Effect of ventilation improvement during a tuberculosis outbreak in underventilated university buildings

The role of ventilation in preventing tuberculosis (TB) transmission has been widely proposed in infection control guidance. However, conclusive evidence is lacking. Modeling suggested the threshold of ventilation rate to reduce effective reproductive ratio (ratio between new secondary infectious cases and source cases) of TB to below 1 is corresponding to a carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) level of 1000 parts per million (ppm). Here, we measured the effect of improving ventilation rate on a TB outbreak involving 27 TB cases and 1665 contacts in underventilated university buildings. Ventilation engineering decreased the maximum CO₂ levels from 3204 ± 50 ppm to 591-603 ppm. Thereafter, the secondary attack rate of new contacts in university dropped to zero (mean follow-up duration: 5.9 years). Exposure to source TB cases under CO₂ >1000 ppm indoor environment was a significant risk factor for contacts to become new infectious TB cases (P < .001). After adjusting for effects of contact investigation and latent TB infection treatment, improving ventilation rate to levels with CO₂ <1000 ppm was independently associated with a 97% decrease (95% CI: 50%-99.9%) in the incidence of TB among contacts. These results show that maintaining adequate indoor ventilation could be a highly effective strategy for controlling TB outbreaks.

THE VALIDITY OF THE STUDY OF OSTEOPOROTIC FRACTURES (SOF) INDEX FOR ASSESSING COMMUNITY-BASED OLDER ADULTS IN TAIWAN

Taiwan’s Ten-Year Long-Term Care Project (TLTCP) version 2.0 has expanded to include frail adults in late 2017; however, tools for measuring frailty remain controversial. On the one hand, it has become common to use Fried’s Frailty Phenotype index to measure older adults’ frailty in Taiwan and advanced countries. On the other hand, the Taiwanese government uses the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures index (SOF index) to assess the degree of frailty and whether to receive publicly-funded exercise programs. This study aimed at assessing properties of tools of the SOF index and Fried’s Frailty Phenotype index among general, community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan. In this cross-sectional survey study, purposive sampling was employed to collect data, with 471 older adults. The participants were older than 65 years and lived in Taipei City. To analyze the data, Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient was employed to understand the association between frailty as measured by the two indexes and area under the curve (AUC) statistics was used to test the respective models by measuring the predictive validity from the two indexes. Study findings showed a moderate association between Fried’s Frailty Phenotype index and the SOF index (p<0.001). However, these two frailty indexes were inconsistent in their ability to predict validity. The result of AUC showed that while the SOF predicted falls better (p <0.001), Fried’s Frailty Phenotype index predicted disability better (p <0.001). Similar to the results from advanced countries, SOF index is a valid tool to evaluate frailty, especially for general, community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan.

Electronic Ordering System Improves Postoperative Pain Management After Total Knee or Hip Arthroplasty

OBJECTIVES

The authors investigated the impact of computerized provider order entry (CPOE) on the delivery times of analgesia and subsequent patient outcomes. We hypothesized that patients would report less pain and use less pain medications compared with the previous paper-based system.

METHODS

Two groups of patients after a total hip (THA) or knee arthroplasty (TKA) were retrospectively compared: one comprising 106 patients when the paper-based ordering system was in effect (conventional group), and one comprising 96 patients after CPOE was installed (electronic group). All patients received a regional anaesthetic at surgery (combined spinal-epidural). TKA patients also received a single-injection femoral nerve block. After transfer to the postoperative anaesthesia care unit (PACU), a patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) infusion was initiated. The following data was collected from the PACU record: time to initiation of analgesia, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at initiation of analgesia and hourly for the first postoperative day (POD), volume of pain medication used, length of stay (LOS) in the PACU and the hospital.

RESULTS

The time to initiation of analgesia from arrival in the PACU was significantly lower in the electronic group compared to the conventional group (24.5 ± 28.3 minutes vs. 51.1 ± 26.2 minutes; mean ± SD, p < 0.001), as were VAS pain scores (0.82 ± 1.08 vs. 1.5 ± 1.52, p < 0.001) and the volume of PCEA needed to control pain (27.9 ± 20.2 ml vs. 34.8 ± 20.3 ml, p = 0.001) at 4 hours postoperatively. PACU LOS and hospital LOS did not significantly differ in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

After implementation of CPOE, patients received their postoperative analgesia faster, had less pain, and required less medication.

