Recent Improvements (recent + improvement)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Review of current treatment of sacral chordoma

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY, Issue 3 2009
Kang-wu Chen MD
Chordoma is a relatively rare, locally aggressive tumor which is known to arise from embryonic remnants of the notochord and to occur exclusively along the spinal axis, with a predilection for the sacrum. Although chordoma typically presents as a single lesion, a few cases of metastasis have been reported and the prognosis of such patients may be poor. Chordomas are slowly growing tumors with insidious onset of symptoms, making early diagnosis difficult. Recent improvements in imaging have provided valuable information for early diagnosis. The optimal treatment for sacral chordoma is en bloc sacral resection with wide surgical margins. Improvement in surgical techniques has widened the opportunities to provide effective treatment. However, the effects of adjuvant treatment options are still both unclear and controversial. Substantial progress has been made in the study of molecular-targeted therapy. The authors review the current surgical and adjuvant treatment modalities, including molecular-targeted therapy, available for management of sacral chordoma. [source]


Congenital dilatation of the bile duct: Changes in diagnostic tools over the past 19 years

PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2003
Junji Takaya
Abstract Background:,Because of recent improvements in diagnostic procedures, many cases of congenital dilatation of the bile duct (CDBD) have been diagnosed in early life. To determine the mode of presentation and changes in diagnostic tools, medical records of 34 children (25 girls, nine boys) with CDBD who were treated between 1982 and 2000 were reviewed. Results:,The age at presentation ranged from 0 to 16 years (median 4.9 ± 0.7 years), with two patients being diagnosed using prenatal ultrasonography. Of the 32 patients diagnosed post-natally, 21 (66%) complained of abdominal pain. There were also 21 (66%) cases of vomiting. Sixteen patients (50%) experienced both these symptoms. Ten (31%) cases presented with jaundice and three (9%) presented with a palpable mass. Ultrasonography was used as a diagnostic tool in 29 cases (85%). The finding of a dilated common bile duct on abdominal ultrasonography was helpful for early diagnosis. Spiral computed tomography was also a useful and accurate imaging method for diagnosis. Anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction (PBJ) was demonstrated in 44% of patients with CDBD. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, which can be performed non-invasively, is useful for the diagnosis and pre-operative assessment of CDBD in children. The average length of time from presentation to diagnosis could be shortened from 46 days (1982,1988) to 13 days (1995,2000). Conclusion:,Recent improvements in diagnostic procedures make immediate, non-invasive diagnosis of CDBD and PBJ possible. [source]


Recent improvements of SiC micro-resonators

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 4 2007
P. Godignon
The cover picture of this issue of physica status solidi (c) has been taken from the article [1]. [source]


Smoking and anaesthesia: the pharmacological implications

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 2 2009
B. P. Sweeney
Summary Anaesthetists are generally familiar with the peri-operative implications of cigarette smoking. Although there are a number of publications dealing with the wider pharmacological implications of cigarette smoking, the specific interactions which are of direct relevance to anaesthetists are less well known. This review gives an overview of those interactions which are of clinical relevance to anaesthetists and provides, where possible, an explanation of the mechanism. Recent improvements in the understanding of biotransformation of drugs, including streamlining of the classification of hepatic enzymes has allowed better understanding of drug interactions and enables the mechanistic prediction of those involving new drugs. [source]


Recent improvements in transurethral high-frequency electrosurgery of the prostate

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2006
MICHAEL ALSCHIBAJA
First page of article [source]


Immune response profiles in human skin

BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2007
T. Meyer
Summary In addition to the function as a physical barrier human skin has been shown to be an important immune organ displaying various defense mechanisms, which can be divided into three major functional compartiments: (i) Epithelial defense, which is characterized by antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AP) and which can be induced in inflammatory lesions but also in the absence of inflammation. (ii) Innate-inflammatory immunity, which involves recognition of microbial compounds by particular receptors like Toll-like receptors (TLR) and subsequent activation of signalling pathways resulting in expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and interferons, as well as genes of adaptive immunity. Interferon , (IFN,) produced by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (DC) may stimulate myeloid DC to produce IL-12 resulting in classical T-cell activation or to produce IL-23 activating IL-17 producing T-cells (IL-23/IL-17 pathway). (iii) Adaptive immunity, which is based on antigen presenting cells, T-cells and B-cells and which is characterized by specificity and memory. In contrast to epithelial defense and innate-inflammatory immunity, adaptive immune functions provide slowly reacting protection. Recent improvements of our knowledge of dysregulated immune pathways associated with inflammatory skin diseases represent an important basis of novel immunomodulatory treatment modalities. [source]


Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: review of the literature in reflection of unresolved dilemmas

ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 12 2009
S Grisaru-Granovsky
Abstract Background:, Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare but clinically and scientifically challenging condition. The introduction of ultrasound has enabled early prenatal detection and consequently, hope of early therapeutic intervention. Aim:, We undertook the task to review the recent developments in understanding the pathology of CDH as well as the history and current management strategies to aid perinatologists in consultations with parents of CDH-affected foetuses. Study design:, A Medline search was undertaken of all reports and reviews published between 1980 and 2008 using MeSH search terms ,diaphragmatic hernia', ,congenital' and ,newborn'. Results:, The true incidence of CDH is still difficult to estimate because of the high incidence of hidden mortality of CDH. Complete case ascertainment also poses difficulties in assessment of the impact of new therapeutic modalities on overall survival. Recent improvements in prenatal detection are a milestone in affording time for re-assessments and parental counselling. The true benefit of antenatal therapy is circumscribed and should be offered only in selected cases of isolated severe CDH as defined by existing guidelines. Postnatal intensive respiratory supportive therapy and innovative surgical techniques within specialized tertiary centres has had a major impact on survival of babies with CDH. Conclusion:, The high survival of ,selected cases' that are live births and benefit from optimal care will be difficult to improve by antenatal interventions. The multidisciplinary approach to basic research and randomized clinical trials will further define the best approach to the foetus and neonate with CDH. [source]


The Vienna classification applied to colorectal adenomas

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 11 2006
Carlos A Rubio
Abstract Background and Aim:, In 1999, a group of Western and Asian pathologists gathered in Vienna reached consensus regarding the classification of gastrointestinal epithelial neoplasia. In this study, that classification is applied to colorectal adenomas. Methods:, Colorectal adenomas from 1552 patients were histologically classified according to the categories listed in Vienna: category 3, low-grade dysplasia; 4.1, high-grade dysplasia; 4.2, carcinoma in situ; 4.3, suspicious of intramucosal carcinoma; 5.1, intramucosal carcinoma; and 5.2, submucosal carcinoma. The criteria used to diagnose these lesions are described in detail. Adenomas with dysplasia (categories 3 and 4.1) or with carcinoma (categories 4.2, 4.3, 5.1 and 5.2) were analyzed separately. On basis of their configuration, adenomas were classified into tubular, tubulovillous, villous, serrated, microtubular and combined phenotypes (i.e. other than tubulovillous). Results:, The highest percentage of adenomas with carcinoma was found amongst villous adenomas (29.6%), followed by combined adenomas (27.8%). Villous adenoma with carcinoma was the most frequent neoplasia at all ages; combined adenomas with carcinoma were more frequent among younger patients. In elderly patients (,60 years of age) the highest percentage of adenomas with carcinoma was recorded in villous adenomas (28.1%), followed by serrated adenomas (19.2%). Villous adenomas and combined adenomas with carcinoma were more frequent in males. Conclusion:, The Vienna classification of colorectal adenomas seems to be influenced by parameters inherent to the patient such as age and sex and by the histological phenotype of the adenoma. With the recent improvement in medical technology it is possible to laser-microdisect a defined group of neoplastic glands (such as with carcinoma in situ or with intramucosal carcinoma) for specific molecular analysis. This modern technology will permit in future the translation of histological structures into molecular terms. [source]


New Concepts in Evolutionary Search for Boolean Functions in Cryptology

COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE, Issue 3 2004
William Millan
In symmetric cryptology the resistance to attacks depends critically on the nonlinearity properties of the Boolean functions describing cipher components like Substitution boxes (S-boxes). Some of the most effective methods known to generate functions that satisfy multiple criteria are based on evolutionary heuristics. In this paper, we improve on these algorithms by employing an adaptive strategy. Additionally, using recent improvements in the understanding of these combinatorial structures, we discover essential properties of the graph formed by affine equivalence classes of Boolean functions, which offers several advantages as a conceptual model for multiobjective seeking evolutionary heuristics. Finally, we propose the first major global cooperative effort to discover new bounds for cryptographic properties of Boolean functions. [source]


