The Janus Syndrome

American Journal of Surgery. Dec, 1991  |  Pubmed ID: 1670216

Waste and Abuse in Medicare Reimbursement for Durable Medical Equipment and Supplies

Caring : National Association for Home Care Magazine. Nov, 1991  |  Pubmed ID: 10114901

A Senate Budget Committee investigation of Medicare's durable medical equipment and supply program has revealed expenditure of millions of dollars on inflated and unnecessary claims. The committee has made legislative recommendations and is continuing to review billing practices.

Diagnosis of Pregnancy in Wood Bison Using a Bovine Assay for Pregnancy-specific Protein B

Theriogenology. Nov, 1991  |  Pubmed ID: 16727043

Blood samples were collected from 51 wood bison (Bison bison athabascae ) and evaluated for the presence of an antigen that cross-reacted with antisera to pregnancy-specific protein B(PSPB). The objective of this study was to determine if the PSPB radioimmunoassay (RIA) was a reliable indicator of pregnancy in these animals. Pregnancy of mature females was determined either at autopsy (20 animals) or by palpation per rectum after chemical immobilization (18 animals). The antigen was not detected in either males or juvenile females. There was minor cross-reaction in sera of one of nine nonpregnant females that had been exposed to males. The antigen was found in the sera of 25 of 27 females that were confirmed pregnant. It was concluded that the PSPB RIA was a useful tool in the determination of pregnancy in wood bison.

Control of the Soybean Cyst Nematode by Crop Rotation in Combination with a Nematicide

Journal of Nematology. Jul, 1991  |  Pubmed ID: 19283137

An experiment to evaluate the control of soybean cyst nematodes compared 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year nonhost rotations with continuous soybeans (Glycine max) in 0.2-ha plots. In a second 1-year rotation, the plots were planted to soybean or corn (Zea mays) after fumigation in the spring with a split application of 1,3-dichloropropene (748.2 liters/ha). The effects of the nematicide were apparent the first year. Soybean yield was 1,482 kg/ha compared to 233 kg/ha in the untreated plots. In the second year, the highest yielding plants (2,035 kg/ha) were those following 1 year of corn that had been treated the previous year; plants in untreated plots yielded 288 kg/ha. Average yield of soybean following 1 year of corn was 957 kg/ha compared to 288 kg/ha for continuous soybean. In the third year, the effects of the nematicide were still evident. Soybean plants in plots treated the first year, followed by corn, then soybean, yielded 1,044 kg/ha compared to 761 kg/ ha for soybean following 1 year of corn and 991 kg/ha for soybean following 2 years of corn. Plots planted to soybean for 3 consecutive years yielded 337 kg/ha. Nematicidal effects were no longer evident during the fourth year. Yields were most improved by the greatest number of years in the nonhost crop; highest yields in descending order were from plants following 3 years of corn, 2 years of corn, and 1 year of corn. Plots planted to soybean for 4 consecutive years yielded 130 kg/ha. Highly significant negative correlations occurred each year between initial nematode population densities and seed yield.

Maximizing the Potential of Cropping Systems for Nematode Management

Journal of Nematology. Jul, 1991  |  Pubmed ID: 19283139

Quantitative techniques were used to analyze and determine optimal potential profitability of 3-year rotations of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum cv. Coker 315, and soybean, Glycine max cv. Centennial, with increasing population densities of Hoplolaimus columbus. Data collected from naturally infested on-farm research plots were combined with economic information to construct a microcomputer spreadsheet analysis of the cropping system. Nonlinear mathematical functions were fitted to field data to represent damage functions and population dynamic curves. Maximum yield losses due to H. columbus were estimated to be 20% on cotton and 42% on soybean. Maximum at-harvest population densities were calculated to be 182/100 cm(3) soil for cotton and 149/100 cm(3) soil for soybean. Projected net incomes ranged from a $17.74/ha net loss for the soybean-cotton-soybean sequence to a net profit of $46.80/ha for the cotton-soybean-cotton sequence. The relative profitability of various rotations changed as nematode densities increased, indicating economic thresholds for recommending alternative crop sequences. The utility and power of quantitative optimization was demonstrated for comparisons of rotations under different economic assumptions and with other management alternatives.

Pregnancy-specific Protein B and Progesterone in Monitoring Viability of the Embryo in Early Pregnancy in the Cow After Experimental Infection with Actinomyces Pyogenes

Theriogenology. Mar, 1992  |  Pubmed ID: 16727075

Actinomyces pyogenes can cause embryonic death and abortion during the early stages of pregnancy in cows. Bovine pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) is produced in response to a viable embryo and as such it could be a potential marker for embryronic survival. The plasma concentration of PSPB was monitored in cows following an intrauterine infection with A. pyogenes and during the subsequent abortion and recovery from infection. Plasma progesterone concentrations were also monitored, and the results were compared withthose for animals in which abortion had been induced by prostaglandin F2alpha treatment. In abortions induced both by infection and by cloprostenol, the plasma concentration of PSPB fell steadily from the day of treatment, with a half-life of 7 days. In the cloprostenol-induced abortions, progesterone levels fell dramatically to <0.5ng/ml within 24 hours of treatment, while following inoculation with A. pyogenes , progesterone concentration remained elevated for 20 to 40 days and fell to <0.5ng/ml after evacuation of pus from the uterus. Sequential monitoring of PSPB, which identifies embryonic death when a continuing fall in plasma concentration is demonstrated, is a better indicator of embryonic death following bacterial infection with A. pyogenes than plasma progesterone concentration, which falls only when infection is resolved.

Self-care Assessment Tool for Spinal Cord Injured Persons

SCI Nursing : a Publication of the American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Nurses. Dec, 1992  |  Pubmed ID: 1292085

The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid tool that assesses the cognitive and functional skills needed for self-care in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The Self-Care Assessment Tool (SCAT) assesses cognitive and functional skills in eight self-care areas: bathing/grooming, nutritional management, taking medications, mobility/transfers/safety, skin management, bladder management, bowel management and dressing. The tool was carefully developed and has demonstrated content validity. Interrater reliabilities for the cognitive, functional and total scores ranged from .69 to .94 (n = 10). Test-retest reliabilities for the cognitive, functional and total scores ranged from -.06 to .86 (n = 14, 16). Regarding predictive validity, R2 ranged from .61 to .90 for the cognitive, functional and total scores (n = 18). Although continued reliability and validity studies are needed, the SCAT has potential to measure patient rehabilitation outcomes, to evaluate nursing care approaches and to serve as a quality assurance indicator for nursing care.

Molecular Cloning and Characterization of Rabbit Pancreatic Triglyceride Lipase

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. Nov, 1992  |  Pubmed ID: 1445366

Pancreatic lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.3) has been cloned from a gt11 cDNA library made from poly A+ RNA of adult rabbit pancreas. Pancreatic lipase (PL) assists the absorption of dietary triglycerides by hydrolyzing them at 1 and 3 positions to free fatty acids and 2-monoacylglycerol in the presence of bile acids and colipase in the intestinal lumen. Since rabbits are classifically used for the study of the diet induced changes in the lipid metabolism, as a prelude to studying the diet and age dependent changes in the expression of this enzyme, a full length PL cDNA clone was obtained from its pancreas. The coding region of rabbit pancreatic lipase cDNA consists of 1407 base pairs contained in an open reading frame encoding 469 amino acids including the 16 that constitute the signal peptide. Northern blot analysis revealed a band around 1.5 kb. When rabbit enzyme is compared to other species, an over all homology of 70-80% was observed at the nucleotide level. High homology in the amino acid sequence and composition is also apparent between rabbit and other species like dog (65%), pig (76%) and rat (63%). Highest homology is found to be around active-site serine. The regions of homology with other species may help to define sites of interaction of lipase with co-lipase.

A Strategic Approach for Pain Management in Cancer Patients

Journal of the South Carolina Medical Association (1975). Jul, 1993  |  Pubmed ID: 7692131

Failure of Sheep-goat Hybrid Conceptuses to Develop to Term in Sheep-goat Chimaeras

Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Sep, 1993  |  Pubmed ID: 7506792

Six hybrid pregnancies were established: three in sheep-goat chimaeras, one in a sheep-(sheep-goat)hybrid chimaera and two in does. Pregnancies were monitored weekly by ultrasonography and peripheral concentrations of pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB) were measured. Placental development as detected by ultrasonography appeared to be slower in hybrid-in-goat pregnancies than in hybrid-in-chimaera pregnancies, although this difference was not reflected in PSPB concentrations. Time of fetal death could not be predicted from PSPB concentrations. Chimaeras appeared to carry hybrid pregnancies longer than ewes and does usually carry hybrid pregnancies, but none was carried to term.

Monitoring of Segmental Intra- and Extracellular Volume Changes Using Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy

Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985). May, 1993  |  Pubmed ID: 8335546

Osmotically induced cellular volume changes in the perfused rat hindlimb were used to validate the use of bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy as a method for observing fluid shifts between the intracellular and extracellular spaces. Electrical impedance spectra were measured as cell volumes were manipulated by perfusion with Krebs-Henseleit solutions having different concentrations of NaCl. A simple equivalent circuit model of current conduction through the monitored tissue was fit to each measured spectrum to obtain segmental values of the equivalent intracellular resistance, membrane capacitance, and extracellular resistance. These parameters are theoretically governed by variations in the average cell volume fraction and ionic concentrations in the intra- and extracellular fluid spaces. In accord with this theoretical dependence, the parameters changed systematically and reversibly in conformance with both the magnitudes and directions of the perfusate concentration changes and the resultant cell volume changes. Results indicate that bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy, coupled with computer-aided equivalent circuit analysis, can be used to monitor segmental intercompartmental fluid shifts at minute-by-minute resolution.

Cloning and Characterization of Rabbit Pancreatic Colipase

The International Journal of Biochemistry. Jun, 1993  |  Pubmed ID: 8344444

1. Among the digestive enzymes synthesized by pancreas, lipase is the principle lipolytic enzyme which hydrolyses dietary glycerides. 2. For its action it requires a coenzyme, colipase. 3. The molecular mechanisms of the interaction of these two are not fully understood. 4. Further, molecular events that regulate and influence lipid absorption are ill defined. 5. The rabbit is the conventional animal model for the study of lipid absorption. We have undertaken the molecular cloning, and characterization of rabbit pancreatic colipase, the coenzyme for pancreatic lipase. 6. Colipase has been cloned from a gt 11 library of an adult rabbit pancreatic cDNA by probing with an oligonucleotide derived from human colipase sequence. 7. The total reading frame consists of 321 nucleotides coding for 90 amino acids of the functional protein and 17 nucleotides of the leader peptide. 8. Northern blot analysis revealed a distinct band around 0.5 kb. Comparison with other species revealed an over all homology of 75% at the nucleotide level. 9. At the amino acid level highest conservation is observed at the lipase-binding region (AA 53-73). 10. Rabbit enzyme also retained the N-terminal pentapeptide of its preform. 11. The regions of homology and conservation may aid to define the sites of interaction of colipase with lipase.

Pregnancy-specific Protein B in Serum of Postpartum Beef Cows

Journal of Animal Science. Aug, 1993  |  Pubmed ID: 8376246

To determine whether the uterus was the source of serum pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) after calving, five beef cows were hysterectomized at 21 d postpartum and five served as intact controls. A single blood sample was taken from all cows immediately after calving and then twice weekly until 21 d postpartum. Beginning on d 22, blood samples were taken from all cows at 3-h intervals for 4 d and then twice weekly until 53 d postpartum. When the half-life calculated for the interval from d 1 to 21 was used as a covariate, the adjusted d-22 to -53 half-lives were 8.4 d for control cows vs 7.3 d for hysterectomized cows (P = .044). Data show that PSPB has a long half-life in the circulation and that the uterus is a minimal, if any, source of postpartum circulating PSPB. In another experiment, PSPB was measured weekly after calving in serum of 58 Polled Hereford and Simmental cows. Cows were exposed to fertile bulls and allowed to mate at every estrus. Observations were made for estrus, and progesterone concentrations in serum were measured to estimate the time of ovulations. Levels of PSPB were highest at approximately the time of calving, then decreased rapidly. Concentrations of PSPB were < 1 ng/mL by 80 d in eight cows that had not conceived since calving. Two cows eventually had nondetectable PSPB levels, one by 86 d and the other by 96 d after calving.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration of GnRH at Estrus Influences Pregnancy Rates, Serum Concentrations of LH, FSH, Estradiol-17 Beta, Pregnancy-specific Protein B, and Progesterone, Proportion of Luteal Cell Types, and in Vitro Production of Progesterone in Dairy Cows

Journal of Animal Science. Jan, 1993  |  Pubmed ID: 8454542

Four experiments were conducted to examine effects of GnRH administered at estrus on various reproductive characteristics in repeat-breeding dairy cows (eligible for third service). In Exp. 1, cows (n = 8 per group) received (i.m.) either saline or 50, 100, or 250 micrograms of GnRH at 12 h after onset of estrus. There was a positive linear (P < .05) effect of dose on concentrations of LH, but not of FSH, in serum at 2 h after the injection. Concentrations of progesterone (P4) were higher (P = .10) through 16 d after estrus in nonpregnant cows that returned to estrus 18 to 24 d after GnRH treatment than in nonpregnant cows given saline. Likewise, among cows with elevated concentrations of P4 through 30 d after estrus (diagnosed pregnant by increased concentrations of pregnancy-specific protein B; PSPB), P4 was higher (P = .10) in those given GnRH than in those given saline. In Exp. 2, concentrations of LH, FSH, and estradiol-17 beta (E2) were similar among 12 cows during the periestrual period before they received (i.m.) 100 micrograms of GnRH or saline at estrus. Concentrations of P4 after estrus were increased 2 d earlier (P < .05) in GnRH- than in saline-treated cows. Among cows with elevated concentrations of P4 and PSPB through 40 d after AI, P4 was higher (P < .05) in those given GnRH than in those given saline. In Exp. 1 and 2, a greater proportion (43 vs 14%; P = .07) of cows given GnRH was pregnant 42 to 56 d after estrus than of those given saline, but calving rate was similar (27 vs 14%). In Exp. 3, average number of LH pulses per 8 h was similar between saline- and GnRH-treated cows on d 1, 3, and 8, but overall concentrations of LH were reduced (P < .05) in GnRH-treated cows. Concentrations and number of pulses of FSH were increased (P < .05) on d 8 after treatment with GnRH. Concentrations of P4 were increased earlier (P < .05) after estrus in GnRH-treated (69 +/- 12 h) than in saline-treated cows (126 +/- 12 h), with higher (P < .05) concentrations of P4 on d 4 to 8. In Exp. 4, eight cows received either 100 micrograms of GnRH or saline at 12 h after onset of estrus (d 0) in a cross-over design.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Use of Pregnancy-specific Protein-B and Estrone Sulfate for Determination of Pregnancy on Day 49 in Fallow Deer (Dama Dama )

Theriogenology. Aug, 1993  |  Pubmed ID: 16727316

The objective of this study was to determine if pregnancy specific protein-B (PSPB) and estrone sulfate (E(1)SO(4)) could be used to determine pregnancy status in fallow deer (Dama dama ). Forty mature does were synchronized for estrus with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (CIDR) and then artificially inseminated via laparoscopy with frozen semen on one day. Ultrasound examination and jugular blood sampling were done 49 days later. Transrectal ultrasonography was done to presumptively determine the pregnancy status at the time of blood sampling. Serum estrone sulfate concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) greater in pregnant (n=31) than nonpregnant (n=9) females at 49 days of gestation (166.7 +/- 25.9 pg/ml vs 36.3 +/- 11.1 pg/ml, respectively). The percentage of [(125)I]PSPB bound was significantly (P < 0.01) lower when sera of pregnant (n=29) versus nonpregnant (n=9) females was added to RIA tubes (63.7 +/- 1.6% vs 98.1 +/- 1.6%, respectively). There were 30 fawns born from the group of females that were diagnosed pregnant based on ultrasound. We conclude that estrone sulfate and PSPB can be used to determine pregnancy status in fallow deer at 49 days of gestation.

Diagnosis of Pregnancy in Moose Using a Bovine Assay for Pregnancy-specific Protein B

Theriogenology. Nov, 1993  |  Pubmed ID: 16727372

Blood samples were collected from 26 moose (Alces alces ) and evaluated for the presence of an antigen that cross-reacted with antisera to bovine pregnancy-specific protein B (P-SPB). The objective of this study was to determine if the P-SPB radioimmunoassay (RIA) was a reliable indicator of pregnancy in these animals. In the first year of the study calf production the following summer was used as the index of previous pregnancy. In the second year all females were subjected to palpation per rectum after chemical immobilization. Seven of the 10 cows sampled in the first year were also sampled in the second year. All animals determined pregnant by rectal palpation were positive for P-SPB; however, P-SPB was not detected in males.

Dominant Lethal Study of Sulfur Mustard in Male and Female Rats

Journal of Applied Toxicology : JAT. Sep-Oct, 1993  |  Pubmed ID: 8258633

Sulfur mustard (HD) (bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide) is a strong alkylating agent with known mutagenic and suspected carcinogenic properties, but occupational health standards have not been established. The purpose of this study was to determine the dominant lethal effect in male and female rats dosed orally with HD, for which currently available data are ambiguous. Sprague-Dawley rats of each sex, 6-7 weeks old, were orally administered 0, 0.08, 0.20 or 0.50 mg kg-1 HD 5 days a week for 10 weeks, after which dominant lethal studies were conducted during the post-exposure period. The studies were conducted in two phases: a female dominant lethal phase in which treated or untreated males were mated with treated females and their fetuses were evaluated 14 days after copulation; and a male dominant lethal phase in which treated males cohabited with untreated females for 5 days and fetuses were evaluated 14 days after the mid-point of the week of cohabitation, for each of 10 weeks. In addition, motility, population size and morphology were measured in sperm obtained from the cauda epididymis. Parental growth rates were reduced in both sexes treated with the high level of HD. Female dominant lethal effects were not observed, although significant male dominant lethal effects were observed in HD-exposed male rats mated to untreated females at 2 and 3 weeks' post-exposure. These effects, which included increases of early fetal resorptions and preimplantation losses and decrease in total live embryo implants, were most consistently observed at a dose of 0.50 mg kg-1. A significant P(P < 0.05) increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm was detected in males exposed to 0.50 mg kg-1 HD. The timing of dominant lethal effects is consistent with an effect during the post-meiotic stages of spermatogenesis, possibly involving the generally sensitive spermatids.

Computer Integration into Nursing Education: the Role of the Nurse Consultant

Mississippi RN. Jan-Feb, 1994  |  Pubmed ID: 8302249

Effects of Prostaglandin F2 Alpha (PGF2 Alpha) on Secretion of Pregnancy Specific Protein B (PSPB) and Placentome Weights in Intact or Ovariectomized 90 to 100 Day Pregnant Ewes

Prostaglandins. Dec, 1994  |  Pubmed ID: 7892509

Vehicle or 8 or 16 mg PGF2 alpha/58 kg/body weight (BW) was given intramuscularly to intact or ovariectomized 90 to 100 day pregnant ewes in two separate experiments. Treatment with 8 mg PGF2 alpha in intact 90 to 100 day pregnant ewes increased (P < or = 0.05) placentome weights, but not in ovariectomized 90 to 100 day pregnant ewes (P > or = 0.05). Concentrations of PSPB in uterine venous plasma of control 90 to 100 day intact pregnant ewes over the 72 hour sampling period averaged 52 +/- 5 ng/ml. Profiles of PSPB in uterine plasma in the 16 mg PGF2 alpha/58 kg/BW-treated ewes differed (P < or = 0.05) from control or 8 mg PGF2 alpha-treated 90 to 100 day intact pregnant ewes. Pregnancy specific protein B was increased (P < or = 0.05) at 64 hr in intact 90 to 100 day pregnant ewes by treatment with 8 mg PGF2 alpha/58 kg/BW. There was a quadratic increase (P < or = 0.09) in PSPB in uterine venous plasma of all three treatment groups of intact 90 to 100 day pregnant ewes. Concentrations of PSPB in uterine venous plasma of control 90 to 100 day ovariectomized pregnant ewes over the 72 hr treatment period averaged 90 +/- 5 ng/ml. Profiles of PSPB did not differ among the vehicle, 8 mg PGF2 alpha or 16 mg PGF2 alpha-treated ovariectomized 90 to 100 day pregnant ewes. There was a quadratic increase (P < or = 0.10) in PSPB in uterine venous plasma of ovariectomized 90 to 100 day pregnant ewes treated with 8 or 16 mg PGF2 alpha/58 kg/BW. It is suggested that PSPB may have a role in regulating placental steroidogenesis.

Mid-esophageal Traction Diverticulum: Rare Cause of Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Missouri Medicine. Mar, 1994  |  Pubmed ID: 8170460

Traction diverticula of the mid-esophagus are usually incidental findings on barium swallow or upper endoscopy. They are thought to arise secondary to adjacent inflammation in the mediastinum, usually from granulomatous infection such as histoplasmosis. They are usually asymptomatic. Rarely, erosion or extension of the inflammatory process into the adjacent lung or bronchial arteries can result in clinical symptoms such as pneumonia or gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnosis is often delayed due to the rarity of clinical symptoms. We present a case of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to a mid-esophageal diverticulum.

Methods for Pregnancy Determination and the Effects of Body Condition on Pregnancy Status in Rocky Mountain Elk (Cervus Elephus Nelsoni )

Theriogenology. 1994  |  Pubmed ID: 16727613

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of transrectal ultrasonography and serum progesterone (P(4)), estrone sulfate (E(1)S) and pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB), without prior knowledge of reproductive status, in detecting pregnancy in elk cows. In addition, body weight and body condition score (BCS) were determined to assess whether body condition affects pregnancy status in elk cows. Twenty-five elk cows were sampled during the early rut (Period 1) and after the rut (Period 2), an interval of 120 d. Age, weight, BCS and blood samples, for P(4), E(1)S and PSPB determinations, were taken at Periods 1 and 2. Ultrasonography was performed at Period 2. The younger elk cows weighed less (P<0.05) than older cows. However, pregnancy status was not affected (P> 0.10) by age or weight of the cow. Elk cows that calved had higher (P<0.02) BCS at Periods 1 and 2 than cows that remained open. Serum P(4) and E(1)S were higher (P<0.0001) in pregnant cows at Period 2 than in open cows. Progesterone was 85.8% accurate in detecting pregnant versus open cows at Period 1, while E(1)S and PSPB were not effective. Elk cows at Period 1 were <20 d pregnant with the exception of 1 cow at 46 d. Ultrasonography was 92% accurate, P(4) was 95% accurate, and E(1)S and PSPB were both 100% accurate in determining pregnant versus open cows at Period 2. Pregnant cows at Period 2 were all > 100 d pregnant. Ultrasonography, serum E(1)S and PSPB all may provide a reliable means for pregnancy diagnosis in elk cows at > 100 d of gestation, while serum P(4) may be effective when multiple samples are compared during or after the rut, or when used in combination with the other diagnostic methods described. Further research is needed to determine the optimum time period after breeding in elk cows for accurate pregnancy detection through hormonal analysis.

Embryonic Loss from 30 to 60 Days Post Breeding and the Effect of Palpation Per Rectum on Pregnancy

Theriogenology. Feb, 1995  |  Pubmed ID: 16727646

This study was conducted over a 12-mo period to determine the rate of bovine embryo death between 30 and 60 d of gestation. In addition, palpation per rectum as a means of pregnancy detection was evaluated as a possible cause of embryo death. Estrus was synchronized in Holstein heifers (n = 1358), weighing > or = 385 kg, with a single intramuscular injection of 25 mg prostaglandin F(2alpha). Estrus was primarily detected by the absence of paint marks on the tailhead. The heifers were artificially inseminated with semen from 5 Holstein sires. Blood was collected between 30 and 45 d after breeding, and sera were evaluated for the presence of bovine pregnancy-specific protein B (bPSPB) by RIA to determine pregnancy. Palpation for fetal membrane slip was conducted by an experienced technician in approximately one-half of the inseminated heifers. To determine embryonic survival, a second blood sample was collected at approximately 60 d from 862 heifers that were determined to be pregnant at the first blood sampling. Embryonic loss averaged 5.3% during the interval between the initial detection of pregnancy at 30 to 45 d and the subsequent detection of pregnancy at 60 d of gestation. Embryo loss in heifers that were palpated was 6.5% compared with that of 4.3% in the control heifers (X(2): P = 0.145). These findings establish that there was substantial loss of embryos between 30 and 60 d post breeding but that embryo loss was not affected by palpation per rectum.

Effect of Fetal Mass, Number and Stage of Gestation on Pregnancy-specific Protein B Concentrations in the Bovine

Theriogenology. Oct, 1995  |  Pubmed ID: 16727778

In this study we characterized the peripheral plasma pregnancy-specific protein-B (PSPB) profile throughout gestation and examined the effect of stage of gestation, fetal mass and number on this profile in Holstein cows after non surgical embryo transfer. Cows (n = 12) were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 = single embryo recipient cows (n = 5), Group 2 = twin-embryo recipient cows (n = 7). Blood was collected approximately every third day from Day 0 (Day 0 = first day of standing estrus), then daily for the last 10 d of gestation, and sampling was stopped 1 d post partum. Two twin-embryo recipient cows had abnormal pregnancies; therefore, their data were excluded from the group. The time trend concentrations of plasma PSPB were significantly affected by the stage of gestation (P < 0.001) and fetal number (P < 0.001). In both groups PSPB increased gradually, with the mean levels being significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the twin-bearing group from Day 50 onwards (0.7 +/- 0.2 vs 9.2 +/- 4.5 ng/ml, singleton and twin-bearing cows, respectively) except for Day 10 pre-partum. By mid-gestation (Day 140), mean PSPB levels increased in the singleton (P < 0.001) cows by thirty-fold (21.2 +/- 3.2 ng/ml) as opposed to a ten-fold (98.4 +/- 13.2 ng/ml) increase in the twin-bearing (P < 0.001) group. The mean PSPB concentrations between Days 30 to 20 prepartum dramatically increased by about 700 to 200% in singleton (128.8 +/- 46.3 to 745.6 +/- 66.7 ng/ml) and twin-bearing cows (375.6 +/- 130.4 to 861.5 +/- 127.9 ng/ml), respectively. The PSPB levels between Day 10 prepartum to parturition were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the twin-bearing group than in the singleton group (745.6 +/- 66.7 to 1627.4 +/- 238.9 ng/ml vs 861.5 +/- 127.9 to 3103.0 +/- 643.0 ng/ml in singleton and twin-bearing groups, respectively). Calf birthweight was correlated (P < 0.01) to peripheral PSPB concentration in singleton cows; however, this relationship decreased with the subsequent increase in fetal number. Cows giving birth prematurely to stillborn calves or to a schistosomus reflexus calf exhibited abnormal PSPB profiles. These results indicate that peripheral PSPB levels are correlated to the stage of gestation and fetal number. In addition, the peripheral pattern of PSPB is a valuable guage for predicting fetoplacental viability.