A digital support device designed to help family caregivers coordinate, communicate and plan the care of people with brain injury

This poster reports on the design concepts of a digital support device to help family caregivers coordinate care of people with brain injury. Using a user-centered design methodology, we designed a device with the following requirements: centrally located in the home; speeds up appointment decisions;simplifies communication processes; improves access to community resources; involves care-recipients in the care; and adapts to changing support needs.

Development and iterative refinement of an internet-based service for Chinese family caregivers of people with Alzheimer Disease

This poster reports on the developmental phase of a new internet-based support services (ICSS) for Chinese caregivers of people with Alzheimer Disease (AD): a specialized email application and an informational website. Bilingual Chinese caregivers wanted internet-based information in both Chinese and English. Usability testing and heuristic evaluation results revealed that the interface successfully supported the core functionality, but can be refined to improve usability.

Predictive, pre-natal and diagnostic genetic testing for Huntington's disease: the experience in Canada from 1987 to 2000

Predictive and pre-natal testing for Huntington's Disease (HD) has been available since 1987. Initially this was offered by linkage analysis, which was surpassed by the advent of the direct mutation test for HD in 1993. Direct mutation analysis provided an accurate test that not only enhanced predictive and pre-natal testing, but also permitted the diagnostic testing of symptomatic individuals. The objective of this study was to investigate the uptake, utilization, and outcome of predictive, pre-natal and diagnostic testing in Canada from 1987 to April 1, 2000. A retrospective design was used; all Canadian medical genetics centres and their affiliated laboratories offering genetic testing for HD were invited to participate. A total of 15 of 22 centres (68.2%), currently offering or ever having offered genetic testing for HD, responded, providing data on test results, demographics, and clinical history. A total of 1061 predictive tests, 15 pre-natal tests, and 626 diagnostic tests were performed. The uptake for predictive testing was approximately 18% of the estimated at-risk Canadian population, ranging from 12.5% in the Maritimes to 20.7% in British Columbia. There appears to have been a decline in the rate of testing in recent years. Of the predictive tests, 45.0% of individuals were found to have an increased risk, and a preponderance of females (60.2%) sought testing. A greater proportion of those at < or = 25% risk sought predictive testing once direct CAG mutation analysis had become available (10.9% after mutation analysis vs 4.7% before mutation analysis, p = 0.0077). Very few pre-natal tests were requested. Of the 15 pre-natal tests, 12 had an increased risk, resulting in termination of pregnancy in all but one. Diagnostic testing identified 68.5% of individuals to be positive by mutation analysis, while 31.5% of those with HD-like symptoms were not found to have the HD mutation. The positive diagnostic tests included 24.5% of individuals with no known prior family history of HD.

Initial study in rats evaluating the effects of 1,4-dichlorobutene-2 (DCB) on the respiratory tract

Rats were exposed by inhalation to either 0.5 ppm 1,4-dichlorobutene-2 (DCB) for two years or to 5.0 ppm for seven months, 2.5 ppm for five months, and no further exposure for 12 months prior to sacrifice. Malignant and non-malignant tumors of the nasal tissues were seen in both test groups with the incidence and proportion of malignant tumors being much higher in the 5.0/2.5 ppm rats. Under the conditions of this study, DCB is carcinogenic in rats of both sexes.

CCK(B)/gastrin receptor mediates synergistic stimulation of DNA synthesis and cyclin D1, D3, and E expression in Swiss 3T3 cells

In order to develop a model system for identifying signaling pathways and cell cycle events involved in gastrin-mediated mitogenesis, we have used high efficiency retroviral-mediated transfection of cholecystokinin (CCK)(B)/gastrin receptor into Swiss 3T3 cells. The retrovirally-transfected CCK(B)/gastrin receptor binds 125I-CCK-8 with high affinity (Kd = 1.1 nM) and is functionally coupled to intracellular signaling pathways including rapid and transient increase in Ca2+ fluxes, protein kinase C-dependent protein kinase D activation, and MEK-dependent ERK1/2 activation. In the presence of insulin, CCK-8 or gastrin induced a 66.5 +/- 8.8-fold (mean +/- SEM, n = 24 in eight independent experiments) increase in cellular DNA synthesis, reaching a level similar to that achieved by stimulation with a saturating concentration of fresh serum, and much greater than the response to each agonist added alone. CCK-8 also induced a striking increase in the expression of cyclins D1, D3, and E and hyperphosphorylation of Rb acting synergistically with insulin. Similar effects were observed when CCK(B)/gastrin receptor was activated in the presence of EGF or bombesin. Our results demonstrate that activation of CCK(B)/gastrin receptor retrovirally-transfected into Swiss 3T3 induces a potent synergistic effect on DNA synthesis, accumulation of cyclins D1, D3, and E and hyperphosphorylation of Rb in combination with insulin, EGF, or bombesin. Thus, the CCK(B)/gastrin receptor transfected into Swiss 3T3 cells provides a novel model system to elucidate mitogenic signal transduction pathways and cell cycle events activated via this receptor.

