Self-Sensing Rubber for Bridge Bearing Monitoring

Elastomeric bearings are widely used in bridges to support the superstructure, to transfer loads to substructures, and to accommodate movements induced by, for example, temperature changes. Bearing mechanical properties affect the bridge's performance and its response to permanent and variable loadings (e.g., traffic). This paper describes the research carried out at Strathclyde towards the development of smart elastomeric bearings that can be used as a low-cost sensing technology for bridge and/or weigh-in-motion monitoring. An experimental campaign was performed, under laboratory conditions, on various natural rubber (NR) specimens enhanced with different conductive fillers. Each specimen was characterized under loading conditions that replicated in-situ bearings to determine their mechanical and piezoresistive properties. Relatively simple models can be used to describe the relationship between rubber bearing resistivity and deformation changes. Gauge factors (GFs) in the range between 2 and 11 are obtained, depending on the compound and the applied loading. Experiments were also carried out to show that the developed model can be used to predict the state of deformation of the bearings under random loadings of different amplitudes that are characteristic of the passage of traffic over a bridge.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: An Audit of the Ultrasound Screening Programme

Aims Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is an important cause of disability in children and young adults. Early diagnosis and treatment can help avoid more invasive interventions and long-term morbidity. This study examines the ultrasound screening programme conducted in University Hospital Waterford (UHW), and the outcomes for infants with DDH in the Southeast of Ireland. Methods We conducted an audit of all the DDH screening ultrasounds performed in UHW in the year 2020, a total of 992 infants. Data included referral and ultrasound times, screening results, interventions, and outcomes. Results Of those screened, 255 (26%) were referred to the Orthopaedic clinic, with a significant female majority of nearly 3:1. At the time of writing, only two infants were ultimately referred for further management of persistent DDH, the rest being successfully treated by less invasive interventions such as harnessing and bracing. There were no babies scanned within the recommended 6 weeks who later presented with a dislocated hip or required tertiary referral for DDH management. Conclusion The ultrasound screening programme in UHW is shown to be successful in the prompt diagnosis and early treatment of DDH. This plays a significant role in avoiding the lifelong disabling outcomes of untreated DDH, and the invasive surgical procedures required in the management of late-stage disease.

Health inequalities in timely antenatal care: audit of pre- and post-referral delays in antenatal bookings in London 2015-16

BACKGROUND

Antenatal booking has potential to reduce infant and maternal health inequalities; yet, those most in need are least likely to access timely care. This audit describes late referral and antenatal booking across London in 2015-16, according to maternal characteristics.

METHODS

Referral < 8 weeks' gestation, booking < 2 weeks after referral and booking < 10 weeks' gestation were audited against maternal and referral characteristics.

RESULTS

Of 122 275 antenatal bookings, 27.1% were before 10 weeks' gestation and 72.8% by 12 + 6 weeks. Characteristics associated with late booking were living in more deprived areas, age < 20 years, higher parity, Black or Minority ethnicity (particularly Bangladeshi or Black African), birth in Somalia, Jewish religion, first language other than English, unemployment of self or partner, lack of social support, or single parent families. Women living in more deprived areas, with first language other than English, of Jewish religion, Black and Minority ethnicity or who were unemployed, waited longer from referral to booking, despite later referral.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-referral delays can compound late referral for some women, exacerbating health inequalities, but should be amenable to provider interventions. Different patterns of pre- and post-referral delay suggest that a tailored approach is needed to address inequalities in access to antenatal care.

Electromagnetic Sensors for Underwater Scour Monitoring

Scour jeopardises the safety of many civil engineering structures with foundations in riverbeds and it is the leading cause for the collapse of bridges worldwide. Current approaches for bridge scour risk management rely mainly on visual inspections, which provide unreliable estimates of scour and of its effects, also considering the difficulties in visually monitoring the riverbed erosion around submerged foundations. Thus, there is a need to introduce systems capable of continuously monitoring the evolution of scour at bridge foundations, even during extreme flood events. This paper illustrates the development and deployment of a scour monitoring system consisting of smart probes equipped with electromagnetic sensors. This is the first application of this type of sensing probes to a real case-study for continuous scour monitoring. Designed to observe changes in the permittivity of the medium around bridge foundations, the sensors allow for detection of scour depths and the assessment of whether the scour hole has been refilled. The monitoring system was installed on the A76 200 Bridge in New Cumnock (S-W Scotland) and has provided a continuous recording of the scour for nearly two years. The scour data registered after a peak flood event (validated against actual measurements of scour during a bridge inspection) show the potential of the technology in providing continuous scour measures, even during extreme flood events, thus avoiding the deployment of divers for underwater examination.