Comparison of MIDI Sherlock System and Pulsed-field Gel Electrophoresis in Characterizing Strains of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus from a Recent Hospital Outbreak

Journal of Clinical Microbiology. Oct, 1995  |  Pubmed ID: 8567913

An outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center occurred over a 7-month period. While the isolates phenotypically appeared to be similar in gross morphology and have similar Vitek antibiotic susceptibility patterns, two additional methods of strain characterization were evaluated to enhance the epidemiological investigation: pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and gas chromatography with the MIDI Sherlock system. Sherlock uses gas chromatography to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the cellular fatty acid composition of organisms and creates two-dimensional plots based on principal-component analysis to define groups of closely related organisms. All isolates were also evaluated by digesting their chromosomal DNAs with the low-frequency-cutting enzyme SmaI and separating the restriction fragments by contour-clamped homogeneous electric field gel electrophoresis. Sample preparation for this pulsed-field gel electrophoresis included a novel cell lysis procedure involving achromopeptidase, greatly reducing the turnaround time. Isolates tested were recovered from the following: 45 suspected outbreak patients, 6 hospitalized patients believed to be unrelated to the outbreak, 6 patients from outside the hospital, and one health care practitioner implicated in the outbreak. Of 45 phenotypically similar suspect strains, 43 clustered tightly on the Sherlock two-dimensional plot. All outbreak patient isolates were also identical by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis with the exception of the same two outliers identified by Sherlock. In this epidemiologic investigation, we found an excellent correlation between the Sherlock and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis results for strain characterization of methicillin-resistant S. aureus.

Effect of Pregnancy-specific Protein B on Luteal Cell Progesterone, Prostaglandin, and Oxytocin Production During Two Stages of the Bovine Estrous Cycle

Journal of Animal Science. Sep, 1995  |  Pubmed ID: 8582856

This experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) on luteal cell progesterone (P4), PGF2 alpha, PGE2, and oxytocin secretion. Corpora lutea were collected during the mid (d 10 to 12; n = 5) or late luteal (d 17 to 18; n = 5) stage of the estrous cycle. Large and small cells (1.5 x 10(5)/well) were treated with PSPB (0, 2.5, or 5.0 micrograms) and LH (0, 50, or 100 ng) in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement. Cells were incubated for 18 h before adding treatments; after treatments, medium was collected at 6 and 12 h. During the 18-h pretreatment period, P4, PGF2 alpha, PGE2, and oxytocin production was similar between the prospective treatment groups. The PSPB did not affect P4 production. Stage of the cycle (stage) x time interaction (P < .001) indicated that mid-stage luteal cells produced more P4 than late-stage cells; regardless of stage, P4 decreased with time. The time x LH interaction (P < .001) revealed that at 6 and 12 h the 50- and 100-ng doses of LH increased P4 to greater than the 0-ng dose. Production of PGF2 alpha by mid-stage cells was similar among the three PSPB treatments; however, PGF2 alpha production by late-stage cells increased (P < .01) in response to the 5.0-micrograms dose of PSPB. The LH did not affect PGF2 alpha production. Late-stage luteal cells produced more (P < .001) PGF2 alpha than mid-stage cells during the 18-h pretreatment period and at 6, but not 12, h.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Fertility of Bull Semen Packaged in .25- and .5-milliliter French Straws

Journal of Animal Science. Jul, 1995  |  Pubmed ID: 7592073

The fertility of bull semen packaged in .25- and .5-mL french straws was compared. One ejaculate from each of five Holstein bulls was split, extended to 10 x 10(6) spermatozoa/inseminate dose in whole homogenized milk, packaged in .25- and .5-mL french straws, frozen in liquid nitrogen (LN) vapor, and stored in LN. Semen was thawed at 37 degrees C for 30 s. Synchronized heifers (n = 1,360) were inseminated (during a 12-mo period) with semen packaged in either a .25- or .5-mL french straw. Blood was collected on the day of insemination and the serum was assayed for progesterone. Heifers with blood progesterone levels of > 1 ng/mL were eliminated from the data. Blood was collected at 30 to 45 d after insemination and the serum was assayed for the presence of bovine pregnancy-specific protein B (bPSPB) by RIA to determine pregnancy. Conception was 63.6 and 62.0% (P = .55) for semen packaged in the .25- and .5-mL french straws, respectively. There was neither a bull x packaging unit interaction (P = .49) nor a day of insemination x packaging unit interaction (P = .87). Conception among bulls ranged from 57.1 to 68.0% (P = .19). No evidence was found that meteorological factors influenced conception. Under the conditions of this experiment, semen packaged in the .25- and .5-mL french straw had similar fertility.

Pregnancy Determination by Use of Pregnancy-specific Protein B Radioimmunoassay in Llamas

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Jul, 1995  |  Pubmed ID: 7601720

Blood samples were obtained from each of 30 llamas: 22 females that had been exposed to a male and were assumed to be pregnant (gestational stage, 2 to 244 days), 1 female that had not been exposed to a male, 3 sexually intact males, 1 castrated male, and 3 females with congenital reproductive anomalies. Serum was tested for the presence of pregnancy-specific protein B, using a radioimmunoassay that accurately detected pregnancy in cattle, sheep, and other ruminants. Pregnancy-specific protein B was not detected in the serum of the 30 llamas. On the basis of our results, the radioimmunoassay for pregnancy-specific protein B cannot be used in llamas for detection of pregnancy.

Self-care Competence Among Persons with Spinal Cord Injury

SCI Nursing : a Publication of the American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Nurses. Jun, 1995  |  Pubmed ID: 7624752

The authors of this article report the results of a secondary data analysis which examined the self-care competence of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and the retention of cognitive and functional skills following discharge from acute rehabilitation as well as additional learning of self-care following discharge. The sample consisted of 48 persons with SCI from two Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and a state university affiliated rehabilitation program. The data collection tool was the Self-Care Assessment Tool (SCAT) which measures cognitive and functional skills in eight self-care areas: bathing/grooming, nutritional management, taking medications, mobility/transfer/safety, skin management, bladder management, bowel management, and dressing. The overall self-care competence of the participants was high (mean = 78.25) as was their competence in the eight self-care areas. In general, participants retained both the cognitive information and functional skills learned in the acute rehabilitation setting and also continued to learn after discharge in both cognitive information and functional skills.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a Patient with Familial Derivative Chromosome 4

Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics. Jul, 1995  |  Pubmed ID: 7627946

Detection of Fetal Twins in Sheep Using a Radioimmunoassay for Pregnancy-specific Protein B

Journal of Animal Science. Apr, 1995  |  Pubmed ID: 7628973

Ovine pregnancy-specific protein B (oPSPB) was isolated from sheep placentas. Antiserum to oPSPB was developed in rabbits. A quantitative RIA was developed and used to assay the serum concentrations of oPSPB during and after pregnancy in ewes bearing single or twin fetuses. Suffolk and Panama ewes, kept with rams equipped with a marking harness, were checked daily for breeding marks as an indication of estrus and bled daily between 10 and 30 d after marking. Ovine PSPB became detectable at 19.7 +/- .14 (mean +/- SE) d after breeding and increased steadily to d 30. Panama oPSPB concentration increased at a greater rate than that of Suffolks (breed x day interaction, P < .01). Ten ewes were bled twice weekly 3 wk before their expected date of lambing and weekly for 7 wk postpartum. Serum concentrations differed considerably between prepartum ewes, but concentrations remained stable within the period of 20 d prepartum. Following parturition, oPSPB concentrations dropped rapidly. In nine ewes, oPSPB was last detectable at 12.78 +/- 2.26 (mean +/- SE) d postpartum. In the 10th ewe, oPSPB was .65 ng/mL at the last sample on d 46 postpartum. To determine the effect of fetal number on oPSPB concentrations, ewes in which estrus was synchronized were bled at d 18, 25, 38, 60, 90, and 120 after breeding. Ewes were killed at d 60, 90, 120, and 148 and fetal number determined. There was a significant (P < .01) difference in the log of oPSPB concentrations according to number of fetuses, day postbreeding, and the day x fetal number interaction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Purification and Identification of Two Distinct Isoforms of Rabbit Pancreatic Cholesterol Esterase

The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology. Apr, 1995  |  Pubmed ID: 7788563

Cholesterol esterase (CEases; E.C. 3.1.13) has been purified to homogeneity from rabbit pancreas. The method of purification consists of homogenization of total pancreas, high speed centrifugation, anion exchange column chromatography on S-Sepharose, size exclusion on Sephacryl followed by affinity chromatography on heparin agarose. During the purification procedure, two distinct isoforms of CEases have been identified. Both forms are similar in their molecular weights, bile salt requirement and pH optima but differ in their sensitivity to heparin. Isoform-I is resistant and isoform-II is sensitive to heparin. In the normal pancreas of the adult rabbit, the amount of each of the enzymes appears to be in equimolar concentrations. Physiological significance of the existence of heparin sensitive and resistant forms by the same tissue is unclear. In view of the significant role played by heparin in the modulation of CEase activity and several other physiological functions, these two isoforms may have different mechanisms of action on the hydrolysis of carboxyl esters of cholesterol and vitamins.

Prostaglandin F2 Alpha, Progesterone and Oxytocin Production by Cultured Bovine Luteal Cells Treated with Prostaglandin E2 and Pregnancy-specific Protein B

Prostaglandins. Sep, 1995  |  Pubmed ID: 8750210

The objectives of this experiment were to study the effects of pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on bovine luteal cell progesterone (P4), prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and oxytocin production. Corpora lutea were collected during the mid- (days 10-12; n = 5) or late-luteal (days 17-18; n = 5) stages of the estrous cycle. Luteal cells were dispersed and accessory cells removed. Luteal cells (1.5 x 10(5)) were incubated in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement and treated with PSPB (0, 2.5, or 5.0 micrograms) and PGE2 (0, 100, or 200 ng) in 500 microL of Ham's F-12 medium. All cells were incubated for 18 h before adding treatments. Samples were then collected at 6 h and 12 h. During the 18 h pretreatment period, P4, PGF2 alpha, and oxytocin production was similar between the prospective treatment groups. The PSPB failed to increase P4 production. The PGE2 x time interaction showed that P4 increased in response to PGE2 treatment at 6 h (P < 0.001) and 12 h (P < 0.03). Also, the stage x time interaction indicated that mid-stage cells produced more (P < .001) P4 than late-stage cells during the pretreatment period at 6 h and 12 h. The PSPB did not alter PGF2 alpha production by mid-stage cells, but increased (P < .05) PGF2 alpha by late-stage cells. Also, PGE2 stimulated (P < 0.001) PGF2 alpha secretion by both mid- and late-stage cells; luteal cells treated with 200 ng of PGE2 produced more (P < 0.001) PGF2 alpha than 100 ng of PGE2. Oxytocin secretion was not changed by treatment with PGE2 or PSPB. Oxytocin production was greater (P < 0.001) by mid-stage than late-stage cells during the pretreatment period at 6 h and 12 h. Oxytocin production was similar between the 6 h and 12 h culture times within stage of the cycle. These data indicate that PSPB does not change bovine luteal cell P4 or oxytocin production, but elevates PGF2 alpha in late-stage cells. The PGE2 increases both P4 and PGF2 alpha, but does not alter oxytocin production. Lastly, PSPB and PGE2 do not interact to promote P4 PGF2 alpha, or oxytocin production by cultured bovine luteal cells.

Subchronic Toxicity Evaluation of Sulfur Mustard in Rats

Journal of Applied Toxicology : JAT. Jan-Feb, 1996  |  Pubmed ID: 8821670

Occupational exposure criteria have not been established for sulfur mustard (bis(2-chlorethyl) sulfide), a strong alkylating agent with known mutagenic properties. Seventy-two Sprague-Dawley rats of each sex, 6-7 weeks old, were divided into six groups (12 of each sex per group) and gavaged with 0, 0.003, 0.01, 0.03, 0.1 or 0.3 mg kg-1 sulfur mustard in sesame oil for 5 days a week for 13 weeks. No dose-related mortality was observed. A significant decrease (P > 0.05) in body weight was observed in both sexes of rats only in the 0.3 mg kg-1 group. Hematological evaluations and clinical chemistry measurements found non consistent treatment-related effects at the doses studied. The only treatment-related lesion associated with gavage exposure upon histopathological evaluation was epithelial hyperplasia of the forestomach of both sexes at 0.3 mg kg-1 and of males at 0.1 mg kg-1. The hyperplastic change was minimal and characterized by cellular disorganization of the basilar layer, apparent increase in mitotic activity of the basilar epithelial cells and thickening of the epithelial layer due to the apparent increase in cellularity. The estimated no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for sulfur mustard in this 90-day study was 0.1 mg kg-1 day-1 when administered orally.

Two-generation Reproduction Study of Sulfur Mustard in Rats

Reproductive Toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.). Jul-Aug, 1996  |  Pubmed ID: 8829254

Comprehensive data are not available to evaluate the potential risk to reproduction from exposure to sulfur mustard (HD), [bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide]; thus, the reproductive effects of HD were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats. Groups, of rats (27 females and 20 males/group/generation) were gavaged with 0, 0.03, 0.1, or 0.4 mg/kg HD 5 d/week for 13 weeks prior to mating and throughout gestation, parturition, and lactation in a 42-week, 2-generation study. Growth of adult F1 rats of both sexes was reduced by the 0.4 mg/kg exposure. There were no significant effects on reproductive function or pregnancy outcome in either generation, except for an altered sex ratio in the 0.4 mg/kg group. Although not different at birth, growth of the 0.4 mg/kg F1 and F2 offspring was depressed during lactation. A dose-related lesion of the squamous epithelium of the forestomach was observed in adults of both sexes and both the F1 and F2 generation. For a given treatment, the incidence was approximately the same for each sex at each generation. When animals were pooled by sex and generation, approximately 70% (66 out of 94) of the low dose group had only mild microscopic lesions, 72% (68 out of 94) of the intermediate dose group had moderate lesions, and 81% (76 out of 94) of the high group had marked lesions. The lesion, acanthosis, was characterized by thickening of the squamous musoca with varying degrees of hyperkeratosis. Benign neoplasms of the forestomach were found in about 10% of the intermediate and high dose groups in both F0 and F1 generations. Based on these results, the No-Observable-Adverse-Effect-Level (NOAEL) is 0.1 mg/kg/d.

Effect of Histone-H2A (H-H2A), Platelet Activating Factor (PAF) and Pregnancy Specific Protein B (PSPB) on Secretion of Prostaglandins E and F2 Alpha (PGE; PGF2 Alpha) by Bovine Endometrium and H-H2A on Basal Secretion of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) by Bovine Pituitary Cells in Vitro

The Chinese Journal of Physiology. 1996  |  Pubmed ID: 8955561

Effects of H-H2A, PSPB or PAF on day 16 bovine endometrial secretion of PGE and PGF2 alpha and H-H2A on basal secretion of LH by bovine pituitary cells in vitro were examined in two experiments. PAF (P < or = 0.08) and H-H2a + PAF (P < or = 0.10) treatment for two hours in an in vitro perfusion system tended to increase secretion of PGF2 alpha expressed as a proportion of the prechallenge concentrations of PGF2 alpha by day 16 bovine caruncular endometrium, which occurred during the two-hour period after treatment removal. PGF2 alpha was increased (P < or = 0.02) in the two hour period after the treatment was removed in both control and H-H2A-treated endometrium. H-H2A (P < or = 0.07) and PSPB (P < or = 0.08) tended to increase PGE, while H-H2A + PSPB (P < or = 0.05) and H-H2A + PAF (P < or = 0.03) increased secretion of PGE expressed as a proportion of the prechallenge concentrations of PGE by day 16 bovine caruncular endometrium during the challenge and postchallenge treatment periods, but did not differ (P < or = 0.05) between the two-hour challenge period and the two-hour postchallenge period after removal of the treatment. In experiment two, H-H2A decreased (P < or = 0.05) basal secretion of LH by bovine pituitary cells in vitro. These data suggest that H-H2A and PSPB preferentially stimulate secretion of PGE by bovine endometrial tissue and may play a role in maternal recognition of pregnancy, while PAF increased PGF2 alpha secretion. In addition, H-H2A may play a role in regulating secretion of LH by the pituitary. Key words: Pregnancy Specific Protein B, Histone-H2A, Prostaglandin E and F2 alpha, Platelet Activating Factor, Endometrium, Cow.

Exposure to 60 Hz Magnetic Fields Does Not Alter Clinical Progression of LGL Leukemia in Fischer Rats

Carcinogenesis. Dec, 1996  |  Pubmed ID: 9006106

Associations between exposure to 60-Hz magnetic fields in residential and occupational environments and the incidence of leukemia and other cancers has been suggested by the results of a number of epidemiology studies. To address these potential associations, a study has been conducted to determine if 60-Hz magnetic fields can alter the clinical progression of leukemia. In the large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia model, spleen cells from aged leukemic rats were transplanted into young, male Fischer 344 rats, producing leukemia in a relatively short period. A total of 72 animals were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (18/group) as follows: (1) 10 G; (2) sham exposed (null energized field) (approximately 20 mG); (3) ambient controls (<1 mG); and (4) positive controls (5 Gy whole body irradiation from Cobalt-60, 4 days before initiation of exposure). At the initiation of exposure or sham-exposure, all rats were injected (i.p.) with 2.2x10(7) fresh, viable, LGL leukemia cells. The magnetic fields were activated for 20 h per day, 7 days per week; all exposure conditions were superimposed over the natural ambient magnetic field. Eighteen rats from each treatment were bled at weeks 0, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 to monitor, in the same set of animals, the clinical progression of the LGL disease and survival of the animals. Peripheral blood hematological changes were monitored to evaluate the progression of the leukemia. In general, no significant or consistent differences were detected between the magnetic field exposed and the ambient field control groups, although some inconsistent and random differences were occasionally observed. These data indicate that the 10 G magnetic fields did not significantly alter the clinical progression of LGL leukemia in Fischer 344 rats.

Dietary Induction of Pancreatic Cholesterol Esterase: a Regulatory Cycle for the Intestinal Absorption of Cholesterol

Biochemistry and Cell Biology = Biochimie Et Biologie Cellulaire. 1996  |  Pubmed ID: 9213435

Atherosclerosis has a strong dietary basis without a proven molecular mechanism for cholesterol absorption. To investigate the potential role of pancreas in this process and its interaction with the two dietary forms of cholesterol (free and esterified), we undertook to study the role of pancreatic cholesterol esterase in cholesterol absorption. The results showed that (i) cholesterol esters contribute a disproportionately high fraction of absorbed dietary cholesterol, (ii) rates of intestinal cholesterol absorption are related to pancreatic cholesterol esterase activity, (iii) mRNA specific for pancreatic cholesterol esterase is induced 15-fold by dietary sterol esters and 10-fold by free sterol, (iv) the induction of cholesterol esterase mRNA is reversible, and (v) free cholesterol transport into cultured human intestinal cells is enhanced 300% by pancreatic cholesterol esterase. These data implicate pancreatic cholesterol esterase as pivotal in a metabolic loop under positive feedback control for the absorption of dietary cholesterol, whether free or esterified.

Subchronic Toxicity Evaluation of Lewisite in Rats

Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Mar, 1996  |  Pubmed ID: 8600286

Health and exposure criteria have not been established for lewisite [dichloro(2-chlorovinyl)arsine], a potent toxic vesicant that reacts with the sulfhydryl groups of proteins through its arsenic group. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats of each sex, 6-7 wk old, were divided into 6 groups (10/group/sex) and gavaged with either 0, 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mg/kg of lewisite in sesame oil 5 d/wk for 13 wk. No significant dose-related change in body weight was observed. At the high dose, serum protein, creatinine, SGOT, and SGPT were decreased in males; lymphocytes and platelets were increased in females. A treatment-related lesion was detected in the forestomach of both sexes at 2.0 mg/kg. These lesions were characterized by necrosis of the stratified squamous epithelium accompanied by infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, proliferation of neocapillaries, hemorrhage, edema, and fibroblast proliferation. Mild acute inflammation of the glandular stomach was also observed in some cases at 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg. Early deaths were attributed to severe inflammation of the upper and/or lower respiratory tract, possibly from deposition or reflux of test material into the pharynx. Estimated dose range for NOEL appears to be >0.5 and <1.0 mg/kg when administered orally.

Bovine Luteal Cell Production in Vitro of Prostaglandin E2, Oxytocin and Progesterone in Response to Pregnancy-specific Protein B and Prostaglandin F2 Alpha

Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. May, 1996  |  Pubmed ID: 8699426

A study was conducted to determine the effects of pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) on bovine luteal cell progesterone, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and oxytocin production in vitro. Corpora lutea were enucleated from multiparous cows with normal oestrous cycles during the mid-luteal (days 10-12; n = 5) or late-luteal (days 17-18; n = 5) stage. Mixed large and small cells (1.5 x 10(5) cells per well) were incubated in 500 microliters modified Ham's F-12 medium. Cells were incubated for 18 h before treatments were added. Cells were treated with PSPB (0, 2.5, 5.0 micrograms) and PGF2 alpha (0, 100, 200 ng) in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement. After treatments were added, media samples were collected at 6 and 12 h. During the 18 h pretreatment incubation, progesterone, PGE2 and oxytocin production was similar between the prospective treatment groups. Progesterone production was greater (P < 0.001) by mid-stage than by late-stage cells. In addition, progesterone decreased (P < 0.001) as incubation time increased. Progesterone production was not affected by PGF2 alpha, but PSPB increased (P < 0.02) progesterone at the 5.0 micrograms dose. Late-stage luteal cells produced more (P < 0.001) PGE2 than did mid-stage cells; PGE2 production decreased (P < 0.001) with increased incubation time. Luteal PGE2 production increased in response to PSPB treatment (P < 0.01) and PGF2 alpha treatment (P < 0.001). Luteal oxytocin production was greater (P < 0.01) by mid-stage compared with late-stage cells. Oxytocin production decreased (P < 0.001) with incubation time in mid-stage cells, but in late-stage cells oxytocin production was similar over time. Neither PSPB nor PGF2 alpha had an effect on oxytocin. These results indicate that PSPB does not affect luteal oxytocin, but does increase progesterone and PGE2 production. In addition, PGF2 alpha increases luteal PGE2, but does not affect progesterone or oxytocin production. These data do not show an interaction between PSPB and PGF2 alpha in regulating bovine luteal cell endocrine function.

A Self-care Assessment Tool (SCAT) for Persons with a Spinal Cord Injury: an Expanded Abstract

Axone (Dartmouth, N.S.). Mar, 1996  |  Pubmed ID: 8715553

The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid tool that assesses the cognitive and functional skills needed for self-care in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The Self-Care Assessment Tool (SCAT) assesses cognitive and functional skills in eight self-care areas: bathing/grooming, nutritional management, medications, mobility/transfers/safety, skin management, bladder management, bowel management and dressing. The tool was carefully developed and has demonstrated content validity. Using two samples of veterans seen in the SCI clinics of two Southern Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, n = 13 and n = 15, interrater reliabilities computed by Pearson product moment correlations for the cognitive, functional and total scores ranged from .69 to .94. Test-retest reliabilities using Pearson product moment correlations for the cognitive, functional and total scores of two groups (n = 14 and n = 15) ranged from -.06 to .86. Regarding predictive validity, R2 was found to be .61 to .90 for the cognitive, functional and total scores. Although continued reliability and validity studies are needed, the SCAT has potential to measure patient rehabilitation outcomes, to evaluate nursing care approaches and to serve as a quality assurance indicator for nursing care.

Artificial Insemination, Hybridization and Pregnancy Detection in Sika Deer (Cervus Nippon )

Theriogenology. Oct, 1996  |  Pubmed ID: 16727942

Artificial insemination (AI) was performed on sika hinds (Cervus nippon ) receiving various dosages of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG; Year 1: 0, 50 and 100 IU; Year 2: 100 and 150 IU) and using semen collected from elk and 1 2 elk x 1 2 sika stags. The time from synchronization device removal (CIDR vs norgestomet) to estrus was determined through observations of mounting activity. Methods for pregnancy detection, serum progesterone (P4), estrone sulfate (E1S), pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) and ultrasonography, following AI (Year 1: AI, Days 28 and 48 after AI; Year 2: AI, Days 42, 53 and 100 after AI) and a 90-d natural breeding season were investigated. From available production data, body weights were compared among sika and 1 4 elk x 3 4 sika hybrids relative to age. Pregnancy rates tended (P < 0.10) to differ relative to PMSG treatment and sire; administration of 0 IU PMSG resulted in fewer hinds becoming pregnant to AI than 50 or 100 IU of PMSG. Hinds receiving 100 IU of PMSG had higher (P < 0.05) pregnancy rates than hinds receiving 150 IU PMSG. Time to standing estrus did not differ (P > 0.10) between the CIDR and norgestomet groups. Pregnancy rates 50 d after a 90-d breeding season were similar (P > 0.10) between ultrasound (70.9%) and PSPB (61.6%). Serum P4 after 90 d in breeding groups and 50 d after stag removal were higher (P < 0.05) for pregnant than open hinds. Pregnancy rates (Year 1) 48 d after AI were similar (P > 0.10) between ultrasound (49.0%) and PSPB (37.3%). Serum P4 28 and 48 d after AI were higher (P < 0.05) for pregnant than open hinds. Serum E1S was higher (P < 0.01) for pregnant than open hinds 48 d after AI. Pregnancy rates (Year 2) 100 d after AI did not differ (P > 0.10) between ultrasound and PSPB (66.7%). Serum P4 was higher (P < 0.03) in pregnant than open hinds at 42, 53 and 100 d after AI. At 100 d after AI, pregnant hinds had higher (P < 0.002) serum E1S than open hinds. At 6 to 8 and 11 to 13 mo of age, 1 4 elk x 3 4 sika males tended (P < 0.08) to be heavier than sika males, while 1 4 elk x 3 4 sika females were heavier (P < 0.05) than sika females at all ages. In summary, this study documents the use of AI and methods for pregnancy detection in sika hinds as well as preliminary information regarding the production of elk-x-sika hybrids.

Effect of Forage:concentrate Ratio on Digestion and Reproduction in Primiparous Beef Heifers

Journal of Animal Science. Jul, 1997  |  Pubmed ID: 9222825

We evaluated the effects of high- (HF) and moderate- (MF) forage diets on digestive and reproductive characteristics in beef heifers. Thirty primiparous beef heifers were allotted by weight and backfat thickness to receive either 80:20 (HF) or 50: 50 (MF) forage:concentrate ratio diets from parturition to at least 90 d postpartum. Alfalfa hay and wheat straw were the forage sources and barley was the concentrate source. Equal daily amounts of ME were provided to all heifers by restricting intake of the MF diet. Digestibility of DM was greater (P < .001) for MF compared with HF diets, whereas NDF digestibility was not different. Dry matter and NDF digested daily was lower (P < .001) for MF than for HF diets. Ruminal fluid pH was lower (P < .05) for MF diets; however, the acetate:propionate ratio was not different. Serum insulin concentrations were greater for MF diets for all hours (P < .001) and weeks (P < .05) of sampling. Changes in weight, backfat thickness, and body condition score at 90 d postpartum were not different between treatments. Calf gain to 30 d, however, was greater (P < .10) for the MF than for the HF treatment (25.5 vs 20.7 kg). Maximum size of the ovulatory follicle was greater (P < .10) for cows receiving the HF diet than for cows receiving the MF diet. However, other aspects of ovarian follicular growth and wave dynamics and the intervals from parturition to first and second ovulation, first estrus, first service, and conception were not different between treatments. Shifts in energy supply from forage to concentrate had minimal effect on digestion and reproduction in first-calf beef heifers in this study.

