Achievement of Target Gain Larger than Unity in an Inertial Fusion Experiment

On December 5, 2022, an indirect drive fusion implosion on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a target gain G_{target} of 1.5. This is the first laboratory demonstration of exceeding "scientific breakeven" (or G_{target}>1) where 2.05 MJ of 351 nm laser light produced 3.1 MJ of total fusion yield, a result which significantly exceeds the Lawson criterion for fusion ignition as reported in a previous NIF implosion [H. Abu-Shawareb et al. (Indirect Drive ICF Collaboration), Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 075001 (2022)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.129.075001]. This achievement is the culmination of more than five decades of research and gives proof that laboratory fusion, based on fundamental physics principles, is possible. This Letter reports on the target, laser, design, and experimental advancements that led to this result.

Lawson Criterion for Ignition Exceeded in an Inertial Fusion Experiment

For more than half a century, researchers around the world have been engaged in attempts to achieve fusion ignition as a proof of principle of various fusion concepts. Following the Lawson criterion, an ignited plasma is one where the fusion heating power is high enough to overcome all the physical processes that cool the fusion plasma, creating a positive thermodynamic feedback loop with rapidly increasing temperature. In inertially confined fusion, ignition is a state where the fusion plasma can begin "burn propagation" into surrounding cold fuel, enabling the possibility of high energy gain. While "scientific breakeven" (i.e., unity target gain) has not yet been achieved (here target gain is 0.72, 1.37 MJ of fusion for 1.92 MJ of laser energy), this Letter reports the first controlled fusion experiment, using laser indirect drive, on the National Ignition Facility to produce capsule gain (here 5.8) and reach ignition by nine different formulations of the Lawson criterion.

Inactivation of airborne porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) by a packed bed dielectric barrier discharge non-thermal plasma

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) is one of the most significant airborne viruses impacting the pork industry in the US. Non-thermal plasmas (NTPs) are electrical discharges comprised of reactive radicals and excited species that inactivate viruses and bacteria. Our previous experiments using a packed bed NTP reactor demonstrated effective inactivation of bacteriophage MS2 as a function of applied voltage and power. The present study examined the effectiveness of the same reactor in inactivating aerosolized PRRSv. A PRRSv solution containing ∼10⁵ TCID₅₀/ml of PRRSv VR2332 strain was aerosolized at 3 ml/min by an air-jet nebulizer and introduced into 5 or 12 cfm air flow followed by NTP exposure in the reactor. Twin impingers upstream and downstream of the reactor collected samples of the virus-laden air flow for subsequent TCID₅₀ assay and qPCR analyses. An optical particle sizer measured upstream and downstream aerosol size distributions, giving estimates of aerosol filtration by the reactor. The results showed that PRRSv was inactivated to a similar degree as MS2 at the same conditions, with the maximum 1.3-log inactivation of PRRSv achieved at 20 kV and 12 cfm air flow rate. The results demonstrate the potential of properly optimized NTPs in controlling PRRSv transmission.

Evaluation of Beef Top Sirloin Steaks of Four Quality Grades Cooked to Three Degrees of Doneness

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of quality grade on beef eating quality of top sirloin steaks when cooked to multiple degrees of doneness (DOD).Materials and MethodsBeef top sirloin butts (IMPS #184; N = 60; 15/quality grade) were collected to equally represent 4 quality grades [Prime, Top Choice (Modest and Moderate marbling), Low Choice, and Select]. Top butts were cut into six consecutive steaks, and then divided laterally to get a total of twelve steaks per top butt. Steaks were assigned to one of three DOD: rare (60°C), medium (71°C), and well-done (77°C). Steaks within each DOD were assigned to consumer sensory analysis, trained sensory analysis, fat and moisture analysis, and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF). Consumers (N = 236) were fed samples under red lighting and evaluated steaks for juiciness, tenderness, flavor, and overall liking on continuous line scales. Trained sensory panelists evaluated samples for initial and sustained juiciness, myofibrillar and overall tenderness, connective tissue amount, beef flavor intensity, and off flavor intensity on similar continuous line scales. Data were analyzed as a split-plot, with a whole plot factor of quality grade, and sub-plot factor of DOD.ResultsThere were no interactions (P > 0.05) for all consumer ratings of palatability traits. For quality grade, no differences (P > 0.05) were observed for consumer ratings of tenderness, flavor, and overall liking; however, there was a significant effect (P = 0.01) on juiciness. Prime top sirloin steaks had higher (P < 0.05) juiciness ratings than all other quality grades, except for Top Choice. Additionally, as DOD increased, consumer ratings and the percentage of steaks rated acceptable for all palatability traits decreased (P < 0.05; rare > medium > well-done). There was a quality grade × DOD interaction (P < 0.05) for trained sensory ratings of myofibrillar tenderness, initial juiciness, and sustained juiciness. When steaks were cooked to medium, Prime and Top Choice steaks had higher (P < 0.05) panelist ratings for initial and sustained juiciness than Low Choice and Select steaks. Similar to trained panelist ratings of juiciness, Prime and Top Choice steaks had higher (P < 0.05) ratings of myofibrillar tenderness than Select steaks. Prime and Top Choice steaks had similar (P > 0.05) and higher (P < 0.05) ratings for myofibrillar tenderness when compared to Low Choice steaks. Within DOD, each successive increase in DOD resulted in a concurrent decrease (P < 0.05; rare > medium > well) in trained panelist ratings of myofibrillar tenderness, initial juiciness, and sustained juiciness. There was no quality grade by DOD interactions (P > 0.05) for Warner-Bratzler shear force. Prime steaks were more (P < 0.05) tender than Low Choice and Select steaks but were similar (P > 0.05) to Top Choice. Moreover, as DOD increased, WBSF concurrently increased (P < 0.05; well-done > medium > rare), with well-done steaks having WBSF values 0.8 kg tougher than rare steaks.ConclusionThese results indicate that regardless of DOD, quality grade had minimal impact on the palatability of beef top sirloin steaks. Therefore, unless cooked to a medium DOD, it is unnecessary for consumers, retailers, and foodservice to pay premium prices for higher quality top sirloin steaks, as the same eating experience will be provided.

