Binding of low mobility group proteins with DNA examined in homologous and heterologous systems by gel retardation assay

In addition to age-related deficits in morphine antinociception in female rats, gender and gonadectomy differences have also been observed, with male rats displaying greater magnitudes of effects than females and castrated males. Since there are little data indicating how aging, gender, and gonadectomy interact in modulating morphine antinociception, the present study evaluated alterations in this response as functions of age (6, 12, 18, and 24 months), gender, and gonadal status (intact, gonadectomized) across a dose range (1-10 mg/kg) and time course (0.5-2 h) on the tail-flick test. The maximal percentage effect (MPE) of morphine (1 mg/kg) was significantly increased in castrated males (18 months), sham females (18 and 24 months), and ovariectomized females (18 months) relative to 6-month-old groups. Increases in the MPE of morphine (1 mg/kg) occurred in sham females (24 months) relative to corresponding sham males and ovariectomized females. The MPE of morphine (2.5 mg/kg) was significantly increased in sham males (18 months) and decreased in sham females (12 months). Decreases in the MPE of morphine (2.5 mg/kg) occurred in castrated males (18 and 24 months) as well as sham (18 months) and ovariectomized (18 and 24 months) females relative to sham males. Whereas the MPE of morphine (5 mg/kg) was unchanged by these variables, the MPE of morphine (10 mg/kg) was significantly decreased in sham females (18 and 24 months) relative to females aged 6 months, as well as males and ovariectomized females aged 24 months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Psychophysiological correlates of infant temperament: stability of behavior and autonomic patterning from 5 to 18 months

The stability of infant temperament and autonomic patterning (heart period and cardiac vagal tone) was examined longitudinally when infants were 5, 10, and 18 months of age. Behavioral measures of reactivity and regulation to frustration tasks, and maternal perceptions of infant temperament were obtained at each age along with baseline measures of cardiac activity. No stability was found from 5 to 10 months while some stability of behavior and autonomic patterning was identified from 10 to 18 months, with the exception of negative reactivity. High levels of cardiac vagal tone (V) were associated with negative reactivity at 18 months. When examining groups based on degrees of reactivity and regulation, we found infants who responded negatively to frustration but who also displayed more regulatory behavior to have higher V.     

Unequivalence between hemoglobin subunits. The effects of inositol hexakisphosphate on the absorption spectrum of liganded valency hybrids

Prophylactic hepatic irradiation was give to 28 "bad risk" Stage III Hodgkin's disease patients. The whole liver was given 2,000 rad in 10 days in addition to 1,800-2,000 rad to that portion included in the total nodal irradiation field. Twenty-three patients have been followed a minimum of 10 months with serial liver function tests. A transient elevation of serum enzymes has been noted at 3-12 months following hepatic irradiation in 78% (18 of 23 patients). No cases of clinical radiation hepatitis have been found in patients at risk 10 to 39 months (median, 23 months). Hepatic irradiation at this dose level appears to be tolerated without prohibitive complications.     

The late results of the conservative and surgical treatments of chronic periodontitis of the permanent teeth in children and adolescents

The authors view results of conservative and surgical treatment of constant tooth chronic periodontitis in 90 children and adolescents aged 7-18 20 hemisections, 45 apicoectomies, 10 radix amputations were performed. The patients were followed up 6 months to 5 years. X-ray films show osseous restoration on the maxilla tooth to complete in 5-6 months, on the mandible tooth in over 8 months. The authors describe indications and contraindications to such kind.     

Is there a role for continuation phase cognitive therapy for depressed outpatients?

Two pilot studies evaluated the rate of relapse or recurrence (i.e., major depressive disorder) after cognitive therapy (CT). Two sequential cohorts included outpatients who responded to acute phase CT (A-CT) and who agreed to monthly, treatment-free follow-up. In Study 1, the Kaplan-Meier technique estimated relapse and recurrence rates of 40% at 6 months, 45% at 8 months, 50% at 12 months, 67% at 18 months, and 74% at 24 months. In Study 2, responders to A-CT received 8 months (10 sessions) of continuation phase CT (C-CT). In Study 2, relapse or recurrence was 20% at 6 and 8 months, 27% at 12 months, and 36% at 18 and 24 months after A-CT. An exploratory log-rank test showed that relapse or recurrence-free survival was greater in Study 2 than in Study 1. If replicated, this result suggests that C-CT can reduce depressive relapse or recurrence. Alternative explanations are presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Involving Support Partners in Obesity Treatment.