Hexarelin targets neuroinflammatory pathways to preserve cardiac morphology and function in a mouse model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion

Acute myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) underly the detrimental effects of coronary heart disease on the myocardium. Despite the ongoing advances in reperfusion therapies, there remains a lack of effective therapeutic strategies for preventing IRI. Growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) have been demonstrated to improve cardiac function, attenuate inflammation and modulate the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in models of cardiovascular disease. Recently, we demonstrated a reduction in infarct size after administration of hexarelin (HEX), in a murine model of myocardial infarction. In the present study we employed a reperfused ischemic (IR) model, to determine whether HEX would continue to have a cardioprotective influence in a model of higher clinical relevance. Myocardial ischemia was induced by transient ligation of the left descending coronary artery (tLAD) in C57BL/6 J mice followed by HEX (0.3 mg/kg/day; n = 20) or vehicle (VEH) (n = 18) administration for 21 days, first administered immediately prior-to reperfusion. IR-injured and sham mice were subjected to high-field magnetic resonance imaging to assess left ventricular (LV) function, with HEX-treated mice demonstrating a significant improvement in LV function compared with VEH-treated mice. A significant decrease in interstitial collagen, TGF-β1 expression and myofibroblast differentiation was also seen in the HEX-treated mice after 21 days. HEX treatment shifted the ANS balance towards a parasympathetic predominance; combined with a significant decrease in cardiac troponin-I and TNF-α levels, these findings were suggestive of an anti-inflammatory action on the myocardium mediated via HEX. In this model of IR, HEX appeared to rebalance the deregulated ANS and activate vagal anti-inflammatory pathways to prevent adverse remodelling and LV dysfunction. There are limited interventions focusing on IRI that have been successful in improving clinical outcome in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, this study provides compelling evidence towards the translational potential of HEX where all others have largely failed.

Characterisation of proteins in excretory/secretory products collected from salmon lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis

BACKGROUND

The salmon louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, is an ectoparasitic copepod which feeds on the mucus, skin and blood of salmonid fish species. The parasite can persist on the surface of the fish without any effective control being exerted by the host immune system. Other ectoparasitic invertebrates produce compounds in their saliva, excretions and/or secretions which modulate the host immune responses allowing them to remain on or in the host during development. Similarly, compounds are produced in secretions of L. salmonis which are thought to be responsible for immunomodulation of the host responses as well as other aspects of crucial host-parasite interactions.

METHODS

In this study we have identified and characterised the proteins in the excretory/secretory (E/S) products of L. salmonis using LC-ESI-MS/MS.

RESULTS

In total 187 individual proteins were identified in the E/S collected from adult lice and pre-adult sea lice. Fifty-three proteins, including 13 serine-type endopeptidases, 1 peroxidase and 5 vitellogenin-like proteins were common to both adult and pre-adult E/S products. One hundred and seven proteins were identified in the adult E/S but not in the pre-adult E/S and these included serine and cysteine-type endopeptidases, vitellogenins, sphingomyelinase and calreticulin. A total of 27 proteins were identified in pre-adult E/S products but not in adult E/S.

CONCLUSIONS

The assigned functions of these E/S products and the potential roles they play in host-parasite interaction is discussed.

TRPV1 receptors in the CNS play a key role in broad-spectrum analgesia of TRPV1 antagonists

