystalline tantalum using high frequency induction heating and pulse plasma sintering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jakubowicz, J.; Adamek, G.; Sopata, M.; Koper, J. K.; Siwak, P.

2017-12-01

The paper presents the results of nanocrystalline powder tantalum consolidation using hot pressing. The authors used two different heating techniques during hot pressing: high-frequency induction heating (HFIH) and pulse plasma sintering (PPS). A comparison of the structure, microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the bulk nanocrystalline tantalum obtained in both techniques was performed. The nanocrystalline powder was made to start from the microcrystalline one using the high-energy ball milling process. The nanocrystalline powder was hot-pressed at 1000 °C, whereas, for comparison, the microcrystalline powder was hot pressed up to 1500 °C for proper consolidation. The authors found that during hot pressing, the powder partially reacts with the graphite die covered by boron nitride, which facilitated punches and powder displacement in the die during densification. Tantalum carbide and boride in the nanocrystalline material was found, which can improve the mechanical properties. The hardness of the HFIH and PPS nanocrystalline tantalum was as high as 625 and 615 HV, respectively. The microstructure was more uniform in the PPS nanomaterial. The corrosion resistance in both cases deteriorated, in comparison to the microcrystalline material, while the PPS material corrosion resistance was slightly better than that of the HFIH one.

Overview of MST Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarff, J. S.

2016-10-01

MST progress in advancing the RFP for (1) fusion plasma confinement with ohmic heating and minimal external magnetization, (2) predictive capability in toroidal confinement physics, and (3) basic plasma physics is summarized. Validation of key plasma models is a program priority. Programmable power supplies (PPS) are being developed to maximize inductive capability. Well-controlled flattops with current as low as 0.02 MA are produced with an existing PPS, and Ip <= 0.8 MA is anticipated with a second PPS under construction. The Lundquist number spans S =10(4 - 9) for 0.02-0.8 MA, allowing nonlinear MHD validation using NIMROD and DEBS at low S to be connected to highest S experiments. The PPS also enables MST tokamak operation for studying transients and runaway electron suppression with RMPs. Gyrokinetic modeling with GENE predicts unstable TEM in improved-confinement plasmas. Fluctuations are measured with TEM properties including a density-gradient threshold larger than for tokamak plasmas. Probe measurements hint that drift waves are also excited via the turbulent cascade in standard RFP plasmas. Turbulent energization of an electron tail occurs during sawtooth reconnection. New diagnostics are being developed to measure the energetic ion profile and transport from EP instabilities with NBI. Supported by US DoE and NSF.

[Remote sensing of atmospheric trace gas by airborne passive FTIR].

PubMed

Gao, Min-quang; Liu, Wen-qing; Zhang, Tian-shu; Liu, Jian-guo; Lu, Yi-huai; Wang, Ya-ping; Xu, Liang; Zhu, Jun; Chen, Jun

2006-12-01

The present article describes the details of aviatic measurement for remote sensing trace gases in atmosphere under various surface backgrounds with airborne passive FTIR. The passive down viewing and remote sensing technique used in the experiment is discussed. The method of acquiring atmospheric trace gases infrared characteristic spectra in complicated background and the algorithm of concentration retrieval are discussed. The concentrations of CO and N2O of boundary-layer atmosphere in experimental region below 1000 m are analyzed quantitatively. This measurement technique and the data analysis method, which does not require a previously measured background spectrum, allow fast and mobile remote detection and identification of atmosphere trace gas in large area, and also can be used for urgent monitoring of pollution accidental breakout.

Real-World Single-Center Experience with Sofosbuvir-Based Regimens for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 Patients

PubMed Central

Shin, Hyun Phil; Burman, Blaire; Kozarek, Richard A.; Zeigler, Amy; Wang, Chia; Lee, Houghton; Zehr, Troy; Edwards, Alicia M.; Siddique, Asma

2017-01-01

Background/Aims The approval of sofosbuvir (SOF), a direct-acting antiviral, has revolutionized the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). Methods We assessed the sustained virological response (SVR) of SOF-based regimens in a real-world single-center setting for the treatment of chronic HCV genotype 1 (G1) patients. This was a retrospective review of chronic HCV G1 adult patients treated with a SOF-based regimen at Virginia Mason Medical Center between December 2013 and August 2015. Results The cohort comprised 343 patients. Patients received SOF+ledipasvir (LDV) (n=155), SOF+simeprevir (SIM) (n=154), or SOF+peginterferon (PEG)+ribavirin (RBV) (n=34). Of the patients, 50.1% (n=172) had cirrhosis. The SVR rate was 92.2% for SOF/LDV, 87.0% for SOF/SIM, and 82.4% for SOF/PEG/RBV. Compared with the cirrhotic patients, the patients without cirrhosis had a higher SVR (96.8% vs 85.5%, p=0.01, SOF/LDV; 98.2% vs 80.6%, p=0.002, SOF/SIM; 86.4% vs 75.0%, p=0.41, SOF/PEG/RBV). In this study, prior treatment experience adversely affected the response rate in subjects treated with SOF/PEG/RBV. Conclusions In this single-center, real-world setting, the treatment of chronic HCV G1 resulted in a high rate of SVR, especially in patients without cirrhosis. PMID:28651301

Simethicone adjunct to polyethylene glycol improves small bowel capsule endoscopy imaging in non-Crohn’s disease patients

PubMed Central

Papamichael, Konstantinos; Karatzas, Pantelis; Theodoropoulos, Ioannis; Kyriakos, Nikos; Archavlis, Emmanuel; Mantzaris, Gerasimos J.

2015-01-01

Background Currently, there is no standardized protocol for bowel preparation before small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE). This study aimed to investigate the effect of simethicone combined with polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the visualization quality (VQ) of the SBCE in patients with or without known or suspected Crohn’s disease (CD). Methods This observational, prospective, single-center study included consecutive patients undergoing a SBCE between 2007 and 2008. Patients received either a standard bowel cleansing preparation of 2 L PEG and 80 mg simethicone orally 12 and 1 h before SBCE respectively (Group A) or only PEG (Group B). VQ, based on scores for luminal bubbles in frames taken from the small intestine, examination completeness, SBCE diagnostic yield, gastric and small bowel transit times were recorded. Results Of the 115 patients finally included (Group A, n=56 and Group B, n=59) the cecum was visualized in 103 (89.6%). Simethicone overall improved the VQ in the proximal [OR: 2.43 (95%CI: 1.08-5.45), P=0.032] but not in the distal bowel segment (P=0.064). Nevertheless, this effect was not observed in patients undergoing SBCE for either known or suspected CD. Conclusion Simethicone as an adjunct to PEG for bowel preparation in patients undergoing SBCE significantly improved the VQ in non-CD patients. PMID:26423317

Efficient Transformation of Oil Palm Protoplasts by PEG-Mediated Transfection and DNA Microinjection

PubMed Central

Masani, Mat Yunus Abdul; Noll, Gundula A.; Parveez, Ghulam Kadir Ahmad; Sambanthamurthi, Ravigadevi; Prüfer, Dirk

2014-01-01

Background Genetic engineering remains a major challenge in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) because particle bombardment and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation are laborious and/or inefficient in this species, often producing chimeric plants and escapes. Protoplasts are beneficial as a starting material for genetic engineering because they are totipotent, and chimeras are avoided by regenerating transgenic plants from single cells. Novel approaches for the transformation of oil palm protoplasts could therefore offer a new and efficient strategy for the development of transgenic oil palm plants. Methodology/Principal Findings We recently achieved the regeneration of healthy and fertile oil palms from protoplasts. Therefore, we focused on the development of a reliable PEG-mediated transformation protocol for oil palm protoplasts by establishing and validating optimal heat shock conditions, concentrations of DNA, PEG and magnesium chloride, and the transfection procedure. We also investigated the transformation of oil palm protoplasts by DNA microinjection and successfully regenerated transgenic microcalli expressing green fluorescent protein as a visible marker to determine the efficiency of transformation. Conclusions/Significance We have established the first successful protocols for the transformation of oil palm protoplasts by PEG-mediated transfection and DNA microinjection. These novel protocols allow the rapid and efficient generation of non-chimeric transgenic callus and represent a significant milestone in the use of protoplasts as a starting material for the development of genetically-engineered oil palm plants. PMID:24821306

DNA Nanocarriers for Systemic Administration: Characterization and In Vivo Bioimaging in Healthy Mice

PubMed Central

David, Stephanie; Passirani, Catherine; Carmoy, Nathalie; Morille, Marie; Mevel, Mathieu; Chatin, Benoit; Benoit, Jean-Pierre; Montier, Tristan; Pitard, Bruno

2013-01-01

We hereby present different DNA nanocarriers consisting of new multimodular systems (MMS), containing the cationic lipid dioleylaminesuccinylparomomycin (DNA MMS DOSP), or bis (guanidinium)-tren-cholesterol (DNA MMS BGTC), and DNA lipid nanocapsules (DNA LNCs). Active targeting of the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R) using galactose as a ligand for DNA MMS (GAL DNA MMS) and passive targeting using a polyethylene glycol coating for DNA LNCs (PEG DNA LNCs) should improve the properties of these DNA nanocarriers. All systems were characterized via physicochemical methods and the DNA payload of DNA LNCs was quantified for the first time. Afterwards, their biodistribution in healthy mice was analyzed after encapsulation of a fluorescent dye via in vivo biofluorescence imaging (BFI), revealing various distribution profiles depending on the cationic lipid used and their surface characteristics. Furthermore, the two vectors with the best prolonged circulation profile were administered twice in healthy mice revealing that the new DNA MMS DOSP vectors showed no toxicity and the same distribution profile for both injections, contrary to PEG DNA LNCs which showed a rapid clearance after the second injection, certainly due to the accelerated blood clearance phenomenon. PMID:23299832

The etiology and determinants of hospital closure.

PubMed

Longo, D R; Sohn, M W; Shortell, S M

1996-01-01

This article examines the etiology of hospital closure and the correlates of hospital closure and the extent of similarity in this organizational outcome between pre- and post-Prospective Payment System (PPS) implementation. It also replicates a study from an earlier time period. Findings support the study's main hypotheses: in more stringent and turbulent markets, institutional and strategic variables are more important determinants of hospital closure. Merger acquisitions are found to be similar to both system acquisitions and autonomous hospitals. Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) status and regulation show an effect on hospital closure and merger acquisition. While many similarities exist when compared to the replicated study and findings prior to PPS implementation, it appears that sufficient differences exist to support the hypothesis that the PPS has an impact upon hospital organizational outcome.

Effect of PEG-PDLLA polymeric nanovesicles loaded with doxorubicin and hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether on human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells in vitro.

PubMed

Xiang, Guang-Hua; Hong, Guo-Bin; Wang, Yong; Cheng, Du; Zhou, Jing-Xing; Shuai, Xin-Tao

2013-01-01

To evaluate the cytotoxicity of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PEG-PDLLA) nanovesicles loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) and the photosensitizer hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) on human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and to investigate potential apoptotic mechanisms. PEG-PDLLA nanovesicles were simultaneously loaded with DOX and HMME (PEG-PDLLA-DOX-HMME), and PEG-PDLLA nanovesicles were loaded with DOX (PEG-PDLLA-DOX), HMME (PEG-PDLLA-HMME), or the PEG-PDLLA nanovesicle alone as controls. The cytotoxicity of PEG-PDLLA-DOX-HMME, PEG-PDLLA-DOX, PEG-PDLLA-HMME, and PEG-PDLLA against HepG2 cells was measured, and the cellular reactive oxygen species, percentage of cells with mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, and apoptotic rate following treatment were determined. Four nanovesicles (PEG-PDLLA-DOX-HMME, PEG-PDLLA-DOX, PEG-PDLLA-HMME, and PEG-PDLLA) were synthesized, and mean particle sizes were 175±18 nm, 154±3 nm, 196±2 nm, and 147±15 nm, respectively. PEG-PDLLA-DOX-HMME was more cytotoxic than PEG-PDLLA-DOX, PEG-PDLLA-HMME, and PEG-PDLLA. PEG-PDLLA-HMME-treated cells had the highest mean fluorescence intensity, followed by PEG-PDLLA-DOX-HMME-treated cells, whereas PEG-PDLLA-DOX- and PEG-PDLLA-treated cells had a similar fluorescence intensity. Mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization was observed in 54.2%, 59.4%, 13.8%, and 14.8% of the cells treated with PEG-PDLLA-DOX-HMME, PEG-PDLLA-HMME, PEG-PDLLA-DOX, and PEG-PDLLA, respectively. The apoptotic rate was significantly higher in PEG-PDLLA-DOX-HMME-treated cells compared with PEG-PDLLA-DOX- and PEG-PDLLA-HMME-treated cells. The PEG-PDLLA nanovesicle, a drug delivery carrier, can be simultaneously loaded with two anticancer drugs (hydrophilic DOX and hydrophobic HMME). PEG-PDLLA-DOX-HMME cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells is significantly higher than the PEG-PDLLA nanovesicle loaded with DOX or HMME alone, and DOX and HMME have a synergistic effect against human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells.

Effects of Composition of Alginate-Polyethylene Glycol Microcapsules and Transplant Site on Encapsulated Islet Graft Outcomes in Mice

PubMed Central

Villa, Chiara; Manzoli, Vita; Abreu, Maria M.; Verheyen, Connor A.; Seskin, Michael; Najjar, Mejdi; Molano, R. Damaris; Torrente, Yvan; Ricordi, Camillo; Tomei, Alice A.

2017-01-01

Background Understanding the effects of capsule composition and transplantation site on graft outcomes of encapsulated islets will aid in the development of more effective strategies for islet transplantation without immunosuppression. Methods Here, we evaluated the effects of transplanting alginate (ALG)-based microcapsules (Micro) in the confined and well-vascularized epididymal fat pad (EFP) site, a model of the human omentum, as opposed to free-floating in the intraperitoneal cavity (IP) in mice. We also examined the effects of reinforcing ALG with polyethylene glycol (PEG). To allow transplantation in the EFP site, we minimized capsule size to 500 ± 17 μm. Unlike ALG, PEG resists osmotic stress, hence we generated hybrid microcapsules by mixing PEG and ALG (MicroMix) or by coating ALG capsules with a 15 ± 2 μm PEG layer (Double). Results We found improved engraftment of fully allogeneic BALB/c islets in Micro capsules transplanted in the EFP (median reversal time [MRT], 1 day) versus the IP site (MRT, 5 days; P < 0.01) in diabetic C57BL/6 mice and of Micro encapsulated (MRT, 8 days) versus naked (MRT, 36 days; P < 0.01) baboon islets transplanted in the EFP site. Although in vitro viability and functionality of islets within MicroMix and Double capsules were comparable to Micro, addition of PEG to ALG in MicroMix capsules improved engraftment of allogeneic islets in the IP site, but resulted deleterious in the EFP site, probably due to lower biocompatibility. Conclusions Our results suggest that capsule composition and transplant site affect graft outcomes through their effects on nutrient availability, capsule stability, and biocompatibility. PMID:27525644

Assessment of the Intestinal Barrier with Five Different Permeability Tests in Healthy C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ Mice.

PubMed

Volynets, Valentina; Reichold, Astrid; Bárdos, Gyöngyi; Rings, Andreas; Bleich, André; Bischoff, Stephan C

2016-03-01

Intestinal permeability is thought to be of major relevance for digestive and nutrition-related diseases, and therefore has been studied in numerous mouse models of disease. However, it is unclear which tools are the preferable ones, and how normal values should be defined. To compare different in vivo permeability tests in healthy mice of commonly used genetic backgrounds. We assessed the intestinal barrier in male and female C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ mice of different ages, using four orally administered permeability markers, FITC-dextran 4000 (FITC-D4000) and ovalbumin (OVA) measured in plasma, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) and lactulose/mannitol (Lac/Man) measured in urine, and by assessing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in portal vein plasma. After gavage, FITC-D4000, OVA, Lac/Man, and PEG400, but not PEG4000, were detectable in plasma or urine. Female mice tended to have a higher permeability according to the FITC-D4000, OVA, and PEG400 tests, but the Lac/Man ratio was higher in males. No significant differences between the two mouse strains of young and old mice were observed except for mannitol recovery, which was higher in BALB/cJ mice compared to C57BL/6J mice (p < 0.05). Virtually no LPS was detected in healthy mice. For all markers, normal values have been defined based on 5th-95th percentile ranges of our data. Selected oral permeability tests, such as FITC-D4000, OVA, PEG400, and Lac/Man, as well as LPS measurements in portal vein plasma, could be suitable for the evaluation of the intestinal barrier in mice, if used in a standardized way.

Stimulation of colonic motility by oral PEG electrolyte bowel preparation assessed by MRI: comparison of split vs single dose

PubMed Central

Marciani, L; Garsed, K C; Hoad, C L; Fields, A; Fordham, I; Pritchard, S E; Placidi, E; Murray, K; Chaddock, G; Costigan, C; Lam, C; Jalanka-Tuovinen, J; De Vos, W M; Gowland, P A; Spiller, R C

2014-01-01

Background Most methods of assessing colonic motility are poorly acceptable to patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can monitor gastrointestinal motility and fluid distributions. We predicted that a dose of oral polyethylene glycol (PEG) and electrolyte solution would increase ileo-colonic inflow and stimulate colonic motility. We aimed to investigate the colonic response to distension by oral PEG electrolyte in healthy volunteers (HVs) and to evaluate the effect of single 2 L vs split (2 × 1 L) dosing. Methods Twelve HVs received a split dose (1 L the evening before and 1 L on the study day) and another 12 HVs a single dose (2 L on the main study day) of PEG electrolyte. They underwent MRI scans, completed symptom questionnaires, and provided stool samples. Outcomes included small bowel water content, ascending colon motility index, and regional colonic volumes. Key Results Small bowel water content increased fourfold from baseline after ingesting both split (p = 0.0010) and single dose (p = 0.0005). The total colonic volume increase from baseline was smaller for the split dose at 35 ± 8% than for the single dose at 102 ± 27%, p = 0.0332. The ascending colon motility index after treatment was twofold higher for the single dose group (p = 0.0103). Conclusions & Inferences Ingestion of 1 and 2 L PEG electrolyte solution caused a rapid increase in the small bowel and colonic volumes and a robust rise in colonic motility. The increase in both volumes and motility was dose dependent. Such a challenge, being well-tolerated, could be a useful way of assessing colonic motility in future studies. PMID:25060551

The experience of purchaser-provider split in the implementation of family physician and rural health insurance in Iran: an institutional approach.

PubMed

Takian, Amirhossein; Rashidian, Arash; Doshmangir, Leila

2015-12-01

The Iranian health system, under the banner of family physician (FP) programme, has undergone substantial reforms to change utilization of health services, improve quality of care and enhance affordability. The national implementation of FP initiated in 2005 in parallel with rural health insurance (RHI) in rural areas and cities of <20 000 populations in Iran. The implementation of FP was the first national attempt to split the purchaser and provider of the primary health-care services in Iran. Using an adapted institutional approach, this article aims to explore the process of purchaser-provider split (PPS) during the implementation of FP and RHI reforms, and its consequences for the health system in Iran. We conducted 71 face-to-face interviews and three focus group discussions at national, provincial and local levels with policy makers, managers, researchers, health-care practitioners and representatives of the public. Interviews and focus groups were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data collection was supplemented by the review of relevant documents at all three levels. We analysed the data using an inductive-deductive framework analysis approach. Views towards PPS and its consequences on the implementation of FP were diverse. Some participants identified the PPS as an essential reform for undertaking the parallel implementation of FP and RHI. Others wondered whether the split has been beneficial as expected and asked for more scrutiny. The implementation of FP and RHI in Iran demonstrated the mixed effects of PPS on health system performance. Our research revealed that PPS did not succeed in changing the status quo, became a reason for fighting, misunderstanding, lack of co-operation and failure of the fragile partnership between the purchaser and provider. We advocate careful contextual preparation prior to large-scale application of PPS during nationwide implementation of FP in Iran as well as other settings. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine © The Author 2015; all rights reserved.

An investigation into the magnitude of the current window and perception of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) sensation at various frequencies and body sites in healthy human participants.

PubMed

Hughes, Nicola; Bennett, Michael I; Johnson, Mark I

2013-02-01

Strong nonpainful transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is prerequisite to a successful analgesic outcome although the ease with which this sensation is achieved is likely to depend on the magnitude of current amplitude (mA) between sensory detection threshold (SDT) and pain threshold, that is, the current window. To measure the current window and participant's perception of the comfort of the TENS sensation at different body sites. A repeated measure cross-over study was conducted using 30 healthy adult volunteers. Current amplitudes (mA) of TENS [2 pulses per second (pps); 30 pps; 80 pps] at SDT, pain threshold, and strong nonpainful intensities were measured at the tibia (bone), knee joint (connective tissue), lower back [paraspinal (skeletal) muscle], volar surface of forearm (nerve) and waist (fat). The amplitude to achieve a strong nonpainful intensity was represented as a percentage of the current window. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Effects were detected for body site and frequency for SDT (P<0.001, P=0.018, respectively), current window (P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively), and strong nonpainful TENS as a percentage of the current window (P=0.002, P<0.001, respectively). The current window was larger for the knee joint compared with tibia (difference [95% confidence interval]=12.76 mA [4.25, 21.28]; P=0.001) and forearm (10.33 mA [2.62, 18.40]; P=0.006), and for the lower back compared with tibia (12.10 mA [1.65, 22.52]; P=0.015) and forearm (9.65 mA [1.06, 18.24]; P=0.019). The current window was larger for 2 pps compared with 30 pps (P<0.001) and 80 pps (P<0.001). Participants rated strong nonpainful TENS as most comfortable at the lower back (P<0.001) and least comfortable at the tibia and forearm (P<0.001). TENS is most comfortable and easiest to titrate to a strong nonpainful intensity when applied over areas of muscle and soft tissue.

Trends in the supply of inpatient rehabilitation facilities services: 1996 to 2004.

PubMed

Mallinson, Trudy R; Manheim, Larry M; Almagor, Orit; Demark, Holly M; Heinemann, Allen W

2008-11-01

Describe the supply of inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) services in 1996 and examine changes between 1996 and 2004, including the impact of the IRF prospective payment system (PPS) in 2002 on organizational trends. Retrospective pre-post design. Freestanding and subprovider (distinct-part units) IRFs. IRFs (N=1424), including 257 freestanding IRFs and 1167 IRF units reported in the Healthcare Cost Report Information System database, from years 1996 to 2004. Not applicable. Number of IRF openings, IRF closures, beds, and inpatient days. The number of IRFs grew from 1037 to 1183 between 1996 and 2001 and grew to 1235 between 2001 and 2004. The likelihood of IRF closures trended lower after PPS, and there was a significant increase in the likelihood of openings when PPS was introduced. For-profit, rural, and small IRFs were more likely to open over the entire period. There was a 12.9% increase in the number of total inpatient days, somewhat less than the 15.7% growth in IRF beds over the period. There was no impact of PPS on beds available but a significant decline in total inpatient days after PPS. Inpatient days rose under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act and declined after 2002. Yet the likelihood of openings and closures did not appear to respond to these changes, perhaps because they were modest compared with changes in local IRF markets. The IRF PPS did little to affect service distribution in less well-served areas, although we did find growth in rural areas. Occupancy rates in 2004 were close to rates at the start of the period (70%). This observation implies that IRFs were implementing strategies to recruit a sufficient number of patients, even though bed numbers were increasing and length of stay was declining. Consequently, policy that limits the potential of IRFs to increase patient admissions, such as the limits on admissions to IRFs of patients with conditions other than those included in the 75% rule, is likely to produce substantial decreases in total inpatient days.

The integrated care pathway for post stroke patients (iCaPPS): a shared care approach between stakeholders in areas with limited access to specialist stroke care services.

PubMed

Abdul Aziz, Aznida Firzah; Mohd Nordin, Nor Azlin; Ali, Mohd Fairuz; Abd Aziz, Noor Azah; Sulong, Saperi; Aljunid, Syed Mohamed

2017-01-13

Lack of intersectoral collaboration within public health sectors compound efforts to promote effective multidisciplinary post stroke care after discharge following acute phase. A coordinated, primary care-led care pathway to manage post stroke patients residing at home in the community was designed by an expert panel of specialist stroke care providers to help overcome fragmented post stroke care in areas where access is limited or lacking. Expert panel discussions comprising Family Medicine Specialists, Neurologists, Rehabilitation Physicians and Therapists, and Nurse Managers from Ministry of Health and acadaemia were conducted. In Phase One, experts chartered current care processes in public healthcare facilities, from acute stroke till discharge and also patients who presented late with stroke symptoms to public primary care health centres. In Phase Two, modified Delphi technique was employed to obtain consensus on recommendations, based on current evidence and best care practices. Care algorithms were designed around existing work schedules at public health centres. Indication for patients eligible for monitoring by primary care at public health centres were identified. Gaps in transfer of care occurred either at post discharge from acute care or primary care patients diagnosed at or beyond subacute phase at health centres. Essential information required during transfer of care from tertiary care to primary care providers was identified. Care algorithms including appropriate tools were summarised to guide primary care teams to identify patients requiring further multidisciplinary interventions. Shared care approaches with Specialist Stroke care team were outlined. Components of the iCaPPS were developed simultaneously: (i) iCaPPS-Rehab© for rehabilitation of stroke patients at community level (ii) iCaPPS-Swallow© guided the primary care team to screen and manage stroke related swallowing problems. Coordinated post stroke care monitoring service for patients at community level is achievable using the iCaPPS and its components as a guide. The iCaPPS may be used for post stroke care monitoring of patients in similar fragmented healthcare delivery systems or areas with limited access to specialist stroke care services. No.: ACTRN12616001322426 (Registration Date: 21st September 2016).

Identifying Variability in Mental Models Within and Between Disciplines Caring for the Cardiac Surgical Patient.

PubMed

Brown, Evans K H; Harder, Kathleen A; Apostolidou, Ioanna; Wahr, Joyce A; Shook, Douglas C; Farivar, R Saeid; Perry, Tjorvi E; Konia, Mojca R

2017-07-01

The cardiac operating room is a complex environment requiring efficient and effective communication between multiple disciplines. The objectives of this study were to identify and rank critical time points during the perioperative care of cardiac surgical patients, and to assess variability in responses, as a correlate of a shared mental model, regarding the importance of these time points between and within disciplines. Using Delphi technique methodology, panelists from 3 institutions were tasked with developing a list of critical time points, which were subsequently assigned to pause point (PP) categories. Panelists then rated these PPs on a 100-point visual analog scale. Descriptive statistics were expressed as percentages, medians, and interquartile ranges (IQRs). We defined low response variability between panelists as an IQR ≤ 20, moderate response variability as an IQR > 20 and ≤ 40, and high response variability as an IQR > 40. Panelists identified a total of 12 PPs. The PPs identified by the highest number of panelists were (1) before surgical incision, (2) before aortic cannulation, (3) before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) initiation, (4) before CPB separation, and (5) at time of transfer of care from operating room (OR) to intensive care unit (ICU) staff. There was low variability among panelists' ratings of the PP "before surgical incision," moderate response variability for the PPs "before separation from CPB," "before transfer from OR table to bed," and "at time of transfer of care from OR to ICU staff," and high response variability for the remaining 8 PPs. In addition, the perceived importance of each of these PPs varies between disciplines and between institutions. Cardiac surgical providers recognize distinct critical time points during cardiac surgery. However, there is a high degree of variability within and between disciplines as to the importance of these times, suggesting an absence of a shared mental model among disciplines caring for cardiac surgical patients during the perioperative period. A lack of a shared mental model could be one of the factors contributing to preventable errors in cardiac operating rooms.

Pb-210 and Po-210 atmospheric releases via fly ash from oil shale-fired power plants.