In this study, the authors examined whether the number or success of weight loss partners influences participants' outcomes in behavioral weight loss treatment. Overweight participants (n = 109) assigned to an exercise intensive group in a larger trial were encouraged to invite up to 3 partners to attend treatment. Weight losses at 6, 12, and 18 months were not associated with the number of partners (0-3) but were associated with the weight loss success of the partners. Participants with at least 1 successful partner (weight loss ≥10% at 6 months) lost significantly (p = .004) more weight at 6, 12, and 18 months than those with no successful partners and those without partners. Interclass correlations of weight change between participants and their partner(s) were strong at all time points (ps     

CDK inhibitors p18(INK4c) and p27(Kip1) mediate two separate pathways to collaboratively suppress pituitary tumorigenesis

INK4 and CIP/KIP are two distinct families of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors implicated in mediating a wide range of cell growth control signals. We have created p18(INK4c)-deficient mice. These mice develop gigantism and widespread organomegaly. The pituitary gland, spleen, and thymus are disproportionately enlarged and hyperplastic. T and B lymphocytes develop normally in p18-deficient mice, but both exhibit increased cellularity and a higher proliferative rate upon mitogenic stimulation. Loss of p18, like that of p27, but not other CDK inhibitor genes, leads to a gradual progression from intermediate lobe pituitary hyperplasia in young mice to an adenoma by 10 months of age with a nearly complete penetrance. Mice lacking both p18 and p27, like mice chimeric for Rb deficiency, invariably died from pituitary adenomas by 3 months. Hence, p18 and p27 mediate two separate pathways to collaboratively suppress pituitary tumorigenesis, likely by controlling the function of Rb.     

MRI arthrography in labrum lesions of the hip joint. Method and diagnostic value

PURPOSE: Several pilot studies have indicated that low-dose radiation therapy might have a beneficial effect on the course of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study aimed to ascertain whether such treatment might halt the progression of neovascular AMD and whether a low or a high radiation dose should be applied. PATIENTS: The patients comprised some randomized to 0 vs 10 vs 36 Gy of radiation and (after a change of the study protocol became necessary) others who participated in a prospective, controlled non-randomized pilot study. Enclosed were eyes with visual acuity of > or = 0.1 and < or = 0.6 revealing a juxta-subfoveal CNV either of the occult type (type 1) or the classic type (isolated or as part of a predominantly occult lesion). RESULTS: Eyes treated with 10 Gy for occult CNV (n = 12) were subject to severe visual loss in 41.6% of the cases compared to 38.5% in the control group (n = 13) at 12 months of follow-up. For eyes treated with 10 Gy because of classic CNV, the corresponding figures were 33% (n = 18) and 57% (n = 14) respectively. At 18 months of follow-up, the percentages were 63% and 75% respectively. Fluorescein angiographic growth of classic and occult CNV could not be halted by 10 Gy, while a temporary growth retardation was observed in cases irradiated with 36 Gy. CONCLUSION: In the study presented, the natural course of occult CNV could not be improved by irradiation with 10 or 36 Gy. In cases of classic CNV, low-dose irradiation with 10 Gy postponed severe visual loss by a maximum of 18 months. A positive treatment effect was also observed in cases irradiated with 36 Gy; however, a 25% incidence of radiation retinopathy seems unacceptable.     

Cyclophosphamide and low-dose prednisone therapy in patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) with interstitial lung disease

Fourteen patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) and interstitial lung disease were treated with oral cyclophosphamide (1-2 mg/kg/day) and low dose prednisone (< 10 mg/day). There was a significant improvement in FVC after 6 months compared to entry values (2.21 +/- 0.19 l vs. 2.03 +/- 0.15 l, p < 0.02). Improvement was maintained at 12 months (2.27 +/- 0.27 l, p < 0.05) and 18-24 months (2.60 +/- 0.28 l, p < 0.001). In 12 cases followed for 18-24 months, FVC was stable or improved. No significant improvement or decline was noted for the DLCO. Side effects included cytopenia (2), infection (1), and hemorrhagic cystitis (2), and one possible related malignancy. A controlled prospective trial of cyclophosphamide is warranted in patients with SSc and active interstitial lung disease.     