Vanilloid receptor type 1 (TRPV1) is a ligand-gated nonselective cation channel that is considered to be an important integrator of various pain stimuli such as endogenous lipids, capsaicin, heat, and low pH. In addition to expression in primary afferents, TRPV1 is also expressed in the CNS. To test the hypothesis that the CNS plays a differential role in the effect of TRPV1 antagonists in various types of pain, the analgesic effects of two TRPV1 antagonists with similar in vitro potency but different CNS penetration were compared in vivo. Oral administration of either A-784168 (1-[3-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]-N-[4-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)phenyl]-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-4-carboxamide) (good CNS penetration) or A-795614 (N-1H-indazol-4-yl-N'-[(1R)-5-piperidin-1-yl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-yl]urea) (poor CNS penetration) blocked capsaicin-induced acute pain with the same potency. In complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced chronic inflammatory pain, oral administration of either compound blocked thermal hyperalgesia with similar potency. Furthermore, intraplantar or intrathecal administration of A-784168 blocked CFA-induced thermal hyperalgesia, suggesting that both peripheral and CNS TRPV1 receptors may play a role in inflammatory thermal hyperalgesia. The effects of the two TRPV1 antagonists were further assessed in models presumably mediated by central sensitization, including CFA- and capsaicin-induced mechanical allodynia and osteoarthritic pain. In these models, the potency of the two compounds was similar after intrathecal administration. However, when administered orally, A-784168, with good CNS penetration, was much more potent than A-795614. Together, these results demonstrate that TRPV1 receptors in the CNS play an important role in pain mediated by central sensitization. In addition, these results demonstrate that significant CNS penetration is necessary for a TRPV1 antagonist to produce broad-spectrum analgesia.

Development of a holistic admission assessment: an integrated care pathway for the hospice setting

This article describes the development of a holistic admission assessment for all inpatients admitted to a 66-bedded hospice, structured in the form of an integrated care pathway (ICP). The need for an improved assessment process was identified by clinical staff, who recognized that the existing assessment was not truly holistic and was dependent on the skills of the assessors. The assessment also lacked appropriate goals and actions. The recently published National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance on Improving Supportive and Palliative Care for Adults with Cancer, has also highlighted key areas for the improvement of patient assessment in specialist palliative care (NICE, 2004). Implementation of the ICP has resulted in a systematic and timely holistic assessment process for patients. The ICP addresses effectively the NICE recommendations for the assessment of specialist palliative care patients.

Antibiotics for treating bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance of the normal vaginal flora with an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and a lack of the normal lactobacillary flora. Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy has been associated with poor perinatal outcome and, in particular, preterm birth. Identification and treatment may reduce the risk of preterm birth and its consequences.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of antibiotic treatment of bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (May 2004).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized trials comparing antibiotic treatment with placebo or no treatment, or comparing two or more antibiotic regimens in pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis or intermediate vaginal flora.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers assessed trials and extracted data independently. We contacted study authors for additional information.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirteen trials involving 5300 women were included; all were of good quality. Antibiotic therapy was effective at eradicating bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy (odds ratio (OR) 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19 to 0.24, nine trials of 3895 women). Treatment was not significant in reducing the risk of preterm birth before 37 weeks (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.03, thirteen trials of 5300 women, and there was significant heterogeneity between trials, p-value 0.002), preterm birth before 34 weeks (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.67 to 2.19, five trials of 851 women), preterm birth before 32 weeks (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.70, four trials of 3565 women), or the risk of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.28, four trials of 2579 women). In women with a previous preterm birth, treatment did not affect the risk of subsequent preterm birth (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.17, five trials of 622 women, with significant heterogeneity between these trials); however, it may decrease the risk of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.38, two trials of 114 women, and low birthweight (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.75, two trials of 114 women).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic treatment can eradicate bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy. However, this review provides little evidence that screening and treating all pregnant women with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis will prevent preterm birth and its consequences. For women with a previous preterm birth, there is some suggestion that treatment of bacterial vaginosis may reduce the risk of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes and low birthweight.

Antibiotics for treating bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance of the normal vaginal flora with an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and a lack of the normal lactobacillary flora. Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy has been associated with poor perinatal outcome and, in particular, preterm birth. Identification and treatment may reduce the risk of preterm birth and its consequences.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of antibiotic treatment of bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (September 2002).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized trials comparing antibiotic treatment with placebo or no treatment, or comparing two or more antibiotic regimens in pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers assessed trials and extracted data independently. Study authors were contacted for additional information.

MAIN RESULTS

Ten trials involving 4249 women were included; all were of good quality. Antibiotic therapy was effective at eradicating bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy (odds ratio (OR) 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18 to 0.24, eight trials of 3825 women). Treatment did not significantly reduce the risk of preterm birth before 37 weeks (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.10, eight trials of 4062 women), 34 weeks (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.69 to 2.07, five trials of 851 women), or 32 weeks (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.68, three trials of 3080 women). However, antibiotic treatment did significantly decrease the risk of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.67, three trials of 562 women). In women with a previous preterm birth, treatment did not affect the risk of subsequent preterm birth (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.17, five trials of 622 women) but it did decrease the risk of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.38, two trials of 114 women) and low birthweight (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.75, five trials of 622 women).