PGE1 or PGE2 Not LH Regulates Secretion of Progesterone in Vitro by the 88-90 Day Ovine Corpus Luteum of Pregnancy

Prostaglandins. May, 1997  |  Pubmed ID: 9247973

Secretion of progesterone in vitro by mature day 8 ovine corpora lutea (CL) of the estrous cycle was increased linearly by ovine LH (1, 10 and 100 ng/ml) or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) 1, 10 and 100 ng/ml) in a dose dependent manner (P < or = 0.05). Progesterone secretion in vitro by 88-90 day ovine CL of pregnancy was not affected P > or = 0.05 by LH (1, 10 and 100 ng/ml) while prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) 1, 10 and 100 ng/ml) increased (P < or = 0.05) secretion of progesterone in a dose dependent manner and PGE2 (1, 10 and 100 ng/ml) increased (P < or = 0.05) secretion of progesterone only at the 100 ng/ml dose. Day 8 ovine CL of the estrous cycle did not secrete (P > or = 0.05) detectable quantities of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) or prostaglandin E (PGE) while 88-90 day ovine CL of pregnancy secrete PGE (P < or = 0.05) but not PGF2 alpha (P > or = 0.05). Regulation of PGE secretion by 88-90 day ovine CL of pregnancy may be via pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB), which increased (P < or = 0.05) PGE and progesterone but not PGF2 alpha (P > or = 0.05) secretion. Secretion of progesterone by CL of 88-90 days of pregnancy was not affected by IGF1, IGF2, PAF-16, PAF-18, oxytocin, PGI2, PGD2 or leukotriene C4 (P > or = 0.05). It is concluded that PGE1 or PGE2 but not LH regulates secretion of progesterone in vitro by 88-90 day ovine CL of pregnancy. In addition, it is concluded that 88-90 day ovine CL of pregnancy secretes it's own luteotropin, which is PGE. Secretion of PGE by ovine CL of pregnancy may be regulated by PSPB.

Identification of 5' Flanking Sequences That Affect Human Pancreatic Cholesterol Esterase Gene Expression

Biochemistry and Cell Biology = Biochimie Et Biologie Cellulaire. 1997  |  Pubmed ID: 9404644

Pancreatic cholesterol esterase (CEL) is shown to play a significant role in cholesterol metabolism. As the hydrolytic property of CEL is important for transport of lipid esters, the extent of its expression is an important factor in the metabolism of lipids. Therefore, to identify the elements that modulate the transcription of its mRNA, we obtained several cosmid clones carrying the CEL gene. From one of these cosmid clones a 6.5-kb SmaI fragment that hybridizes to the 5' untranslated region of CEL cDNA was subcloned. Primer extension and S1 protection assays revealed that the 5' untranslated region is relatively short (only 20 nucleotides long). An analysis of the 5' flanking sequence revealed typical TATA and CCAAT boxes that impart tissue specificity. Further, consensus sequences of several cis elements described earlier could also be detected in this region. To identify the promoter sequences, various deletion constructs of the 5' region were made using polymerase chain reaction. These constructs were subcloned into a bacterial plasmid vector carrying chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) as the reporter gene and transfected into HepG-2 cells. CAT activity in the cell homogenate of the transfected cells was measured 48 h after transfection. Results showed that the promoter activity of human pancreatic CEL mRNA is in a large segment of 5' flanking sequences spanning the -10 and -930 nucleotides of its gene.

Norgestomet Implants Prevent Pregnancy in Beef Heifers on Pasture

Journal of Animal Science. Dec, 1997  |  Pubmed ID: 9419980

The efficacy of erodible norgestomet implants for preventing pregnancy in postpubertal heifers was evaluated in two experiments at five locations each. Heifers (n = 896) within each study location were stratified by weight and allotted randomly to receive an ear implant containing either 0, 24, 36, or 48 mg of norgestomet (d 0). Heifers were exposed to fertile bulls immediately after implantation for 75 d (d 0 to 74) in Exp. 1 (n = 476) or for 80 d (d 75 to 154) in Exp. 2 (n = 420). Weights were recorded on d 0 and 74 (Exp. 1 and 2) and d 154 (Exp. 2). Each heifer was palpated rectally for pregnancy at the end of each experiment. Pregnancy rates were higher (P < .01) for control heifers (0 mg implant) than for heifers that received 24, 36, or 48 mg of norgestomet. In Exp. 1, pregnancy rates were 96, 29, 6, and 4% for heifers that received 0, 24, 36, and 48 mg implants of norgestomet, respectively. In Exp. 2, pregnancy rates were 85, 36, 19, and 9% for heifers that received 0, 24, 36, and 48 mg implants of norgestomet, respectively. Estrous activity during the first 3 wk of bull exposure was reduced (P < .05) among heifers that received norgestomet implants compared to control heifers but was not completely abolished at any dosage in Exp. 1. During the first 75 d of Exp. 1 and 2, heifers treated with 36 or 48 mg norgestomet implants gained weight faster (P < .05) than control heifers. Combined across both experiments, ADG during the first 74 d were .53, .56, .59, and .60 kg/d for heifers treated with 0, 24, 36, and 48 mg implants of norgestomet, respectively. These data indicate that norgestomet implants increased rate of weight gain, reduced estrous activity, and reduced the occurrence of pregnancy in heifers on pasture.

50 Years of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery at the Southwestern Surgical Congress: from Tuberculosis to the Artificial Heart

American Journal of Surgery. Mar, 1998  |  Pubmed ID: 9558055

Qualitative Versus Quantitative Assessment of Cerebrovascular Reserves

Neurosurgery. May, 1998  |  Pubmed ID: 9588544

Quantitative studies of cerebral blood flow (CBF) combined with a vasodilatory challenge have defined a subgroup of patients with symptomatic carotid occlusion who have an increased risk for stroke. These are patients whose CBF paradoxically decreases in response to a vasodilatory challenge. Recent reports suggest that qualitative CBF techniques, such as single photon emission tomography with 99m-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime, can also define the same high-risk subgroup. To determine whether qualitative measures of CBF are sufficient for predicting the risk of stroke, we converted our quantitative CBF data, obtained with xenon-enhanced computed tomography (Xe/CT), to qualitative ratios in a manner similar to that used with single photon emission tomography data.

Osmotic Stress in Viable Escherichia Coli As the Basis for the Antibiotic Response by Polymyxin B

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. May, 1998  |  Pubmed ID: 9618261

Cationic antimicrobial peptides, such as polymyxin B (PxB), below growth inhibitory concentration induce expression of osmY gene in viable E. coli without leakage of solutes and protons. osmY expression is also a locus of hyperosmotic stress response induced by common food preservatives, such as hypertonic NaCl or sucrose. High selectivity of PxB against Gram-negative organisms and the basis for the hyperosmotic stress response at sublethal PxB concentrations is attributed to PxB-induced mixing of anionic phospholipid between the outer layer of the cytoplasmic membrane with phospholipids in the inner layer of the outer membrane. This explanation is supported by PxB-mediated rapid and direct exchange of anionic phospholipid between vesicles. This mechanism is consistent with the observation that genetically stable resistance against PxB could not be induced by mutagenesis.

Effects of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), PGE2, 8-Epi-PGE1, 8-Epi-PGF2 Alpha, Trichosanthin and Pregnancy Specific Protein B (PSPB) on Secretion of Prostaglandin (PG) E (PGE) or F2 Alpha (PGF2 Alpha) in Vitro by Corpora Lutea (CL) from Nonpregnant and Pregnant Cows

Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators. Apr, 1998  |  Pubmed ID: 9653773

Both Day 14 corpora lutea (CL) of the estrous cycle and Day 200 CL of pregnancy secrete detectable prostaglandin E (PGE) and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) in vitro. Corpora lutea from Day 200 pregnant cows secrete more PGE and PGF alpha in vitro than Day 14 CL of the estrous cycle when incubated in control medium without treatments (p < or = 0.05). In addition, secretion of both PGE and PGF2 alpha in vitro by both Day 200 CL of pregnancy and Day 14 of the estrous cycle increase (p < or = 0.05) with time in culture in the absence of treatments. The PGE:PGF2 alpha ratio secreted at 4 h in the absence of treatments by Day 14 CL of the estrous cycle was 1.2 and at 8 h was 1.0 and did not differ (p > or = 0.05), while the PGE:PGF2 alpha ratio secreted by 200 day CL of pregnancy in the absence of treatments at 4 h was 0.8 and at 8 h decreased (p < or = 0.05) to 0.4. The PGE:PGF2 alpha ratio at 8 h by 200 day CL of pregnancy was lower (p < or = 0.05) than in the Day 14 CL of the estrous cycle at 4 or 8 h. Secretion of PGE or PGF2 alpha was affected by luteinizing hormone, PGE2, 8-Epi-PGE1, 8-Epi-PGE2, trichosanthin, and pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB) and was time and dose dependent (p < or = 0.05). In summary, the altered ratio of PGE:PGF2 alpha may explain the decreased secretion of progesterone at 8 h by Day 200 CL of pregnancy reported previously from the same samples. In addition, caution should be exercised in interpretation of progesterone secretion data with bovine CL studies in vitro. Also, PSPB may play an indirect role through PGE to regulate bovine luteal secretion of progesterone.

Effect of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), PGE2, 8-EPI-PGE1, 8-EPI-PGE2, Trichosanthin, and Pregnancy Specific Protein B (PSPB) on Secretion of Progesterone in Vitro by Corpora Lutea (CL) from Nonpregnant and Pregnant Cows

Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators. Jan, 1998  |  Pubmed ID: 9661216

Secretion of progesterone by Day 14 bovine corpora lutea (CL) of the estrous cycle and Day 200 CL of pregnancy was evaluated in vitro to determine what regulates secretion of progesterone by CL of pregnancy. Weights of Day 200 CL of pregnancy (4356 +/- 223 g) were heavier when compared to Day 14 CL of the estrous cycle of Brahman cows (3643 +/- 128 g; p < or = 0.05); however, both Day 14 and Day 200 minced CL slices secreted similar basal amounts of progesterone per unit mass (p > or = 0.05). Secretion of progesterone in vitro by Day 14 CL of the estrous cycle was increased at 4 and 8 h (p < or = 0.05) by 10 or 100 ng/mL luteinizing hormone (LH) and did not differ between doses (p > or = 0.05). Progesterone secretion in vitro by Day 200 CL of pregnancy was not increased (p > or = 0.05) by LH at 4 or 8 h. However, progesterone secretion in vitro by Day 14 CL of the estrous cycle or Day 200 CL of pregnancy was increased (p < or = 0.05) at 4 h by 10 or 100 ng/mL PGE2, which did not differ by dose or reproductive status (p > or = 0.05). At 8 h, Day 14 CL of the estrous cycle secretion of progesterone in vitro was increased (p < or = 0.05) by both doses of PGE2 but only at 8 h by 100 ng/mL from Day 200 CL of pregnancy (p < or = 0.05). Secretion of progesterone in vitro was not affected (p > or = 0.05) by 10 or 100 ng/mL 8-Epi-PGE1 or 8-Epi-PGE2 at 4 or 8 h from Day 14 CL of the estrous cycle or Day 200 of pregnancy. Trichosanthin increased (p < or = 0.05) secretion of progesterone in vitro by 10 ng/mL at 4 h and at 8 h by Day 14 CL of the estrous cycle or at 8 h by Day 200 CL of pregnancy but trichosanthin at 100 ng/mL did not affect (p > or = 0.05) secretion of progesterone in vitro by Day 14 CL of the estrous cycle or Day 200 CL of pregnancy at 4 or 8 h. Pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB) increased (p < or = 0.05) secretion of progesterone in vitro at 4 and 8 h by Day 14 CL of the estrous cycle and did not differ between incubation times (p > or = 0.05). PSPB increased secretion of progesterone at 4 h but not at 8 h (p > or = 0.05) by Day 200 CL of pregnancy. These data suggest that PGE2 or PSPB but not LH, 8-Epi-PGE1 or 8-Epi-PGE2 regulates luteal secretion of progesterone by bovine CL at mid-pregnancy. In addition, it is suggested that weights of bovine CL of pregnancy increase to compensate for a lack of placental secretion of progesterone.

Morphologic, Endocrine and Thermographic Measurements of Testicles in Comparison with Semen Characteristics in Mature Holstein-Friesian Breeding Bulls

Animal Reproduction Science. May, 1998  |  Pubmed ID: 9675403

Twenty Holstein-Friesian breeding bulls (62-79 months of age) were examined 3 times, at 30-day intervals. Scrotal thermograms for assessment of scrotal surface temperature (SST) and blood samples for plasma testosterone concentrations were taken just before and then 45 and 90 min, respectively, after treatment with GnRH (50 micrograms, Gonavet, i.m. per bull). Following GnRH treatment, there generally were significant increases in mean values of both top SST (range, -0.1 to 1.4 degrees C) and bottom SST (range, 0.3 to 1.8 degrees C). Scrotal circumference was highly repeatable but SST and video-measurements of scrotal dimensions were less repeatable, because apparently they were affected by ambient temperature. Plasma testosterone concentrations before GnRH treatment were more repeatable than those after GnRH treatment. Correlations between examinations of 0.67 to 0.81 and -0.14 to 0.47, respectively, but the converse was true for SST measurements. Semen was collected with an artificial vagina 3 times per week for 12 weeks starting 2 weeks before the first examination. The total number of spermatozoa per ejaculate was highly repeatable and the percentage of motile and live spermatozoa were relatively consistent. Separate regressions for each variable and for each examination were conducted for these 3 semen characteristics as dependent variables. For the number of spermatozoa per ejaculate and for the percentage of motile spermatozoa, significant independent variables were plasma testosterone concentrations and difference between top and bottom SST, respectively. The slopes of these equations were nearly all negative and the R2 was from 0.15 to 0.42. For prediction of the percentage of live spermatozoa, both SST gradient and plasma testosterone concentrations were significant independent variables. For these regressions, the slopes were negative and the regression coefficients were generally lower than for the other 2 dependent variables (range, 0.16 to 0.25). Treatment with GnRH and assessment of SST and plasma testosterone concentrations have some correlation with the semen production in the mature bull.

Lack of a Co-promoting Effect of a 60 Hz Magnetic Field on Skin Tumorigenesis in SENCAR Mice

Carcinogenesis. Sep, 1998  |  Pubmed ID: 9771933

It has been proposed that extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields may enhance tumorigenesis through a co-promotional mechanism. This hypothesis has been further tested using the two-stage model of mouse skin carcinogenesis, i.e. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced promotion of skin tumors in mice initiated by a single subcarcinogenic dose of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. Experimentation described herein utilized the SENCAR mouse and examined the effect of a magnetic field on skin tumor promotion induced by three different doses of TPA within its dose-response range, i.e. 0.85, 1.70 or 3.40 nmol, administered twice per week. SENCAR mice (56/treatment group) were exposed to a 60 Hz magnetic field having a flux density of 2 mT for 6 h/day for 5 days/week and compared with mice exposed to the ambient magnetic field. Tumor incidence and multiplicity were monitored weekly for 23 weeks of TPA promotion. Statistical evaluation of the effects of the magnetic field on tumor incidence and multiplicity did not reveal any statistically significant effects; thus, within the sensitivity limits imposed by the animal model and the exposure parameters employed, no promotional or co-promotional effect of a 2 mT magnetic field on skin tumor development in SENCAR mice could be demonstrated.

Early Pregnancy Detection and the Hormonal Characterization of Embryonic-fetal Mortality in Fallow Deer (Dama Dama)

Theriogenology. Mar, 1998  |  Pubmed ID: 10732094

The objectives of this investigation were to 1) determine serum concentrations of progesterone (P4), estrone sulfate (E1S) and pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) from estrus synchronization through mid-gestation in the fallow doe (Dama dama) and 2) characterize the hormonal profiles of does whose embryos or fetuses died in utero. Ten fallow does were synchronized for 14 d with an intravaginal P4-releasing device (CIDR) and were naturally mated after CIDR removal. Blood samples were collected at CIDR insertion, CIDR removal and at intervals through Day 203 post-CIDR removal for analysis of P4, E1S and PSPB by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Ultrasonography was performed on Days 49 and 69 post-CIDR removal. Serum P4 at the time of CIDR insertion was 4.8 +/- 0.6 ng/ml, and at CIDR withdrawal it was 6.2 +/- 0.3 ng/ml. Concentrations of E1S and PSPB were nondetectable at CIDR insertion. Serum E1S was highest at Day 93, and PSPB was first detectable in pregnant does at Days 27 to 30 post-CIDR withdrawal. Ultrasonography on Day 49 revealed that 6 does were pregnant, 2 were not pregnant and 2 others were diagnosed originally as early pregnant. At Day 69, ultrasonography revealed that 6 does (60%) were pregnant and 4 (40%) were not. A comparison of the ultrasonographic and hormonal data indicated that the 2 does diagnosed as early pregnant on Day 49 had conceived but had lost the pregnancy. A third doe which was pregnant on Day 69 lost the fetus later in gestation. Hormonal profiles of does whose embryo or fetus had died were characterized by erratic P4 and E1S profiles, with PSPB becoming undetectable in the 3 does by Days 49, 65 and 80 post-CIDR removal. These data 1) demonstrate the timing for the collection of serum samples for determining early pregnancy in fallow does using 3 hormonal methods and 2) characterize the hormonal profiles of 3 fallow does with embryonic-fetal loss.

Comparison of Ultrasonography, Bovine Pregnancy-specific Protein B, and Bovine Pregnancy-associated Glycoprotein 1 Tests for Pregnancy Detection in Dairy Cows

Theriogenology. Jul, 1998  |  Pubmed ID: 10734476

At Days 26 to 58 after AI, 138 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were repeatedly examined by ultrasonography, using a 7.5 MHz linear-array rectal transducer. The total calving rate was 37.6% (52/138), and late embryonic mortality occurred 8.6% of the cows (12/138). On the days of ultrasound scanning, blood samples were drawn from the jugular vein for measuring the concentration of bovine pregnancy-specific protein B (bPSPB) and bovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein 1 (bPAG 1). When compared with calving results, there were no significant differences in accurate diagnosis of pregnant cows were found between the 3 methods. However, when recognition of an embryo proper with a beating heart was used as the criterion for positive ultrasonographic diagnosis significantly fewer (P < 0.001) pregnant cows were correctly identified than by the other 2 tests. When compared with the noncalving cows, significantly fewer (P < 0.001) false positive diagnoses were made by the 2 ultrasonographic tests than by the PSPB and bPAG 1 tests, while significantly fewer (P < 0.001) false positive diagnoses were made by the bPSPB test than by the bPAG 1 test. The accuracy of detecting nonpregnant animals by both protein tests was limited by the relatively long half-life of these proteins after calving and by early embryonic mortality.

Endocrine and Thermal Responses to GnRH Treatment and Prediction of Sperm Output and Viability in Holstein-Friesian Breeding Bulls

Theriogenology. Jul, 1998  |  Pubmed ID: 10734484

A study was conducted to determine changes in serum LH and testosterone concentrations and in scrotal surface temperature (SST; measured with infrared thermography) following GnRH treatment and to predict the number of spermatozoa collected and the proportion that were viable. Holstein-Friesian breeding bulls (n = 22, average age, 24.3 m.o.; range, 15 to 41 m.o.) were examined twice 30 d apart. Concurrently, semen was collected twice weekly with an artificial vagina. Treatment with GnRH (100 micrograms, i.m.) increased (P < 0.0001) serum LH and testosterone concentrations and increased (P < 0.0001) SST (range 0.6 to 1.1 degrees C; P < 0.05) at the top and bottom of the scrotum. In regression models to predict the total number of spermatozoa, significant independent variables included ultrasonic echotexture of the testes (negative slope), scrotal width (positive slope) and SST at the bottom of the scrotum 45 min after GnRH treatment (positive slope). In regression models to predict the percentage of live spermatozoa, ultrasonic echotexture was a significant independent variable (negative slope). Measurement of testicular ultrasonic echotexture and SST after GnRH treatment augmented measurement of testicular size for predicting the number and percentage of live spermatozoa.

Computer Analysis of Video and Ultrasonographic Images for Evaluation of Bull Testes

Theriogenology. Jul, 1998  |  Pubmed ID: 10734489

The objectives of this study were to determine relationships between scrotal size (SC; estimated from a video image) and testicular size, and between ultrasonographic echotexture of the testis and seminiferous tubule area in bulls. Video images of the scrotum of 49 Holstein-Friesian (H-F) bulls were recorded and digitized. Scrotal width and length were measured with custom software. After slaughter, scrotums (containing testes) were excised, SC and testicular height, width and volume were measured, and the testes were examined ultrasonographically. Correlations between SC and testicular width or volume (r = 0.86, P < 0.001 and r = 0.84, P < 0.001, respectively) were much higher than those between scrotal width and testicular width or volume (r = 0.23, P < 0.11 and r = 0.28, P < 0.06). Histological examination of the testes was performed in 31 of the bulls. Ultrasonographic echotexture of the testes (determined with custom software) was highly correlated (r = -0.5, P < 0.005) with seminiferous tubule area. Although SC was superior to video imaging for estimating testicular size, ultrasonographic imaging of the testes has considerable potential for the evaluation of testicular function in bulls.

Medical Self-managing--the Hospital Librarian's Role

Medical Reference Services Quarterly. 1998  |  Pubmed ID: 10621390

Pregnancy-specific Protein B Induces Release of an Alpha Chemokine in Bovine Endometrium

Endocrinology. Jan, 1999  |  Pubmed ID: 9886868

Pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB), is secreted from binucleate trophoblast of the bovine conceptus as early as day 15 of pregnancy. The objective of this experiment was to determine if PSPB induced uterine proteins. PSPB was purified from day 120 cotyledons using antibody-based affinity chromatography. Endometrium from day 14 nonpregnant cows (n = 3) was prepared for explant (3H-Leu added) culture. Radiolabeled proteins released into medium were dialyzed, separated using 1D-PAGE, and detected using fluorography and densitometry. PSPB (0, 0.5, 5, 25 & 50 nM) caused a concentration-dependent increase in the release of a radiolabeled 8-kDa uterine protein. Western blots revealed that the 8-kDa protein cross-reacted with antibody against granulocyte chemotactic protein-2 (GCP-2). PSPB also induced release of GCP-2 by bovine endometrial (BEND) cells in primary culture. The induction of GCP-2 by PSPB was blocked by addition of antiserum against PSPB (1:4 molar ratio). This is the first indication that PSPB has a hormonal role in inducing GCP-2, an alpha chemokine that also is induced by interferon-tau during early pregnancy. This chemotactic cytokine may be integral to mediating adhesion, inflammation and angiogenesis associated with early implantation.

Clinical Progression of Transplanted Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia in Fischer 344 Rats Exposed to 60 Hz Magnetic Fields

Bioelectromagnetics. 1999  |  Pubmed ID: 9915593

The purpose of this study was to determine if 60 Hz magnetic fields can alter the clinical progression of leukemia in an animal model. Large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia cells from spleens of leukemic rats were transplanted into young male Fischer 344 rats, producing signs of leukemia in approximately 2-3 months. The animals were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups (108/group) as follows: 1) 10 G (1.0 mT) linearly polarized 60 Hz magnetic fields, 2) sham exposed [null energized unit with residual 20 mG (2 microT) fields], 3) ambient controls [<1 mG (0.1 [microT)], and 4) positive controls (a single 5 Gy whole body exposure to 60Co 4 days prior to initiation of exposure). All rats were injected intraperitoneally (ip) with 2.2 x 10(7) LGL leukemic cells at the initiation of exposure or sham exposure. The magnetic fields were activated for 20 h/day, 7 days/week, allowing time for animal care. The experimental fields were in addition to natural ambient magnetic fields. Eighteen rats from each treatment group were bled, killed, and evaluated at 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11 weeks of exposure. Peripheral blood hematological endpoints, changes in spleen growth, and LGL cell infiltration into the spleen and liver were measured to evaluate the leukemia progression. No significant or consistent differences were detected between the magnetic field exposed groups and the ambient control group, although the clinical progress of leukemia was enhanced in the positive control animals. These data indicate that exposure to sinusoidal, linearly polarized 60 Hz, 10 G magnetic fields did not significantly alter the clinical progression of LGL leukemia. Furthermore, the data are in general agreement with previous results of a companion repeated-bleeding study in which animals were exposed for 18 weeks.

Pregnancy Detection and the Effects of Age, Body Weight, and Previous Reproductive Performance on Pregnancy Status and Weaning Rates of Farmed Fallow Deer (Dama Dama)

Journal of Animal Science. Jan, 1999  |  Pubmed ID: 10064025

Fallow does (n = 502) of different ages (mature, 2-yr-old, and yearling) were maintained with bucks for a 60-d breeding season to determine whether previous reproductive performance and changes in BW affect doe pregnancy rates and to compare the effectiveness of ultrasonography and serum pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) for the detection of pregnancy in fallow does. Ultrasonography was performed, blood samples collected, and BW recorded at buck removal (d 0) and at 30 and 90 d after buck removal. Lactational status (lactating = WET; nonlactating = DRY) were determined from farm records taken at weaning prior to each breeding season (autumn 1990 through autumn 1994). Ultrasonography and PSPB for determining pregnancy were in agreement 93% of the time. Overall pregnancy rates did not differ (P>.10) relative to age of the doe; the combined pregnancy rate was 92%. We also determined that 82.9% of does conceived early in the breeding season and that the incidence of embryonal-fetal mortality during the first 90 d after buck removal was 2.8%. In general, mature and 2-yr-old DRY does were heavier and had lower pregnancy rates than WET does. The overall weaning rate for all does was 77.9%. Loss in the number of fawns from pregnancy detection to weaning was equivalent to 14.8% for mature does, 24.7% for 2 yr old does, and 42.5% for yearling does. These data indicate that even though pregnancy rates were relatively high, further study is needed to determine the causes associated with subsequent fawn losses, particularly among yearling does. As a production tool, lactational WET/ DRY status testing was found to be an acceptable means for determining the reproductive potential of individual does within the herd. In addition, serum PSPB may be used in place of ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis in fallow deer as early as d 30 after buck removal.

Lack of Effect of a 60 Hz Magnetic Field on Biomarkers of Tumor Promotion in the Skin of SENCAR Mice

Carcinogenesis. Apr, 1999  |  Pubmed ID: 10223200

It has been proposed that extremely low frequency magnetic fields may enhance tumorigenesis through a co-promotional mechanism. This hypothesis has been further tested using the two-stage model of mouse skin carcinogenesis, i.e. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced promotion of skin carcinogenesis in mice initiated by a single subcarcinogenic dose of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene. Experimentation utilized three different doses of TPA within its dose-response range (0.85, 1.70 or 3.40 nmol) and examined the following early biomarkers of tumor promotion after 1, 2 and 5 weeks of promotion: increases in epidermal thickness and the labeling index of epidermal cells, induction of epidermal ornithine decarboxylase activity and down-regulation of epidermal protein kinase C activity. Mice exposed to a 60 Hz magnetic field having a flux density of 2 mT for 6 h/day for 5 days/week were compared with mice exposed to an ambient magnetic field. Within the sensitivity limits of the biomarker methodology and the exposure parameters employed, no consistent, statistically significant effects indicative of promotion or co-promotion by the magnetic field were demonstrated.

Effects of 60 Hz Magnetic Field Exposure on the Pineal and Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal Axis in the Siberian Hamster (Phodopus Sungorus)

Bioelectromagnetics. 1999  |  Pubmed ID: 10230936

Experiments using the dwarf Siberian hamster Phodopus sungorus were carried out to determine possible neuroendocrine consequences of one-time and repeated exposures to 60 Hz magnetic fields (MF). Animals were maintained in either a short-light (SL, 8 h light:16 h dark) or long-light (LL, 16 h light:8 h dark) photoperiod. Acute (one-time, 15 min) exposure of male SL animals to a linearly polarized, horizontally oriented, 60 Hz MF (0.1 mT) gave rise to a statistically significant (P < .005) reduction in pineal melatonin content as determined 3 and 5 h after onset of darkness. In LL animals, acute exposure to 0.10 mT resulted in a significant decrease in pineal melatonin as measured 4 h after onset of darkness, whereas acute exposure to 50 microT showed no effect compared with sham exposure. In SL animals, an increase in norepinephrine was observed in the medial basal hypothalamus (including the suprachiasmatic nucleus) after acute exposure (P < .01). Daily MF exposure of SL animals to a combination of steady-state and on/off 60 Hz magnetic fields (intermittent exposure) at 0.1 mT for 1 h per day for 16 days was associated with a reduction in melatonin concentrations at 4 h after onset of darkness and an increase in blood prolactin concentrations (P < .05). Exposure of SL animals to a steady state 60 Hz MF for 3 h/day for 42 days resulted in a statistically significant reduction in body weight (ANOVA: P > .05), compared with sham-exposed SL animals. At 42 days, however, no significant changes in overnight melatonin or prolactin levels were detected. In both repeated exposure experiments, gonadal weights were lowest in the MF-exposed groups. This difference was statistically significant (P < .05) after 42 days of exposure. These data indicate that both one-time and repeated exposure to a 0.1 mT, 60 Hz MF can give rise to neuroendocrine responses in Phodopus.