Sensory and Visual Evaluation of Six Different Beef Shank Cuts from Asian Consumers

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate factors affecting Asian consumers’ purchasing decisions and eating preferences of six different beef shank cuts.Materials and MethodsSix shank cuts, three from forequarter [biceps brachii (shank A); a combination of deep digital flexor and flexor digitorum superficialis (shank B); extensor carpi radialis (shank C)], and three from hindquarter [flexor digitorum superficialis (shank D); deep digital flexor (shank E), a combination of long digital extensor, medial digital extensor and peroneus tertius (shank F)] were collected from 12 USDA low choice beef carcasses (n = 72). Shanks from the left side of the carcasses were used for consumer panels and stewed in water for 90 min at 98°C. Asian consumers (n = 91) from Manhattan, KS, evaluated samples for connective tissue texture, amount of connective tissue, juiciness, flavor, overall texture (a combination of myofibrillar tenderness and connective tissue texture) and sensory overall liking. Consumers (n = 84) also visually evaluated the size, surface color and visual overall liking of shank samples from the right side of the carcasses. Finally, consumers rated each sample as either acceptable or unacceptable. All ratings were done on either a Just About Right (JAR) or a continuous line scale.ResultsShanks A, C, D and F received similar scores close to JAR (P > 0.05) for connective tissue texture. Connective tissue texture of shank E was harder than shanks A and D, and shank B was the hardest of all (P < 0.01). For connective tissue amount, shanks A, D, and E received ratings close to JAR (P > 0.05). Consumers rated shank B with too much and shank C and F with too little (P < 0.01) connective tissue. Shanks A, D, and F received similar ratings close to JAR for juiciness (P > 0.05), while shanks C and E were rated less juicy, and shank B was the least juicy among all (P < 0.01). For overall texture, shanks A, D, and F received similar ratings close to JAR (P > 0.05), and shanks C and E were tougher than those rated JAR (P < 0.01). Again, shank B was the toughest among all for overall texture (P < 0.01). Shanks A, D, and F received the highest sensory overall liking scores, followed by shanks C and E, and shank B received the lowest overall liking score among all the shank cuts (P < 0.01). All shank cuts received high sensory acceptability scores (> 85%) except for shank B (62%; P < 0.01). Shanks A and C both received scores that were close to JAR for shank size. Consumers indicated that shanks B, E, and F were too big in size, while shank D was too small (P < 0.01). However, shanks B, C, E, and F had the greatest and similar raw weight (P > 0.05), followed by shank A, while shank D was the lightest of all (P < 0.01). For visual overall liking, shanks A and C received the highest scores, followed by shanks B, E, and F, and shank D received the lowest score (P < 0.05). Shanks A and C were most visually acceptable (> 95%), while shanks B, D, E, and F were less acceptable than shanks A and C (> 70%; P < 0.01). Finally, consumers indicated that there was no difference in flavor and surface color among different shank cuts (P > 0.05).ConclusionConnective tissue texture and amount directly affected Asian consumers’ eating preference for different beef shank cuts, while shank size was the main factor affecting their purchasing decision.

TEMPO® EC for the Enumeration of Escherichia coli in Foods: Collaborative Study

The automated method for enumeration of Escherichia coli, TEMPO&lt;sup/&gt; EC, in foods uses a dehydrated culture medium and enumeration card containing 48 wells across three different dilutions for the automatic determination of the most probable number (MPN). The alternative method was compared in a multilaboratory collaborative study to AOAC Official MethodSM 966.24. Six food types were artificially contaminated with E. coli: raw ground beef, bagged lettuce, cooked chicken, pasteurized crabmeat, frozen green beans, and pasteurized whole milk. All foods were analyzed for E. coli counts by 11 collaborating laboratories throughout the United States. Test portions from the six food types each contaminated at four different contamination levels were evaluated. The study demonstrated that the TEMPO EC method is a reliable, automated assay for the enumeration of E. coli in foods.

Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Risk in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Insights From the DCCT/EDIC Study

Background

Hyperglycemia leading to increased oxidative stress is implicated in the increased risk for the development of macrovascular and microvascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results

A random subcohort of 349 participants was selected from the DCCT / EDIC (Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications) cohort. This included 320 controls and 29 cardiovascular disease cases that were augmented with 98 additional known cases to yield a case cohort of 447 participants (320 controls, 127 cases). Biosamples from DCCT baseline, year 1, and closeout of DCCT , and 1 to 2 years post‐ DCCT ( EDIC years 1 and 2) were measured for markers of oxidative stress, including plasma myeloperoxidase, paraoxonase activity, urinary F 2α isoprostanes, and its metabolite, 2,3 dinor‐8 iso prostaglandin F 2α . Following adjustment for glycated hemoblobin and weighting the observations inversely proportional to the sampling selection probabilities, higher paraoxonase activity, reflective of antioxidant activity, and 2,3 dinor‐8 iso prostaglandin F 2α , an oxidative marker, were significantly associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease (−4.5% risk for 10% higher paraoxonase, P <0.003; −5.3% risk for 10% higher 2,3 dinor‐8 iso prostaglandin F 2α , P =0.0092). In contrast, the oxidative markers myeloperoxidase and F 2α isoprostanes were not significantly associated with cardiovascular disease after adjustment for glycated hemoblobin. There were no significant differences between DCCT intensive and conventional treatment groups in the change in all biomarkers across time segments.