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic treatment can eradicate bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy. However, the current evidence does not support screening and treating all pregnant women with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis to prevent preterm birth and its consequences. For women with a previous preterm birth, there is little suggestion that detection and treatment of bacterial vaginosis will prevent a further preterm birth, but it may reduce the risk of low birthweight and preterm prelabour rupture of membranes.

An international study of the interobserver variation between interpretations of vaginal smear criteria of bacterial vaginosis

An international workshop on vaginal smear-based diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis was organized where 13 investigators scoring 258 slides with smears from vaginal fluid. Interobserver reproducibility of interpretations of Nugent scores, Hay/Ison scores and wet smear scores for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis was shown to be high. Detailed analysis of individual scoring results however indicated that basic standards of quality control to ensure robust individual readings of slides must be adhered to.

Changing practice: modified clean technique for intermittent catheterization

The purpose of this article is to share an experience of putting research into practice. A review of the literature conducted in 1997 revealed considerable support for the use of clean technique for intermittent catheterization (IC). Based on this support, planning began for a change in practice. According to Lewin's Classical Change Theory (Scott & Rantz, 1994), the first stage in change is unfreezing, when plans were made to ready for the change. Preparing for change included establishing a core group of nurses and clarifying the rationale for changing practice. Once preparation was complete, a 3-month pilot project was initiated. During this stage, termed movement by Lewin, attention was focused on client and nurse education and collection of urinary tract infection data. According to Lewin, the final stage is refreezing. In this stage, the focus was on addressing concerns and issues as these arose. In our experience, changing practice was a complex activity that required careful coordination and planning in order to ensure a successful outcome.

Interventions for helping patients to follow prescriptions for medications

BACKGROUND

People who are prescribed self-administered medications typically take less than half the prescribed doses. Efforts to assist patients with adherence to medications might improve the benefits and efficiency of health care, but also might increase its adverse effects.

OBJECTIVES

To update a review summarising the results of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to help patients follow prescriptions for medications for medical problems, focusing on trials that measured both adherence and clinical outcomes.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Computerised searches to August 2001 in MEDLINE, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (IPA) PsychInfo, and Sociofile; bibliographies in articles on patient adherence; articles in the reviewers' personal collections; and contact with authors of original and review articles on the topic.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Articles were selected if they reported an unconfounded RCT of an intervention to improve adherence with prescribed medications, measuring both medication adherence and treatment outcome, with at least 80% follow-up of each group studied and, for long-term treatments, at least six months follow-up for studies with positive initial findings.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Information on study design features, interventions and controls, and results were extracted by one reviewer and confirmed by at least one other reviewer. The studies were too disparate to warrant meta-analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

For short-term treatments, one of three interventions reported in three RCTs showed an effect on both adherence and clinical outcome. Eighteen of 36 interventions for long-term treatments reported in 30 RCTs were associated with improvements in adherence, but only 16 interventions led to improvements in treatment outcomes. Almost all of the interventions that were effective for long-term care were complex, including combinations of more convenient care, information, reminders, self-monitoring, reinforcement, counselling, family therapy, and other forms of additional supervision or attention by a health care provider (physician, nurse, pharmacist or other). Even the most effective interventions did not lead to large improvements in adherence and treatment outcomes. Two studies showed that telling patients about adverse effects of treatment did not affect their adherence.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

The full benefits of medications cannot be realised at currently achievable levels of adherence. Current methods of improving adherence for chronic health problems are mostly complex and not very effective. Innovations to assist patients to follow medication prescriptions are needed.