Effect of 26 Week Magnetic Field Exposures in a DMBA Initiation-promotion Mammary Gland Model in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Carcinogenesis. May, 1999  |  Pubmed ID: 10334209

Several studies have suggested that exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields promote chemically induced breast cancer in rats. Groups of 100 female Sprague-Dawley rats were initiated with a single 10 mg gavage dose of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) at 50 days of age followed by exposure to ambient fields (sham exposed), 50 Hz magnetic fields at either 1 or 5 Gauss (G) field intensity or 60 Hz fields at 1 G for 18.5 h/day, 7 days/week for 26 weeks. A vehicle control group without DMBA was included. Rats were palpated weekly for the presence of tumors. There was no effect of magnetic field exposure on body weight gains or the time of appearance of mammary tumors. At the end of 26 weeks, the animals were killed and the mammary tumors counted and measured. Mammary gland masses found grossly were examined histologically. The mammary gland carcinoma incidence was 96, 90, 95 and 85% (P < 0.05, decrease) for the DMBA controls, 1 G 50 Hz, 5 G 50 Hz and 1 G 60 Hz groups, respectively. The total numbers of carcinomas were 649, 494 (P < 0.05, decrease), 547 and 433 (P < 0.05, decrease) for the DMBA controls, 1 G 50 Hz, 5 G 50 Hz and 1 G 60 Hz groups, respectively. The number of fibroadenomas varied from 276 to 319, with the lowest number in the 1 G 60 Hz exposure group. Measurement of the tumors revealed no difference in tumor size between groups. In this breast cancer initiation-promotion study in female Sprague-Dawley rats, there was no evidence that 50 or 60 Hz magnetic fields promoted breast cancer under the conditions of this assay. This study does not support the hypothesis that magnetic field exposure can promote breast cancer in this rat model.

PGE2 Induces Its Own Secretion in Vitro by Bovine 270-day Placenta but Not by 200-day Placenta

Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators. Jun, 1999  |  Pubmed ID: 10402214

Two separate experiments were conducted to determine whether prostaglandin (PG) E2 stimulates the secretion of progesterone by 270- or 200-day Brahman placentas in vitro. Secretion of progesterone, PGF2alpha, pregnancy specific protein B, or estradiol-17beta by 270-day Brahman placentas was not affected (p > or = 0.05) by PGE2, during the 4-h incubation period at the doses tested. Indomethacin or meclofenamic acid decreased (p < or = 0.05) 270-day Brahman placental secretion of PGE and PGF2alpha by 98 and 60%, respectively. However, PGE2 induced (p < or = 0.05) its own secretion, but not the secretion of PGF2alpha (p > or = 0.05), by 270-day Brahman placentas, even in the presence of indomethacin or meclofenamic acid at a dose of 100 ng/mL. Also, secretion of 8-Epi-PGE2 by Day 270 Brahman placentas was increased (p < or = 0.05) by PGE2. Secretion of progesterone, estradiol-17beta, or pregnancy specific protein B by 200-day Brahman placentas was not affected by PGE2, 8-Epi-PGE2, PGF2alpha, estradiol-17beta, or trichosanthin during the 4- or 8-h incubation period (p > or = 0.05). Secretion of estradiol-17beta at 8 h was lower (p < or = 0.05) in all treatment groups and did not differ (p > or = 0.05) among the 8-h incubation treatment groups. Secretion of PGE by 200-day Brahman placentas was reduced (p < 0.05) by indomethacin 72 and 82% and by meclofenamic acid 72 and 96%, respectively, at 4 and 8 h when compared to controls. Secretion of PGF2alpha was reduced (p < or = 0.05) 71 and 86% by indomethacin or 89 and 89% by meclofenamic acid at 4 and 8 h, respectively, and did not differ (p > or = 0.05) between 4 and 8 h of incubation. PGE2 did not (p > or = 0.05) induce secretion of PGE above what was added in any treatment group. PGE in culture media was increased (p < or = 0.05) by 8-Epi-PGE2, pregnancy specific protein B, and the 100 ng/mL PGF2alpha dose (p < or = 0.05), but not by PGE2, progesterone, estradiol-17beta, 8-Epi-PGF2alpha, or trichosanthin. Secretion of PGF2alpha by 200-day Brahman placentas was not affected (p > or = 0.05) by 8-Epi-PGE2, progesterone, or estradiol-17beta, but PGF2alpha secretion was increased (p < or = 0.05) by trichosanthin or PGE2, even in the presence of indomethacin or meclofenamic acid. It is concluded that PGE does not affect secretion of progesterone by 200- or 270-day bovine placentas, but, pregnancy specific protein B may regulate placental secretion of PGE. Also, indomethacin and meclofenamic may affect enzymes converting PGH to PGE rather than acting only on cyclooxygenase because indomethacin and meclofenamic acid lowered PGE secretion by 270-day Brahman placentas more than they lowered PGF2alpha. In addition, it is concluded that PGE2 can induce bovine placental secretion of PGE, but this is dependent upon the stage of gestation.

Effect of 13 Week Magnetic Field Exposures on DMBA-initiated Mammary Gland Carcinomas in Female Sprague-Dawley Rats

Carcinogenesis. Aug, 1999  |  Pubmed ID: 10426815

Several studies suggest that exposure to 50 Hz magnetic fields may promote chemically induced breast cancer in rats. Groups of 100 female Sprague-Dawley rats were initiated with four weekly 5 mg gavage doses of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) starting at 50 days of age. After the first weekly DMBA administration, exposure to ambient fields (sham exposed), 50 Hz magnetic fields at either 1 or 5 G field intensity or 60 Hz fields at 1 G for 18.5 h/day, 7 days/week was initiated. Exposure continued for 13 weeks. A vehicle control group without DMBA was included. In a second study, using lower doses of DMBA, groups of 100 female Sprague-Dawley rats were initiated with four weekly doses of 2 mg of DMBA starting at 50 days of age followed, after the first weekly DMBA administration, by exposure to ambient fields (sham exposed) or 50 Hz magnetic fields at either 1 or 5 G field intensity for 18.5 h/day, 7 days/week for 13 weeks. Rats were weighed and palpated weekly for the presence of tumors. There was no effect of magnetic field exposure on body weight gains or on the time of appearance of mammary tumors in either study. At the end of 13 weeks, the animals were killed and the mammary tumors counted and measured. Mammary gland masses found grossly were examined histologically. In the first 13 week study, the mammary gland carcinoma incidences were 92, 86, 96 and 96% for the DMBA controls, 1 G, 50 Hz, 5 G, 50 Hz and 1 G, 60 Hz groups, respectively. The total numbers of carcinomas were 691, 528 (P < 0. 05, decrease), 561 and 692 for the DMBA controls, 1 G, 50 Hz, 5 G, 50 Hz and 1 G, 60 Hz groups, respectively. In study 2, the mammary gland carcinoma incidences were 43, 48 and 38% for the DMBA controls, 1 G, 50 Hz and 5 G, 50 Hz groups, respectively. The total numbers of carcinomas were 102, 90 and 79 for the DMBA controls, 1 G, 50 Hz and 5 G, 50 Hz groups, respectively. There was no effect of magnetic field exposure on tumor size either by in-life palpation or by measurement at necropsy in either study. There was no evidence that 50 or 60 Hz magnetic fields promoted breast cancer in these studies in female rats. These studies do not support the hypothesis that magnetic field exposure promotes breast cancer in this DMBA rat model.

Two-generation Reproduction Study of Lewisite in Rats

Journal of Applied Toxicology : JAT. Jul-Aug, 1999  |  Pubmed ID: 10439336

Lewisite, a potent toxic vesicant and chemical warfare agent, is used in a number of research laboratories, is stored in large quantities at depot sites throughout the USA and is occasionally transported to distant sites. Thus, the potential for environmental or occupational exposure exists where lewisite is present. A 42-week two-generation study was conducted to determine the reproductive consequences of lewisite in parental male and female rats and their offspring. Rats were administered lewisite in sesame oil (0, 0.10, 0.25 or 0.60 mg kg-1 day-1 for 5 days a week) via intragastic intubation before mating, during mating and after mating until the birth of their offspring. The dams continued to receive lewisite during lactation. At weaning, male and female offspring of each group were selected to continue the study, receiving lewisite during adolescence, mating and throughout gestation and lactation. Lewisite had no adverse effect on reproduction performance, fertility or reproductive organ weights of male or female rats through two consecutive generations. No adverse effects to offspring were attributed to lewisite exposure. Minor changes in growth were the only maternal effects observed. Lewisite exposure of parental rats caused no gross or microscopic lesion in testes, epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicles, ovaries, uterus or vagina. The no-observable-effect level (NOEL) for the reproductive effects of Lewisite would be > 0.60 mg kg-1 day-1.

Isolation, Purification, and Characterization of Pregnancy-specific Protein B from Elk and Moose Placenta

Biology of Reproduction. Oct, 1999  |  Pubmed ID: 10491644

Pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) was isolated, purified, and partially characterized from elk and moose placenta. The procedure, which was monitored by bovine PSPB (bPSPB) RIA, included homogenization and extraction in aqueous solution, acidic and ammonium sulfate precipitation, and ion exchange, gel filtration, and affinity chromatographies. The estimated molecular sizes of moose PSPB (mPSPB) were 58 kDa and 31 kDa, and of elk PSPB (ePSPB) were 57 kDa, 45 kDa, and 31 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The isoelectric points of mPSPB were 4.8, 6.6, and 6.7, and of ePSPB were 4.8, 4.9, 6.1, and 6.2 as determined by isoelectric focusing and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The carbohydrate contents of mPSPB and ePSPB were approximately 3.15% and 4.98%, respectively. Although ePSPB and mPSPB were recognized by anti-bPSPB in an Ouchterlony double immunodiffusion test, they were found to share identical epitopes and partial identities compared to bPSPB. After treatment at different temperatures (20-60 degrees C) for 1 h, the immunoreactivities of ePSPB and mPSPB in serum were very stable. Only ePSPB in serum treated at 60 degrees C lost some immunoreactivity. After alteration of serum pH (pH 3-11) for 2 h, the immunoreactivities of ePSPB and mPSPB became lower at pH 3 and 4, and remained stable from pH 5 to 11. These data show that moose and elk PSPB have properties similar to those of bovine and ovine PSPB.

Moving DNR Beyond the Hospital

Pennsylvania Medicine. Sep, 1999  |  Pubmed ID: 10509100

Effect of PGF2alpha, Indomethacin, Tamoxifen, or Estradiol-17beta on Incidence of Abortion, Progesterone, and Pregnancy-specific Protein B (PSPB) Secretion in 88- to 90-day Pregnant Sheep

Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators. Oct, 1999  |  Pubmed ID: 10560614

One objective of this experiment was to evaluate our hypotheses that estradiol-17beta regulates secretion of pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB) and that secretion of progesterone during pregnancy is regulated by a prostanoid by examining the effects of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha), a luteolyic agent; indomethacin, a prostanoid synthesis inhibitor; tamoxifen, an estrogen receptor antagonist; estradiol 17-beta; and interaction of these factors on the incidence of abortion and progesterone and PSPB secretion. Another objective was to determine if there is a luteal source of PSPB. Weights of corpora lutea were decreased (P < or = 0.05) by PGF2alpha, indomethacin, PGF2alpha + tamoxifen, PGF2alpha + indomethacin, and PGF2alpha + estradiol-17beta but not (P > or = 0.05) by tamoxifen or estradiol-17beta alone. No ewe treated with PGF2alpha alone aborted (P > or = 0.05). Forty percent of ewes treated with PGF2alpha + estradiol-17beta aborted (P < or = 0.05), but ewes were not aborted by any other treatment within the 72-h sampling period. Profiles of progesterone in jugular venous blood differed (P < or = 0.05) among control, indomethacin-, tamoxifen-, and PGF2alpha + indomethacin-treated ewes. Progesterone in jugular venous blood of control ewes decreased (P < or = 0.05) by 24 h, followed by a quadratic increase (P < or = 0.05) from 24 to 62 h. Progesterone in jugular venous blood of indomethacin-, PGF2alpha-, PGF2alpha- + tamoxifen-, PGF2alpha + indomethacin-, PGF2alpha + estradiol-17beta-, and tamoxifen-treated ewes was reduced (P < or = 0.05) by 18 h and did not vary (P > or = 0.05) for the remainder of the 72-h sampling period. Progesterone in vena cava and in uterine venous blood was reduced (P < or = 0.05) at 72 h in PGF2alpha-, indomethacin-, tamoxifen-, PGF2alpha + indomethacin-, PGF2alpha + tamoxifen-, and PGF2alpha + estradiol-17beta-treated ewes. Weights of placentomes did not differ among treatment groups (P > or = 0.05). Profiles of PSPB in inferior vena cava blood differed (P < or = 0.05) among control, estradiol-17beta-, indomethacin-, tamoxifen-, PGF2alpha + indomethacin-, and PGF2alpha + tamoxifen-treated 88- to 90-day pregnant ewes. Concentrations of PSPB in inferior vena cava blood were increased (P < or = 0.05) in indomethacin-, estradiol-17beta-, tamoxifen-, PGF2alpha + tamoxifen-, and PGF2alpha + indomethacin-treated 88- to 90-day pregnant ewes within 6 h and did not vary (P > or = 0.05) for the remainder of the 72-h sampling period. Concentrations of PSPB in uterine venous blood of indomethacin-, tamoxifen-, PGF2alpha + tamoxifen-, and PGF2alpha + indomethacin-treated ewes were greater (P < or = 0.05) at 72 h than at 0 h. PSPB in ovarian venous blood did not differ (P > or = 0.05) adjacent or opposite to the ovary with the corpus luteum. It is concluded from these data that estrogen regulates placental secretion of PSPB and that a prostanoid, presumably prostaglandin E, regulates placental secretion of progesterone during 88-90 days of gestation in sheep and that there is no luteal source of PSPB.

Secretion of Progesterone, Estradiol-17beta, PGE, PGF2alpha, and Pregnancy-specific Protein B by 90-day Intact and Ovariectomized Pregnant Ewes

Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators. Oct, 1999  |  Pubmed ID: 10560616

Ninety-day pregnant ewes were either laparotomized, ovaries left in situ or bilaterally ovariectomized, and a jugular venous catheter and an inferior vena cava catheter via the saphenous vein were installed. Seven days later, placenta slices were collected and incubated in vitro for 4 h. Secretions of progesterone, PGE, estradiol-17beta and pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) in vitro by placenta from ovariectomized ewes were increased (P < or = 0.05) by 2.7-, 3.6-, 2.2-, and 2.4-fold, respectively, when compared to placenta slices from intact 90-day pregnant ewes. Secretion of PGF2alpha in vitro was unchanged (P > or = 0.05). Ovariectomy decreased (P < or = 0.05) jugular venous progesterone for 78 h followed by a quadratic increase (P < or = 0.05), whereas progesterone remained unchanged (P > or = 0.05) in intact ewes over the 162-h sampling period. Ovariectomy increased (P < or = 0.05) PGE in inferior vena cava plasma over the last half of the 162-h sampling period, whereas concentration of PGF2alpha did not change (P > or = 0.05). Increases in PGE occurred before the increase in progesterone. Concentrations of PSPB in inferior vena cava plasma of ovariectomized pregnant ewes increased (P < or = 0.05) during the last half of the 162-h sampling period, but not in intact ewes (P > or = 0.05). PSPB increased before PGE and progesterone. Concentrations of estradiol-17beta in jugular venous plasma of ovariectomized pregnant ewes increased (P < or = 0.05) during the last half of the sampling period, but not in intact ewes (P > or = 0.05). Increases in estradiol-17beta occurred before increases in PSPB. It is concluded that these data support the hypothesis that estradiol-17beta may control placental secretion of PSPB; PSPB may regulate placental secretion of PGE; and PGE may regulate placental secretion of progesterone.

Comparison of Plasma Progesterone, Transrectal Ultrasound and Pregnancy Specific Proteins (PSPB) Used for Pregnancy Diagnosis in Reindeer

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. 1999  |  Pubmed ID: 10605131

The study aimed to compare plasma progesterone concentrations, rectal ultrasonography and plasma concentrations of pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) used for pregnancy diagnosis in reindeer. A total of 1,595 blood plasma samples were collected between 1991 and 1996 from 3 semidomestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) herds on the Norwegian mainland (Magerøy, Sørøy, Filefjell) and from 92 wild Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus). Samples were collected between January and late April. Plasma levels of progesterone and PSPB were measured and used as indicators of pregnancy. In addition, animals from the Filefjell herd and the Svalbard reindeer were investigated using transrectal ultrasound. The results showed that plasma progesterone lower than 7 nmol l-1 rarely occurs in females diagnosed pregnant either by ultrasound or by observing a calf at foot 7 months after blood sampling. A very good agreement was found between plasma progesterone and PSPB when used for pregnancy diagnosis. On the Norwegian mainland, but not to the same extent on Svalbard, a high proportion of females with a high progesterone concentration was diagnosed not pregnant by ultrasound. This probably reflects a high rate of false negative diagnoses by the ultrasound method rather than false positives in the progesterone analysis.

In Vivo MRI Measurements of Tumor Growth Induced by Dichloroacetate: Implications for Mode of Action

Toxicology. Apr, 2000  |  Pubmed ID: 10771136

Dichloroacetate (DCA) is an important by-product of the chlorination of drinking water that produces liver cancer in rodents. Assessment of the risk that results from concentrations that occur in drinking water will be dependent upon the mode of action held responsible for these tumors. A study by Stauber and Bull [Stauber, A.J. and Bull, R. J (1997) Differences in phenotype and cell replicative behavior of hepatic tumors inducted by dichloroacetate (DCA) and trichloroacetate (TCA). Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 144, 235-246] in mice treated with DCA demonstrated a lesion distribution that was skewed towards many small, altered foci of cells that are assumed to be precursor lesions [EPA, (1996). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Proposed Guidelines for carcinogen risk assessment; notice. Fed. Reg. 61, pp. 17960-10811]. The present study was designed to determine the extent to which the tumorigenic effects of DCA could be explained by its effect on tumor growth rates (i.e. tumor promoting activity). In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allowed accurate determination of growth rates of individual lesions in mice that had been treated with DCA in drinking water at 2 g/l. Out of thirty treated mice, ten were found to have hepatic tumors detectable by MRI at 48 weeks of treatment. These tumor-bearing animals were assigned to two groups matched on the size of lesions observed by in vivo MR1. Treatment with DCA continued in one group of five mice and was stopped in the other. For both groups, tumor growth rates were determined by measuring changes in size of all lesions greater than 1 mm(3) in volume during a 14-day period. Removal of DCA treatment resulted in growth rates that could not be distinguished from zero across all lesion sizes represented in the sample. These data are in agreement with previous observations of DCAs effects on replication rates within tumors (Stauber and Bull, (1997)). Tumor growth rates observed in animals maintained on treatment decreased with lesion volume in a manner that is consistent with a stochastic Gompertz birth-death process proposed by Tan [Tan, W.Y. (1986) A stochastic Gompertz birth-death process. Stat. Prob. Lett. 4, 25-28]. Parameters of this model obtained by fitting measured growth rates were used to predict the lesion-size distribution expected after one year of DCA treatment. The shape of the predicted lesion-size distribution was similar to that observed by Stauber and Bull (Stauber and Bull, (1997)) in mice sacrificed after 40 weeks of DCA treatment. We conclude that the effects of DCA on the division and/or death rates of spontaneously initiated cells can account for the predominance of small lesions in DCA-treated animals.

Plasma Profiles of Progesterone and Conceptus Proteins in Cows with Spontaneous Embryonic/fetal Mortality As Diagnosed by Ultrasonography

Veterinary Journal (London, England : 1997). May, 2000  |  Pubmed ID: 10775475

Intentional Traumatic Brain Injury: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Associations with Injury Severity and Mortality

The Journal of Trauma. Sep, 2000  |  Pubmed ID: 11003315

Intentional injury is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and has been associated with certain demographic and socioeconomic groups. Less is known about the relationship of intentional traumatic brain injury (TBI) to injury severity, mortality, and demographic and socioeconomic profile. The objective of this study was to delineate demographic and event-related factors associated with intentional TBI and to evaluate the predictive value of intentional TBI on injury severity and mortality.

Use of Injury Severity Variables in Determining Disability and Community Integration After Traumatic Brain Injury

The Journal of Trauma. Sep, 2000  |  Pubmed ID: 11003316

Long-term outcome is important in managing traumatic brain injury (TBI), an epidemic in the United States. Many injury severity variables have been shown to predict major morbidity and mortality. Less is known about their relationship with specific long-term outcomes.

Effects of 50- or 60-hertz, 100 MicroT Magnetic Field Exposure in the DMBA Mammary Cancer Model in Sprague-Dawley Rats: Possible Explanations for Different Results from Two Laboratories

Environmental Health Perspectives. Sep, 2000  |  Pubmed ID: 11017883

In line with the possible relationship between electric power and breast cancer risk and the underlying melatonin hypothesis, 50-Hz magnetic field (MF) exposure at microtesla flux densities for either 13 or 27 weeks significantly increased the development and growth of mammary tumors in a series of experiments from Löscher's group in Germany. Löscher's group used the 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) model of breast cancer in Sprague-Dawley rats. The finding could not be replicated when a similar experimental protocol was used in a study conducted by Battelle in the United States. In the present paper, investigators from the two groups discuss differences between their studies that might explain the apparent discrepancies between the results. These differences include the use of different substrains of Sprague-Dawley rats (the U.S. rats were more susceptible to DMBA than the European rats), different sources for diet and DMBA, differences in environmental conditions, and differences in MF exposure metrics. Furthermore, the effects of MF exposure reported by Löscher's group, albeit significant, were weak. We also discuss the general problem of replicating such weak effects.

Cationic Peptide Antimicrobials Induce Selective Transcription of MicF and OsmY in Escherichia Coli

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Jan, 2000  |  Pubmed ID: 10631293

Cationic antimicrobial peptides, such as polymyxin and cecropin, activated transcription of osmY and micF in growing Escherichia coli independently of each other. The micF response required the presence of a functional rob gene. It is intriguing that in this and other assays an identical response profile was also seen with hyperosmotic salt or sucrose gradient, two of the most commonly used traditional food preservatives. The osmY and micF transcription was not induced by hypoosmotic gradient, ionophoric peptides, uncouplers, or with other classes of membrane perturbing agents. The antibacterial peptides did not promote transcription of genes that respond to macromolecular or oxidative damage, fatty acid biosynthesis, heat shock, or depletion of proton or ion gradients. These and other results show that the antibacterial cationic peptides induce stasis in the early growth phase, and the transcriptional efficacy of antibacterial peptides correlates with their minimum inhibitory concentration, and also with their ability to mediate direct exchange of phospholipids between vesicles. The significance of these results is developed as the hypothesis that the cationic peptide antimicrobials stress growth of Gram-negative organisms by making contacts between the two phospholipid interfaces in the periplasmic space and prevent the hyperosmotic wrinkling of the cytoplasmic membrane. Broader significance of these results, and of the hypothesis that the peptide mediated contacts between the periplasmic phospholipid interfaces are the primary triggers, is discussed in relation to antibacterial resistance.

Effect of Constant Light on DMBA Mammary Tumorigenesis in Rats

Cancer Letters. Feb, 2000  |  Pubmed ID: 10695987

A study of light, and mammary tumorigenesis was conducted in rats. One-hundred female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided by weight into two groups. One group was exposed to constant light (LL) from 26 days of age, and the second group was exposed to 8 h light and 16 h dark per day (LD). Both groups received an 8 mg dose of a chemical carcinogen, dimethylben-zanthracene (DMBA) at 52 days of age. At 13 weeks post-DMBA, there were significantly fewer mammary tumors in the LL group compared with the LD group. Constant light was clearly demonstrated to have a profound effect on mammary tissue development. Although virgin, the majority of the LL rats (29/50) had gross evidence of lactation at 141 days of age. None of the LD rats (0/50) showed evidence of milk production. These results suggest that constant light not only substantially accelerated mammary gland development, but pushed development of the tissue past the stage normally observed in virgin animals (to the lactation stage).

Effects of GnRH Treatment on Scrotal Surface Temperatures in Bulls

Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research = Revue Canadienne De Recherche Vétérinaire. Jan, 2001  |  Pubmed ID: 11227197

Two experiments were conducted to characterize scrotal surface temperature (SST) in bulls treated with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). In Experiment 1, Angus bulls (n = 10, 18 mo, 597 kg) were given GnRH (400 ng/kg) or saline, IV. Bottom SST increased approximately 1.7 degrees C (P < 0.005) over time (0 to 90 min) at an ambient temperature of 5 degrees C. However, there was no significant effect of GnRH treatment and temperature increases were attributed to stress. When the experiment was repeated at an ambient temperature of 25 degrees C, SST was elevated prior to treatment, with no subsequent significant increase. Experiment 2 was conducted with Charolais bulls (n = 6, 12-14 mo, 517 kg) with an emphasis on minimizing stress. Bottom SST increased approximately 2 degrees C (P < 0.05) between 0 and 45 min after GnRH treatment, supporting the hypothesis that GnRH treatment increases SST in bulls. In conclusion, it was apparent that stress, high ambient temperatures, and GnRH treatment can all increase SST in bulls.

Large Granular Lymphocytic (LGL) Leukemia in Rats Exposed to Intermittent 60 Hz Magnetic Fields

Bioelectromagnetics. Apr, 2001  |  Pubmed ID: 11255214

An animal model for large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia in male Fischer 344 rats was utilized to determine whether magnetic field exposure can be shown to influence the progression of leukemia. We previously reported that exposure to continuous 60 Hz, 1 mT magnetic fields did not significantly alter the clinical progression of LGL leukemia in young male rats following injection of spleen cells from donor leukemic rats. Results presented here extend those studies with the following objectives: (a) to replicate the previous study of continuous 60 Hz magnetic field exposures, but using fewer LGL cells in the inoculum, and (b) to determine if intermittent 60 Hz magnetic fields can alter the clinical progression of leukemia. Rats were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (18/group) as follows: (1) 1 mT (10 G) continuous field, (2) 1 mT intermittent field (off/on at 3 min intervals), (3) ambient controls ( < 0.1 microT), and (4) positive control (5 Gy whole body irradiation from cobalt-60 four days prior to initiation of exposure). All rats were injected intraperitoneally with 2.2 x 10(6) fresh, viable LGL leukemic spleen cells at the beginning of the study. The fields were activated for 20 h per day, 7 days per week, and all exposure conditions were superimposed over the natural ambient magnetic field. The rats were weighed and palpated for splenomegaly weekly. Splenomegaly developed 9-11 weeks after transplantation of the leukemia cells. Hematological evaluations were performed at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 weeks of exposure. Peripheral blood hemoglobin concentration, red blood cells, and packed cell volume declined, and total white blood cells and LGL cells increased dramatically in all treatment groups after onset of leukemia. Although the positive control group showed different body weight curves and developed signs of leukemia earlier than other groups, differences were not detected between exposure groups and ambient controls. Furthermore, there were no overall effects of magnetic fields on splenomegaly or survival in exposed animals. In addition, no significant and/or consistent differences were detected in hematological parameters between the magnetic field exposed and the ambient control groups.