Review of the evidence that pH is a determinant of nicotine dosage from oral use of smokeless tobacco

The effect of calcium supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated in female twin pairs aged 10-17 years with a mean age of 14 years. Forty-two twin pairs (22 monozygotic, 20 dizygotic; (including one monozygotic pair from a set of triplets) completed at least 6 months of the intervention: 37 pairs to 12 months and 28 pairs to 18 months. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In a double-blind manner, one twin in each pair was randomly assigned to receive daily a 1000 mg effervescent calcium tablet (Sandocal 1000), and the other a placebo tablet similar in taste and appearance to the calcium supplement but containing no calcium. Compliance (at least 80% tablets consumed), as measured by tablet count, was 85% in the placebo group and 83% in the calcium group over the 18 months of the study, on average increasing dietary calcium to over 1600 mg/day. There was no within-pair difference in the change in height or weight. When the effect of calcium supplementation on BMD was compared with placebo at approximately 6, 12 and 18 months, it was found that there was a 0.015 +/- 0.007 g/ cm2 greater increase in BMD (1.62 +/- 0.84%) at the spine in those on calcium after 18 months. At the end of the first 6 months there was a significant within-pair difference of 1.53 +/- 0.56% at the spine and 1.27 +/- 0.50% at the hip. However, there were no significant differences in the changes in BMD after the initial effect over the first 6 months. Therefore, we found an increase in BMD at the spine with calcium supplementation in females with a mean age of 14 years. The greatest effect was seen in the first 6 months; thereafter the difference was maintained, but there was no accelerated increase in BMD associated with calcium supplementation. The continuance of the intervention until the attainment of peak bone mass and follow-up after cessation of calcium supplementation will be important in clarifying the optimal timing for increased dietary calcium and the sustained, long-term effects of this intervention.     

Striking regression of radiation-induced fibrosis by a combination of pentoxifylline and tocopherol

Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is a terminal sequela to irradiation that does not regress spontaneously. A preliminary study of a combination of pentoxifylline (PTX) and tocopherol (vit-E) has shown clinical activity with 50% superficial RIF regression at 6 months in half of the patients studied. The present report is of a 67-year-old woman presenting with bulky cervicothoracic RIF who, 10 years previously, had received radiochemotherapy for a small cell thyroid carcinoma to a dose of 50 Gy, with severe acute side-effects. She had palpable cervicosternal fibrosis measuring 10 x 8 cm, with local inflammatory signs and functional consequences (cough, restricted cervical movement, dyspnoea and bronchitis) with a SOMA scale for grading the long-term side effects of radiation therapy of 19/14. CT showed deep RIF extending from the vocal cords to the carina, with laryngotracheal compression but without cancer recurrence. PTX (800 mg d-1) and vit-E (1000 U d-1), orally administered daily for 18 months, were well tolerated. The patient exhibited clinical regression and functional improvement. The linear dimensions and SOMA scale were, respectively, 8 x 6 cm and 11 at 6 months; 4 x 4 cm and 7 at 12 months; and complete response with no measurable RIF and 1 at 18 months. This is the first time that the combination of PTX and vit-E has had a significant antifibrotic effect by completely reversing deep RIF as shown by CT scan normalization.     

Synthetic scleral reinforcement materials. III. Changes in surface and bulk physical properties

Changes in the physical properties of polymer materials during implantation in the biological environment can directly affect the ultimate performance of the polymer and/or device. We implanted four types of extraocular bands (porous, solid, composite, and patched) made from 11 types of materials in rabbit eyes and examined the changes in the physical strength and polymer structure of the implanted bands in terms of tensile strength measurements, creep analysis, and attenuated total internal reflectance--Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) at intervals up to 18 months after implantation. Most of the materials showed increases in tensile strength over the first 6 months in situ in the rabbit eye, followed by significant decreases between 6 and 18 months. Polymer bands that had been implanted for 18 months generally exhibited less creep behavior than unimplanted controls; for most of the bands, creep values ranged from 0% to 10% of the original length. ATR-FTIR of the solid bands and surface coatings showed protein deposition on all of the materials examined, with silicone materials and coatings least affected. Thirty-degree ATR-FTIR scans detected significant changes in the polymer structure for two of the band types: one solid (polyether urethane) and one porous (porous polyacrylate). In general, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene was the most stable in terms of tensile strength and creep. The least stable bands (composite bands made with porous polyurethane) were those that had undergone hydrolytic and/or oxidative degradation and chain scission of the polymer or alteration of the bond between the two materials making up the composite. These changes in physical properties and polymer structure observed after 18 months of implantation support the idea that polymer implant materials should be followed closely over several years in vivo to determine their suitability prior to use in humans.     