Phosphorylation of the integrin alpha 4 cytoplasmic domain regulates paxillin binding

alpha4 integrins are essential for embryogenesis, hematopoiesis, inflammation, and immune response possibly because alpha4 integrins have distinct signaling properties from other integrins. Specifically, the alpha4 cytoplasmic domain binds tightly to paxillin, a signaling adaptor protein, leading to increased cell migration and an altered cytoskeletal organization that results in reduced cell spreading. The alpha4 tail contains potential phosphorylation sites clustered in its core paxillin binding region. We now report that the alpha4 tail is phosphorylated in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, Ser(988) is a major phosphorylation site. Using antibodies specific for Ser(988)-phosphorylated alpha4, we found the stoichiometry of alpha4 phosphorylation varied in different cells. However, >60% of alpha4 was phosphorylated in Jurkat T cells. Phosphorylation at Ser(988) blocked paxillin binding to the alpha4 tail. A phosphorylation-mimicking mutant of alpha4 (alpha4S988D) blocked paxillin binding and reversed the inhibitory effect of alpha4 on cell spreading. Consequently, alpha4 phosphorylation is a biochemical mechanism to modulate paxillin binding to alpha4 integrins with consequent regulation of alpha4 integrin-dependent cellular functions.

After hospital: working with schools and families to support the long term needs of children with brain injuries

Medical and rehabilitation systems care for children who sustain brain injuries. Their much needed services, however, are short in comparison with the long term needs of these children and their families. For the most part, it is schools and families who provide the long term supports to help children make the best outcomes and create a better quality of life. Professionals and families who develop collaborative models find that they can more effectively manage services for these children by carefully crafting Individual Education Plans (IEP's). Through the IEP process students' complex needs; the multiple transitions they experience; and their long term needs can be met.

Selective degradation of ubiquitinated Sic1 by purified 26S proteasome yields active S phase cyclin-Cdk

Selective degradation of single subunits of multimeric complexes by the ubiquitin pathway underlies multiple regulatory switches, including those involving cyclins and Cdk inhibitors. The machinery that segregates ubiquitinated proteins from unmodified partners prior to degradation remains undefined. We report that ubiquitinated Sic1 (Ub-Sic1) embedded within inactive S phase cyclin-Cdk (S-Cdk) complexes was rapidly degraded by purified 26S proteasomes, yielding active S-Cdk. Mutant proteasomes that failed to degrade Ub-Sic1 activated S-Cdk only partially in an ATP-dependent manner. Whereas Ub-Sic1 was degraded within approximately 2 min, spontaneous dissociation of Ub-Sic1 from S-Cdk was approximately 200-fold slower. We propose that the 26S proteasome has the intrinsic capability to extract, unfold, and degrade ubiquitinated proteins while releasing bound partners untouched. Activation of S-Cdk reported herein represents a complete reconstitution of the regulatory switch underlying the G1/S transition in budding yeast.

Moral, ethical and professional issues in prescribing emergency contraception

Hugh McDonald is an emergency nurse practitioner with the authority to manage a defined group of patients who present to A&E with a specific range of complaints and injuries. Investigation, diagnosis and treatment are carried out independently and include documentation and prescription of specific drugs.

Assessment of ocular trauma associated with head and neck injuries

We reviewed the real and potential ocular problems in all head and neck injuries at a tertiary care and regional trauma center from April of 1994 to March of 1995. Through a retrospective study, 127 charts were reviewed, specifically looking at the mechanism of injury, types of injury, whether there was any ocular trauma noted in the chart, and whether there was a consultation to the ophthalmology department. Forty-one of these patients were seen by an ophthalmologist as the initial consultant for ocular and orbital injuries recognized by the emergency staff. In the 86 remaining patients, signs of potential ocular injury were recorded in the chart in 62 (72%) of these patients, yet an ophthalmology consultation was requested for only 23 of them (37%). This survey reveals the lack of awareness in a regional trauma center of certain ocular and periocular signs that may be indicative of more serious ocular injuries. It is the purpose of this article to highlight these concerns to the various health professionals involved with head and neck trauma patients in the hope that the patients will, in the end, benefit from a more thorough and complete assessment of the potential ocular and periocular injuries.