Long-term Recovery Course After Traumatic Brain Injury: a Comparison of the Functional Independence Measure and Disability Rating Scale

The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. Aug, 2001  |  Pubmed ID: 11461655

To study group changes over time after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Effect of the Aromatase Inhibitor CGS-16949A on Pregnancy and Secretion of Progesterone, Estradiol-17beta, Prostaglandins E and F2alpha (PGE; PGF2alpha) and Pregnancy Specific Protein B (PSPB) in 90-day Ovariectomized Pregnant Ewes

Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators. Sep, 2001  |  Pubmed ID: 11529553

The aromatase inhibitor CGS-16949A was used to determine whether CGS-16949A altered secretion of progesterone, estradiol-17beta, PGE (PGE1 + PGE2), PGF2alpha and PSPB. Ninety day pregnant ewes were ovariectomized and received vehicle, PGF2alpha, CGS-16949A or PGF2alpha+CGS-16949A. None of the ewes treated with PGF2alpha, CGS-16949A or PGF2alpha+CGS-16949A aborted (P > or = 0.05) during the 108-h experimental period. Treatment with CGS-16949A lowered (P < or = 0.05) progesterone in jugular venous plasma but concentrations of progesterone were not affected (P > or = 0.05) by treatment with PGF2alpha. Concentrations of estradiol-17beta and PSPB in jugular venous plasma and PGE in inferior vena cava plasma were decreased (P < or = 0.05) by treatment with CGS-16949A. Concentrations of PGF2alpha in inferior vena cava plasma were not affected (P > or = 0.05) by treatment with CGS-16949A. Decreases in estradiol-17beta occurred before decreases in PSPB, which was then followed by decreases in PGE (P < or = 0.05). It is concluded that these data support the hypothesis that estradiol-17beta regulates placental secretion of PSPB; PSPB regulates placental secretion of PGE; and PGE regulates placental secretion of progesterone during mid-pregnancy in ewes.

Pulseless Electrical Activity with Witnessed Arrest As a Predictor of Sudden Death from Massive Pulmonary Embolism in Outpatients

Resuscitation. Jun, 2001  |  Pubmed ID: 11719120

the objective was to determine clinical characteristics that can quickly distinguish sudden death from massive pulmonary embolism (MPE) from other causes of sudden death.

To Fall or Not to Fall. Brain Injury in the Elderly

North Carolina Medical Journal. Nov-Dec, 2001  |  Pubmed ID: 11729467

"Faith Vs. Death: the Problem with Medicine's Faith Factor Theology"

Journal of the South Carolina Medical Association (1975). Dec, 2001  |  Pubmed ID: 11820191

A Passion to Heal

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. Jan, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 11833995

The Tissue Factor and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type-1 Response in Pediatric Sepsis-induced Multiple Organ Failure

Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Feb, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 11858480

Cytokines increase endothelial tissue factor (TF) and tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) expression in vitro. Tissue factor interacts with factor VII to facilitate thrombosis and PAI-1 inhibits fibrinolysis by endogenous plasminogen activators. Because cytokine release is increased in children with sepsis-induced multiple organ failure (MOF), we hypothesized a cytokine associated increase in circulating TF and PAI-1 antigen release, and systemic activity in these patients.

Renal Endothelin in Chronic Angiotensin II Hypertension

American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. Jul, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12069950

To determine the influence of chronic ANG II infusion on urinary, plasma, and renal tissue levels of immunoreactive endothelin (ET), ANG II (65 ng/min) or saline vehicle was delivered via osmotic minipump in male Sprague-Dawley rats given either a high-salt diet (10% NaCl) or normal-salt diet (0.8% NaCl). High-salt diet alone caused a slight but not statistically significant increase (7 +/- 1%) in mean arterial pressure (MAP). MAP was significantly increased in ANG II-infused rats (41 +/- 10%), and the increase in MAP was significantly greater in ANG II rats given a high-salt diet (59 +/- 1%) compared with the increase observed in rats given a high-salt diet alone or ANG II infusion and normal-salt diet. After a 2-wk treatment, urinary excretion of immunoreactive ET was significantly increased by approximately 50% in ANG II-infused animals and by over 250% in rats on high-salt diet, with or without ANG II infusion. ANG II infusion combined with high-salt diet significantly increased immunoreactive ET content in the cortex and outer medulla, but this effect was not observed in other groups. In contrast, high-salt diet, with or without ANG II infusion, significantly decreased immunoreactive ET content within the inner medulla. These data indicate that chronic elevations in ANG II levels and sodium intake differentially affect ET levels within the kidney and provide further support for the hypothesis that the hypertensive effects of ANG II may be due to interaction with the renal ET system.

Contribution of Dichloroacetate and Trichloroacetate to Liver Tumor Induction in Mice by Trichloroethylene

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. Jul, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12127263

Determining the key events in the induction of liver cancer in mice by trichloroethylene (TRI) is important in the determination of how risks from this chemical should be treated at low doses. At least two metabolites can contribute to liver cancer in mice, dichloroacetate (DCA) and trichloroacetate (TCA). TCA is produced from metabolism of TRI at systemic concentrations that can clearly contribute to this response. As a peroxisome proliferator and a species-specific carcinogen, TCA may not be important in the induction of liver cancer in humans at the low doses of TRI encountered in the environment. Because DCA is metabolized much more rapidly than TCA, it has not been possible to directly determine whether it is produced at carcinogenic levels. Unlike TCA, DCA is active as a carcinogen in both mice and rats. Its low-dose effects are not associated with peroxisome proliferation. The present study examines whether biomarkers for DCA and TCA can be used to determine if the liver tumor response to TRI seen in mice is completely attributable to TCA or if other metabolites, such as DCA, are involved. Previous work had shown that DCA produces tumors in mice that display a diffuse immunoreactivity to a c-Jun antibody (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, SC-45), whereas TCA-induced tumors do not stain with this antibody. In the present study, we compared the c-Jun phenotype of tumors induced by DCA or TCA alone to those induced when they are given together in various combinations and to those induced by TRI given in an aqueous vehicle. When given in various combinations, DCA and TCA produced a few tumors that were c-Jun+, many that were c-Jun-, but a number with a mixed phenotype that increased with the relative dose of DCA. Sixteen TRI-induced tumors were c-Jun+, 13 were c-Jun-, and 9 had a mixed phenotype. Mutations of the H-ras protooncogene were also examined in DCA-, TCA-, and TRI-induced tumors. The mutation frequency detected in tumors induced by TCA was significantly different from that observed in TRI-induced tumors (0.44 vs 0.21, p < 0.05), whereas that observed in DCA-induced tumors (0.33) was intermediate between values obtained with TCA and TRI, but not significantly different from TRI. No significant differences were found in the mutation spectra of tumors produced by the three compounds. The presence of mutations in H-ras codon 61 appeared to be a late event, but ras-dependent signaling pathways were activated in all tumors. These data are not consistent with the hypothesis that all liver tumors induced by TRI were produced by TCA.

Effect of Mifepristone on Pregnancy, Pregnancy-specific Protein B (PSPB), Progesterone, Estradiol-17beta, Prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) and Prostaglandin E (PGE) in Ovariectomized 90-day Pregnant Ewes

Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators. Sep, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12428689

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of mifepristone, a progesterone receptor antagonist, on pregnancy and secretion of steroids, pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) and prostaglandins at mid-pregnancy in ewes. Ninety-day pregnant ewes were ovariectomized (OVX) and treatments were initiated 72 h post-OVX. Ewes received (1) vehicle, (2) prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha, 8 mg/58 kg/bw, i.m.) 84 h post-OVX, (3) mifepristone (50 mg intrajugular at 72, 84, 96, and 108 h post-OVX), (4) mifepristone (50mg) + PGF2alpha, (5) mifepristone (100 mg intrajugular at 72, 84, 96, and 108 h), and (6) mifepristone (100 mg) + PGF2alpha. Ewes treated with vehicle or PGF2alpha alone did not abort (P > or = 0.05). But, 60, 80, 60, and 100% of ewes treated with mifepristone (50 mg), mifepristone (50 mg) + PGF2alpha, mifepristone (100 mg), and mifepristone (100 mg) + PGF2alpha, respectively, aborted (P < or = 0.05). Profiles of progesterone, estradiol-17beta, prostaglandin E (PGE), or PSPB did not differ (P > or = 0.05) among treatment groups. Profiles of PGF2alpha of treatment groups receiving mifepristone with or without PGF2alpha differed (P < 0.05) from vehicle or PGF2alpha alone-treated ewes. It is concluded that progesterone actions are necessary to suppress uterine/placental secretion of PGF2alpha and that maintenance of critical progesterone: estradiol-17beta and PGE:PGF2alpha ratios are necessary for maintenance of pregnancy.

SFas and SFas Ligand and Pediatric Sepsis-induced Multiple Organ Failure Syndrome

Pediatric Research. Dec, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12438671

The Fas-Fas ligand system is important for apoptosis of activated immune cells. Perturbation of this system occurs in diseases with dysregulated inflammation. Increased soluble Fas (sFas) occurs in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and can block apoptosis. Increased shedding of FasL (sFasL) occurs in viral infection and hepatitis. Although dysregulated inflammation is associated with sepsis-induced multiple organ failure (MOF) in children, a role for Fas has not been established. We hypothesize that 1) sFas will be increased in children with severe and persistent sepsis-induced MOF and will correlate with inflammatory markers suggesting a role for sFas in inflammatory dysregulation in severe sepsis, and 2) sFasL will be increased when viral sepsis or sepsis-induced liver failure-associated MOF is present in children. Plasma sFas, sFasL, IL-6, IL-10, nitrite + nitrates, and organ failure scores were measured on d 1 and d 3 in 92 children with severe sepsis and 12 critically ill control children. sFas levels were increased in severe sepsis, continued to increase in persistent MOF and nonsurvivors, and were correlated with serum inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-10, nitrite + nitrate levels). In contrast, sFasL was not increased in severe sepsis and did not correlate with inflammation. sFasL was, however, increased in liver failure-associated MOF and in nonsurvivors, and was associated with viral infection. At autopsy, hepatocyte destruction and lymphocyte infiltration were associated with increased sFas and sFasL levels. sFas may interfere with activated immune cell death and contribute to dysregulation of inflammation, worsening outcome from severe sepsis. sFasL may contribute to hepatic injury and the development of liver failure-associated MOF.

Careful Conversation About Care at the End of Life

Annals of Internal Medicine. Dec, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12484724

Return to Productive Activity After Traumatic Brain Injury: Relationship with Measures of Disability, Handicap, and Community Integration

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Jan, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 11782840

To identify which factors are associated with successful return to productive activity (RTPA) 1 year after hospitalization with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to examine the relations between successful RTPA and other measures of impairment, disability, handicap, and integration into the community.

Plasma Concentrations of Defensins and Lactoferrin in Children with Severe Sepsis

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. Jan, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 11791096

We hypothesized that systemic release of endogenous leukocyte-derived polypeptide antimicrobial defensins (polymorphonuclear leukocyte-specific) and lactoferrin (polymorphonuclear leukocyte and epithelial cell derived) occurs in nonneutropenic children with severe sepsis.

Committee Keeps College Fiscally Prepared for the Future

Bulletin of the American College of Surgeons. Jan, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 17387832

A Proposed Coast-wide Reference Monitoring System for Evaluating Wetland Restoration Trajectories in Louisiana

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. Jan-Feb, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12620009

Wetland restoration efforts conducted in Louisiana under the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act require monitoring the effectiveness of individual projects as well as monitoring the cumulative effects of all projects in restoring, creating, enhancing, and protecting the coastal landscape. The effectiveness of the traditional paired-reference monitoring approach in Louisiana has been limited because of difficulty in finding comparable reference sites. A multiple reference approach is proposed that uses aspects of hydrogeomorphic functional assessments and probabilistic sampling. This approach includes a suite of sites that encompass the range of ecological condition for each stratum, with projects placed on a continuum of conditions found for that stratum. Trajectories in reference sites through time are then compared with project trajectories through time. Plant community zonation complicated selection of indicators, strata, and sample size. The approach proposed could serve as a model for evaluating wetland ecosystems.

Genotoxic Potential of 1.6 GHz Wireless Communication Signal: in Vivo Two-year Bioassay

Radiation Research. Apr, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12643801

Timed-pregnant Fischer 344 rats (from nineteenth day of gestation) and their nursing offspring (until weaning) were exposed to a far-field 1.6 GHz Iridium wireless communication signal for 2 h/day, 7 days/week. Far-field whole-body exposures were conducted with a field intensity of 0.43 mW/cm(2) and whole-body average specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.036 to 0.077 W/kg (0.10 to 0.22 W/kg in the brain). This was followed by chronic, head-only exposures of male and female offspring to a near-field 1.6 GHz signal for 2 h/day, 5 days/week, over 2 years. Near-field exposures were conducted at an SAR of 0.16 or 1.6 W/kg in the brain. Concurrent sham-exposed and cage control rats were also included in the study. At the end of 2 years, all rats were necropsied. Bone marrow smears were examined for the extent of genotoxicity, assessed from the presence of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes. The results indicated that the incidence of micronuclei/2000 polychromatic erythrocytes were not significantly different between 1.6 GHz-exposed, sham-exposed and cage control rats. The group mean frequencies were 5.6 +/- 1.8 (130 rats exposed to 1.6 GHz at 0.16 W/kg SAR), 5.4 +/- 1.5 (135 rats exposed to 1.6 GHz at 1.6 W/kg SAR), 5.6 +/- 1.7 (119 sham-exposed rats), and 5.8 +/- 1.8 (100 cage control rats). In contrast, positive control rats treated with mitomycin C exhibited significantly elevated incidence of micronuclei/2000 polychromatic erythrocytes in bone marrow cells; the mean frequency was 38.2 +/- 7.0 (five rats). Thus there was no evidence for excess genotoxicity in rats that were chronically exposed to 1.6 GHz compared to sham-exposed and cage controls.

Procalcitonin is Persistently Increased Among Children with Poor Outcome from Bacterial Sepsis

Pediatric Critical Care Medicine : a Journal of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies. Jan, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12656537

To examine the relationships between procalcitonin, bacterial infection, sepsis-induced multiple organ failure, and mortality rate in children.

Cytochrome P450 Mediated-drug Metabolism is Reduced in Children with Sepsis-induced Multiple Organ Failure

Intensive Care Medicine. Jun, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12698250

Antipyrine metabolism is a "gold standard" measure of mixed cytochrome P450 (CYP) mediated drug metabolism in humans. Cytokines (e.g., interleukin-6) and nitric oxide reduce CYP 450 activity in vitro and in vivo. Because interleukin-6 and nitric oxide production increases in children with sepsis-induced multiple organ failure, we hypothesized impaired CYP 450 mediated drug metabolism in this population.

Oxidative Damage in Colon and Mammary Tissue of the HFE-knockout Mouse

Free Radical Biology & Medicine. May, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12706501

The HFE mutation is common and, when homozygous, can lead to a morbid accumulation of body iron and the disease hereditary hemochromatosis. Heterozygotes compose 10-15% of the European-American population, and have evidence of elevated body iron compared to homozygous normal people. Dietary iron content was hypothesized to interact with the HFE genotype to influence oxidative damage in mammary and colon tissue. Two groups of HFE-knockout mice were fed a standard iron diet (300 ppm) or a low iron diet (30 ppm). There was a significantly elevated concentration of malondialdehyde (by HPLC) in mammary (305 pmol/g vs. 166, p =.04) and colon (349 pmol/g vs. 226, p =.02) tissue among those mice on the standard iron diet compared to those on the low iron diet. These results suggest that dietary modification may affect the course of iron overload from HFE mutations.

Modified Adeno-associated Virus (AAV) Vectors: A New Generation of Targeted Gene Therapy Delivery Systems

Discovery Medicine. Dec, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 20705032

Extract: Gene therapy in its simplest form is the deliberate transfer of therapeutic genes into a host cell. As a human gene therapy vector, Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) is a promising delivery system. It is able to maintain stable gene expression in host cells, is efficient at gene delivery in vivo, and is non-pathogenic. However, one obstacle facing the advancement of AAV vectors is the natural tropism of the virus. The primary attachment receptor for AAV type-2 (AAV2) is heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG). This receptor is widely expressed on many cell types, which creates a problem when delivering genes that promote cell death, as in anti-cancer gene therapy strategies. Conversely, cells that do not express HSPG cannot be transduced by AAV-2 based vectors. This can cause problems when gene delivery needs to be cell specific. As gene therapy moves forward, it will be imperative to develop AAV vectors that can be targeted to specific cellular receptors and therefore, specific cell types.

Prehospital Emergency Care in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Prehospital Emergency Care : Official Journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors. Jan-Mar, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 14691788

Once a harsh land with limited resources, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has undergone considerable change over the 50 years after the discovery of vast natural gas and petroleum reserves. In addition to significant economic and societal changes, remarkable improvements have been made in the provision of health care services, including expanded health care infrastructure, human resource development, and decreased infectious disease morbidity and mortality. Emergency medicine (EM) and emergency medical services (EMS) within the country are currently limited, with the UAE best described as being in the "developing" phase of EM. Within the capital city, Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Health, Civil Defense, and police provide the majority of EMS services. At the present time, there are no uniform medical control or treatment protocols, communications systems, systems management, training or education, or quality assurance policies. However, the recent advancements in health care, and a developing practice of and interest in EM, may lead to improved EMS and prehospital care.

Corona Discharge Influences Ozone Concentrations Near Rats

Bioelectromagnetics. Feb, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 14735560

Ozone can be produced by corona discharge either in dry air or when one electrode is submerged in water. Since ozone is toxic, we examined whether ozone production by corona near laboratory animals could reach levels of concern. Male rats were exposed to a corona discharge and the concentration of ozone produced was measured. The resulting concentration of ozone ranged from ambient levels to 250 ppb when animals were located 1 cm from a 10 kV source. Similar ozone concentrations were observed when a grounded water source was present. Possible explanations for, as well as concerns regarding, ozone production under these conditions are discussed.

Five Years After Traumatic Brain Injury: a Study of Individual Outcomes and Predictors of Change in Function

NeuroRehabilitation. 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 14988585

Study functional changes between one and five years after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Reduced NOS3 Phosphorylation Mediates Reduced NO/cGMP Signaling in Mesenteric Arteries of Deoxycorticosterone Acetate-salt Hypertensive Rats

Hypertension. May, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 14993198

Salt-sensitive hypertension is associated with impaired NO/cGMP signaling. We hypothesized that increased superoxide production by NADPH oxidase and altered endothelial NO synthase (NOS3) phosphorylation determine endothelial dysfunction in hypertension. Experiments tested if NO/cGMP signaling and NOS3 serine phosphorylation are decreased and NADPH oxidase activity is increased in mesenteric arteries from deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt rats compared with arteries from placebo rats. Concentration response curves to phenylephrine were performed in mesenteric arteries in the presence and absence of Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (LNA) and antioxidants to determine the influence of basal NO and superoxide production on vascular tone. LNA increased phenylephrine sensitivity in arteries from placebo, but not DOCA-salt rats, regardless of antioxidant treatment. To determine basal cGMP production, mesenteric arteries were incubated with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine in the presence or absence of LNA, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), antioxidants, or tetrahydrobiopterin. NOS-dependent cGMP production was reduced in arteries from DOCA-salt rats compared with arteries from placebo rats and was not restored by acute treatment with antioxidants or tetrahydrobiopterin. SNP-induced cGMP production was similar between groups as was NADPH oxidase activity, measured by lucigenin chemiluminescence, in mesenteric arteries. Expression and phosphorylation of NOS3 were examined by Western blotting. Phosphorylation of NOS3 was decreased in arteries from DOCA-salt rats compared with placebo at serine residues 1179 and 635. These findings indicate that diminished NO/cGMP signaling in mesenteric arteries from DOCA-salt rats is caused by reduced phosphorylation of NOS3 at serine 1179 and serine 635, rather than NO scavenging by superoxide.

Clinical Use of Fluorodeoxyglucose F 18 Positron Emission Tomography for Detection of Renal Cell Carcinoma

The Journal of Urology. May, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15076281

We evaluate the role of fluorodeoxyglucose F 18 positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by retrospective review. To our knowledge this series is the largest reviewing the use of PET in patients with RCC.

Interactions in the Tumor-promoting Activity of Carbon Tetrachloride, Trichloroacetate, and Dichloroacetate in the Liver of Male B6C3F1 Mice

Toxicology. Jul, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15147791

Interactions between carcinogens in mixtures found in the environment have been a concern for several decades. In the present study, male B6C3F1 mice were used to study the responses to mixtures of dichloroacetate (DCA), trichloroacetate (TCA), and carbon tetrachloride (CT). TCA produces liver tumors in mice with the phenotypic characteristics common to peroxisome proliferators. DCA increases the growth of liver tumors with a phenotype that is distinct in several respects from those produced by TCA. These chemicals are effective as carcinogens at doses that do not produce cytotoxicity. Thus, they encourage clonal expansion of initiated cells through subtle, selective mechanisms. CT is well known for its ability to promote the growth of liver tumors through cytotoxicity that produces a generalized growth stimulus in the liver that is reflected in a reparative hyperplasia. Thus, CT is relatively non-specific in its promotion of initiated cells within the liver. The objective of this study was to determine how the differing modes of action of these chemicals might interact when given as mixed exposures. The hypothesis was that the effects of two selective promoters would not be more than additive. On the other hand, CT would be selective only to cells not sensitive to its effects as a cytotoxin. Thus, it was hypothesized that neither DCA nor TCA would add significantly to the effects produced by CT. Mice were initiated by vinyl carbamate (VC), and then promoted by DCA, TCA, CT, or the pair-wised combinations of the three compounds. The effect of each treatment or treatment combination on tumor number per animal and mean tumor volume was assessed in each animal. Dose-related increases in mean tumor volume were observed with 20 and 50mg/kg CT, but each produced equal numbers of tumors at 36 weeks. As the dose of CT was increased to >/=100mg/kg substantial increases in the number of tumors per animal were observed, but the mean tumor size decreased. This finding suggests that initiation occurs as doses of CT increase to >/=100mg/kg, perhaps as a result of the inflammatory response that is known to occur with high doses of CT. When administered alone in the drinking water at 0.1, 0.5 and 2g/l, DCA increased both tumor number and tumor size in a dose-related manner. With TCA treatment at 2g/l in drinking water a maximum tumor number was reached by 24 weeks and was maintained until 36 weeks of treatment. DCA treatment did not produce a plateau in tumor number within the experimental period, but the numbers observed at the end of the experimental period were similar to TCA and doses of 50mg/kg CT. The tumor numbers observed at the end of the experiment are consistent with the assumption that the administered dose of the tumor initiator, vinyl carbamate, was the major determinant of tumor number and that treatments with CT, DCA, and TCA primarily affected tumor size. The results with mixtures of these compounds were consistent with the basic hypotheses that the responses to tumor promoters with differing mechanisms are limited to additivity at low effective doses. More complex, mutually inhibitory activity was more often observed between the three compounds. At 24 weeks, DCA produced a decrease in tumor numbers promoted by TCA, but the numbers were not different from TCA alone at 36 weeks. The reason for this result became apparent at 36 weeks of treatment where a dose-related decrease in the size of tumors promoted by TCA resulted from DCA co-administration. On the other hand, the low dose of TCA (0.1g/l) decreased the number of tumors produced by a high dose of DCA (2g/l), but higher doses of TCA (2g/l) produced the same number as observed with DCA alone. DCA inhibited the growth rate of CT-induced tumors (CT dose = 50mg/kg). TCA substantially increased the numbers of tumors observed at early time points when combined with CT, but this was not observed at 36 weeks. The lack of an effect at 36 weeks was attributable to the fact that more than 90% of the livers consisted of tumors and the earlier effect was masked by coalescence of tumors. Thus, the ability of TCA to significantly increase tumor numbers in CT-treated mice was probably real and contrary to our original hypothesis that CT was non-specific in its effects on initiated cells. It is probable that the interaction between CT and TCA is explained through stimulation of the growth of cells with differing phenotypes. These data suggest that the outcome of interactions between the mechanisms of tumor promotion vary based on the characteristics of the initiated cells. The interactions may result in additive or inhibitory effects, but no significant evidence of synergy was observed.

Statistical Analysis Used in "A Prospective Placebo-controlled Double-blind Trial of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Intraoral Bone Grafting Procedures: a Pliot Study"

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics. Jun, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15206426

Change and Predictors of Change in Communication, Cognition, and Social Function Between 1 and 5 Years After Traumatic Brain Injury

The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. Jul-Aug, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15263859

To study cognitive, communication, and social changes experienced by individuals between 1 and 5 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Antepartum Dental Radiography and Low Birth Weight

JAMA : the Journal of the American Medical Association. Sep, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15339889

Two-year Chronic Bioassay Study of Rats Exposed to a 1.6 GHz Radiofrequency Signal

Radiation Research. Aug, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15387148

The purpose of this study was to determine whether long-term exposure to a 1.6 GHz radiofrequency (RF) field would affect the incidence of cancer in Fischer 344 rats. Thirty-six timed-pregnant rats were randomly assigned to each of three treatment groups: two groups exposed to a far-field RF Iridium signal and a third group that was sham exposed. Exposures were chosen such that the brain SAR in the fetuses was 0.16 W/kg. Whole-body far-field exposures were initiated at 19 days of gestation and continued at 2 h/day, 7 days/week for dams and pups after parturition until weaning (approximately 23 days old). The offspring (700) of these dams were selected, 90 males and 90 females for each near-field treatment group, with SAR levels in the brain calculated to be as follows: (1) 1.6 W/kg, (2) 0.16 W/kg and (3) near-field sham controls, with an additional 80 males and 80 females as shelf controls. Confining, head-first, near-field exposures of 2 h/day, 5 days/week were initiated when the offspring were 36 +/- 1 days old and continued until the rats were 2 years old. No statistically significant differences were observed among treatment groups for number of live pups/litter, survival index, and weaning weights, nor were there differences in clinical signs or neoplastic lesions among the treatment groups. The percentages of animals surviving at the end of the near-field exposure were not different among the male groups. In females a significant decrease in survival time was observed for the cage control group.

Caregiver Reports of Common Symptoms in Children Following a Traumatic Brain Injury

NeuroRehabilitation. 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15502252

This study describes the common symptoms in children and adolescents following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as reported by their primary caregivers. Utilizing data from a large-scale state demonstration project, 681 children who had sustained a TBI were ascertained from both Hospital Emergency Departments (n = 409) and Pediatric Inpatient settings (n = 272). The sample ranged in age from infancy to 18 years, was largely male (59.7%), and had equal numbers of Caucasian and minority patients. Most of the participants experienced a mild TBI (83%), with about 5.1% being moderate and 12% severe. Caregivers described the presence of current symptoms (neurological, neurocognitive, behavioral, school problems) using a series of dichotomous questions regarding their child via a structured telephone interview at 1, 4, and 10 months post-injury. Inpatient children were described as manifesting more symptoms at each of the follow-up time points than their ED counterparts. At 1 month inpatients were described as having more symptoms across all 4 domains. At 4 and 10 months, the inpatients were described as having more neurocognitive symptoms and as not returning to school on a full-time basis, with behavior problems approaching significance at the 10-month point. A large number of individuals from both groups also reported persistent symptoms 10 months post-injury including headaches, attention and memory problems, low frustration tolerance, sleep problems, personality changes, and new school problems. Practical implications of these findings for the ongoing management of these children are discussed.

