Examination of the properties of amphotensides with potential use as pharmaceuticals

Basic biological, surface-active and emulsifying properties of manufactured amphotensides in comparison with commercial products have been determined. It has been shown that the compounds investigated should be utilized as auxiliary substances in pharmaceutical technology. There is especially advisable to apply them as emulsifiers for o/w emulsions.     

The health diary: an examination of its use as a data collection method

Use of a health diary has been common in nursing practice settings. Nurses have incorporated the diary as a means of helping clients to document their symptoms and factors which may have precipitated them, often with the aim of modifying particular health behaviours. To date there has been limited exploration of this tool in a nursing research context. Advantages and disadvantages associated with the diary when utilized as a research instrument in health settings are summarized and particular consideration is given to their use in nursing research with cancer patients. Features of the method such as completion and respondent co-operation, format and issues surrounding data analysis are considered. The advantages of this method warrant further exploration in nursing research, despite conflicting and insubstantial evidence regarding the feasibility, validity and reliability of specific kinds of information reported in a diary.     

Neurobehavioral toxicology in the 21st century: a future or a failure? The 1991 H?nninen Lecture

Toxic substances in the workplace and general environment have been shown to cause adverse health effects in human populations. This has occurred as the result of such factors as industrialization, environmental pollution, and increased reliance on chemicals in agriculture. Effects of toxic substances on the human nervous system have been identified and characterized through use of neurobehavioral methods, essentially over the past 20 years. This paper examines 10 key publications in neurotoxicology and relates them to the future of neurobehavioral toxicology in the next century. The view is expressed that the future of neurobehavioral methods lies in more firmly rooting them in basic mechanisms of neurotoxicity.     

Risk in cleaning: chemical and physical exposure

Cleaning is a large enterprise involving a large fraction of the workforce worldwide. A broad spectrum of cleaning agents has been developed to facilitate dust and dirt removal, for disinfection and surface maintenance. The cleaning agents are used in large quantities throughout the world. Although a complex pattern of exposure to cleaning agents and resulting health problems, such as allergies and asthma, are reported among cleaners, only a few surveys of this type of product have been performed. This paper gives a broad introduction to cleaning agents and the impact of cleaning on cleaners, occupants of indoor environments, and the quality of cleaning. Cleaning agents are usually grouped into different product categories according to their technical functions and the purpose of their use (e.g. disinfectants and surface care products). The paper also indicates the adverse health and comfort effects associated with the use of these agents in connection with the cleaning process. The paper identifies disinfectants as the most hazardous group of cleaning agents. Cleaning agents contain evaporative and non-evaporative substances. The major toxicologically significant constituents of the former are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), defined as substances with boiling points in the range of 0 degree C to about 400 degrees C. Although laboratory emission testing has shown many VOCs with quite different time-concentration profiles, few field studies have been carried out measuring the exposure of cleaners. However, both field studies and emission testing indicate that the use of cleaning agents results in a temporal increase in the overall VOC level. This increase may occur during the cleaning process and thus it can enhance the probability of increased short-term exposure of the cleaners. However, the increased levels can also be present after the cleaning and result in an overall increased VOC level that can possibly affect the indoor air quality (IAQ) perceived by occupants. The variety and duration of the emissions depend inter alia on the use of fragrances and high boiling VOCs. Some building materials appear to increase their VOC emission through wet cleaning and thus may affect the IAQ. Particles and dirt contain a great variety of both volatile and non-volatile substances, including allergens. While the volatile fraction can consist of more than 200 different VOCs including formaldehyde, the non-volatile fraction can contain considerable amounts (> 0.5%) of fatty acid salts and tensides (e.g. linear alkyl benzene sulphonates). The level of these substances can be high immediately after the cleaning process, but few studies have been conducted concerning this problem. The substances partly originate from the use of cleaning agents. Both types are suspected to be airway irritants. Cleaning activities generate dust, mostly by resuspension, but other occupant activities may also resuspend dust over longer periods of time. Personal sampling of VOCs and airborne dust gives higher results than stationary sampling. International bodies have proposed air sampling strategies. A variety of field sampling techniques for VOC and surface particle sampling is listed.     

A UK scheme to help small firms control health risks from chemicals: toxicological considerations

The UK has developed a simple scheme to provide practical control advice to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to assist them in their risk assessments and risk management decisions. This scheme makes use of toxicological hazard information indicated by R-phrases assigned under the European Union (EU) classification system, to assign substances to hazard bands. In the UK scheme, the allocation of substances to hazard bands according to R-phrases has taken into account three key factors: whether or not the toxicological endpoint has an identifiable dose threshold; the seriousness of the resultant health effect; and the relative exposure levels at which toxic effects occur. Based on all these considerations, R-phrases have been allocated to hazard bands within the scheme. An evaluation exercise has been undertaken, to compare the output of the scheme with established health-based occupational exposure limits, for more than 100 substances. The results of this exercise demonstrate that as far as possible, the scheme recommends control strategies which should provide adequate control. This scheme is potentially a very powerful means of helping SMEs adequately control chemical health risks in the workplace. Since it utilises the EU-agreed classification system, the scheme can be applied to any substance supplied and used in the workplace and it may also be used internationally.     