PubMed

Vaasma, Taavi; Loosaar, Jüri; Gyakwaa, Francis; Kiisk, Madis; Özden, Banu; Tkaczyk, Alan H

2017-03-01

During high temperature processes in the furnace volatile and semi-volatile elements and radionuclides are partially emitted to the environment, depending on their chemical form in the original fuel, the technological set-up of the combustion system, and the prevailing combustion conditions. Two of the world's largest oil shale-fired power plants (PPs) have been operational in Estonia from the 1960s, during which time creation of significant environmental emissions and waste containing naturally occurring radionuclides has occurred. Pb-210 and 210 Po are considered natural radionuclides with the highest emission rates from PPs and possess elevated potential radiation exposure risks to humans and the environment. These radionuclides have the highest activity concentration values in fine ash fractions, especially in fractions remaining below 2.5 μm. To determine the activity concentrations of 210 Pb and 210 Po in the PPs' outlet, sampling was conducted from boilers operating on pulverized fuel (PF) technology with novel integrated desulphurization (NID) system and bag filters as well as with electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). The 210 Pb and 210 Po activity concentrations remained around 300 Bq kg -1 for the NID system compared to 60-80 Bq kg -1 in the ESP system. The dominant ash fraction in both systems was PM2.5, constituting over 50% of the fly ash mass collected from the outlet. The authors estimate that the total atmospherically emitted activity for the modernized PPs remains dominantly below 1% of the activity that is inserted via fuel. The implementation of higher efficiency purifications systems has significantly reduced the negative effect of these PPs. Based on annually emitted fly ash and boilers' working hours, the 210 Pb and 210 Po activity released relative to energy production were up to 68.3 kBq GWh el -1 for 210 Pb and 64.6 kBq GWh el -1 for 210 Po. These values are 1 to 2 orders of magnitude lower compared to the situation in the 1980s. These findings represent the first publicly available quantitative results estimating the 210 Po emissions from large oil shale-fired PPs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of the Methoxy Group in Immune Responses to mPEG-Protein Conjugates

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Anti-PEG antibodies have been reported to mediate the accelerated clearance of PEG-conjugated proteins and liposomes, all of which contain methoxyPEG (mPEG). The goal of this research was to assess the role of the methoxy group in the immune responses to mPEG conjugates and the potential advantages of replacing mPEG with hydroxyPEG (HO-PEG). Rabbits were immunized with mPEG, HO-PEG, or t-butoxyPEG (t-BuO-PEG) conjugates of human serum albumin, human interferon-α, or porcine uricase as adjuvant emulsions. Assay plates for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were coated with mPEG, HO-PEG, or t-BuO-PEG conjugates of the non-cross-reacting protein, porcine superoxide dismutase (SOD). In sera from rabbits immunized with HO-PEG conjugates of interferon-α or uricase, the ratio of titers of anti-PEG antibodies detected on mPEG-SOD over HO-PEG-SOD (“relative titer”) had a median of 1.1 (range 0.9–1.5). In contrast, sera from rabbits immunized with mPEG conjugates of three proteins had relative titers with a median of 3.0 (range 1.1–20). Analyses of sera from rabbits immunized with t-BuO-PEG-albumin showed that t-butoxy groups are more immunogenic than methoxy groups. Adding Tween 20 or Tween 80 to buffers used to wash the assay plates, as is often done in ELISAs, greatly reduced the sensitivity of detection of anti-PEG antibodies. Competitive ELISAs revealed that the affinities of antibodies raised against mPEG-uricase were c. 70 times higher for 10 kDa mPEG than for 10 kDa PEG diol and that anti-PEG antibodies raised against mPEG conjugates of three proteins had >1000 times higher affinities for albumin conjugates with c. 20 mPEGs than for analogous HO-PEG-albumin conjugates. Overall, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that antibodies with high affinity for methoxy groups contribute to the loss of efficacy of mPEG conjugates, especially if multiply-PEGylated. Using monofunctionally activated HO-PEG instead of mPEG in preparing conjugates for clinical use might decrease this undesirable effect. PMID:22332808

A Venom Serpin Splicing Isoform of the Endoparasitoid Wasp Pteromalus puparum Suppresses Host Prophenoloxidase Cascade by Forming Complexes with Host Hemolymph Proteinases*

PubMed Central

Yan, Zhichao; Fang, Qi; Liu, Yang; Xiao, Shan; Yang, Lei; Wang, Fei; An, Chunju; Werren, John H.; Ye, Gongyin

2017-01-01

To ensure successful parasitism, parasitoid wasps inject venom along with their eggs into their hosts. The venom serves to suppress host immune responses, including melanization. Venom from Pteromalus puparum, a pupal endoparasitoid, inhibits melanization of host hemolymph in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Using assay-guided fractionation, a serpin splicing isoform with phenoloxidase inhibitory activity was identified as P. puparum serpin-1, venom isoform (PpS1V). This serpin gene has 16 predicted splicing isoforms that differ only in the C-terminal region. RT-PCR results show that the specific serpin isoform is differentially expressed in the venom gland. Recombinant PpS1V (rPpS1V) suppresses host prophenoloxidase (PPO) activation rather than inhibiting the phenoloxidase directly. Pulldown assays show that PpS1V forms complexes with two host hemolymph proteins, here named Pieris rapae hemolymph proteinase 8 (PrHP8) and P. rapae prophenoloxidase-activating proteinase 1 (PrPAP1), based on gene sequence blasting and phylogenetic analysis. The role of rPrPAP1 in the PPO activation cascade and its interaction with rPpS1V were confirmed. The stoichiometry of inhibition of PrPAP1 by PpS1V is 2.3. PpS1V also inhibits PPO activation in a non-natural host, Ostrinia furnacalis, through forming a complex with O. furnacalis serine protease 13 (OfSP13), an ortholog to PrPAP1. Our results identify a venom-enriched serpin isoform in P. puparum that inhibits host PPO activation, probably by forming a complex with host hemolymph proteinase PrPAP1. PMID:27913622

Real-world outcomes in patients with depression treated with duloxetine or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in East Asia.

PubMed

Hong, Jihyung; Novick, Diego; Montgomery, William; Moneta, Maria Victoria; Dueñas, Héctor; Peng, Xiaomei; Haro, Josep Maria

2016-03-01

This study compared treatment outcomes in patients with major depressive disorder treated with either duloxetine with a daily dose of ≤60 mg or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) as monotherapy for up to 6 months in a naturalistic setting in East Asia. In addition, this study examined the impact of painful physical symptoms (PPS) on the effects of these treatments. This post-hoc analysis of data from a 6-month prospective observational study involving 1,549 major depressive disorder patients without sexual dysfunction focused on a subgroup of patients from East Asia (n = 587). Depression severity was measured using the Clinical Global Impression of Severity and the 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report (QIDS-SR16 ), whereas quality of life (QoL) was measured using EuroQoL instruments. PPS were rated using the modified Somatic Symptom Inventory. Multiple regression analyses were performed to compare the treatment outcomes. Duloxetine-treated patients had higher odds of achieving remission (odds ratio = 2.578, P < 0.001) and response (odds ratio = 2.704, P < 0.001) during follow-up, compared with SSRI-treated patients. They also had lower levels of disease severity and higher levels of QoL during follow-up. A similar pattern was observed in each subgroup of patients with and without PPS at baseline, but the effects of duloxetine relative to SSRIs were in general greater in patients with PPS. Patients treated with duloxetine had better treatment outcomes in terms of remission, response, depressive symptoms, and QoL, compared with SSRIs. Treatment with duloxetine may have additional advantages for patients with concurrent PPS. © 2015 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

The Fate of Pollutants in Porous Asphalt Pavements, Laboratory Experiments to Investigate Their Potential to Impact Environmental Health.

PubMed

Charlesworth, Susanne M; Beddow, Jamie; Nnadi, Ernest O

2017-06-21

Pervious Paving Systems (PPS) are part of a sustainable approach to drainage in which excess surface water is encouraged to infiltrate through their structure, during which potentially toxic elements, such as metals and hydrocarbons are treated by biodegradation and physical entrapment and storage. However, it is not known where in the PPS structure these contaminants accumulate, which has implications for environmental health, particularly during maintenance, as well as consequences for the recycling of material from the PPS at the end-of-life. A 1 m³ porous asphalt (PA) PPS test rig was monitored for 38 months after monthly additions of road sediment (RS) (367.5 g in total) and unused oil (430 mL in total), characteristic of urban loadings, were applied. Using a rainfall simulator, a typical UK rainfall rate of 15 mm/h was used to investigate its efficiency in dealing with contamination. Water quality of the effluent discharged from the rig was found to be suitable for discharge to most environments. On completion of the monitoring, a core was taken down through its surface, and samples of sediment and aggregate were taken. Analysis showed that most of the sediment remained in the surface course, with metal levels lower than the original RS, but higher than clean, unused aggregate or PA. However, even extrapolating these concentrations to 20 years' worth of in-service use (the projected life of PPS) did not suggest their accumulation would present an environmental pollution risk when carrying out maintenance of the pavement and also indicates that the material could be recycled at end-of-life.

A diagnostic model for impending death in cancer patients: Preliminary report.

PubMed

Hui, David; Hess, Kenneth; dos Santos, Renata; Chisholm, Gary; Bruera, Eduardo

2015-11-01

Several highly specific bedside physical signs associated with impending death within 3 days for patients with advanced cancer were recently identified. A diagnostic model for impending death based on these physical signs was developed and assessed. Sixty-two physical signs were systematically documented every 12 hours from admission to death or discharge for 357 patients with advanced cancer who were admitted to acute palliative care units (APCUs) at 2 tertiary care cancer centers. Recursive partitioning analysis was used to develop a prediction model for impending death within 3 days with admission data. The model was validated with 5 iterations of 10-fold cross-validation, and the model was also applied to APCU days 2 to 6. For the 322 of 357 patients (90%) with complete data for all signs, the 3-day mortality rate was 24% on admission. The final model was based on 2 variables (Palliative Performance Scale [PPS] and drooping of nasolabial folds) and had 4 terminal leaves: PPS score ≤ 20% and drooping of nasolabial folds present, PPS score ≤ 20% and drooping of nasolabial folds absent, PPS score of 30% to 60%, and PPS score ≥ 70%. The 3-day mortality rates were 94%, 42%, 16%, and 3%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy was 81% for the original tree, 80% for cross-validation, and 79% to 84% for subsequent APCU days. Based on 2 objective bedside physical signs, a diagnostic model was developed for impending death within 3 days. This model was applicable to both APCU admission and subsequent days. Upon further external validation, this model may help clinicians to formulate the diagnosis of impending death. © 2015 American Cancer Society.

Stormwater harvesting for irrigation purposes: an investigation of chemical quality of water recycled in pervious pavement system.

PubMed

Nnadi, Ernest O; Newman, Alan P; Coupe, Stephen J; Mbanaso, Fredrick U

2015-01-01

Most available water resources in the world are used for agricultural irrigation. Whilst this level of water use is expected to increase due to rising world population and land use, available water resources are expected to become limited due to climate change and uneven rainfall distribution. Recycled stormwater has the potential to be used as an alternative source of irrigation water and part of sustainable water management strategy. This paper reports on a study to investigate whether a sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) technique, known as the pervious pavements system (PPS) has the capability to recycle water that meets irrigation water quality standard. Furthermore, the experiment provided information on the impact of hydrocarbon (which was applied to simulate oil dripping from parked vehicles onto PPS), leaching of nutrients from different layers of the PPS and effects of nutrients (applied to enhance bioremediation) on the stormwater recycling efficiency of the PPS. A weekly dose of 6.23 × 10(-3) L of lubricating oil and single dose of 17.06 g of polymer coated controlled-release fertilizer granules were applied to the series of 710 mm × 360 mm model pervious pavement structure except the controls. Rainfall intensity of 7.4 mm/h was applied to the test models at the rate of 3 events per week. Analysis of the recycled water showed that PPS has the capability to recycle stormwater to a quality that meets the chemical standards for use in agricultural irrigation irrespective of the type of sub-base used. There is a potential benefit of nutrient availability in recycled water for plants, but care should be taken not to dispose of this water in natural water courses as it might result in eutrophication problems. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Change in inpatient rehabilitation admissions for individuals with traumatic brain injury after implementation of the Medicare inpatient rehabilitation facility prospective payment system.

PubMed

Hoffman, Jeanne M; Donoso Brown, Elena; Chan, Leighton; Dikmen, Sureyya; Temkin, Nancy; Bell, Kathleen R

2012-08-01

To evaluate the impact of Medicare's inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) prospective payment system (PPS) on use of inpatient rehabilitation for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Retrospective cohort study of patients with TBI. One hundred twenty-three level I and II trauma centers across the U.S. who contributed data to the National Trauma Data Bank. Patients (N=135,842) with TBI and an Abbreviated Injury Score of the head of 2 or greater admitted to trauma centers between 1995 and 2004. None. Discharge location: IRF, skilled nursing facility, home, and other hospitals. Compared with inpatient rehabilitation admissions before IRF PPS came into effect, demographic characteristics of admitted patients changed. Those admitted to acute care trauma centers after PPS was enacted (January 2002) were older and nonwhite. No differences were found in rates of injury between men and women. Over time, there was a significant drop in the percent of patients being discharged to inpatient rehabilitation, which varied by region, but was found across all insurance types. In a logistic regression, after controlling for patient characteristics (age, sex, race), injury characteristics (cause, severity), insurance type, and facility, the odds of being discharged to an IRF after a TBI decreased 16% after Medicare's IRF PPS system was enacted. The enactment of the Medicare PPS appears to be associated with a reduction in the chance that patients receive inpatient rehabilitation treatment after a TBI. The impact of these changes on the cost, quality of care, and patient outcome is unknown and should be addressed in future studies. Copyright © 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Risk of overweight and obesity in preschoolers attending private and philanthropic schools.

PubMed

Nascimento, Viviane Gabriela; Schoeps, Denise de Oliveira; Souza, Sônia Buongermino de; Souza, José Maria Pacheco de; Leone, Claudio

2011-01-01

To assess the risk prevalence of overweight and obesity in children enrolled in private and philanthropic preschools in the State of São Paulo. Comparison of two cross sectional studies with children enrolled in private preschools (PPS) or philanthropic (PHP) of the São Paulo Metropolitan Region. Both surveys evaluated the children's environment. To determine the risk of overweight, excess weight and obesity, body mass index (BMI) values were transformed into z scores (according to the World Health Organization - 2006 and 2007). The risk prevalence of overweight (≥ 1 BMIz < 2) in PPS was 21.9% and 24.6% in PHP, with PR = 1.12 (95% CI: 0.96-1.32), without statistical difference. Considering the children with overweight or obesity, (BMIz ≥ 2) the prevalence in PPS was 14.3% and in PHP was 9.0%, with PR = 1.54 (95% CI: 1.23-1.93), p = 0.0002. Overweight and obesity prevalence in males in PPS was 16.4% (n = 409) and in PHP, 11.1% (n = 829), PR = 1.48 (95% CI: 1.10-1.98) and in females it was 12.5% (n = 400) in the PPS and 6.6% (n = 698) in PHP, corresponding to PR = 1.90 (95% CI: 1.30-2.78), both significant differences. Both groups showed a similar and very high prevalence of weight excess. However, overweight and obesity showed a higher prevalence in children from private preschools. This indicates that even though a better socioeconomic level is still a risk factor for overweight and obesity in preschoolers, the same does not seem to occur when analyzing the risk of overweight.

A case-control study of self-reported health, quality-of-life and general functioning among recent immigrants and age- and sex-matched Swedish-born controls.

PubMed

Löfvander, Monica; Rosenblad, Andreas; Wiklund, Tony; Bennström, Halina; Leppert, Jerzy

2014-12-01

To examine whether new immigrants had inferior quality-of-life, well-being and general functioning compared with Swedish age- and sex-matched controls. A prospective case-control study was designed including immigrants from non-European countries, 18-65 years of age, with recent Permanent Permits to Stay (PPS) in Sweden, and age- and sex-matched Swedish-born (SB) persons from the general population in Västmanland County, Sweden. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the brief version of the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life (WHOQOL-BREF) Scale and the General Activity Functioning Assessment Scale (GAF) from DSM-IV were posted (SB), or applied in personal interviews (PPS) with interpreters. Differences between the PPS and SB groups were measured using McNemar's test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test conducted separately for observations at baseline, 6- and 12-month follow-up. There were 93 pairs (mean age 36 years). Persons from Somalia (67%) and Iraq (27%) dominated the PPS group. The differences between the groups were statistically significant for all time points for the Psychological health and Social relationship domains of WHOQOL-BREF, and for the baseline and 6-month follow-up time points of GHQ-12 where the PPS-group had a higher degree of well-being, health and quality-of-life than the SB. This tendency applied for both sexes in the immigrant group. These new immigrants did not have inferior physical or psychological health, quality-of-life, well-being or social functioning compared with their age- and sex-matched Swedish born pairs during a 1-year follow-up. Thus, there is reason to advocate immigrants' fast integration into society. © 2014 the Nordic Societies of Public Health.

Determining the anaerobic threshold in postpolio syndrome: comparison with current guidelines for training intensity prescription.

PubMed

Voorn, Eric L; Gerrits, Karin H; Koopman, Fieke S; Nollet, Frans; Beelen, Anita

2014-05-01

To determine whether the anaerobic threshold (AT) can be identified in individuals with postpolio syndrome (PPS) using submaximal incremental exercise testing, and to compare current guidelines for intensity prescription in PPS with the AT. Cohort study. Research laboratory. Individuals with PPS (N=82). Not applicable. Power output, gas exchange variables, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured in an incremental submaximal cycle ergometry test. Two independent observers identified the AT. Comparison of current guidelines for training intensity prescription in PPS (40%-60% heart rate reserve [HRR] or RPE of 12) with the AT was based on correlations between recommended heart rate and the heart rate at the AT. In addition, we determined the proportion of individuals that would have been recommended to train at an intensity corresponding to their AT. The AT was identified in 63 (77%) of the participants. Pearson correlation coefficients between the recommended heart rate and the heart rate at the AT were lower in cases of 40% HRR (r=.56) and 60% HRR (r=.50) than in cases of prescription based on the RPE (r=.86). Based on the RPE, 55% of the individuals would have been recommended to train at an intensity corresponding to their AT. This proportion was higher compared with 40% HRR (41%) or 60% HRR (18%) as criterion. The AT can be identified in most individuals with PPS offering an individualized target for aerobic training. If the AT cannot be identified (eg, because gas analysis equipment is not available), intensity prescription can best be based on the RPE. Copyright © 2014 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Fate of Pollutants in Porous Asphalt Pavements, Laboratory Experiments to Investigate Their Potential to Impact Environmental Health

PubMed Central

Charlesworth, Susanne M.; Beddow, Jamie; Nnadi, Ernest O.

2017-01-01

Pervious Paving Systems (PPS) are part of a sustainable approach to drainage in which excess surface water is encouraged to infiltrate through their structure, during which potentially toxic elements, such as metals and hydrocarbons are treated by biodegradation and physical entrapment and storage. However, it is not known where in the PPS structure these contaminants accumulate, which has implications for environmental health, particularly during maintenance, as well as consequences for the recycling of material from the PPS at the end-of-life. A 1 m3 porous asphalt (PA) PPS test rig was monitored for 38 months after monthly additions of road sediment (RS) (367.5 g in total) and unused oil (430 mL in total), characteristic of urban loadings, were applied. Using a rainfall simulator, a typical UK rainfall rate of 15 mm/h was used to investigate its efficiency in dealing with contamination. Water quality of the effluent discharged from the rig was found to be suitable for discharge to most environments. On completion of the monitoring, a core was taken down through its surface, and samples of sediment and aggregate were taken. Analysis showed that most of the sediment remained in the surface course, with metal levels lower than the original RS, but higher than clean, unused aggregate or PA. However, even extrapolating these concentrations to 20 years’ worth of in-service use (the projected life of PPS) did not suggest their accumulation would present an environmental pollution risk when carrying out maintenance of the pavement and also indicates that the material could be recycled at end-of-life. PMID:28635641

Removing heavy metals using permeable pavement system with a titanate nano-fibrous adsorbent column as a post treatment.

PubMed

Sounthararajah, Danious Pratheep; Loganathan, Paripurnanda; Kandasamy, Jayakumar; Vigneswaran, Saravanamuthu

2017-02-01

Permeable pavement systems (PPS) are a widely-used treatment measure in sustainable stormwater management and groundwater recharge. However, PPS are not very efficient in removing heavy metals from stormwater. A pilot scale study using zeolite or basalt as bed material in PPS removed 41-72%, 67-74%, 38-43%, 61-72%, 63-73% of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, respectively, from synthetic stormwater (pH 6.5; Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations of 0.04, 0.6, 0.06, 1.0, and 2.0 mg L -1 , respectively) over a period of 80 h. The total volume of stormwater that passed through the PPS was equivalent to runoff in 10 years of rainfall in Sydney, Australia. The concentrations of metals in the PPS effluent failed fresh and marine water quality trigger values recommended in the Australian and New Zealand guidelines. An addition of a post-treatment of a horizontal filter column containing a titanate nano-fibrous (TNF) material with a weight < 1% of zeolite weight and mixed in with granular activated carbon (GAC) at a GAC:TNF weight ratio of 25:1 removed 77% of Ni and 99-100% of all the other metals. The effluent easily met the required standards of marine waters and just met those concerning fresh waters. Batch adsorption data from solutions of metals mixtures fitted the Langmuir model with adsorption capacities in the following order, TNF ≫ zeolite > basalt; Pb > Cu > Cd, Ni, Zn. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antimicrobial usage in German acute care hospitals: results of the third national point prevalence survey and comparison with previous national point prevalence surveys.

PubMed

Aghdassi, Seven Johannes Sam; Gastmeier, Petra; Piening, Brar Christian; Behnke, Michael; Peña Diaz, Luis Alberto; Gropmann, Alexander; Rosenbusch, Marie-Luise; Kramer, Tobias Siegfried; Hansen, Sonja

2018-04-01

Previous point prevalence surveys (PPSs) revealed the potential for improving antimicrobial usage (AU) in German acute care hospitals. Data from the 2016 German national PPS on healthcare-associated infections and AU were used to evaluate efforts in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). A national PPS in Germany was organized by the German National Reference Centre for Surveillance of Nosocomial Infections in 2016 as part of the European PPS initiated by the ECDC. The data were collected in May and June 2016. Results were compared with data from the PPS 2011. A total of 218 hospitals with 64 412 observed patients participated in the PPS 2016. The prevalence of patients with AU was 25.9% (95% CI 25.6%-26.3%). No significant increase or decrease in AU prevalence was revealed in the group of all participating hospitals. Prolonged surgical prophylaxis was found to be common (56.1% of all surgical prophylaxes on the prevalence day), but significantly less prevalent than in 2011 (P < 0.01). The most frequently administered antimicrobial groups were penicillins plus β-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) (23.2%), second-generation cephalosporins (12.9%) and fluoroquinolones (11.3%). Significantly more penicillins plus BLIs and fewer second-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones were used in 2016. Overall, an increase in the consumption of broad-spectrum antimicrobials was noted. For 68.7% of all administered antimicrobials, the indication was documented in the patient notes. The current data reaffirm the points of improvement that previous data identified and reveal that recent efforts in AMS in German hospitals require further intensification.

Active and Passive Sport Interests of Adolescents.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stensaasen, Svein

1980-01-01

A study dealing with the sport interests of adolescents reveals significant relationships between different passive sport interests, and a relationship of active and passive sport interests which decreases with age and depends to some degree on social background. The study upholds previously determined relationships between sex and sport activity.…

Pelvic inflammatory disease and puerperal sepsis in Ethiopia. II. Treatment.

PubMed

Duncan, M E; Perine, P L; Krause, D W; Awoke, S; Zaidi, A A

1980-12-01

Where bacteriologic support is lacking, a combination of penicillin and streptomycin (P/S) is used empirically to treat serious gynecologic infections in Ethiopia. We compared the efficacy of P/S to a combination of penicillin and chloramphenicol (P/C) in hospitalized women who had bacteriologically confirmed pelvic inflammatory disease or puerperal sepsis (PPS). Treatment of PPS with P/C was significantly more effective in limiting the duration of fever than was treatment with P/S. Twenty-eight of 40 PPS patients had endometritis with retained products of conception that required evacuation of the uterus. The duration of fever in patients with PID who were treated with the P/C regimen was no different than that in those treated with P/S. Twenty of the 24 PID patients required surgery for drainage of abscesses, in addition to antibiotics.

Effect of current on the maximum possible reward.

PubMed

Gallistel, C R; Leon, M; Waraczynski, M; Hanau, M S

1991-12-01

Using a 2-lever choice paradigm with concurrent variable interval schedules of reward, it was found that when pulse frequency is increased, the preference-determining rewarding effect of 0.5-s trains of brief cathodal pulses delivered to the medial forebrain bundle of the rat saturates (stops increasing) at values ranging from 200 to 631 pulses/s (pps). Raising the current lowered the saturation frequency, which confirms earlier, more extensive findings showing that the rewarding effect of short trains saturates at pulse frequencies that vary from less than 100 pps to more than 800 pps, depending on the current. It was also found that the maximum possible reward--the magnitude of the reward at or beyond the saturation pulse frequency--increases with increasing current. Thus, increasing the current reduces the saturation frequency but increases the subjective magnitude of the maximum possible reward.

The fatigue life study of polyphenylene sulfide composites filled with continuous glass fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Junjie; Hong, Yun; Wang, Yongkun; Zhai, Zhi; Shi, Baoquan; Chen, Xuefeng

2018-04-01

In this study, an effective microscopic model is proposed to investigate the fatigue life of composites containing continuous glass fibers, which is surrounded by polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) matrix materials. The representative volume element is discretized by parametric elements. Moreover, the microscopic model is established by employing the relation between average surface displacements and average surface tractions. Based on the experimental data, the required fatigue failure parameters of the PPS are determined. Two different fiber arrangements are considered for comparisons. Numerical analyses indicated that the square edge packing provides a more accuracy. In addition, microscopic structural parameters (fiber volume fraction, fiber off-axis angle) effect on the fatigue life of Glass/PPS composites is further discussed. It is revealed that fiber strength degradation effects on the fatigue life of continuous fiber-reinforced composites can be ignored.

Traveling wave ultrasonic motor using polymer-based vibrator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jiang; Mizuno, Yosuke; Tabaru, Marie; Nakamura, Kentaro

2016-01-01

With the characteristics of low density, low elastic modulus, and low mechanical loss, poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) is a promising material for fabricating lightweight ultrasonic motors (USMs). For the first time, we used PPS to fabricate an annular elastomer with teeth and glued a piece of piezoelectric-ceramic annular disk to the bottom of the elastomer to form a vibrator. To explore for a material suitable for the rotor surface coming in contact with the PPS-based vibrator, several disk-shaped rotors made of different materials were fabricated to form traveling wave USMs. The polymer-based USM rotates successfully as the conventional metal-based USMs. The experimental results show that the USM with the aluminum rotor has the largest torque, which indicates that aluminum is the most suitable for the rotor surface among the tested materials.

Production of bioinspired and rationally designed polymer hydrogels for controlled delivery of therapeutic proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sung Hye

Hydrogel systems for controlled delivery therapeutic growth factors have been developed in a wide spectrum of strategies: these systems aim for the release of growth factors via a passive diffusion, electrostatic interaction, degradation of hydrogels, and responsiveness to external stimuli. Heparin, a highly sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG), was employed for a targeted delivery system of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to endothelial cells overexpressing a relevant receptor VEGFR-2. Addition of dimeric VEGF to 4-arm star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) immobilized with low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) afforded a non-covalently assembled hydrogel via interaction between heparin and VEGF, with storage modulus 10 Pa. The release of VEGF and hydrogel erosion reached maximum 100 % at day 4 in the presence of VEGFR-2 overexpressing pocine aortic endothelial cell (PAE/KDR), while those of 80% were achieved via passive release at day 5 in the presence of PAE cell lacking VEGFR-2 or in the absence of cell, indicating that the release of VEGF was in targeted manner toward cell receptor. The proliferation of PAE/KDR in the presence of [PEG-LMWH/VEGF] hydrogel was greater by ca. 30% at day 4 compared to that of PAE, confirming that the release of VEGF was in response to the cellular demand. The phosphorylation fraction of VEGFR-2 on PAE/KDR was greater in the presence of [PEG-LMWH/VEGF] hydrogel, increasing from 0.568 at day 1 to 0.790 at day 4, whereas it was maintained at 0.230 at day 4 in the presence of [PEG-LMWH] hydrogel. This study has proven that this hydrogel, assembled via bio-inspired non-covalent interaction, liberating VEGFon celluar demand to target cell, eroding upon VEGF release, and triggering endothelial cell proliferation, could be used in multiple applications including targeted delivery and angiogenesis. Heparin has been widely exploited in growth factor delivery systems owing to its ability to bind many growth factors through the flexible patterns of functional groups. However, heterogeneity in the composition and in the polydispersity of heparin has been problematic in controlled delivery system and thus motivated the development of homogeneous heparin mimics. Peptides of appropriate sequence and chemical function have therefore recently emerged as potential replacements for heparin in select applications. Studied was the assessment of the binding affinities of multiple sulfated peptides (SPs) for a set of heparin-binding peptides (HBPs) and for VEGF; these binding partners have application in the selective immobilization of proteins and in hydrogel formation through non-covalent interactions. Sulfated peptides were produced via solid-phase methods, and their affinity for the HBPs and VEGF was assessed via affinity liquid chromatography (ALC), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and in select cases, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The shortest peptide, SPa, showed the highest affinity binding of HBPs and VEGF165 in both ALC and SPR measurements, with slight exceptions. Of the investigated HBPs, a peptide based on the heparin-binding domain of human platelet factor 4 showed greatest binding affinities toward all of the SPs, consistent with its stronger binding to heparin. The affinity between SPa and PF4ZIP was indicated via SPR ( KD = 5.27 muM) and confirmed via ITC (KD = 8.09 muM). The binding by SPa of both VEGF and HBPs suggests its use as a binding partner to multiple species, and the use of these interactions in assembly of materials. Given that the peptide sequences can be varied to control binding affinity and selectivity, opportunities are also suggested for the production of a wider array of matrices with selective binding and release properties useful for biomaterials applications. Hydrogel consisting of SPa was formed via a covalent Michael Addition reaction between maleimide- and thiol-terminated multi-arm PEGs and Cys-SPa. The mechanical property of hydrogel was tunable from ca. 186 to 1940 Pa. by varing the cross-linking density, suggesting its flexible applications depending on matrix needs. The non-anti-coagulative property of SPa, assessed via activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and HeptestRTM in comparison to LMWH, implied its usefulness in applications without excessive bleeding. The VEGF released from [PEG-SPa] hydrogel showed up to ca. 400% greater bioactivity on proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelical cell (HUVEC) compared to the VEGF incubated in solution for the same period: this was significantly higher than that of [PEG] hydrogel (ca. 280%), suggesting the SPa may protect the bioactivity of VEGF when bound. The release of dual growth factor, i.e. VEGF and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), were investigated on [PEG-SPa] hydrogel: the release of bFGF was lower than that of VEGF due to weaker binding affinity to matrix-bound SPa. The HUVEC culture on dual growth factor loaded [PEG-SPa] showed that the synergistic effects of dual system in select concentrations, suggesting the opportunity of manipulating cell responses. Given that sulfated peptides for various binding targets with desired affinity can be identified, applications are suggested in multiple growth factors delivery where an integrated action of multiple growth factors is required, such as angiogenesis.