Structural analysis of the 5' region of mouse and human Huntington disease genes reveals conservation of putative promoter region and di- and trinucleotide polymorphisms

We have previously cloned and characterized the murine homologue of the Huntington disease (HD) gene and shown that it maps to mouse chromosome 5 within a region of conserved synteny with human chromosome 4p16.3. Here we present a detailed comparison of the sequence of the putative promoter and the organization of the 5' genomic region of the murine (Hdh) and human HD genes encompassing the first five exons. We show that in this region these two genes share identical exon boundaries, but have different-size introns. Two dinucleotide (CT) and one trinucleotide intronic polymorphism in Hdh and an intronic CA polymorphism in the HD gene were identified. Comparison of 940-bp sequence 5' to the putative translation start site reveals a highly conserved region (78.8% nucleotide identity) between Hdh and the HD gene from nucleotide -56 to -206 (of Hdh). Neither Hdh nor the HD gene have typical TATA or CCAAT elements, but both show one putative AP2 binding site and numerous potential Sp1 binding sites. The high sequence identity between Hdh and the HD gene for approximately 200 bp 5' to the putative translation start site indicates that these sequences may play a role in regulating expression of the Huntington disease gene.

Genomic organization of the human alpha-adducin gene and its alternately spliced isoforms

The cDNA for the human alpha-adducin gene has been cloned, and different alternately spliced forms have been identified. We report the complete genomic organization of the human alpha-adducin gene and these alternately spliced forms. The human alpha-adducin gene, spanning approximately 85 kb, consists of 16 exons ranging in size from 34 to 1892 bp. One of the spliced forms of the human alpha-adducin gene results from alternate use of the 5' splice donor site for exon 10, while another results in a truncated protein following insertion of 34 bp comprising exon 15, followed by a premature stop codon. This alternate spliced form of alpha-adducin is predicted to result in an altered carboxyl terminus that would eliminate a protein kinase and calmodulin binding site. Seven nucleotide substitutions and 4 insertion/deletions were also identified. The 5' region of the human alpha-adducin gene contains one Sp1 site, two AP2 sites, and two CAAT boxes. No TATA box was apparent, consistent with features of a housekeeping gene. We have mapped another cDNA within the first intron of the human alpha-adducin gene, suggesting overlapping genes in this 4p16.3 genomic region.

Irradiated homologous aorta in eyelid reconstruction. Part II. Human data

Reconstruction of posterior lamellar eyelid defects requires a tissue substitute that is either identical to the tissue lost (i.e., surrounding or nearby tarsus) or donor tissue that serves the same supportive role. With extensive lid defects, at times an alternative tissue to tarsus may be required. Irradiated homologous aorta is available as a posterior lamellar substitute. It provides a structural framework for the surrounding lid tissues to grow on and is incorporated into the normal eyelid anatomy. It is available to the reconstructive ophthalmic surgeons as an alternative donor tissue in the presence of extensive lid defects.

Murine alpha-L-iduronidase: cDNA isolation and expression

As an initial step toward the generation of a murine model for mucopolysaccharidosis type I, we have identified and characterized a full-length murine alpha-L-iduronidase cDNA. Expression of the murine cDNA in COS-1 cells results in the production of alpha-L-iduronidase enzyme activity at a level 20-fold higher than that of the endogenous gene. The murine cDNA shows strong homology with the coding region of both the human and the canine homologs with 78 and 75% nucleotide sequence identity, respectively. In contrast to the coding region, significant diversity of sequence exists for the 5' and 3' untranslated regions between the murine and both the human and the canine sequence. The 3' UTR of the murine transcript is 1193 bp in length, as compared to the human (100 bp) and canine (139 bp), and contains a CA dinucleotide repeat not seen in either the human or the canine genes. A portion of the murine iduronidase coding sequence overlaps with sequence reported for the 3' UTR of the murine SAT-1 cDNA. The sequence overlap involves the proposed exon II of murine iduronidase and covers 141 bp of sequence with the transcripts generated in opposite orientation. We report here the characterization of murine alpha-L-iduronidase cDNA and its relationship to SAT-1.

Irradiated homologous aorta in eyelid reconstruction. Part 1: Technique and animal research

Reconstruction of full thickness eyelid defects requires the correction of posterior lamella (tarsus, conjunctiva) and anterior lamella (skin, muscle). Various tarsal substitutes--conchal and nasal cartilage, banked sclera, hard palate, irradiated homologous tarsal plates, periosteum, temporalis fascia, and composite grafts from the opposite eyelid--have been used for posterior lamellar replacement over the years. Eyelid-sharing procedures and full thickness flaps have also been described. At times, because of extensive tissue loss, the eyelid reconstruction can be particularly challenging because of the shortage of tissue. We describe a new posterior lamellar technique using irradiated homologous aorta. The experimental surgical procedure in rabbits, the clinical response, and the histological fate of the donor aorta are described in Part 1 followed by our experience with four patients in Part 2.