Conclusions

Heightened antioxidant activity (rather than diminished oxidative stress markers) is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk in type 1 diabetes mellitus, but these biomarkers did not change over time with intensification of glycemic control.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL : https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifiers: NCT 00360815 and NCT 00360893.

Screening for Diabetes Risk Using Integrated Dental and Medical Electronic Health Record Data

Undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes present a serious public health challenge. We previously reported that data available in the dental setting can serve as a tool for early dysglycemia identification in a primarily Hispanic, urban population. In the present study, we sought to determine how the identification approach can be recalibrated to detect diabetes or prediabetes in a White, rural cohort and whether an integrated dental-medical electronic health record (iEHR) offers further value to the process. We analyzed iEHR data from the Marshfield Clinic, a health system providing care in rural Wisconsin, for dental patients who were ≥21 y of age, reported that they had never been told they had diabetes, had an initial periodontal examination of at least 2 quadrants, and had a glycemic assessment within 3 mo of that examination. We then assessed the performance of multiple predictive models for prediabetes/diabetes. The study outcome, glycemic status, was gleaned from the medical module of the iEHR based on American Diabetes Association blood test cutoffs. The sample size was 4,560 individuals. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the best performance was achieved by a model that took advantage of the iEHR. Predictors included age, sex, race, ethnicity, number of missing teeth, percentage of teeth with at least 1 pocket ≥5 mm from the dental EHR, and overweight/obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking status from the medical EHR. The model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.71 (95% confidence interval, 0.69-0.72), yielding a sensitivity of 0.70 and a specificity of 0.62. Across a range of populations, informed by certain patient characteristics, dental care team members can play a role in helping to identify dental patients with undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes. The accuracy of the prediction increases when dental findings are combined with information from the medical EHR. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Prediabetes and diabetes often go undiagnosed for many years. Early identification and care can lead to improved glycemic outcomes and prevent wide-ranging morbidity, including adverse oral health consequences, in affected individuals. Information available in the dental office can be used by clinicians to identify those who remain undiagnosed or are at risk; the accuracy of this prediction increases when combined with information from the medical electronic health record.

Hypothermia in Uremic Dogs and Cats

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of uremic hypothermia (UH) and the effects of improving uremia on body temperature have not been determined in veterinary patients.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of UH and correlations between uremia and body temperature in patients undergoing intermittent hemodialysis (IHD).

ANIMALS

Uremic dogs (n = 122) and cats (n = 79) treated by IHD at the Bobst Hospital of the Animal Medical Center from 1997 to 2013.

METHODS

Retrospective review of medical records.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hypothermia was 38% in azotemic cats and 20.5% in azotemic dogs. Statistically significant temperature differences were observed between uremic and nonuremic dogs (nonuremic: mean, 100.8°F; range, 91.2-109.5°F; uremic: mean, 99.9°F; range, 95.6-103.8°F; P < .0001) and cats (nonuremic: mean, 100.6°F; range, 94.0-103.8°F; uremic: mean, 99.3°F; range, 92.3-103.4°F; P < .0001). In dog dialysis patients, significant models included (1) timing (pre-dialysis versus post-dialysis) with weight class (small [P < .0001], medium [P = .016], and large breed [P = .033] dogs), (2) timing with serum creatinine concentration (P = .021), and (3) timing with BUN concentration (P < .0001). In cat dialysis patients, there was a significant interaction between timing and weight as a categorical variable (<5 kg and ≥5 kg).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Uremic hypothermia appears to be a clinical phenomenon that occurs in cats and dogs. Uremic patients are hypothermic compared to ill nonuremic patients and body temperatures increase when uremia is corrected with IHD in dogs and in cats >5 kg. In cats, UH seems to be a more prevalent phenomenon driven by uremia. Uremic hypothermia does occur in dogs, but body weight is a more important predictor of body temperature.

Communication and technology in genetic counseling for familial cancer

When a cancer predisposing germline mutation is detected in an index case, the presence of the underlying syndrome is confirmed and the potential for predictive testing of at-risk relatives is established. However, the reporting of a positive family history does not routinely lead to communication of information about risk to close, much less distant relatives. This review summarizes information technology utilized to address penetration or 'reach' of knowledge of risk within extended families, including the use of telephone and video counseling to reach distant patients, and anticipate novel internet-based processes for communication between investigators and relatives.

Thermal characterization of polyamide 11/nanographene platelet nanocomposites

The objective of this study is to evaluate thermal properties of polyamide 11 (PA11)/nanographene platelet (NGP) nanocomposites. Samples were prepared using 1 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt% of NGPs. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) was used as a solvent to assist in dispersion of the NGPs within the PA11 powder. The NGPs were hand mixed evenly into the PA11 powder using a wooden dowel. Morphological characterization of the PA11/NGP nanocomposite was conducted using scanning electron microscopy. Thermal characterization of nanocomposites includes thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and thermomechanical analysis. Results indicate that the addition of NGPs shows an initial increase in thermal stability and crystallization temperature (T(c)) along with a decrease in glass transition temperature (T(g)) and no improvement in coefficient of thermal expansion (alpha). These results are attributed to improved interfacial adhesion between NGPs and PA11, restricting polymer chain mobility.