Multiblock thermoplastic polyurethanes for biomedical and shape memory applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Xinzhu

Polyurethanes are a class of polymers that are capable of tailoring the overall polymer structure and thus final properties by many factors. The great potential in tailoring polymer structures imparts PUs unique mechanical properties and good cytocompatibility, which make them good candidates for many biomedical devices. In this dissertation, three families of multiblock thermoplastic polyurethanes are synthesized and characterized for biomedical and shape memory applications. In the first case described in Chapters 2, 3 and 4, a novel family of multiblock thermoplastic polyurethanes consisting of poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) are presented. These materials were discovered to be very durable, with strain-to-break higher than 1200%. Heat-triggered reversible plasticity shape memory (RPSM) was observed, where the highly deformed samples completely recovered their as-cast shape within one minute when heating above the transition temperature. Instead of conventional "hard" blocks, entanglements, which result from high molecular weight, served as the physical crosslinks in this system, engendering shape recovery and preventing flow. Moreover, water-triggered shape memory effect of PCL-PEG TPUs is explored, wherein water permeated into the initially oriented PEG domains, causing rapid shape recovery toward the equilibrium shape upon contact with liquid water. The recovery behavior is found to be dependent on PEG weight percentage in the copolymers. By changing the material from bulk film to electrospun fibrous mat, recovery speed was greatly accelerated. The rate of water recovery was manipulated through structural variables, including thickness of bulk film and diameter of e-spun webs. A new, yet simple shape memory cycle, "wet-fixing" is also reported, where both the fixing and recovery ratios can be greatly improved. A detailed microstructural study on one particular composition is presented, revealing the evolution of microphase morphology during the shape memory cycle. Then, in Chapter 5, the role of Polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane (POSS) in suppressing enzymatic degradation of PCL-PEG TPUs is investigated. In vitro enzymatic hydrolytic biodegradation revealed that POSS incorporation significantly suppressed degradation of PCL-PEG TPUs. All TPUs were surface-eroded by enzymatic attack in which the chemical composition and the bulk mechanical properties exhibited little changes. A surface passivation mechanism is proposed to explain the protection of POSS-containing TPUs from enzymatic degradation. Finally, Chapter 6 presents another POSS-based TPUs system with PLA-based polyol as the glassy soft block. Manipulation of the final thermal and mechanical properties is discussed in terms of different polyols and POSS used. The free recovery and the constrained recovery responses of the polymer films were demonstrated as a function of the prior "fixing" deformation temperature. In addition, this family of materials was capable of memorizing their T g., where optimal recovery breadth and recovery stress were achieved when pre-deformation occurred right at Tg.

Life characteristics assessment of the communications technology satellite transmitter experiment package

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smetana, J.; Curren, A. N.

1979-01-01

The performance characteristics of the transmitter experiment package (TEP) aboard the Communications Technology Satellite (CTS) measured during its first 2 years in orbit are presented. The TEP consists of a nominal 200 watt output stage tube (OST), a supporting power processing system (PPS), and a variable conductance heat pipe system (VCHPS). The OST, a traveling wave tube augmented with a 10 stage depressed collector has an overall saturated average efficiency of 51.5 percent and an average saturated radio frequency (rf) output power at center band frequency of 240 watts. The PPS operated with a measured efficiency of 86.5 to 88.5 percent. The VCHPS, using three pipes to conduct heat from the PPS and the OST to a 52 by 124 centimeter radiator fin, maintained the PPS baseplate temperature below 50 C for all operating conditions. The TEP performance characteristics presented include frequency response, rf output power, thermal performance, and efficiency. Communications characteristics were evaluated by using both video and audio modulated signals. On four occasions, the TEP experienced temporary thermal control system malfunctions. The anomalies were terminated safely, and the problem was investigated because of the potential for TEP damage due to the signficant temperature increases. Safe TEP operating procedures were established.

Characterization and identification of the proteins bound to two types of polyhydroxyalkanoate granules in Pseudomonas sp. 61-3.

PubMed

Hokamura, Ayaka; Fujino, Kanako; Isoda, Yoshiko; Arizono, Koji; Shiratsuchi, Hideki; Matsusaki, Hiromi

2015-01-01

Pseudomonas sp. 61-3 accumulates two types of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)], and poly(3HB-co-3-hydroxyalkanoates) [P(3HB-co-3HA)], and some proteins associated with their PHA granules have been identified. To date, PhaFPs (GA36) and PhaIPs (GA18) were identified from P(3HB-co-3HA) granules. In this study, the gene encoding GA24 associated with P(3HB) granule was identified as phbPPs. PhbPPs was composed of 192 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 20.4 kDa and was assumed to be a phasin. phbFPs gene and unknown ORF were also found on phb locus. PhbFPs was anticipated to be the transcriptional repressor of phbPPs gene. PhbPPs was bound to the P(3HB-co-3HA) granules with 3HB composition of more than 87 mol%, and PhaIPs and PhaFPs were bound to the P(3HB-co-3HA) granules with 3HA (C6-C12) composition of more than 13 mol% in the producing cells, suggesting that localization of these proteins is attributed to the monomer compositions of the copolymers.

New Compressor Added to Glenn's 450- psig Combustion Air System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swan, Jeffrey A.

2000-01-01

In September 1999, the Central Process Systems Engineering Branch and the Maintenance and the Central Process Systems Operations Branch, released for service a new high pressure compressor to supplement the 450-psig Combustion Air System at the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field. The new compressor, designated C-18, is located in Glenn s Central Air Equipment Building and is remotely operated from the Central Control Building. C-18 can provide 40 pounds per second (pps) of airflow at pressure to our research customers. This capability augments our existing system capacity (compressors C 4 at 38 pps and C-5 at 32 pps), which is generated from Glenn's Engine Research Building. The C-18 compressor was originally part of Glenn's 21-Inch Hypersonic Tunnel, which was transferred from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to Glenn in the mid-1980's. With the investment of construction of facilities funding, the compressor was modified, new mechanical and electrical support equipment were purchased, and the unit was installed in the basement of the Central Air Equipment Building. After several weeks of checkout and troubleshooting, the new compressor was ready for long-term, reliable operations. With a total of 110 pps in airflow now available, Glenn is well positioned to support the high-pressure air test requirements of our research customers.

Solar UV radiation-induced DNA Bipyrimidine photoproducts: formation and mechanistic insights.

PubMed

Cadet, Jean; Grand, André; Douki, Thierry

2015-01-01

This review chapter presents a critical survey of the main available information on the UVB and UVA bipyrimidine photoproducts which constitute the predominant recipient classes of photo-induced DNA damage. Evidence is provided that UVB irradiation of isolated DNA in aqueous solutions and in cells gives rise to the predominant generation of cis-syn cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and, to a lesser extent, of pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidone photoproducts (6-4PPs), the importance of which is strongly primary sequence dependent. A notable change in the photoproduct distribution is observed when DNA either in the dry or in desiccated microorganisms is exposed to UVC or UVB photons with an overwhelming formation of 5-(α-thymidyl)-5,6-dihydrothymidine, also called spore photoproduct (dSP), at the expense of CPDs and 6-4PPs. UVA irradiation of isolated and cellular DNA gives rise predominantly to bipyrimidine photoproducts with the overwhelming formation of thymine-containing cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers at the exclusion of 6-4PPs. UVA photons have been shown to modulate the distribution of UVB dimeric pyrimidine photoproducts by triggering isomerization of the 6-4PPs into related Dewar valence isomers. Mechanistic aspects of the formation of bipyrimidine photoproducts are discussed in the light of recent photophysical and theoretical studies.

Aerobic Exercise Training in Post-Polio Syndrome: Process Evaluation of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Voorn, Eric L; Koopman, Fieke S; Brehm, Merel A; Beelen, Anita; de Haan, Arnold; Gerrits, Karin H L; Nollet, Frans

2016-01-01

To explore reasons for the lack of efficacy of a high intensity aerobic exercise program in post-polio syndrome (PPS) on cardiorespiratory fitness by evaluating adherence to the training program and effects on muscle function. A process evaluation using data from an RCT. Forty-four severely fatigued individuals with PPS were randomized to exercise therapy (n = 22) or usual care (n = 22). Participants in the exercise group were instructed to exercise 3 times weekly for 4 months on a bicycle ergometer (60-70% heart rate reserve). The attendance rate was high (median 89%). None of the participants trained within the target heart rate range during >75% of the designated time. Instead, participants exercised at lower intensities, though still around the anaerobic threshold (AT) most of the time. Muscle function did not improve in the exercise group. Our results suggest that severely fatigued individuals with PPS cannot adhere to a high intensity aerobic exercise program on a cycle ergometer. Despite exercise intensities around the AT, lower extremity muscle function nor cardiorespiratory fitness improved. Improving the aerobic capacity in PPS is difficult through exercise primarily focusing on the lower extremities, and may require a more individualized approach, including the use of other large muscle groups instead. Netherlands National Trial Register NTR1371.

Client characteristics and the cost of home care in the prospective payment system.

PubMed

Livesay, Jody L; Hanson, Kathleen S; Anderson, Mary Ann; Oelschlaeger, Mary

2003-01-01

There has been much speculation in the literature about the effect of the prospective payment system (PPS) on the home care industry but few reports of systematic investigation. Clearly, comprehension of client characteristics is essential for categorizing home care clients into the correct Home Health Resource Groups, for allocating resources appropriately, and for implementing necessary organizational changes to accommodate clients who require variations in the amount of resources predicted by the PPS. The purposes of this study were to compare the characteristics of home health clients that resulted in a financial gain or a financial loss for one agency under the PPS with those of the interim payment system. A secondary data analysis of 140 cases compiled by one not-for-profit hospital-affiliated home care organization was completed. Results suggested that client characteristics of the projected loss group had more recertifications on admission and at the end of the 60-day episode, a longer stay (3 weeks), and more visits, particularly from skilled nursing. Comprehension of client characteristics and the subsequent ability to adjust for the proper case mix will be crucial if home care agencies are to remain financially viable under the PPS. Replication of this project needs to be done using more variables and multiple sites.

Effects of cochlear-implant pulse rate and inter-channel timing on channel interactions and thresholds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Middlebrooks, John C.

2004-07-01

Interactions among the multiple channels of a cochlear prosthesis limit the number of channels of information that can be transmitted to the brain. This study explored the influence on channel interactions of electrical pulse rates and temporal offsets between channels. Anesthetized guinea pigs were implanted with 2-channel scala-tympani electrode arrays, and spike activity was recorded from the auditory cortex. Channel interactions were quantified as the reduction of the threshold for pulse-train stimulation of the apical channel by sub-threshold stimulation of the basal channel. Pulse rates were 254 or 4069 pulses per second (pps) per channel. Maximum threshold reductions averaged 9.6 dB when channels were stimulated simultaneously. Among nonsimultaneous conditions, threshold reductions at the 254-pps rate were entirely eliminated by a 1966-μs inter-channel offset. When offsets were only 41 to 123 μs, however, maximum threshold shifts averaged 3.1 dB, which was comparable to the dynamic ranges of cortical neurons in this experimental preparation. Threshold reductions at 4069 pps averaged up to 1.3 dB greater than at 254 pps, which raises some concern in regard to high-pulse-rate speech processors. Thresholds for various paired-pulse stimuli, pulse rates, and pulse-train durations were measured to test possible mechanisms of temporal integration.

Decoration of gold nanoparticles with thiolated pH-responsive polymeric (PEG-b-p(2-dimethylamio ethyl methacrylate-co-itaconic acid) shell: A novel platform for targeting of anticancer agent.

PubMed

Ghorbani, Marjan; Hamishehkar, Hamed

2017-12-01

The aim of this study was to design and develop a new pH-responsive nano-platform for controlled and targeted delivery of anticancer drugs. Engineering of pH-responsive nanocarriers was prepared via decoration of gold nanoparticles (NPs) by thiolated (methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly((2-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate-co-itaconic acid) (mPEG-b-p(DMAEMA-co-IA) copolymer and fully characterized by various techniques and subsequently used for loading and targeted delivery of anticancer agent, methotrexate (MTX). By conjugation of MTX with the amino groups of polymeric shell of gold NPs (with the high loading capacity of 31%), since MTX is also the target ligand of folate receptors, the targeted performance of NPs examined through the cell uptake study. The results indicated that MTX-loaded NPs showed 1.3 times more cell internalization than MTX free NPs. Cell cytotoxicity studies pointed out ~1.5 and 3 times higher cell cytotoxicity after 24h for MTX-loaded nanoparticles than MTX in MTT assay and cell cycle arrest experiments, respectively. Additionally, mPEG was used as the outer shell of NPs which caused the long-term dispersibility of the NPs even under high ionic strength. The in-vitro pH-triggered drug release of MTX showed that MTX released more than three times in simulated cancerous tissue (40°C, pH5.3) than physiologic condition (37°C, pH7.4) during 48h. The results of various experiments determined that the developed smart nanocarrier proposed as a promising nanocarrier for active and passive targeting of anionic anti-cancer agents such as MTX. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

HBsAg Loss with Peg-interferon Alfa-2a in Hepatitis B Patients with Partial Response to Nucleos(t)ide Analog: New Switch Study.

PubMed

Hu, Peng; Shang, Jia; Zhang, Wenhong; Gong, Guozhong; Li, Yongguo; Chen, Xinyue; Jiang, Jianning; Xie, Qing; Dou, Xiaoguang; Sun, Yongtao; Li, Yufang; Liu, Yingxia; Liu, Guozhen; Mao, Dewen; Chi, Xiaoling; Tang, Hong; Li, Xiaoou; Xie, Yao; Chen, Xiaoping; Jiang, Jiaji; Zhao, Ping; Hou, Jinlin; Gao, Zhiliang; Fan, Huimin; Ding, Jiguang; Zhang, Dazhi; Ren, Hong

2018-03-28

Background and Aims: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is seldom achieved with nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients but may be enhanced by switching to finite pegylated-interferon (Peg-IFN) alfa-2a. We assessed HBsAg loss with 48- and 96-week Peg-IFN alfa-2a in chronic hepatitis B patients with partial response to a previous NA. Methods: Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients who achieved HBeAg loss and hepatitis B virus DNA <200 IU/mL with previous adefovir, lamivudine or entecavir treatment were randomized 1:1 to receive Peg-IFN alfa-2a for 48 ( n = 153) or 96 weeks ( n = 150). The primary endpoint of this study was HBsAg loss at end of treatment. The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT01464281. Results: At the end of 48 and 96 weeks' treatment, 14.4% (22/153) and 20.7% (31/150) of patients, respectively, who switched from NA to Peg-IFN alfa-2a cleared HBsAg. Rates were similar irrespective of prior NA or baseline HBeAg seroconversion. Among those who cleared HBsAg by the end of 48 and 96 weeks' treatment, 77.8% (14/18) and 71.4% (20/28), respectively, sustained HBsAg loss for a further 48 weeks. Baseline HBsAg <1500 IU/mL and week 24 HBsAg <200 IU/mL were associated with the highest rates of HBsAg loss at the end of both 48- and 96-week treatment (51.4% and 58.7%, respectively). Importantly, extending treatment from 48 to 96 weeks enabled 48.3% (14/29) more patients to achieve HBsAg loss. Conclusions: Patients on long-term NA who are unlikely to meet therapeutic goals can achieve high rates of HBsAg loss by switching to Peg-IFN alfa-2a. HBsAg loss rates may be improved for some patients by extending treatment from 48 to 96 weeks, although the differences in our study cohort were not statistically significant. Baseline and on-treatment HBsAg may predict HBsAg loss with Peg-IFN alfa-2a.

The Effectiveness of Short Message Service to Assure the Preparation-to-Colonoscopy Interval before Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy

PubMed Central

Kim, Tae-Oh; Lee, Nae-Young; Kim, Hyoungjun; Seo, Eun Hee; Heo, Nae-Yun; Park, Seung Ha; Moon, Young-Soo

2015-01-01

Background/Aims. The preparation-to-colonoscopy (PC) interval is one of several important factors for the bowel preparation. Short message service (SMS) reminder from a cellular phone has been suggested to improve compliance in various medical situations. We evaluated the effectiveness of SMS reminders to assure the PC interval for colonoscopy. Methodology. This prospective randomized study was investigator blinded. In the No-SMS group, patients took the first 2 L polyethylene glycol (PEG) between 6 and 8 PM on the day before colonoscopy and the second 2 L PEG approximately 6 hours before the colonoscopy without SMS. In the SMS group, patients took first 2 L PEG in the same manner as the No-SMS group and the second 2 L PEG after receiving an SMS 6 hours before the colonoscopy. Results. The SMS group had a lower score than the No-SMS group, according to the Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compliance with diet instructions (odds ratio (OR) 2.109; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11–3.99, P = 0.022) and intervention using SMS ((OR) 2.329; 95% (CI), 1.34–4.02, P = 0.002) were the independent significant factors for satisfactory bowel preparation. Conclusions. An SMS reminder to assure PC interval improved the bowel preparation quality for colonoscopy with bowel preparation. PMID:25792978

Therapeutic decisions in ALS patients: cross-cultural differences and clinical implications.

PubMed

Andersen, Peter M; Kuzma-Kozakiewicz, Magdalena; Keller, Jürgen; Aho-Oezhan, Helena E A; Ciecwierska, Katarzyna; Szejko, Natalia; Vázquez, Cynthia; Böhm, Sarah; Badura-Lotter, Gisela; Meyer, Thomas; Petri, Susanne; Linse, Katharina; Hermann, Andreas; Semb, Olof; Stenberg, Erica; Nackberg, Simona; Dorst, Johannes; Uttner, Ingo; Häggström, Ann-Cristin; Ludolph, Albert C; Lulé, Dorothée

2018-05-04

Quantitative analysis of decision-making on therapeutic options in different sociocultural context in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS patients (n = 244) were consecutively recruited in Germany (n = 83), Poland (n = 83), and Sweden (n = 78) in a prospective cross-cultural study ( www.NEEDSinALS.com ). They were interviewed on preferences for therapeutic techniques including invasive (IV) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV), as well as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and on hypothetical termination of these using quantitative questions. Using standardized questionnaires, religiousness, personal values, quality of life, and depressiveness were assessed. NIV was most frequently used in Germany and PEG in Sweden. Swedish patients were most liberal on initiation and termination of PEG, NIV and IV. Polish patients were mostly undecided and were least likely to consider discontinuing supportive management. Current use was partly associated with age, gender and state of physical function; also, financial support explained some variance. Future preferences on therapeutic options from the patient's perspective were also closely associated with cultural factors. The more oriented towards traditional and conservative values, the less likely patients were to decide for invasive therapeutic devices (IV, PEG), the least likely to have ideations to discontinue any device and the more likely to have an undecided attitude. Current use of therapeutic options is determined by medical condition in analogy to clinical guidelines. For future considerations, other factors such as cultural background are crucial, yielding hurdles to be regarded in the implementation of advanced directives in a multicultural environment.

The effect on colon visualization during colonoscopy of the addition of simethicone to polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution: a randomized single-blind study.

PubMed

Matro, Rebecca; Tupchong, Keegan; Daskalakis, Constantine; Gordon, Victoria; Katz, Leo; Kastenberg, David

2012-11-29

Colonic bubbles associated with polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ELS) are common and obscure mucosal visualization. This study aimed to determine whether adding simethicone decreases the incidence of bubbles. Prospective, single-blind, randomized comparison of split dose PEG-ELS vs. PEG-ELS+simethicone (PEG-S) for outpatient colonoscopy. Bubble severity for colonic segments was assessed on withdrawal as A=no/minimal bubbles, B=moderate bubbles/interfere with detecting 5 mm polyp, C=severe bubbles/interfere with detecting 10 mm polyp. Primary end point was Grade B or C bubbles in any colon segment. Secondary end points were cleansing quality, incidence and severity of side effects, and polyp detection. One hundred and thirty nine patients enrolled; 13 withdrew before colonoscopy. Of 123 patients evaluated, 62 took PEG-S and 61 PEG-ELS. The incidence of grade B or C bubbles was much lower with PEG-S compared with PEG-ELS (2% vs. 38%; P=0.001). Overall cleansing (excellent or good) quality was not significantly different for either the whole colon (89% PEG-ELS, 94% of PEG-S, P=0.529) or right colon (88% PEG-ELS, 94% PEG-S, P=0.365). More PEG-S patients had excellent rather than good preps (whole colon 53% vs. 28%, P=0.004; right colon 53% vs. 35%, P=0.044). Need for any flushing was less with PEG-S (38% vs. 70%, P=0.001). The groups were not significantly different with respect to total procedure and withdrawal times, incidence or severity of side effects, or number of polyps/patient or adenomas/patient. Adding simethicone to PEG-ELS effectively eliminates bubbles, substantially reduces the need for flushing, and results in more excellent preparations.

The Effect on Colon Visualization During Colonoscopy of the Addition of Simethicone to Polyethylene Glycol-Electrolyte Solution: A Randomized Single-Blind Study

PubMed Central

Matro, Rebecca; Tupchong, Keegan; Daskalakis, Constantine; Gordon, Victoria; Katz, Leo; Kastenberg, David

2012-01-01

OBJECTIVES: Colonic bubbles associated with polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG-ELS) are common and obscure mucosal visualization. This study aimed to determine whether adding simethicone decreases the incidence of bubbles. METHODS: Prospective, single-blind, randomized comparison of split dose PEG-ELS vs. PEG-ELS+simethicone (PEG-S) for outpatient colonoscopy. Bubble severity for colonic segments was assessed on withdrawal as A=no/minimal bubbles, B=moderate bubbles/interfere with detecting 5 mm polyp, C=severe bubbles/interfere with detecting 10 mm polyp. Primary end point was Grade B or C bubbles in any colon segment. Secondary end points were cleansing quality, incidence and severity of side effects, and polyp detection. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty nine patients enrolled; 13 withdrew before colonoscopy. Of 123 patients evaluated, 62 took PEG-S and 61 PEG-ELS. The incidence of grade B or C bubbles was much lower with PEG-S compared with PEG-ELS (2% vs. 38% P=0.001). Overall cleansing (excellent or good) quality was not significantly different for either the whole colon (89% PEG-ELS, 94% of PEG-S, P=0.529) or right colon (88% PEG-ELS, 94% PEG-S, P=0.365). More PEG-S patients had excellent rather than good preps (whole colon 53% vs. 28%, P=0.004; right colon 53% vs. 35%, P=0.044). Need for any flushing was less with PEG-S (38% vs. 70%, P=0.001). The groups were not significantly different with respect to total procedure and withdrawal times, incidence or severity of side effects, or number of polyps/patient or adenomas/patient. CONCLUSIONS: Adding simethicone to PEG-ELS effectively eliminates bubbles, substantially reduces the need for flushing, and results in more excellent preparations. PMID:23238113

Addition of simethicone improves small bowel capsule endoscopy visualisation quality.

PubMed

Krijbolder, M S; Grooteman, K V; Bogers, S K; de Jong, D J

2018-01-01

Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is an important diagnostic tool for small-bowel diseases but its quality may be hampered by intraluminal gas. This study evaluated the added value of the anti-foaming agent, simethicone, to a bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the quality of small bowel visualisation and its use in the Netherlands. This was a retrospective, single-blind, cohort study. Patients in the PEG group only received PEG prior to SBCE. Patients in the PEG-S group ingested additional simethicone. Two investigators assessed the quality of small-bowel visualisation using a four-point scale for 'intraluminal gas' and 'faecal contamination'. By means of a survey, the use of anti-foaming agents was assessed in a random sample of 16 Dutch hospitals performing SBCE. The quality of small bowel visualisation in the PEG group (n = 33) was significantly more limited by intraluminal gas when compared with the PEG-S group (n = 31): proximal segment 83.3% in PEG group vs. 18.5% in PEG-S group (p < 0.01), distal segment 66.7% vs. 18.5% respectively (p < 0.01). No difference was observed in the amount of faecal contamination (proximal segment 80.0% PEG vs. 59.3% PEG-S, p = 0.2; distal segment 90.0% PEG vs. 85.2% PEG-S, p = 0.7), mean small bowel transit times (4.0 PEG vs. 3.9 hours PEG-S, p = 0.7) and diagnostic yield (43.3% PEG vs. 22.2% PEG-S, p = 0.16). Frequency of anti-foaming agent use in the Netherlands was low (3/16, 18.8%). Simethicone is of added value to a PEG bowel preparation in improving the quality of visualisation of the small bowel by reducing intraluminal gas. At present, the use of anti-foaming agents in SBCE preparation is not standard practice in the Netherlands.

Controller's role in monitoring prospective payment system.

PubMed

Margrif, F D

1986-05-01

The challenge for hospital controllers in overseeing the prospective payment system (PPS) lies not in acquiring technical expertise but in working with the chief executive officer to coordinate organizational change. Specifically, the controller should assist in creating a prospective payment committee (PPC)--an interdisciplinary group of executives, middle managers, and medical staff. The PPC's duties, among others, include educating staff about the PPS, development of a productivity reporting system, and review of the responsibility accounting structure.

Army 86 Cost Sensitivity Analysis Verification.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

NIGHT VIS SI AN/TAS-6 11 P21220 (Z50154) P-A DET SYS AN/USQ-70 24 QUANTITY LINE ITEM NUMBER NOMENCLATURE 26 Q16110 RADAR SET AN/PPS- SALP 54 Q16173...4 W/IMG 48 N04982 NIGHT VIS SI AN/TAS-4 55 NOSOSO NIGHT VIS SI AN/TAS-6 13 P21220 (Z50154) P-A BET SYS AN/USQ-70 -6 Q16110 RADAR SET AN/PPS- SALP 36

Emission of positronium in a nanometric PMMA film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palacio, C. A.; De Baerdemaeker, J.; Van Thourhout, D.; Dauwe, C.

2008-10-01

Positron beam experiments have been performed for the first time on a self-supporting polymethyl metacrylate (PMMA) film of 310 nm-thick made by spin coating. The positronium (Ps) emission from the PMMA surface is studied as a function of the positron implantation energy by using Doppler profile spectroscopy and Compton-to-peak ratio analysis. When the sample and the Ge-detector are perpendicular to the positron beam, the emission of para-positronium ( p-Ps) is detected as a narrow central peak. By rotating the sample 45° with respect to the beam, the emission of p-Ps is detected as a blue-shifted fly-away peak. The bulk Ps fraction, the efficiency for the emission of Ps by picking up an electron from the surface, and the diffusion lengths of positrons (thermal and or epithermal), p-Ps and ortho-positronium ( o-Ps) are obtained.

Use of inorganic Fullerene-like WS2 to produce new high-performance polyphenylene sulfide nanocomposites: role of the nanoparticle concentration.

PubMed

Naffakh, Mohammed; Marco, Carlos; Gómez, Marián A; Gómez-Herrero, Julio; Jiménez, Ignacio

2009-07-30

The use of tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanoparticles offers the opportunity to produce novel and advanced polymer-based nanocomposite materials via melt blending. The developed materials, based on the high-performance engineering thermoplastic polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), display a unique nanostructure on variation of the nanoparticle concentration, as confirmed by time-resolved synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The cold-crystallization kinetics and morphology of PPS chains under confined conditions in the nanocomposite, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), also manifest a dependence on the IF-WS2 concentration which are unexpected for polymer nanocomposites. The addition of IF-WS2 with concentrations greater than or equal to 0.5 wt % of IF-WS2 remarkably improves the mechanical performance of PPS with an increase in the storage modulus of 40-75%.

Irrational Delay Revisited: Examining Five Procrastination Scales in a Global Sample

PubMed Central

Svartdal, Frode; Steel, Piers

2017-01-01

Scales attempting to measure procrastination focus on different facets of the phenomenon, yet they share a common understanding of procrastination as an unnecessary, unwanted, and disadvantageous delay. The present paper examines in a global sample (N = 4,169) five different procrastination scales – Decisional Procrastination Scale (DPS), Irrational Procrastination Scale (IPS), Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS), Adult Inventory of Procrastination Scale (AIP), and General Procrastination Scale (GPS), focusing on factor structures and item functioning using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Item Response Theory. The results indicated that The PPS (12 items selected from DPS, AIP, and GPS) measures different facets of procrastination even better than the three scales it is based on. An even shorter version of the PPS (5 items focusing on irrational delay), corresponds well to the nine-item IPS. Both scales demonstrate good psychometric properties and appear to be superior measures of core procrastination attributes than alternative procrastination scales. PMID:29163302

Irrational Delay Revisited: Examining Five Procrastination Scales in a Global Sample.

PubMed

Svartdal, Frode; Steel, Piers

2017-01-01

Scales attempting to measure procrastination focus on different facets of the phenomenon, yet they share a common understanding of procrastination as an unnecessary, unwanted, and disadvantageous delay. The present paper examines in a global sample ( N = 4,169) five different procrastination scales - Decisional Procrastination Scale (DPS), Irrational Procrastination Scale (IPS), Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS), Adult Inventory of Procrastination Scale (AIP), and General Procrastination Scale (GPS), focusing on factor structures and item functioning using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Item Response Theory. The results indicated that The PPS (12 items selected from DPS, AIP, and GPS) measures different facets of procrastination even better than the three scales it is based on. An even shorter version of the PPS (5 items focusing on irrational delay), corresponds well to the nine-item IPS. Both scales demonstrate good psychometric properties and appear to be superior measures of core procrastination attributes than alternative procrastination scales.

Characterization of polyphenols and evaluation of antioxidant capacity in grape pomace of the cv. Malbec.

PubMed

Antoniolli, Andrea; Fontana, Ariel R; Piccoli, Patricia; Bottini, Rubén

2015-07-01

Low molecular weight polyphenols (LMW-PPs) and anthocyanins, along with the antioxidant capacity, were assessed in grape pomace extract (GPE) of red grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Malbec. Twenty-six phenolics (13 LMW-PPs and 13 anthocyanins) were characterized and quantified by HPLC-MWD and UPLC-ESI-MS. The maximum concentrations of LMW-PPs corresponded to the flavanols (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin, whereas malvidin-3-glucoside was the most abundant anthocyanin. Piceatannol, a stilbene analogue to resveratrol with higher antioxidant activity, was firstly identified and quantified in GPE of the cv. Malbec. The antioxidant activity for Malbec GPE determined by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay was 2,756 μmol TEg(-1) GPE. Therefore, the data reported sustain the use of winemaking by-products as a cheap source of phenolic compounds suitable for biotechnological applications, as a strategy for sustainable oenology. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

2 L PEG plus ascorbic acid versus 4 L PEG plus simethicon for colonoscopy preparation: a randomized single-blind clinical trial.

PubMed

Gentile, Maurizio; De Rosa, Michele; Cestaro, Giovanni; Forestieri, Pietro

2013-06-01

The 2 L polyethylene glycol (PEG) lavage solution has been proved to be similarly safe and effective as 4 L PEG formulations, in spite of the reduced volume. To compare low-volume PEG-based solution combined with ascorbic acid with high-volume PEG-based solution combined with simethicon in terms of efficacy and patient tolerability. This was a single-blind prospective randomized trial. Patients were randomized to receive either 2 L PEG plus ascorbic acid (PEG+Asc) or 4 L PEG plus simethicon (PEG+Sim). The primary endpoint was overall colon cleansing evaluation, assessed by blinded investigators using Aronchick score. Secondary end points included patient compliance and tolerability and adverse events. Sixty patients received PEG+Asc and 60 received PEG+Sim. Overall bowel cleansing score was considered adequate in 81.67% of the PEG+Asc and 80% of the PEG+Sim groups, respectively. Excellent and good ratings were recorded in 11.6% and 38.3% receiving PEG+Asc as compared with 26.6% and 23.3% of patients receiving PEG+Sim. Patient tolerability and safety were similar with both the preparations. According to our data, low-volume PEG+Asc has comparable efficacy, safety, and tolerability as high-volume PEG+Sim; therefore, it can be considered as a good alternative solution for bowel preparation. More improvements are necessary to achieve the target of a perfect preparation.

