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Kinds of Rapid Terms modified by Rapid Selected AbstractsRAPID VERSUS FULL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS: VALIDITY IN CLINICAL PRACTICE?ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 11 2008Amber Watt Introduction: Rapid reviews are being produced with greater frequency by health technology assessment (HTA) agencies in response to increased pressure from end-user clinicians and policy-makers for rapid, evidence-based advice on health-care technologies. This comparative study examines the differences in methodologies and essential conclusions between rapid and full reviews on the same topic, with the aim of determining the validity of rapid reviews in the clinical context and making recommendations for their future application. Methods: Rapid reviews were located by Internet searching of international HTA agency websites, with any ambiguities resolved by further communication with the agencies. Comparator full systematic reviews were identified using the University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination HTA database. Data on a number of review components were extracted using standardized data extraction tables, then analysed and reported narratively. Results: Axiomatic differences between all the rapid and full reviews were identified; however, the essential conclusions of the rapid and full reviews did not differ extensively across the topics. For each of the four topics examined, it was clear that the scope of the rapid reviews was substantially narrower than that of full reviews. The methodology underpinning the rapid reviews was often inadequately described. Conclusions: Rapid reviews do not adhere to any single validated methodology. They frequently provide adequate advice on which to base clinical and policy decisions; however, their scope is limited, which may compromise their appropriateness for evaluating technologies in certain circumstances. [source] Instant Volumetric Understanding with Order-Independent Volume RenderingCOMPUTER GRAPHICS FORUM, Issue 3 2004Benjamin Mora Rapid, visual understanding of volumetric datasets is a crucial outcome of a good volume rendering application, but few current volume rendering systems deliver this result. Our goal is to reduce the volumetric surfing that is required to understand volumetric features by conveying more information in fewer images. In order to achieve this goal, and in contrast with most current methods which still use optical models and alpha blending, our approach reintroduces the order-independent contribution of every sample along the ray in order to have an equiprobable visualization of all the volume samples. Therefore, we demonstrate how order independent sampling can be suitable for fast volume understanding, show useful extensions to MIP and X-ray like renderings, and, finally, point out the special advantage of using stereo visualization in these models to circumvent the lack of depth cues. Categories and Subject Descriptors: I.3.3 [Computer Graphics]: Picture/Image, Generation, I.3.7 [Computer Graphics]: Three-Dimensional graphics and realism. [source] Rapid and easy semi-quantitative evaluation method for diacylglycerol and inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate generation in orexin receptor signallingACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2010M. E. Ekholm Abstract Aim:, Fluorescent protein-based indicators have enabled measurement of intracellular signals previously nearly inaccessible for studies. However, indicators showing intracellular translocation upon response suffer from serious limitations, especially the very time-consuming data collection. We therefore set out in this study to evaluate whether fixing and counting cells showing translocation could mend this issue. Methods:, Altogether three different genetically encoded indicators for diacylglycerol and inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate were transiently expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing human OX1 orexin receptors. Upon stimulation with orexin-A, the cells were fixed with six different protocols. Results:, Different protocols showed clear differences in their ability to preserve the indicator's localization (i.e. translocation after stimulus) and its fluorescence, and the best results for each indicator were obtained with a different protocol. The concentration,response data obtained with cell counting are mostly comparable to the real-time translocation and biochemical data. Conclusion:, The counting method, as used here, works at single time point and looses the single-cell-quantitative aspect. However, it also has some useful properties. First, it easily allows processing of a 100- to 1000-fold higher cell numbers than real-time imaging producing statistically consistent population-quantitative data much faster. Secondly, it does not require expensive real-time imaging equipment. Fluorescence in fixed cells can also be quantitated, though this analysis would be more time-consuming than cell counting. Thirdly, in addition to the quantitative data collection, the method could be applied for identifying responsive