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Selected AbstractsIsolation and characterization of naphthalene-degrading bacteria from sediments of Cadiz area (SW Spain)ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY, Issue 5 2008D. Nair Abstract Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination of harbor sediments from shipping activity, fuel oil spills, and runoffs are becoming a great concern because of the toxicity and recalcitrance of many of the fuel components. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of most concern due to their toxicity, low volatility, resistance to degradation, and high affinity for sediments. Microorganisms, especially bacteria, play an important role in the biodegradation of these hydrocarbons. The objective of the present study was to characterize and isolate PAH-(naphthalene) degrading bacteria in the coastal sediments of Cadiz (SW Spain), since this area is mostly polluted by PAH occurrence. A total of 16 naphthalene-utilizing bacteria were isolated from these sites. Introduction of bacteria isolated from contaminated sediments into mineral medium contributed to the increased rate of hydrocarbon utilization. The bacterial isolates obtained from these sites are very potent in utilizing naphthalene and crude oil. It would be interesting to assess if the selected naphthalene-degrading isolates may degrade other compounds of similar structure. Hence these isolates could be very helpful in bioremediating the PAH-contaminated sites. Further pursue on this work might represent eco-friendly solution for oil contamination on sea surface and coastal area. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2008. [source] Upregulation of Brain Expression of P-Glycoprotein in MRP2-deficient TR - Rats Resembles Seizure-induced Up-regulation of This Drug Efflux Transporter in Normal RatsEPILEPSIA, Issue 4 2007Katrin Hoffmann Summary:,Purpose: The multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2) is a drug efflux transporter that is expressed predominantly at the apical domain of hepatocytes but seems also to be expressed at the apical membrane of brain capillary endothelial cells that form the blood,brain barrier (BBB). MRP2 is absent in the transport-deficient (TR,) Wistar rat mutant, so that this rat strain was very helpful in defining substrates of MRP2 by comparing tissue concentrations or functional activities of compounds in MRP2-deficient rats with those in transport-competent Wistar rats. By using this strategy to study the involvement of MRP2 in brain access of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), we recently reported that phenytoin is a substrate for MRP2 in the BBB. However, one drawback of such studies in genetically deficient rats is the fact that compensatory changes with upregulation of other transporters can occur. This prompted us to study the brain expression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a major drug efflux transporter in many tissues, including the BBB, in TR, rats compared with nonmutant (wild-type) Wistar rats. Methods: The expression of MRP2 and Pgp in brain and liver sections of TR, rats and normal Wistar rats was determined with immunohistochemistry, by using a novel, highly selective monoclonal MRP2 antibody and the monoclonal Pgp antibody C219, respectively. Results: Immunofluorescence staining with the MRP2 antibody was found to label a high number of microvessels throughout the brain in normal Wistar rats, whereas such labeling was absent in TR, rats. TR, rats exhibited a significant up-regulation of Pgp in brain capillary endothelial cells compared with wild-type controls. No such obvious upregulation of Pgp was observed in liver sections. A comparable overexpression of Pgp in the BBB was obtained after pilocarpine-induced seizures in wild-type Wistar rats. Experiments with systemic administration of the Pgp substrate phenobarbital and the selective Pgp inhibitor tariquidar in TR, rats substantiated that Pgp is functional and compensates for the lack of MRP2 in the BBB. Conclusions: The data on TR, rats indicate that Pgp plays an important role in the compensation of MRP2 deficiency in the BBB. Because such a compensatory mechanism most likely occurs to reduce injury to the brain from cytotoxic compounds, the present data substantiate the concept that MRP2 performs a protective role in the BBB. Furthermore, our data suggest that TR, rats are an interesting tool to study consequences of overexpression of Pgp in the BBB on access of drugs in the brain, without the need of inducing seizures or other Pgp-enhancing events for this purpose. [source] Students' evaluation of online course materials in Fixed Prosthodontics: a case studyEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION, Issue 2 2001Elizabeth S. Pilcher Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess a new online course format for dental students. Preclinical Fixed Prosthodontics I is a didactic and laboratory course given in the first year of the dental school curriculum. In the spring semester of 1999, the didactic portion of the course was offered in a web-based format as a supplement to the traditional lecture format. Methods: The study population was 53 first year dental students at one school. The study design was a one group post test without a control group. The online questionnaire consisted of multiple choice questions, Leikert scale questions and open-ended questions. Data were collected using Filemaker Pro and analyzed using EpiInfo. Results: Student response rate was 96% (52/53). All of the students responded that they felt comfortable with their computer skills in utilizing this course format. Most (96%) responded that the online materials were either very helpful or helpful to them. About half, (54%) recommended that the online format be continued as a supplement to traditional lectures, while 28% recommended replacing traditional lectures with the new format in order to provide more laboratory time in the course. The syllabus, lecture materials, bulletin board and handouts were found to be the most helpful online features. The least helpful features were the listserve, decision tree, and e-mail options. Most frequently mentioned strengths of the online material were listed as 1) the ability to view material at their own pace and at a time convenient to them, 2) quality photographs in lecture materials and 3) online quizzes. Weaknesses of the course were ranked by students as 1) problems with access to the materials and the intranet system, 2) taking quizzes online and 3) difficulty in printing the web-based lecture materials. Conclusions: The delivery of web-based material as a course supplement in Fixed Prosthodontics I was determined to be an overall success. Fine tuning of problems with access to the materials took place throughout the course. The student feedback will help direct future development of web-based course materials in the dental school curriculum. [source] EFNS guideline on neuroimaging in acute stroke.EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 12 2006Report of an EFNS task force Neuroimaging techniques are necessary for the evaluation of stroke, one of the leading causes of death and neurological impairment in developed countries. The multiplicity of techniques available has increased the complexity of decision making for physicians. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature in English for the period 1965,2005 and critically assessed the relevant publications. The members of the panel reviewed and corrected an initial draft, until a consensus was reached on recommendations stratified according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) criteria. Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan is the established imaging procedure for the initial evaluation of stroke patients. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a higher sensitivity than CT for the demonstration of infarcted or ischemic areas and depicts well acute and chronic intracerebral hemorrhage. Perfusion and diffusion MRI together with MR angiography (MRA) are very helpful for the acute evaluation of patients with ischemic stroke. MRI and MRA are the recommended techniques for screening cerebral aneurysms and for the diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis and arterial dissection. For the non-invasive study of extracranial vessels, MRA is less portable and more expensive than ultrasonography but it has higher sensitivity and specificity for carotid stenosis. Transcranial Doppler is very useful for monitoring arterial reperfusion after thrombolysis, for the diagnosis of intracranial stenosis and of right-to-left shunts, and for monitoring vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Currently, single photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography have a more limited role in the evaluation of the acute stroke patient. [source] In search of stable soil organic carbon fractions: a comparison of methods applied to soils labelled with 14C for 40 days or 40 yearsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2008S. Bruun Summary A reliable method for the isolation of a stable fraction of soil organic carbon (SOC) would be very helpful for improving our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for stabilization of SOC and the dynamics of SOC turnover. We tested acid hydrolysis, physical fractionation (particle density/size), photo-oxidation, treatment with chemical oxidants (NaOCl and NaS2O8) and thermal treatment on two soils incubated with 14C-labelled barley straw for either 40 days or 40 years. Different intensities of the treatments were included. Acid hydrolysis, photo-oxidation and treatment with a chemical oxidant consistently removed more 40-year-old C than 40-day-old C, which suggests that the isolated fractions contained a large proportion of material with a relatively rapid turnover. The clay + silt associated SOC fraction contained a small proportion of 40-day-old C and a large proportion of 40-year-old C. This is consistent with a SOC fraction with medium turnover. The thermal treatment removed more 40-year-old C than 40-day-old C. At 400°C there was still a small proportion of the 40-year-old C remaining, whereas almost all the 40-day-old C was removed. This is consistent with a stable SOC fraction. However, because only 2,3% of the C remained after this treatment, the isolated SOC fraction may be of little quantitative importance. Furthermore, the thermally resistant fraction is likely to be heavily altered by the treatment, and therefore unsuitable for further studies of the chemical nature of stable SOC. [source] The 15N-CPMAS spectra of simazine and its metabolites: measurements and quantum chemical calculationsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 4 2007A. E. Berns Summary DFT calculations are a powerful tool to support NMR studies of xenobiotics such as decomposition studies in soil. They can help interpret spectra of bound residues, for example, by predicting shifts for possible model bonds. The described bound-residue models supported the hypothesis of a free amino side chain already suspected by comparison with the experimental data of the standards. No match was found between the calculated shifts of amide bondings of the amino side chains (free or substituted) and the experimental NMR shifts of a previous study. In the present paper, first-principles quantum chemical calculations were used to support and check the interpretation of the 15N cross polarization-magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (15N-CPMAS NMR) spectra of simazine and its metabolites. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed using Gaussian 03 and the nuclear magnetic shielding tensors were calculated using the Gauge-Independent Atomic Orbital (GIAO) method and B3LYP/6,311+G(2d,p) model chemistry. Good agreement was reached between the calculated and measured chemical shifts of the core nitrogens and the lactam and lactim forms of the hydroxylated metabolites could be clearly distinguished. The calculated spectra showed that these metabolites exist preferentially in the lactam form, an important fact when considering the possible interactions of such hydroxylated metabolites with the soil matrix. Although the calculated bound-residue models in the present study only partly matched the experimental data, they were nevertheless useful in helping to interpret the experimental NMR results of a previous study. To get a better match between the calculated and the measured shifts of the side-chain nitrogens the calculations need to be further developed, taking into account the influence of neighbouring molecules in the solid state. Altogether, quantum chemical calculations are very helpful in the interpretation of NMR spectra. In the future, they can also be very useful for the prediction of NMR shifts, in particular when it is not possible to measure the metabolites due to a lack of material or in cases where practical experiments cannot be conducted. [source] Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of Stensen's duct: A case report and review of the literatureHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 9 2005Roland Giger MD Abstract Background. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of Stensen's duct is a rare neoplasm, with only five cases reported in the literature. Methods. We report another case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of Stensen's duct and review the literature. Results. Stensen's duct neoplasms tend to be symptomatic at an early stage by causing an obstruction of the parotid duct. New imaging techniques such as MR sialography and sialoendoscopy are very helpful in diagnosis and patient management. Conclusions. Although the rarity of this condition prevents definitive conclusions about the optimal treatment, we propose that Stensen's duct neoplasms should be treated like similar neoplasms occurring in the parotid gland tissue, taking into consideration clinical stage, tumor grade, and surgical margins. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck27: XXX,XXX, 2005 [source] Peripheral T-cell lymphoma gene expression profilesHEMATOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2006B. Martinez-Delgado Abstract Expression profiling using DNA microarrays has been very helpful to improve our knowledge of the pathobiology of many tumour types, including lymphomas. Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) constitute an heterogeneous group of tumours with different morphologic, immunophenotypic, and clinical characteristics. Their complexity and their low frequency in the western countries have made difficult the identification of molecular events responsible of the development of these tumours. The first studies on expression profiling of PTCL have also revealed heterogeneity at this level, mainly regarding the PTCL NOS subgroup. Different molecular subgroups within PTCL unspecified have been identified associated to different expression profiles. However, the clinical significance of this molecular sub-classification remains to be probed in studies involving larger number of samples. In addition, the expression level of NF-kB pathway genes allowed to differentiate two PTCL subgroups, and this difference could have clinical interest. In general, PTCL expression profiles are difficult to interpret due to the significant proportion of other infiltrating cells accompanying the tumour. However, microarrays are being a helpful tool in the initial task of dissecting the PTCL expression profile. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Diagnostic value of HSP70, glypican 3, and glutamine synthetase in hepatocellular nodules in cirrhosis,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Luca Di Tommaso Hepatocellular nodules in cirrhosis include regenerative (large regenerative, LRN) and dysplastic (low and high grade, LGDN and HGDN) nodules, early and grade 1 HCC (eHCC-G1), and overt HCC. The differential diagnosis may be particularly difficult when lesions such as HGDN and eHCC-G1 are involved. We investigated the diagnostic yield of a panel of 3 putative markers of hepatocellular malignancy such as HSP70, glypican 3 (GPC3), and glutamine synthetase (GS). We selected 52 surgically removed nonmalignant nodules (15 LRNs, 15 LGDNs, 22 HGDNs) and 53 HCCs (10 early, 22 grade 1, and 21 grade 2-3) and immunostained them for HSP70, GPC3, and GS. The sensitivity and specificity of the individual markers for the detection of eHCC-G1 were 59% and 86% for GS, 69% and 91% for GPC3, and 78% and 95% for HSP70. We identified 2 main phenotypes: (1) all negative, seen in 100% LRN and LGDN, 73% HGDN and 3% eHCC-G1; (2) all positive, a feature detected in less than half the eHCC-G1. Using a 3-marker panel, when at least 2 of them, regardless which, were positive, the sensitivity and specificity for the detection of eHCC-G1 were respectively 72% and 100%; the most sensitive combination was HSP70+/GPC3+ (59%) when a 2-marker panel was used. Conclusion: The adopted panel of 3 markers is very helpful in distinguishing eHCC-G1 from dysplastic nodules arising in cirrhosis. (HEPATOLOGY 2007;45:725,734.) [source] Deviation of Fiber Tracts in the Vicinity of Brain Lesions: Evaluation by Diffusion Tensor ImagingISRAEL JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY, Issue 1-2 2003Yaniv Assaf Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is used to characterize the diffusion properties of deviated white matter caused by brain tumors. DTI was recently shown to be very helpful in delineating white matter both within brain lesions and surrounding them. Displacement of white matter fibers may be one of the consequences of tumor growth adjacent to white matter. The combination of white matter mapping with DTI and gray matter mapping using functional MRI, in some cases, facilitated assessment of the relation between the shifted cortical areas and the corresponding white matter tracts. We found that the fractional anisotropy extracted from DTI is increased by 38% in areas of non-edematous shifted white matter fibers. By contrast, trace apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in those areas were found to be similar to contralateral side and normal control values. Analysis of the three diffusion tensor eigenvalues revealed that the increase in the fractional anisotropy is a result of two processes. The first is the increase in the diffusion parallel to the fibers,,1 (by 18%), and the second is the decrease in the diffusion perpendicular to fibers,,3 (by 34%) as compared with the contralateral side. These opposing changes cause an increase in the diffusion anisotropy but no change in the trace ADC. It is suggested that the pressure caused by the tumor may lead to an increase in white matter fiber tension, thus causing an increase in ,1. On the other hand, the same pressure causes increased fiber density per unit area, leading to a higher degree of restricted diffusion in the extracellular space and, hence, a reduction in ,3. [source] A2. The carer's perception of dietitians' advice and its impact on the management of patients receiving haemodialysisJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 5 2000M. A. Rezaie Background Patients with end stage renal disease and their carers suffer many changes in their daily life style as a result of haemodialysis (HD) treatment. Information and education concerning the management of dietary requirements and restrictions for renal patients should be aimed at both patients and their carers. Aim This study investigated the impact of dietitians' involvement and advice on the carers' ability to manage patients' dietary/fluid requirements. Method A total of 36 carers of renal patients receiving unit haemodialysis treatment were randomly recruited into this study from a hospital in Cardiff, Wales. All the carers completed the Haemodialysis carers questionnaire (HCQ), specifically designed for this study, delivered to them in the outpatient clinic by the dietitian. Results Of the 36 carers, 22 (61%) were female, six (16.7%) were