Accuracy of pre-interventional computed tomography angiography post-processing software and extravascularly calibrated devices to determine vessel diameters: comparison with an intravascularly located calibrated catheter.

PubMed

Stahlberg, Erik; Planert, Mathis; Anton, Susanne; Panagiotopoulos, Nikolaos; Horn, Marco; Barkhausen, Joerg; Goltz, Jan Peter

2018-07-01

Background Accurate vessel sizing might affect treatment outcome of endovascular therapy. Purpose To compare accuracy of peripheral vessel diameter measurements using pre-interventional computed tomography angiography post processing software (CTA-PPS) and extravascularly located calibrated devices used during digital subtraction angiography (DSA) with an intravascular scaled catheter (SC). Material and Methods In 33 patients (28 men, mean age = 72 ± 11 years) a SC was used during DSA of the femoro-popliteal territory. Simultaneously, one scaled radiopaque tape (SRT) was affixed to the lateral thigh, one scaled radiopaque ruler (SRR) was positioned on the angiography table. For each patient, diameters of five anatomic landmarks were measured on DSA images after calibration using different scaled devices and CTA-PPS. Diameters were compared to SC (reference) and between groups of non-obese (NOB) and obese (OB) patients. Results In total, 660 measurements were performed. Compared to the reference, SRT overestimated the diameter by 1.2% (range = -10-12, standard deviation [SD] = 4.1%, intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.992, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.989-0.992, P = 0.01), the SRR and CTA-PPS underestimated it by 21.3% (range = 1-47, SD = 9.4%, ICC = 0.864, 95% CI = 0.11-0.963, P = 0.08) and 3.2% (range = 17-38, SD = 9.7%, ICC = 0.976, 95% CI = 0.964-0.983, P = 0.01), respectively. Underestimation using the SRR was greatest in the proximal superficial-femoral artery (31%) and lowest at the P2 level of the popliteal artery (15%). In the NOB group, diameter overestimation of the SRT was 0.8% (range = 4-7, SD = 4.2%, B = 0.071, 95% CI = 0.293-0.435, P = 0.08) compared to the OB group of 1.6% (range = -7-4, SD = 2.9%, B = 0.010, 95% CI = 0.474-0.454, P = 0.96). Diameter underestimation of the SRR was 17.3% (range = 13-21, SD = 3.1%, B = 0.946, 95% CI = 0.486-1.405, P = 0.002) in the NOB group, 23.3% (range = 11-36, SD = 6.6%, B = 0.870, 95% CI = 0.268-1.472, P = 0.007) in the OB group. Conclusion For calibrated measurements SRT and CTA-PPS prove accurate compared to the reference, while SRR does not. Obesity has a significant impact on underestimation of diameter if SRR is used.

Multi-disciplinary approach for enhancing orthodontic esthetics – case report

PubMed Central

Kalia, Ajit; Mirdehghan, Nasim; Khandekar, Sonali; Patil, Wasu

2015-01-01

Background In contemporary dental care, an increasing number of adult patients are now seeking orthodontic treatment with the primary motive of improvement in appearance and achievement of esthetic smile. Proper recognition of the dental and facial defects at the outset of treatment is the most important key to esthetic success and is essential in satisfying the patient’s needs. By following the rules of Golden proportion smiles can be made attractive, harmonious, symmetrical, and proportionate. Methodology Consisted of 22-year-old girl who came for treatment of crowding in maxillary and mandibular arches, abnormal overjet and overbite and had unesthetic peg lateral. Results Non-extraction therapy was carried out since the patient had good soft tissue drape, alignment was achieved by expanding the arches and moving teeth in ideal axial inclination. Esthetic smile was attained using composite buildup of upper right peg lateral and minor adjunctive surgery (full thickness periodontal graft) on lower right central incisor. Conclusion The present case report orchestrates interrelationship between various branches of dentistry and orthodontics. It exhibits how multidisciplinary approach can be used to achieve ideal dental esthetics in a 22-year-old girl who was successfully treated for peg shaped lateral incisor, gingival recession, and unesthetic smile. PMID:26316821

Formation of protein complex with the aid of polyethylene glycol for deproteinized natural rubber latex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Lim Keuw; Ing, Wong Kwee; Badri, Khairiah Haji; Ban, Wong Chong

2013-11-01

The effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a deproteinizing agent in commercial natural rubber latex (NRL) onto the physicochemical properties of the NRL was investigated. Three types of PEG were used namely PEG200, PEG4000 and PEG20000 (molecular weight of 200, 4000 and 20000 g/mol respectively). The optimum amount of PEG in NRL was determined from viscosity changes, protein content and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Level of protein reduction was affected by molecular weight of PEG. The addition of PEG in NRL reduced the protein content of NRL (3.30 %) to the lowest (2.01 %) at 0.40 phr of PEG200 due to more attractive hydrophobic interactions between short chains PEG compared to PEG4000 (2.24%) and PEG20000 (2.15%). This was verified through FTIR spectroscopy analysis by observing the primary and secondary amide peak where PEG4000 has lesser absorption at the region compared to with PEG20000.

Advanced Demonstration of Motion Correction for Ship-to-Ship Passive Inspections

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

Ziock, Klaus-Peter; Boehnen, Chris Bensing; Ernst, Joseph

2013-09-30

Passive radiation detection is a key tool for detecting illicit nuclear materials. In maritime applications it is most effective against small vessels where attenuation is of less concern. Passive imaging provides: discrimination between localized (threat) and distributed (non-threat) sources, removal of background fluctuations due to nearby shorelines and structures, source localization to an individual craft in crowded waters, and background subtracted spectra. Unfortunately, imaging methods cannot be easily applied in ship-to-ship inspections because relative motion of the vessels blurs the results over many pixels, significantly reducing sensitivity. This is particularly true for the smaller water craft where passive inspections aremore » most valuable. In this project we performed tests and improved the performance of an instrument (developed earlier under, “Motion Correction for Ship-to-Ship Passive Inspections”) that uses automated tracking of a target vessel in visible-light images to generate a 3D radiation map of the target vessel from data obtained using a gamma-ray imager.« less

Sustained Responses in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Drug-resistance after Peg-interferon Alfa-2a Add-on Treatment: A Long-term Cohort Study.

PubMed

Liu, Yunhua; Li, Weikun; Jia, Ting; Peng, Dan; Li, Huimin; Li, Xiaofei; Lv, Songqin

2018-03-28

Background and Aims: The use of additional nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) without cross-resistance to previously used NAs as a rescue therapy is recommended by most international guidelines for chronic hepatitis B patients with NA-resistance. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy of peg-interferon (PegIFN) alfa-2a and NA in these patients, comparing to those who switch to an alternative NA therapy without cross-resistance. Methods: In this prospective, comparative and cohort study, data were collected from the patients' hospital records. Eligible patients were those with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positivity and resistance to one or more NAs. All patients were treated with alternative NA alone or in combination with PegIFN alfa-2a for 52 weeks or 72 weeks, respectively. HBeAg seroconversion was measured at the end of follow-up (EOF; more than 104 weeks after the end of treatment). Results: Sixty-three patients were recruited to the cohort study (NA-therapy group = 31 patients; combination therapy group of NA and PegIFN alfa-2a = 32 patients). At the EOF, significantly more patients in the combination therapy group (13/27, 48.2%) achieved primary outcome of HBeAg seroconversion than those in the NA therapy group (4/32, 12.5%) ( p = 0.003). Four patients (14.8%) in the combination therapy group achieved hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss and HBsAg seroconversion, but none in the NA therapy group did ( p = 0.039). In the combination therapy group, 16 patients (51.6%) achieved HBeAg seroconversion at the end of treatment, of which, 11 patients (68.8%) maintained the response until EOF. Conclusions: Adding on PegIFN alfa-2a in combination with NA therapy might be an appropriate rescue treatment option for patients who have prior NA resistance. In addition, combination therapy induced sustained off-treatment biochemical responses in these patients.

Near-infrared (1550 nm) in vivo bioimaging based on rare-earth doped ceramic nanophosphors modified with PEG-b-poly(4-vinylbenzylphosphonate)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamimura, Masao; Kanayama, Naoki; Tokuzen, Kimikazu; Soga, Kohei; Nagasaki, Yukio

2011-09-01

A novel poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based block copolymer possessing a 4-vinylbenzylphosphonate repeating unit in another segment (PEG-block-poly(4-vinylbenzylphosphonate)) (PEG-b-PVBP) was designed and successfully synthesized. As a control, an end-functionalized PEG possessing a mono-phosphonate group (PEG-PO3H2) was also synthesized. The surface of near-infrared (NIR) phosphors (i.e., ytterbium (Yb) and erbium (Er) ion-codoped Y2O3 nanoparticles (YNPs)) were modified with PEG-b-PVBP (PEG-YNP(b)s) and PEG-PO3H2 (PEG-YNP(1)s). The adsorption of PEG-b-PVBP and PEG-PO3H2 was estimated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) measurements and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The physicochemical characteristics of the obtained YNP samples were analyzed by ζ-potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. The ζ-potentials of YNPs modified by these polymers were close to zero, indicating the effective coverage of the YNP surface by our new PEG derivatives. However, the dispersion stability of the PEGylated YNPs was strongly affected by the structure of the PEG terminus. The average diameter of the PEG-YNP(1)s increased, and aggregates precipitated after less than 1 h in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). In contrast, the size did not change at all in the case of PEG-YNP(b)s and the dispersion in PBS was stable for over 1 week. PEG-YNP(b)s also showed high erosion resistance under acidic conditions. The multiple coordinated PVBP segment of the block copolymer on the YNP surface plays a substantial role in improving such dispersion stability. The excellent dispersion stability and strong NIR luminescence of the obtained PEG-YNP(b)s were also confirmed in fetal bovine serum (FBS) solution over 1 week. Furthermore, in vivo NIR imaging of live mice was performed, and the 1550 nm NIR emission of PEG-YNP(b)s from the organ of live mice was confirmed without dissection.A novel poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based block copolymer possessing a 4-vinylbenzylphosphonate repeating unit in another segment (PEG-block-poly(4-vinylbenzylphosphonate)) (PEG-b-PVBP) was designed and successfully synthesized. As a control, an end-functionalized PEG possessing a mono-phosphonate group (PEG-PO3H2) was also synthesized. The surface of near-infrared (NIR) phosphors (i.e., ytterbium (Yb) and erbium (Er) ion-codoped Y2O3 nanoparticles (YNPs)) were modified with PEG-b-PVBP (PEG-YNP(b)s) and PEG-PO3H2 (PEG-YNP(1)s). The adsorption of PEG-b-PVBP and PEG-PO3H2 was estimated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) measurements and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The physicochemical characteristics of the obtained YNP samples were analyzed by ζ-potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. The ζ-potentials of YNPs modified by these polymers were close to zero, indicating the effective coverage of the YNP surface by our new PEG derivatives. However, the dispersion stability of the PEGylated YNPs was strongly affected by the structure of the PEG terminus. The average diameter of the PEG-YNP(1)s increased, and aggregates precipitated after less than 1 h in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). In contrast, the size did not change at all in the case of PEG-YNP(b)s and the dispersion in PBS was stable for over 1 week. PEG-YNP(b)s also showed high erosion resistance under acidic conditions. The multiple coordinated PVBP segment of the block copolymer on the YNP surface plays a substantial role in improving such dispersion stability. The excellent dispersion stability and strong NIR luminescence of the obtained PEG-YNP(b)s were also confirmed in fetal bovine serum (FBS) solution over 1 week. Furthermore, in vivo NIR imaging of live mice was performed, and the 1550 nm NIR emission of PEG-YNP(b)s from the organ of live mice was confirmed without dissection. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: 1H-NMR spectra of PEG-b-PCMS, PEG-b-PDEVBP and PEG-b-PVBP, 31P-NMR spectra of PEG-b-PDEVBP and PEG-b-PVBP, schematic representation of PEG-PO3H2 synthesis, 1H-NMR spectra of PEG-PO3Et2 and PEG-PO3H2, FT-IR spectra of YNP samples, PEG brush density on the YNP surface, and size distribution of YNP samples under acidic conditions are described. See DOI: 10.1039/c1nr10466g

Sole Community Hospitals: Are They Different? A Statistical Analysis of the Hospitals and Their Treatment under TEFRA and PPS. Hospital Studies Program. Hospital Cost and Utilization Project. Research Note 5.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Farley, Dean E.

A study examined the treatment of sole community hospitals under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (TEFRA) and the Prospective Payment System (PPS) for Medicare as compared to the treatment of hospitals not designated as sole community hospitals under these same two policy guidelines. (A sole community hospital is defined as a…

Developing a case-mix model for PPS.

PubMed

Goldberg, H B; Delargy, D

2000-01-01

Agencies are pinning hopes for success under PPS on an accurate case-mix adjustor. The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) tasked Abt Associates Inc. to develop a system to accurately predict the volume and type of home health services each patient requires, based on his or her characteristics (not the service actually received). HCFA wanted this system to be feasible, clinically logical, and valid and accurate. Authors Goldberg and Delargy explain how Abt approached this daunting task.

Liposome-Based Nanomedicine Therapeutics for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

PubMed

Rahman, Mahfoozur; Beg, Sarwar; Anwar, Firoz; Kumar, Vikas; Ubale, Ruhi; Addo, Richard T; Ali, Raisuddin; Akhter, Sohail

2017-01-01

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a very painful severe autoimmune disease with complex pathology characterized by progressive chronic inflammation, and devastation of the synovium, cartilage, and other joint-associated structures. Significant advances in research in the area of pathophysiology, diagnosis, drug development, and targeted delivery have led to improved RA therapy and better patient compliance. Targeted drug delivery using liposomal nanomedicines significantly alleviate the challenges with conventional anti-RA medications such as off-target effects, short biological half-life, poor bioavailability, high dose-related toxicity, etc. Liposomal nanomedicines in RA drug targeting offer the opportunity for passive targeting [based on size and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-ylation-mediated enhanced permeability and retention] and active targeting (ligation with antibody or peptides, etc.) and encapsulation of lipophilic, hydrophilic drugs, and/or combinational drugs. However, it has been found recently that such injectable nanomedicines raise the concern of an adverse immune phenomenon called complement activationrelated pseudo allergy (CARPA) and failure of therapy on multiple doses due to accelerated body clearance caused many by anti-PEG immunoglobulin M. To ensure safety and efficacy of RA therapy, these need to be considered along with the common formulation quality parameters. Here, we discuss nanotherapeutic targeting in RA therapy using liposomes. Liposomal nanoparticles are investigated for individual anti-RA drug categories. CARPA issues and pathophysiology with such nanomedicines are also discussed in detail.

DNA nanocarriers for systemic administration: characterization and in vivo bioimaging in healthy mice.

PubMed

David, Stephanie; Passirani, Catherine; Carmoy, Nathalie; Morille, Marie; Mevel, Mathieu; Chatin, Benoit; Benoit, Jean-Pierre; Montier, Tristan; Pitard, Bruno

2013-01-08

We hereby present different DNA nanocarriers consisting of new multimodular systems (MMS), containing the cationic lipid dioleylaminesuccinylparomomycin (DNA MMS DOSP), or bis (guanidinium)-tren-cholesterol (DNA MMS BGTC), and DNA lipid nanocapsules (DNA LNCs). Active targeting of the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R) using galactose as a ligand for DNA MMS (GAL DNA MMS) and passive targeting using a polyethylene glycol coating for DNA LNCs (PEG DNA LNCs) should improve the properties of these DNA nanocarriers. All systems were characterized via physicochemical methods and the DNA payload of DNA LNCs was quantified for the first time. Afterwards, their biodistribution in healthy mice was analyzed after encapsulation of a fluorescent dye via in vivo biofluorescence imaging (BFI), revealing various distribution profiles depending on the cationic lipid used and their surface characteristics. Furthermore, the two vectors with the best prolonged circulation profile were administered twice in healthy mice revealing that the new DNA MMS DOSP vectors showed no toxicity and the same distribution profile for both injections, contrary to PEG DNA LNCs which showed a rapid clearance after the second injection, certainly due to the accelerated blood clearance phenomenon.Molecular Therapy - Nucleic Acids (2013) 2, e64; doi:10.1038/mtna.2012.56; published online 8 January 2013.

Study for analysis of benefit versus cost of low thrust propulsion system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamlyn, K. M.; Robertson, R. I.; Rose, L. J.

1983-01-01

The benefits and costs associated with placing large space systems (LSS) in operational orbits were investigated, and a flexible computer model for analyzing these benefits and costs was developed. A mission model for LSS was identified that included both NASA/Commercial and DOD missions. This model included a total of 68 STS launches for the NASA/Commercial missions and 202 launches for the DOD missions. The mission catalog was of sufficient depth to define the structure type, mass and acceleration limits of each LSS. Conceptual primary propulsion stages (PPS) designs for orbital transfer were developed for three low thrust LO2/LH2 engines baselined for the study. The performance characteristics for each of these PPS was compared to the LSS mission catalog to create a mission capture. The costs involved in placing the LSS in their operational orbits were identified. The two primary costs were that of the PPS and of the STS launch. The cost of the LSS was not included as it is not a function of the PPS performance. The basic relationships and algorithms that could be used to describe the costs were established. The benefit criteria for the mission model were also defined. These included mission capture, reliability, technical risk, development time, and growth potential. Rating guidelines were established for each parameter. For flexibility, each parameter is assigned a weighting factor.

The Association Between Physical Performance and Executive Function in a Sample of Rural Older Adults from South Carolina, USA.

PubMed

Falck, Ryan S; Wilcox, Sara; Best, John R; Chandler, Jessica L; Liu-Ambrose, Teresa

2017-01-01

Mobility and executive functions (EFs) decline with age, although associations between mobility and EFs are less clear. This study examined relationships between different mobility measures and EFs among rural older adults. This cross-sectional study recruited 56 older adults (60+ years) in rural South Carolina. Mobility was assessed via gait speed, timed up-and-go, chair stand, and as a composite physical performance score (PPS). EFs was assessed via Trail Making Test, semantic fluency, and phonemic fluency. Bivariate analyses were performed and regressions were calculated controlling for appropriate covariates, with PPS as the independent variable and each EF test as the dependent variable. Mean age was 74.22 years (SD = 8.02), 80.40% were female and 64.71% were white. Bivariate analysis revealed associations between gait speed and Trail Making Test (r = -.33; p = .03), between timed up-and-go and Trail Making Test (r = .34; p = .01), and between PPS and Trail Making Test (r = -.33; p = .03). The regression models indicated higher PPS was associated with better performance on Trail Making Test (β = -1.12; p < 0.01), phonemic fluency (β = 0.68; p = .01), and semantic fluency (β = 0.81; p = .02). In a rural setting, mobility is associated with multiple EF processes. Higher mobility and physical ability are desired for maintaining EFs capability.

Hydrocephalus, agenesis of the corpus callosum, and cleft lip/palate represent frequent associations in fetuses with Peters' plus syndrome and B3GALTL mutations. Fetal PPS phenotypes, expanded by Dandy Walker cyst and encephalocele.

PubMed

Schoner, Katharina; Kohlhase, Juergen; Müller, Annette M; Schramm, Thomas; Plassmann, Margit; Schmitz, Ralf; Neesen, Juergen; Wieacker, Peter; Rehder, Helga

2013-01-01

Fetal pathology aims to recognize syndromal patterns of anomalies for goal-directed mutation analyses, genetic counseling, and early prenatal diagnosis in consecutive pregnancies. Here, we report on five fetuses with Peters' plus syndrome (PPS) from two distinct families aborted after prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of hydrocephaly. We performed fetal autopsies and molecular analyses. Among 44 fetuses with prenatally diagnosed hydrocephaly, four fetuses of 16 to 21 gestational weeks presented with additional cleft lip/palate and/or agenesis of the corpus callosum. Other features were growth retardation, hypertelorism, anomalies of the eyes, in part consistent with Peters' anterior chamber anomalies, mild brachymelia, brachydactyly, and also internal anomalies. Suspected PPS was confirmed by detection of B3GALTL mutation in these four fetuses and in one additional sib fetus, revealing homozygosity for the common c.660 + 1G > A donor splice site mutation in intron 8. Autosomal-recessive PPS has not yet been diagnosed prenatally. We want to alert ultrasonographers to the diagnosis of this disorder in growth-retarded fetuses with (recurrent) hydrocephaly, agenesis of the corpus callosum, and cleft lip/palate and stress the more severe fetal manifestation, describing a first such case with additional Dandy-Walker cyst and occult meningoencephalocele. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Aerobic Exercise Training in Post-Polio Syndrome: Process Evaluation of a Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Voorn, Eric L.; Koopman, Fieke S.; Brehm, Merel A.; Beelen, Anita; de Haan, Arnold; Gerrits, Karin H. L.; Nollet, Frans

2016-01-01

Objective To explore reasons for the lack of efficacy of a high intensity aerobic exercise program in post-polio syndrome (PPS) on cardiorespiratory fitness by evaluating adherence to the training program and effects on muscle function. Design A process evaluation using data from an RCT. Patients Forty-four severely fatigued individuals with PPS were randomized to exercise therapy (n = 22) or usual care (n = 22). Methods Participants in the exercise group were instructed to exercise 3 times weekly for 4 months on a bicycle ergometer (60–70% heart rate reserve). Results The attendance rate was high (median 89%). None of the participants trained within the target heart rate range during >75% of the designated time. Instead, participants exercised at lower intensities, though still around the anaerobic threshold (AT) most of the time. Muscle function did not improve in the exercise group. Conclusion Our results suggest that severely fatigued individuals with PPS cannot adhere to a high intensity aerobic exercise program on a cycle ergometer. Despite exercise intensities around the AT, lower extremity muscle function nor cardiorespiratory fitness improved. Improving the aerobic capacity in PPS is difficult through exercise primarily focusing on the lower extremities, and may require a more individualized approach, including the use of other large muscle groups instead. Trial Registration Netherlands National Trial Register NTR1371 PMID:27419388

Medicare and Medicaid programs; CY 2015 Home Health Prospective Payment System rate update; Home Health Quality Reporting Requirements; and survey and enforcement requirements for home health agencies. Final rule.

PubMed

2014-11-06

This final rule updates Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) rates, including the national, standardized 60-day episode payment rates, the national per-visit rates, and the non-routine medical supply (NRS) conversion factor under the Medicare prospective payment system for home health agencies (HHAs), effective for episodes ending on or after January 1, 2015. As required by the Affordable Care Act, this rule implements the second year of the four-year phase-in of the rebasing adjustments to the HH PPS payment rates. This rule provides information on our efforts to monitor the potential impacts of the rebasing adjustments and the Affordable Care Act mandated face-to-face encounter requirement. This rule also implements: Changes to simplify the face-to-face encounter regulatory requirements; changes to the HH PPS case-mix weights; changes to the home health quality reporting program requirements; changes to simplify the therapy reassessment timeframes; a revision to the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) personnel qualifications; minor technical regulations text changes; and limitations on the reviewability of the civil monetary penalty provisions. Finally, this rule also discusses Medicare coverage of insulin injections under the HH PPS, the delay in the implementation of the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), and a HH value-based purchasing (HH VBP) model.

Effect of the Route of Administration and PEGylation of Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimers on Their Systemic and Lung Cellular Biodistribution.

PubMed

Zhong, Qian; Merkel, Olivia M; Reineke, Joshua J; da Rocha, Sandro R P

2016-06-06

There are many opportunities in the development of oral inhalation (oi) formulations for the delivery of small molecule therapeutics and biologics to and through the lungs. Nanocarriers have the potential to play a key role in advancing oi technologies and pushing the boundary of the pulmonary delivery market. In this work we investigate the effect of the route of administration and PEGylation on the systemic and lung cellular biodistribution of generation 3, amino-terminated poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers (G3NH2). Pharmacokinetic profiles show that the dendrimers reach their peak concentration in systemic circulation within a few hours after pulmonary delivery, independent of their chemistry (PEGylated or not), charge (+24 mV for G3NH2 vs -3.7 mV for G3NH2-24PEG1000), or size (5.1 nm for G3NH2 and 9.9 nm for G3NH2-24PEG1000). However, high density of surface modification with PEG enhances pulmonary absorption and the peak plasma concentration upon pulmonary delivery. The route of administration and PEGylation also significantly impact the whole body and local (lung cellular) distribution of the dendrimers. While ca. 83% of G3NH2 is found in the lungs upon pulmonary delivery at 6.5 h post administration, only 2% reached the lungs upon intravenous (iv) delivery. Moreover, no measurable concentration of either G3NH2 or G3NH2-24PEG1000 is found in the lymph nodes upon iv administration, while these are the tissues with the second highest mass distribution of dendrimers post pulmonary delivery. Dendrimer chemistry also significantly impacts the (cellular) distribution of the nanocarriers in the lung tissue. Upon pulmonary delivery, approximately 20% of the lung endothelial cells are seen to internalize G3NH2-24PEG1000, compared to only 6% for G3NH2. Conversely, G3NH2 is more readily taken up by lung epithelial cells (35%) when compared to its PEGylated counterpart (24%). The results shown here suggest that both the pulmonary route of administration and dendrimer chemistry combined can be used to passively target tissues and cell populations of great interest, and can thus be used as guiding principles in the development of dendrimer-based drug delivery strategies in the treatment of medically relevant diseases including lung ailments as well as systemic disorders.

Effect of the Route of Administration and PEGylation of Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimers on Their Systemic and Lung Cellular Biodistribution

PubMed Central

Zhong, Qian; Merkel, Olivia M.; Reineke, Joshua J.; da Rocha, Sandro R. P.

2017-01-01

There are many opportunities in the development of oral inhalation (oi) formulations for the delivery of small molecule therapeutics and biologics to and through the lungs. Nanocarriers have the potential to play a key role in advancing oi technologies and pushing the boundary of the pulmonary delivery market. In this work we investigate the effect of the route of administration and PEGylation on the systemic and lung cellular biodistribution of generation 3, amino-terminated poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers (G3NH2). Pharmacokinetic profiles show that the dendrimers reach their peak concentration in systemic circulation within a few hours after pulmonary delivery, independent of their chemistry (PEGylated or not), charge (+24 mV for G3NH2 vs −3.7 mV for G3NH2-24PEG1000), or size (5.1 nm for G3NH2 and 9.9 nm for G3NH2-24PEG1000). However, high density of surface modification with PEG enhances pulmonary absorption and the peak plasma concentration upon pulmonary delivery. The route of administration and PEGylation also significantly impact the whole body and local (lung cellular) distribution of the dendrimers. While ca. 83% of G3NH2 is found in the lungs upon pulmonary delivery at 6.5 h post administration, only 2% reached the lungs upon intravenous (iv) delivery. Moreover, no measurable concentration of either G3NH2 or G3NH2-24PEG1000 is found in the lymph nodes upon iv administration, while these are the tissues with the second highest mass distribution of dendrimers post pulmonary delivery. Dendrimer chemistry also significantly impacts the (cellular) distribution of the nanocarriers in the lung tissue. Upon pulmonary delivery, approximately 20% of the lung endothelial cells are seen to internalize G3NH2-24PEG1000, compared to only 6% for G3NH2. Conversely, G3NH2 is more readily taken up by lung epithelial cells (35%) when compared to its PEGylated counterpart (24%). The results shown here suggest that both the pulmonary route of administration and dendrimer chemistry combined can be used to passively target tissues and cell populations of great interest, and can thus be used as guiding principles in the development of dendrimer-based drug delivery strategies in the treatment of medically relevant diseases including lung ailments as well as systemic disorders. PMID:27148629

PEG and mPEG-anthracene induce DNA condensation and particle formation.

PubMed

Froehlich, E; Mandeville, J S; Arnold, D; Kreplak, L; Tajmir-Riahi, H A

2011-08-18

In this study, we investigated the binding of DNA with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) of different sizes and compositions such as PEG 3350, PEG 6000, and mPEG-anthracene in aqueous solution at physiological conditions. The effects of size and composition on DNA aggregation and condensation as well as conformation were determined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-visible, CD, fluorescence spectroscopic methods and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Structural analysis showed moderate complex formation for PEG 3350 and PEG 6000 and weaker interaction for mPE-anthracene-DNA adducts with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic contacts. The order of ± stability of the complexes formed is K(PEG 6000) = 1.5 (±0.4) × 10(4) M(-1) > K(PEG 3350) = 7.9 (±1) × 10(3) M(-1) > K(m(PEG-anthracene))= 3.6 (±0.8) × 10(3) M(-1) with nearly 1 bound PEG molecule per DNA. No B-DNA conformational changes were observed, while DNA condensation and particle formation occurred at high PEG concentration.

Simbol-X Background Minimization: Mirror Spacecraft Passive Shielding Trade-off Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fioretti, V.; Malaguti, G.; Bulgarelli, A.; Palumbo, G. G. C.; Ferri, A.; Attinà, P.

2009-05-01

The present work shows a quantitative trade-off analysis of the Simbol-X Mirror Spacecraft (MSC) passive shielding, in the phase space of the various parameters: mass budget, dimension, geometry and composition. A simplified physical (and geometrical) model of the sky screen, implemented by means of a GEANT4 simulation, has been developed to perform a performance-driven mass optimization and evaluate the residual background level on Simbol-X focal plane.

Arraying of intact liposomes into chemically functionalized microwells.