CCK(B)/gastrin receptor mediates synergistic stimulation of DNA synthesis and cyclin D1, D3, and E expression in Swiss 3T3 cells

In order to develop a model system for identifying signaling pathways and cell cycle events involved in gastrin-mediated mitogenesis, we have used high efficiency retroviral-mediated transfection of cholecystokinin (CCK)(B)/gastrin receptor into Swiss 3T3 cells. The retrovirally-transfected CCK(B)/gastrin receptor binds 125I-CCK-8 with high affinity (Kd = 1.1 nM) and is functionally coupled to intracellular signaling pathways including rapid and transient increase in Ca2+ fluxes, protein kinase C-dependent protein kinase D activation, and MEK-dependent ERK1/2 activation. In the presence of insulin, CCK-8 or gastrin induced a 66.5 +/- 8.8-fold (mean +/- SEM, n = 24 in eight independent experiments) increase in cellular DNA synthesis, reaching a level similar to that achieved by stimulation with a saturating concentration of fresh serum, and much greater than the response to each agonist added alone. CCK-8 also induced a striking increase in the expression of cyclins D1, D3, and E and hyperphosphorylation of Rb acting synergistically with insulin. Similar effects were observed when CCK(B)/gastrin receptor was activated in the presence of EGF or bombesin. Our results demonstrate that activation of CCK(B)/gastrin receptor retrovirally-transfected into Swiss 3T3 induces a potent synergistic effect on DNA synthesis, accumulation of cyclins D1, D3, and E and hyperphosphorylation of Rb in combination with insulin, EGF, or bombesin. Thus, the CCK(B)/gastrin receptor transfected into Swiss 3T3 cells provides a novel model system to elucidate mitogenic signal transduction pathways and cell cycle events activated via this receptor.

CCK(B)/gastrin receptor mediates synergistic stimulation of DNA synthesis and cyclin D1, D3, and E expression in Swiss 3T3 cells

In order to develop a model system for identifying signaling pathways and cell cycle events involved in gastrin-mediated mitogenesis, we have used high efficiency retroviral-mediated transfection of cholecystokinin (CCK)(B)/gastrin receptor into Swiss 3T3 cells. The retrovirally-transfected CCK(B)/gastrin receptor binds 125I-CCK-8 with high affinity (Kd = 1.1 nM) and is functionally coupled to intracellular signaling pathways including rapid and transient increase in Ca2+ fluxes, protein kinase C-dependent protein kinase D activation, and MEK-dependent ERK1/2 activation. In the presence of insulin, CCK-8 or gastrin induced a 66.5 +/- 8.8-fold (mean +/- SEM, n = 24 in eight independent experiments) increase in cellular DNA synthesis, reaching a level similar to that achieved by stimulation with a saturating concentration of fresh serum, and much greater than the response to each agonist added alone. CCK-8 also induced a striking increase in the expression of cyclins D1, D3, and E and hyperphosphorylation of Rb acting synergistically with insulin. Similar effects were observed when CCK(B)/gastrin receptor was activated in the presence of EGF or bombesin. Our results demonstrate that activation of CCK(B)/gastrin receptor retrovirally-transfected into Swiss 3T3 induces a potent synergistic effect on DNA synthesis, accumulation of cyclins D1, D3, and E and hyperphosphorylation of Rb in combination with insulin, EGF, or bombesin. Thus, the CCK(B)/gastrin receptor transfected into Swiss 3T3 cells provides a novel model system to elucidate mitogenic signal transduction pathways and cell cycle events activated via this receptor.