Aged-rodent models of long-term growth hormone therapy: lack of deleterious effect on longevity

Studies were carried out to examine the effects of long-term recombinant human growth hormone (GH) therapy on longevity in rodents. In the first study, 150 18-month-old female F344 rats were divided into three groups of 50 rats per group: Group 1, solvent vehicle; Group 2, 10 microg GH/kg body weight three times per week; Group 3, 50 microg GH/kg body weight three times per week. GH and solvent vehicle therapies were started at 18 months of age and continued until all the animals died spontaneously. Serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I was measured at 18 and 29 months of age and on 3-month-old rats. Serum IGF-I level decreased between 3 and 29 months of age. GH therapy reversed the decrease in a dose-dependent manner, with the 50 microg GH dose returning the serum IGF-I level to that of 3-month-old animals. However, statistical analysis revealed no significant effect of GH therapy on median life span, 10th percentile life span, or maximum life span. Similar observations on longevity were made on aged F344 male rats and on aged Balb/c mice, even when the dose of GH was increased to 1.0 mg/kg body weight two times per week. The main pathologic lesions in control animals were nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, leukemia, and testicular interstitial cell tumor; the prevalence of these lesions was not significantly altered by GH therapy. We conclude that long-term low-dose GH therapy that includes doses in the range that is given to humans in clinical trials in GH deficiency and to revert age-related physiologic declines has no overt deleterious effects on longevity and pathology in aged rodents.     

Determination of pefloxacin and its main active metabolite in human serum by high-performance liquid chromatography

BACKGROUND: Investigation to see if there are key psychological risk indicators for autism in a random population study of children at 18 months of age; and to assess how well these discriminate children who receive a diagnosis of autism from other forms of developmental delay. METHOD: Sixteen thousand children in the southeast of England were screened for autism by their health visitor or GP, during their routine 18-month-old developmental check-up, using the CHAT (Checklist for Autism in Toddlers). From a previous high-risk study we predicted that children at 18 months of age who failed three items ('protodeclarative pointing', 'gaze-monitoring', and 'pretend play') would be at risk for receiving a diagnosis of autism. From other evidence, we further predicted that those 18-month-olds who failed one or two of the key items (either pretend play, or protodeclarative pointing and pretend play) would be at risk for developmental delay without autism. RESULTS: Twelve children out of the total population of 16,000 consistently failed the three key items. Of these, 10 (83.3%) received a diagnosis of autism. Thus, the false positive rate was 16.6% (2 out of 12 cases), and even these 2 cases were not normal. When the 10 children with autism were reassessed at 3.5 years of age, their diagnosis remained the same. Thus the false positive rate among the cases diagnosed with autism was zero. In contrast, of 22 children who consistently failed either protodeclarative pointing and/or pretend play, none received a diagnosis of autism, but 15 (68.2%) received a diagnosis of language delay. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent failure of the three key items from the CHAT at 18 months of age carries an 83.3% risk of autism; and this pattern of risk indicator is specific to autism when compared to other forms of developmental delay.     

Fluoride toxicity: a biochemical and scanning electron microscopic study of enamel surface of rabbit teeth

The present study has been carried out to investigate the effect of fluoride toxicity on the morphology as well as inorganic chemical constituents of rabbit teeth. Rabbits were administered sodium fluoride at a dose of 10 mg NaF/kg body weight every 24 h for 18 and 23 months. The incisor and molar teeth (whole tooth) were investigated for fluoride, calcium and phosphorus content in 18- and 23-month treated animals. The enamel surfaces of incisor teeth of 23-month treated animals were examined under scanning electron microscope. A significant increase in fluoride levels and significant decrease in calcium content was found following fluoride administration for 18 and 23 months as compared to control. Ca/P ratio was significantly increased only in 23-month treated animals. The scanning electron micrographs revealed hypoplastic, rough, uneven, pitted and cracked enamel surfaces covered with granular deposits as a result of excessive intake of fluoride. It can be concluded that long term fluoride administration leads to severe structural alterations on the enamel surface, possibly through defective mineralization.     

Spondylitis caused by Salmonella infantis--case report

Twenty seven Patients with advanced breast cancer were treated with CAC (carboplatin, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide) regimen. Eighteen patients had no prior chemotherapy. Carboplatin was given 300 mg/m2 intravenously (IV), on day 1 or 150 mg/m2 on day 1, 2, adriamycin 40 mg/m2 IV on day 3, cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 IV on day 3, 10. The treatment was recycled every 28 days. The overall objective response was 63% (17/27) with a CR rate of 18% (5/27). The median duration of response was 9 months and median survival time was 17 months. The response rate of soft tissue metastasis was 61% (11/18). Lung metastasis responded in 3/5, liver metastasis in 3/3, pleura metastasis in 4/4, bone metastasis in 1/10. The response rate of previously untreated patients was 72% (13/18). The gastrointestinal reaction was mild. No renal toxicity was observed. Leukopenia (WHO grade II, III) was seen in 89%. These results indicate that CAC is an effective regimen for advanced breast cancer.     