male and eight (22%) did not report their gender. Thirteen (36%) of the carers were between the ages of 20,54 years and 23 (64%) were 55 years of age and older. Twenty-six (72%) of the carers involved in this study were spouses and 34 (94.4%) of the carers lived with the patient. The mean duration of haemodialysis treatment for the patient was found to be 20 months. The results indicated that although the majority of the carers were informed about patients' dietary and fluid restrictions, 45% had not received any dietary information. Dietitians' one-to,one interactions with the carer was the most effective way of providing information in enabling them to better manage the patient compared to other methods such as leaflet and information packs (P = 0.01). The majority of the carers knew how to contact the renal dietitian, however, many did not (P = 0.001). Almost all the carers considered receiving information about the purpose of HD, feed back on the patients' condition, fluid/dietary restriction and details of available community resources as very important. Those carers who had the benefit of a dietitian's involvement believed that their advice was very helpful and enabled them to cope better with the management and complications of patient fluid and dietary requirements (P < 0.02). Strong correlations were found (rs = 0.67; P < 0.01) between the amount of information received by the carers and the level of the carers satisfaction with this information. In contrast, there were no significant correlations between the amount of information received by the carers and different aspects of managing the patients' diet, because 45% of the carers received none or little information. Conclusions Dietitians should involve the carers in the management of HD patient's dietary/fluid requirements and restrictions in order to provide better quality of care and quality of life for both the patient and the carer. [source] Determination of sensitivity and specificity of breast tumor diagnosis by primary health care providers (Behvarz) using clinical examination by obstetrician as a gold standardJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2003Tayebeh Naderi Abstract Aim:, The aim of this study was to find a practical screening strategy to detect breast tumors in those who cannot refer to specialists due to problems, such as geographic location, and economical obstacles. Methods:, Considering the mentioned aim this study was designed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis of breast tumors made by health care providers (Behvarz) with those made by specialists. For this, the results of examinations of Behvarzes and an obstetrician on 2000 women referring to the 17 health care centers of Kerman and Zarand cities were compared. Results:, Among the 2000 women examined by Behvarzes 170 cases were reported to have pathological signs (palpable mass) and 1830 cases were reported without any pathological sign. Among 169 cases diagnosed by physicians as having pathological signs, 162 cases had also been diagnosed by Behvarzes, and there were only seven cases diagnosed by physicians that had been missed by Behvarzes. There were eight cases diagnosed by Behvarzes as having pathological signs that were reported healthy by physicians. Conclusions:, Based on these findings, the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis of breast tumors made by Behvarzes was 95.8% and 99.56%, respectively, compared with those made by specialists. Considering the obtained results, the screening program for breast tumors by Behvarzes can be very helpful in early diagnosis of breast tumors. [source] Principal-component analysis of multiscale data for process monitoring and fault diagnosisAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 11 2004Seongkyu Yoon Abstract An approach is presented to multivariate statistical process control (MSPC) for process monitoring and fault diagnosis based on principal-component analysis (PCA) models of multiscale data. Process measurements, representing the cumulative effects of many underlying process phenomena, are decomposed by applying multiresolution analysis (MRA) by wavelet transformations. The decomposed process measurements are rearranged according to their scales, and PCA is applied to these multiscale data to capture process variable correlations occurring at different scales. Choosing an orthonormal mother wavelet allows each principal component to be a function of the process variables at only one scale level. The proposed method is discussed in the context of other multiscale approaches, and illustrated in detail using simulated data from a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) system. A major contribution of the paper is to extend fault isolation methods based on contribution plots to multiscale approaches. In particular, once a fault is detected, the contributions of the variations at each scale to the fault are computed. These scale contributions can be very helpful in isolating faults that occur mainly at a single scale. For those scales having large contributions to the fault, one can further compute the variable contributions to those scales, thereby making fault diagnosis much easier. A comparison study is done through Monte Carlo simulation. The proposed method can enhance fault detection and isolation (FDI) performance when the frequency content of a fault effect is confined to a narrow-frequency band. However, when the fault frequency content is not localized, the multiscale approaches perform very comparably to the standard single-scale approaches, and offer no real advantage. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50: 2891,2903, 2004 [source] The use of magnetic resonance imaging in the management of pharyngeal penetration injuries in dogsJOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 2 2008M. J. Dobromylskyj Objectives: To investigate the correlation between the magnetic resonance imaging findings and subsequent surgical findings for a series of dogs presenting with suspected pharyngeal stick injuries to the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, between 1995 and 2004. Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging findings were reviewed for patients undergoing a scan of the pharyngeal or cervical area for suspected foreign bodies during the years 1995 to 2004. Results: Case signalment, history and clinical signs were similar to those reported in previous studies. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated foreign material in six of seven cases where this was present. There was good correlation between diagnosis of a foreign body at magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent surgical identification. Clinical Significance: Compared with other imaging modalities, magnetic resonance imaging is very helpful for this type of injury, especially in chronic cases where radiographic evidence of a foreign body is unlikely. It is a valuable aid in the diagnosis of pharyngeal penetration injury and in surgical planning. [source] EXAFS and molecular dynamics studies of ionic solutionsJOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION, Issue 2 2001Paola D'Angelo This paper focuses on recent advances in the X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analysis of ionic solutions. The asymmetry of radial distribution functions associated with the solvent molecules surrounding the ions has to be taken into account to perform a reliable structural analysis. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provide reliable 's which can be used as starting models in the XAS data analysis. The combined MD-XAS investigation reduces meaningfully the indetermination of the structural parameters, especially for coordination numbers and Debye,Waller factors. Double-electron excitation channels can be present in the XAS spectra of ionic solutions and they have to be accounted for in the background extraction. The ability of the XAS technique to probe three-body correlation functions in ionic solutions with the aid of MD has been shown. The analysis of the low- k region of the spectra allows the detection of a weak but significant hydrogen structural signal. The XAS technique is especially well suited to determine the detailed shape of the nearest-neighbor peak in the atom,atom pair correlation functions of disordered systems. The information that they contain about the short-range atom,atom pairwise interactions can be very helpful for specifying and properly modifying model potentials used in MD simulations. [source] Use of Genetic Analyses to Refine Phenotypes Related to Alcohol Tolerance and DependenceALCOHOLISM, Issue 2 2001John C. Crabbe Various explanations for the dependence on alcohol are attributed to the development of tolerance to some of alcohol's effects, alterations in sensitivity to its rewarding effects, and unknown pathologic consequences of repeated exposure. All these aspects of dependence have been modeled in laboratory rodents, and these studies have consistently shown a significant influence of genetics. Genetic mapping studies have identified the genomic location of the specific genes for some of these contributing phenotypes. In addition, studies have shown that some genes in mice seem to affect both alcohol self-administration and alcohol withdrawal severity: genetic predisposition to high levels of drinking covaries with genetic predisposition to low withdrawal severity, and vice versa. Finally, the role of genetic background on which genes are expressed is important, as are the specifics of the environment in which genetically defined animals are tested. Understanding dependence will require disentangling the multiple interactions of many contributing phenotypes, and genetic analyses are proving very helpful. However, rigorous understanding of both gene-gene and gene-environment interactions will be required to interpret genetic experiments clearly. [source] The utility of quantitative calf muscle near-infrared spectroscopy in the follow-up of acute deep vein thrombosisJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 4 2006T. YAMAKI Summary.,Background:,To investigate patterns of venous insufficiency and changes in calf muscle deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb) levels after an acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Methods:,A total of 78 limbs with an acute DVT involving 156 anatomic segments were evaluated with duplex scanning and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Venous segments were examined whether they were occluded, partially recanalized, and totally recanalized, and the development of venous reflux was noted. The NIRS was used to measure calf muscle HHb levels. Calf venous blood filling index (HHbFI) was calculated on standing, then the calf venous ejection index (HHbEI), and the venous retention index (HHbRI) were obtained after exercise. Results:,The segments investigated were the common femoral vein (CFV; 38 segments), femoral vein (FV; 37), popliteal vein (POPV; 44), and calf veins (CV; 37). At 1 year, thrombi had fully resolved in 67% of the segments, 27% remained partially recanalized, 6% were occluded. The venous occlusion was predominant in the FV (24%) at 1 year. On the contrary, rapid recanalization was obtained in CV than proximal veins at each examination (P < 0.01). Venous reflux was predominant in POPV (55%), followed by FV (19%), and no reflux was found in CV. At 1 year, the HHbFI in POPV reflux patients was significantly higher than those with resolution (0.19 ± 0.14, 0.11 ± 0.05 ,m s, P = 0.009, respectively). Similarly, there was a significant difference in the HHbRI between the two groups (3.08 ± 1.91, 1.42 ± 1.56, P = 0.002, respectively). In patients with FV occlusion, the value of HHbRI was significantly higher than those with complete resolution (2.59 ± 1.50, 1.42 ± 1.56, P = 0.011, respectively). Conclusions:,The lower extremity venous segments show different proportions of occlusion, partial recanalization, and total recanalization. The CV shows more rapid recanalization than proximal veins. The NIRS-derived HHbFI and HHbRI could be promising parameters as the overall venous function in the follow-up of acute DVT. These findings might be very helpful for physician in detecting patients who require much longer follow-up studies. [source] Peginterferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin vs interferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C in HIV-coinfected patientsJOURNAL OF VIRAL HEPATITIS, Issue 4 2007M. Crespo Summary., Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients is associated with low response rates and high incidence of side effects. One hundred twenty-one hepatitis C virus (HCV),HIV-coinfected patients were randomized to receive interferon alpha-2b (3 MU thrice weekly; n = 61) or peginterferon alpha-2b (1.5 ,g/kg/week; n = 60), plus ribavirin (800 mg daily), for 24 (genotype 2 or 3) or 48 weeks (genotype 1 or 4). We assessed early virological response at 4, 8 and 12 weeks to predict sustained virological response (SVR). Safety assessment included frequent blood lactate measurement and relative quantitation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In intention-to-treat analysis, the SVR rate was higher in the peginterferon group (55%vs 26%; P = 0.002). The difference for HCV genotypes 1 and 4 was 45%vs 14% (P = 0.009) and 50%vs 27% (P = 