Long-term survivors of advanced esophageal cancer without surgical treatment: a multicenter questionnaire survey in Kyushu, Japan

DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS, Issue 3 2003
S. Natsugoe
SUMMARY Since the introduction of recent improvements in adjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer, some patients have demonstrated good prognosis. In the present study, we analyzed 3- and 5-year survivors of advanced esophageal cancer who did not undergo any surgical treatment. Between 1990 and 1998, 831 patients were admitted to 14 university hospitals and one cancer center associated with the membership of the Kyushu study group for adjuvant therapy of esophageal cancer. Twelve (1.4%) of the patients were 3-year survivors and 13 (1.6%) were 5-year survivors. The reasons for non-operation were refusal (eight patients), tumor-related factors (11 patients), and host-related factors (six patients). With a single exception, all patients had locally advanced tumors. Almost all long-term survivors had fewer than five lymph node metastases, in regions limited to the neck and/or mediastinum. Radiation therapy was combined with chemotherapy for 16 of the 25 patients, and chemotherapy-based cisplatin was used for 15 of these 16 patients. Fifteen of the patients remain alive; 10 died seven of them from esophageal cancer. Chemoradiation therapy was effective for some patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer, particularly in the absence of or with few lymph node metastases. To improve the prognosis of patients with advanced esophageal cancer who, for various causes, cannot undergo surgical treatment, a new protocol for adjuvant therapy is required. [source]


Applications of the rep-PCR DNA fingerprinting technique to study microbial diversity, ecology and evolution

ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2009
Satoshi Ishii
Summary A large number of repetitive DNA sequences are found in multiple sites in the genomes of numerous bacteria, archaea and eukarya. While the functions of many of these repetitive sequence elements are unknown, they have proven to be useful as the basis of several powerful tools for use in molecular diagnostics, medical microbiology, epidemiological analyses and environmental microbiology. The repetitive sequence-based PCR or rep-PCR DNA fingerprint technique uses primers targeting several of these repetitive elements and PCR to generate unique DNA profiles or ,fingerprints' of individual microbial strains. Although this technique has been extensively used to examine diversity among variety of prokaryotic microorganisms, rep-PCR DNA fingerprinting can also be applied to microbial ecology and microbial evolution studies since it has the power to distinguish microbes at the strain or isolate level. Recent advancement in rep-PCR methodology has resulted in increased accuracy, reproducibility and throughput. In this minireview, we summarize recent improvements in rep-PCR DNA fingerprinting methodology, and discuss its applications to address fundamentally important questions in microbial ecology and evolution. [source]


The efficacy of an improved form of the mass-trapping method, forthe control of the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Dipt., Tephritidae): pilot-scale feasibility studies

JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 5 2002
T. Broumas
Improvements consisted of the extension of the active life of the toxic trap used, active life referring both to its attracting and killing properties, as well as in trap deployment, which combined efficacy and low cost. The method was compared to bait sprays applied from the ground, which constitutes the current standard method for the control of this pest. Both pest population density and fruit infestation levels, the main parameters used for the evaluation of the two methods were considerably lower during all 4 years of tests in the orchards protected by mass trapping compared with those in the orchards protected by bait sprays. Furthermore no complementary measures were required in the mass-trapping orchards for acceptable crop protection, which was not the case under certain conditions, prior to the introduction of the recent improvements. The cost of the mass-trapping method was approximately US$ 0.40 per tree per year compared with US$ 0.35 for bait sprays (figures of the Greek Ministry of Agriculture). However, the mass-trapping method reduces the amount of insecticide used for olive protection by 99.5% (15 mg a.i. per tree per year as opposed to 3 g in the case of bait sprays). A considerable reduction in the cost of the mass-trapping method is expected with the extension of its use and the mass production of materials used, especially traps. [source]


Preoperative staging of gastric cancer by endoscopic ultrasonography and multidetector-row computed tomography