PKD in intestinal epithelial cells: rapid activation by phorbol esters, LPA, and angiotensin through PKC

Protein kinase C (PKC) is implicated in the regulation of multiple important functions in intestinal epithelial cells, but the downstream signaling targets of PKCs in these cells remain poorly characterized. Here we report that treatment of normal rat intestinal cell lines IEC-6 and IEC-18 with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) led to a rapid and striking PKC-dependent activation of protein kinase D (PKD; also known as PKCmu). Unlike conventional and novel PKCs, PKD did not undergo downregulation in response to prolonged (24 h) exposure of IEC-6 or IEC-18 cells to PDBu. PKD was also rapidly activated in these cells by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) or angiotensin in a concentration-dependent fashion via a PKC-dependent pathway. EC(50) values were 0.1 microM and 2 nM for LPA and angiotensin II, respectively. LPA-induced PKD activation was prevented selectively by treatment with pertussis toxin. PKD activation was tightly associated with an increase in PKD autophosphorylation at serine 916. Our results identify PKD as a novel early point of convergence and integration of G(i) and G(q) signaling in intestinal epithelial cells.

CCK2 (CCK(B)/gastrin) receptor mediates rapid protein kinase D (PKD) activation through a protein kinase C-dependent pathway

Addition of gastrin or cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) to cultures of Rat-1 cells stably transfected with the CCK2 (CCK(B)/gastrin) receptor induced protein kinase D (PKD) activation that was detectable within 1 min and reached a maximum ( approximately 10-fold) after 2.5 min of hormonal stimulation. Half-maximal PKD activation for both CCK-8 and gastrin was achieved at 10 nM. Treatment with various concentrations of the selective PKC inhibitors Ro 31-8220 or GF-I potently blocked PKD activation induced by subsequent addition of CCK-8 in a concentration-dependent fashion. Our results indicate that PKC-dependent PKD activation is a novel early event in the action of gastrin and CCK-8 via CCK2 receptors.

Subchronic toxicity of cyclohexane in rats and mice by inhalation exposure

Inhalation studies were conducted to determine the potential toxicity and/or potential neurotoxicity of cyclohexane. Groups of rats and mice were exposed to 0, 500, 2000, or 7000 ppm concentrations of cyclohexane vapor 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 14 weeks. Subgroups of rats and mice were further observed during a 1-month recovery period. Functional observational battery (FOB) and motor activity (MA) behavioral tests were conducted on rats. These tests were conducted prior to the exposure series and during weeks 4, 8, and 13 on non-exposure days. Clinical pathology evaluations were conducted after approximately 7, 13, and 18 weeks. Approximately 14 and 18 weeks after study initiation, tissues from rats and mice were histologically processed and evaluated by light microscopy. During exposure to 2000 or 7000 ppm, rats and mice had a diminished response or an absent response to delivery of a punctate auditory alerting stimulus. Immediately following removal of rats from the inhalation chambers, 7000 ppm males and females and 2000 ppm females displayed a compound-related increase in the incidence of wet and/or stained fur (which occurred in the areas of the mouth, chin, and/or perineum). These signs were transient, were not observed during exposure or prior to exposure the following day, and were not associated with any behavioral or morphological changes. During exposure sessions, mice exposed to 7000 ppm exhibited clinical signs of toxicity which included hyperactivity, circling, jumping/hopping, excessive grooming, kicking of rear legs, standing on front legs, and occasional flipping behavior. Clinical signs of toxicity observed in 7000 ppm mice immediately after exposure included hyperactivity, hyperreactivity, ruffled fur (females only), gait abnormalities, spasms in both rear legs, and excessive grooming (males only). The clinical signs observed in mice during and immediately after exposure were transient, and were not present prior to the subsequent exposure. A few mice exposed to 2000 ppm appeared hyperactive during exposure in the latter portion of the study. There were no compound-related changes in mean body weights, body weight gains, food consumption, food efficiency, or mortality; and there were no ophthalmological abnormalities in rats or mice. In addition, there were no compound-related effects on 37 different behavioral parameters assessed during the FOB or during motor activity tests in rats. Male and female mice exposed to 7000 ppm had slight increases in measures of circulating erythrocyte mass (red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit) and plasma protein concentration (males only). Male rats and male and female mice exposed to 7000 ppm had significantly increased relative liver weights, and 7000 ppm male mice also had significantly increased absolute liver weights at the end of the exposure period. At the end of the 1-month recovery period, absolute and relative liver weights of male and female mice were similar to control. However, relative liver weights of 7000 ppm male rats continued to be significantly higher at the end of the recovery period. Male and female rats exposed to 7000 ppm had a significantly increased incidence of hepatic centrilobular hypertrophy at the end of the exposure period, which was not observed at the conclusion of the 1-month recovery period. No microscopic changes were observed in mice. In rats, the no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for acute, transient effects was 500 ppm based on a diminished/absent response to an auditory alerting stimulus at 2000 ppm and above. The NOEL for subchronic toxicity in rats was 7000 ppm based on the lack of adverse effects on body weight, clinical chemistry, tissue morphology, and neurobehavioral parameters. In mice, the NOEL for acute, transient effects was 500 ppm based on behavioral changes during exposure at 2000 ppm and above. The NOEL for subchronic toxicity in mice is 2000 ppm based on hematological changes at 7000 ppm.