First Report of Fusarium Wilt of Canary Island Date Palm Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. canariensis in Louisiana

Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis Hort. Ex Chabaud) is a signature palm planted in New Orleans, LA. Currently, the city has approximately 1,000 mature Canary Island date palms. During the fall of 2009, 153 palms were inspected with 27 palms exhibiting typical symptoms of Fusarium wilt. Symptoms included one-sided death and a reddish brown streak on the rachis of affected fronds and death of the leaflets. Longitudinal sections of affected fronds showed vascular discoloration. Severely infected palms were completely dead. Small pieces of diseased tissue from five palms were surface sterilized with sodium hypochlorite (0.6%) for 2 to 3 min, then rinsed in sterile distilled water, blotted dry, and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Fungal colonies on PDA produced a purple pigment, and both macro- and microconidia that are typical of Fusarium oxysporum were observed under a light microscope. A single-spore culture of isolate PDC-4701 was obtained. DNA from this isolate was extracted with a DNeasy Plant Mini kit (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, CA) and primers ef1 and ef2 were used to amplify and sequence the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (2). NCBI BLAST analysis of the 616-bp sequence resulted in 100% identity with F. oxysporum f. sp. canariensis isolates PLM-385B from Texas and PLM-511A from South Carolina (GenBank Accession Nos. HM 591538 and HM 591537, respectively). Isolate PDC-4701, grown on PDA for 2 weeks, was used to inoculate 10 9-month-old P. canariensis seedlings. An 18-gauge needle was used to inject 15 ml of a 10⁷ conidia/ml suspension into the stem near the soil line. Each seedling was inoculated at two locations and covered with Parafilm at the inoculation sites. Ten control seedlings were injected with sterile distilled water in the same manner. Inoculated and control seedlings were maintained in a greenhouse at 28 ± 2°C. Leaves of all 10 inoculated seedlings started to wilt 3 months after inoculation. Internal vascular discoloration was observed and the pathogen was reisolated from the symptomatic seedlings. No symptoms developed on any of the 10 control seedlings. On the basis of morphology and DNA sequence data, this pathogen is identified as F. oxysporum f. sp. canariensis. Fusarium wilt of Canary Island date palm has been previously reported from California, Florida, Nevada, Texas, and South Carolina (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Fusarium wilt of Canary Island date palm caused by F. oxysporum f. sp. canariensis in Louisiana, extending its geographic range. The disease may adversely affect the tradition of planting Canary Island date palms in New Orleans. The sequence of isolate PDC-4701 has been submitted to the NCBI database (GenBank Accession No. JF826442) and a culture specimen has been deposited in the Fusarium Research Center culture collection (Accession No. O-2602) at the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. References: (1) M. L. Elliott et al. Plant Dis. 95:356, 2011. (2) D. M. Geiser et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 110:473, 2004.

SiC Film Deposited by Pulsed Excimer Laser Ablation

Thin films of β- SiC were grown on Si substrates by excimer laser pulse ablation of bulk SiC. The films were examined by Auger electron, X-ray, and photoelectron spectroscopies. The film was smooth as monitored by scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron and scanning tunneling microscopy showed inclusions in the deposited SiC film and laser ionization mass analysis detected SiC dimers in the vapor plume emitted from the target.

Streptococcus mutans strains recovered from caries-active or caries-free individuals differ in sensitivity to host antimicrobial peptides

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are among the repertoire of host innate immune defenses. In the oral cavity, several AMPs are present in saliva and have antimicrobial activities against oral bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, a primary etiological agent of dental caries. In this study, we hypothesized that unique S. mutans strains, as determined by DNA fingerprinting from sixty 13-year-old subjects with or without experience of caries, would have different susceptibilities to α-defensins-1-3 (HNP-1-3), β-defensins-2-3 (HBD-2-3) and LL-37. The salivary levels of these peptides in subjects were also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We found that S. mutans strains from children with active caries showed greater resistance to salivary HNP-1-2, HBD-2-3 and LL-37 at varying concentrations than those from caries-free subjects. In addition, combinations of these peptides increased their antimicrobial activity against S. mutans either additively or synergistically. The salivary levels of these peptides were highly variable among subjects with no correlation to host caries experience. However, the levels of a number of these peptides in saliva appeared to be positively correlated within an individual. Our findings suggest that the relative ability of S. mutans to resist host salivary AMPs may be considered a potential virulence factor for this species such that S. mutans strains that are more resistant to these peptides may have an ecological advantage to preferentially colonize within dental plaque and increase the risk of dental caries.

TEMPO EC for the enumeration of Escherichia coli in foods: collaborative study

The automated method for enumeration of Escherichia coli, TEMPO EC, in foods uses a dehydrated culture medium and enumeration card containing 48 wells across three different dilutions for the automatic determination of the most probable number (MPN). The alternative method was compared in a multilaboratory collaborative study to AOAC Official Method 966.24. Six food types were artificially contaminated with E. coli: raw ground beef, bagged lettuce, cooked chicken, pasteurized crabmeat, frozen green beans, and pasteurized whole milk. All foods were analyzed for E. coli counts by 11 collaborating laboratories throughout the United States. Test portions from the six food types each contaminated at four different contamination levels were evaluated. The study demonstrated that the TEMPO EC method is a reliable, automated assay for the enumeration of E. coli in foods.

Comparative whole-genome analysis of Streptococcus mutans isolates within and among individuals of different caries status

INTRODUCTION

Genotypic analyses of Streptococcus mutans using fingerprinting methods depend on a few genetic loci being different but do not reveal the underlying genome-wide differences between strains.

METHODS

We used comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) with 70-mer oligonucleotide microarrays containing open reading frames (ORFs) from S. mutans strain UA159 to examine the genetic diversity of 44 isolates from nine children selected from a local study population in Eastern Iowa.