cells. This might be very useful in identification of e.g. orexin-responding neurones in a large population of non-responsive cells in primary cultures. [source] Rapid (partial) prescreening of cervical smears: the quality control method of choice?CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2002D. BROOKE Rapid rescreening of all negative and inadequate smears is the quality control method of choice in the UK. The sensitivity of primary screening of laboratory and individual screeners are major indicators of screening quality and are dependent on the number of false negative smears found by rapid screening for their calculation. High sensitivity may indicate good quality primary screening or poor quality rapid review. Quantifiably high quality rapid rescreening is essential if these sensitivity figures are to be meaningful. A 12-month study was undertaken in routine practice using the prescreening mode to ascertain the sensitivity of rapid (partial) screening in our department . The final results of smears were compared with those of rapid prescreening. The calculated sensitivity ranged from 92,54% for high-grade abnormalities and 75,33% for all grades, revealing a wide range of performance between individual prescreeners. Rapid prescreening can identify individuals best suited to rapid screening in routine practice. By using these prescreeners only, the sensitivity of cervical screening could be raised. Rapid (partial) prescreening should be considered as the quality control method of choice. [source] Microgeographical variation in thermal preference by an amphibianECOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 5 2004L. Kealoha Freidenburg Abstract Ectotherms use behaviour to buffer effects of temperature on growth, development and survival. While behavioural thermoregulation is widely reported, localized adaptation of thermal preference is poorly documented. Larval amphibians live in wetlands ranging from entirely open to heavily shaded by vegetation. We hypothesized that populations undergo localized selection leading to countergradient patterns of thermal preference behaviour. Specifically, we predicted that wood frog (Rana sylvatica) larvae from closed canopy ponds would be more strongly temperature selective and would prefer higher temperatures than conspecifics from populations found in open canopy ponds. In a study of six breeding ponds in north-eastern Connecticut, USA, these predictions were upheld. The countergradient, microgeographical variation in thermal preference documented here implies that wood frog populations may have diverged rapidly in the face of contrasting selection pressures. Rapid, behaviourally mediated responses to changing thermal environments have important implications for understanding population responses to climate change. [source] Cover Picture: Electrophoresis 4'2010ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 4 2010Article first published online: 16 FEB 2010 Issue no. 4 is a regular issue with Emphasis on "Bioanalysis". Part I has 12 articles on bioanalysis featuring methodologies for proteomics, proteins, peptides and nucleic acids. Part II has 5 papers on interactive CE, e.g., MEEKC, MEKC and ACE. The remaining 2 articles make up Part III, and are concerned with the regulation of flow in microfluidics and sensitivity enhancement in CEC. Featured articles include: Identification of candidate biomarkers in ovarian cancer serum by depletion of highly abundant proteins and differential in gel electrophoresis. ((10.1002/elps.200900441.R1)) An effective SCAR-PCR method derived from restriction site amplified polymorphism (RSAP) for the identification of female Schistosoma japonicum of zoonotic significance. ((10.1002/elps.200900615.R1)) Rapid and sensitive DNA targets detection using enzyme amplified electrochemical detection based on microchip. ((10.1002/elps.200900538.R1)) [source] Micro freef-low IEF enhanced by active cooling and functionalized gelsELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 24 2006Jacob W. Albrecht Abstract Rapid free-flow IEF is achieved in a microfluidic device by separating the electrodes from the focusing region with porous buffer regions. Moving the electrodes outside enables the use of large electric fields without the detrimental effects of bubble formation in the active region. The anode and cathode porous buffer regions, which are formed by acrylamide functionalized with immobilized pH groups, allow ion transport while providing buffering capacity. Thermoelectric cooling mitigates the effects of Joule heating on sample focusing at high field strengths (,500,V/cm). This localized cooling was observed to increase device performance. Rapid focusing of low-molecular-weight pI markers and Protein G,mouse IgG complexes demonstrate the versatility of the technique. Simulations provide insight into and predict device performance based on a well-defined sample composition. [source] Rapid and sensitive determination of phosphorus-containing amino acid herbicides in soil samples by capillary zone electrophoresis with diode laser-induced fluorescence detectionELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 23 2005Eva Orejuela