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 3 2010
Sung Wook Hwang
Abstract Background and Aim:, The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) for the locoregional staging of gastric cancer. EUS and computed tomography (CT) are valuable tools for the preoperative evaluation of gastric cancer. With the introduction of new therapeutic options and the recent improvements in CT technology, further evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of EUS and MDCT is needed. Methods:, In total, 277 patients who underwent EUS and MDCT, followed by gastrectomy or endoscopic resection at Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, from July 2006 to April 2008, were analyzed. The results from the preoperative EUS and MDCT were compared to the postoperative pathological findings. Results:, Among the 277 patients, the overall accuracy of EUS and MDCT for T staging was 74.7% and 76.9%, respectively. Among the 141 patients with visualized primary lesions on MDCT, the overall accuracy of EUS and MDCT for T staging was 61.7% and 63.8%, respectively. The overall accuracy for N staging was 66% and 62.8%, respectively. The performance of EUS and MDCT for large lesions and lesions at the cardia and angle had significantly lower accuracy than that of other groups. For EUS, the early gastric cancer lesions with ulcerative changes had significantly lower accuracy than those without ulcerative changes. Conclusions:, For the preoperative assessment of individual T and N staging in patients with gastric cancer, the accuracy of MDCT was close to that of EUS. Both EUS and MDCT are useful complementary modalities for the locoregional staging of gastric cancer. [source]


Hepatitis C: Retreatment and treatment of patients with renal failure

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 2000
Wan-Cheng Chow
This paper addresses two difficult issues in the treatment of hepatitis C: patients who fail to achieve a sustained response after the first course of treatment, and those who simultaneously suffer from chronic renal failure. With the recent improvements in firstline treatment, retreatment is mainly applicable to those who have previously received 6-month of interferon monotherapy at 3 MU thrice weekly. For those who had an end-of-treatment response but relapsed, there is a choice between interferon monotherapy at increased dose and/or duration of treatment, or a 6-month course of combination therapy. Retreatment of non-responders is generally unsuccessful, but some patients may respond to interferon-alpha 3 MU and ribavirin 1.0,1.2 g/day. For patients with chronic renal failure and hepatitis C, combination treatment is not possible because ribavirin is contraindicated. Interferon given at a dose of 1.5 MU thrice weekly was reported to be fairly well tolerated by patients who were on dialysis and resulted in end-of-treatment and sustained biochemical and virological response in some cases. Interferon given in the usual doses may be associated with severe adverse effects in patients with renal failure, and can precipitate allograft rejection in patients who have undergone renal transplantation. [source]


Synthetic strategies in the construction of chromones

JOURNAL OF HETEROCYCLIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2010
Nian-Guang Li
Because of important biological applications of chromones, some synthetic strategies leading to more complex derivatives have been widely explored in the past years. Thus, the purpose of this review is to report some recent improvements of the classical synthetic methods and of some nonclassical methods to obtain simple oxygenated chromones. The strategies for synthesis of heterocycle analogs containing phosphorus, nitrogen, and sulfur are also summarized. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010). [source]


Diffusion-weighted imaging of the spinal cord: Interleaved echo-planar imaging is superior to fast spin-echo

JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 4 2002
Roland Bammer PhD
Abstract Purpose To compare and evaluate two novel diffusion-weighted sequences, based either on fast spin-echo (FSE) or interleaved echo-planar imaging (EPI) methods, as potential tools for investing spinal cord abnormalities. Materials and Methods Following recent improvements, both interleaved EPI (IEPI) and FSE techniques could be alternative approaches for rapid diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Therefore, a navigated diffusion-weighted multishot FSE sequence and a fat-suppressed navigated diffusion-weighted IEPI sequence with local shimming capabilities were tested. Both methods were compared in a consecutive series of five healthy volunteers and five patients with suspected intramedullary lesions. The sequences were graded qualitatively as either superior, inferior, or equal in quality, and also quantitatively by measuring the amount of ghosting artifacts in the background. Quantitative measurements of the diffusion coefficients within the spine were included. Results The overall image quality of IEPI was superior to FSE. Two out of five FSE scans were rated with poor image quality, whereas all IEPI scans were of sufficient quality. The ghosting levels ranged from approximately 3.3% to 6.2% for IEPI and from approximately 7.5% to 18.9% for FSE. Diffusion coefficients measured in healthy volunteers were similar for both IEPI and FSE, but showed higher fluctuations with the FSE technique. Conclusion Despite potential advantages of FSE, the IEPI technique is preferable for DWI applications in the spinal cord. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;15:364,373. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Old and emerging therapies in chronic hepatitis C: an update