Injury Prevention and Other International Public Health Initiatives

Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. Feb, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15663975

Injuries, whether caused by unintentional or intentional events, area significant public health problem. The burden of injury is greatest in low-and middle-income countries and among individuals of low socioeconomic status living in high-income countries. Most of these injuries are prevent-able. Emergency physicians can play an important role in reducing the global burden of injuries by providing expert care and by identifying, implementing, and evaluating population-based countermeasures to prevent and control injuries. The strategy used in a particular country depends in large part on the nature of the local problem, the concerns of the population, the availability of resources, and competing demands. Even simple countermeasures may have a big impact in reducing the global burden of death and disability due to injury.

Sexual Dimorphism in Renal Production of Prostanoids in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Hypertension. Mar, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15699443

Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) have higher blood pressure, blunted pressure-natriuresis relationship, and accelerated progression of renal injury compared with female SHR. Renal medullary prostanoids mediate vascular tone, salt and water balance, and renin release and, as a result, are involved in the maintenance of renal blood flow and the pathogenesis of hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine whether a gender difference exists in prostanoid production in SHR and whether sex steroids influence prostaglandin (PG) production. Thirteen-week-old intact and gonadectomized male and female SHR rats were placed in metabolic cages for 24-hour urine collection. Prostanoid excretion was determined using enzyme immunoassay. Kidneys were isolated and separated into outer and inner medulla for Western blot analysis. Female SHR had enhanced urinary excretion of PG E2 (PGE2) metabolites and thromboxane B2, an indicator of renal thromboxane production, compared with male SHR. There were no gender differences in excretion of systemic thromboxane or prostacyclin. Correspondingly, female SHR had enhanced microsomal PGE2 synthase protein expression in the renal inner medulla and greater cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in the outer medulla. Orchidectomy was associated with increased PGE2 metabolite excretion and microsomal PGE synthase protein expression. Thromboxane B2 excretion was not affected by gonadectomy in either male or female SHR. Protein expressions of COX and cytoplasmic PGE2 synthase in the renal medulla were unchanged by gonadectomy in both sexes. These results demonstrate a sexual dimorphism in renal production of prostanoids in SHR and that PGE production is testosterone sensitive and estrogen insensitive.

Identification of Bacillus Anthracis from Culture Using Gas Chromatographic Analysis of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters

Journal of AOAC International. Jan-Feb, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15759740

PD-L2+ Dendritic Cells and PD-1+ CD4+ T Cells in Schistosomiasis Correlate with Morbidity

Parasite Immunology. Jan-Feb, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15813722

Dendritic cells (DC) are critical antigen-presenting cells for the induction and control of immune responses. PD-L2 (B7-DC) is a regulatory ligand on subpopulations of DC, and binds to the co-regulatory receptor PD-1, present on some activated T lymphocytes, leading to down-regulation. We now show that very early during experimental schistosomiasis (by 5 weeks) a significantly higher proportion of splenic CD11c+/B220- DC express PD-L2, and by 6 weeks after infection a higher proportion of splenic CD4 T cells express PD-1. In this CBA/J mouse/Schistosoma mansoni chronic infection model we have shown that most mice develop moderate morbidity (Moderate Splenomegaly Syndrome, MSS), while some parallel-infected mice express different immune characteristics and die or develop severe morbidity (Hypersplenomegaly Syndrome, HSS). We now report a positive correlation between the proportion of splenic CD11c+/B220- DC that express PD-L2 and showing MSS. In contrast, there is an inverse correlation between the proportion of splenic CD3+/CD4+ T lymphocytes that express PD-1 and showing MSS. The data demonstrate that schistosomes can induce sustained elevated percentages of PD-L2-expressing, B220-negative DC. Furthermore, when this potentially immunoregulatory environment occurs chronically, infected mice are most likely to have developed MSS, expressing moderate morbidity.

Economic Burden of Osteoporosis, Breast Cancer, and Cardiovascular Disease Among Postmenopausal Women in an Employed Population

Women's Health Issues : Official Publication of the Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. May-Jun, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15894195

Postmenopausal women have a significant risk of developing a number of chronic conditions including osteoporosis (OP), breast cancer (BrCa), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). These diseases can result in significant direct (medical treatment) and indirect (workplace) costs. The objective of this study is to assess these costs among an employed population.

Assessing the Economic Impact of Chronic Conditions in Postmenopausal Women

Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy. Sep, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 16144502

The ageing of the US population and the recognised importance of preventative care has led to a growing body of research regarding the morbidity and mortality associated with chronic diseases in postmenopausal women. According to the National Institute of Health, postmenopausal women have a significant increase in risk for a number of debilitating diseases, including osteoporosis, breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. In addition, recently published studies prompted patients, clinicians and payers to re-examine the risks and benefits of a well-accepted therapy to treat postmenopausal symptoms. The objective of this paper is to provide a framework for assessing the economic impact of disorders affecting postmenopausal women, with a particular focus on osteoporosis, breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. This framework considers the prevalence of these conditions, the profiles of women suffering from each of them and prevailing patterns of treatment for these disorders. Taken together, these factors are used to analyse the overall economic impact of postmenopausal disorders and to provide an expert opinion in this context.

Posttranslational Regulation of NO Synthase Activity in the Renal Medulla of Diabetic Rats

American Journal of Physiology. Renal Physiology. Jan, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15383397

Shear stress increases nitric oxide (NO) production by endothelial cells, inner medullary collecting duct cells, and thick ascending limb. We postulated that the osmotic diuresis accompanying type 1 diabetes is associated with increased NO synthase (NOS) activity and/or expression in the renal medulla. Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin, with insulin provided to maintain moderate hyperglycemia (Hyp) or euglycemia (Eug) for 3 wk. Sham rats received vehicle treatments. A separate group of rats (Phz) received phlorizin to produce a glucose-dependent osmotic diuresis. Renal medullary NOS1 and NOS2 activities did not differ between groups, whereas NOS3 activity was significantly increased in Hyp. Neither NOS1 nor NOS3 protein levels differed significantly between groups. Reduced phosphorylation of NOS3 at Thr(495) and Ser(633) was evident in medullary homogenates from Hyp rats, with no difference apparent at Ser(1177). Immunohistochemical analysis indicated prominent expression of pThr(495)NOS3 in the thick ascending limb and collecting duct of Sham and Phz rats. Hyp rats displayed staining in the collecting duct but minimal thick ascending limb staining. Immunostaining with anti-pSer(1177)NOS3 was evident only in the thick ascending limb, with no apparent differences between groups. In summary, glucose-dependent osmotic diuresis alone did not alter NOS activity or expression in the renal medulla. Diabetic hyperglycemia increased medullary NOS3 activity without a concomitant increase in NOS3 protein levels; however, NOS3 phosphorylation was reduced at Thr(495) and Ser(633). Thus changes in the phosphorylation of NOS at known regulatory sites might represent the primary mechanism underlying increased renal medullary NOS activity in diabetic hyperglycemia.

Improving the Reproductive Efficiency by Zoo-technical Methods at a Dairy Farm

Reproduction in Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene. Apr, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16519727

This trial was conducted on a Hungarian dairy farm between July 2001 and December 2004. The objective of this work was to improve the reproductive efficiency with relatively high milk production. At the beginning of this trial blood and fodder samples were taken for checking the metabolic status of the animals in order to determine their health condition. The nutritive value of the daily ration for all groups met with the requirements of the Hungarian National Standard and almost all serum metabolic parameters differed between the milking and pregnant animals. Early pregnancy detection (by ultrasound) and ovulation synchronizing methods were introduced to optimize reproductive performance. The oestrus cycle was also checked by ultrasound and open cows were treated by the appropriate method in order to inseminate them as soon as possible. Efficiency of artificial insemination (AI) followed by a single prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) and Ovsynch treatment was similar (30.8% and 29%) and less effective than AI after natural heat detection (37.1%). Provsynch (Pre-synch followed by Ovsynch) was the most effective ovulation synchronization method (conception rate=42.6%; p<0.01). Although milk production increased between 2002 and 2004 by approximately 600 kg per cow, the calving period decreased by 20 days and the number of AIs per pregnancy was also improved (0.8 AI per conception). These findings are really beneficial economically because the decrease in the calving interval returns profit for the dairy farms; one open day costs euro2.5/cow. Economical analysis showed a high profit ratio from the reproductive 'investment' on this farm. Every invested euro yielded approximately euro10.

Blast Lung Injury

Prehospital Emergency Care : Official Journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors. Apr-Jun, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16531371

Current trends in global terrorism mandate that emergency medical services, emergency medicine and other acute care clinicians have a basic understanding of the physics of explosions, the types of injuries that can result from an explosion, and current management for patients injured by explosions. High-order explosive detonations result in near instantaneous transformation of the explosive material into a highly pressurized gas, releasing energy at supersonic speeds. This results in the formation of a blast wave that travels out from the epicenter of the blast. Primary blast injuries are characterized by anatomical and physiological changes from the force generated by the blast wave impacting the body's surface, and affect primarily gas-containing structures (lungs, gastrointestinal tract, ears). "Blast lung" is a clinical diagnosis and is characterized as respiratory difficulty and hypoxia without obvious external injury to the chest. It may be complicated by pneumothoraces and air emboli and may be associated with multiple other injuries. Patients may present with a variety of symptoms, including dyspnea, chest pain, cough, and hemoptysis. Physical examination may reveal tachypnea, hypoxia, cyanosis, and decreased breath sounds. Chest radiography, computerized tomography, and arterial blood gases may assist with diagnosis and management; however, they should not delay diagnosis and emergency interventions in the patient exposed to a blast. High flow oxygen, airway management, tube thoracostomy in the setting of pneumothoraces, mechanical ventilation (when required) with permissive hypercapnia, and judicious fluid administration are essential components in the management of blast lung injury.

A Global Vision of Prehospital Care

Prehospital Emergency Care : Official Journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors. Apr-Jun, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16531390

Creating a Home to Promote Recovery: the Physical Environments of Oxford House

Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community. 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16595384

The interior and exterior physical characteristics of substance abuse recovery program dwellings (11 woman, 44 men) from three geographic sections of the United States were assessed at creating a "house-as-home" for residents. Although each house was independently governed and operated by residents, results indicated vast similarities among the interior characteristics, amenities, and structural aspects. These rented dwellings also had similar well-maintained exterior characteristics, despite their geographic locations. Follow-up interviews of former residents indicated that these house characteristics and amenities helped create a sense of home not found in traditional institutional facilities. Results suggested that residents of self-governed independently operated recovery houses may create and maintain safe and sober settings that elicit a sense of home among residents.

Metabolic Biotinylation Provides a Unique Platform for the Purification and Targeting of Multiple AAV Vector Serotypes

Molecular Therapy : the Journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy. Jul, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16624620

The development of rationally designed targeted gene delivery vectors is an important focus for gene therapy. While genetic modification of AAV can produce vectors with modified tropism, incorporation of targeting peptides into the structural context of the AAV virion often results in loss of function or loss of virion integrity. To address this issue, we have developed a targeting system using metabolically biotinylated AAV. We generated serotype 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 AAV capsids with small peptide insertions that are metabolically biotinylated in packaging cells during vector production by coexpression of the Escherichia coli BirA, biotin ligase, gene. Biotin moieties are exposed on the surface of assembled AAV particles and can interact with avidin. Metabolically biotinylated AAV vectors produced in this manner maintained endogenous titer and tissue tropism, could be purified on monomeric avidin resin, and could be retargeted to cells engineered to express an artificial avidin-biotin receptor. This technology provides not only a single platform for the purification of multiple AAV vector serotypes, but also a means for the development of multiple targeted AAV vectors utilizing a single capsid modification via straightforward avidin-biotin ligand coupling.

Field Triage in Disasters

Prehospital Emergency Care : Official Journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors. Jul-Sep, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16801271

In man-made and natural disasters, prehospital providers and their emergency medical services systems may find it necessary to shift their triage methodology from a daily operational framework of treating the most severely injured patient first and providing the highest level of care for each patient to the concept of providing the greatest good for the greatest number of casualties. In a scenario where there are an overwhelming number of casualties, this shift will be necessary, both to identify critically injured patients who can benefit from immediate, life-saving interventions and to preserve prehospital and hospital resources. This report examines triage issues as they apply to mass casualty events.

Preventing Death and Disability Through the Timely Provision of Prehospital Trauma Care

Bulletin of the World Health Organization. Jul, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16878215

An Emerging Role for Relaxin As a Renal Vasodilator

Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN. Nov, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17035603

Policosanol is Ineffective in the Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Dec, 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17158441

Policosanol is one of the fastest growing over-the-counter supplements sold in the United States. The use of policosanol to treat elevated cholesterol is based on clinical trials conducted in Cuba, which showed sugar cane-derived policosanol to be similar in efficacy to statins. Recent studies have challenged these findings, but there have been no trials conducted in North America that have examined the ability of sugar cane-derived policosanol to lower cholesterol.

Endothelin A Receptor Blockade Reduces Diabetic Renal Injury Via an Anti-inflammatory Mechanism

Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN. Jan, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17167119

Endothelin (ET) receptor blockade delays the progression of diabetic nephropathy; however, the mechanism of this protection is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that ET(A) receptor blockade attenuates superoxide production and inflammation in the kidney of diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (diabetic rats with partial insulin replacement to maintain modest hyperglycemia [HG]), and sham rats received vehicle treatments. Some rats also received the ETA antagonist ABT-627 (sham+ABT and HG+ABT; 5 mg/kg per d; n = 8 to 10/group). During the 10-wk study, urinary microalbumin was increased in HG rats, and this effect was prevented by ET(A) receptor blockade. Indices of oxidative stress, urinary excretion of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, 8-hydroxy--deoxyguanosine, and H2O2 and plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly greater in HG rats than in sham rats. These effects were not prevented by ABT-627. In addition, renal cortical expression of 8-hydroxy--deoxyguanosine and NADPH oxidase subunits was not different between HG and HG+ABT rats. ETA receptor blockade attenuated increases in macrophage infiltration and urinary excretion of TGF-beta and prostaglandin E2 metabolites in HG rats. Although ABT-627 did not alleviate oxidative stress in HG rats, inflammation and production of inflammatory mediators were reduced in association with prevention of microalbuminuria. These observations indicate that ETA receptor activation mediates renal inflammation and TGF-beta production in diabetes and are consistent with the postulate that ETA blockade slows progression of diabetic nephropathy via an anti-inflammatory mechanism.

The Value of Antihypertensive Drugs: a Perspective on Medical Innovation

Health Affairs (Project Hope). Jan-Feb, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17211019

Using national survey data and risk equations from the Framingham Heart Study, we quantify the impact of antihypertensive therapy changes on blood pressures and the number and cost of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths. Antihypertensive therapy has had a major impact on health. Without it, 1999-2000 average blood pressures (at age 40+) would have been 10-13 percent higher, and 86,000 excess premature deaths from cardiovascular disease would have occurred in 2001. Treatment has generated a benefit-to-cost ratio of at least 6:1, but much more can be achieved. More effective use of antihypertensive medication would have an impact on mortality akin to eliminating all deaths from medical errors or accidents.

Management of Oral Epithelial Dysplasia: a Review

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics. Mar, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17257863

One of the goals of the fourth meeting of The World Workshop on Oral Medicine (WWOM IV) included a review of the pathophysiology and future directions for the clinical management of patients with oral epithelial dysplasia, excluding the lips and oropharynx. In the pathophysiology review of dysplasia since WWOM III (1998-2006), a wide range of molecular changes associated with progression of dysplasia to squamous cell carcinoma were found. These include loss of heterozygosity, dysregulation of apoptosis, aberrant DNA expression, and altered expression of numerous tissue markers. Based on the literature search, no single molecular pathway has been identified as the primary factor in progression of dysplasia to squamous cell carcinoma. A systematic review of medical (i.e., nonsurgical) management strategies for the treatment of dysplastic lesions has shown promising results in short-term resolution of dysplasia in the small number of studies that met eligibility criteria for review. However, because of the limited periods of follow-up reported in these studies, it remains unclear as whether resolution of dysplasia would actually be a long-term benefit of these interventions. This question is particularly germane when it is considered in the context of prevention of future development of squamous cell carcinoma. Because of the lack of randomized controlled trials that have shown effectiveness in the prevention of malignant transformation, no recommendations can be provided for specific surgical interventions of dysplastic oral lesions either.

Novel Nitric Oxide Synthase--dependent Mechanism of Vasorelaxation in Small Arteries from Hypertensive Rats

Hypertension. Apr, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17309950

To determine the mechanism(s) involved in vasorelaxation of small arteries from hypertensive rats, normotensive (NORM), angiotensin II-infused (ANG), high-salt (HS), ANG high-salt (ANG/HS), placebo, and deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt rats were studied. Third-order mesenteric arteries from ANG or ANG/HS displayed decreased sensitivity to acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasorelaxation compared with NORM or HS, respectively. Maximal relaxations were comparable between groups. Blockade of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels had no effect on ANG versus blunting relaxation in NORM (log EC(50): -6.8+/-0.1 versus -7.2+/-0.1 mol/L). NO synthase (NOS) inhibition abolished ACh-mediated relaxation in small arteries from ANG, ANG/HS, and deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt versus blunting relaxation in NORM, HS, and placebo (% maximal relaxation: ANG: 2.7+/-1.8; ANG/HS: 7.2+/-3.2; NORM: 91+/-3.1; HS: 82.1+/-13.3; deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt: 35.2+/-17.7; placebo: 79.3+/-10.3), indicating that NOS is the primary vasorelaxation pathway in these arteries from hypertensive rats. We hypothesized that NO/cGMP signaling and NOS-dependent H(2)O(2) maintains vasorelaxation in small arteries from ANG. ACh increased NOS-dependent cGMP production, indicating that NO/cGMP signaling is present in small arteries from ANG (55.7+/-6.9 versus 30.5+/-5.1 pmol/mg), and ACh stimulated NOS-dependent H(2)O(2) production (ACh: 2.8+/-0.2 micromol/mg; N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride+ACh: 1.8+/-0.1 micromol/mg) in small arteries from ANG. H(2)O(2) induced vasorelaxation and catalase blunted ACh-mediated vasorelaxation. In conclusion, Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel-mediated relaxation is dysfunctional in small mesenteric arteries from hypertensive rats, and the NOS pathway compensates to maintain vasorelaxation in these arteries through NOS-mediated cGMP and H(2)O(2) production.

A Survey of Orthopaedic Traumatologists Concerning the Use of Bone Growth Stimulators

Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances. 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17371639

The purpose of the study was to determine the attitudes of members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) concerning the use and efficacy of bone growth stimulators. A questionnaire regarding bone growth stimulators was sent to the active members of the OTA. Descriptive statistics was performed using frequencies and percentages. All analyses were performed using Stata for Linux, version 8.0 (Intercooled Stata, Stata Corporation; College Station, TX). A response rate of 43% was obtained. Respondents indicated that they only occasionally used bone stimulators for the treatment of acute fractures and stress fractures. A majority of respondents have utilized stimulators for the treatment of delayed unions and nonunions. It was concluded that many members of the OTA utilize bone stimulators for delayed unions and nonunions, but not routinely for the treatment of acute fractures or stress fractures.

Sexual Dimorphism in Oxidant Status in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. Feb, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 16917021

Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) have a blunted pressure-natriuresis relationship and enhanced oxidative stress compared with female SHR. Furthermore, oxidative stress contributes to abnormal renal Na+ handling and renal damage in hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine whether a sex difference exists in renal inner medullary hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels and/or antioxidant systems in SHR and the influence of sex steroids on these systems. Thirteen-week-old intact and gonadectomized male and female SHR were placed in metabolic cages for 24-h urine collection. Renal inner medullas were isolated for antioxidant activity assays and Western blot analysis or for measurements of H2O2 using Amplex Red. Studies verified that male SHR had greater Na+ reabsorption compared with female SHR. Male SHR had enhanced urinary excretion of H2O2 compared with female SHR. Gonadectomy decreased H2O2 excretion in males and increased H2O2 excretion in females, suggesting that testosterone stimulates total body oxidative stress and estrogen suppresses levels of total body oxidative stress. There was not a sex difference in inner medullary H2O2 levels. Male SHR had a testosterone-dependent increase in inner medullary SOD activity, and both intact and gonadectomized males had high levels of inner medullary catalase activity compared with females. The results of this study showed that there was a sexual dimorphism in Na+ handling and oxidant status. We hypothesize that there is a testosterone-sensitive increase in whole body reactive oxygen species production that results in a compensatory increase in the inner medullary antioxidant capability possibly to normalize Na+ handling.

Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Enhance Breast Cancer Cell Growth Rates in a Cell Line-dependent Manner when Evaluated in 3D Tumor Environments

Cancer Letters. Sep, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17467167

Our understanding of the impact that fibroblasts have on cancer cell behavior in vivo has been limited by the complexities of in vivo tumor microenvironments, which contain many distinct cell populations that influence tumor growth and survival. Herein, we describe a novel, three-dimensional (3D), in vitro, fluorometric, Tumor Growth Assay (TGA) that allows for non-invasive measurements of cancer cell expansion in the presence of multiple tumor-associated cell types or soluble factors, while embedded in Cultrex or Matrigel Basement Membrane Extract (BME). Using this assay, we investigated the direct biological impact of primary human bone marrow stromal cells (hMSC) on the growth rates of a panel of metastatic breast cancer cell lines. Human MSC can be readily isolated from bone marrow, a principle site of breast cancer metastasis, and were found to significantly enhance the growth rate of MCF-7 (P-value<0.0001), an estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) positive breast cancer cell line, in a soluble factor-dependent manner. MSC paracrine factors also enhanced the growth of other ERalpha positive breast cancer cell lines including T47D, BT474, and ZR-75-1 (P-value<0.05). In contrast, the ERalpha negative cell line MDA-MB-231 was unaffected by hMSC and the growth rate of another ERalpha negative cell line MDA-MB-468 was elevated in the presence of hMSC, albeit to a lesser extent than MCF-7 or the other ERalpha positive cell lines tested.

Interleukin-6 is a Potent Growth Factor for ER-alpha-positive Human Breast Cancer

FASEB Journal : Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. Nov, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17586727

Bone is the primary anatomical site of breast cancer metastasis, and bone metastasis is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are a predominant fibroblast cell population within the bone marrow, and metastatic breast cancer cells that seed within bone would predictably encounter MSC or their soluble factors. Therefore, we examined the impact of primary human MSC on a panel of estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha)-positive (MCF-7, T47D, BT474, and ZR-75-1) and ERalpha-negative (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) human breast tumor cell lines. All ERalpha-positive breast tumor cell lines displayed low basal activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) until exposed to MSC, which induced chronic phosphorylation of STAT3 on tyrosine-705. Paracrine IL-6 was found to be the principal mediator of STAT3 phosphorylation in coculture studies, and MSC induction of STAT3 phosphorylation was lost when IL-6 was depleted from MSC conditioned media or the IL-6 receptor was blocked on tumor cells. Enhanced tumor cell growth rates were observed in the ERalpha-positive mammary tumor cell line MCF-7 after paracrine and autocrine IL-6 exposure, where MCF-7 growth rates were enhanced by >2-fold when cocultured with MSC in vitro and even more pronounced in vivo with autocrine IL-6 production.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cancer: Tumor-associated Fibroblasts and Cell-based Delivery Vehicles

International Journal of Hematology. Jul, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17675260

Recent evidence suggests that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) selectively home to tumors, where they contribute to the formation of tumor-associated stroma. This effect can be opposed by genetically modifying MSC to produce high levels of anti-cancer agents that blunt tumor growth kinetics and inhibit the growth of tumors in situ. In this review article, we describe the biological properties of MSC within the tumor microenvironment and discuss the potential use of MSC and other bone marrow-derived cell populations as delivery vehicles for antitumor proteins.

Early Detection of Pregnancy and Embryonic Loss in Dairy Cattle by ELISA Tests

Reproduction in Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene. Dec, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17976071

Over a 25-month period 8118 blood samples were assayed for the presence of the serum pregnancy specific-protein B (PSPB) and progesterone (P4) concentrations on three Hungarian large-scale dairy farms. Pregnancy (n = 4085) was checked by BioPRYN assay at 30-36 days post-insemination (PI). Samples from all cows that tested not pregnant and from cows with an optical density (OD) reading in the BioPRYN test that was between 0% and 30% above the cutoff OD value were tested for serum P4 concentration. According to serum P4 concentration, cows were assigned to three categories: high (>4 ng/ml), medium (2-4 ng/ml) and low (<2 ng/ml) serum progesterone. The authors predicted a presumed (low) or possible (medium) late embryonic loss (LEL) or maintenance of the pregnancy (high). A total of 710 LELs were detected (17.4%) and 31.8% of them were predicted because of a low OD value at 30-36 days after insemination. Lower PSPB serum level significantly refers for LEL (p < 0.0001). The prediction rate for the true embryonic loss was 31.8% when OD cutoff from 0% to + 30% of cutoff was examined while it was 62.5% when the threshold was OD cutoff of 0% to 10% of cutoff. The authors conclude that BioPRYN was useful for prediction of a part of LEL in dairy cows and serum P4 concentration in these cows related to the rate of LEL.

Actual Versus Predicted First-year Utilization Patterns of Teriparatide in Patients with Employer-sponsored Health Insurance

Current Medical Research and Opinion. Dec, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 18021497

To characterize first-year utilization patterns of teriparatide derived from a claims database analysis versus predictions from an economic model.

USTUR Whole Body Case 0262: 33-y Follow-up of PuO2 in a Skin Wound and Associated Axillary Node

Radiation Protection Dosimetry. 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 18227076

This whole body donation case (USTUR Registrant) involved two suspected PuO2 inhalation intakes, each indicated by a measurable Pu alpha activity in a single urine sample, followed about 1(1/2) y later by a puncture wound to the thumb while working in a Pu glovebox. The study is concerned with modelling simultaneously the biokinetics of deposition and retention in the respiratory tract and at the wound site; and the biokinetics of Pu subsequently transferred to other body organs, until the donor's death. Urine samples taken after the wound incident had readily measurable Pu alpha activity over the next 14 y, before dropping below the minimum detectable excretion rate (<0.4 mBq d(-1)). The Registrant died about 33 y after the wound intake, at the age of 71, from hepatocellular carcinoma with extensive metastases. At autopsy, all major soft tissue organs were harvested for analysis of their 238Pu, 239+240Pu and 241Am content. The amount of 239+240Pu retained at the wound site was 68 +/- 7 Bq (1 SD), measured by low-energy planar Ge spectrometry. A further 56.0 +/- 1.2 Bq was retained in an associated axillary lymph node, measured by radiochemistry. Simultaneous mathematical analysis (modelling) of all in vivo urinary excretion data, together with the measured lung, thoracic lymph node, wound, axillary lymph node and systemic tissue contents at death, yielded estimated intake amounts of 757 and 1504 Bq, respectively, for the first and second inhalation incidents, and 204 Bq for the total wound intake. The inhaled Pu material was highly insoluble, with an estimated long-term absorption rate from the lungs of 2 x 10(-5) d(-1). The Pu material deposited at the wound site was mixed: approximately 14% was rapidly absorbed, approximately 49% was absorbed at the rate of about 6 x 10(-5) d(-1), and the remainder ( approximately 37%) was absorbed extremely slowly (at the rate of about 5 x 10(-6) d(-1)). Thus, it was estimated that only approximately 40% of the Pu initially deposited in the wound had been absorbed systemically over the 33-y period until the donor's death. The biokinetic modelling also indicated that, in this individual case, some of the parameter values (rate constants) incorporated in the ICRP Publication 67 Pu model were up to a factor of 2 different from ICRP's recommended values (for reference man).