Abstract A straightforward and sensitive method has been developed for the analysis of phosphorus-containing amino acid herbicides (glufosinate and aminomethylphosphonic acid, the major metabolite of glyphosate) in soil samples. For this purpose, the analytical features of two indocyanine fluorescent dyes, sulfoindocyanine succinimidyl ester (Cy5) and 1-ethyl-1-[5-(N -succinimidyl-oxycarbonyl)pentyl]-3,3,3,3-tetramethyl-indodicarbocyanine chloride, as labeling reagents for the determination of these herbicides by CZE with diode LIF detection were investigated. Practical aspects related to the labeling chemistry and CZE separation showed that the two probes behave similarly, Cy5 being the best choice for the determination of these herbicides on account of its higher sensitivity. The optimum procedure includes a derivatization step of the pesticides at 25°C for 30,min and direct injection to CZE analysis, which is conducted within about 14,min using ACN in the running buffer. The lowest detectable analyte concentration ranged from 0.025 to 0.18,µg/L with a precision of 3.6,5.4%. These results indicate that indocyanine fluorescence dyes are useful as rapid and sensitive labels for the determination of these herbicides when compared with typical fluorescein dyes such as FITC and 5-(4,6-dichloro- s -triazin-2-ylamino) fluorescein, because they provide faster labeling reactions even at room temperature and the excess of reagent practically does not interfere the determination. Finally, the Cy5 method was successfully applied to soil samples without a preliminary clean-up procedure, and the herbicides were measured without any interference from coexisting substances. The recoveries of these compounds in these samples at fortification levels of 100,500,ng/g were 90,93%. [source] Emergency Department Information System Implementation and Process Redesign Result in Rapid and Sustained Financial Enhancement at a Large Academic CenterACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 5 2010Jason S. Shapiro MD Abstract Objectives:, The objectives were to measure the financial impact of implementing a fully integrated emergency department information system (EDIS) and determine the length of time to "break even" on the initial investment. Methods:, A before-and-after study design was performed using a framework of analysis consisting of four 15-month phases: 1) preimplementation, 2) peri-implementation, 3) postimplementation, and 4) sustained effects. Registration and financial data were reviewed. Costs and rates of professional and facility charges and receipts were calculated for the phases in question and compared against monthly averages for covariates such as volume, collections rates, acuity, age, admission rate, and insurance status with an autoregressive time series analysis using a segmented model. The break-even point was calculated by measuring cumulative monthly receipts for the last three study phases in excess of the average monthly receipts from the preimplementation phase, corrected for change in volume, and then plotting this against cumulative overall cost. Results:, Time to break even on the initial EDIS investment was less than 8 months. Total revenue enhancement at the end of the 5-year study period was $16,138,953 with an increase of 69.40% in charges and 70.06% in receipts. This corresponds to an increase in receipts per patient from $50 to $90 for professional services and $131 to $183 for facilities charges. Other than volume, there were no significant changes in trends for covariates between the preimplementation and sustained-effects periods. Conclusions:, A comprehensive EDIS implementation with process redesign resulted in sustained increases in professional and facility revenues and a rapid initial break-even point. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:527,535 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine [source] Ultra-rapid opiate detoxification: from clinical applications to basic scienceADDICTION BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2003EMMANUEL STREEL Rapid or ultra-rapid opiate detoxification has become increasingly popular in both private and public addiction centres. These techniques seem to facilitate the transfer of opiate-dependent patients from opiate agonist to opiate antagonist. Despite the probable complex neuropharmacological aspects involved in these procedures, their development over nearly three decades is notable for the almost complete absence of clinically relevant animal studies. This paper discusses the historical background of this occurrence, and reviews the small number of animal studies that have been conducted. Many discussions and arguments about the techniques seem to underscore their true purpose, which is not "simply to detoxify" opiate-addicted patients but to initiate long-term management with naltrexone. For this reason, it may be better to conceptualize these techniques not as "rapid detoxification" but as "rapid antagonist induction". [source] Rapid and long-term alterations of hippocampal GABAB receptors in a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsyEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 8 2003Andrea