An economic analysis of alternatives for childhood immunisation against Haemophilus influenzae type b disease

Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses of immunisation strategies against invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease in Australia were based on a hypothetical birth cohort of 250,000 non-Aboriginal Australian children. The model predicted that, without immunisation, 625 cases of invasive Hib disease would occur in under-five-year-olds, with direct costs of $10.2 million. Universal public sector vaccination beginning before six months of age (6MVAC) prevented 80 per cent of cases; vaccination at 12 months (12MVAC) 62 per cent and at 18 months (18MVAC) 46 per cent. At a vaccine cost of $15 per dose, 18MVAC gave the lowest cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) over a wide range of model assumptions, with 6MVAC the 'best' alternative. The best estimate ($ per QALY) for 6MVAC was $6930 (three doses), for 12MVAC $9136 (two doses) and for 18MVAC $1231 (one dose). The cost per QALY of single dose catch-up immunisation of older children was estimated at $8630 at two years, $27,000 at three years and $117,000 at four years if done at a scheduled visit; these values were increased if an additional medical visit was included. The threshold cost per vaccine dose at which an immunisation program became cost-saving was estimated for 6MVAC, 12MVAC and 18MVAC as $11, $10 and $14. Even under a worst-case scenario, an immunisation program at 6, 12 or 18 months became cost-saving if indirect costs of death were included. Comparison with previous analyses revealed the importance of the incidence and age distribution of disability and assumptions about vaccine administration costs in determining model outcomes.     

Impact of size mismatch and left ventricular function on performance of the St. Jude disc valve after aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND: The hemodynamic function of the St. Jude valve may change relative to changes in left ventricular function after aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis. From theoretical reasons one may hypothesize that prosthetic valve hemodynamic function is related to left ventricular failure and mismatch between valve size and patient/ventricular chamber size. METHODS: Forty patients aged 24 to 82 years who survived aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis with a standard St. Jude disc valve (mean size, 23.5 mm; range, 19 to 29 mm) were followed up prospectively with Doppler echocardiography and radionuclide left ventriculography preoperatively and 9 days, 3 months, and 18 months after the operation with assessment of intravascular hemolysis at 18 months. Follow-up to a maximum of 7.4 years (mean, 6.3 years) was 100% complete. RESULTS: Left ventricular muscle mass index decreased from 198 +/- 62 g.m-2 preoperatively to 153 +/- 53 g.m-2 at 18 months (p < 0.001), paralleled by a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction, peak ejection rate, and peak filling rate; only 18% of the patients had normal left ventricular muscle mass index and only 32% normal ventricular function (normal left ventricular ejection fraction, peak ejection rate, peak filling rate, early filling fraction, and late filling fraction during atrial contraction) at 18 months. Prosthetic valve peak Doppler gradient dropped from 20 +/- 6 mm Hg at 9 days to 17 +/- 5 mm Hg at 18 months (p < 0.05). Reduction of left ventricular muscle mass index was unrelated to peak gradient and size of the valve. Peak gradient at 18 months rose with valve orifice diameter of 17 mm or less (by 6 mm Hg), orifice diameter/body surface area of 9 mm.m-2 or less (by 5 mm Hg), left ventricular enddiastolic dimension (by 23 mm Hg per 10 mm increase), and impaired ventricular function (by 3 mm Hg). All but 2 patients (5%) had intravascular hemolysis; none had anemia. Two patients with moderate paravalvular leak had the highest serum lactic dehydrogenase levels; 4 patients with trivial leak had higher serum lactic dehydrogenase levels than those without leak. Serum lactic dehydrogenase levels rose with moderate paravalvular leak, impaired ventricular function, and valve orifice diameter. Six patients with trivial or moderate paravalvular leak had a cumulative 7-year freedom from bleeding and thromboembolism of 44% +/- 22% compared with 87% +/- 5% for those without leak (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The peak gradient of the St. Jude aortic valve dropped marginally over the first 18 postoperative months in association with incomplete left ventricular hypertrophy regression and marginal improvement of ventricular function. Mismatch between valve size and ventricular cavity size or patient size and impaired function of a dilated ventricle significantly compromised the performance of the St. Jude valve. Probably explained by platelet destruction or activation, paravalvular leak was related to bleeding and thromboembolic complications.     

Modelling the incidence of measles in Canada: an assessment of the options for vaccination policy

A range of vaccination policy options for improving the control of measles in Canada is investigated using a mathematical model to simulate transmission of the disease. Results suggest that a catch up campaign giving a second dose of vaccine to children aged up to 18 years would have an immediate impact on transmission, which could be maintained by the introduction of a routine second dose at either 18 months or 5 years of age. Introducing a routine second dose of vaccine without a catch up campaign would allow continued endemic transmission of measles among older children for at least 10-15 years.