Failed dacryocystorhinostomy: the sump syndrome

A dacryocystorhinostomy may fail due to a problem along the canaliculus, at the ostomy site of nasolacrimal sac to nose, due to an intranasal problem or related to the stent. The "sump syndrome" occurs when a residual nasolacrimal sac forms, collects fluids, and leads to tearing. This entity, although uncommon, has a characteristic clinical history and radiologic appearance.

An Alu element retroposition in two families with Huntington disease defines a new active Alu subfamily

Alu repetitive elements represent the most common short interspersed elements (SINEs) found in primates, with an estimated 500,000 members in the haploid human genome. Considerable evidence has accumulated that these elements have dispersed in the genome by active transcription followed by retroposition, and that this process is ongoing. Sequence variation between the individual elements has lead to the hierarchical classification of Alu repeats into families and subfamilies. Young subfamilies that are still being actively transposed are of considerable interest, and the identification of one such subfamily (designated 'PV') has lead to the hypothesis that the most recent retroposition events are due to a single master Alu source gene. In the course of our search for the gene causing Huntington disease, we have detected an Alu retroposition event in two families. Sequence analysis demonstrates that this Alu element is not a member of the PV subfamily, but is similar to 5 other Alu elements in the GenBank database. Together, these Alu elements, all of which contain a 7 base-pair internal duplication, define a distinct subfamily, designated as the Sb2 subfamily, providing evidence for a second actively retroposing Alu source gene. These data provide support for multiple source genes for Alu retroposition in the human genome.

A survey of exercise testing practice in Scottish hospitals

A 1989 survey (unpublished) of exercise testing practice in Scotland suggested that there were important differences in the practice of exercise testing between hospitals. A postal questionnaire was sent to 30 teaching and district general hospitals in 1991 and followed up by telephone questioning of consultants. The numbers of exercise tests performed had increased to 22,012 in 1990, and a greater proportion were performed in district general hospitals. General practitioners had very limited access to the service but hospital doctors of any grade had almost free access. Rationing of early post myocardial infarction testing led to attempts to define "high risk" post infarction patients and this included inappropriate patients in many hospitals. A variety of different protocols was used. Eighteen out of 30 hospitals surveyed discontinued beta blockers but only four hospitals took account of antianginal, antihypertensive or other medication, and all but one exercised patients while on digoxin. In the majority of hospitals decisions regarding drug therapy were taken by individual physicians. A variety of personnel reported tests, many without specialist training in cardiology. Even among consultants there was no concerns on the degree of ST depression which was significant. Exercise tests performed in different hospitals in Scotland are not comparable due to the wide variation in patient selection, test conditions, and interpretation of tests. This problem is likely to be exacerbated by the multiple personnel involved in all aspects of testing. It seems probable that there is a problem throughout the United Kingdom, and that there is a need for guidelines.

Identification of an Alu retrotransposition event in close proximity to a strong candidate gene for Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is a late-onset autosomal dominant neuropsychiatric disorder presenting in mid-adult life with personality disturbance and involuntary movements, cognitive and affective disturbance, and inexorable progression to death. The underlying genetic defect has been mapped to chromosomal band 4p16.3 (refs 2, 3). Analysis of specific recombination events in some families with HD has further refined the location of the HD defect to a 2.2 megabase DNA interval. Using a direct complementary DNA selection strategy we have identified at least seven transcriptional units within the minimal region believed to contain the HD gene. Screening with one of the cDNA clones identified an Alu insertion in genomic DNA from two persons with HD which showed complete cosegregation with the disease in these families but was not found in 1,000 control chromosomes. Two genes including the previously identified alpha-adducin gene and another that encodes for a 12-kilobase transcript, map in close proximity to the Alu insertion site. The 12-kilobase transcript should be regarded as a strong candidate for the HD gene.

Orbital panniculitis as the initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus

Inflammation of the fat in lupus erythematosus also known as lupus erythematosus profundus (panniculitis) is a rare clinical entity. As the presenting feature of lupus, it is even more unusual. In this report, we describe an elderly woman who presented with an orbital mass infiltrate as the initial manifestation of lupus that had the classical histological features of lupus panniculitis.