Straessle Abstract Alterations of ,-aminobutyric acid (GABA)B receptor expression have been reported in human temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Here, changes in regional and cellular expression of the GABAB receptor subunits R1 (GBR1) and R2 (GBR2) were investigated in a mouse model that replicates major functional and histopathological features of TLE. Adult mice received a single, unilateral injection of kainic acid (KA) into the dorsal hippocampus, and GABAB receptor immunoreactivity was analysed between 1 day and 3 months thereafter. In control mice, GBR1 and GBR2 were distributed uniformly across the dendritic layers of CA1,CA3 and dentate gyrus. In addition, some interneurons were labelled selectively for GBR1. At 1 day post-KA, staining for both GBR1 and GBR2 was profoundly reduced in CA1, CA3c and the hilus, and no interneurons were visible anymore. At later stages, the loss of GABAB receptors persisted in CA1 and CA3, whereas staining increased gradually in dentate gyrus granule cells, which become dispersed in this model. Most strikingly, a subpopulation of strongly labelled interneurons reappeared, mainly in the hilus and CA3 starting at 1 week post-KA. In double-staining experiments, these cells were selectively labelled for neuropeptide Y. The number of GBR1-positive interneurons also increased contralaterally in the hilus. The rapid KA-induced loss of GABAB receptors might contribute to epileptogenesis because of a reduction in both presynaptic control of transmitter release and postsynaptic inhibition. In turn, the long-term increase in GABAB receptors in granule cells and specific subtypes of interneurons may represent a compensatory response to recurrent seizures. [source] Rapid and Easy Access to (E)-1,3-Enynes, 1,3-Diynes and Allenes Starting from Propargylic Acetals, Exploiting the Different Reactivity of Lithium and Mixed Lithium,Potassium Organometallic ReagentsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 35 2007Marco Blangetti Abstract The treatment of propargylic acetals with various lithium and mixed lithium,potassium Schlosser reagents, has allowed a one-pot synthesis of (E)-1,3-enynes, 1,3-diynes and allenes, depending on the reaction conditions and the selected base. Various reaction conditions were investigated in order to control the selectivity of the reactions and to obtain pure products. The metallation,elimination sequence in the presence of a suitable electrophile has provided a linear route to functionalized (E)-conjugated enynes, diynes and allenes.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007) [source] Visible-Light Photoresponsivity of a 4-(Dimethylamino)azobenzene Unit Incorporated into Single-Stranded DNA: Demonstration of a Large Spectral Change Accompanying Isomerization in DMSO and Detection of Rapid (Z)-to-(E) Isomerization in Aqueous SolutionEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 11 2007Takashi Kamei Abstract We demonstrate significant visible-light photoresponsivity in a synthesized oligonucleotide containing a built-in pseudo-nucleotide possessing a 4-(dimethylamino)azobenzene (4-DMAzo) side chain. In dry DMSO as solvent, two clearly distinguishable spectra corresponding to the (E) and (Z) forms of the 4-DMAzo moiety tethered to the oligonucleotide were recorded with a conventional spectrophotometer before and after irradiation with 420 nm wavelength light, which induced (E)-to-(Z) isomerization. In addition, (Z)-to-(E) isomerization was accelerated by irradiation with either visible (, = 550 nm) or UV (, = 350 nm) light, demonstrating reversible photoresponsivity of the pseudo-oligonucleotide. In aqueous solutions the (Z)-to-(E) thermal isomerization of the photoresponsive pseudo-oligonucleotide was very rapid and was only detectable by laser flash photolysis.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007) [source] The Critical Role of the Underlayer Material and Thickness in Growing Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers on Metallic Substrates by Chemical Vapor DepositionADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 8 2010Gilbert D. Nessim Abstract Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes and nanofibers are grown on metallic Ta and Pd underlayers at temperatures below 500,°C. Controlling the size of the grains of the underlayer film is critical because this leads to a more uniform distribution of catalyst dots, which in turn results in vertical alignment of the carbon nanostructures. Rapid and limited heating and appropriate materials selection can also be used to limit catalyst/underlayer reactions that hinder or suppress carbon nanostructure growth or that lead to entangled growth. Control of catalyst reactivity with metallic underlayers is significant because growth on conductive substrates is notoriously difficult, but needed for many applications such as the use of carbon nanostructures in microelectronic circuits. [source] A Graphene Nanoprobe for Rapid, Sensitive, and Multicolor Fluorescent DNA AnalysisADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 3 2010Shijiang He Abstract Coupling nanomaterials with biomolecular recognition events represents a new direction in