Primary subtype C HIV-1 infection in Harare, Zimbabwe

Heterosexual transmission of HIV-1 is widespread in Southern Africa. Heteroduplex mobility assays (HMA) and phylogenetic analyses of V3-V5 envelope (env) gene sequences demonstrate that subtype C predominates in Zimbabwe. To elucidate factors contributing to the epidemic in Zimbabwe, clinical and virologic characteristics of recently acquired subtype C HIV-1 infection among 21 men and 1 woman were determined. In 12 of 19 men providing clinical histories, a sexually transmitted infection preceded serologic evidence of HIV-1, and 14 of 19 men complained of rash or fever before seroconversion. Quantitative p24 antigen levels, reverse transcriptase activity, and HIV RNA levels of 22 viral isolates correlated with in vitro infectivity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (p < .05). Biologic phenotype assessed in MT-2 cells demonstrated that 3 of 22 isolates (14%) were syncytia inducing (SI) and the remaining 19 nonsyncytium inducing (NSI). Early growth of virus in culture was associated with increased plasma HIV RNA levels, decreased CD4 cell levels, and SI virus. Recent subtype C HIV-1 infection through heterosexual transmission in Zimbabwe demonstrated clinical and virologic features consistent with reports of seroconversion to subtype B viruses.

Evidence that A8947 enhances pancreas growth via a trypsin inhibitor mechanism

A8947 is a member of the sulfonyl urea class of compounds and is the active ingredient in a commercial broad leaf herbicide. This compound has been shown to produce pancreatic hypertrophy in rats, mice, and dogs. The objectives of this study were to investigate the mechanism(s) for the A8947 induction of pancreatic acinar cell hypertrophy and proliferation and to evaluate whether these pancreatic changes are reversible. A8947 was fed to male Crl:CD BR rats for up to 28 days (0, 300, 10,000, 30,000 ppm) or 56 days (0, 30,000 ppm). Rats were terminated on Test Days 7, 14, and 28 to assess the time course and dose response for the A8947-induced pancreatic changes, while rats terminated on Test Day 56 were used to assesss the reversibility of the pancreas effects at 30,000 ppm A8947. A8947 produced significant increases in pancreatic weight and acinar cell proliferation and diffuse acinar cell hypertrophy in 7 days at 10,000 and 30,000 ppm dose levels. By Day 14, absolute pancreas weights in the 10,000 and 30,000 ppm groups were maximally increased and remained at these levels throughout the study. In contrast, acinar cell proliferation in the 30,000 ppm group was still elevated at Test Day 14, but attenuated relative to the 7-day response, and returned to control levels by Test Day 28. No effects were observed at 300 ppm after a 28-day exposure period, while complete reversibility of A8947-induced pancreatic effects was demonstrated at 30,000 ppm following a 1-month recovery period (Test Day 56). Cholecystokinin (CCK) levels were increased by A8947 and closely followed the time course for pancreatic changes. MK-329, a specific CCKA receptor antagonist, completely ablated the ability of 30,000 ppm A8947 to increase pancreas weight following 7 days of exposure. A8947 did not bind the CCKA receptor in a receptor competition assay, negating any potential agonist mechanism. A8947 did, however, inhibit trypsin in vitro, suggesting a mechanism of action similar to that of raw soy protein, in which trypsin inhibition in vivo results in increased CCK levels followed by pancreatic acinar cell hypertrophy and proliferation.