实现绿色特钢制造的思考

对于特殊钢企业的制造过程,"绿色"理念体现在高效的生产制造过程、物资的循环利用、废弃物的利用、绿色产品的开发与服务、能源与物资利用率的提高和有害物质的排放控制等6个主要方面.宝钢特殊钢分公司在这些方面做了一些工作.如绿色产品的开发上,开发了绿色环保型的含硫易切削钢替代含铅型易切削钢及49MnvS3、35Mn2SiV、F35MnVN等一批非调钢;在有害物质控制排放上应用了酸处理、粉尘控制等新技术,开发了绿色环保渣系列.同时还提出了思考,在提高能源与资源利用效率上可以开展以下工作:特殊钢金属料结构不断优化;天然气替代煤气后的加热效率基础性研究;扩大连铸品种,降低工序消耗;以轧代锻工艺和热送工艺.     

Molecular cloning and expression of the early auxin-responsive Aux/IAA gene family in Nicotiana tabacum

Early auxin-regulated tobacco cDNAs, belonging to the Aux/IAA gene family have been isolated by screening of a cDNA library prepared from auxin-treated suspension-grown etiolated seedlings of Nicotiana tabacum. The probes used were either RT-PCR fragments or an insert resulting from mRNA differential display selection. All of them possessed the structural features which characterize the Aux/IAA gene products. The auxin response of three distinct Nt-iaa subclasses has been characterized in terms of kinetics, dose-response and specificity as several plant hormones and chemicals have been tested for their ability to alter Nt-iaa mRNA accumulation. Differences of auxin responses have been observed between the Nt-iaa analysed, revealing significant differences of regulation. The effect of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide suggested that Nt-iaa2.3, Nt-iaa4.3 and strictly related genes can be classified as primary auxin-responsive genes and Nt-iaa28 as a late one. The steady-state mRNA level of these Nt-iaa has also been determined in organs of tobacco plants.     

Leadership in nursing in Brazil: approaching its demystification

This study aims at understanding the view about the nursing leadership question, through critical analysis of the literature produced predominantly in Brazil on this theme, from 1930 to 1995, contributing to its "dismythification". From the assumption that nursing is a social practice, and therefore articulated with other health practices, we conducted the investigation under a historical-social approach. Empirical data were obtained from the discourses about the issue or related themes, contained in 14 periodicals, from which 12 were of nursing. Besides them, we used proceedings from nursing events, as well as research and researcher catalogs and 3 theses. We analysed data according to time delimitation, distributed in four historical periods, intending to maintain the similarity of the peculiar discourses of each period, according to the context in these moments. The study demonstrated that the nursing leadership question has been treated, in the profession, in an idealized, mythical and crystalized way, contributing, thus, to the maintenance of the status quo and nursing professional's alienation.     

Nucleobase and nucleoside transport in mammalian cells

Membrane transport of nucleobases and nucleosides has been an actively pursued research field for the past 25 years. Not only are these substances of physiological interest; derivatives are in clinical use or under investigation for their pharmacological activity against viral and neoplastic disease. An understanding of the molecular pharmacology of these substances includes a detailed knowledge of how they reach their intracellular targets. Membrane transport systems which have so far been found in all cells examined play an important role in this process. Since the transporters are minor membrane components, little is known about them on a molecular basis. This review discusses methodological approaches used to measure initial rates of membrane transport and summarizes current knowledge of the various transport systems which have been characterized with these kinetic methods.     

Revision of methods for analysis of volatile fractions in food

The volatile part of both, food and drinks, had been object of important researching, because of the "aroma" is considered as a principal characteristic of food, which in many times, is the cause of acceptance or refusing by consumers. Therefore, it sets up an interesting sign for appraisal in quality of the nutritious products. This part of food is formed by a big number of volatile substances very different among them and in concentrations; and this is the fact which makes that investigation of aromatic composition of food becomes complicated. There are many analyzing methods developed on this way. All of them will have to take account of this great diversity in quality as well as in quantity. In this study, we try to realize a bibliographic review about the techniques most used until our days, in extraction and concentration of the essential parts of the aroma of food, pointing out, in each of them, their basis, advantages and objections, as well as their applicability to the analysis of the aroma of food.     

The investigation of the effectiveness of extended radiation depending on the dose and time of exposure based on the body''s reaction and the body''s individual systems in the near postradiation period

The need for sound research data to support regulatory decisions related to advanced nursing practice has never been greater. Although advanced practice nurses (APNs) are frequently exhorted to engage in research and to become involved in the political arena, there is little published evidence that nursing research has been used to influence health policy. This article presents two case examples of the effective use of research findings to influence regulatory policy in two different states. Factors involved in using research to shape policy are discussed, including recommendations for nursing policymakers and researchers. Research is a powerful tool that APNs can and should use to make a difference in regulatory legislation.     