RESULTS

Unique strains (clones) within each child initially identified by arbitrary-priming polymerase chain reaction were confirmed by CGH. There was a wide range of variation in the hybridization patterns of the 1948 ORFs among the test isolates examined. Between 87 and 237 ORFs failed to give a positive signal among individual isolates. A total of 323 of the UA159 ORFs were absent from one or more of the test strains. These 323 variable genes seemed to be distributed across the entire UA159 genome and across all the predicted functional categories.

CONCLUSION

This set of very close geographically and temporally collected S. mutans isolates had a degree of gene content variation as high as a previously examined global set of strains. Comparing the frequency of these variable genes, the majority of which have unknown function, among strains of different origins (i.e. different caries status) could help to determine their relevance in S. mutans cariogenicity.

Inhibition of ganciclovir-susceptible and -resistant human cytomegalovirus clinical isolates by the benzimidazole L-riboside 1263W94

The average 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) values for AD169 were 0.22 +/- 0.09 microM 1263W94 and 5.36 +/- 0.12 microM ganciclovir. For 35 human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) clinical isolates the average IC(50) was 0.42 +/- 0.09 microM 1263W94, and for 26 ganciclovir-susceptible HCMV clinical isolates the average IC(50) was 3.78 +/- 1.62 microM ganciclovir. Nine HCMV clinical isolates that were resistant to ganciclovir were completely susceptible to 1263W94.

Susceptibilities of human cytomegalovirus clinical isolates to BAY38-4766, BAY43-9695, and ganciclovir

BAY38-4766 and BAY43-9695 are nonnucleosidic compounds with activities against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Two phenotypic assays were used to determine the drug susceptibilities of 36 HCMV clinical isolates to the BAY compounds and ganciclovir. Using either assay, both BAY compounds at a concentration of approximately 1 microM inhibited the replication of all 36 HCMV clinical isolates, including 11 ganciclovir-resistant clinical isolates, by 50%.

Comparison of 2 wound volume measurement methods

OBJECTIVE

To compare 2 wound volume measurement techniques, the Kundin device and stereophotogrammetry, on 2 wound shapes.

DESIGN

Using 2 wound measurement techniques, the interrater and intrarater reliability and the bias and standard error of measurement of an L-shaped and a pear-shaped plaster of paris wound model were assessed.

SETTING

A clinical laboratory of a school of nursing.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-four raters, all but 2 being registered nurses, measured each of the wounds using both techniques.

INTERVENTIONS

Each rater measured each wound twice using each method in a randomly assigned order defined on a card that was drawn from a box. Measurements were recorded on a researcher-designed data collection form, which included some demographic data related to each participant.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The study hypothesis was that there would be no significant difference in accuracy between the 2 wound volume measurement methods.

RESULTS

The least biased and most accurate technique was stereophotogrammetry, with the smallest standard of error of measurement. Interrater reliability of average ratings was identical for both methods at 0.98. For single ratings, stereophotogrammetry was slightly higher than the Kundin device. Intrarater reliability was higher on the pear-shaped wound for the Kundin device, which had lower interrater reliability, suggesting that nurses were consistent in the direction and size of personal error. Intrarater reliability for stereophotogrammetry was identical to that of the Kundin device for the L-shaped wound and lower for the pear-shaped wound.

CONCLUSIONS

Although both techniques have acceptable accuracy, stereophotogrammetry is more accurate and has more clinical applications.

The role of transforming growth factor-beta and its receptors in human prostate smooth muscle cell fibronectin production

In the present study, the role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) on the production of the extracellular matrix component, fibronectin, in the prostate has been studied. The mRNA levels of fibronectin, TGFbeta and the two TGFbeta receptors, ALK5 (activin like kinase) and type II, were measured using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). TGFbeta increased fibronectin mRNA and protein (7-fold) in a concentration-dependent fashion. An interesting relationship between the two TGFbeta receptors was found in that TGFbeta caused an upregulation of its type I receptor mRNA (5-6-fold) and a downregulation of the type II receptor mRNA (5-fold). Time-course experiments revealed that the change in expression of the TGFbeta receptors reached maximum at 24 h with an early increase at 4-5 h, whereas the fibronectin gene expression was not significantly stimulated until about 24 h. These data provide evidence that TGFbeta stimulates extracellular matrix production in prostate cells.

Beans, as a source of dietary fiber, increase cholecystokinin and apolipoprotein b48 response to test meals in men

Dry beans lower plasma cholesterol, an effect that has been associated with both the fiber and the protein content of beans. The objective of this study was to determine the acute hormone and lipid responses to a test meal that contained dry beans as a source of dietary fiber. A crossover design was employed in which men consumed the test meal and a control meal in random order. Both meals contained egg, bread, jelly, orange juice, milk and margarine. The high fiber meal contained white beans, whereas the low fiber (control) meal contained rice and dry milk. The men maintained their normal dietary pattern and fasted overnight before the study days. After a fasting blood sample was drawn, the men consumed the test meal and blood samples were collected over the next 6 h. Blood samples were analyzed for cholecystokinin (CCK), insulin and glucose. Plasma was separated into lipoprotein fractions and the triglyceride, cholesterol, apolipoprotein (apo) B100 and B48 content of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins determined. Insulin and glucose responses did not differ significantly between test meals; however, the CCK response was twice as high after the bean-containing meal than after the low fiber meal (P = 0.03). The increase in apo B48 concentration was significantly higher after the bean meal than after the low fiber meal (P < 0.05). Adding beans to a meal to increase fiber content prolongs the postprandial presence of intestinally derived lipoproteins and augments the CCK response to the meal.