Role of cyclic GMP-inhibitable phosphodiesterase and nitric oxide in the beta adrenoceptor control of renin secretion

We have reported that inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) attenuates the renin secretory response to beta adrenoceptor stimulation. We proposed that the attenuation results from disinhibition of the cyclic GMP-inhibitable isoform of phosphodiesterase (PDE III) with a resultant increase in cyclic AMP hydrolysis in the juxtaglomerular cells. In our investigation, experiments were performed in conscious rabbits to test the effects of the specific PDE III inhibitor milrinone on resting renin secretion and on the renin responses to isoproterenol and L-NAME. In the first series of experiments, infusion of milrinone increased plasma renin activity from 5.4 +/- 0.6 to 10.2 +/- 1.4 ng/ml/2 hr (P < .01). Heart rate increased markedly, but arterial pressure did not change. In the second series, infusion of isoproterenol increased plasma renin activity from 6.3 +/- 1.1 to 15.0 +/- 1.0 ng/ml/2 hr (P < .01). The renin response to isoproterenol was increased (P < .01) in the presence of milrinone (15.3 +/- 3.7 to 38.4 +/- 6.2 ng/ml/2 hr, P < .01). In the third series, L-NAME alone decreased plasma renin activity from 5.0 +/- 1.0 to 3.3 +/- 1.0 ng/ml/2 hr (P < .01). Milrinone again increased plasma renin activity and prevented the suppression of plasma renin activity by L-NAME. By contrast, milrinone did not alter the suppression of plasma renin activity produced by infusion of phenylephrine. In addition, a PDE IV inhibitor failed to prevent the suppression of PRA by L-NAME. Finally, administration of milrinone completely reversed the L-NAME-induced suppression of the renin response to isoproterenol. These results provide evidence that PDE III participates in the regulation of renin secretion, and support the proposal that the L-NAME-induced reductions in renin secretion and in the renin response to beta adrenoceptor stimulation result from disinhibition of PDE III and increased hydrolysis of cyclic AMP in the juxtaglomerular cells.

Effect of inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis on the cardiovascular and endocrine responses to hemorrhage in conscious rabbits

Nitric oxide plays an important role in the regulation of arterial pressure by its actions to dilate vascular smooth muscle, alter sympathetic neural activity, and modulate the vasoconstrictor action of norepinephrine, angiotensin II and vasopressin. Nitric oxide may also influence blood pressure regulation by altering the secretion of renin and vasopressin. To test this possibility, we investigated the effects of inhibiting nitric oxide synthesis on the cardiovascular, renin and vasopressin responses to hypotensive hemorrhage, a situation in which the renin-angiotensin system and vasopressin contribute significantly to the control of blood pressure. Arterial blood was withdrawn from conscious, chronically-prepared rabbits at 1.0 ml/kg/min for 15 min under control conditions, and during i.v. infusion of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME. Hemorrhage decreased mean arterial pressure from 69 +/- 2 to 45 +/- 4 mm Hg (p < 0.01) and increased heart rate from 211 +/- 10 to 270 +/- 15 bpm (p < 0.05). Plasma renin activity increased from 7.7 +/- 1 to 36.1 +/- 9.6 ng/ml/2h at 15 min (p < 0.01), while plasma vasopressin concentration increased from 1.7 +/- 0.6 to 183.2 +/- 98.5 pg/ml (p < 0.05). Infusion of L-NAME increased blood pressure and plasma vasopressin concentration, and decreased heart rate and plasma renin activity. L-NAME markedly attenuated the hypotensive response to hemorrhage (72 +/- 3 to 62 +/- 4 mmHg), but did not alter the increases in heart rate, plasma renin activity or plasma vasopressin concentration. In separate experiments, L-NAME did not alter the setpoint or gain of the baroreceptor reflex control of heart rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of neonatal nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and residents in the neonatal intensive care unit

OBJECTIVE

To compare patient care delivery by neonatal nurse practitioners and physician assistants with that of pediatric residents in the intensive care setting.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review after developing specific performance criteria, namely, patient management, outcome, and charges.

METHODS/MATERIALS

Charts for 244 consecutive admissions to a neonatal intensive care unit in Jacksonville, Fla, were reviewed. Patients were cared for by one of two teams, one staffed by residents and the other by neonatal nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Similar patients were cared for by the two teams, as determined by patient background characteristics and diagnostic variables. Performance of the two teams was assessed by comparison of patient management, outcome, and charges. Management variables included data on length of critical care and hospital stay, ventilator and oxygen use, total parenteral nutritional use, number of transfusions, and the performance of various procedures. Outcome variables included the incidence of air leaks, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, and number of infants who died. Charge variables included hospital and physician charges.

MAIN RESULTS

Results demonstrated no significant differences in management, outcome, or charge variables between patients cared for by the two teams.