PubMed

Kalyankar, Nikhil D; Sharma, Manoj K; Vaidya, Shyam V; Calhoun, David; Maldarelli, Charles; Couzis, Alexander; Gilchrist, Lane

2006-06-06

Here, we describe a protocol to bind individual, intact phospholipid bilayer liposomes, which are on the order of 1 microm in diameter, in microwells etched in a regular array on a silicon oxide substrate. The diameter of the wells is on the order of the liposome diameter, so only one liposome is located in each well. The background of the silicon oxide surface is functionalized with a PEG oligomer using the contact printing of a PEG silane to present a surface that resists the adsorption of proteins, lipid material, and liposomes. The interiors of the wells are functionalized with an aminosilane to facilitate the conjugation of biotin, which is then bound to Neutravidin. The avidin-coated well interiors bind the liposomes whose surfaces contain biotinylated lipids. The specific binding of the liposomes to the surface using the biotin-avidin linkage, together with the resistant nature of the background and the physical confinement of the wells, allows the liposomes to remain intact and to not unravel, rupture, and fuse onto the surface. We demonstrate this intact arraying using confocal laser scanning microscopy of fluorophores specifically tagging the microwells, the lipid bilayer, and the aqueous interior of the liposome.

Effect of PEG and mPEG-anthracene on tRNA aggregation and particle formation.

PubMed

Froehlich, E; Mandeville, J S; Arnold, D; Kreplak, L; Tajmir-Riahi, H A

2012-01-09

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and its derivatives are synthetic polymers with major applications in gene and drug delivery systems. Synthetic polymers are also used to transport miRNA and siRNA in vitro. We studied the interaction of tRNA with several PEGs of different compositions, such as PEG 3350, PEG 6000, and mPEG-anthracene under physiological conditions. FTIR, UV-visible, CD, and fluorescence spectroscopic methods as well as atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to analyze the PEG binding mode, the binding constant, and the effects of polymer complexation on tRNA stability, aggregation, and particle formation. Structural analysis showed that PEG-tRNA interaction occurs via RNA bases and the backbone phosphate group with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic contacts. The overall binding constants of K(PEG 3350-tRNA)= 1.9 (±0.5) × 10(4) M(-1), K(PEG 6000-tRNA) = 8.9 (±1) × 10(4) M(-1), and K(mPEG-anthracene)= 1.2 (±0.40) × 10(3) M(-1) show stronger polymer-RNA complexation by PEG 6000 and by PEG 3350 than the mPEG-anthracene. AFM imaging showed that PEG complexes contain on average one tRNA with PEG 3350, five tRNA with PEG 6000, and ten tRNA molecules with mPEG-anthracene. tRNA aggregation and particle formation occurred at high polymer concentrations, whereas it remains in A-family structure.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Properties of Calaspargase Pegol Escherichia coli L-Asparaginase in the Treatment of Patients With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Results From Children's Oncology Group Study AALL07P4

PubMed Central

Angiolillo, Anne L.; Schore, Reuven J.; Devidas, Meenakshi; Borowitz, Michael J.; Carroll, Andrew J.; Gastier-Foster, Julie M.; Heerema, Nyla A.; Keilani, Taha; Lane, Ashley R.; Loh, Mignon L.; Reaman, Gregory H.; Adamson, Peter C.; Wood, Brent; Wood, Charlotte; Zheng, Hao W.; Raetz, Elizabeth A.; Winick, Naomi J.; Carroll, William L.; Hunger, Stephen P.

2014-01-01

Purpose Asparaginase is a critical agent used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Pegaspargase (SS-PEG), a pegylated form of Escherichia coli L-asparaginase with a succinimidyl succinate (SS) linker, is the first-line asparaginase product used in Children's Oncology Group (COG) ALL trials. Calaspargase pegol (SC-PEG) replaces the SS linker in SS-PEG with a succinimidyl carbamate linker, creating a more stable molecule. COG AALL07P4 was designed to determine the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic comparability of SC-PEG to SS-PEG in patients with newly diagnosed high-risk (HR) B-cell ALL. Patients and Methods A total of 165 evaluable patients were randomly assigned at a 2:1 ratio to receive SC-PEG at 2,100 (SC-PEG2100; n = 69) or 2,500 IU/m2 (SC-PEG2500; n = 42) versus SS-PEG 2,500 IU/m2 (SS-PEG2500; n = 54) as part of an otherwise identical chemotherapy regimen. The groups were similar demographically, except more female patients received SC-PEG2500. Results The mean half-life of plasma asparaginase activity for both SC-PEG doses was approximately 2.5× longer than that of SS-PEG2500. The total systemic exposure, as defined by induction area under the curve from time 0 to 25 days, was greater with SC-PEG2500 than with SS-PEG2500 or SC-PEG2100. The proportion of patients with plasma asparaginase activity ≥ 100 mIU/mL and ≥ 400 mIU/mL was higher in patients who received SC-PEG as compared with SS-PEG2500. After one dose of pegylated asparaginase on induction day 4, plasma asparagine was undetectable for 11 days for SS-PEG2500 and 18 days for both SC-PEG groups. Conclusion SC-PEG2500 achieves a significantly longer period of asparaginase activity above defined thresholds and asparagine depletion compared with SS-PEG2500 and has a comparable toxicity profile in children with HR B-cell ALL. PMID:25348002

Critical determinant of intestinal permeability and oral bioavailability of pegylated all trans-retinoic acid prodrug-based nanomicelles: Chain length of poly (ethylene glycol) corona.

PubMed

Li, Zhenbao; Han, Xiaopeng; Zhai, Yinglei; Lian, He; Zhang, Dong; Zhang, Wenjuan; Wang, Yongjun; He, Zhonggui; Liu, Zheng; Sun, Jin

2015-06-01

Pegylation method is widely used to prolong the blood circulation time of proteins and nanoparticles after intravenous administration, but the effect of surface poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) chain length on oral absorption of the pegylated nanoparticles is poorly reported. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of PEG corona chain length on membrane permeability and oral bioavailability of the amphiphilic pegylated prodrug-based nanomicelles, taking all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) as a model drug. The amphiphilic ATRA-PEG conjugates were synthesized by esterification reaction between all trans-retinoic acid and mPEGs (mPEG500, mPEG1000, mPEG2000, and mPEG5000). The conjugates could self-assemble in aqueous medium to form nanomicelles by emulsion-solvent evaporation method. The resultant nanomicelles were in spherical shape with an average diameter of 13-20 nm. The drug loading efficiency of ATRA-PEG500, ATRA-PEG1000, ATRA-PEG2000, and ATRA-PEG5000 was about 38.4, 26.6, 13.1, and 5.68 wt%, respectively. With PEG chain length ranging from 500 to 5000, ATRA-PEG nanomicelles exhibited a bell shape of chemical stability in different pH buffers, intestinal homogenate and plasma. More importantly, they were all rapidly hydrolyzed into the parent drug in hepatic homogenate, with the half-time values being 0.3-0.4h. In comparison to ATRA solution and ATRA prodrug-based nanomicelles, ATRA-PEG1000 showed the highest intestinal permeability. After oral administration, ATRA-PEG2000 and ATRA-PEG5000 nanomicelles were not nearly absorbed, while the oral bioavailability of ATRA-PEG500 and ATRA-PEG1000 demonstrated about 1.2- and 2.0-fold higher than ATRA solution. Our results indicated that PEG1000 chain length of ATRA-PEG prodrug nanomicelles has the optimal oral bioavailability probably due to improved stability and balanced mucus penetration capability and cell binding, and that the PEG chain length on a surface of nanoparticles cannot exceed a key threshold with the purpose of enhancement in oral bioavailability. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Evaluation of carotid plaque vulnerability in vivo: Correlation between dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and MRI-modified AHA classification.

PubMed

Ge, Xiaoqian; Zhou, Zien; Zhao, Huilin; Li, Xiao; Sun, Beibei; Suo, Shiteng; Hackett, Maree L; Wan, Jieqing; Xu, Jianrong; Liu, Xiaosheng

2017-09-01

To noninvasively monitor carotid plaque vulnerability by exploring the relationship between pharmacokinetic parameters (PPs) of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and plaque types based on MRI-modified American Heart Association (AHA) classification, as well as to assess the ability of PPs in discrimination between stable and vulnerable plaques suspected on MRI. Of 70 consecutive patients with carotid plaques who volunteered for 3.0T MRI (3D time-of-flight [TOF], T 1 -weighted, T 2 -weighted, 3D magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient-echo [MP-RAGE] and DCE-MRI), 66 participants were available for analysis. After plaque classification according to MRI-modified AHA Lesion-Type (LT), PPs (K trans , k ep , v e , and v p ) of DCE-MRI were measured. The Extended Tofts model was used for calculation of PPs. For participants with multiple carotid plaques, the plaque with the worst MRI-modified AHA LT was chosen for analysis. Correlations between PPs and plaque types and the ability of these parameters to distinguish stable and vulnerable plaques suspected on MRI were assessed. Significant positive correlation between K trans and LT III to VI was found (ρ = 0.532, P < 0.001), as was the correlation between k ep and LT III to VI (ρ = 0.409, P < 0.001). Stable and vulnerable plaques suspected on MRI could potentially be distinguished by K trans (sensitivity 83%, specificity 100%) and k ep (sensitivity 77%, specificity 91%). K trans and k ep from DCE-MRI can provide quantitative information to monitor plaque vulnerability in vivo and differentiate vulnerable plaques suspected on MRI from stable ones. These two parameters could be adopted as imaging biomarkers for plaque characterization and risk stratification. 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:870-876. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Doxycycline alters collagen composition following ventral hernia repair.

PubMed

Tharappel, Job C; Harris, Jennifer W; Totten, Crystal; Zwischenberger, Brittany A; Roth, John S

2017-04-01

Doxycycline, a nonspecific metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, has been demonstrated to impact the strength of the polypropylene (PP) mesh-repaired hernia with an increase in the deposition of collagen type 1. The impact of doxycycline with porcine acellular dermal matrices (PADM) is unknown; therefore, we evaluated the impact of doxycycline administration upon hernia repair with PP and PADM mesh. Sprague-Dawley rats weighing ~400 g underwent laparotomy with creation of a midline ventral hernia. After a 27-day recovery, animals were randomly assigned to four groups of eight and underwent intraperitoneal underlay hernia repair with either PP or PADM. Groups were assigned to daily normal saline (S) or daily doxycycline in normal saline 10 mg/kg (D) via oral gavage for 8 weeks beginning 24 h preoperatively. Animals were euthanized at 8 weeks and underwent tensiometric testing of the abdominal wall and western blot analyses for collagen subtypes and MMPs. Thirty-two animals underwent successful hernia creation and repair with either PADM or PP. At 8 weeks, 15 of 16 PP-implanted animals survived with only 12 of 16 PADM-implanted animals surviving. There were no differences in the mesh to fascial interface tensiometric strength between groups. Densitometric counts in the PADM-D group demonstrated increased collagen type 1 compared to PP-S (PADM-D [1286.5], PADM-S [906.9], PP-S [700.4], p = 0.037) and decreased collagen type 3 compared to PP-S (PADM-D [7446.9], PADM-S [8507.6], PP-S [11,297.1], p = 0.01). MMP-9 levels were increased in PADM-D (PP-S vs. PADM-D, p = 0.04), while MMP-2 levels were similar between PADM-D and PADM-S, respectively. Collagen type 1 deposition at the mesh to fascial interface is enhanced following administration of doxycycline in ventral hernia repairs with porcine acellular dermal matrices. Doxycycline administration may have implications for enhancing hernia repair outcomes using biologic mesh.

Laboratory-based experiments to investigate the impact of glyphosate-containing herbicide on pollution attenuation and biodegradation in a model pervious paving system.

PubMed

Mbanaso, F U; Coupe, S J; Charlesworth, S M; Nnadi, E O

2013-01-01

An experimental investigation was carried out to determine the effect of glyphosate-containing herbicides (GCHs) on the hydrocarbon retention and biodegradation processes known to occur in pervious pavement systems (PPSs). The PPS test rigs were based on the four-layered design detailed in CIRIA C582. This enabled the pollutant retention capacity of the PPS and biodegradation of retained pollutants by microorganisms to be investigated. The use of test rigs also enabled the impact of GCH on PPS eukaryotic organisms to be studied, by the monitoring of protist bioindicators. Results showed that GCH disrupted hydrocarbon retention by the geotextiles relative to rigs with mineral oil only added, as 9.3% and 24.5% of added hydrocarbon were found in herbicide only rigs and herbicide plus oil rigs respectively. In previous studies, PPS contaminated by mineral oil had been shown to retain 98.7% of added oils and over several weeks, biodegrade this oil in situ. Where GCH was added to experimental models, much higher concentrations of heavy metals, including Pb, Cu, and Zn, were released from the PPS in effluent, particularly where GCH and mineral oil were added together. The source of the majority of the metal contamination was thought to be the used engine oil. The herbicide generally increased the total activity of microbial communities in rig systems and had a stimulating effect on bacterial and fungal population numbers. Although the protists, which are part of the microbial community directly or indirectly responsible for biodegradation, were initially strongly affected by the herbicide, they showed resilience by quickly recovering and increasing their population compared with rigs without added herbicide, including the rigs with mineral oil added to them. However, the presence of herbicide was associated with a decrease in the species richness of recorded protist taxa and a predominance of robust, cosmopolitan or ubiquitous protist genera. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experimental studies on particle impaction and bounce: effects of substrate design and material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Mingchih; Kim, Seongheon; Sioutas, Constantinos

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the effects of impaction substrate designs and material in reducing particle bounce and reentrainment. Particle collection without coating by using combinations of different impaction substrate designs and surface materials was conducted using a personal particle sampler (PPS) developed by the University of Southern California. The PPS operates at flow rate of 4 l min -1 with a 50% cutpoint of approximately 0.9 μm in aerodynamic diameter. The laboratory results showed that the PPS collection efficiency for particles larger than 50% cutpoint is strikingly low (e.g., less than 50%) when an uncoated open cavity made of aluminum was used as an impaction substrate. The collection efficiency gradually increased when Teflon tape, Nuclepore, and glass fiber filters were used as impaction surfaces, respectively. Conical or partially enclosed cavity substrate designs increased collection efficiency of particles of 9 μm up to 80-90%. A conical cavity with glass fiber filter used as impaction surface was identified as the optimum configuration, resulting in a collection efficiency of 92% at Stokes numbers as high as 15.4 (corresponding to 9 μm in aerodynamic diameter). Particle losses were low (less than 10%) and relatively independent of particle size in any design with glass fiber filter. Losses seemed to increase slightly with particle size in all other configurations. Finally, outdoor PM 1 concentrations obtained with the PPS (in its optimum configuration) and a modified micro-orifice uniform deposit impactor (MOUDI) with coated impaction stages were in excellent agreement. The mean ratio of the PPS-to-MOUDI concentration was 1.13(±0.17) with a correlation coefficient R2=0.95. Results from this investigation can be readily applied to design particle bounce-free impaction substrates without the use of coating. This is a very important feature of impactors, especially when chemical analysis of the collected particulate matter is desirable.

TGF-beta1 release from biodegradable polymer microparticles: its effects on marrow stromal osteoblast function

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lu, L.; Yaszemski, M. J.; Mikos, A. G.; McIntire, L. V. (Principal Investigator)

2001-01-01

BACKGROUND: Controlled release of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) to a bone defect may be beneficial for the induction of a bone regeneration cascade. The objectives of this work were to assess the feasibility of using biodegradable polymer microparticles as carriers for controlled TGF-beta1 delivery and the effects of released TGF-beta1 on the proliferation and differentiation of marrow stromal cells in vitro. METHODS: Recombinant human TGF-beta1 was incorporated into microparticles of blends of poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Fluorescein isothiocynate-labeled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) was co-encapsulated as a porogen. The effects of PEG content (0, 1, or 5% by weight [wt%]) and buffer pH (3, 5, or 7.4) on the protein release kinetics and the degradation of PLGA were determined in vitro for as long as 28 days. Rat marrow stromal cells were seeded on a biodegradable poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) substrate. The dose response and biological activity of released TGF-beta1 was determined after 3 days in culture. The effects of TGF-beta1 released from PLGA/PEG microparticles on marrow stromal cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation were assessed during a 21-day period. RESULTS: TGF-beta1 was encapsulated along with FITC-BSA into PLGA/PEG blend microparticles and released in a multiphasic fashion including an initial burst for as long as 28 days in vitro. Increasing the initial PEG content resulted in a decreased cumulative mass of released proteins. Aggregation of FITC-BSA occurred at lower buffer pH, which led to decreased release rates of both proteins. The degradation of PLGA was increased at higher PEG content and significantly accelerated at acidic pH conditions. Rat marrow stromal cells cultured on PPF substrates showed a dose response to TGF-beta1 released from the microparticles similar to that of added TGF-beta1, indicating that the activity of TGF-beta1 was retained during microparticle fabrication and after growth factor release. At an optimal TGF-beta1 dosage of 1.0 ng/ml after 3 days, the released TGF-beta1 enhanced the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of marrow stromal cells over 21 days of culture, with increased total cell number, alkaline phosphatase activity, and osteocalcin production. CONCLUSIONS: PLGA/PEG blend microparticles can serve as delivery vehicles for controlled release of TGF-beta1, and the released growth factor enhances marrow stromal cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation in vitro. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Controlled release of TGF-beta1 from PLGA/PEG microparticles is representative of emerging tissue engineering technologies that may modulate cellular responses to encourage bone regeneration at a skeletal defect site.

Graph pyramids for protein function prediction

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Background Uncovering the hidden organizational characteristics and regularities among biological sequences is the key issue for detailed understanding of an underlying biological phenomenon. Thus pattern recognition from nucleic acid sequences is an important affair for protein function prediction. As proteins from the same family exhibit similar characteristics, homology based approaches predict protein functions via protein classification. But conventional classification approaches mostly rely on the global features by considering only strong protein similarity matches. This leads to significant loss of prediction accuracy. Methods Here we construct the Protein-Protein Similarity (PPS) network, which captures the subtle properties of protein families. The proposed method considers the local as well as the global features, by examining the interactions among 'weakly interacting proteins' in the PPS network and by using hierarchical graph analysis via the graph pyramid. Different underlying properties of the protein families are uncovered by operating the proposed graph based features at various pyramid levels. Results Experimental results on benchmark data sets show that the proposed hierarchical voting algorithm using graph pyramid helps to improve computational efficiency as well the protein classification accuracy. Quantitatively, among 14,086 test sequences, on an average the proposed method misclassified only 21.1 sequences whereas baseline BLAST score based global feature matching method misclassified 362.9 sequences. With each correctly classified test sequence, the fast incremental learning ability of the proposed method further enhances the training model. Thus it has achieved more than 96% protein classification accuracy using only 20% per class training data. PMID:26044522

Crystalline polyoxometalate (POM)–polyethylene glycol (PEG) composites aimed as non-humidified intermediate-temperature proton conductors

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

Tsuboi, Masaki; Hibino, Mitsuhiro; Mizuno, Noritaka

2016-02-15

Crystalline polyoxometalate (POM)–polyethylene glycol (PEG) composites aimed as non-humidified intermediate-temperature proton conductors were synthesized and characterized by single crystal and powder XRD, solid state MASNMR, and TG-DTA measurements. Among the POM–PEG composites, Cs{sub 2.7}H{sub 0.3}[PW{sub 12}O{sub 40}]·1.2PEG1000 (CsHPW-PEG1000) possessed one-dimensional channels with diameters of ca. 6 and 8 Å, where PEG probably resided, and showed the best performance as a proton conductor (1.2×10{sup −5} S cm{sup −1} at 443 K). Proton conductivities of POM–PEG composites decreased by the increase in molecular weights of PEG (CsHPW-PEG12,000) or anion charges (CsHSiW-PEG1000). Variable contact time {sup 13}C-CP (cross polarization) MASNMR revealed that localmore » mobility (i.e., segmental motion) of PEG is related to the trends in proton conductivities. These results show that amount of acidic protons (H{sup +}) is not the primary factor in proton conduction and that segmental motion of PEG assists the proton hopping among POMs in the crystal lattice of POM–PEG composites. - Graphical abstract: Non-humidified intermediate-temperature proton conduction in crystalline polyoxometalate (POM)–polyethylene (PEG) composites are assisted by the segmental motion of PEG. - Highlights: • Crystalline polyoxometalate–polyethlene glycol (PEG) composites were synthesized. • CsHPW-PEG1000 possessed one-dimensional channels and showed the highest proton conductivity. • {sup 13}C CPMASNMR revealed that segmental motion of PEG is related to the proton conduction.« less

Effect of DSPE-PEG on compound action potential, injury potential and ion concentration following compression in ex vivo spinal cord.

PubMed

Wang, Aihua; Huo, Xiaolin; Zhang, Guanghao; Wang, Xiaochen; Zhang, Cheng; Wu, Changzhe; Rong, Wei; Xu, Jing; Song, Tao

2016-05-04

It has been shown that polyethylene glycol (PEG) can reseal membrane disruption on the spinal cord, but only high concentrations of PEG have been shown to have this effect. Therefore, the effect of PEG is somewhat limited, and it is necessary to investigate a new approach to repair spinal cord injury. This study assesses the ability of 1, 2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(poly (ethylene glycol)) 2000] (DSPE-PEG) to recover physiological function and attenuate the injury-induced influx of extracellular ions in ex vivo spinal cord injury. Isolated spinal cords were subjected to compression injury and treated with PEG or DSPE-PEG immediately after injury. The compound action potential (CAP) was recorded before and after injury to assess the functional recovery. Furthermore, injury potential, the difference in gap potentials before and after compression, and the concentration of intracellular ions were used to evaluate the effect of DSPE-PEG on reducing ion influx. Data showed that the injury potential and ion concentration of the untreated, PEG and DSPE-PEG group, without significant difference among them, are remarkably higher than those of the intact group. Moreover, the CAP recovery of the DSPE-PEG and PEG treated spinal cords was significantly greater than that of the untreated spinal cords. The level of CAP recovery in the DSPE-PEG and PEG treated groups was the same, but the concentration of DSPE-PEG used was much lower than the concentration of PEG. These results suggest that instant application of DSPE-PEG could effectively repair functional disturbance in SCI at a much lower concentration than PEG. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and comparative in vivo evaluation of 99m Tc(CO)3 -labeled PEGylated and non-PEGylated cRGDfK peptide monomers.

PubMed

Vats, Kusum; Satpati, Drishty; Sharma, Rohit; Sarma, Haladhar D; Banerjee, Sharmila

2017-03-01

This work aimed at studying the effect of insertion of medium PEG (PEG 7 ) on the pharmacokinetic behavior of cRGDfK peptide in comparison with the non-PEGylated analogue. The cRGDfK peptide has thus been derivatized at ε-amino group of lysine by conjugation with N 3 -PEG 7 -COOH/N 3 -CH 2 -COOH to prepare a PEGylated and a non-PEGylated analogue of cRGDfK. A tridentate chelator was then incorporated by click chemistry conjugation of the two peptide azides for radiolabeling with [ 99m Tc(CO) 3 (H 2 O) 3 ] + precursor. Comparative in vivo evaluation of the two 99m Tc(CO) 3 -labeled radiotracers, 99m Tc(CO) 3 -Pra-Tz-CH 2 -cRGDfK 5 and 99m Tc(CO) 3 -Pra-Tz-PEG 7 -cRGDfK 6, was carried out in C57BL/6 mice bearing α v β 3 -positive melanoma tumors to determine their potential toward targeting integrin α v β 3 receptors. The radiotracers exhibited excellent stability in saline as well as in serum. Maximum tumor uptake for the two radiotracers was observed at 30 min p.i. (5: 3.0 ± 0.7% ID/g; 6: 4.1 ± 0.5% ID/g). The two neutral 99m Tc(CO) 3 radiotracers prepared exhibited receptor-mediated uptake in melanoma tumor. The increase in the tumor uptake on introduction of PEG 7 unit was accompanied by slower clearance from other organs which resulted in decreased target-to-background ratios. The in vivo kinetics of 99m Tc(CO) 3 -labeled radiotracer, 99m Tc(CO) 3 -Pra-Tz-CH 2 -cRGDfK 5 with only methylene unit as the spacer, was found to be more favorable due to higher tumor/blood, tumor/liver, tumor/kidney, and tumor/lung ratios. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Size-dependent in vivo toxicity of PEG-coated gold nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xiao-Dong; Wu, Di; Shen, Xiu; Liu, Pei-Xun; Yang, Na; Zhao, Bin; Zhang, Hao; Sun, Yuan-Ming; Zhang, Liang-An; Fan, Fei-Yue

2011-01-01

Background Gold nanoparticle toxicity research is currently leading towards the in vivo experiment. Most toxicology data show that the surface chemistry and physical dimensions of gold nanoparticles play an important role in toxicity. Here, we present the in vivo toxicity of 5, 10, 30, and 60 nm PEG-coated gold nanoparticles in mice. Methods Animal survival, weight, hematology, morphology, organ index, and biochemistry were characterized at a concentration of 4000 μg/kg over 28 days. Results The PEG-coated gold particles did not cause an obvious decrease in body weight or appreciable toxicity even after their breakdown in vivo. Biodistribution results show that 5 nm and 10 nm particles accumulated in the liver and that 30 nm particles accumulated in the spleen, while the 60 nm particles did not accumulate to an appreciable extent in either organ. Transmission electron microscopic observations showed that the 5, 10, 30, and 60 nm particles located in the blood and bone marrow cells, and that the 5 and 60 nm particles aggregated preferentially in the blood cells. The increase in spleen index and thymus index shows that the immune system can be affected by these small nanoparticles. The 10 nm gold particles induced an increase in white blood cells, while the 5 nm and 30 nm particles induced a decrease in white blood cells and red blood cells. The biochemistry results show that the 10 nm and 60 nm PEG-coated gold nanoparticles caused a significant increase in alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels, indicating slight damage to the liver. Conclusion The toxicity of PEG-coated gold particles is complex, and it cannot be concluded that the smaller particles have greater toxicity. The toxicity of the 10 nm and 60 nm particles was obviously higher than that of the 5 nm and 30 nm particles. The metabolism of these particles and protection of the liver will be more important issues for medical applications of gold-based nanomaterials in future. PMID:21976982

Design, optimization and evaluation of a "smart" pixel sensor array for low-dose digital radiography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kai; Liu, Xinghui; Ou, Hai; Chen, Jun

2016-04-01

Amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film transistors (TFTs) have been widely used to build flat-panel X-ray detectors for digital radiography (DR). As the demand for low-dose X-ray imaging grows, a detector with high signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) pixel architecture emerges. "Smart" pixel is intended to use a dual-gate photosensitive TFT for sensing, storage, and switch. It differs from a conventional passive pixel sensor (PPS) and active pixel sensor (APS) in that all these three functions are combined into one device instead of three separate units in a pixel. Thus, it is expected to have high fill factor and high spatial resolution. In addition, it utilizes the amplification effect of the dual-gate photosensitive TFT to form a one-transistor APS that leads to a potentially high SNR. This paper addresses the design, optimization and evaluation of the smart pixel sensor and array for low-dose DR. We will design and optimize the smart pixel from the scintillator to TFT levels and validate it through optical and electrical simulation and experiments of a 4x4 sensor array.

Clinical & financial operations. Partnership for quality.

PubMed

Mackin, Annette

2002-11-01

PPS has brought to the forefront the "patient care vs. dollars" tension that has long existed between the clinical and financial functions. Recognition of the legitimacy of this very natural tension is critical to successful clinical and financial management under PPS. Clinical and financial staff members who recognize the interdependencies of their functions and work collaboratively will likely view themselves as members of one interdisciplinary team. An organization that can achieve this major shift in corporate culture will also achieve its most sought after goals.

A novel plant protection strategy for transient reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharyya, Samit K.; Lipinski, Walter C.; Hanan, Nelson A.

The present plant protection system (PPS) has been defined for use in the TREAT-upgrade (TU) reactor for controlled transient operation of reactor-fuel behavior testing under simulated reactor-accident conditions. A PPS with energy-dependent trip set points lowered worst-case clad temperatures by as much as 180 K, relative to the use of conventional fixed-level trip set points. The multilayered multilevel protection strategy represents the state-of-the-art in terrestrial transient reactor protection systems, and should be applicable to multi-MW space reactors.

Helium Bottle Pressure Measurement by Portable Ultrasonic Technique

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-02-07

revision extends the study to include EMI testing, and -develorynent of g Rrotgtype tester . The Contractor shall: 1. Perform EMI test of ultrasonic eq...amp/1 watt power ap- plied to the bridgerires. The tester pulse of 250 volts for 100 ns at 1500 pps has an average value of 250v x 100ns x 1500pps...34 connector. Mount transducer in fixture and connect transducer to cable microdot connector. 5. Pulse-Echo transit time measurement: Assure that the

Synthesis of PEG-rich PLGA-PEG-PLGA for the PLGA-PEG-PLGA/laponite hydrogels with thermoresponsive sol-gel transitions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanimoto, Keishi; Maeda, Tomoki; Hotta, Atsushi

Poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)-b-poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) possesses moderate biocompatibility originating from the relatively shorter PEG block in its polymeric molecule. For the maximum utilization of the highly biocompatible PEG block, the PEG block should be relatively longer, and thus the PEG/PLGA ratio, the molecular weight ratio of PEG and PLGA, should be higher. In addition, for the wider use of PLGA-PEG-PLGA in the biological fields, the aqueous PLGA-PEG-PLGA solution should transfer from sol to gel states in response to the increase in temperature. It was reported, however, through the previous researches, that the PLGA-PEG-PLGA solution with a high PEG/PLGA ratio (above 0.5) would not exhibit thermoresponsive sol-gel transitions. In this work, PLGA-PEG-PLGAs with higher PEG/PLGA ratios were synthesized and the laponite, an inorganic nanoparticle, was added to the solutions to realize the thermoresponsive sol-gel transition. It was found that the PLGA-PEG-PLGA with the high PEG/PLGA ratio of 3.0 could exhibit the thermoresponsive sol-gel transition by adding laponite at 1.25 weight percent. The physical characteristics of the gel were also studied by the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) This work was supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A) (No. 15H02298 to A.H.) and a Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up (No.15H06586 to T.M.) from JSPS: KAKENHI\\x9D.