The lived experience of having a pressure ulcer: a qualitative analysis

In this descriptive, qualitative, phenomenological study, the researchers explored the phenomena of the lived experience of having a pressure ulcer to determine the essential structure of the experience. The sample included 8 respondents: 4 individuals who currently had a pressure ulcer and 4 who previously had a pressure ulcer that had healed. Four respondents also had a spinal cord injury and 5 had surgical flap reconstruction. Respondents were asked to reflect and reply to the following statements: "Please describe your experience of having a pressure ulcer. Share all the thoughts, perceptions, and feelings you can recall until you have no more to say about this experience." From verbatim transcriptions of interviews, 7 themes evolved with related sub-themes. The themes that emerged were (1) perceived etiology of the pressure ulcer; (2) life impact and changes; (3) psychospiritual impact; (4) extreme painfulness associated with the pressure ulcer; (5) need for knowledge and understanding; (6) need for and effect of numerous, stressful treatments; and (7) the grieving process. In this paper, the essential nature of the experience of living with a pressure ulcer is presented. Pressure ulcers had a profound impact upon the subjects' lives, including physical, social, and financial status; change of body image; and/or loss of independence and control. Those with a Stage IV pressure ulcer and flap repair and/or those with a spinal cord injury experienced the grieving process in some form. Although the experience of having a pressure ulcer has similarities for each individual, each experiences it in a unique manner. Patients with a pressure ulcer with or without a spinal cord injury have significant needs in learning to cope and live with their condition.

Localization of epithelial sodium channel and aquaporin-2 in rabbit kidney cortex

The amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and the vasopressin-dependent water channel aquaporin-2 (AQP2) mediate mineralocorticoid-regulated sodium- and vasopressin-regulated water reabsorption, respectively. Distributions of ENaC and AQP2 have been shown by immunohistochemistry in rats. Functional data from rabbits suggest a different distribution pattern of these channels than in rats. We studied, by immunohistochemistry in the rabbit kidney cortex, the distributions of ENaC and AQP2, in conjunction with marker proteins for distal segments. In rabbit cortex ENaC is restricted to the connecting tubule (CNT) cells and cortical collecting duct (CCD) cells. The intracellular distribution of ENaC shifts from the apical membrane in the most upstream CNT cells to a cytoplasmic location further downstream in the CNT and in the CCD cells. AQP2 is detected in the CCD cells exclusively. The anatomic subdivisions in the rabbit distal nephron coincide exactly with distributions of apical transport systems. The differences between rabbits and rats in the distribution patterns of ENaC and AQP2 may explain functional differences in renal salt and water handling between these species.

Clinical evaluation of an automated turning bed

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study were to assess client comfort and sleep quality, client physiologic response (skin and respiratory status), the effect on the need for caregiver assistance, and cost when using an automated turning bed.

DESIGN

Nonexperimental, evaluative study.

SAMPLE

Twenty-four adult home or long-term care resident subjects who had a degenerative disease, spinal cord injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, or back surgery.

METHODS

Each subject agreed to use the automated turning bed for four weeks. Researchers completed a demographic survey and skin assessment, and assessed each subject for pressure ulcer risk and for the need of assistance of a care giver for turning before and after the four weeks of using the turning bed. Subjects rated the turning bed in terms of comfort and sleep quality.

FINDINGS

Subjects rated the turning bed as more comfortable than their own bed and expressed satisfaction at the pain relief attained when on the turning bed. While using the turning bed, there was a significant improvement in sleep quality. No skin breakdown or deterioration in respiratory status occurred. Fewer subjects required the assistance of a caregiver for turning when on the turning bed.

CONCLUSION

This automated turning bed shows great promise in meeting a need for patients with limited mobility whether they are homebound or in a residential community.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING RESEARCH

Future studies that further investigate use of the turning bed for postoperative back patients while still in the acute care setting are indicated. Replicative studies with a larger sample size are also indicated.

Two-dimensional wound measurement: comparison of 4 techniques

Two- and three-dimensional wound measurement techniques are documented in the literature and used clinically, as well as in research. The purpose of this study was to compare 4 two-dimensional wound measurement techniques: linear length and width using a ruler, planimetry, computerized stereophotogrammetry (SPG) length and width, and computerized SPG area. Three plaster of Paris wound models were developed and baseline measurements of outer wound perimeters obtained via a Coordinate Measuring Machine. The convenience sample of raters included 66 upper-division baccalaureate nursing students, graduate nursing students, nursing staff, and wound care nurses. Each rater measured each wound twice in a randomly assigned order of methods written on a card drawn from an envelope. The least biased technique was the computer area, followed in order by the computer length and width, planimetry, and ruler length and width. The most accurate technique, given multiple raters, was determined by the standard error of measurement. The smallest standard error of measurement, thus the most accurate, was the computer area technique, followed in order by the ruler length and width, computer length and width, and planimetry. Interrater reliability of average ratings was high; only the SPG area measurements for single ratings were reliable enough for clinical or research purposes. Intrarater reliability was high for methods with low interrater reliability, suggesting that nurses are consistent in the direction of personal error.