nanotechnology toward the development of novel molecular diagnostic tools. Here a graphene oxide (GO)-based multicolor fluorescent DNA nanoprobe that allows rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of DNA targets in homogeneous solution by exploiting interactions between GO and DNA molecules is reported. Because of the extraordinarily high quenching efficiency of GO, the fluorescent ssDNA probe exhibits minimal background fluorescence, while strong emission is observed when it forms a double helix with the specific targets, leading to a high signal-to-background ratio. Importantly, the large planar surface of GO allows simultaneous quenching of multiple DNA probes labeled with different dyes, leading to a multicolor sensor for the detection of multiple DNA targets in the same solution. It is also demonstrated that this GO-based sensing platform is suitable for the detection of a range of analytes when complemented with the use of functional DNA structures. [source] A Rapid and Efficient Stereoselective Synthesis of (Z)- and (E)-Allyl Bromides from Baylis,Hillman Adducts Using Bromo(dimethyl)sulfonium Bromide,HELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 7 2006Biswanath Das Abstract Treatment of Baylis,Hillman adducts 1 with bromo(dimethyl)sulfonium bromide, Br(Me2)S+Br,, in MeCN was found to stereoselectively afford (Z)- and (E)-allyl bromides 2. The reaction is rapid at room temperature, high-yielding, and highly stereoselective. [source] Facile route for the synthesis of benzothiazoles and benzimidazoles in the presence of tungstophosphoric acid impregnated zirconium phosphate under solvent-free conditionsHETEROATOM CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2009Hamid Aliyan Rapid and efficient condensation reactions of o -phenylenediamine and o -aminothiophenol with various aldehydes were carried out using tungstophosphoric acid impregnated zirconium phosphate in solvent-free conditions to afford the corresponding 2-substituted arylbenzimidazole and arylbenzothiazole derivatives in good to excellent yields. This procedure constitutes a simple and practical green synthetic method for 2-arylbenzimidazoles and 2-arylbenzothiazoles and their structural analogs. Furthermore, the catalyst can be reused for several times but it will be less active. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 20:202,207, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20534 [source] Rapid and reliable generation of invariant natural killer T-cell lines in vitroIMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Asako Chiba Summary Several tools have proved useful in the study of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, including CD1d-deficient mice, J,281-deficient mice, synthetic lipid antigens and antigen-loaded CD1d tetramers. However, the generation and examination of long-term primary murine iNKT cell lines in vitro has been challenging. Here, we show the rapid generation of iNKT cell lines from splenic iNKT cells of V,14 T-cell receptor (TCR) transgenic (Tg) mice. These purified iNKT cells were stimulated by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) loaded with ,-galactosylceramide (,GalCer) and cultured with interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-7. iNKT cells proliferated dramatically, and the cell number exhibited a 100-fold increase within 2 weeks and a 105 -fold increase in 8 weeks after repeated stimulation with ,GalCer. The iNKT cell lines consisted of iNKT cells expressing V, chains including V,8.1/8.2, V,14, V,10, V,6 and V,7, and responded to stimulation with ,GalCer presented both by BMDCs and by plate-bound CD1d. In addition, the iNKT cell lines produced interferon (IFN)-, when activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN)-stimulated BMDCs. Further, we show that iNKT cell lines produced cytokines in response to microbial antigens. In summary, high-yield iNKT cell lines were generated very rapidly and robustly expanded, and these iNKT cells responded to both TCR and cytokine stimulation in vitro. Given the desire to study primary iNKT cells for many purposes, these iNKT cell lines should provide an important tool for the study of iNKT cell subsets, antigen and TCR specificity, activation, inactivation and effector functions. [source] BRIEF COMMUNICATION: Rapid and sequential desensitization to both aspirin and clopidogrelINTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 8 2010S. L. Fernando Abstract Hypersensitivity reactions to aspirin and clopidogrel are 2.5% and 1%, respectively. Dual anti-platelet therapy with these drugs is effective in preventing thrombosis following deployment of stents for cerebrovascular and cardiovascular syndromes. Desensitization therapy with both aspirin and clopidogrel may be required for patients undergoing stent implantation that have experienced hypersensitivity to these agents. We report the case of a 58-year-old woman who developed urticaria and angioedema following aspirin therapy for ischaemic cerebrovascular disease. She developed an identical reaction after clopidogrel was subsequently administered. Investigations revealed the presence of an internal carotid artery aneurysm that