Abdominal contamination, infection and sepsis: a continuum

A simple strategy using selective codon optimization was devised to express mouse c-Fos protein in high levels in E. coli. Ten arginine codons located in the basic region were optimized to achieve high levels of protein expression. The c-Fos protein was purified to near homogeneity and was demonstrated to be biologically active by assaying its several biological activities.     

Piezoceramic materials based on lead zirconate-titanate solid solutions (review)

We present a review of papers published in the last five years devoted to the investigation of the state of impurities and their influence on piezoelectric materials based on lead zirconium titanium oxide (PZT). We have determined for the first time the characteristics of impurity charge states, their excess charge compensation and position in ceramic grains or in the intergranular space for different types of impurities and concentrations. Study of electron paramagnetic resonance spectra made it possible to suggest a sensitive nondestructive method for monitoring the boundaries of the morphotropic region of piezoceramic PZT, which is of great importance for improving the technology and lowering the cost of production for this material.Institute of Problems of Materials Science, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kiev. Translated from Poroshkovaya Metallurgiya, Nos. 7/8(380), pp. 11–24, July–August, 1995.     

Abdominal neoplasia (excluding urogenital tract)

Neoplasia of the equine gastrointestinal tract and abdominal organs occurs predominantly in geriatric horses, although lymphoma and hepatocellular carcinoma and a few other neoplasms can be found in young horses. This article discusses diagnostics that can be used in weight-loss situations, suspicious of neoplasia, as well as tumors themselves including clinical signs, diagnostic tools, histopathologic appearance, and management.     

Films for protecting graphite materials from oxidation (review)

A survey of published data on protecting graphite materials from oxidation is used in proposing multilayer composite coatings that can be produced by combined methods.Ternopil Pedagogic Institute. Translated from Poroshkovaya Metallurgiya, Nos. 3/4(384), pp. 41–47, March–April, 1996. Original article submitted March 15. 1994     

Glass ceramic and polymer impact-resistant materials and protective constructions based on them (Review)

The behavior of protective impact-resistant transparent constructions based on glass ceramic and polymer materials during an impact action is studied. Technological solutions are suggested to increase the functional properties of such materials and constructions.     

Surface properties of Sn(IV)-Sb-O powders and sensor materials based on them

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron Auger spectroscopy have shown that the surfaces are covered by Sb³⁺ ions and have oxygen vacancies in powders of solid solutions in the Sn_1?x-Sb_xO₂ system kept under the conditions of nonequilibrium synthesis, and the same applies to thick-film sensor materials based on them. These surface defects act as centers that provide sensitivity to gases and provide a basis for materials promising for use in gas sensor electronics.     

N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine improves survival in a pig model of abdominal sepsis

OBJECTIVE: To test the effect of a continuous infusion of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) on survival rate and hemodynamics in a pig model of endogenous peritoneal live bacterial sepsis. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized trial. SETTING: Laboratory at a university medical center. SUBJECTS: Thirty-five pigs with an average weight of 26 kg (range 21 to 33). INTERVENTIONS: After surgical preparation, animals (control, n=6) given anesthesia and fluids were observed for 9 hrs. Fifteen experimental animals received 0.5 g of cecal content/kg of body weight intraperitoneally after surgery. Nine of these animals received standard anesthesia and fluids and were observed for 9 hrs or until death. Six animals received a continuous infusion of L-NMMA (10 mg/kg/hr) 3 hrs after sepsis induction. Starting 3 hrs after surgery, five nonrandomized animals were given anesthesia and fluids and received a 6-hr continuous infusion of L-NMMA (10 mg/kg/hr). An additional nine animals were anesthetized and blood samples were taken to determine plasma nitrate concentrations in nonoperated pigs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: L-NMMA treatment increased 9-hr survival in septic animals from 11% to 83% (p < .001), prevented a further decrease in mean arterial pressure and restored mean arterial pressure to control levels (p < .00002 vs. nontreated septic animals). Mean pulmonary arterial pressure increased slightly during L-NMMA infusion (p < .0003). Coronary blood flow was preserved during L-NMMA treatment. Cardiac index and urine production reached and maintained control levels during L-NMMA treatment of septic animals. Mean central venous pH did not deteriorate during L-NMMA treatment. Animals treated with L-NMMA had plasma nitrate concentrations similar to nonseptic control animals. The results from the nonseptic control group receiving L-NMMA suggest that a substantial part of the effect of L-NMMA in this model of septic shock may be due to inhibition of the constitutive nitric oxide production. CONCLUSIONS: In this porcine model of peritoneal sepsis, infusion of L-NMMA increased survival rate and maintained mean arterial pressure without worsening tissue oxygenation. Coronary blood flow, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance, and urine production were well maintained during L-NMMA treatment.     

Friction powder materials (review)

Translated from Poroshkovaya Metallurgiya, No. 12(324), pp. 69–78, December, 1989.     

Prognosis in breast cancer based on histopathological findings (based on data from 42 pathology departments)

A model program for breast cancer screening has been initiated in Hungary. This paper evaluates the distribution of tumours on the basis of histopathological parameters in order to describe the baseline situation before the nation-wide introduction of screening. All pathology departments were asked to contribute to the study by sending in the complete anonymous reports of the last 10 breast cancer cases reported in 1997. Reports of different completeness on 419 tumours from 42 institutions (53% participation rate) were analysed. The mean age of the patients was 61.2 years (range 28-89). The mean tumour diameter was 2.64 cm (range 0.3-13). The prognostic profile (histological type, grade, lymph node involvement) of the tumours was generally poor. The information content of the reports is variable. Reports evaluable for the given factor involved prognostic information in the following proportions: tumour size: 87%; histological type: 100%; grade: 59%; skin involvement: 52%; pTNM categories; 40%; oestrogen and progesterone receptors: 37 and 29%, respectively; margins: 53%; (lymph)vascular invasion: 39%; peritumoral lymphocytic reaction: 36%; necrosis; 31%. Investigation of other prognostic markers was rare. Smaller city hospitals tended to document less prognostic factors and mostly from the less costly ones. Short and long reports showed no differences between their information content. Typewritten reports are still very common in Hungary, while computer based reporting systems requiring the filling out of prognostic markers fields are rare. The prognostic information content of these latter is generally higher. The estimated poor prognostic profile demonstrated by this report also urges the introduction of a nation-wide screening program, which should improve the observed parameters. Some degree of standardisation in pathology reporting seems also justified.     

Mental processes in schizophrenia (based on data from neuropsychological studies)

Features were studied of brain organization of mental processes in schizophrenic patients during the period of aggravation of the condition, using methods common in neuropsychological diagnosis. Faulty mental functions are analyzed in connection with clinical manifestations. Groups have been identified of patients having particular neuropsychological and clinical characteristics.     

Porous powder-fiber materials based on copper

A theoretical and experimental investigation of porous powder—fiber materials based on copper powder and fibers with a layered distribution of components was carried out. Maximum and average pore sizes, permeability coefficients, and efficiency parameters as functions of pressing pressure, powder particle size, and relative thickness of the fiber layer were investigated. It was shown that the use of components with certain dimensions permits the fabrication of materials with a high pore size gradient (up to 12 times) in a thickness of material that considerably increases the efficiency parameter E relative to that in porous powder and porous fiber materials.