Alimentary lipemia is enhanced in fiber-fed rats

The effect of dietary fiber on the pattern of postprandial lipemia was examined in two studies with male Wistar rats. In the first study, groups of rats were killed after food deprivation (0 h) or 1, 4.5 or 8.5 h after a high fat test meal containing either cellulose (CL) or oat bran (OB). Plasma triglycerides (TG) were higher in the OB group at 4.5 h compared with both the 0-h and the CL-groups at 4. 5 h. In both groups, LDL and TG-rich lipoprotein cholesterol (TRL-C) concentrations were higher at 8.5 h than at 0 h; HDL cholesterol was significantly lower at 8.5 h than at 0 h for the OB group only. The enhanced lipemia when OB was fed may stimulate cholesterol movement from HDL to LDL and TRL. To examine whether TRL secretion rates were responsible for the enhanced lipemia, a second study was conducted. Rats were fitted with jugular catheters and allowed to recover. Two groups were fed either CL or OB and infused with Triton-1339 (400 mg/kg). Two control groups were not fed and were infused with either Triton or saline. Rats were killed 2.5 h after infusion. Plasma TG was 10-fold higher in the Triton group than in the saline group, but did not differ between the OB and CL groups. The relative contribution of TRL-C to total cholesterol was significantly greater in the Triton control than in the OB and CL groups. Enhanced secretion of TRL was not responsible for the lipemia observed in the first study. Rather, alterations in clearance rate were responsible.

Parallel fuzzy inference with an optoelectronic H-tree architecture

Fuzzy inference is a method of reasoning with imprecise information. The mathematical operations of fuzzy inference can be stated in terms of generalized vector algebra, in which multiplication and summation are generalized to min and max operations. An optoelectronic H-tree architecture is ideally suited to perform these generalized vector operations in parallel and requires only a simple imaging optical interconnection. Appropriate data encodings and electronic circuitry permit large scale, pipelined systems.

The fluctuation of plasma carotenoid concentrations by phase of the menstrual cycle: a controlled diet study

This is the first controlled diet study to examine the fluctuation of plasma carotenoids, lipoproteins, and serum hormone concentrations by phase of the menstrual cycle. Nonsmoking, premenopausal women (n = 12) with confirmed ovulatory cycles were given a standard diet with 10 mg total carotenoids/d for two cycles under isoenergetic conditions. Blood was drawn for simultaneous measurement of carotenoids, lipoproteins, and hormones on menses days 1-2, 4-6, 11 through 1 d after the luteinizing hormone surge, and 7-8 d after the surge, representing the menses, early and late follicular, and midluteal phases, respectively. Regression modeling with adjustment for plasma cholesterol concentrations was used to compare mean individual and total plasma carotenoid concentrations by phase of the cycle. Plasma carotenoid concentrations were at their lowest at menses and significantly higher thereafter, except for alpha-carotene. Compared with plasma concentrations at menses, beta-carotene peaked (increased by 9%, P = 0.01) in the late follicular phase. Plasma lutein/zeaxanthin and anhydrolutein concentrations were higher by 8-11% (P < or = 0.006) and by 15-31% (P < or = 0.02), respectively, during the last three phases. Plasma lycopene and phytofluene concentrations peaked (increased by 12%, P = 0.004; and by 21%, P = 0.006, respectively) at the midluteal phase. This cyclic fluctuation may affect the estimation of the plasma carotenoid-disease relation in studies of premenopausal women.

Decreasing the prevalence of pressure ulcers using agency standards

Home care patients either have or are at high risk for pressure ulcers. This article describes the outcome of a study that examined the effects of pressure ulcer prevention and treatment standards on the prevalence rate of a home healthcare agency's client caseload. Implications for practice and further research also are discussed.

Influence of benzylisothiocyanate and 13-cis-retinoic acid on micronucleus formation induced by benzo[a]pyrene

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of benzylisothiocyanate (BIT) and 13-cis-retinoic acid (RA) upon the genotoxic potential of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) to induce micronucleus formation in the bone marrow of mice. Eighty-two male mice were divided into 10 groups. One group served as a negative control (olive oil intubation). Four groups received an oral intubation of various concentrations of BIT (15 to 120 mg/kg) and i.p. injections of BaP (185 mg/kg). Another four groups were treated identically, but received RA (20 to 150 mg/kg) in place of BIT. Finally, one group received only i.p. injection of BaP (185 mg/kg). The results showed that both BIT and RA significantly reduced the frequency of micronucleus formation in the bone marrow of the BaP treated animals. BIT was found to be effective at all the tested concentrations. RA was effective only at three of the four tested concentrations (40, 75 and 150 mg/kg). These findings indicate that both BIT and RA may reduce the genotoxic effects of benzo[a]pyrene in the mice under the test conditions utilized.

Urinary excretion of aquaporin-2 in humans: a potential marker of collecting duct responsiveness to vasopressin

The vasopressin-sensitive water channel (aquaporin 2; AQP-2) mediates water transport across the apical plasma membrane of the renal collecting ducts and is excreted in human urine. This study presents the hypothesis that measurements of the AQP-2 excretion rate might be used as a marker of collecting-duct responsiveness to vasopressin, and therefore could be useful in the clinical evaluation of various water-balance disorders. This study presents information about the development of an antibody to human AQP-2, and measures the urinary excretion of AQP-2 by quantitative Western analysis. A standard curve of band densities was generated by using known quantities of the modified immunizing peptide to derive the amount of AQP-2 contained in aliquots of urine. AQP-2 urinary excretion changed with short-term alterations in hydration status produced either by water loading (76% decrease, P < 0.01) or by 3% sodium chloride (760% increase, P < 0.01). Steady-state 24-h urinary excretion of AQP-2 was 43 +/- 10 nmol/24 h (or 28.5 +/- 6.9 pmol/mg creatinine), and 20 +/- 6 nmol/24 h (or 18.3 +/- 7.9 pmol/mg creatinine) in men and women, respectively. Therefore, urinary AQP-2 excretion can be quantified by using Western analysis, and may serve as a marker of collecting-duct responsiveness to vasopressin in different physiologic settings.

How forearm position affects grip strength

OBJECTIVE

Several studies have indicated that changing body positions results in altered grip strengths. Although one might expect that grip strength would be influenced by the position of the forearm during gripping due to the biomechanical properties of the forearm and hand muscles, no investigations of this variable have been undertaken.