CONCLUSION

Neonatal nurse practitioners and physician assistants are an effective alternative to residents for patient care in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Phosphophoryn, an "acidic" biomineralization regulatory protein: conformational folding in the presence of Cd(II)

The divalent cation-induced protein folding properties of the template macromolecule, bovine dentine phosphophoryn (BDPP), have been examined by 1H/31P/13C/113Cd-nmr spectroscopy. Cd(II) was employed, exploiting the sensitivity of 113Cd-nmr to ligand-binding interactions and kinetics. Cation binding was studied over the stoichiometric range of 0-50: 1 Cd(II): protein (mole ratio), well below the range of Cd(II) concentration required to induce protein precipitation. The stepwise titration of divalent cation-depleted phosphophoryn at pH 7.2 in H2O/D2O with 113CdCl2 revealed that (PSer)n, (PSerAsp)n, and (Asp)n polyelectrolyte cation-binding domains undergo two major transitions in their secondary and tertiary structures: the first transition, occurring between 1:10 and 1:1 Cd(II): protein stoichiometry, and the second, between 10:1 and 50:1. By monitoring the amide NH intensities, 31P-nmr chemical shift, and 13C Asp-C, resonances, it was concluded that Cd(II) ions exhibit a binding-site preference for polyelectrolyte cation-binding domains, in the order (PSer)n > (PSerAsp)n > (Asp)n This preference correlates with the degree of negative charge density for each sequence motif. Accompanying the backbone conformational transitions at the polyelectrolyte regions were conformational transitions in the flanking hinge domains, indicating that the hinge domains participate in the folding of the phosphophoryn molecule as divalent cation binding occurs at the polyelectrolyte domains. We were unsuccessful in detecting phosphophoryn-bound Cd(II) species by 113Cd-nmr because of chemical exchange modulation. However, using a smaller 21-residue peptide mimetic of phosphophoryn, we have observed three stoichiometric-dependent 113Cd resonances that differ in terms of the oxoanion coordination number. Our observation of multiple Cd(II) species in the presence of the peptide supports our contention that Cd(II) has many chemically distinct coordination sites on phosphophoryn, each in multiple equilibria with H2O, Cl-, and side-chain oxoatoms.

Community-wide estimation of illicit drug use in delivering women: prevalence, demographics, and associated risk factors

OBJECTIVE

To determine the community-wide prevalence of illicit drug use in delivering women and to compare rates in women delivering in an urban center serving the medically indigent with those delivering in private hospitals.

METHODS

Over 6 weeks, 1062 urine samples were obtained anonymously from women presenting for delivery in seven hospitals in the Jacksonville, Florida area. All urine samples were analyzed blindly for illicit drugs using fluorescent polarized immunoassay.

RESULTS

The percentage of women with positive urine toxicology was 7.1%. Positive results were more frequent in the public hospital population (12.7%) than the private hospital population (3.9%). The prevalence of cocaine use was 2.1% and marijuana 5.3%. Urine positivity was similar in black and white women, with cocaine metabolites more prevalent in black women and cannabinoids more common in white women. Women with positive screens for cocaine were more likely to use tobacco and alcohol, admit to substance abuse, and receive limited prenatal care. Women with positive screens for marijuana were difficult to differentiate from the urine-toxicology-negative group.

CONCLUSIONS

Urine samples positive for illicit drugs were significantly more common in women delivering in an urban center serving the indigent population than in those delivering in private hospitals. Based on associated factors, cocaine users fit a more indentifiable profile than marijuana users. The overall incidence of positive urine toxicology was no different in black and white pregnant women, but the more frequent finding of cocaine metabolites in black women may lead to biased over-reporting of substance abuse in this population.

University neonatal centers and level II centers compatibility. Jacksonville experience

Reported are 10 years experience in the development of a Citywide Neonatal Program in the Jacksonville area, which could be helpful as a model for establishing relationships between academic centers and outside Level II nurseries. The four phases of development are documented. An analysis of the financial impact to the academic program is presented and also an outline of the gain realized by the Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida Health Science Center. The positive results in amalgamation of the neonatal services in Jacksonville have far outweighed any potential harmful effects from competition between an academic center and other private nurseries in the city.