required deployment of a stent. Rapid desensitization to aspirin over 5.5 h followed 3 days later by rapid desensitization to clopidogrel over 2.5 h was successfully performed prior to stenting. After 4 months she has tolerated this dual anti-platelet therapy without any adverse reaction. Rapid and sequential desensitization to both aspirin and clopidogrel can be successfully performed for patients who require stent deployment but have hypersensitivity to both these anti-platelet agents. [source] Rapid, Room-Temperature Formation of Crystalline Calcium Molybdate Phosphor Microparticles via Peptide - Induced Precipitation,ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 13 2006G. Ahmad A phage display method has been used for the first time to identify peptides that bind to, and induce the rapid formation of, a pure crystalline binary metal oxide compound, CaMoO4, at room temperature from a soluble aqueous precursor solution (see figure). This demonstration opens the door to the biosculpting (peptide patterning, then localized peptide-induced mineralization) of functional synthetic crystalline multicomponent compounds onto or with low-temperature or chemically dissimilar materials. [source] Rapid and accurate identification of microorganisms contaminating cosmetic products based on DNA sequence homologyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COSMETIC SCIENCE, Issue 6 2005Y. Fujita Synopsis The aim of this study was to develop rapid and accurate procedures to identify microorganisms contaminating cosmetic products, based on the identity of the nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA coding DNA (rDNA). Five types of microorganisms were isolated from the inner portion of lotion bottle caps, skin care lotions, and cleansing gels. The rDNA ITS region of microorganisms was amplified through the use of colony-direct PCR or ordinal PCR using DNA extracts as templates. The nucleotide sequences of the amplified DNA were determined and subjected to homology search of a publicly available DNA database. Thereby, we obtained DNA sequences possessing high similarity with the query sequences from the databases of all the five organisms analyzed. The traditional identification procedure requires expert skills, and a time period of approximately 1 month to identify the microorganisms. On the contrary, 3,7 days were sufficient to complete all the procedures employed in the current method, including isolation and cultivation of organisms, DNA sequencing, and the database homology search. Moreover, it was possible to develop the skills necessary to perform the molecular techniques required for the identification procedures within 1 week. Consequently, the current method is useful for rapid and accurate identification of microorganisms, contaminating cosmetics. Résumé Le but de cette étude est de développer une procédure rapide et fiable pour identifier les micro-organismes contaminant les produits cosmétiques. Cette procédure repose sur l'identification des séquences des nucléotides des espaceurs transcrits internes (Internal Transcribed Spacer ou région ITS), de l'ADN codant pour l'ARN ribosomique (rADN). Cinq types de micro-organismes sont isolés sur la partie intérieure des bouchons des flacons de lotions pour le soin de la peau et de gels lavants. Les régions ITS rADN des micro-organismes sont amplifiées grâce à l'utilisation de la méthode ,colony-direct PCR, ou ,ordinal PCR, en utilisant les extraits d'ADN comme matrices. Les séquences de nucléotides de l'ADN amplifiées sont évaluées et soumises à une recherche homologique dans une librairie d'ADN disponible au public. Ainsi, grâce aux bases de données, nous obtenons des séquences d'ADN qui possèdent une similaritéélevée avec les séquences recherchées des cinq organismes analysés. La procédure d'identification classique exige des compétences d'experts et une période d'environ un mois pour identifier les micro-organismes. D'autre part, il faut 3 à 7 jours pour terminer toutes les procédures utilisées dans la méthode ici décrite, y compris l'isolation et la culture des organismes, le séquençage de l'ADN et la recherche dermatologique dans les bases de données. De plus, il est possible en 1 semaine de développer les compétences nécessaires pour mettre en ,uvre les techniques moléculaires requises pour les procédures d'identification. Cette méthode est donc utile pour une identification rapide et fiable des micro-organismes qui contaminent les cosmétiques. [source] Rapid advanced neuroimaging assessment in acute strokeINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE, Issue 2 2009K. Butcher First page of article [source] Rapid and accurate quantitative phase analysis using a fast detectorJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2004A. F. Gualtieri The accuracy of the weight fractions calculated with the Rietveld method for various polycrystalline systems using data collected for very short times (5,45,min) with an RTMS (real-time multiple strip) detector was verified. The weight estimates were compared with those obtained using the same conventional Bragg,Brentano geometry, a gas proportional detector and a 13,h data acquisition. The analysed samples