METHOD

This study examined the effect on grip strength of moving the forearm among supinated, neutral, and pronated positions while maintaining the standard position recommended by the American Society of Hand Therapists. The mean of three grip trials in each position was recorded for each of 106 subjects.

RESULTS

Grips in forearm supination were the strongest, followed by grips in the neutral position. Grips in pronation were the weakest.

CONCLUSIONS

The changes in grip strength observed with variations in forearm position further support the necessity of a standard position for testing grip strength. The knowledge of how changes in body position affect the strength of the grip can be used to design environments and tools to maximize biomechanical abilities.

Pressure ulcer incidence in an acute care setting

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the incidence of pressure ulcers and to examine factors related to pressure ulcer development in patients in an acute care setting. Adult medical and surgical patients who were free of pressure ulcers at admission were assessed within 36 hours of admission and then three times per week for 2 weeks or until discharge. Instruments included a demographic data form, a skin assessment form, and the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk. Most subjects had 46 assessments completed. The sample consisted of 149 subjects, with a pressure ulcer incidence rate of 13.4% (n = 20). Subjects who acquired pressure ulcers had lower hemoglobin levels (t = 2.17, p = 0.03), spent more time in bed (t = 3.90, p = 0.0001), and spent less time in a chair (t = 3.2, p = 0.002) than those who did not acquire pressure ulcers. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to calculate risk of pressure ulcer development. In the final model, hemoglobin level and hours spent in bed continued to be predictors of pressure ulcer development (chi 2 = 9.306, df = 2, p = 0.0095). All 20 subjects who acquired pressure ulcers were further categorized into groups with stage I (n = 12) or stage II (n = 8) ulcers. Patients with stage I pressure ulcers were primarily receiving post-surgical care (67%), whereas patients who acquired stage II ulcers had medical conditions that affected tissue perfusion, such as respiratory diseases (50%) and diabetes mellitus (12%).

Influence of energy or protein supplementation during midpregnancy on forage intake of ewes grazing Montana winter range

A 2-yr winter experiment was conducted to determine the influence of either energy or protein supplementation during midpregnancy on fecal output (FO), forage intake, blood metabolite profiles, and BW changes of ewes grazing winter range. Thirty-two Targhee ewes were selected for uniformity in age and BW and assigned randomly to one of four dietary treatments 1) no supplement (NONE); 2) 150 g of barley supplement (BAR); 3) 75 of feather g meal, blood supplement (FM/BM); and 4) 75 g of FM, BM, urea supplement (FM/BU/U). Two 5-d experimental periods were conducted during each winter (January and February). Forage FO (P = 0.9), total FO (P = 0.7), and subsequent forage intake (P < .01) were higher during Yr 1 than during Yr 2. Supplement type did not affect forage DMI when expressed either as grams/day (P = .57) or as a percentage of BW (P = .52). Body weight changes and body condition scores were not affected (P > .10) by year but were affected (P < .01) by treatment; unsupplemented ewes lost more (P < .01) BW and body condition than supplemented ewes. Serum urea N (SUN) concentrations were affected (P < .03) by a year x treatment interaction. Unsupplemented, FM/ BM, and FM/BM/U ewes had higher (P < .10) SUN concentrations during Yr 1 than during Yr 2, averaging 9.8 ml/dL and 7.5 mg/dL, respectively. Barley-supplemented ewes had similar (P > .10) SUN concentrations both years, averaging 7.4 mg/dL. Alternate-day supplementation during midpregnancy with energy of protein had no effect on forage DMI of ewes grazing winter range.

The effectiveness of skin care protocols for pressure ulcers

Pressure ulcers (PU) remain a serious healthcare problem in the United States. This study investigated the effectiveness of a prevention and early intervention program in reducing the prevalence of pressure ulcers (i.e., the number or the percentage of persons with pressure ulcers at a given time) in a rehabilitation hospital. The Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk was used to assess subjects' PU risk. Protocols were established for PU stages consistent with the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel consensus statement on pressure ulcers. Staff were educated about PUs and the specific protocols for prevention and treatment. Concurrent quarterly prevalence audits on a total of 116 patients were conducted for 1 year. An audit also was done 16 months after protocols had been established. There was a 60% decrease in pressure ulcer prevalence from the 25% baseline to the 10% found at the audit following implementation of the protocols.

Modifying role of trace elements on the mutagenicity of benzo[a]pyrene

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that is found in tobacco smoke and various environmental contaminants and has been shown to be carcinogenic and mutagenic in animal and cell culture studies, respectively. Research studies suggest that various nutritional factors such as the antioxidant vitamins and selenium are very promising as potential anticarcinogenic agents. Moreover, some evidence exists showing that both iron and germanium, at specific dosage levels, may possess antimutagenic potential. This study examined the influence of ferrous sulfate and germanium oxide, independently, upon the mutagenic potential of BaP in the Ames test. Four test strains of Salmonella typhimurium were exposed to BaP (15 micrograms/plate) in the presence of different dosage levels of iron (0-1000 micrograms/plate) and germanium (0-600 micrograms/plate). In the case of iron, it was observed that, depending upon the strain tested, iron reduced BaP's mutagenicity. In strain TA98, this was a significant effect at 100 micrograms/plate and higher. In strains TA97a and TA100, iron concentrations had to reach 250 micrograms/plate or higher to produce significant effects. Iron was much less effective in reducing BaP mutagenicity in strain TA102. In general, germanium was not as effective in reducing the mutagenic potential of BaP. Only in the case of the highest concentrations tested (400 and 600 micrograms/plate) was any effect noted, and this in only three of the four strains evaluated.