Microblepharon

We describe a child with microblepharon and corneal exposure secondary to lagophthalmos. Surgical reconstruction utilizing full-thickness skin grafts to all four lids corrected the lagophthalmos and relieved her symptoms.

Identification and characterization of a gene at D10S94 in the MEN2A region

We have identified a candidate for the gene responsible for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A) at D10S94 in proximal 10q11.2. An evolutionarily conserved sequence from D10S94 was used as a probe to isolate cDNAs corresponding to a gene that we have termed mcs94-1. The gene spans 11 kb and has an unmethylated CpG island at its 5' end. The mcs94-1 transcript is approximately 2.4 kb in length and is widely expressed. It encodes a putative 415-amino-acid polypeptide that is similar in sequence to nucleolin, an abundant nucleolar protein. Mcs94-1 was examined as a candidate for MEN2A through nucleotide sequence analysis of mcs94-1 exons from an MEN 2A chromosome and its wildtype homologue from an MEN 2A patient. The major portion of the expressed mcs94-1 sequence was examined. No differences in sequence were found between the two alleles.

Comparison of pain, motion, and edema after modified radical mastectomy vs. local excision with axillary dissection and radiation

Recent data suggest that prognosis is similar for women with primary breast cancer whether they receive modified radical mastectomy (MRM) or local excision and axillary dissection with radiation (XRT). The effects of either of these treatments on arm mobility, pain, or edema have not been compared. To assess the impact of MRM or XRT on mobility, pain, or edema, we evaluated patients treated in a prospective randomized trial designed to assess prognosis following MRM or XRT. All were provided a standardized physical therapy program including arm mobilization, shoulder strengthening, prevention and treatment of upper extremity edema, and education about arm function. Patients were evaluated for chest wall pain, arm motion, muscle strength, and edema as determined by circumferential measurements at the wrist, forearm, and arm. Evaluations were performed preoperatively and at yearly anniversaries of their surgery. Women receiving XRT had more chest wall tenderness at 1 and 2 years after surgery than those receiving MRM (p2 less than 0.0001 and p2 = 0.0007 respectively). Those receiving MRM were slower to reach their preoperative range of motion (ROM) (p2 = 0.043). Incidence of muscle weakness was similar in both groups. The few patients with local recurrence of tumor had more upper extremity edema than those who did not recur (p2 = 0.085) at 1 year and (p2 = 0.02) at 2 years. In patients who did not develop local recurrence, those who had received XRT had greater but nonsignificant increases in upper extremity circumferential measures compared with those receiving MRM at any anniversary evaluation. Patients receiving MRM and XRT are likely to have some differences in functional outcome.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The influence of capsid protein cleavage on the processing of E2 and E1 glycoproteins of rubella virus

The structural polyprotein of rubella virus is cotranslationally processed by host cell signal peptidase. Oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis was used to alter the cleavage site between capsid and E2 proteins and to examine the importance of this cleavage for the transport and processing of E2 and E1 glycoproteins. The in vitro and in vivo expression of the cleavage site mutant revealed that the E2 polypeptide can cross the endoplasmic reticulum membrane without the cleavage of its signal peptide, while the transport of E2 beyond the endoplasmic reticulum requires the cleavage of E2 from capsid. We have shown that capsid protein does not appear to undergo further proteolytic processing after it is cleaved from E2 by signal peptidase. Some of the requirements for the cleavage by signal peptidase between capsid and E2 were examined by the in vitro analysis of wild-type and mutant cDNAs.

Immediate postexcision mammography for occult noncalcified breast lesions

To evaluate completeness of surgical excision, we studied the use of film screen mammography done immediately after excision of occult noncalcified breast lesions in 11 patients. The postoperative mammograms were well tolerated, and allowed high quality films to be obtained. Complete excision was documented in ten patients, and one patient had small artifacts that resolved on follow-up studies. Roentgenograms of the surgical specimen from ten patients showed a discrete lesion in only three. Histologic analysis revealed malignancy in two patients and benign changes in nine. These findings indicate that mammography done immediately after excision of occult noncalcified lesions is more reliable than roentgenograms of the specimen and may be a useful method for confirming extent of excision. This method may also eliminate the present delay of four to six weeks before adequate postoperative follow-up films can be obtained to evaluate excision.