Single-chain nanoparticles containing sequence-defined segments: using primary structure control to promote secondary and tertiary structures in synthetic protein mimics

We investigated intra-chain multicomponent reactions to synthesize single-chain nanoparticles (SCNP) containing sequence-defined segments at each cross-link, creating materials featuring multiple protein-inspired elements.

Subcapsular hepatic and intraperitoneal bleed after administration of tissue plasminogen activator in a patient with acute myocardial infarction

Thrombolysis can sometimes cause life-threatening bleeding. In the case reported here, subcapsular hepatic and intraperitoneal bleeding developed after administration of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in a patient with acute myocardial infarction. Surgery was required in this patient to stop the bleed.

Effect of dry fibrin sealant dressings versus gauze packing on blood loss in grade V liver injuries in resuscitated swine

BACKGROUND

We conducted this study to determine whether the dry fibrin sealant dressing (DFSD) would stop bleeding from a grade V liver injury and to evaluate the effects of leaving the absorbable DFSD in survival animals.

METHODS

Twenty-four swine (40+/-3.0 kg) received a uniform grade V liver injury and were randomized to one of four 1-hour treatment groups: (1) gauze packing, (2) DFSD, (3) immunoglobulin G placebo dressing, and (4) no treatment. All animals were resuscitated with lactated Ringer's solution. Total blood loss (TBL), mean arterial pressure, resuscitation volume, and laboratory data were monitored for 1 hour after injury. Four swine were treated with the DFSD after grade V injury and allowed to survive for 7 or 14 days.

RESULTS

The TBL was 1,104+/-264 mL (mean +/- SEM), 544+/-104 mL, 4,223+/-1,555 mL, and 6,026+/-1,020 mL for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. TBL in DFSD animals was less than that in animals treated with gauze packing (p = 0.06). Grade V injuries were uniform among the 1-hour groups, and no evidence of intrahepatic abscess, unusual adhesions, or hepatic vein, vena caval, or pulmonary thromboses were noted in the long-term survival animals.

CONCLUSION

In this model of grade V liver injury, blood loss with the DFSD was 51% of that observed with standard gauze packing (not statistically different). Initial survival data revealed no complications attributable to the fibrin dressing. DFSD may provide simple, rapid, and definitive hemorrhage control in life-threatening liver injuries without the need for reoperation.

Some observations on migration within and from the former USSR in the 1990s

"Patterns of population distribution revealed from 1989 census data are used to assess how future population movements could be affected by current political, social, and economic changes. Much migration in the USSR has reflected central planning decisions as much as the spontaneous decisions of individuals. To the extent that the influence of the command economy diminishes and a market economy emerges, major new directions of migration flows can be expected. The return of ethnic 'expatriates' to home republics can be expected to increase, as can economic migration to areas with favorably perceived economic prospects, and migration to Central and Western Europe."

Changes in the population of larger cities of the USSR, 1979-1989

"An overview of the dynamics of Soviet cities of over 100,000 population for the period 1979-1989 is presented, based largely on maps and tables depicting five key 'subsets' or city groupings: (a) cities increasing by over 100,000 inhabitants; (b) the fastest growing cities in percentage terms; (c) their comparison with fastest growing cities, 1959-1979; (d) the slowest growing cities in percentage terms; and (e) their comparison with slowest growing cities, 1959-1979. The paper, by focusing on these parameters and utilizing extensively graphic and cartographic methods of data presentation, provides...insights into city growth trends...."

INfluence of biotin supplementation on sow reproductive efficiency

A herd of 116 sows was divided into two groups. Animals in one group had their food supplemented with 1160 micrograms/day of biotin in pregnancy and 2320 micrograms/day in lactation, over a 12-month period. The other group served as a control. Those receiving biotin farrowed significantly more live pigs in parities 2 and 4 than in the control animals; the increase in parity 3 only just failed to reach significance. There was no consistent effect on the weaning to service internal although a significant difference (P = 0.05) was seen with the third litters.

Ultrasonic stimulation of low lumbar nerve roots as a diagnostic procedure: a preliminary report

Ultrasonation of irritated lumbosacral nerve roots produces radiation of pain into the ipsilateral buttock. If pain is reported when using the ultrasonic stimulator with no sonation, good evidence is obtained that the patient's symptoms are not arising from radicular pathology.

Foot rot of pigs: the influence of biotin supplementation on foot lesions in sows

A herd of 116 sows with a high frequency of foot lesions and lameness was divided into two groups, A and B. Group B was supplemented with 1160 microgram per day of biotin in pregnancy and 2320 microgram per day in lactation, over a 12-month period. No improvement occurred in the condition of the feet or skin. Gilts introduced as replacements to the herd were allocated alternately to the groups. Those receiving biotin (group B) showed significantly fewer lesions of heel erosion, white-line, heel bruising and "corn", and the severity and number of lesions of the lateral hind claws were also significantly improved.

Cardiac dysfunction in a patient with familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis

A 19-year-old white man with familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis developed evidence of cardiac dysfunction during a episode of flaccid paralysis. This consisted of elevated total creatine phosphokinase (CPK), an increased myocardial fraction of CPK (myocardial band), alteration in the lactic dehydrogenase isoenzyme pattern, severe bradycardia, and evidence of left ventricular dysfunction. These findings, in conjunction with selected cases from the literature, suggest the possibility that cardiomyopathy may be a heretofore unrecognized complication of this disorder.

Significance of chest pain during treadmill exercise: correlation with coronary events

A follow-up study of 1,402 patients with a positive maximal treadmill stress test was made to evaluate the significance of angina during the test. Life tables were constructed and evaluated for significance of age, sex and work load at onset of angina. Coronary events (myocardial infarction, progression of angina and coronary death) were twice as frequent in subjects with angina and S-T segment depression as in those without angina. The increased incidence in 4 years held for all coronary events and was still doubled at 7 years for progression of angina and coronary death. The incidence of coronary events was more than twice as great when the angina was induced by a light work load (4 metabolic equivalents = METS) as when it was induced by a heavy work load (8 to 9 METS). Men aged 41 to 50 years having angina during exercise testing had a 3-fold greater incidence of coronary events and a 4-fold greater incidence of myocardial infarction compared with their counterparts who had S-T segment depression alone. In this study, angina during exercise testing identified 85% of true positive tests for coronary artery disease, whereas S-T depression alone identified only 64% of such tests. Thus, angina during exercise testing increases the sensitivity of the test and identifies cohorts of subjects at high risk for subsequent coronary events.