Ustur Whole Body Case 0269: Demonstrating Effectiveness of I.v. CA-DTPA for Pu

Radiation Protection Dosimetry. 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 18227077

This whole body donation case (USTUR Registrant) involved a single acute inhalation of an acidic Pu(NO3)4 solution in the form of an aerosol 'mist'. Chelation treatment with intravenously (i.v.) Ca-EDTA was initiated on the day of the intake, and continued intermittently over 6 months. After 2.5 y with no further treatment, a course of i.v. Ca-DTPA was administered. A total of 400 measurements of 239+240Pu excreted in urine were recorded; starting on the first day (both before and during the initial Ca-EDTA chelation) and continuing for 37 y. This sampling included all intervals of chelation. In addition, 91 measurements of 239+240Pu-in-feces were recorded over this whole period. The Registrant died about 38 y after the intake, at age 79 y, with extensive carcinomatosis secondary to adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland. At autopsy, all major soft tissue organs were harvested for radiochemical analyses of their 238Pu, 239+240Pu and 241Am content. Also, all types of bone (comprising about half the skeleton) were harvested for radiochemical analyses, as well as samples of skin, subcutaneous fat and muscle. This comprehensive data set has been applied to derive 'chelation-enhanced' transfer rates in the ICRP Publication 67 plutonium biokinetic model, representing the behaviour of blood-borne and tissue-incorporated plutonium during intervals of therapy. The resulting model of the separate effects of i.v. Ca-EDTA and Ca-DTPA chelation shows that the therapy administered in this case succeeded in reducing substantially the long-term burden of plutonium in all body organs, except for the lungs. The calculated reductions in organ content at the time of death are approximately 40% for the liver, 60% for other soft tissues (muscle, skin, glands, etc.), 50% for the kidneys and 50% for the skeleton. Essentially, all of the substantial reduction in skeletal burden occurred in trabecular bone. This modelling exercise demonstrated that 3-y-delayed Ca-DTPA therapy was as effective as promptly administered Ca-EDTA.

Linking Public Health and the Emergency Care Community: 7 Model Communities

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. Nov, 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 18388642

Public health and the emergency care community must work together to effectively achieve a state of community-wide disaster preparedness. The identification of model communities with good working relationships between their emergency care community and public health agencies may provide useful information on establishing and strengthening relationships in other communities. Seven model communities were identified: Boston, Massachusetts; Clark County, Nevada; Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Erie County, New York; Louisville, Kentucky; Livingston County, New York; and Monroe County, New York. This article describes these communities and provides a summary of common findings. Specifically, we recommend that communities foster respectful working relationships between agency leaders, hold regular face-to-face meetings, educate each other on their expertise and roles during a disaster, develop response plans together, work together on a day-to-day basis, identify and encourage a leader to facilitate these relationships, and share resources.

The Natriuretic and Diuretic Response to Dopamine is Maintained During Rat Pregnancy

American Journal of Physiology. Renal Physiology. Jun, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18400873

During pregnancy, there is a marked plasma volume expansion due to renal sodium retention. Pregnant rats exhibit a blunted response to natriuretic stimuli that signal via cGMP, and expression and activity of the cGMP phosphodiesterase PDE-5 are upregulated in the inner medullary collecting duct during pregnancy. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the natriuretic response to a cAMP agonist, dopamine, is maintained during pregnancy. Anesthetized pregnant (day 16) and age-matched virgin Sprague-Dawley rats were used to determine whether dopamine-cAMP-mediated natriuresis remains intact in pregnant rats. Blood pressure, renal clearances of inulin and p-aminohippuric acid, and excretion of sodium were measured during baseline and dopamine infusion periods. Pregnant rats had a lower blood pressure and hematocrit at baseline than their age-matched virgin counterparts. Dopamine infusion decreased blood pressure and increased glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow in virgin but not pregnant rats. Dopamine infusion also increased urine volume, sodium excretion, and the fractional excretion of sodium to a similar extent in virgin and pregnant rats. These results indicate that a cAMP-mediated natriuresis and diuresis (stimulated by dopamine) persists in pregnant rats.

Interleukin-1beta, but Not Interleukin-6, Enhances Renal and Systemic Endothelin Production in Vivo

American Journal of Physiology. Renal Physiology. Aug, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18524861

The inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and IL-6 have been shown to stimulate production of endothelin-1 (ET-1) by several cell types in vitro, but their effects on renal ET-1 production in vivo are not known. To test whether IL-1beta and IL-6 stimulate renal ET-1 production and release in vivo, urine was collected from male C57BL/6 mice over 24-h periods at baseline and on days 7 and 14 of a 14-day subcutaneous infusion of IL-1beta (10 ng/h), IL-6 (16 ng/h), or vehicle. By day 14, plasma ET-1 was significantly increased by IL-1beta infusion (1.7 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.8 +/- 0.1 pg/ml for vehicle, P < 0.001). Compared with vehicle infusion, IL-1beta infusion induced significant increases in urinary ET-1 excretion rate and urine flow but did not affect conscious mean arterial pressure (telemetry). IL-1beta infusion significantly increased renal cortical and medullary IL-1beta content (ELISA) and prepro-ET-1 mRNA expression (quantitative real-time PCR). In contrast, 14 days of IL-6 infusion had no significant effect on plasma ET-1 or urinary ET-1 excretion rate. To determine whether IL-1beta stimulates ET-1 release via activation of NF-kappaB, inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD-3) cells were incubated for 24 h with IL-1beta, and ET-1 release and NF-kappaB activation were measured (ELISA). IL-1beta activated NF-kappaB and increased ET-1 release in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect of IL-1beta on ET-1 release could be partially inhibited by pretreatment of IMCD-3 cells with an inhibitor of NF-kappaB activation (BAY 11-7082). These results indicate that IL-1beta stimulates renal and systemic ET-1 production in vivo, providing further evidence that ET-1 participates in inflammatory responses.

Bacteremia Associated with Toothbrushing and Dental Extraction

Circulation. Jun, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18541739

Antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations for the prevention of infective endocarditis are based in part on studies of bacteremia from dental procedures, but toothbrushing may pose a greater threat. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence, duration, nature, and magnitude of endocarditis-related bacteremia from single-tooth extraction and toothbrushing and to determine the impact of amoxicillin prophylaxis on single-tooth extraction.

Classification Tree Methods for Development of Decision Rules for Botulism and Cyanide Poisoning

Journal of Medical Toxicology : Official Journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology. Jun, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18570166

Identification of predictors of potential mass poisonings may increase the speed and accuracy with which patients are recognized, potentially reducing the number ultimately exposed and the degree to which they are affected. This analysis used a decision-tree method to sort such potential predictors.

Systemic Host Immuno-inflammatory Response to Dental Extractions and Periodontitis

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics. Oct, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18619871

Little is known about the host immuno-inflammatory response to dental extractions. The purpose of this pilot clinical study was to explore the effect of both periodontitis and dental extractions on the host systemic immuno-inflammatory response.

Aspirin Use and Post-operative Bleeding from Dental Extractions

Journal of Dental Research. Aug, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18650545

Aspirin is a common, chronically administered preventive treatment for cardiovascular disease, but is often discontinued prior to invasive dental procedures because of concern for bleeding complications. We hypothesized that aspirin does not cause increased bleeding following a single tooth extraction. Thirty-six healthy persons requiring a tooth extraction were randomized to receive 325 mg/day aspirin or placebo for 4 days. Cutaneous bleeding time (BT) and platelet aggregation tests were obtained prior to extraction. The primary outcome measure, oral BT, and secondary bleeding outcomes were evaluated during and following extraction. No significant baseline differences, except for diastolic blood pressure, were found between groups. There were no differences in oral BT, cutaneous BT, secondary outcome measures, or compliance. Whole-blood aggregation results were significantly different between the aspirin and placebo groups. These findings suggest that there is no indication to discontinue aspirin for persons requiring single-tooth extraction.

Mass Casualty Triage: an Evaluation of the Data and Development of a Proposed National Guideline

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. Sep, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18769263

Mass casualty triage is a critical skill. Although many systems exist to guide providers in making triage decisions, there is little scientific evidence available to demonstrate that any of the available systems have been validated. Furthermore, in the United States there is little consistency from one jurisdiction to the next in the application of mass casualty triage methodology. There are no nationally agreed upon categories or color designations. This review reports on a consensus committee process used to evaluate and compare commonly used triage systems, and to develop a proposed national mass casualty triage guideline. The proposed guideline, entitled SALT (sort, assess, life-saving interventions, treatment and/or transport) triage, was developed based on the best available science and consensus opinion. It incorporates aspects from all of the existing triage systems to create a single overarching guide for unifying the mass casualty triage process across the United States.

STAT3 Can Be Activated Through Paracrine Signaling in Breast Epithelial Cells

BMC Cancer. 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18939993

Many cancers, including breast cancer, have been identified with increased levels of phosphorylated or the active form of Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription 3 (STAT3) protein. However, whether the tumor microenvironment plays a role in this activation is still poorly understood.

Potential Benefits on Impairment of Endothelial Function After a High-fat Meal of 4 Weeks of Flavonoid Supplementation

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM. Jul, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18955351

Studies with foods high in flavonoids have demonstrated improvement in endothelial function. We investigated whether 4 weeks of flavonoid supplementation would prevent an adverse impact on endothelial function of a high-fat meal. Endothelial function was measured by reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT). The RH-PAT index was measured both before and 3 h after a high-fat meal, in 23 healthy volunteers. Subjects were randomized in a double-blind, cross-over design to 4 weeks of daily supplementation with OPC-3(R), or a matching placebo. RH-PAT index before and after the high-fat meal was measured at the beginning and end of each 4-week treatment phase. The high-fat meal caused a decline in endothelial function at baseline in the placebo (-10.71%, P = 0.006) and flavonoid [-9.97% (P = 0.077)] groups, and there was no difference in decline between arms (P = 0.906). The high-fat meal produced a decline after 4 weeks of placebo [-12.37% (P = 0.005)], but no decline after 4 weeks of flavonoid supplement [-3.16% (P = 0.663)], and the difference between the two responses was highly significant (P < 0.0001). Within-group comparisons revealed no difference in endothelial function decline in the placebo arm between baseline and 4 weeks [-10.71% versus -12.37% (P = 0.758)]. In the flavonoid supplement arm, the difference in endothelial function decline between baseline and 4 weeks was -9.97% versus -3.16%, but did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.451). These results suggest that the flavonoid supplement used in this study mitigates the impairment of endothelial function caused by a high-fat meal. Whether certain subpopulations derive greater or lesser benefit remains unclear.

Fibroblasts Isolated from Common Sites of Breast Cancer Metastasis Enhance Cancer Cell Growth Rates and Invasiveness in an Interleukin-6-dependent Manner

Cancer Research. Nov, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18974155

Common sites of breast cancer metastasis include the lung, liver, and bone, and of these secondary metastatic sites, estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha)-positive breast cancer often favors bone. Within secondary organs, cancer cells would predictably encounter tissue-specific fibroblasts or their soluble factors, yet our understanding of how tissue-specific fibroblasts directly affect cancer cell growth rates and survival remains largely unknown. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that mesenchymal fibroblasts isolated from common sites of breast cancer metastasis provide a more favorable microenvironment with respect to tumor growth rates. We found a direct correlation between the ability of breast, lung, and bone fibroblasts to enhance ERalpha-positive breast cancer cell growth and the level of soluble interleukin-6 (IL-6) produced by each organ-specific fibroblast, and fibroblast-mediated growth enhancement was inhibited by the removal or inhibition of IL-6. Interestingly, mice coinjected with MCF-7 breast tumor cells and senescent skin fibroblasts, which secrete IL-6, developed tumors, whereas mice coinjected with presenescent skin fibroblasts that produce little to no IL-6 failed to form xenograft tumors. We subsequently determined that IL-6 promoted growth and invasion of breast cancer cells through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3-dependent up-regulation of Notch-3, Jagged-1, and carbonic anhydrase IX. These data suggest that tissue-specific fibroblasts and the factors they produce can promote breast cancer disease progression and may represent attractive targets for development of new therapeutics.

Factors Influencing Pregnancy Rate and Late Embryonic Loss in Dairy Cattle

Reproduction in Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene. Feb, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18199259

This trial was conducted on three Hungarian dairy farms between March 2003 and April 2004. The aims of this study were to examine the effect of milk production and milk contents, the day after calving (DAC) and the sire for the pregnancy rate (PR) and late embryonic loss (LEL) in dairies. Five thousand three hundred and eighty insemination was carried out in this period. Pregnancies (n = 1969) were detected by BioPryn test from 3919 blood samples between 30-36 days post insemination (PI). Retention of pregnancy was determined by rectal palpation on Day 60. LEL has been determined by the optical density (OD) of blood samples/cutoff ratio and the serum progesterone (P4) concentration 30-36 days PI. According to serum progesterone concentration the authors predicted a presumed or possible embryonic loss or maintenance of the pregnancy. The efficiency of the artificial inseminations (AI) was significantly lower 60 days within post-partum. Significant positive correlation was found between the result of early and late PR and DAC and the milk protein/fat ratio. Significant negative correlation was detected between the early and late PR the milk protein and fat content. A later stage (60 days PI) of pregnancy the milk production has a negative effect for retaining of pregnancy. More data would be necessary to state that sires can influence the reproduction ability of their progenies. This is a really important issue, because the AI bulls have a great impact on the herds and the one-way selection may cause decreased fertility on breed level as well.

Guidelines for Prehospital Management of Traumatic Brain Injury 2nd Edition

Prehospital Emergency Care : Official Journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors. 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 18203044

Studies Supporting the Development of a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Model for Methyl Iodide: Pharmacokinetics of Sodium Iodide (NaI) in Pregnant Rabbits

Inhalation Toxicology. May, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19337875

Methyl iodide (MeI) is a water soluble monohalomethane that is metabolized in vivo to release iodide (I-). A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model exists for iodide in adult rats, pregnant rats and fetuses, and lactating rats and neonates, but not for pregnant rabbits and fetuses, which have been used extensively for toxicity testing with MeI. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the blood and tissue distribution kinetics of radioiodide in pregnant rabbits and fetuses. Timed-pregnant New Zealand White rabbits received a single intravenous injection of the sodium salt of iodine-131 (Na131I) at either a high (10 mg/kg body weight) or low (0.75 mg/kg body weight) dose on gestation day 25. At various intervals ranging from 0.5 to 24h post- injection, blood and tissues (thyroid, stomach contents, and skin) were collected from each doe, and blood, stomach contents, thyroid, trachea, and amniotic fluid were collected from a random sampling of three fetuses per doe per time point. Radioiodide accumulated as expected in the thyroid of maternal animals, where concentrations were the highest of any maternal tissues measured in both dose groups. Radioiodide also accumulated in fetal blood and tissues; levels were consistently higher than maternal levels and, unlike maternal tissues, showed no evidence of clearance over the 24-h sampling period. In contrast to observations in the maternal animals, fetal stomach contents showed the highest accumulation of radioiodide for both dose groups by 1-2h after dosing, followed by the trachea and thyroid tissues, with the lowest concentrations of radioiodide in the amniotic fluid and blood. There was no evidence for preferential accumulation of radioiodide in fetal thyroid tissues.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transition to Tumor-associated Fibroblasts Contributes to Fibrovascular Network Expansion and Tumor Progression

PloS One. 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19352430

Tumor associated fibroblasts (TAF), are essential for tumor progression providing both a functional and structural supportive environment. TAF, known as activated fibroblasts, have an established biological impact on tumorigenesis as matrix synthesizing or matrix degrading cells, contractile cells, and even blood vessel associated cells. The production of growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, matrix-degrading enzymes, and immunomodulatory mechanisms by these cells augment tumor progression by providing a suitable environment. There are several suggested origins of the TAF including tissue-resident, circulating, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transitioned cells.

Interleukin-6 Induces an Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Phenotype in Human Breast Cancer Cells

Oncogene. Aug, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19581928

Breast tumor interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels increase with tumor grade, and elevated serum IL-6 correlates with poor breast cancer patient survival. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes such as impaired E-cadherin expression or aberrant Vimentin induction are associated with enhanced metastasis and unfavorable clinical outcome in breast cancer. Despite this fact, few tumor microenvironment-derived extracellular signaling factors capable of provoking such a phenotypic transition have been identified. In this study, we showed that IL-6 promoted E-cadherin repression among a panel of estrogen receptor-alpha-positive human breast cancer cells. Furthermore, ectopic stable IL-6 expressing MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7(IL-6)) exhibited an EMT phenotype characterized by impaired E-cadherin expression and induction of Vimentin, N-cadherin, Snail and Twist. MCF-7(IL-6) cells formed xenograft tumors that displayed loss of E-cadherin, robust Vimentin induction, increased proliferative indices, advanced tumor grade and undifferentiated histology. Finally, we showed aberrant IL-6 production and STAT3 activation in MCF-7 cells that constitutively express Twist, a metastatic regulator and direct transcriptional repressor of E-cadherin. To our knowledge, this is the first study that shows IL-6 as an inducer of an EMT phenotype in breast cancer cells and implicates its potential to promote breast cancer metastasis.

The Outcome of North American Pediatric Unintentional Mushroom Ingestions with Various Decontamination Treatments: an Analysis of 14 Years of TESS Data

Toxicon : Official Journal of the International Society on Toxinology. Mar, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19708122

The optimum empiric decontamination therapy for unintentional pediatric mushroom ingestion is not known. We sought to determine case outcomes for unintentional mushroom ingestions in children by decontamination therapies utilized. The 1992-2005 American Association of Poison Control Centers Toxic Exposure Surveillance System was queried for cases of unintentional acute mushroom ingestions in children age <6 years. Cases were excluded if outcome was unknown, if exposure was coded as unrelated to the symptoms, or if there was co-ingestion of a non-mycoid substance. The treatment subgroups analyzed were ipecac, single-dose activated charcoal, and no gastric decontamination. 82,330 cases met the inclusion criteria with 22,454 cases excluded. There were 16 cases with major effects and no deaths. There were 57,531 cases in the three treatment subgroups. There was a significantly smaller percentage of cases with moderate or major outcomes in the ipecac subgroup compared to the no decontamination subgroup. There was a significantly greater percentage of cases with moderate or major outcomes in the activated charcoal compared to the no decontamination subgroup. If decontamination therapy is being performed, and this data suggests it may not be necessary, syrup of ipecac could still be considered an effective option.

Poor Oral Hygiene As a Risk Factor for Infective Endocarditis-related Bacteremia

Journal of the American Dental Association (1939). Oct, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19797553

Infective endocarditis (IE) often is caused by bacteria that colonize teeth. The authors conducted a study to determine if poor oral hygiene or dental disease are risk factors for developing bacteremia after toothbrushing or single-tooth extraction.

Concomitant Surgical Treatment of Dental and Valvular Heart Diseases

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics. Jan, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19101489

Invasive dental procedures are often indicated before cardiac valve surgery. The purpose of this case-control study was to determine the risks and benefits of concomitant dental and thoracic surgery.

Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients. Recommendations of the National Expert Panel on Field Triage

MMWR. Recommendations and Reports : Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Recommendations and Reports / Centers for Disease Control. Jan, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19165138

In the United States, injury is the leading cause of death for persons aged 1--44 years, and the approximately 800,000 emergency medical services (EMS) providers have a substantial impact on the care of injured persons and on public health. At an injury scene, EMS providers determine the severity of injury, initiate medical management, and identify the most appropriate facility to which to transport the patient through a process called "field triage." Although basic emergency services generally are consistent across hospital emergency departments (EDs), certain hospitals have additional expertise, resources, and equipment for treating severely injured patients. Such facilities, called "trauma centers," are classified from Level I (centers providing the highest level of trauma care) to Level IV (centers providing initial trauma care and transfer to a higher level of trauma care if necessary) depending on the scope of resources and services available. The risk for death of a severely injured person is 25% lower if the patient receives care at a Level I trauma center. However, not all patients require the services of a Level I trauma center; patients who are injured less severely might be served better by being transported to a closer ED capable of managing milder injuries. Transferring all injured patients to Level I trauma centers might overburden the centers, have a negative impact on patient outcomes, and decrease cost effectiveness. In 1986, the American College of Surgeons developed the Field Triage Decision Scheme (Decision Scheme), which serves as the basis for triage protocols for state and local EMS systems across the United States. The Decision Scheme is an algorithm that guides EMS providers through four decision steps (physiologic, anatomic, mechanism of injury, and special considerations) to determine the most appropriate destination facility within the local trauma care system. Since its initial publication in 1986, the Decision Scheme has been revised four times. In 2005, with support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, CDC began facilitating revision of the Decision Scheme by hosting a series of meetings of the National Expert Panel on Field Triage, which includes injury-care providers, public health professionals, automotive industry representatives, and officials from federal agencies. The Panel reviewed relevant literature, presented its findings, and reached consensus on necessary revisions. The revised Decision Scheme was published in 2006. This report describes the process and rationale used by the Expert Panel to revise the Decision Scheme.

Engineered Cell Surface Expression of Membrane Immunoglobulin As a Means to Identify Monoclonal Antibody-secreting Hybridomas

Journal of Immunological Methods. Mar, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19187782

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have proven to be effective biological reagents in the form of therapeutic drugs and diagnostics for many pathologies, as well as valuable research tools. Existing methods for isolating mAb-producing hybridomas are tedious and time consuming. Herein we describe a novel system in which mAb-secreting hybridoma cells were induced to co-express significant amounts of the membrane form of the secreted immunoglobulin (Ig) on their surfaces and are efficiently recovered by fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS). Fusion of a novel myeloma parent, SP2ab, expressing transgenic Igalpha and Igbeta of the B-cell receptor complex (BCR) with spleen cells resulted in hybridomas demonstrating order of magnitude increases in BCR surface expression. Surface Ig levels correlated with transgenic Igalpha expression, and these cells also secreted normal levels of mAb. Hundreds of hybridoma lines producing mAbs specific for a variety of antigens were rapidly isolated as single cell-derived clones after FACS. Significant improvements using the Direct Selection of Hybridomas (DiSH) by FACS include reduced time and labor, improved capability of isolating positive hybridomas, and the ease of manipulating cloned cell lines relative to previously existing approaches that require Limiting Dilution Subcloning (LDS).

Preparing for the Inevitable: Terrorists' Use of Explosives

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. Dec, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 20081413

The Outcome of Unintentional Pediatric Bupropion Ingestions: a NPDS Database Review

Journal of Medical Toxicology : Official Journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology. Mar, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20213217

Unintentional bupropion pediatric exposures uncommonly report severe clinical effects such as seizures. We sought to determine the clinical effects and case outcomes for unintentional bupropion ingestions in children age

Skeletal Traction Versus External Fixation in the Initial Temporization of Femoral Shaft Fractures in Severely Injured Patients

The Journal of Trauma. Mar, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20220421

: Damage control with external fixation (DC-EF) of femoral shaft fractures in polytrauma patients is becoming standard treatment in many trauma centers. However, skeletal traction (ST) has long been used in the temporization of fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare the major physiologic clinical outcomes of provisional ST with DC-EF of femoral shaft fractures in severely injured patients.

Use of the "RAM" Susceptibility Testing Method for Rapid Detection of Clarithromycin Resistance in the Mycobacterium Avium Complex

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease. May, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20226616

Standard susceptibility testing of the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) can require 7 to 14 days from initial isolation. We evaluated a high-performance liquid chromatography-based susceptibility test for rapid determination of clarithromycin (CLR) resistance in MAC. This method can be completed in 72 h of incubation. A total of 110 MAC strains were tested using the following concentrations of CLR: 4, 16, and 64 microg/mL, for a total of 330 tests. Microbroth dilution was used as the reference method. Rapid analysis of mycolic acid ("RAM") concordance with the reference method for CLR susceptibility was 98% (254/258) and 100% for CLR resistance (72/72). The 4 discordant results occurred with 2 strains, which demonstrated intermediate resistance with an MIC of 16 microg/mL. This study demonstrates that "RAM"-based susceptibility testing for determination of CLR resistance in MAC is both rapid and accurate, providing a significant reduction in turn-around-time from 7 to 14 days to 72 h of incubation.

Assignment Strategies for Large Proteins by Magic-angle Spinning NMR: the 21-kDa Disulfide-bond-forming Enzyme DsbA

Journal of Molecular Biology. Jun, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20394752

We present strategies for chemical shift assignments of large proteins by magic-angle spinning solid-state NMR, using the 21-kDa disulfide-bond-forming enzyme DsbA as prototype. Previous studies have demonstrated that complete de novo assignments are possible for proteins up to approximately 17 kDa, and partial assignments have been performed for several larger proteins. Here we show that combinations of isotopic labeling strategies, high field correlation spectroscopy, and three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) backbone correlation experiments yield highly confident assignments for more than 90% of backbone resonances in DsbA. Samples were prepared as nanocrystalline precipitates by a dialysis procedure, resulting in heterogeneous linewidths below 0.2 ppm. Thus, high magnetic fields, selective decoupling pulse sequences, and sparse isotopic labeling all improved spectral resolution. Assignments by amino acid type were facilitated by particular combinations of pulse sequences and isotopic labeling; for example, transferred echo double resonance experiments enhanced sensitivity for Pro and Gly residues; [2-(13)C]glycerol labeling clarified Val, Ile, and Leu assignments; in-phase anti-phase correlation spectra enabled interpretation of otherwise crowded Glx/Asx side-chain regions; and 3D NCACX experiments on [2-(13)C]glycerol samples provided unique sets of aromatic (Phe, Tyr, and Trp) correlations. Together with high-sensitivity CANCOCA 4D experiments and CANCOCX 3D experiments, unambiguous backbone walks could be performed throughout the majority of the sequence. At 189 residues, DsbA represents the largest monomeric unit for which essentially complete solid-state NMR assignments have so far been achieved. These results will facilitate studies of nanocrystalline DsbA structure and dynamics and will enable analysis of its 41-kDa covalent complex with the membrane protein DsbB, for which we demonstrate a high-resolution two-dimensional (13)C-(13)C spectrum.

The Humanistic Clinician: Traversing the Science and Art of Health Care

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. May, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20471554

Effects of Angiotensin Type 1 Receptor Blockade on Arginine and ADMA Synthesis and Metabolic Pathways in Fawn-hooded Hypertensive Rats

Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation : Official Publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association. Nov, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20484304

The fawn-hooded hypertensive (FHH) rat develops spontaneous glomerulosclerosis that is ameliorated by inhibition of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT-1). Since kidney damage is associated with nitric oxide (NO) deficiency, we investigated how AT-1 antagonism influenced nitric oxide synthase (NOS), as well as NOS substrate [L-arginine (L-Arg)] and inhibitor [asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA)]. L-Arg is synthesized by renal argininosuccinate synthase/argininosuccinate lyase (ASS/ASL) and then either consumed within the kidney by arginase II or NOS or released into the circulation. L-Arg is then taken up from plasma into cells where it can be utilized by NOS and other pathways. The competitive inhibitor of NOS, ADMA, is degraded by dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH).

Blast Injuries from Bombings: What Craniofacial and Maxillofacial Surgeons Need to Know

The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. Jul, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20647833

Increased Renal Phosphodiesterase-5 Activity Mediates the Blunted Natriuretic Response to a Nitric Oxide Donor in the Pregnant Rat

American Journal of Physiology. Renal Physiology. Oct, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20668100

Pregnancy is characterized by plasma volume expansion and renal sodium retention with loss of natriuretic response to atrial natriuretic peptide due to increased medullary phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5). Here, we determined whether natriuretic responses to nitric oxide (NO) are also blunted in pregnancy due to increased PDE5. Anesthetized 16-day pregnant and virgin rats were studied at baseline and during intrarenal infusion of the NO donor spermine NONOate (2.5 nmol/min), the PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil (SILD; 0.5 μg/min), or a combination. The right (noninfused) kidney served as a control. Intrarenal NONOate had no effect on mean arterial pressure (MAP); however, SILD reduced MAP in virgin rats, and the combination of NONOate+SILD reduced MAP in both virgin and pregnant rats. Neither NONOate nor SILD altered glomerular filtration rate. NONOate and SILD each stimulated sodium excretion (U(Na)V) and fractional excretion of sodium (FE(Na)) in virgin rats, but the combination did not result in an additional natriuretic response. However, NONOate infusion did not increase U(Na)V or FE(Na) in pregnant rats, but the natriuretic response to NONOate was restored with SILD, and SILD alone produced a natriuresis during pregnancy. Sodium nitroprusside (10(-4) mol/l)-stimulated cGMP accumulation from inner medullary collecting duct cells was blunted in cells from pregnant vs. virgin or postpartum rats and was restored by treatment with the PDE5 inhibitor DMPPO (10(-7) mol/l). Therefore, increased intrarenal PDE5 mediates the blunted natriuretic response to NO, and loss of responsiveness to the cGMP-dependent, natriuretic agents may contribute to volume expansion during pregnancy.