Safety Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Compounds for Cosmetic Use

PubMed Central

Shin, Chan Young; Kim, Kyu-Bong

2015-01-01

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are products of condensed ethylene oxide and water that can have various derivatives and functions. Since many PEG types are hydrophilic, they are favorably used as penetration enhancers, especially in topical dermatological preparations. PEGs, together with their typically nonionic derivatives, are broadly utilized in cosmetic products as surfactants, emulsifiers, cleansing agents, humectants, and skin conditioners. The compounds studied in this review include PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer, PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, and PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil. Overall, much of the data available in this review are on PEGylated oils (PEG-40 and PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oils), which were recommended as safe for use in cosmetics up to 100% concentration. Currently, PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate and PEGylated oils are considered safe for cosmetic use according to the results of relevant studies. Additionally, PEG/PPG-17/6 copolymer should be further studied to ensure its safety as a cosmetic ingredient. PMID:26191379

Development of a binary carrier system consisting polyethylene glycol 4000 - ethyl cellulose for ibuprofen solid dispersion

PubMed Central

Alagdar, Gada Sulaiman A.; Oo, May Kyaw; Sengupta, Pinaki; Mandal, Uttam Kumar; Jaffri, Julian Md.; Chatterjee, Bappaditya

2017-01-01

Background and Objective: One of the established strategies to improve solubility and dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs is solid dispersion (SD). Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used as common carrier despite its stability problem which may be overcome by the addition of hydrophobic polymer. The present research aimed to develop an SD formulation with ibuprofen, a poor water-soluble BCS Class II drug as active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and PEG 4000-ethyl cellulose (EC) as binary carrier. Methods: Melt mixing SD method was employed using a ratio of API: binary carrier (1:3.5 w/w) (SDPE). Another SD was prepared using only PEG (SDP) as a carrier for comparative study. The developed formulation was evaluated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), determination of moisture content, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in vitro dissolution test, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and flow properties. Results: SEM and DSC indicated the conversion of crystalline ibuprofen to fine partly amorphous solid dispersion, which was responsible for the increase in dissolution rate of SD than a physical mixture. The release characteristics within 1 h from the higher to the lower value were the SDPE> SDP> physical mixture. Flow property evaluation using the angle of repose showed no difference between SD and PM. However, by Carr index and Hausner ratio, the flow properties of SDPE was excellent. Conclusion: The SD formulation with the PEG 4000-EC carrier can be effective to enhance in vitro dissolution of ibuprofen immediate release dosage form. PMID:29184827

Negative argininosuccinate synthetase expression in melanoma tumours may predict clinical benefit from arginine-depleting therapy with pegylated arginine deiminase

PubMed Central

Feun, L G; Marini, A; Walker, G; Elgart, G; Moffat, F; Rodgers, S E; Wu, C J; You, M; Wangpaichitr, M; Kuo, M T; Sisson, W; Jungbluth, A A; Bomalaski, J; Savaraj, N

2012-01-01

Background: Arginine-depleting therapy with pegylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20) was reported to have activity in advanced melanoma in early phase I–II trial, and clinical trials are currently underway in other cancers. However, the optimal patient population who benefit from this treatment is unknown. Methods: Advanced melanoma patients with accessible tumours had biopsy performed before the start of treatment with ADI-PEG20 and at the time of progression or relapse when amenable to determine whether argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) expression in tumour was predictive of response to ADI-PEG20. Results: Twenty-seven of thirty-eight patients treated had melanoma tumours assessable for ASS staining before treatment. Clinical benefit rate (CBR) and longer time to progression were associated with negative expression of tumour ASS. Only 1 of 10 patients with ASS-positive tumours (ASS+) had stable disease, whereas 4 of 17 (24%) had partial response and 5 had stable disease, when ASS expression was negative (ASS−), giving CBR rates of 52.9 vs 10%, P=0.041. Two responding patients with negative ASS expression before therapy had rebiopsy after tumour progression and the ASS expression became positive. The survival of ASS− patients receiving at least four doses at 320 IU m−2 was significantly better than the ASS+ group at 26.5 vs 8.5 months, P=0.024. Conclusion: ADI-PEG20 is safe and the drug is only efficacious in melanoma patients whose tumour has negative ASS expression. Argininosuccinate synthetase tumour positivity is associated with drug resistance and tumour progression. PMID:22472884

pH and temperature dual-sensitive liposome gel based on novel cleavable mPEG-Hz-CHEMS polymeric vaginal delivery system

PubMed Central

Chen, Daquan; Sun, Kaoxiang; Mu, Hongjie; Tang, Mingtan; Liang, Rongcai; Wang, Aiping; Zhou, Shasha; Sun, Haijun; Zhao, Feng; Yao, Jianwen; Liu, Wanhui

2012-01-01

Background In this study, a pH and temperature dual-sensitive liposome gel based on a novel cleavable hydrazone-based pH-sensitive methoxy polyethylene glycol 2000-hydrazone-cholesteryl hemisuccinate (mPEG-Hz-CHEMS) polymer was used for vaginal administration. Methods The pH-sensitive, cleavable mPEG-Hz-CHEMS was designed as a modified pH-sensitive liposome that would selectively degrade under locally acidic vaginal conditions. The novel pH-sensitive liposome was engineered to form a thermogel at body temperature and to degrade in an acidic environment. Results A dual-sensitive liposome gel with a high encapsulation efficiency of arctigenin was formed and improved the solubility of arctigenin characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The dual-sensitive liposome gel with a sol-gel transition at body temperature was degraded in a pH-dependent manner, and was stable for a long period of time at neutral and basic pH, but cleavable under acidic conditions (pH 5.0). Arctigenin encapsulated in a dual-sensitive liposome gel was more stable and less toxic than arctigenin loaded into pH-sensitive liposomes. In vitro drug release results indicated that dual-sensitive liposome gels showed constant release of arctigenin over 3 days, but showed sustained release of arctigenin in buffers at pH 7.4 and pH 9.0. Conclusion This research has shed some light on a pH and temperature dual-sensitive liposome gel using a cleavable mPEG-Hz-CHEMS polymer for vaginal delivery. PMID:22679372

Avidin-biotin-PEG-CPA complexes as potential EPR-directed therapeutic protein carriers: preparation and characterization.

PubMed

Ke, Shan; Wright, John C; Kwon, Glen S

2007-01-01

Bovine carboxypeptidase A (CPA) conjugated with biotinylated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has been synthesized and characterized in terms of stoichiometry and half-life of the avidin-biotin-PEG(s)-CPA complex. The half-lives for dissociation are 3.34 days for the avidin-biotin-PEG(3400)-CPA 1:1 complex, 3.65 days for the avidin-biotin-PEG(5000)-CPA 1:1 complex, 3.91 days for the avidin-biotin-PEG(3400)-CPA-PEG(2000) 1:1 complex, and 2.74 days for the avidin-biotin-PEG(5000)-CPA-PEG(2000) 1:1 complex. The slow dissociation demonstrates the stability of complexes using a PEGylated biotin terminus as a linker with avidin. The stoichiometry of the biotin-PEGylated CPA with avidin was determined by the 2,6-ANS method, and the results are consistent with measurements of the stoichiometry using size exclusion chromatography. The stoichiometries are 1:2 for the avidin-biotin-PEG(3400)-CPA complex and the avidin-biotin-PEG(3400)-CPA-PEG(2000) complex, 1:1 for the avidin-biotin-PEG(5000)-CPA complex, and 1:4 for the avidin-biotin-PEG(5000)-CPA-PEG(2000) complex. These findings stress both the importance of the length of a PEG chain as an appropriate spacer between the biotin terminus and a functional group, and the great potential of the avidin-biotin-PEGylated-protein complex as a therapeutic protein delivery system for solid tumor prodrug targeting.

Preparation of Polyamide-6 Submicrometer-Sized Spheres by In Situ Polymerization.

PubMed

Zhao, Xingke; Xia, Housheng; Fu, Xubing; Duan, Jianping; Yang, Guisheng

2015-11-01

Polyamide-6 (PA6) submicron-sized spheres are prepared by two steps: (1) anionic ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactam in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly-(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG-b-PPG-b-PEG) and (2) separation of PA6 spheres by dissolving PEG-b-PPG-b-PEG from the prepared blends. The PA6 microspheres obtained are regular spherical, with diameter ranging from 200 nm to 2 μm and narrow size distribution, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. By comparison with PA6/PS and PA6/PEG systems, it is denominated that the PEG blocks in PEG-b-PPG-b-PEG can effectively reduce the surface tension of PA6 droplets and further decrease the diameter of the PA6 microspheres. The PPG block in PEG-b-PPG-b-PEG can prevent the PA6 droplets coalescing with each other, and isolated spherical particles can be obtained finally. The phase inversion of the PA6/PEG-b-PPG-b-PEG blends occurs at very low PEG-b-PPG-b-PEG content; the PEG-b-PPG-b-PEG phase can be removed by water easily. The whole experiment can be finished in a short time (approximately in half an hour) without using any organic solvents; it is an efficient strategy for the preparation of submicron-sized PA6 microspheres. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

TRAQUEOESOPHAGEAL FISTULA PATIENTS FED THROUGH PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY/GASTROJEJUNOSTOMY: NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND CLINICAL OUTCOME.

PubMed

Santos, Carla Adriana; Pereira, Marta; Martins, Vera Santos; Fonseca, Jorge

2015-08-01

tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) may result from cancer or mechanical ventilation. Endoscopic Gastrostomy or Gastrojejunostomy (PEG/PEG-J) is used for nutritional support. in TEF-patients, evaluating nutritional status when PEG is performed, safety of PEG/PEG-J and clinical outcome. from the files of PEG/PEG-J feed TEF-patients we collected: clinical data, Body Mass Index, albumin, transferrin and cholesterol when gastrostomy was performed, and clinical outcome globally and according with the TEF cause: Group 1: complication of mechanical ventilation, Group 2: cancer. twelve patients, 18-91 years (median: 53), 11 PEG, one PEG-J: six complications of ventilation (neurological diseases), 6 cancers. Mean period from TEF diagnosis until gastrostomy: 2 months in Group 1, 10 months in Group 2. In the day of the gastrostomy, patients presented with malnutrition parameters, most strikingly in the cancer group. Group 1: died a single patient, 3 closed the TEF, resuming oral intake, 2 are still PEG-feed. All cancer patients died (7 months after gastrostomy). One needed a jejunal extension to create a PEG-J. No more complications. PEG/PEG-J was safe in TEF-patients, but cancer patients underwent gastrostomy too late. In TEF-patients, PEG/PEG-J should be considered in a regular basis, earlier in the disease evolution, before established malnutrition. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Treatment for postpolio syndrome.

PubMed

Koopman, Fieke Sophia; Beelen, Anita; Gilhus, Nils Erik; de Visser, Marianne; Nollet, Frans

2015-05-18

Postpolio syndrome (PPS) may affect survivors of paralytic poliomyelitis and is characterised by a complex of neuromuscular symptoms leading to a decline in physical functioning. The effectiveness of pharmacological treatment and rehabilitation management in PPS is not yet established. This is an update of a review first published in 2011. To systematically review the evidence from randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials for the effect of any pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatment for PPS compared to placebo, usual care or no treatment.  We searched the following databases on 21 July 2014: Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL Plus. We also checked reference lists of all relevant articles, searched the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Database and trial registers and contacted investigators known to be involved in research in this area. Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of any form of pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatment for people with PPS. The primary outcome was self perceived activity limitations and secondary outcomes were muscle strength, muscle endurance, fatigue, pain and adverse events. We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. We included 10 pharmacological (modafinil, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), pyridostigmine, lamotrigine, amantadine, prednisone) and three non-pharmacological (muscle strengthening, rehabilitation in a warm climate (that is temperature ± 25°C, dry and sunny) and a cold climate (that is temperature ± 0°C, rainy or snowy), static magnetic fields) studies with a total of 675 participants with PPS in this review. None of the included studies were completely free from any risk of bias, the most prevalent risk of bias being lack of blinding.There was moderate- and low-quality evidence that IVIg has no beneficial effect on activity limitations in the short term and long term, respectively, and inconsistency in the evidence for effectiveness on muscle strength. IVIg caused minor adverse events in a substantial proportion of the participants. Results of one trial provided very low-quality evidence that lamotrigine might be effective in reducing pain and fatigue, resulting in fewer activity limitations without generating adverse events. Data from two single trials suggested that muscle strengthening of thumb muscles (very low-quality evidence) and static magnetic fields (moderate-quality evidence) are safe and beneficial for improving muscle strength and pain, respectively, with unknown effects on activity limitations. Finally, there was evidence varying from very low quality to high quality that modafinil, pyridostigmine, amantadine, prednisone and rehabilitation in a warm or cold climate are not beneficial in PPS. Due to insufficient good-quality data and lack of randomised studies, it was impossible to draw definite conclusions about the effectiveness of interventions for PPS. Results indicated that IVIg, lamotrigine, muscle strengthening exercises and static magnetic fields may be beneficial but need further investigation to clarify whether any real and meaningful effect exists.

Radical SAM Enzymes in the Biosynthesis of Ribosomally Synthesized and Post-translationally Modified Peptides (RiPPs).

PubMed

Benjdia, Alhosna; Balty, Clémence; Berteau, Olivier

2017-01-01

Ribosomally-synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are a large and diverse family of natural products. They possess interesting biological properties such as antibiotic or anticancer activities, making them attractive for therapeutic applications. In contrast to polyketides and non-ribosomal peptides, RiPPs derive from ribosomal peptides and are post-translationally modified by diverse enzyme families. Among them, the emerging superfamily of radical SAM enzymes has been shown to play a major role. These enzymes catalyze the formation of a wide range of post-translational modifications some of them having no counterparts in living systems or synthetic chemistry. The investigation of radical SAM enzymes has not only illuminated unprecedented strategies used by living systems to tailor peptides into complex natural products but has also allowed to uncover novel RiPP families. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on radical SAM enzymes catalyzing RiPP post-translational modifications and discuss their mechanisms and growing importance notably in the context of the human microbiota.

75 FR 70371 - Medicare Program; Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update for Calendar Year 2011...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-17

...This final rule sets forth an update to the Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) rates, including: the national standardized 60-day episode rates, the national per-visit rates, the nonroutine medical supply (NRS) conversion factors, and the low utilization payment amount (LUPA) add-on payment amounts, under the Medicare prospective payment system for HHAs effective January 1, 2011. This rule also updates the wage index used under the HH PPS and, in accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (Affordable Care Act), updates the HH PPS outlier policy. In addition, this rule revises the home health agency (HHA) capitalization requirements. This rule further adds clarifying language to the ``skilled services'' section. The rule finalizes a 3.79 percent reduction to rates for CY 2011 to account for changes in case-mix, which are unrelated to real changes in patient acuity. Finally, this rule incorporates new legislative requirements regarding face-to-face encounters with providers related to home health and hospice care.

Organization and functioning of primary healthcare for pre-school children in Croatia: a longitudinal study from 1995 to 2012.

PubMed

Buljan, Josip; Prljević, Gordana; Menegoni, Martina; Bralić, Irena

2014-12-01

Primary health care for children in Croatia are mostly provided by primary pediatricians (PP) in the urban and by family doctors in rural areas. During past decades, as apart of health care reforms, primary pediatric care experiences several changes. This study was undertaken in order to investigate the trends in organizational structure and functioning of the PPs, based on routinely collected data from Croatian Health Service Yearbooks, 1995 to 2012. The results have consistently shown a shortage of PPs in Croatia. The shortage obviously affects the average number of children per PP; number increased from 994 in 1995, to 1556 children in 2010, which was far above the standard. The shortage of PPs is also related to the high number of visits (30 to 40) per PP and per working day. The obtained results clearly show only the trends, therefore further research is needed for a full understanding of the PHC for pre-school children.

Phage display and selection of lanthipeptides on the carboxy-terminus of the gene-3 minor coat protein.

PubMed

Urban, Johannes H; Moosmeier, Markus A; Aumüller, Tobias; Thein, Marcus; Bosma, Tjibbe; Rink, Rick; Groth, Katharina; Zulley, Moritz; Siegers, Katja; Tissot, Kathrin; Moll, Gert N; Prassler, Josef

2017-11-15

Ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are an emerging class of natural products with drug-like properties. To fully exploit the potential of RiPPs as peptide drug candidates, tools for their systematic engineering are required. Here we report the engineering of lanthipeptides, a subclass of RiPPs characterized by multiple thioether cycles that are enzymatically introduced in a regio- and stereospecific manner, by phage display. This was achieved by heterologous co-expression of linear lanthipeptide precursors fused to the widely neglected C-terminus of the bacteriophage M13 minor coat protein pIII, rather than the conventionally used N-terminus, along with the modifying enzymes from distantly related bacteria. We observe that C-terminal precursor peptide fusions to pIII are enzymatically modified in the cytoplasm of the producing cell and subsequently displayed as mature cyclic peptides on the phage surface. Biopanning of large C-terminal display libraries readily identifies artificial lanthipeptide ligands specific to urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and streptavidin.

Palliative Sedation at the End of Life: Patterns of Use in an Israeli Hospice.

PubMed

Azoulay, Daniel; Shahal-Gassner, Ruth; Yehezkel, Malka; Eliyahu, Ester; Weigert, Nir; Ein-Mor, Eliana; Jacobs, Jeremy M

2016-05-01

Palliative sedation (PS) is indicated for refractory symptoms among dying patients. This retrospective descriptive study examines PS in an Israeli hospice. Palliative sedation was defined as PS to unconsciousness (PSU), PS proportionate to symptoms (proportional palliative sedation [PPS]), or intermittent PS (IPS). Among 179 patients who died during 2012, PS was used among 21.2% (n = 38): (PSU 34.2%, PPS 34.2%, and IPS 31.6%), using midazolam (n = 33/38), halidol (21/38), and concurrent morphine (n = 35/38). Indications included agitation (71%), pain (36.8%), and dyspnea (21%). Survival following initiation of PS was 73 ± standard deviation 54 hours. No differences in survival were observed according to who initiated the decision to use PS (patients/medical staff/family) or type of PS (PSU/PPS/IPS). Survival following PS was longest with higher sedative doses, an observation that may help dispel fears concerning the use of PS to hasten death. © The Author(s) 2015.

The Balanced Budget Act (1997) and the supplyof nursing home subacute care.

PubMed

Qaseem, Amir; Weech-Maldonado, Robert; Mkanta, William

2007-01-01

This article examines the impact of the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) on the supply of subacute care services by nursing homes. A quasi-experimental interrupted time-series design using Heckman's two-stage regression model is employed to test for changes before and after the implementation of Medicare PPS. Our findings suggest that the change in Medicare reimbursement from cost-based to PPS under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 resulted in a decrease of 1.7 percent in the supply of subacute care beds by nursing homes. However, this was a one-time, short-term negative effect. The supply of nursing home subacute care remained stable in the long-term. Other environmental factors, such as Medicare hospital discharges, hospital-based subacute care, Medicare managed care penetration, availability of home health, and per capita income were associated with nursing home subacute care supply. Organizational-level factors, such as occupancy rate, RN staff mix, and Medicare payer mix were also predictors of nursing home subacute care supply.

Direct-Y: Fast Acquisition of the GPS PPS Signal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Namoos, Omar M.; DiEsposti, Raymond S.

1996-01-01

The NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) provides positioning and time information to military users via the Precise Positioning Service (PPS) which typically allows users a significant margin of precision over the commercially available Standard Positioning Service (SPS), Military sets that rely on first acquiring the SPS Coarse Acquisition (C/A) code, read from the data message the handover word (HOW) that provides the time-of-signal transmission needed to acquire and lock onto the PPS Y-code. Under extreme battlefield conditions, the use of GPS would be denied to the warfighter who cannot pick up the un-encrypted C/A code. Studies are underway at the GPS Joint Program Office (JPO) at the Space and Missile Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base that are aimed at developing the capability to directly acquire Y-code without first acquiring C/A code. This paper briefly outlines efforts to develop 'direct-Y' acquisition, and various approaches to solving this problem. The potential ramifications of direct-Y to military users are also discussed.

The FBXO7 homologue nutcracker and binding partner PI31 in Drosophila melanogaster models of Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Merzetti, Eric M; Dolomount, Lindsay A; Staveley, Brian E

2017-01-01

Parkinsonian-pyramidal syndrome (PPS) is an early onset form of Parkinson's disease (PD) that shows degeneration of the extrapyramidal region of the brain to result in a severe form of PD. The toxic protein build-up has been implicated in the onset of PPS. Protein removal is mediated by an intracellular proteasome complex: an E3 ubiquitin ligase, the targeting component, is essential for function. FBXO7 encodes the F-box component of the SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase linked to familial forms of PPS. The Drosophila melanogaster homologue nutcracker (ntc) and a binding partner, PI31, have been shown to be active in proteasome function. We show that altered expression of either ntc or PI31 in dopaminergic neurons leads to a decrease in longevity and locomotor ability, phenotypes both associated with models of PD. Furthermore, expression of ntc-RNAi in an established α-synuclein-dependent model of PD rescues the phenotypes of diminished longevity and locomotor control.

Application of microchip CGE for the analysis of PEG-modified recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factors.

PubMed

Park, Eun Ji; Lee, Kyung Soo; Lee, Kang Choon; Na, Dong Hee

2010-11-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microchip CGE (MCGE) for the analysis of PEG-modified granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (PEG-G-CSF) prepared with PEG-aldehydes. The unmodified and PEG-modified G-CSFs were analyzed by Protein 80 and 230 Labchips on the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer. The MCGE allowed size-based separation and quantitation of PEG-G-CSF. The Protein 80 Labchip was useful for PEG-5K-G-CSF, while the Protein 230 Labchip was more suitable for PEG-20K-G-CSF. The MCGE was also used to monitor a search for optimal PEG-modification (PEGylation) conditions to produce mono-PEG-G-CSF. This study demonstrates the usefulness of MCGE for monitoring and optimizing the PEGylation of G-CSF with the advantages of speed, minimal sample consumption, and automatic quantitation.

Bisacodyl plus split 2-L polyethylene glycol-citrate-simethicone improves quality of bowel preparation before screening colonoscopy.

PubMed

Valiante, Flavio; Bellumat, Angelo; De Bona, Manuela; De Boni, Michele

2013-09-07

To compare the bowel cleansing efficacy, tolerability and acceptability of split 2-L polyethylene glycol (PEG)-citrate-simethicone (PEG-CS) plus bisacodyl (BIS) vs 4-L PEG for fecal occult blood test-positive screening colonoscopy. This was a randomised, observer-blind comparative study. Two hundred and sixty-four subjects underwent screening colonoscopy (mean age 62.5 ± 7.4 years, male 61.7%). The primary objective of the study was to compare the bowel cleansing efficacy of the two preparations. BIS plus PEG-CS: 3 tablets of 5-mg BIS at 16:00, PEG-CS 1-L at 19:00 and 1-L at 7:00, 4-L PEG: 3-L at 17:00, and 1-L at 7:00. Colonoscopy was carried out after 11:00, at least 3 h after the completion of bowel preparation. Bowel cleansing was evaluated using the Harefield Cleansing Scale. Bowel preparation was successful for 92.8% of subjects in the PEG-CS group and for 92.1% of subjects in the 4-L PEG (RR = 1.01; 95%CI: 0.94-1.08). BIS + PEG-CS was better tolerated than 4-L PEG. A greater rate of patients in the BIS + PEG-CS group had no difficulty and/or were willing to repeat the same preparation compared to split-dose 4-L PEG group. Subjects in the BIS + PEG-CS group rated the prep as good or satisfactory in 90.6% as compared to 77% in the 4-L PEG (P = 0.003). Subjects receiving BIS + PEG-CS stated they fully adhered to instructions drinking all the 2-L solution in 97.1% compared with 87.3% in the 4-L PEG (P = 0.003). BIS plus split 2-L PEG-CS was as effective as but better tolerated and accepted than split 4-L PEG for screening colonoscopy. This new procedure may increase the positive attitude and participation to colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy.

Preliminary results on the Arecibo Pisces-Perseus Supercluster Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cortes, Rosemary; Lebron, Mayra; Jones, Michael G.; Koopmann, Rebecca A.; Haynes, Martha P.; APPSS Team, Undergraduate ALFALFA Team, and the ALFALFA Team

2018-01-01

The Arecibo Pisces-Perseus Supercluster Survey (APPSS) aims to exploit the Baryonic Tully-Fisher Relation to derive distances and peculiar velocities of galaxies in and near the main ridge of the Pisces-Perseus Supercluster (PPS), one of the most prominent features of the Cosmic Web in the nearby Universe. The sample of galaxies contains ~ 600 sources in the low-mass range (8 < log MHI / M⊙ < 9). The source selection was based on the ALFALFA HI survey, SDSS and GALEX photometric data. The sample galaxies have HI masses just below the ALFALFA detection threshold, and were selected to be blue disk systems (low surface brightness sources from optical photometry data). The HI data were obtained at the Arecibo Observatory between the years 2015 and 2016. With this sample, the nature of the galaxy population in and around the PPS will be investigated. The HIMF to log MHI ~ 8.0 along the PPS filament will be measured and using the Tully-Fisher relation it will be possible to make a robust measurement of the infall and backflow onto the filamentary structure.APPSS is collaborative project between more than 10 Undergraduate ALFALFA Team institutions in which each group contributes to the analysis of a subset of the HI PPS data. In this poster, we will present the contributions of the U.P.R. team to the APPSS project. We will show the procedure used for the Arecibo HI data analysis, including some examples, and will show our preliminary results.

Restless legs syndrome in patients with sequelae of poliomyelitis.

PubMed

Kumru, Hatice; Portell, Enric; Barrio, Manuela; Santamaria, Joan

2014-10-01

No studies have examined the association between RLS and the sequelae of poliomyelitis (PM). We studied the frequency and severity of RLS in a group of consecutive patients with the sequelae of poliomyelitis (PM) and the effect of treatment with dopaminergic drugs. A diagnosis of RLS was made according to the criteria of the International RLS Study Group, and severity was assessed by the RLS rating scale. Information on sex, age, age at onset, site affected by PM, disease duration of PM, and history of post-polio syndrome (pPS) was obtained in a cohort of 52 PM patients. The mean age was 55.9 ± 6.5 years; 39 patients had post-polio syndrome (75%). RLS was diagnosed in 21 (40.4%) patients. Sixteen of the 21 patients (76.2%) with RLS had pPS, which was similar to the non-RLS group (74.2% patients with pPS). RLS symptoms were very severe in 5 patients, severe in 13, moderate in 2 and mild in 1. Nineteen of the 21 patients with RLS had symptoms predominantly in the more affected lower limb (90% of patients). Sixteen patients received dopaminergic agonist treatment with a significant reduction in their scores on the RLS severity scale from 28.3 ± 4.7 to 6.9 ± 7.3 (p < 0.001). RLS occurs frequently in patients with PM, both in those with and without pPS, and responds well to treatment with dopaminergic drugs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Proactive enteral tube feeding in pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy.

PubMed

Sacks, Nancy; Hwang, Wei-Ting; Lange, Beverly J; Tan, Kay-See; Sandler, Eric S; Rogers, Paul C; Womer, Richard B; Pietsch, John B; Rheingold, Susan R

2014-02-01

To determine feasibility and safety of proactive enteral tube feeding (ETF) in pediatric oncology patients. Pediatric patients with newly diagnosed brain tumors, myeloid leukemia or high-risk solid tumors were eligible. Subjects agreeing to start ETF before cycle 2 chemotherapy were considered proactive participants (PPs). Those who declined could enroll as chart collection receiving nutritional standard of care. Nutritional status was assessed using standard anthropometric measurements. Episodes of infection and toxicity related to ETF were documented from diagnosis to end of therapy. A descriptive comparison between PPs and controls was conducted. One hundred four eligible patients were identified; 69 enrolled (20 PPs and 49 controls). At diagnosis, 17% of all subjects were underweight and 26% overweight. Barriers to enrollment included physician, subject and/or family refusal, and inability to initiate ETF prior to cycle 2 of chemotherapy. Toxicity of ETF was minimal, but higher percentage of subjects in the proactive group had episodes of infection than controls. Thirty-nine percent of controls eventually started ETF and were twice as likely to receive parenteral nutrition. PPs experienced less weight loss at ETF initiation than controls receiving ETF and were the only group to demonstrate improved nutritional status at end of study. Proactive ETF is feasible in children with cancer and results in improved nutritional status at end of therapy. Episodes of infection in this study are concerning; therefore, a larger randomized trial is required to further delineate infectious risks and toxicities that may be mitigated by improved nutritional status. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Changes in the Medicare home health care market: the impact of reimbursement policy.

PubMed

Choi, Sunha; Davitt, Joan K

2009-03-01

The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 introduced 2 new reimbursement structures, the Interim Payment System (IPS, 1997-2000) and the Prospective Payment System (PPS, begun October 2000) for Medicare home health agencies (HHAs) under the fee-for-service program. This article describes and compares the impact of these changes on the Medicare home health market from a period before the BBA through the IPS and PPS in relation to agency characteristics. A secondary analysis of 1996, 1999, and 2002 Provider of Services data was conducted on all Medicare-certified HHAs. Frequencies and rates of change were calculated by agency characteristics to describe changes in the number of active agencies through those years. Logistic regression models were used to compare factors associated with market exits under different payment systems. The results indicate dramatic but disproportional changes in response to the IPS and the PPS among Medicare home health care agencies. Agency closures were greater and market entries fewer during the IPS, but more branch offices/subunits were closed during the PPS. Proprietary and freestanding agencies experienced greater volatility throughout, with the greatest number of closures seen in Region VI (Dallas). These results demonstrate the direct impact of policy changes on the home health care market and highlight the need to evaluate policy changes to understand both intended and unintended impacts on health markets. Future research should analyze the effect of these policy changes on other healthcare providers and systems and their impact on health outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries.

RB1 is the crucial target of the Merkel cell polyomavirus Large T antigen in Merkel cell carcinoma cells.