0.387), respectively, and for genotype 2 or 3, 71%vs 43% (P = 0.12) Viral response at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment was highly predictive of SVR. Among genotype 3 patients, 17 of 20 (85%) whose HCV RNA was already undetectable at 4 weeks had an SVR after 24 weeks of treatment. Hyperlactataemia occurred in 22 patients and was clinically significant in six, two of whom died. mtDNA decreased significantly 4,12 weeks after the start of treatment in patients developing clinically significant hyperlactataemia. Peginterferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin was more effective than interferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin in HIV-coinfected patients. Frequent monitoring of virological response may be very helpful to optimize treatment compliance, to tailor treatment duration and to minimize side effects. [source] Identification and pathogenicity of Vibrio ponticus affecting cultured Japanese sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus (Cuvier in Cuvier and Valenciennes)LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Z.Y. Xie Abstract Aims:, To rapidly determine the causative agent of mass death in Lateolabrax japonicus in Zhelin Bay of Guangdong Province in China in April 2004. Methods and Results:, Thirty-six strains, numbered sequentially from RP01 to RP36, were isolated from six diseased fish. All of the strains were identified as being of the same vibrio species according to the results of universal primer PCR combined with DGGE (UPPCR-DGGE). RP30 was one of these strains that was randomly selected and analysed by using a morphological, physiological and biochemical plate, Biolog GN2 Microplate System and API 20E system. Furthermore, RP30, 16S rDNA was sequenced and aligned in Genbank. Its virulence to Lateolabrax japonicus (Cuvier in Cuvier and Valenciennes) was also tested. RP30 is most closely related to four Vibrio ponticus strains (99·3% similarity). LD50s were 2·5 (×103 CFU per fish for intraperitoneal inoculation (IP) and 3·2 (×103 CFU per fish for intramuscular inoculation (IM), respectively. Conclusions:, The investigated pathogenic agent of Lateolabrax japonicus (Cuvier in Cuvier and Valenciennes) was V. ponticus. Significance and Impact of the Study:, UPPCR-DGGE is very helpful in epidemiologic investigation. Interestingly, this is the first report that V. ponticus infects cultured marine fish. DGGE was likewise first introduced to epidemiologic investigation of fish disease. [source] Effects of rare-earth oxide additions and heat-treatment temperature on the transformation and microstructure of silicon nitridePHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (A) APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, Issue 1 2003Jinhui Dai Abstract In this paper, mixtures of Si3N4 powder with different added amounts of single rare-earth oxide Re2O3 (Re = Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb) were heat treated at 1600,1800 °C and the effects of Re2O3 on the transformation and the microstructure of Si3N4 were investigated. Compared with the original Si3N4 powder, the transformation ratio of the Si3N4 powders obviously increased and the phase transformation finishing temperatures decreased by about 100 °C when different rare-earth oxides were added. When the heat-treatment temperature was 1700 °C, the transformation ratio of the Si3N4 powder was about 100%. When the heat-treatment temperature was 1600 °C and the amount of Re2O3 addition was 3 mol%, an anomalous transformation ratio occurred. In addition, it was found that the transformation ratio of Si3N4 changed periodically with the increase of the atomic number of the lanthanide when the heat-treatment temperature was 1650 °C or less. The SEM image of the Si3N4 powders obtained at 1700 °C indicated that the heavy lanthanide oxides such as Er2O3 and Yb2O3 were very helpful to develop rod-like ,-Si3N4 particles. [source] Developmental pathways to conduct disorder: Implications for serving youth who show severe aggressive and antisocial behaviorPSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS, Issue 8 2004Paul J. Frick Research has uncovered a large number of risk factors that can place a child at risk for showing severe antisocial and aggressive behavior and to be diagnosed with conduct disorder. In this paper, recent research is outlined that has organized these risk factors into distinct pathways, each involving somewhat distinct causal processes, through which children develop this disorder. This body of research has been important for advancing our understanding of the causes of conduct disorder. In addition, it has some important implications for service delivery. The comprehensive and individualized approach to intervention that seems most indicated based on this research is consistent with the way most educators are trained to view service delivery. As a result, this body of research could be very helpful in guiding school personnel in the development of individualized educational plans that meet the needs of children with conduct disorder. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 41: 823,834, 2004. [source] Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance: Are Employers Good Agents for Their Employees?THE MILBANK QUARTERLY, Issue 1 2000Pamela B. Peele Employers in the United States provide many welfare-type benefits, such as life insurance, disability insurance, health insurance, and pensions, to their employees. Employers can be viewed as performing an agency role in purchasing pension, health, and other welfare benefits for their employees. An exploration of their competence in this role as agents for their employees indicates that large employers are very helpful to their employees in this arena. They seem to contribute to individual employees' welfare by providing them with valued services in purchasing health insurance. [source] Structure determination of Mg3(OH)5Cl·4H2O (F5 phase) from laboratory powder diffraction data and its impact on the analysis of problematic magnesia floorsACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION B, Issue 6 2007Kunihisa Sugimoto The crystal structure with the idealized formula Mg3(OH)5Cl·4H2O, the so-called F5 phase according to 5Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O in the system MgCl2,MgO,H2O, has been solved ab initio from high-quality laboratory powder diffraction data at room temperature. The F5 phase is structurally related to 3Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O (F3 form). The F5 phase consists of infinite triple chains with one Mg(OH)6 and two Mg(OH)4(OH2)2 octahedra as building units intercalated by chlorides, which are partly substituted by