JOURNAL OF VIRAL HEPATITIS, Issue 1 2008
M. Deutsch
Summary., The main goal of therapy in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is to achieve a sustained virological response currently defined as undetectable HCV-RNA in peripheral blood determined with the most sensitive polymerase chain reaction technique 24 weeks after the end of treatment. This goal is practically equivalent with eradication of HCV infection and cure of the underlying HCV-induced liver disease. The current standard in hepatitis C treatment consists in combination regimens of pegylated interferon-, (Peg-INF-,) with Ribavirin (RBV). Such treatment schemes are quite successful in patients with HCV genotypes 2 and 3 infections achieving HCV eradication rates of 75,90%. However, they are much less effective in patients with genotypes 1 and 4 infections with eradication rates ranging between 45% and 52%. Moreover, they have several, and sometimes severe, adverse effects and contraindications, further limiting their efficacy and applicability in an appreciable number of patients with chronic HCV-induced liver disease. Therefore, the need for improvement of existing therapies and for development of new effective, safe and tolerable drugs is a matter of great clinical relevance and importance. In this article, recent improvements in the current standard of therapy with IFN-, and RBV in various subsets of patients with chronic hepatitis C and in the clinical development of new emerging drugs, particularly small molecules, will be reviewed and commented. The article is divided in two main parts: (i) improvements in the standard combination therapies and schemes of approved Peg-INF-, with RBV and expectations from new interferons, interferon inducers and alternatives to RBV; (ii) new drugs for HCV in clinical development focusing mostly on specific inhibitors of HCV and less so on other drugs including immune therapies. [source]


Advances on the compositional analysis of glycosphingolipids combining thin-layer chromatography with mass spectrometry

MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS, Issue 3 2010
Johannes Müthing
Abstract Glycosphingolipids (GSLs), composed of a hydrophilic carbohydrate chain and a lipophilic ceramide anchor, play pivotal roles in countless biological processes, including infectious diseases and the development of cancer. Knowledge of the number and sequence of monosaccharides and their anomeric configuration and linkage type, which make up the principal items of the glyco code of biologically active carbohydrate chains, is essential for exploring the function of GSLs. As part of the investigation of the vertebrate glycome, GSL analysis is undergoing rapid expansion owing to the application of novel biochemical and biophysical technologies. Mass spectrometry (MS) takes part in the network of collaborations to further unravel structural and functional aspects within the fascinating world of GSLs with the ultimate aim to better define their role in human health and disease. However, a single-method analytical MS technique without supporting tools is limited yielding only partial structural information. Because of its superior resolving power, robustness, and easy handling, high-performance thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is widely used as an invaluable tool in GSL analysis. The intention of this review is to give an insight into current advances obtained by coupling supplementary techniques such as TLC and mass spectrometry. A retrospective view of the development of this concept and the recent improvements by merging (1) TLC separation of GSLs, (2) their detection with oligosaccharide-specific proteins, and (3) in situ MS analysis of protein-detected GSLs directly on the TLC plate, are provided. The procedure works on a nanogram scale and was successfully applied to the identification of cancer-associated GSLs in several types of human tumors. The combination of these two supplementary techniques opens new doors by delivering specific structural information of trace quantities of GSLs with only limited investment in sample preparation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 29:425-479, 2010 [source]


Fine-scale genetic structure and inferences on population biology in the threatened Mediterranean red coral, Corallium rubrum

MOLECULAR ECOLOGY, Issue 19 2010
J.-B. LEDOUX
Abstract Identifying microevolutionary processes acting in populations of marine species with larval dispersal is a challenging but crucial task because of its conservation implications. In this context, recent improvements in the study of spatial genetic structure (SGS) are particularly promising because they allow accurate insights into the demographic and evolutionary processes at stake. Using an exhaustive sampling and a combination of image processing and population genetics, we highlighted significant SGS between colonies of Corallium rubrum over an area of half a square metre, which sheds light on a number of aspects of its population biology. Based on this SGS, we found the mean dispersal range within sites to be between 22.6 and 32.1 cm, suggesting that the surveyed area approximately corresponded to a breeding unit. We then conducted a kinship analysis, which revealed a complex half-sib family structure and allowed us to quantify the level of self-recruitment and to characterize aspects of the mating system of this species. Furthermore, significant temporal variations in allele frequencies were observed, suggesting low genetic drift. These results have important conservation implications for the red coral and further our understanding of the microevolutionary processes acting within populations of sessile marine species with a larval phase. [source]