were monophasic and polyphasic mixtures with different degrees of complexity: the standard corundum NIST 676; a sample (labelled 1g) provided as a standard sample for the IUCr CPD Quantitative Phase Analysis Round Robin; a natural pyroclastic rock from Riano (Rome, Italy) containing zeolitic minerals and a glass phase; and a hydraulic lime. The results of the refinements show estimated weights consistent with both those obtained with a gas proportional detector and with the nominal values, indicating a very good accuracy. Only when variable slits are used, the accuracy of the estimated weights slightly decreases. The outcome of this work is a very important step forward towards fast and accurate QPA for production control and quality management, obtained by combining the use of a rapid detector and existing user-friendly software. [source] Rapid and effective detection of anthrax spores in soil by PCRJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2003H.I. Cheun Abstract Aims: To detect Bacillus anthracis DNA from soil using rapid and simple procedures. Methods and Results: Various amounts of B. anthracis Pasteur II spores were added artificially to 1 g of soil, which was then washed with ethanol and sterile water. Enrichment of the samples in trypticase soy broth was performed twice. A DNA template was prepared from the second enrichment culture using a FastPrep instrument. The template was then used for nested and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with B. anthracis -specific primers, to confirm the presence of B. anthracis chromosomal DNA and the pXO1/pXO2 plasmids. Conclusions: One cell of B. anthracis in 1 g of soil could be detected by nested and real-time PCR. The usefulness of the PCR method using field samples was also confirmed. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results indicate that this could be a useful method for detecting anthrax-spore contaminated soil with high sensitivity. Its application could have great impact on the progress of epidemiological surveillance. [source] Disorders Associated With Acute Rapid and Severe Bone Loss,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 12 2003Solomon Epstein We describe a constellation of bone diseases characterized by the common feature of acute, rapid, and severe bone loss accompanied by dramatic fracture rates. These disorders are poorly recognized, resulting mainly from systemic diseases, frailty, immobilization, and immunosuppressive drugs, such as glucocorticoids and the calcineurin inhibitors. The opportunity to prevent or treat fractures is commonly missed because they are often not detected. Ideally, patients need to be identified early and preventative therapy initiated promptly to avoid the rapid bone loss and fractures. The most effective therapy at present seems to be the bisphosphonates, particularly when bone resorption is predominant. However, more severe forms of bone loss that result from an osteoblastic defect and reduced bone formation may benefit potentially more from newer anabolic agents, such as recombinant human parathyroid hormone (rhPTH). [source] Rapid in vitro conversion of fosphenytoin into phenytoin in sera of patients with liver disease: Role of alkaline phosphatase ,JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS, Issue 5 2001Amitava Dasgupta Abstract Fosphenytoin, a phosphate ester pro drug of phenytoin, also cross-reacts with the fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) for phenytoin. We measured fosphenytoin concentrations using the FPIA kit and TDx analyzer. We prepared serum pools from normal volunteers and patients with liver disease. None of them received either fosphenytoin or phenytoin. Fosphenytoin standard solution (1 mg/ml) was prepared in water. We supplemented aliquots of normal and liver pools with known amounts of fosphenytoin and measured the concentrations at different time intervals. The conversion of fosphenytoin to phenytoin was slow in sera with normal alkaline phosphatase activities. The conversion was rapid in sera collected from patients with liver disease who also had high alkaline phosphatase activities. The observed concentrations were close to target concentrations within 0,2 min of supplementation with fosphenytoin. Surprisingly, the observed concentration then started to decline slightly but significantly with longer incubation time. In contrast, the observed concentration increased steadily in serum with normal alkaline phosphatase activity. For example, in the normal pool supplemented with 15.0 ,g/ml fosphenytoin (as the phenytoin equivalent), the observed concentrations were 6.9, 7.3, 7.7, 8.3, and 9.8 ,g/ml at 0,2, 10, 20, 30, and 60 min, respectively. However, in a serum pool prepared from patients with liver disease and supplemented with 15.0 ,g/ml of fosphenytoin (alkaline phosphatase: 2547 U/l), the observed phenytoin concentrations were 12.9, 12.1, 11.0, 10.7, and 10.7 ,g/ml at 0,2, 10, 20, 30, and 60 min, respectively. When we added alkaline phosphatase to the normal serum pool, we observed rapid conversion of fosphenytoin into phenytoin within 10 min, but the concentrations then declined with longer incubation time. However, when we repeated the experiment with protein-free ultrafiltrate, we observed rapid conversion of fosphenytoin to phenytoin, but the concentration did not decline with longer incubation time. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 15:244,250, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Rapid and convergent evolution of parental care in hydrobiid gastropods from New ZealandJOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2005M. HAASE Abstract Although parental care occurs in most phyla encompassing a wide array of forms, little is known about its evolution in invertebrates. Two types of egg capsules have been known among ovoviviparous New Zealand hydrobiid gastropods, elastic capsules and simple membranes. Based on a phylogenetic analysis using two mtDNA sequence fragments, I asked whether the second state was derived from the first or whether brooding had multiple origins. The evolution of ovoviviparity was also investigated in the context of habitat transition between brackish and freshwater. Maximum parsimony and Markov chain models of character state transformations in a maximum likelihood framework suggested that hydrobiids have invaded freshwater three times independently. Two of these invasions were followed by the evolution of ovoviviparity, probably in adaptation to changing water levels during periods of irregular precipitation. The syntopy of two congeneric species, one oviparous and the other one brooding, indicated that the transition between reproductive modes must have occurred rapidly. [source] Rapid and efficient microwave assisted method for the regioselective synthesis of 8,8,-methylene-bis-4-oxo-1H and 2H -chromeno[4,3- C]pyrazolesJOURNAL OF HETEROCYCLIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2007Adki Nagaraj The ethyl ester of 5,5,-methylene-bis-salicyclic acid 3 was prepared by the esterification of 5,5,-methylene-bis-salicylic acid 2. The compound 3 on reacting with ethylacetoacetate yields 6,6,-methylenebis-(3-acetyl-4-hydroxycoumarin) 4. The compound 4 was regioselectively converted into either 8,8,-methylene-bis-(4-oxo-1H -chromeno[4,3- c]pyrazoles) 6 or 8,8,-methylene-bis(-4-oxo-2H -chromeno[4,3- c]-pyrazoles) 7 under microwave irradiation. High yields are achieved even on a gram scale, while reaction times are considerably shortened compared to conventional heating conditions. [source] Young age a predictor of weak reactivity in a rapid antibody test in infants infected with HIVJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 8 2010Leana Maree Abstract In a resource-constrained African setting, children suspected of being infected with HIV are often screened with rapid antibody tests prior to definitive diagnosis with viral genome detection. It has previously been shown that a rapid antibody assay such as the CapillusÔ HIV-1/HIV-2 test may have a high false-negative rate in infants. In this study CD count and percentage, HIV-1 viral load, antigen-specific reactivity, and age was explored as predictors of negative or low antibody reactivity by this assay. Young age was found to be the only factor associated significantly with low antibody reactivity. This phenomenon appeared to be specific to HIV since no such age association was found for antibody reactivity to tetanus toxoid. Rapid assays only validated in adults should therefore be used with utmost caution in young infants since this may lead to high rates of false-negative results. J. Med. Virol. 82:1314,1317, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Rapid and sensitive detection of mumps virus RNA directly from clinical samples by real-time PCRJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 3 2005Kazue Uchida Abstract A rapid, sensitive, and specific assay to detect mumps virus RNA directly from clinical specimens using a real-time PCR assay was developed. The assay was capable of detecting five copies of standard plasmid containing cDNA from the mumps virus F gene. No cross-reactions were observed with other members of Paramyxoviridae, or with viruses or bacteria known to be meningitis pathogens. Seventy-three clinical samples consisting of throat swabs collected from patients with parotitis, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected from patients with aseptic meningitis, were examined with a real-time PCR assay developed by the authors, reverse-transcription nested-PCR (RT-n-PCR), and virus isolation using cell culture. Like the RT-n-PCR assay, the real-time PCR assay could detect mumps virus RNA in approximately 70% of both throat swabs and CSF samples, while, by tissue culture, mumps virus was isolated from only approximately 20% of CSF and 50% of throat swab samples. In addition, the real-time PCR assay could be developed easily into a quantitative assay for clinical specimens containing more than 1,800 copies of mumps virus RNA/ml by using serial dilutions of the standard plasmid. The results suggest that the real-time PCR assay is useful for identification of mumps virus infections, not only in typical cases, but also in suspected cases, which show only symptoms of meningitis or encephalitis. J. Med. Virol. 75:470,474, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] |