Field Triage: Optimising Injury Outcomes Through Use of a Revised On-scene Decision-making Protocol

Injury Prevention : Journal of the International Society for Child and Adolescent Injury Prevention. Aug, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20696717

The Epidemiology of Childhood Injury in Maputo, Mozambique

International Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21031039

Injury remains a major cause of death and disability worldwide.

Report of the ASHP Task Force on Caring for Patients Served by Specialty Suppliers

American Journal of Health-system Pharmacy : AJHP : Official Journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Oct, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20852168

Task Force recommendations are discussed in more detail in eAppendix A (available at www.ajhp.org). What follows is a brief summary of those recommendations. In very abbreviated terms, the Task Force suggested that ASHP: 1. Consider creating and maintaining a Web resource center on ASHP's website to provide information about restricted drug distributions systems (RDDSs), risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMSs), risk assessment and minimization plans (RiskMAPs), and specialty suppliers and products. 2. Provide comprehensive education to members, other health professionals, regulators, third-party payers, patients, and other stakeholders about RDDSs, REMSs, RiskMAPs, and specialty suppliers and products. 3. Develop policies to advocate that a. Pharmacists serve as the institutional leaders in compliance and utilization challenges of safely managing externally supplied medications and related drug administration devices, b. Agencies, organizations, and associations that influence the distribution, sale, and dispensing of medications under these alternative distribution models address issues these models create in continuity of care, reimbursement, and patient safety, c. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Joint Commission develop standards and interpretations that accommodate hospital use of these products and devices when currently available technology (e.g., cold-chain storage, e-pedigree) is used to ensure patient safety, d. Group purchasing organizations negotiate contractual arrangements for specialty pharmaceuticals for both acquisition costs and distribution arrangements, and e. Information technology (IT) be used to resolve issues created by alternative distribution models and that ASHP work with IT vendors to ensure that programs are designed to meet the needs of these evolving models. 4. Quantify through research, perhaps in cooperation with entities such as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Institute of Medicine, and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, the impact of alternative distribution models on financial, safety, clinical, and humanistic patient outcomes. 5. Develop multidisciplinary tools and best practices that assist health care practitioners address the challenges created by alternative distribution models, from patient intake and referral to hospital discharge.

Effects of Sildenafil on Maternal Hemodynamics and Fetal Growth in Normal Rat Pregnancy

American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. Feb, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 19955496

It has been suggested that the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor sildenafil may be useful in the treatment of hypertension during pregnancy. However, we have reported a selective increase in renal inner medullary PDE5 that participates in the sodium retention of pregnancy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether oral sildenafil treatment impairs maternal plasma volume expansion and/or fetal growth during rat pregnancy. Rats received sildenafil (10 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1), 50 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1), or 90 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)) or vehicle on days 4-20 of pregnancy. On days 14-19, rats were housed in metabolic cages for collection of urine and measurement of food and water intake. Terminal hemodynamic and fetal measurements were taken on day 20. None of the sildenafil doses lowered blood pressure, and although all doses increased plasma cGMP concentrations, only the highest dose increased aortic and inner medullary cGMP content. Sildenafil had no effect on maternal weight gain; however, the highest dose decreased both plasma volume and renal sodium retention. The pup number and size were similar among the groups. Therefore, these studies suggest that low doses of systemic sildenafil may be safe during pregnancy in the rat, but higher doses may interfere with the physiological sodium retention and volume expansion of pregnancy. The effects of systemic sildenafil on blood pressure and sodium retention during hypertension in human pregnancy remain to be examined.

Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Angiotensin II-induced Hypertension

American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. Mar, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20018820

Recent studies have shown that asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, is increased in hypertension and chronic kidney disease. However, little is known about the effects of hypertension per se on ADMA metabolism. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that ANG II-induced hypertension, in the absence of renal injury, is associated with increased oxidative stress and plasma and renal cortex ADMA levels in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with ANG II at 200 ng.kg(-1).min(-1) sc (by minipump) for 1 or 3 wk or at 400 ng.kg(-1).min(-1) for 6 wk. Mean arterial pressure was increased after 3 and 6 wk of ANG II; however, renal injury (proteinuria, glomerular sclerosis, and interstitial fibrosis) was only evident after 6 wk of treatment. Plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentration and renal cortex p22(phox) protein abundance were increased early (1 and 3 wk), but urinary excretion of isoprostane and H(2)O(2) was only increased after 6 wk of ANG II. An increased in plasma ADMA after 6 wk of ANG II was associated with increased lung protein arginine methyltransferase-1 abundance and decreased renal cortex dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase activity. No changes in renal cortex ADMA were observed. ANG II hypertension in the absence of renal injury is not associated with increased ADMA; however, when the severity and duration of the treatment were increased, plasma ADMA increased. These data suggest that elevated blood pressure alone, for up to 3 wk, in the absence of renal injury does not play an important role in the regulation of ADMA. However, the presence of renal injury and sustained hypertension for 6 wk increases ADMA levels and contributes to nitric oxide deficiency and cardiovascular disease.

Comparison of Commercial ELISA Blood Tests for Early Pregnancy Detection in Dairy Cows

The Journal of Reproduction and Development. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20881353

The objective of the present study was to compare two commercially available blood-based pregnancy tests, namely BioPRYN, an ELISA for pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB), and an ELISA for pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG), for early pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cattle using transrectal ultrasonography as a gold standard. Transrectal ultrasonography was conducted 26-58 days after artificial insemination (AI) in 197 cattle from 19 farms. Concurrently, a blood sample was collected for determination of serum PSPB and PAG. Transrectal palpation was performed approximately 120 days after AI to verify that pregnancy was maintained. For PSPB and PAG, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in sensitivity (98.0 and 97.8%), specificity (97.1 and 91.2%), positive predictive values (99.3 and 97.8%), negative predictive values (91.9 and 91.2%) and accuracy (97.8 and 96.4%). In conclusion, the two blood pregnancy assays were equally efficacious and were highly accurate (based on transrectal ultrasonography as the gold standard).

Chronic Vasodilation Produces Plasma Volume Expansion and Hemodilution in Rats: Consequences of Decreased Effective Arterial Blood Volume

American Journal of Physiology. Renal Physiology. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20980409

Plasma volume (PV) expansion is required for optimal pregnancy outcomes; however, the mechanisms responsible for sodium and water retention in pregnancy remain undefined. This study was designed to test the "arterial underfill hypothesis" of pregnancy which proposes that an enlarged vascular compartment (due to systemic vasodilation and shunting of blood to the placenta) results in renal sodium and water retention and PV expansion. We produced chronic vasodilation by 14 days administration of nifedipine (NIF; 10 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) or sodium nitrite (NaNO2; 70 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) to normal, nonpregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats. Mean arterial pressure, monitored by telemetry, was reduced by both NIF and NaNO2 but was unchanged in control rats. At day 14, vasodilator treatment lowered hematocrit and increased PV (determined by Evans blue dye dilution). Plasma osmolarity (Posm), sodium (PNa), and total protein concentrations all fell. These responses resemble the responses to normal pregnancy with hemodilution, marked PV expansion, and decreased Posm and PNa. Our previous work indicates a role of increased inner medullary phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) in the sodium retention of pregnancy. Here, we found that inner medullary PDE5A mRNA and protein expression were increased by both NIF and NaNO2 treatment vs. control; however, neither renal cortical nor aortic PDE5 expression was changed by vasodilator treatment. We suggest that a primary, persistent vasodilation drives increased inner medullary PDE5 expression which facilitates continual renal Na retention causing "refilling" of the vasculature and volume expansion.

Early Pregnancy Detection of Iraqi Riverine Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) Using the BioPRYN Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay for PSPB and the Progesterone Assay

Reproduction in Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 20825581

This study was undertaken to detect pregnancy in Iraqi riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) using three different methods (rectal palpation, plasma progesterone concentration and detection of the presence of pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) with the BioPRYN(®) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The aim of the study was to identify the most sensitive, early and accurate method for detecting pregnancy. Twenty-two female riverine buffalo that were 6.0 ± 0.93 years old were used. Four blood samples per buffalo were taken via jugular venipuncture at days 22-24, 32-34, 42-44 and 58-61 post-mating (PM) to measure the progesterone concentration (ng/ml) and to detect the presence of plasma PSPB. The rectal palpation method was employed to evaluate all buffalo on days 42-44 and 58-61 PM. The BioPRYN(®) test differed (p<0.01) from the other tests with earlier accuracy for detecting pregnant and non-pregnant buffalo. Eighty-eight percent of pregnant and 76.9% of non-pregnant buffalo were distinguished early (days 22-24 PM) using BioPRYN(®) and plasma PSPB-ELISA level (2.09 ± 0.12 ng/ml) in relation to 66.7% and 53.9% detected using the progesterone assay at similar days (4.30 ± 0.40 ng/ml). In conclusion, these results described, for the first time, the early and accurate pregnancy detection of water riverine buffalo using BioPRYN(®) technology and provided the plasma levels of PSPB using an ELISA test. These findings will improve the reproductive and productive efficiency of Iraqi riverine buffalo by adapting the recent management and reproductive strategies in Iraq and in the world.

Characteristic of Victims of Family Violence Seeking Care at Health Centers in Maputo, Mozambique

Journal of Emergencies, Trauma, and Shock. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21887028

Family violence (FV) is a common, yet often invisible, cause of violence. To date, most literature on risk factors for family, interpersonal and sexual violence is from high-income countries and might not apply to Mozambique.

Pediatric Mechanical Ventilation

Minerva Pediatrica. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21946452

Mechanical ventilation has become a cornerstone of management of critically ill children in the intensive care unit. Indications for mechanical ventilation are numerous and strategies to effectively support patients yet minimize iatrogenic injury are imperative. This review aims to provide a broad overview of pediatric mechanical ventilation. A discussion of core principles of respiratory physiology integral to mechanical ventilation and an overview of commonly used ventilators and ventilator modes will be provided. Focus will then turn to general goals of mechanical ventilation with emphasis on pathophysiology. The latter half of the review will examine general indications for mechanical ventilation and mechanical ventilation in different disease states, including restrictive lung disease, obstructive lung disease, congenital heart disease, and shock. Finally, indications for and methods of weaning from mechanical ventilation will be discussed.

Nursing Students' Perception of Class Size and Its Impact on Test Performance: a Pilot Study

The Journal of Nursing Education. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22007713

The combination of increasing student enrollment in baccalaureate nursing programs and the faculty shortage has contributed to larger class sizes that may affect both student satisfaction and learning. The purpose of this study was to identify baccalaureate nursing students' satisfaction with enrollment in small and large nursing courses. The authors also sought to determine whether a significant difference existed between test scores of students enrolled in small and large nursing courses. A survey was completed by 110 students, and test scores were compared between students in a small and a large nursing class using analysis of variance. The findings indicated that perceived satisfaction of students was significantly higher for those enrolled in the small nursing course versus the large course; however, no significant difference was found between test scores. To improve student satisfaction that can positively affect student retention, further research is needed on class size in the nursing discipline.

Protection Against Age-dependent Renal Injury in the F344xBrown Norway Male Rat is Associated with Maintained Nitric Oxide Synthase

Mechanisms of Ageing and Development. Jan-Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21087620

Age-dependent renal damage is influenced by genetic background and the Fisher344xBrown Norway (F344xBN) rat is resistant to glomerular injury. In vulnerable strains, a fall in renal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) contributes to age-dependent renal damage. Here, we investigated renal NOS in young (3 months) and old (30 months) male F344xBN to test the hypothesis that renal NOS is maintained in "protected" strains. We also examined if 6 months of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade using angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockade (ARB) provides further benefit in these "protected" old rats. Aging increased tubulointerstitial injury but glomerular sclerosis was minimal and NOS and superoxide dismutase abundance increased. There was no change in the NOS inhibitor, ADMA (asymmetric dimethylarginine) or its regulatory enzymes. RAS blockade with ARB protected against tubulointerstitial injury and increased nNOSα, but ACEI, which also increased nNOSα, had no protective effect on the tubulointerstitium. We conclude that the glomerular sclerosis-resistant aged male F344xBN rat maintains renal NOS, thus reinforcing our hypothesis that progressive glomerular injury is related to renal NOS deficiency. The tubulointerstitial injury seen with aging is reversed with 6 months of ARB but not ACEI and is not associated with renal NOS.

The Future is Now: How Advanced Automatic Collision Notification Can Assist in the Early Response, Triage & Care of Injured Patients

JEMS : a Journal of Emergency Medical Services. Jan, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21236381

Triage to Transport. A Case for National Field Triage Guidelines

JEMS : a Journal of Emergency Medical Services. Feb, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21295706

Vascular Smooth Muscle Jak2 Mediates Angiotensin II-induced Hypertension Via Increased Levels of Reactive Oxygen Species

Cardiovascular Research. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21354995

Angiotensin II (Ang II) type AT(1) receptors expressed on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) couple to the Jak2 signalling pathway. However, the importance of this tissue-specific coupling is poorly understood. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the importance of VSMC-derived Jak2 in angiotensin II-mediated hypertension.

Relaxin Ameliorates Hypertension and Increases Nitric Oxide Metabolite Excretion in Angiotensin II but Not N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine Methyl Ester Hypertensive Rats

Hypertension. Aug, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21670419

Previous findings suggest a potential therapeutic action of relaxin, the putative vasodilatory signal of normal pregnancy, in some forms of cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of relaxin have not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the vasodilatory effects of relaxin are dependent on activation of NO synthase. We examined the effect of relaxin in male Sprague-Dawley rats given angiotensin II (Ang II; 200 ng/kg per minute SC by minipump), the NO synthase inhibitor N(ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; 1.5 mg/100 g IV followed by 150 mg/L in drinking water), or vehicle for 3 weeks. After 7 days of Ang II or l-NAME, mean arterial pressure was elevated compared with baseline. Relaxin was administered (4 μg/h, SC by minipump) for the next 2 weeks of Ang II, l-NAME, or vehicle treatment. Two-week relaxin treatment alone slightly reduced mean arterial pressure in normotensive rats. Three weeks of either Ang II or l-NAME treatment alone produced hypertension, albuminuria, mild glomerular sclerosis, reduced nitric oxide metabolite excretion, and increased oxidative stress (excretion of hydrogen peroxide and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and renal cortex nitrotyrosine abundance). Relaxin reduced mean arterial pressure, albumin excretion, and oxidative stress markers and preserved glomerular structure and nitric oxide metabolite excretion in Ang II-treated rats; however, relaxin did not attenuate these changes in the rats treated with l-NAME. None of the treatments affected protein abundance of neuronal or endothelial NO synthase in the kidney cortex. These data suggest that the vasodilatory effects of relaxin are dependent on a functional NO synthase system and increased NO bioavailability possibly because of a reduction in oxidative stress.

Mass Casualty Triage: an Evaluation of the Science and Refinement of a National Guideline

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21685309

Mass casualty triage is the process of prioritizing multiple victims when resources are not sufficient to treat everyone immediately. No national guideline for mass casualty triage exists in the United States. The lack of a national guideline has resulted in variability in triage processes, tags, and nomenclature. This variability has the potential to inject confusion and miscommunication into the disaster incident, particularly when multiple jurisdictions are involved. The Model Uniform Core Criteria for Mass Casualty Triage were developed to be a national guideline for mass casualty triage to ensure interoperability and standardization when responding to a mass casualty incident. The Core Criteria consist of 4 categories: general considerations, global sorting, lifesaving interventions, and individual assessment of triage category. The criteria within each of these categories were developed by a workgroup of experts representing national stakeholder organizations who used the best available science and, when necessary, consensus opinion. This article describes how the Model Uniform Core Criteria for Mass Casualty Triage were developed.

Adoption of the 2006 Field Triage Decision Scheme for Injured Patients

The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21731782

When emergency medical services (EMS) providers respond to the scene of an injury, they must decide where to transport the injured patients for further evaluation and treatment. This is done through a process known as "field triage", whereby a patient's injuries are matched to the most appropriate hospital. In 2005-2006 the National Expert Panel on Field Triage, convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, revised the 1999 American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma Field Triage Decision Scheme. This revision, the 2006 Field Triage Decision Scheme, was published in 2006.

Treatment, Services and Follow-up for Victims of Family Violence in Health Clinics in Maputo, Mozambique

The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine. Jul, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21731793

Family violence (FV) is a global health problem that not only impacts the victim, but the family unit, local community and society at large.

Cancer Incidence Among Residents of the Three Mile Island Accident Area: 1982-1995

Environmental Research. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21855866

The Pennsylvania Department of Health established a registry of the Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear power plant accident in 1979. Over 93% of the population present on the day of the accident within a 5-mile radius was enrolled and interviewed. We used the registry to investigate the potential cancer risk from low-dose radiation exposure among the TMI population.

Protective Actions of Nebivolol on Chronic Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition-induced Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease in the Rat: a Comparison with Angiotensin II Receptor Blockade

Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation : Official Publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21856762

Nitric oxide (NO) deficiency contributes to chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and hypertension. The β-blocker, nebivolol (N), also enhances NO production, and we studied whether N attenuates CKD and hypertension caused by chronic NO synthase inhibition (CNOSI).

Large Cost Savings Realized from the 2006 Field Triage Guideline: Reduction in Overtriage in U.s. Trauma Centers

Prehospital Emergency Care : Official Journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors. Apr, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22008012

Abstract Background. Ambulance transport of injured patients to the most appropriate medical care facility is an important decision. Trauma centers are designed and staffed to treat severely injured patients and are increasingly burdened by cases involving less-serious injury. Yet, a cost evaluation of the Field Triage national guideline has never been performed. Objectives. To examine the potential cost savings associated with overtriage for the 1999 and 2006 versions of the Field Triage Guideline. Methods. Data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Trauma Databank (NTDB) produced estimates of injury-related ambulatory transports and exposure to the Field Triage guideline. Case costs were approximated using a cost distribution curve of all cases found in the NTDB. A two-way sensitivity analysis was also used to determine the impact of data uncertainty on medical costs and the reduction in trauma center visits (12%) after implementation of the 2006 Field Triage guideline compared with the 1999 Field Triage guideline. Results. At a 40% overtriage rate, the average case cost was $16,434. The cost average of 44.2% reduction in case costs if patients were treated in a non-trauma center compared with a trauma center was found in the literature. Implementation of the 2006 Field Triage guideline produced a $7,264 cost savings per case, or an estimated annual national savings of $568,000,000. Conclusion. Application of the 2006 Field Triage guideline helps emergency medical services personnel manage overtriage in trauma centers, which could result in a significant national cost savings.

Yeast Lipin 1 Orthologue Pah1p Regulates Vacuole Homeostasis and Membrane Fusion

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22121197

Vacuole homotypic fusion requires a group of regulatory lipids that includes diacylglycerol, a fusogenic lipid that is produced through multiple metabolic pathways including the dephosphorylation of phosphatidic acid (PA). Here we examined the relationship between membrane fusion and PA phosphatase activity. Pah1p is the single yeast homologue of the Lipin family of PA phosphatases. Deletion of PAH1 was sufficient to cause marked vacuole fragmentation and abolish vacuole fusion. The function of Pah1p solely depended on its phosphatase activity as complementation studies showed that wild type Pah1p restored fusion, whereas the phosphatase dead mutant Pah1p(D398E) had no effect. We discovered that the lack of PA phosphatase activity blocked fusion by inhibiting the binding of SNAREs to Sec18p, an N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor homologue responsible for priming inactive cis-SNARE complexes. In addition, pah1Δ vacuoles were devoid of the late endosome/vacuolar Rab Ypt7p, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase Vps34p, and Vps39p, a subunit of the HOPS (homotypic fusion and vacuole protein sorting) tethering complex, all of which are required for vacuole fusion. The lack of Vps34p resulted in the absence of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate, a lipid required for SNARE activity and vacuole fusion. These findings demonstrate that Pah1p and PA phosphatase activity are critical for vacuole homeostasis and fusion.

Arginine and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Puromycin Aminonucleoside-induced Chronic Kidney Disease in the Rat

American Journal of Nephrology. 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22179117

Reduced renal L-arginine (L-Arg) synthesis/transport, induction of arginases and increased endogenous NOS inhibitor, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) will inhibit NO production. This study investigated pathways of L-Arg synthesis/uptake/utilization, ADMA degradation and oxidant/antioxidants in puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients: Recommendations of the National Expert Panel on Field Triage, 2011

MMWR. Recommendations and Reports : Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Recommendations and Reports / Centers for Disease Control. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22237112

In the United States, injury is the leading cause of death for persons aged 1-44 years. In 2008, approximately 30 million injuries were serious enough to require the injured person to visit a hospital emergency department (ED); 5.4 million (18%) of these injured patients were transported by Emergency Medical Services (EMS). On arrival at the scene of an injury, the EMS provider must determine the severity of injury, initiate management of the patient's injuries, and decide the most appropriate destination hospital for the individual patient. These destination decisions are made through a process known as "field triage," which involves an assessment not only of the physiology and anatomy of injury but also of the mechanism of the injury and special patient and system considerations. Since 1986, the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS-COT) has provided guidance for the field triage process through its "Field Triage Decision Scheme." This guidance was updated with each version of the decision scheme (published in 1986, 1990, 1993, and 1999). In 2005, CDC, with financial support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, collaborated with ACS-COT to convene the initial meetings of the National Expert Panel on Field Triage (the Panel) to revise the decision scheme; the revised version was published in 2006 by ACS-COT (American College of Surgeons. Resources for the optimal care of the injured patient: 2006. Chicago, IL: American College of Surgeons; 2006). In 2009, CDC published a detailed description of the scientific rationale for revising the field triage criteria (CDC. Guidelines for field triage of injured patients: recommendations of the National Expert Panel on Field Triage. MMWR 2009;58[No. RR-1]). In 2011, CDC reconvened the Panel to review the 2006 Guidelines in the context of recently published literature, assess the experiences of states and local communities working to implement the Guidelines, and recommend any needed changes or modifications to the Guidelines. This report describes the dissemination and impact of the 2006 Guidelines; outlines the methodology used by the Panel for its 2011 review; explains the revisions and modifications to the physiologic, anatomic, mechanism-of-injury, and special considerations criteria; updates the schematic of the 2006 Guidelines; and provides the rationale used by the Panel for these changes. This report is intended to help prehospital-care providers in their daily duties recognize individual injured patients who are most likely to benefit from specialized trauma center resources and is not intended as a mass casualty or disaster triage tool. The Panel anticipates a review of these Guidelines approximately every 5 years.

Pregnancy-specific Protein B (PSPB), Progesterone and Some Biochemical Attributes Concentrations in the Fetal Fluids and Serum and Its Relationship with Fetal and Placental Characteristics of Iraqi Riverine Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis)

Animal Reproduction Science. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22325967

This study was carried out to demonstrate the pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB), progesterone and some biochemical parameters concentrations in amniotic fluid, allantoic fluid and fetal serum collected from slaughtered Iraqi riverine pregnant buffaloes at three different months of gestation (6th, 7th and 8th). Ten out of 22 adult buffaloes of 4.6 ± 0.97 years old were used in this study. The buffaloes were mated naturally by monitoring the estrus cycles via appearance of vaginal fluids and mounting by bulls. Pregnancy was checked for these buffaloes by non-returning to estrus for three estrus cycles and assured by rectal palpation on day 61 post-mating (PM). Buffaloes were slaughtered at three different periods of gestation (three at 6th month, four at 7th month and three at 8th month of gestation) to verify the progesterone and PSPB as well as some blood attributes levels (glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulins and albumin: globulins ratio) in amniotic fluid (AF), allantoic fluid (LF) and fetal serum (FS). Progesterone was higher (P<0.01) in LF at the 8th month of gestation and lower in FS during the 7th and 8th months of pregnancy. PSPB concentrations were greater in FS (6th and 8th months in particular) than in both AF and LF. The overall mean of cholesterol concentration was higher in FS (P<0.05) followed by AF and LF that had the lowest concentration. The FS exhibited higher total protein during the three gestation periods. Most of fetal and placental measurements increased as the pregnancy advanced. In conclusion, these results described, for the first time, the PSPB and progesterone concentrations and blood characteristics in fetal fluids and serum in water riverine buffaloes during different stages of pregnancy. Progesterone concentrations were greater in allantoic fluid than in other fluids. In contrast, PSPB and other blood attributes were higher in fetal serum than other fluids of Iraqi riverine buffaloes. These findings reflect the changes in hormones, proteins and other metabolites during different gestation periods.

SNAREs, HOPS, and Regulatory Lipids Control the Dynamics of Vacuolar Actin During Homotypic Fusion

Journal of Cell Science. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22357954

Homotypic vacuole fusion requires SNAREs, the Rab Ypt7p, the tethering complex HOPS, regulatory lipids, and actin. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, actin functions at two stages of vacuole fusion. Pre-existing actin filaments are depolymerized to allow docking and assembly of the vertex ring; a microdomain enriched in proteins and lipids that mediate fusion. Actin is then polymerized late in the pathway to aid fusion. Here, we report that the fusion machinery regulates the accumulation of actin at the vertex ring. Using Cy3-labeled yeast actin to track its dynamics, we found that its vertex enrichment was abolished when actin monomers were stabilized by latrunculin-B, independent of the extent of incorporation. In contrast, stabilization of filamentous actin with jasplakinolide markedly augmented actin vertex enrichment. Importantly, agents that inhibit SNAREs, Ypt7p and HOPS inhibited the vertex enrichment of actin, demonstrating that the cytoskeleton and the fusion machinery are interdependently regulated. Actin mobilization was also inhibited by ligating ergosterol and PI3P, whereas the ligation or modification of PI(4,5)P(2) augmented the vertex enrichment of actin. The proteins and lipids that regulated actin mobilization to the vertex did not affect the total incorporation of Cy3-actin, indicating that actin mobilization and polymerization activities can be dissociated during membrane fusion.

An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report: Climate Change and Human Health

Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22421581

This document presents the proceedings from the American Thoracic Society Climate Change and Respiratory Health Workshop that was held on May 15, 2010, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The purpose of the one-day meeting was to address the threat to global respiratory health posed by climate change. Domestic and international experts as well as representatives of international respiratory societies and key U.S. federal agencies convened to identify necessary research questions concerning climate change and respiratory health and appropriate mechanisms and infrastructure needs for answering these questions. After much discussion, a breakout group compiled 27 recommendations for physicians, researchers, and policy makers. These recommendations are listed under main issues that the workshop participants deemed of key importance to respiratory health. Issues include the following: (1) the health impacts of climate change, with specific focus on the effect of heat waves, air pollution, and natural cycles; (2) mitigation and adaptation measures to be taken, with special emphasis on recommendations for the clinical and research community; (3) recognition of challenges specific to low-resource countries when coping with respiratory health and climate change; and (4) priority research infrastructure needs, with special discussion of international needs for cooperating with present and future environmental monitoring and alert systems.