PubMed

Hesbacher, Sonja; Pfitzer, Lisa; Wiedorfer, Katharina; Angermeyer, Sabrina; Borst, Andreas; Haferkamp, Sebastian; Scholz, Claus-Jürgen; Wobser, Marion; Schrama, David; Houben, Roland

2016-05-31

The pocket protein (PP) family consists of the three members RB1, p107 and p130 all possessing tumor suppressive properties. Indeed, the PPs jointly control the G1/S transition mainly by inhibiting E2F transcription factors. Notably, several viral oncoproteins are capable of binding and inhibiting PPs. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is considered as etiological factor for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) with expression of the viral Large T antigen (LT) harboring an intact PP binding domain being required for proliferation of most MCC cells. Therefore, we analyzed the interaction of MCPyV-LT with the PPs. Co-IP experiments indicate that MCPyV-LT binds potently only to RB1. Moreover, MCPyV-LT knockdown-induced growth arrest in MCC cells can be rescued by knockdown of RB1, but not by p107 or p130 knockdown. Accordingly, cell cycle arrest and E2F target gene repression mediated by the single PPs can only in the case of RB1 be significantly reverted by MCPyV-LT expression. Moreover, data from an MCC patient indicate that loss of RB1 rendered the MCPyV-positive MCC cells LT independent. Thus, our results suggest that RB1 is the dominant tumor suppressor PP in MCC, and that inactivation of RB1 by MCPyV-LT is largely sufficient for its growth supporting function in established MCPyV-positive MCC cells.

Characteristics of Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Image Enhancement in Prolactinomas Resistant to Dopamine Agonist Therapy

PubMed Central

Guo, Qinghua; Erickson, Bradley J.; Chang, Alice Y.; Erickson, Dana

2015-01-01

Objective To determine whether dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) enhancement parameters could predict dopamine agonist (DA) resistance in prolactinomas. Methods We retrospectively identified patients with prolactinomas who were treated with DA and underwent dMRI from 2001 through 2012 at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota). Intensities of the adenoma and pituitary gland were measured by drawing regions of interest on the images. Enhancement ratio, enhancement peak, prepeak slope (PPS), and enhancement time were compared between DA-resistant and DA-responsive groups, between DA-treated and DA-naïve groups, and between the first and follow-up dMRIs. Results We identified 49 patients with prolactinomas, with 6 (12.2%) that showed DA resistance. Thirty-seven patients (75.5%) underwent dMRI while receiving treatment, 12 (25.5%) underwent dMRI before starting therapy, and 10 (20.4%) had follow-up dMRI after DA therapy. The PPS of the tumor was higher in the treatment-resistant group vs the responsive group (mean [SD], 4.42 [3.19] vs 2.65 [1.59]; P=.03), whereas no difference was noted in the pituitary gland (5.79 [2.21] vs 4.06 [2.48]; P=.11). Logistic regression analysis indicated that tumor PPS was associated with DA resistance (odds ratio, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.07-3.27; P=.02). Conclusions dMRI with PPS analysis potentially can be used early in the treatment course to evaluate DA resistance in pituitary prolactinomas. PMID:25551412

Characteristics of dynamic magnetic resonance image enhancement in prolactinomas resistant to dopamine agonist therapy.

PubMed

Guo, Qinghua; Erickson, Bradley J; Chang, Alice Y; Erickson, Dana

2015-03-01

The objective of this study was to determine whether dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) enhancement parameters could predict dopamine agonist (DA) resistance in prolactinomas. We retrospectively identified patients with prolactinomas who were treated with DA and underwent dMRI from 2001 through 2012 at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN). Intensities of the adenoma and pituitary gland were measured by drawing regions of interest on the images. Enhancement ratio, enhancement peak, prepeak slope (PPS), and enhancement time were compared between DA-resistant and DA-responsive groups, between DA-treated and DA-naive groups, and between the first and follow-up dMRIs. We identified 49 patients with prolactinomas, with 6 (12.2%) showing DA resistance. Thirty-seven patients (75.5%) underwent dMRI while receiving treatment, 12 (25.5%) underwent dMRI before starting therapy, and 10 (20.4%) had follow-up dMRI after DA therapy. The PPS of the tumor was higher in the treatment-resistant group versus the responsive group (mean [SD], 4.42 [3.19] vs 2.65 [1.59]; P = 0.03), whereas no difference was noted in the pituitary gland (5.79 [2.21] vs 4.06 [2.48]; P = 0.11). Logistic regression analysis indicated that tumor PPS was associated with DA resistance (odds ratio, 1.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-3.27; P = 0.02). Dynamic MRI with PPS analysis potentially can be used early in the treatment course to evaluate DA resistance in pituitary prolactinomas.

Preparation of PEG-conjugated fullerene containing Gd3+ ions for photodynamic therapy.

PubMed

Liu, Jian; Ohta, Shin-Ichi; Sonoda, Akinaga; Yamada, Masatoshi; Yamamoto, Masaya; Nitta, Norihisa; Murata, Kiyoshi; Tabata, Yasuhiko

2007-01-22

A novel photosensitizer with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity was designed from fullerene (C(60)) for efficient photodynamic therapy (PDT) of tumor. After chemical conjugation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to C(60) (C(60)-PEG), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) was subsequently introduced to the terminal group of PEG to prepare PEG-conjugated C(60) (C(60)-PEG-DTPA). The C(60)-PEG-DTPA was mixed with gadolinium acetate solution to obtain Gd(3+)-chelated C(60)-PEG (C(60)-PEG-Gd). Following intravenous injection of C(60)-PEG-Gd into tumor-bearing mice, the PDT anti-tumor effect and the MRI tumor imaging were evaluated. The similar O(2)(*-)generation was observed with or without Gd(3+) chelation upon light irradiation. Both of the C(60)-PEG-Gd and Magnevist(R) aqueous solutions exhibited a similar MRI activity. When intravenously injected into tumor-bearing mice, the C(60)-PEG-Gd maintained an enhanced MRI signal at the tumor tissue for a longer time period than Magnevist(R). Injection of C(60)-PEG-Gd plus light irradiation showed significant tumor PDT effect although the effect depended on the timing of light irradiation. The PDT efficacy of C(60)-PEG-Gd was observed at the time when the tumor accumulation was detected by the enhanced intensity of MRI signal. This therapeutic and diagnostic hybrid system is a promising tool to enhance the PDT efficacy for tumor.

The penalty points system in Ireland - Does it remain effective 14 years on?

PubMed

Downey, C; Donnelly, M

2018-06-01

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are the leading cause of trauma related mortality in Ireland. The penalty points system (PPS) was introduced in Ireland in 2002 to incentivise safer driving and reduce injury. Its early effect was studied previously 1 which concluded that there was a slight reduction in RTA related femoral shaft fractures (a sensitive indicator of high energy trauma) and a dramatic reduction in RTA related discharges. We hypothesized that over the following 14 years, the penalty points system might lose its effectiveness. Data was again collected from the same HIPE departments from six Dublin teaching hospitals and also University Hospital Waterford (to represent both an urban and a more rural population cohort respectively) examining RTA related femoral shaft fractures over an identical 6 month period (October-April). RTA related discharge data over an identical 6 month period was again acquired and analysed from Beaumont Hospital, Dublin (identical data source to previous study). These results were compared with the identical 6 month period in 2001/02 & 2002/03 (October-April). The total number of RTA related femoral shaft fracture discharges in Dublin decreased from 16 post introduction of PPS in the 2002/03 6-month period to 7 in 2015/16 6-month period. The number remained the same in the Waterford region (n = 5). The total RTA related discharges in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin decreased from 70 post PPS introduction to 57 in the 2015/16 6-month period. This represents an incidence rate of 4.5/1000 discharges (vs 6.9 post introduction) which was a statistically significant reduction (p = 0.014). The mean length of stay for these patients reduced from 13 to 7.7 days. There were consistent reductions in head injury (major & minor), lower limb fracture and facial fracture since the introduction of the PPS. The upper limb, pelvic/acetabular and thoracic injuries remained largely unchanged. Whilst RTA related spinal and abdominal injuries decreased after the introduction of the PPS, this study shows that these injuries have unfortunately increased since the post-PPS study in 2002/03. These results further support the effectiveness of the penalty points system and at a time where road death figures are under the spotlight, endorse the efficacious strategies implemented by the road safety authority in Ireland. Copyright © 2017 Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (Scottish charity number SC005317) and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Clear Liquid Diet Is Not Mandatory for Polyethylene Glycol-Based Bowel Preparation for Afternoon Colonoscopy in Healthy Outpatients

PubMed Central

Jung, Yoon Suk; Seok, Hyo Sun; Song, Chang Seok; Kim, Seong Eun; Lee, Suck Ho; Eun, Chang Soo; Han, Dong Soo; Kim, Yong Soo; Lee, Chang Kyun

2013-01-01

Background/Aims A dietary regimen consisting of a clear liquid diet (CLD) for at least 24 hours is recommended for colonoscopy preparation. However, this requirement results in problems in patient compliance with bowel preparation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a CLD compared with a regular diet (RD) for colonoscopy preparation using a polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution. Methods This was a multicenter, randomized, investigator-blind prospective study. A total of 801 healthy outpatients undergoing afternoon colonoscopy were randomized to either a CLD or RD in addition to a 4 L PEG regimen. Results The quality of bowel cleansing was not different between the CLD and RD groups in terms of the proportion with excellent or good preparation. In addition, no significant differences were observed between the two groups for polyp and adenoma detection rates and overall adverse events. Good compliance with bowel preparation was higher in the RD group than in the CLD group. Conclusions A CLD for a full day prior to colonoscopy should not be mandatory for PEG-based bowel preparation. Dietary education concerning the avoidance of high-fiber foods for 3 days before colonoscopy is sufficient, at least for healthy outpatients. PMID:24312709

Near-infrared (1550 nm) in vivo bioimaging based on rare-earth doped ceramic nanophosphors modified with PEG-b-poly(4-vinylbenzylphosphonate).

PubMed

Kamimura, Masao; Kanayama, Naoki; Tokuzen, Kimikazu; Soga, Kohei; Nagasaki, Yukio

2011-09-01

A novel poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based block copolymer possessing a 4-vinylbenzylphosphonate repeating unit in another segment (PEG-block-poly(4-vinylbenzylphosphonate)) (PEG-b-PVBP) was designed and successfully synthesized. As a control, an end-functionalized PEG possessing a mono-phosphonate group (PEG-PO(3)H(2)) was also synthesized. The surface of near-infrared (NIR) phosphors (i.e., ytterbium (Yb) and erbium (Er) ion-codoped Y(2)O(3) nanoparticles (YNPs)) were modified with PEG-b-PVBP (PEG-YNP(b)s) and PEG-PO(3)H(2) (PEG-YNP(1)s). The adsorption of PEG-b-PVBP and PEG-PO(3)H(2) was estimated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) measurements and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The physicochemical characteristics of the obtained YNP samples were analyzed by ζ-potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. The ζ-potentials of YNPs modified by these polymers were close to zero, indicating the effective coverage of the YNP surface by our new PEG derivatives. However, the dispersion stability of the PEGylated YNPs was strongly affected by the structure of the PEG terminus. The average diameter of the PEG-YNP(1)s increased, and aggregates precipitated after less than 1 h in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). In contrast, the size did not change at all in the case of PEG-YNP(b)s and the dispersion in PBS was stable for over 1 week. PEG-YNP(b)s also showed high erosion resistance under acidic conditions. The multiple coordinated PVBP segment of the block copolymer on the YNP surface plays a substantial role in improving such dispersion stability. The excellent dispersion stability and strong NIR luminescence of the obtained PEG-YNP(b)s were also confirmed in fetal bovine serum (FBS) solution over 1 week. Furthermore, in vivo NIR imaging of live mice was performed, and the 1550 nm NIR emission of PEG-YNP(b)s from the organ of live mice was confirmed without dissection.

Analysis of peg formation in cucumber seedlings grown on clinostats and in a microgravity (space) environment.

PubMed

Link, B M; Cosgrove, D J

1999-12-01

In young cucumber seedlings, the peg is a polar out-growth of tissue that functions by snagging the seed coat, thereby freeing the cotyledons. Previous studies have indicated that peg formation is gravity dependent. In this study we analyzed peg formation in cucumber seedlings (Cucumis sativus L. cv Burpee Hybrid II) grown under conditions of normal gravity, microgravity, and simulated microgravity (clinostat rotation). Seeds were germinated on the ground, in clinostats and on board the space shuttle (STS 95) for 1-2 days, frozen and subsequently examined for their stage of development, degree of hook formation, number of pegs formed, and peg morphology. The frequency of peg formation in space grown seedlings was found to be nearly identical to that of clinostat grown seedlings and to differ from that of seedlings germinated under normal gravity only in a minority of cases; approximately 6% of the seedlings formed two pegs and nearly 2% of the seedlings lacked pegs, whereas such abnormalities did not occur in ground controls. The degree of hook formation was found to be less pronounced for space grown seedlings, compared to clinostat grown seedlings, indicating a greater degree of decoupling between peg formation and hook formation in space. Nonetheless, in all seedlings having single pegs and a hook, the peg was found to be positioned correctly on the inside of the hook, showing that there is coordinate development even in microgravity environments. Peg morphologies were altered in space grown samples, with the pegs having a blunt appearance and many pegs showing alterations in expansion, with the peg extending out over the edges of the seed coat and downwards. These phenotypes were not observed in clinostat or ground grown seedlings.

Analysis of peg formation in cucumber seedlings grown on clinostats and in a microgravity (space) environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Link, B. M.; Cosgrove, D. J.

1999-01-01

In young cucumber seedlings, the peg is a polar out-growth of tissue that functions by snagging the seed coat, thereby freeing the cotyledons. Previous studies have indicated that peg formation is gravity dependent. In this study we analyzed peg formation in cucumber seedlings (Cucumis sativus L. cv Burpee Hybrid II) grown under conditions of normal gravity, microgravity, and simulated microgravity (clinostat rotation). Seeds were germinated on the ground, in clinostats and on board the space shuttle (STS 95) for 1-2 days, frozen and subsequently examined for their stage of development, degree of hook formation, number of pegs formed, and peg morphology. The frequency of peg formation in space grown seedlings was found to be nearly identical to that of clinostat grown seedlings and to differ from that of seedlings germinated under normal gravity only in a minority of cases; approximately 6% of the seedlings formed two pegs and nearly 2% of the seedlings lacked pegs, whereas such abnormalities did not occur in ground controls. The degree of hook formation was found to be less pronounced for space grown seedlings, compared to clinostat grown seedlings, indicating a greater degree of decoupling between peg formation and hook formation in space. Nonetheless, in all seedlings having single pegs and a hook, the peg was found to be positioned correctly on the inside of the hook, showing that there is coordinate development even in microgravity environments. Peg morphologies were altered in space grown samples, with the pegs having a blunt appearance and many pegs showing alterations in expansion, with the peg extending out over the edges of the seed coat and downwards. These phenotypes were not observed in clinostat or ground grown seedlings.

Post-modification of preformed liposomes with novel non-phospholipid poly(ethylene glycol)-conjugated hexadecylcarbamoylmethyl hexadecanoic acid for enhanced circulation persistence in vivo

PubMed Central

Nag, Okhil K; Yadav, Vivek R; Hedrick, Andria; Awasthi, Vibhudutta

2013-01-01

We report synthesis and characterization of a novel PEG2000-conjugated hexadecylcarbamoylmethyl hexadecanoate (HDAS-PEG) as a PEG-phospholipid substitute for enhancing circulation persistence of liposomes. HDAS-PEG showed critical micelle concentration of 4.25 μM. We used post-insertion technique to introduce HDAS-PEG in outer lipid layer of the preformed liposomes. The presence of surface HDAS-PEG was confirmed by altered electrophoretic mobility, confocal microscopy and PEG estimation by ELISA. The post-inserted HDAS-PEG desorbed at approximately half the rate at which post-inserted DSPE-PEG desorbed from the liposome surface. HDAS-PEG significantly reduced liposome-induced complement activation (C4d, Bb and SC5b); HDAS-PEG was more effective than more commonly used DSPE-PEG in this capacity. For studying circulation persistence, the liposomes were labeled with 99mTc radionuclide and administered in rats. 99mTc-HDAS-PEG-liposomes showed prolonged persistence in blood as compared to that shown by 99mTc-plain liposomes. After 24 h of administration, < 1% of 99mTc-plain liposomes remained in blood, whereas approximately 28% of injected 99mTc-HDAS-PEG-liposomes were present in blood. In comparison, only 4.8% of 99mTc-DSPE-PEG-liposomes was measured in blood after 24 h. As expected, the clearance route of the liposomes was through liver and spleen. These results demonstrate the potential of a novel non-phosphoryl HDAS-PEG for surface modification of preformed liposomes with a goal of prolonging their circulation persistence and more effective inhibition of complement activation. PMID:23419666

Colonoscopy preparation: polyethylene glycol with Gatorade is as safe and efficacious as four liters of polyethylene glycol with balanced electrolytes.

PubMed

McKenna, Thomas; Macgill, Alice; Porat, Gail; Friedenberg, Frank K

2012-12-01

Four liters of polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG) with balanced electrolytes for colonoscopy preparation has had poor acceptance. Another approach is the use of electrolyte-free PEG combined with 1.9 L of Gatorade. Despite its widespread use, there are no data on metabolic safety and minimal data on efficacy. Our aim was to assess the efficacy and electrolyte safety of these two PEG-based preparations. This was a prospective, randomized, single-blind, non-inferiority trial. Patients were randomized to 238 g PEG + 1.9 L Gatorade or 4 L of PEG-ELS containing 236 g PEG. Split dosing was not performed. On procedure day blood was drawn for basic chemistries. The primary outcome was preparation quality from procedure photos using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. We randomized 136 patients (66 PEG + Gatorade, 70 PEG-ELS). There were no differences in preparation scores between the two agents in the ITT analysis (7.2 ± 1.9 for PEG-ELS and 7.0 ± 2.1 for PEG + Gatorade; p = 0.45). BBPS scores were identical for those who completed the preparation and dietary instructions as directed (7.4 ± 1.7 for PEG-ELS, and 7.4 ± 1.8 for PEG + Gatorade; p = 0.98). There were no statistical differences in serum electrolytes between the two preparations. Patients who received PEG + Gatorade gave higher overall satisfaction scores for the preparation experience (p = 0.001), and had fewer adverse effects. Use of 238 g PEG + 1.9 L Gatorade appears to be safe, better tolerated, and non-inferior to 4 L PEG-ELS. This preparation may be especially useful for patients who previously tolerated PEG-ELS poorly.

Quantitative analysis of PEG-functionalized colloidal gold nanoparticles using charged aerosol detection.

PubMed

Smith, Mackensie C; Crist, Rachael M; Clogston, Jeffrey D; McNeil, Scott E

2015-05-01

Surface characteristics of a nanoparticle, such as functionalization with polyethylene glycol (PEG), are critical to understand and achieve optimal biocompatibility. Routine physicochemical characterization such as UV-vis spectroscopy (for gold nanoparticles), dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential are commonly used to assess the presence of PEG. However, these techniques are merely qualitative and are not sensitive enough to distinguish differences in PEG quantity, density, or presentation. As an alternative, two methods are described here which allow for quantitative measurement of PEG on PEGylated gold nanoparticles. The first, a displacement method, utilizes dithiothreitol to displace PEG from the gold surface. The dithiothreitol-coated gold nanoparticles are separated from the mixture via centrifugation, and the excess dithiothreitol and dissociated PEG are separated through reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The second, a dissolution method, utilizes potassium cyanide to dissolve the gold nanoparticles and liberate PEG. Excess CN(-), Au(CN)2 (-), and free PEG are separated using RP-HPLC. In both techniques, the free PEG can be quantified against a standard curve using charged aerosol detection. The displacement and dissolution methods are validated here using 2-, 5-, 10-, and 20-kDa PEGylated 30-nm colloidal gold nanoparticles. Further value in these techniques is demonstrated not only by quantitating the total PEG fraction but also by being able to be adapted to quantitate the free unbound PEG and the bound PEG fractions. This is an important distinction, as differences in the bound and unbound PEG fractions can affect biocompatibility, which would not be detected in techniques that only quantitate the total PEG fraction.

Influence of different peg length in glenoid bone loss: A biomechanical analysis regarding primary stability of the glenoid baseplate in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

PubMed

Königshausen, M; Jettkant, B; Sverdlova, N; Ehlert, C; Gessmann, J; Schildhauer, T A; Seybold, D

2015-01-01

There is no biomechanical basis to determine the influence of different length of the central peg of the baseplate anchored within the native scapula in glenoid defect reconstruction in cases of degenerative or posttraumatic glenoid bone loss in reversed shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to analyse the stability of different peg lengths used in glenoid bone loss in reversed shoulder arthroplasty. Different lengths of metaglene pegs with different depths of peg anchorage performed with or without metaglene screws in sawbone foam blocks were loaded in vertical and horizontal directions for differentiating load capacities. Simulated physiological loadings were then applied to the peg implants to determine the limits of loading in each depth of anchorage. The loading capacity of the implant was reduced as less of the peg was anchored. The vertically loaded implants showed a significantly higher stability, in contrast to those loaded horizontally at a corresponding peg length and depth of anchorage (p < 0.05). The tests revealed that the metaglene screws are more essential for primary stability than is the peg particularly in the vertically directed loadings (2/3 anchored: peg contributed to 28% of the stability, 1/3 anchorage: peg contributed to 12%). Under the second test conditions, the lowest depth of peg anchorage (1/3) resulted in 322 Newtons [N] in the long peg with a vertical loading direction, and in 130 N in the long peg with a horizontal loading direction (p < 0.05). The pegs should be anchored as deeply as possible into the native scapula bone stock. The metaglene screws play a major role in the initial stability, in contrast to the peg, and they become more important when the depth of the peg anchorage is reduced. If possible, four metaglene screws should be used in cases of uncontained bone loss to guarantee the highest stability.

Investigation of PEG crystallization in frozen and freeze-dried PEGylated recombinant human growth hormone-sucrose systems: implications on storage stability.

PubMed

Bhatnagar, Bakul S; Martin, Susan W H; Hodge, Tamara S; Das, Tapan K; Joseph, Liji; Teagarden, Dirk L; Shalaev, Evgenyi Y; Suryanarayanan, Raj

2011-08-01

The objectives of the current study were to investigate (i) the phase behavior of a PEGylated recombinant human growth hormone (PEG-rhGH, ∼60 kDa) during freeze-drying and (ii) its storage stability. The phase transitions during freeze-thawing of an aqueous solution containing PEG-rhGH and sucrose were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry. Finally, PEG-rhGH and sucrose formulations containing low, medium, and high polyethylene glycol (PEG) to sucrose ratios were freeze-dried in dual-chamber syringes and stored at 4°C and 25°C. Chemical decomposition (methionine oxidation and deamidation) and irreversible aggregation were characterized by size-exclusion and ion-exchange chromatography, and tryptic mapping. PEG crystallization was facilitated when it was covalently linked with rhGH. When the solutions were frozen, phase separation into PEG-rich and sucrose-rich phases facilitated PEG crystallization and the freeze-dried cake contained crystalline PEG. Annealing caused PEG crystallization and when coupled with higher drying temperatures, the primary drying time decreased by up to 51%. When the freeze-dried cakes were stored at 4°C, while there was no change in the purity of the PEG-rhGH monomer, deamidation was highest in the formulations with the lowest PEG to sucrose ratio. When stored at 25°C, this composition also showed the most pronounced decrease in monomer purity, the highest level of aggregation, and deamidation. Furthermore, an increase in PEG crystallinity during storage was accompanied by a decrease in PEG-rhGH stability. Interestingly, during storage, there was no change in PEG crystallinity in formulations with medium and high PEG to sucrose ratios. Although PEG crystallization during freeze-drying did not cause protein degradation, crystallization during storage might have influenced protein stability. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Deriving sediment Interstitial Water Remediation Goals (IWRGs) for the protection of benthic organisms from direct toxicity

EPA Science Inventory

Background/Objectives. Passive sampling is becoming a frequently used measurement technique at Superfund sites with contaminated sediments. Passive sampling measures the concentrations of freely dissolved chemicals (Cfrees) in the sediment interstitial water. The freely dissol...

Artesunate-modified nano-graphene oxide for chemo-photothermal cancer therapy

PubMed Central

Pang, Yilin; Mai, Zihao; Wang, Bin; Wang, Lu; Wu, Liping; Wang, Xiaoping; Chen, Tongsheng

2017-01-01

Poor water-solubility of artesunate (ARS) hampers its clinical application. We here covalently linked ARS to PEGylated nanographene oxide (nGO-PEG) to obtain ARS-modified nGO-PEG (nGO-PEG-ARS) with excellent photothermal effect and dispersibility in physiological environment. nGO-PEG-ARS induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and peroxynitrite (ONOO─) generations. Although nGO-PEG with near-infrared (NIR) irradiation did not induce cytotoxicity, the photothermal effect of nGO-PEG under NIR irradiation enhanced not only cell uptake but also ONOO─ generation of nGO-PEG-ARS, resulting in the synergistic chemo-photothermal effect of nGO-PEG-ARS in killing HepG2 cells. Pretreatment with Fe(III) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis (4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrinato chloride (FeTTPS, a ONOO─ scavenger) instead of antioxidant N-Acetyle-Cysteine (NAC, an ROS scavenger) significantly blocked the cytotoxicity of nGO-PEG-ARS with or without NIR irradiation, demonstrating that ONOO─ instead of ROS dominated the synergistic chemo-photothermal anti-cancer action of nGO-PEG-ARS. nGO-PEG-ARS with NIR irradiation resulted in a complete tumor cure within 15 days earlier than other treatment groups, and did not induce apparent histological lesion for the mice treated with nGO-PEG-ARS with or without NIR irradiation for 30 days, further proving the synergistic chemo-photothermal anti-cancer effect of nGO-PEG-ARS. Collectively, nGO-PEG-ARS is a versatile nano-platform for multi-modal synergistic cancer therapy. PMID:29212190

Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Functionalized with Self-Assembled Micelles of Amphiphilic PEGylated Kartogenin for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Kang, Mi-Lan; Jeong, Se-Young; Im, Gun-Il

2017-07-01

Synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA) containing a covalently integrated drug is capable of releasing therapeutic molecules and is an attractive candidate for the intra-articular treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Herein, self-assembled PEGylated kartogenin (PEG/KGN) micelles consisting of hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) and hydrophobic KGN, which has been shown to induce chondrogenesis in human mesenchymal stem cells, were prepared by covalent crosslinking. HA hydrogels containing PEG/KGN micelles (HA/PEG/KGN) were prepared by covalently bonding PEG chains to HA. The physicochemical properties of the HA/PEG/KGN conjugate gels were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1 H NMR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). HA/PEG/KGN gels exhibited larger micelles in aqueous solution than PEG/KGN. SEM images of PEG/KGN micelles showed a dark core and a bright shell, whereas PEG/KGN micelles covalently integrated into HA had an irregular oval shape. Covalent integration of PEG/KGN micelles in HA hydrogels significantly reduced drug release rates and provided sustained release over a prolonged period of time. HA/PEG/KGN hydrogels were degradable enzymatically by collagenase and hyaluronidase in vitro. Injection of HA/PEG/KGN hydrogels into articular cartilage significantly suppressed the progression of OA in rats compared with free-HA hydrogel injection. These results suggest that the HA/PEG/KGN hydrogels have greater potency than free-HA hydrogels against OA as biodegradable synthetic therapeutics.

Weak measurements beyond the Aharonov-Albert-Vaidman formalism

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

Wu Shengjun; Li Yang

2011-05-15

We extend the idea of weak measurements to the general case, provide a complete treatment, and obtain results for both the regime when the preselected and postselected states (PPS) are almost orthogonal and the regime when they are exactly orthogonal. We surprisingly find that for a fixed interaction strength, there may exist a maximum signal amplification and a corresponding optimum overlap of PPS to achieve it. For weak measurements in the orthogonal regime, we find interesting quantities that play the same role that weak values play in the nonorthogonal regime.

Final report on the safety assessment of Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4.

PubMed

2006-01-01

Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4 (polyethylene glycol) are polymers of ethylene oxide alcohol. Triethylene Glycol is a specific three-unit chain, whereas PEG-4 is a polymer with an average of four units, but may contain polymers ranging from two to eight ethylene oxide units. In the same manner, other PEG compounds, e.g., PEG-6, are mixtures and likely contain some Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4. Triethylene Glycol is a fragrance ingredient and viscosity decreasing agent in cosmetic formulations, with a maximum concentration of use of 0.08% in skin-cleansing products. Following oral doses, Triethylene Glycol and its metabolites are excreted primarily in urine, with small amounts released in feces and expired air. With oral LD50 values in rodents from 15 to 22 g/kg, this compound has little acute toxicity. Rats given short term oral doses of 3% in water showed no signs of toxicity, whereas all rats given 10% died by the 12th day of exposure. At levels up to 1 g/m3, rats exposed to aerosolized Triethylene Glycol for 6 h per day for 9 days showed no signs of toxicity. Rats fed a diet containing 4% Triethylene Glycol for 2 years showed no signs of toxicity. There were no treatment-related effects on rats exposed to supersaturated Triethylene Glycol vapor for 13 months nor in rats that consumed 0.533 cc Triethylene Glycol per day in drinking water for 13 months. Triethylene Glycol was not irritating to the skin of rabbits and produced only minimal injury to the eye. In reproductive and developmental toxicity studies in rats and mice, Triethylene Glycol did not produce biologically significant embryotoxicity or teratogenicity. However, some maternal toxicity was seen in dams given 10 ml/kg/day during gestation. Triethylene Glycol was not mutagenic or genotoxic in Ames-type assays, the Chinese hamster ovary mutation assay, and the sister chromatid exchange assays. PEG-4 is a humectant and solvent in cosmetic products, with a maximum concentration of use of 20% in the "other manicuring preparations" product category. This ingredient, with an oral LD50 in rats of 32.77 g/kg, has low acute toxicity. Rats given up to 50,000 ppm PEG-4 in drinking water for 5 days showed no permanent signs of toxicity. Rats given daily oral doses up to 2 g/kg/day of PEG-4 for 33 days showed no signs of toxicity. Undiluted PEG-4 produced only minimal injury to the rabbit eye. PEG-4 was not mutagenic in Ames-type assays, did not induce chromosome aberration in an in vivo bone marrow assay, and was negative for genotoxicity in a dominant lethal assay using rats. Other PEG compounds, which have previously been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, e.g., PEG-6, are mixtures that likely include Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4, so these data were also considered. PEG-6 and PEG-8 were not dermal irritants in several rabbit studies. PEG-2 Stearate had a potential for slight irritation in rabbits but was not a sensitizer in guinea pigs. PEG-2 Cocamine was a moderate irritant in rabbits, producing severe erythema. In one dermal study, PEG-2 Cocamine was determined to be corrosive to rabbit skin, causing eschar and necrosis. PEG-6 and PEG-8 caused little to no ocular irritation. PEG-8 was not mutagenic or genotoxic in a Chinese hamster ovary assay, a sister-chromatid exchange assay, and in an unscheduled DNA synthesis assay. In clinical studies on normal skin, PEG-6 and PEG-8 caused mild cases of immediate hypersensitivity; PEG-8 was not a sensitizer; PEG-2 Stearate was not an irritant, a sensitizer, or a photosensitizer; and PEG-6 Stearate was not an irritant or sensitizer. In damaged skin, cases of systemic toxicity and contact dermatitis in burn patients were attributed to a PEG-based topical ointment. The CIR Expert Panel acknowledged the lack of dermal sensitization data for Triethylene Glycol and dermal irritation and sensitization data for PEG-4. That PEG-6, PEG-8, and PEG-2 Stearate were not irritants or sensitizers suggested that Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4 also would not be irritants or sensitizers, and the absence of any reported reactions in the case literature and the professional experience of the Expert Panel further supported the absence of any significant sensitization potential. The need for additional data to demonstrate the safety of PEGs Cocamine was related to the Cocamine moiety and is not relevant here. The Panel reminded formulators of cosmetic products that, as with other PEG compounds, Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4 should not be used on damaged skin because of cases of systemic toxicity and contact dermatitis in burn patients have been attributed to a PEG-based topical ointment. Based on its consideration of the available information, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that Triethylene Glycol and PEG-4 are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices and concentrations of use as described in this safety assessment.