disordered hydroxides in the real structure. The F5 phase is of technological importance as the most important binder phase in Sorel cements. Knowledge of the crystal structure enables the full quantitative phase analysis of magnesia cements for the first time, which turns out to be very helpful in the search for possible causes of broken or bleached magnesia floors. Two real-life examples are given. [source] Three-month Follow-up of Brief Computerized and Therapist Interventions for Alcohol and Violence Among TeensACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 11 2009Rebecca M. Cunningham MD Abstract Objectives:, Alcohol use and violent behaviors are well documented among adolescents and have enormous effects on morbidity and mortality. The authors hypothesized that universal computer screening of teens in an inner-city emergency department (ED), followed by a brief intervention (BI), would be 1) feasible (as measured by participation and completion of BI during the ED visit) and well received by teens (as measured by posttest process measures of intervention acceptability) and 2) effective at changing known precursors to behavior change such as attitudes, self-efficacy, and readiness to change alcohol use and violence. Methods:, Adolescent patients (ages 14,18 years) at an urban ED were approached to complete a computerized survey. The survey was conducted daily from 12 noon to 11 pm from September 2006 through November 2008. Adolescents reporting both alcohol use and violence in the past year were randomized to a control group or a 35-minute BI delivered by a computer or therapist as part of the SafERteens study. Validated measures were administered, including demographics, alcohol use, attitudes toward alcohol and violence, self-efficacy for alcohol and violence, readiness to change alcohol and violence, and process questions, including likeability of intervention. Results:, A total of 2,423 adolescents were screened. Thirteen percent of those approached refused. The population was 45% male, 58% African American, and 6.2% Hispanic. Of those screened, 637 adolescents (26%) screened positive; 533 were randomized to participate, and 515 completed the BI prior to discharge. The BIs were well received by the adolescents overall; 97% of those randomized to a BI self-reported that they found one intervention section "very helpful." At posttest, significant reductions in positive attitudes for alcohol use and violence and significant increases in self-efficacy related to alcohol/violence were found for both therapist and computer interventions. At 3-month follow-up there was 81% retention, and generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis showed that participants in both interventions had significant reductions in positive attitudes for alcohol use (therapist p = 0.002, computer p = 0.0001) and violence (therapist p = 0.012, computer p = 0.007) and significant increases in self-efficacy related to violence (therapist p = 0.0.04, computer p = 0.002); alcohol self-efficacy improved in the therapist BI condition only (therapist p = 0.050, computer p = 0.083). Readiness to change was not significantly improved. Conclusions:, This initial evaluation of the SafERteens study shows that universal computerized screening and BI for multiple risk behaviors among adolescents is feasible, well received, and effective at altering attitudes and self-efficacy. Future evaluations of the SafERteens study will evaluate the interventions' effects on behavioral change (alcohol use and violence) over the year following the ED visit. [source] 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose,positron emission tomography scanning is more useful in followup than in the initial assessment of patients with Erdheim-Chester diseaseARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 10 2009Laurent Arnaud Objective Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare form of non,Langerhans' cell histiocytosis. The aim of this study was to assess the value of whole-body scanning with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose,positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in a large cohort of ECD patients from a single center. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all PET scans performed on 31 patients with ECD who were referred to our department between 2005 and 2008. PET images were reviewed by 2 independent nuclear medicine specialist physicians and were compared with other imaging modalities performed within 15 days of each PET scan. Results Thirty-one patients (10 women and 21 men; median age 59.5 years) underwent a total of 65 PET scans. Twenty-three patients (74%) were untreated at the time of the initial PET scan, whereas 30 of the 34 followup PET scans (88%) were performed in patients who were undergoing immunomodulatory therapy. Comparison of the initial and followup PET scans with other imaging modalities revealed that the sensitivity of PET scanning varied greatly among the different organs studied (range 4.3,100%), while the specificity remained high (range 69.2,100%). Followup PET scans were particularly helpful in assessing central nervous system (CNS) involvement, since the PET scan was able to detect an early therapeutic response of CNS lesions, even before magnetic resonance imaging showed a decrease in their size. PET scanning was also very helpful in evaluating the cardiovascular system, which is a major prognostic factor in ECD, by assessing the heart and the entire vascular tree during a single session. Conclusion The results of our large, single-center, retrospective study suggest that the findings of a FDG-PET scan may be interesting in the initial assessment of patients with ECD, but its greater contribution is in followup of these patients. [source] Cooling Device for Bradycardia Based on Peltier Element for Accurate Anastomosis of Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass GraftingARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 10 2002Yukio Kuniyoshi Abstract: Upon introducing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), the indications for CABG were expanded to include patients who previously had no operative indications. For accurate anastomosis, various devices and methods have been developed. Bradycardia is easily induced by drug administration. However, this method of achieving bradycardia also has adverse effects on cardiac function. We have developed a new device to decrease the heart rate by regional cooling of the sino-atrial node. The new device is incorporated with Peltier's element, which uses an electric charge to create a temperature gradient on both of its surfaces. In terms of the cooling ability of this device, its cooling