Congenital dilatation of the bile duct: Changes in diagnostic tools over the past 19 years

PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2003
Junji Takaya
Abstract Background:,Because of recent improvements in diagnostic procedures, many cases of congenital dilatation of the bile duct (CDBD) have been diagnosed in early life. To determine the mode of presentation and changes in diagnostic tools, medical records of 34 children (25 girls, nine boys) with CDBD who were treated between 1982 and 2000 were reviewed. Results:,The age at presentation ranged from 0 to 16 years (median 4.9 ± 0.7 years), with two patients being diagnosed using prenatal ultrasonography. Of the 32 patients diagnosed post-natally, 21 (66%) complained of abdominal pain. There were also 21 (66%) cases of vomiting. Sixteen patients (50%) experienced both these symptoms. Ten (31%) cases presented with jaundice and three (9%) presented with a palpable mass. Ultrasonography was used as a diagnostic tool in 29 cases (85%). The finding of a dilated common bile duct on abdominal ultrasonography was helpful for early diagnosis. Spiral computed tomography was also a useful and accurate imaging method for diagnosis. Anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction (PBJ) was demonstrated in 44% of patients with CDBD. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, which can be performed non-invasively, is useful for the diagnosis and pre-operative assessment of CDBD in children. The average length of time from presentation to diagnosis could be shortened from 46 days (1982,1988) to 13 days (1995,2000). Conclusion:,Recent improvements in diagnostic procedures make immediate, non-invasive diagnosis of CDBD and PBJ possible. [source]


Forecasting Substantial Data Revisions in the Presence of Model Uncertainty,

THE ECONOMIC JOURNAL, Issue 530 2008
Anthony Garratt
A recent revision to the preliminary measurement of GDP(E) growth for 2003Q2 caused considerable press attention, provoked a public enquiry and prompted a number of reforms to UK statistical reporting procedures. In this article, we compute the probability of ,substantial revisions' that are greater (in absolute value) than the controversial 2003 revision. The predictive densities are derived from Bayesian model averaging over a wide set of forecasting models including linear, structural break and regime-switching models with and without heteroscedasticity. Ignoring the nonlinearities and model uncertainty yields misleading predictives and obscures recent improvements in the quality of preliminary UK macroeconomic measurements. [source]


Recovery from neuromuscular blockade: a survey of practice,

ANAESTHESIA, Issue 8 2007
M. Grayling
Summary At present in the UK there is no consensus regarding the parameters anaesthetists use to indicate adequacy of reversal from neuromuscular blockade. In an attempt to determine current practice, we carried out a survey covering 12 anaesthetic departments throughout the UK. Individuals were asked to give details regarding their usage of available monitors or, alternatively, to list those clinical parameters which they felt offered the best guidance as to the adequacy of recovery from neuromuscular blockade. There was no consensus among anaesthetists as to the most reliable clinical signs of recovery from neuromuscular blockade. There was an apparent lack of understanding of the limitations of some clinical signs used to determine recovery, as well as inappropriate application of others. In all departments where monitors (quantitative or qualitative) were available, there was limited knowledge regarding the current minimum recommended train-of-four ratio which should be observed prior to extubation. There is an apparent overall confusion among clinicians as to the best method to confirm recovery from neuromuscular blockade. This is probably due to the lack of a single reliable clinical test which can be applied in the immediate postoperative period. Insufficient reliance is placed upon the use of quantitative monitors. There is a lack of clarity in national anaesthetic guidelines with respect to monitoring of neuromuscular function. Current standards need to be re-assessed in the light of recent improvements in nerve stimulators. [source]


Non-viral vectors for cancer therapy

CANCER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2006
Yasufumi Kaneda
Cancers are diverse and often resistant to therapeutic strategies. Gene therapy has yet to meet the promise of a breakthrough in cancer therapy. There are several barriers to overcome in cancer gene therapy. One of the biggest challenges is the design of appropriate vectors. Numerous viral and non-viral methods for gene transfer have been developed for human gene therapy, but both viral and non-viral vectors have limitations and advantages. In this review article, recent improvements in the development of non-viral vectors for delivering gene therapy for the treatment of cancer will be discussed. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 348 ,354) [source]