Improved Micellar Formulation for Enhanced Delivery for Paclitaxel.

PubMed

Xu, Jieni; Zhang, Xiaolan; Chen, Yichao; Huang, Yixian; Wang, Pengcheng; Wei, Yuan; Ma, Xiaochao; Li, Song

2017-01-03

We have previously improved the bioactivity of PEG 5k -FTS 2 system by incorporating disulfide bond (PEG 5k -S-S-FTS 2 ) to facilitate the release of farnesyl thiosalicylic acid (FTS).1 Later, fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) moiety has been introduced to PEG 5k -FTS 2 system (PEG 5k -Fmoc-FTS 2 ) in order to enhance drug loading capacity (DLC) and formulation stability.2 In this study, we have brought in both disulfide linkage and Fmoc group to PEG 5k -FTS 2 to form a simple PEG 5k -Fmoc-S-S-FTS 2 micellar system. PEG 5k -Fmoc-S-S-FTS 2 conjugate formed filamentous micelles with a ∼10-fold decrease in critical micellar concentration (CMC). Compared with PEG 5k -Fmoc-FTS 2 , our novel system exhibited further strengthened DLC and colloidal stability. More FTS was freed from PEG 5k -Fmoc-S-S-FTS 2 in treated tumor cells compared to PEG 5k -Fmoc-FTS 2 , which was correlated to an increased cytotoxicity of our new carrier in these cancer cells. After loading Paclitaxel (PTX) into PEG 5k -Fmoc-S-S-FTS 2 micelles, it showed more potent efficiency in inhibition of tumor cell proliferation than Taxol and PTX-loaded PEG 5k -Fmoc-FTS 2 . PTX release kinetics of PTX/PEG 5k -Fmoc-S-S-FTS 2 was much slower than that of Taxol and PTX/PEG 5k -Fmoc-FTS 2 in normal release medium. In contrast, in glutathione (GSH)-containing medium, PTX in PEG 5k -Fmoc-S-S-FTS 2 micelles revealed faster and more complete release. Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution study showed that our PEG 5k -Fmoc-S-S-FTS 2 system maintained PTX in circulation for a longer time and delivered more PTX to tumor sites with less accumulation in major organs. Finally, PTX-loaded PEG 5k -Fmoc-S-S-FTS 2 micelles resulted in a superior therapeutic effect in vivo compared to Taxol and PTX formulated in PEG 5k -Fmoc-FTS 2 micelles.

Bisacodyl plus split 2-L polyethylene glycol-citrate-simethicone improves quality of bowel preparation before screening colonoscopy

PubMed Central

Valiante, Flavio; Bellumat, Angelo; De Bona, Manuela; De Boni, Michele

2013-01-01

AIM: To compare the bowel cleansing efficacy, tolerability and acceptability of split 2-L polyethylene glycol (PEG)-citrate-simethicone (PEG-CS) plus bisacodyl (BIS) vs 4-L PEG for fecal occult blood test-positive screening colonoscopy. METHODS: This was a randomised, observer-blind comparative study. Two hundred and sixty-four subjects underwent screening colonoscopy (mean age 62.5 ± 7.4 years, male 61.7%). The primary objective of the study was to compare the bowel cleansing efficacy of the two preparations. Interventions: BIS plus PEG-CS: 3 tablets of 5-mg BIS at 16:00, PEG-CS 1-L at 19:00 and 1-L at 7:00, 4-L PEG: 3-L at 17:00, and 1-L at 7:00. Colonoscopy was carried out after 11:00, at least 3 h after the completion of bowel preparation. Bowel cleansing was evaluated using the Harefield Cleansing Scale. RESULTS: Bowel preparation was successful for 92.8% of subjects in the PEG-CS group and for 92.1% of subjects in the 4-L PEG (RR = 1.01; 95%CI: 0.94-1.08). BIS + PEG-CS was better tolerated than 4-L PEG. A greater rate of patients in the BIS + PEG-CS group had no difficulty and/or were willing to repeat the same preparation compared to split-dose 4-L PEG group. Subjects in the BIS + PEG-CS group rated the prep as good or satisfactory in 90.6% as compared to 77% in the 4-L PEG (P = 0.003). Subjects receiving BIS + PEG-CS stated they fully adhered to instructions drinking all the 2-L solution in 97.1% compared with 87.3% in the 4-L PEG (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: BIS plus split 2-L PEG-CS was as effective as but better tolerated and accepted than split 4-L PEG for screening colonoscopy. This new procedure may increase the positive attitude and participation to colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy. PMID:24023492

Randomised clinical trial: low-volume bowel preparation for colonoscopy - a comparison between two different PEG-based formulations.

PubMed

Repici, A; Cestari, R; Annese, V; Biscaglia, G; Vitetta, E; Minelli, L; Trallori, G; Orselli, S; Andriulli, A; Hassan, C

2012-10-01

Low-volume bowel preparations with polyethylene glycol (PEG) have been shown to provide an equivalent cleansing with improved tolerability as compared with standard PEG bowel preparation for colonoscopy. A new iso-osmotic sulphate-free formulation of PEG-Citrate-Simethicone (PEG-CS) in combination with bisacodyl has been recently developed. To compare the quality of bowel cleansing with PEG-CS with bisacodyl vs. PEG-Ascorbate (PEG-ASC) in adult out-patients undergoing colonoscopy. Randomised, observer-blind, parallel group study in adult out-patients undergoing colonoscopy in five Italian centres. Both preparations were taken the evening before the procedure. Subjects were instructed to take 2-4 tablets of 5 mg bisacodyl at 16:00 hours and 2 L of PEG-CS at 20:00 hours or 2 L of PEG-ASC plus 1 L of additional water the day before colonoscopy. Bowel cleansing was evaluated according to the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (≥6 scores were considered as 'clinical success'), and mucosal visibility according to a 3-point scale. Tolerability, acceptability and compliance were also evaluated. Four hundred and eight patients were randomly allocated to PEG-CS and bisacodyl (n = 204, male patient 48%, mean age 59.1 years) or PEG-ASC (n = 204, male patient 51%, age 59.4 years). In the planned per-protocol analysis, the rate of successful preparation was 79.1% following PEG-CS with bisacodyl, and 70% following PEG-ASC (P < 0.05). Mucosal visibility was evaluated as optimal in 56.1% in the PEG-CS and bisacodyl and 46.3% in the PEG-ASC group (P < 0.05). There were no serious adverse events (AE) in each of the two experimental groups. Two subjects in the PEG-ASC group discontinued the study because of AE. Polyethylene glycol-Citrate-Simethicone in combination with bisacodyl was more effective for bowel cleansing than PEG-ASC for out-patient colonoscopy. Tolerability, safety, acceptability and compliance of the two low-volume bowel preparations were similar. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

pH and Protein Sensing with Functionalized Semiconducting Oxide Nanobelt FETs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Yi; Yun, C. S.; Strouse, G. F.; Xiong, P.; Yang, R. S.; Wang, Z. L.

2008-03-01

We report solution pH sensing and selective protein detection with high-performance channel-limited field-effect transistors (FETs) based on single semiconducting oxide (ZnO and SnO2) nanobelts^1. The devices were integrated with PDMS microfluidic channels for analyte delivery and the source/drain contacts were passivated for in-solution sensing. pH sensing experiments were performed on FETs with functionalized and unmodified nanobelts. Functionalization of the nanobelts by APTES was found to greatly improve the pH sensitivity. The change in nanobelt conductance as functions of pH values at different gate voltages and ionic strengths showed high sensitivity and consistency. For the protein detection, we achieved highly selective biotinylation of the nanobelt channel with through APTES linkage. The specific binding of fluorescently-tagged streptavidin to the biotinylated nanobelt was verified by fluorescence microscopy; non-specific binding to the substrate was largely eliminated using PEG-silane passivation. The electrical responses of the biotinylated FETs to the streptavidin binding in PBS buffers of different pH values were systematically measured. The results will be presented and discussed. ^1Y. Cheng et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 89, 093114 (2006). *Supported by NSF NIRT Grant ECS-0210332.

Unexpected electronic perturbation effects of simple PEG environments on the optical properties of small cadmium chalcogenide clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukunaga, Naoto; Konishi, Katsuaki

2015-12-01

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has been widely used for the surface protection of inorganic nanoobjects because of its virtually `inert' nature, but little attention has been paid to its inherent electronic impacts on inorganic cores. Herein, we definitively show, through studies on optical properties of a series of PEG-modified Cd10Se4(SR)10 clusters, that the surrounding PEG environments can electronically affect the properties of the inorganic core. For the clusters with PEG units directly attached to an inorganic core (R = (CH2CH2O)nOCH3, 1-PEGn, n = 3, ~7, ~17, ~46), the absorption bands, associated with the low-energy transitions, continuously blue-shifted with the increasing PEG chain length. The chain length dependencies were also observed in the photoluminescence properties, particularly in the excitation spectral profiles. By combining the spectral features of several PEG17-modified clusters (2-Cm-PEG17 and 3) whose PEG and core units are separated by various alkyl chain-based spacers, it was demonstrated that sufficiently long PEG units, including PEG17 and PEG46, cause electronic perturbations in the cluster properties when they are arranged near the inorganic core. These unique effects of the long-PEG environments could be correlated with their large dipole moments, suggesting that the polarity of the proximal chemical environment is critical when affecting the electronic properties of the inorganic cluster core.Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) has been widely used for the surface protection of inorganic nanoobjects because of its virtually `inert' nature, but little attention has been paid to its inherent electronic impacts on inorganic cores. Herein, we definitively show, through studies on optical properties of a series of PEG-modified Cd10Se4(SR)10 clusters, that the surrounding PEG environments can electronically affect the properties of the inorganic core. For the clusters with PEG units directly attached to an inorganic core (R = (CH2CH2O)nOCH3, 1-PEGn, n = 3, ~7, ~17, ~46), the absorption bands, associated with the low-energy transitions, continuously blue-shifted with the increasing PEG chain length. The chain length dependencies were also observed in the photoluminescence properties, particularly in the excitation spectral profiles. By combining the spectral features of several PEG17-modified clusters (2-Cm-PEG17 and 3) whose PEG and core units are separated by various alkyl chain-based spacers, it was demonstrated that sufficiently long PEG units, including PEG17 and PEG46, cause electronic perturbations in the cluster properties when they are arranged near the inorganic core. These unique effects of the long-PEG environments could be correlated with their large dipole moments, suggesting that the polarity of the proximal chemical environment is critical when affecting the electronic properties of the inorganic cluster core. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Details of synthetic procedures and characterisation data of the PEGylated thiols and clusters and additional absorption, photoluminescence emission and excitation spectral data. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr06307h

Sensitive and rapid detection of anti-PEG in blood using surface plasmon resonance sensor (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Fang; Jiang, Shaoyi; Yu, Qiuming

2016-03-01

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is widely used to modify many therapeutic proteins and nanoparticles to reduce their immunogenicity and to improve their pharmacokinetic and therapeutic properties. It is generally accepted that PEG is non-immunogenic and non-antigenic. However, an emerging of literature and studies shows that the immune system can generate specific antibodies binding PEG. These anti-PEG antibodies not only correlate with adverse reactions appeared after patient infusions, but are also found to be the reason for therapeutic efficacy loss during chronical administrations. In addition, because of constant exposure to PEG in daily consumer products including detergents, processed food and cosmetics, a substantial proportion of the population has likely developed anti-PEG immunity. Thus a method to quickly and accurately measure the anti-PEG antibody level is desired. Nevertheless, the gold standard to detect anti-PEG antibodies is ELISA, which is costly and time-consuming especially for quantification. Herein, we demonstrated the anti-PEG measurement in blood serum using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor. Several PEG-based surface functionalization on SPR sensor chip were studied in terms of protein resistance and the limit of detection (LOD) of anti-PEG. The quantitative detection can be achieved in less than 30 min with LOD comparable to ELISA. Furthermore, the IgG and IgM of anti-PEG can be differentiated by following the secondary antibody.

Synthesis, characterization, and biocompatibility of alternating block polyurethanes based on PLA and PEG.

PubMed

Mei, Tingzhen; Zhu, Yonghe; Ma, Tongcui; He, Tao; Li, Linjing; Wei, Chiju; Xu, Kaitian

2014-09-01

A series of alternating block polyurethanes (abbreviated as PULA-alt-PEG) and random block polyurethanes (abbreviated as PULA-ran-PEG) based on poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were synthesized. The differences of PULA-alt/ran-PEG chemical structure, molecular weight, distribution, thermal properties, mechanical properties and static contact angle were systematically investigated. The PULA-alt/ran-PEG polyurethanes exhibited low T(g) (-47.3 ∼ -34.4°C), wide mechanical properties (stress σ(t): 4.6-32.6 MPa, modulus E: 11.4-323.9 MPa and strain ε: 468-1530%) and low water contact angle (35.4-51.4°). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation showed that PULA-alt-PEG film displays rougher and more patterned surface morphology than PULA-ran-PEG does, due to more regular structures of PULA-alt-PEG. Hydrolytic degradation shows that degradation rate of random block polyurethane series PULA-ran-PEG is higher than the alternating counterpart PULA-alt-PEG. PLA segment degradation is faster than urethane linkage and PEG segment almost does not degrade in the buffer solution. Platelet adhesion study showed that all the polyurethanes possess excellent hemocompatibility. The cell culture assay revealed that PULA-alt/ran-PEG polyurethanes were cell inert and unfavorable for the attachment of rat glial cell due to the hydrophilic characters of the materials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The effect of polyoxyethylene polymers on the transport of ranitidine in Caco-2 cell monolayers.

PubMed

Ashiru-Oredope, Diane A I; Patel, Nilesh; Forbes, Ben; Patel, Rajesh; Basit, Abdul W

2011-05-16

Previous in vivo studies using PEG 400 showed an enhancement in the bioavailability of ranitidine. This study investigated the effect of PEG 200, 300 and 400 on ranitidine transport across Caco-2 cells. The effect of PEG polymers (20%, v/v) on the bi-directional flux of (3)H-ranitidine across Caco-2 cell monolayers was measured. The concentration dependence of PEG 400 effects on ranitidine transport was also studied. A specific screen for P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity was used to test for an interaction between PEG and P-gp. In the absence of PEG, ranitidine transport showed over 5-fold greater flux across Caco-2 monolayers in the secretory than the absorptive direction; efflux ratio 5.38. PEG 300 and 400 significantly reduced this efflux ratio (p<0.05), whereas PEG 200 had no effect (p>0.05). In concordance, PEG 300 and 400 showed an interaction with the P-gp transporter, whereas PEG 200 did not. Interestingly, with PEG 400 a non-linear concentration dependence was seen for the inhibition of the efflux ratio of ranitidine, with a maxima at 1%, v/v (p<0.05). The inhibition of ranitidine efflux by PEG 300 and 400 which interact with P-gp provides a mechanism that may account for the observations of ranitidine absorption enhancement by PEG 400 in vivo. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enhanced circulation half-life of site-specific PEGylated rhG-CSF: optimization of PEG molecular weight.

PubMed

Zhai, Yanqin; Zhao, Yongjiang; Lei, Jiandu; Su, Zhiguo; Ma, Guanghui

2009-07-15

Recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) and its PEGylated product "mono-PEG20-GCSF" have already been widely used for treatment of all kinds of neutropenia. However, the high required dosage of mono-PEG20-GCSF made it relatively expensive in clinical use. We postulated that an N-terminal site-specific PEGylated rhG-CSF with higher PEG Mw (PEG30 kDa) might be able to achieve longer circulation half-life while retaining its bioactivity, allowing the reduction of dosage for clinical use. rhG-CSF was PEGylated at the N-terminus by 5 kDa, 10 kDa, 20 kDa and 30 kDa methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-propionaldehyde (mPEG-ALD), and the four PEGylates were compared with respect to reaction, separation, characterization and also in vivo/in vitro activity, results showed that the mPEG-ALD of higher Mw demonstrated better N-terminal site-specific selectivity, separation purity and yield. The production cost and in vitro activity of mono-PEG30-GCSF and mono-PEG20-GCSF were almost the same, while mono-PEG30-GCSF showed longer in vivo circulation half-life and 60% higher drug bioavailability than mono-PEG20-GCSF. Consequently, mono-PEG30-GCSF shall be administered at a lower dosage than mono-PEG20-GCSF while retaining the same therapeutic efficacy.

Differences in taste between two polyethylene glycol preparations.

PubMed

Szojda, Maria M; Mulder, Chris J J; Felt-Bersma, Richelle J F

2007-12-01

Polyethylene glycol preparations (PEG) are increasingly used for chronic constipation in both adults and children. There are some suggestions that PEG 4000 with orange flavour (Forlax) tastes better than PEG 3350 which contains salt (Movicolon). Poor taste is an important factor for non-compliance and is one of the leading causes of therapy failure. The aim of the study was to compare the taste of two commonly used PEG preparations, PEG 4000 and PEG 3350. A double-blind, cross over randomised trial. A hundred people were recruited by advertisement. All tasted both preparations without swallowing and after tasting each of the preparations, they rinsed their mouths. Then a score, on a 5-point scale, was given for both preparations. 100 volunteers were included (27 males and 73 females, mean age 36). The taste score for PEG 4000 (mean 3.9, SD 0.7) was significantly better than for PEG 3350 (mean 2.7, SD 0.7) (p<0.0001, Wilcoxon matched pairs test). No difference in gender or age was observed. The volunteers which tasted PEG 3350 liked it more, when they tasted it first rather than when they tasted it after PEG 4000 (p<0.0001). The order in which volunteers tested PEG 4000 had no influence on the taste results. PEG 4000 tastes better than PEG 3350. This may have implications for patient compliance and effectiveness of treatment in patients with chronic constipation.

Predictive Factors for Prophylactic Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) Tube Placement and Use in Head and Neck Patients Following Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) Treatment: Concordance, Discrepancies, and the Role of Gabapentin.

PubMed

Yang, Wuyang; McNutt, Todd R; Dudley, Sara A; Kumar, Rachit; Starmer, Heather M; Gourin, Christine G; Moore, Joseph A; Evans, Kimberly; Allen, Mysha; Agrawal, Nishant; Richmon, Jeremy D; Chung, Christine H; Quon, Harry

2016-04-01

The prophylactic placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube in the head and neck cancer (HNC) patient is controversial. We sought to identify factors associated with prophylactic PEG placement and actual PEG use. Since 2010, data regarding PEG placement and use were prospectively recorded in a departmental database from January 2010 to December 2012. HNC patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) were retrospectively evaluated from 2010 to 2012. Variables potentially associated with patient post-radiation dysphagia from previous literature, and our experience was evaluated. We performed multivariate logistic regression on these variables with PEG placement and PEG use, respectively, to compare the difference of association between the two arms. We identified 192 HNC patients treated with IMRT. Prophylactic PEG placement occurred in 121 (63.0 %) patients, with PEG use in 97 (80.2 %) patients. PEG placement was associated with male gender (p < .01), N stage ≥ N2 (p < .05), pretreatment swallowing difficulties (p < .01), concurrent chemotherapy (p < .01), pretreatment KPS ≥80 (p = .01), and previous surgery (p = .02). Concurrent chemotherapy (p = .03) was positively associated with the use of PEG feeding by the patient, whereas pretreatment KPS ≥80 (p = .03) and prophylactic gabapentin use (p < .01) were negatively associated with PEG use. The analysis suggests there were discrepancies between prophylactic PEG tube placement and actual use. Favorable pretreatment KPS, no pretreatment dysphagia, no concurrent chemotherapy, and the use of gabapentin were significantly associated with reduced PEG use. This analysis may help refine the indications for prophylactic PEG placement.

Directed aggregation of carbon nanotube on curved surfaces by polymer induced depletion attraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hsin-Chieh; Jiang, Hong-Ren

2017-12-01

In this study, we show that by chemically grafting macromolecule, polyethylene glycol (PEG), onto CNTs, PEG-CNTs become dispersible in an aqueous solution with tunable depletion interactions with each other. The aggregation of the PEG-CNTs can be controlled by adding PEG polymers into the solution. PEG-CNTs not only aggregate with each other but also tend to aggregate on curved surfaces. Due to this property, we show that PEG-CNTs can be directed to aggregate on particles and patterned surfaces. Depletion interaction induced aggregation of PEG-CNTs may provide a method to place PEG-CNTs on a specific position for different applications ranging from biomedical to industrial usages.

Same-day 2-L PEG-citrate-simethicone plus bisacodyl vs split 4-L PEG: Bowel cleansing for late-morning colonoscopy

PubMed Central

de Leone, Annalisa; Tamayo, Darina; Fiori, Giancarla; Ravizza, Davide; Trovato, Cristina; De Roberto, Giuseppe; Fazzini, Linda; Dal Fante, Marco; Crosta, Cristiano

2013-01-01

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, acceptability and feasibility of bisacodyl plus low volume polyethyleneglycol-citrate-simeticone (2-L PEG-CS) taken the same day as compared with conventional split-dose 4-L PEG for late morning colonoscopy. METHODS: Randomised, observer-blind, parallel group, comparative trial carried out in 2 centres. Out patients of both sexes, aged between 18 and 85 years, undergoing colonoscopy for diagnostic investigation, colorectal cancer screening or follow-up were eligible. The PEG-CS group received 3 bisacodyl tablets (4 tablets for patients with constipation) at bedtime and 2-L PEG-CS in the morning starting 5 h before colonoscopy. The control group received a conventional 4-L PEG formulation given as split regimen; the morning dose was taken with the same schedule of the low volume preparation. The Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale (OBPS) score was used as the main outcome measure. RESULTS: A total of 164 subjects were enrolled and 154 completed the study; 78 in the PEG-CS group and 76 in the split 4-L PEG group. The two groups were comparable at baseline. The OBPS score in the PEG-CS group (3.09 ± 2.40) and in the PEG group (2.39 ± 2.55) were equivalent (difference +0.70; 95%CI: -0.09-1.48). This was confirmed by the rate of successful bowel cleansing in the PEG-CS group (89.7%) and in the PEG group (92.1%) (difference -2.4%; 95%CI: -11.40- 6.70). PEG-CS was superior in terms of mucosa visibility compared to PEG (85.7% vs 72.4%, P = 0.042). There were no significant differences in caecum intubation rate, time to reach the caecum and withdrawal time between the two groups. The adenoma detection rate was similar (PEG-CS 43.6% vs PEG 44.7%). No serious adverse events occurred. No difference was found in tolerability of the bowel preparations. Compliance was equal in both groups: more than 90% of subjects drunk the whole solution. Willingness to repeat the same bowel preparations was about 90% for both regimes. CONCLUSION: Same-day PEG-CS is feasible, effective as split-dose 4-L PEG for late morning colonoscopy and does not interfere with work and daily activities the day before colonoscopy. PMID:24044042

Same-day 2-L PEG-citrate-simethicone plus bisacodyl vs split 4-L PEG: Bowel cleansing for late-morning colonoscopy.

PubMed

de Leone, Annalisa; Tamayo, Darina; Fiori, Giancarla; Ravizza, Davide; Trovato, Cristina; De Roberto, Giuseppe; Fazzini, Linda; Dal Fante, Marco; Crosta, Cristiano

2013-09-16

To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, acceptability and feasibility of bisacodyl plus low volume polyethyleneglycol-citrate-simeticone (2-L PEG-CS) taken the same day as compared with conventional split-dose 4-L PEG for late morning colonoscopy. Randomised, observer-blind, parallel group, comparative trial carried out in 2 centres. Out patients of both sexes, aged between 18 and 85 years, undergoing colonoscopy for diagnostic investigation, colorectal cancer screening or follow-up were eligible. The PEG-CS group received 3 bisacodyl tablets (4 tablets for patients with constipation) at bedtime and 2-L PEG-CS in the morning starting 5 h before colonoscopy. The control group received a conventional 4-L PEG formulation given as split regimen; the morning dose was taken with the same schedule of the low volume preparation. The Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale (OBPS) score was used as the main outcome measure. A total of 164 subjects were enrolled and 154 completed the study; 78 in the PEG-CS group and 76 in the split 4-L PEG group. The two groups were comparable at baseline. The OBPS score in the PEG-CS group (3.09 ± 2.40) and in the PEG group (2.39 ± 2.55) were equivalent (difference +0.70; 95%CI: -0.09-1.48). This was confirmed by the rate of successful bowel cleansing in the PEG-CS group (89.7%) and in the PEG group (92.1%) (difference -2.4%; 95%CI: -11.40- 6.70). PEG-CS was superior in terms of mucosa visibility compared to PEG (85.7% vs 72.4%, P = 0.042). There were no significant differences in caecum intubation rate, time to reach the caecum and withdrawal time between the two groups. The adenoma detection rate was similar (PEG-CS 43.6% vs PEG 44.7%). No serious adverse events occurred. No difference was found in tolerability of the bowel preparations. Compliance was equal in both groups: more than 90% of subjects drunk the whole solution. Willingness to repeat the same bowel preparations was about 90% for both regimes. Same-day PEG-CS is feasible, effective as split-dose 4-L PEG for late morning colonoscopy and does not interfere with work and daily activities the day before colonoscopy.

Clonazepam release from bioerodible hydrogels based on semi-interpenetrating polymer networks composed of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and poly(ethylene glycol) macromer.

PubMed

Cho, C S; Han, S Y; Ha, J H; Kim, S H; Lim, D Y

1999-04-30

Poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) macromers terminated with acrylate groups and semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (SIPNs) composed of poly(epsilon-caprolactone)(PCL) and PEG macromer were synthesized to obtain a bioerodible hydrogel. Polymerization of PEG macromer resulted in the formation of cross-linked gels due to the multifunctionality of macromer. Glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm) of PEG networks and PCL in the SIPNs were inner-shifted, indicating an interpenetration of PCL and PEG chains. Water content in the SIPNs increased with increasing PEG weight fraction due to the hydrophilicity of PEG. The amount of clonazepam (CNZ) released from the SIPNs increased with higher content in the SIPNs, lower drug loading, lower concentration of PEG macromer during the SIPNs preparation, and higher molecular weight of PEG. In particular, a combination with low PEG content and low CNZ solubility in water led to long-term constant release from these matrices in vitro and in vivo. Copyright.

Identification of Poly(ethylene glycol) and Poly(ethylene glycol)-Based Detergents Using Peptide Search Engines.

PubMed

Ahmadi, Shiva; Winter, Dominic

2018-06-05

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is one of the most common polymer contaminations in mass spectrometry (MS) samples. At present, the detection of PEG and other polymers relies largely on manual inspection of raw data, which is laborious and frequently difficult due to sample complexity and retention characteristics of polymer species in reversed-phase chromatography. We developed a new strategy for the automated identification of PEG molecules from tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) data using protein identification algorithms in combination with a database containing "PEG-proteins". Through definition of variable modifications, we extend the approach for the identification of commonly used PEG-based detergents. We exemplify the identification of different types of polymers by static nanoelectrospray tandem mass spectrometry (nanoESI-MS/MS) analysis of pure detergent solutions and data analysis using Mascot. Analysis of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) runs of a PEG-contaminated sample by Mascot identified 806 PEG spectra originating from four PEG species using a defined set of modifications covering PEG and common PEG-based detergents. Further characterization of the sample for unidentified PEG species using error-tolerant and mass-tolerant searches resulted in identification of 3409 and 3187 PEG-related MS/MS spectra, respectively. We further demonstrate the applicability of the strategy for Protein Pilot and MaxQuant.

Plasma-mediated grafting of poly(ethylene glycol) on polyamide and polyester surfaces and evaluation of antifouling ability of modified substrates.

PubMed

Dong, Baiyan; Jiang, Hongquan; Manolache, Sorin; Wong, Amy C Lee; Denes, Ferencz S

2007-06-19

A simple cold plasma technique was developed to functionalize the surfaces of polyamide (PA) and polyester (PET) for the grafting of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with the aim of reducing biofilm formation. The surfaces of PA and PET were treated with silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) plasma, and PEG was grafted onto plasma-functionalized substrates (PA-PEG, PET-PEG). Different molecular weights of PEG and grafting times were tested to obtain optimal surface coverage by PEG as monitored by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA). The presence of a predominant C-O peak on the PEG-modified substrates indicated that the grafting was successful. Data from hydroxyl group derivatization and water contact angle measurement also indicated the presence of PEG after grafting. The PEG-grafted PA and PET under optimal conditions had similar chemical composition and hydrophilicity; however, different morphology changes were observed after grafting. Both PA-PEG and PET-PEG surfaces developed under optimal plasma conditions showed about 96% reduction in biofilm formation by Listeria monocytogenes compared with that of the corresponding unmodified substrates. This plasma functionalization method provided an efficient way to graft PEG onto PA and PET surfaces. Because of the high reactivity of Si-Cl species, this method could potentially be applied to other polymeric materials.