Antioxidant action of certain simple phenolic compounds derived from Chinese herbs

H2O2 and hydroxyl free radical active oxygen generation systems were utilized to define the antioxidant activities of simple phenolic compounds derived from Chinese herbs. Although the antioxidant activities of compounds differed when assessed in the two systems, all compounds tested were found to be effective at preventing red blood cell membrane lipid peroxidation, with the propyl and butyl esters of gallic acid being especially potent. No compound was able to prevent hemoglobin oxidation. All compounds but salicylic acid were found to interact dose-dependently with H2O2 and hydroxyl free radical as determined by a chemiluminescence method.

Tracheal agenesis

Tracheal agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly. We report a case and review the cases previously reported. Clinical features that might indicate tracheal agenesis include antenatal polyhydramnios, severe respiratory distress, absence of an audible cry, failure to advance an endotracheal tube beyond the larynx, a palpable distal trachea, clinical improvement after esophageal intubation, and roentgenographic absence of a tracheal air column with an abnormal position of the carina. For immediate management of the affected infant, we recommend intubation of the esophagus with an endotracheal tube to provide an air passage, and determination of the level of the defect by careful use of contrast material and roentgenography. Infants having type I tracheal agenesis may benefit from immediate tracheostomy.

Citywide neonatal program. Ten years experience

A citywide neonatal program initiated in Jacksonville, Florida, in July 1978 through December 1988 had incorporated all six hospitals that provide obstetrical services in the metropolitan area. Admissions, occupancy rate, as well as patient care days served by the Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center (RPICC) and the Level II nurseries have increased to capacity. More "step-down" care beds are made available by this program which has also proved to be cost effective. Areas of concern are discussed.

The prognostic value of a prior spermatozoa study for human in vitro fertilization

Patients admitted for treatment of in vitro fertilization (IVF) were subjected to a semen investigation about 1-2 weeks prior to actual IVF and again during IVF. In addition to routine semen analyses, the recovery efficiency of motile spermatozoa by swim-up technique and Percoll gradient separation, the level of semen lactate dehydrogenase and the viability of the spermatozoa in the insemination medium were also studied. There is a significant correlation between the results of the pre-IVF analyses and that observed during IVF suggesting that a prior investigation of semen profile and sperm function is useful to screen potential IVF candidates. Among the various parameters, sperm motility in the semen and the swim-up preparation, percent normal spermatozoa and in vitro viability were significantly related to the outcome of IVF.

Chronic inhalation toxicity/carcinogenicity study in rats exposed to fluorocarbon 113 (FC-113)

Groups of 100 male and 100 female Crl:CDBR rats were exposed by whole-body inhalation to FC-113 (1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane) for 6 hr a day, 5 days a week for 24 months. Average exposure concentrations (+/- 1 SD) were 0.0 (control), 2000 +/- 100, 10,000 +/- 500, and 20,000 +/- 1000 ppm (v/v), respectively. Body weights were consistently lower in both male and female rats in the 20,000 ppm exposure group after approximately 1 and 4 months' exposure, respectively, and in female rats after 12 months' exposure at 10,000 ppm. Observations of appearance and behavior, mortality, and clinical laboratory measurements were unremarkable during the 24-month exposure period. Despite exposure levels as high as 20,000 ppm, only occasional slight increases in urinary fluoride were seen. Microscopic examination of tissues from rats examined during and at the end of the 24-month study revealed no evidence of compound-related toxicity or carcinogenicity. Based mainly on a 5 to 10% decrease in body weight gain at the 10,000 and 20,000 ppm exposure levels, the no-observed-effect level for FC-113 in this study was 2000 ppm.

A comparison of the transabdominal and transvaginal methods of ultrasound-guided aspiration of pre-ovulatory oocytes for in vitro fertilisation

The efficiency of two methods of ultrasound-guided aspiration of pre-ovulatory oocytes was compared in 238 treatment cycles, of which 166 were by the transabdominal-transvesical (TA) route and 72 by the transvaginal (TV) route. Successful collection of at least one oocyte was achieved in 86% of TA attempts and in 97% of TV attempts. Significantly less oocytes were collected from follicles by the TA methods than by the TV methods: 374 oocytes were obtained from 797 follicles (46% recovery) and 242 oocytes from 338 follicles (72% recovery), respectively. Although fertilisation occurred more frequently in TA-recovered oocyte (70% versus 54%), the incidence of cleavage per inseminated oocytes collected by these TA and TV methods was similar (49% versus 44%, respectively). Results of this study therefore suggest that the TV method is superior to the TA approach for oocyte recovery.