surface is chilled from 25°C to 0°C within 30 s. During in vivo animal experiments, this device has been shown to decrease the myocardial temperature around the sino-atrial node to 15°C and suppress sino-atrial node activity, resulting in bradycardia to 60 beats/min level. In summary, the simple and easily applicable device for local cooling in combination with the application of diltiazem for effective heart rate reduction may be very helpful for the surgeon and may avoid disadvantages for critically ill patients. [source] A Survey of the Theoretical Economic Literature on Foreign AidASIAN-PACIFIC ECONOMIC LITERATURE, Issue 1 2006Elisabeth Paul This paper surveys the theoretical economic literature on foreign aid,in particular, the aid donor,recipient relationship. Economic theory, especially new institutional economics, can be very helpful in understanding foreign aid relationships,especially the incentive problems involved,and in designing institutions to improve aid effectiveness. In particular, it helps in understanding the chain of principal,agent relations inherent in the aid delivery system and the resulting potential for agency problems. The survey shows that economic theory can improve the design of cooperation modalities by aligning the incentives of donors and recipients for poverty reduction, but that, in order to address the problems, policy analysis must take into account the constraints faced by stakeholders in the aid relationship. The aid ,contract' should thus seek to improve the agents' incentives to use aid effectively, given the circumstances of the developing country. [source] Metallurgical Characteristics and Effectiveness of Metallic Charges in Electric Arc FurnaceASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 3-4 2006Cheng-Wu Du The use of direct reduced iron (DRI), hot metal, cold pig iron, decarburized granular iron, iron carbide, and complex metal charges to replace scrap metal as the feedstock to an electric arc furnace not only resolves the lack of scrap supply, but is also very helpful in diluting the residual elements in the scrap, thus improving the quality of the steel. It has now become possible to produce high-quality steel in an electric arc furnace. In this paper, the characteristics and effectiveness of various metallic charges for use in an electric arc furnace (EAF) are discussed. [source] Engineering the catalytic domain of human protein tyrosine phosphatase , for structure-based drug discoveryACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D, Issue 12 2006Artem G. Evdokimov Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) play roles in many biological processes and are considered to be important targets for drug discovery. As inhibitor development has proven challenging, crystal structure-based design will be very helpful to advance inhibitor potency and selectivity. Successful application of protein crystallography to drug discovery heavily relies on high-quality crystal structures of the protein of interest complexed with pharmaceutically interesting ligands. It is very important to be able to produce protein,ligand crystals rapidly and reproducibly for as many ligands as necessary. This study details our efforts to engineer the catalytic domain of human protein tyrosine phosphatase , (HPTP,-CD) with properties suitable for rapid-turnaround crystallography. Structures of apo HPTP,-CD and its complexes with several novel small-molecule inhibitors are presented here for the first time. [source] A novel three-stage light irradiation strategy in the submerged fermentation of medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum for the efficient production of ganoderic acid and Ganoderma polysaccharidesBIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 6 2008Wei Zhang Abstract A novel three-stage light irradiation strategy in the submerged fermentation of medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum for the efficient production of bioactive metabolites ganoderic acid (GA) and Ganoderma polysaccharides was developed. Significance of light quality, i.e., blue light (390,500 nm, ,max = 470 nm), red light (560,700 nm, ,max = 625 nm), and white light (400,740 nm, ,max = 550 nm), was studied at first. Interestingly, there was a gradual decrease trend of GA content after the culture of day 2 when the maximal GA content was obtained, while GA content decreased slowly under white light irradiation after day 6. The dark environment was favorable to the specific GA biosynthesis (i.e., GA content) before day 6, and after that the optimum was white light irradiation. A relatively lower irradiation density of white light (i.e., 0.94 and 2.82 W/m2) was beneficial for the specific GA biosynthesis before day 6, while GA content was higher under higher irradiation density of white light (i.e., 4.70 and 9.40 W/m2) at the later-stage of cultivation. 4.70 W/m2 white light irradiation culture was the best from the viewpoint of GA accumulation. Therefore, a two-stage light irradiation strategy by combing the first 2 days dark culture with the following 4.70 W/m2 white light irradiation culture was developed. The highest GA production in the two-stage culture was 276.0 ± 12.5 mg/L, which was increased by 19% compared to 4.70 W/m2 white light irradiation culture (i.e., 232.4 ± 15.8 mg/L) and by 178% compared to the dark culture (i.e., 99.4 ± 1.0 mg/L). Although there still existed a gradual decrease trend of GA content after day 2 when the maximal GA content was obtained in the two-stage culture. Following three-stage light irradiation strategy was further demonstrated in order to turn around the sharp decrease of GA content after day 2. The first-stage was the 2-day dark culture; the second-stage was the following six-day 0.94 W/m2 white light irradiation culture, and the third-stage was 4.70 W/m2 white light irradiation culture until the end of fermentation. During the three-stage culture of G. lucidum, the gradual decrease trend of GA content after day 2 was turned around, which suggested that 0.94 W/m2 white light irradiation was beneficial for the metabolic flux towards the GA biosynthesis. The maximal GA content of 3.1 ± 0.1 mg/100 mg DW was obtained, which was higher by 41% compared to the two-stage culture. The maximal GA production (i.e., 466.3 ± 24.1 mg/L) and productivity (i.e., 38.9 mg/L per day) in the three-stage culture were 69 and 101% higher than those obtained in the two-stage culture. This is the first report investigating the significance of light irradiation on the medicinal mushroom submerged fermentation. Such work is very helpful to other mushroom fermentations for useful metabolite production. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||