Southeast Asians: Asian-Pacific Americans at risk for substance misuse

Projections indicate that by the year 2000 over a million Cambodians, Laotians, and Vietnamese will be living in the United States. There is sparse information relative to the use of substances by these groups due to the absence of national prevalence data. The combined stressors that these refugee groups have faced puts them at high risk for substance misuse. Southeast Asians infrequently use substance misuse and mental health services, which has been perceived as a lack of need for services by these groups. In reality, there is a critical shortage of culturally-appropriate treatment and intervention programs as the prevalence of substance misuse increases in these populations.     

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in pregnancy: what is normal?

This paper aims to explore the meaning of spirituality in relation to nursing care using concept synthesis. Walker and Avant give three ways in which concept synthesis can occur: discovering new dimensions to old concepts, searching for similarities and discrepancies among sets of related concepts, and observing previously undescribed phenomena. It is the first two of these methods which have been used here. The phenomena that emerged from a reading of the literature around spirituality were meaning, presencing, empathy/compassion, giving hope, love, religion/transcendence, touch and healing. These phenomena were studied in order to sort them into fewer categories. They all appeared to be products of a relationship, some physical (presencing, touch and healing), and others emotional (meaning, empathy/compassion, hope, love, and religion/transcendence). Some of the phenomena appeared to fit in both categories, especially healing, which could be of a physical or emotional/spiritual nature. Once the two main categories had been arranged, it was obvious that a split between psyche and soma was not appropriate for labelling the spiritual dimensions of nursing care, as the original definition of spirit was something which motivated the body. Spiritual care is inseparable from physical, social and psychological care because together they form the whole (Bradshaw 1994 p. 282). The two categories were then collapsed into one and given the label 'connection'.     

Neuropeptides in the insect brain: a review

Thirty-seven plants are listed, which are used by traditional healers in the central and southern parts of Somalia. For each species are listed: the botanical name with synonyms, collection number, vernacular name, medicinal use, preparation of remedy and dosage. Results of a literature survey are also reported including medicinal use, substances isolated and pharmacological effects. Three plants which should have been included in Part I of the series have been added and some corrections to that paper have been made. With these additions the series comprises 180 different plant species, distributed in 59 plant families.     

Current and future status of ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome

Great progress had been achieved during the last 20 years in the field of ovulation induction in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Clomiphene citrate remains the first line of treatment for all anovulatory women with PCOS, since in properly selected patients the cumulative pregnancy rate approaches that in normal women. Human urinary gonadotrophins have been used extensively for ovulation induction, but the development of low-dose regimens has opened a new era in the management of anovulation related to PCOS. This article discusses the main advantages and disadvantages of the principal methods and regimens currently used for ovulation induction in patients with PCOS including clomiphene citrate, gonadotrophins, pulsatile gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and GnRH agonists. It also discusses new drugs discovered recently, particularly recombinant gonadotrophins and GnRH antagonists, and provides some thoughts regarding their use in future protocols. Finally, based on the discovery of new ovarian substances which specifically control luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, this article develops assumptions on possible implications of these substances in the pathophysiology of PCOS and their potential use in the management of the syndrome.     

Mood and personality-based models of substance use.

Mood and personality-based vulnerabilities have been extensively examined in patients with substance use disorders, but their relevance as models of etiology remains to be fully investigated. The present investigation examined mood and personality-based models of substance use in a nonclinical sample of young adults. Two-hundred and twelve individuals were assessed for personality and clinical characteristics and participated in computerized ambulatory monitoring of mood states and substance use over a 1-week period. Personality factors were strong predictors of substance use frequency over the previous 30 days, as well as of substance use in daily life using ambulatory monitoring. A linear increase was also observed in the intensity of novelty seeking and antisocial personality traits as a function of the social deviance of substances used. However, mood disorder history was related only to the use of illicit drugs other than cannabis, and fluctuations in mood states did not prospectively predict daily use of substances in a manner consistent with self-medication. Moreover, there was little evidence that personality characteristics moderated relations between mood states and substance use in daily life. The relevance of results for mood and personality models of substance use etiology is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Investigation of contact allergies in 100 cases of ulcus cruris (author's transl)

In a group of 100 patients with ulcus cruris, the incidence of contact allergies was determined. Patch tests were applied with 18 products that might have come into contact with the skin. These products comprised drugs and excipients (preservatives and ointment vehicles) potential ingredients of tapes or of elastic bandages. Peru balsam (14%), wool-wax alcohols (10%), Nestosyl owing to its para-aminobenzoate component (7%), neomycin (5%) and Thyme oil (5%) were the allergens most frequently encountered.     

Designing the latex test system for express identification of legionella in the external medium and clinical materials

Biopsies and blood of 36 patients with bedsores developing due to spinal cord trauma were studied. Pronounced alterations in the blood content of IgA, IgM, IgG, a significant increase in circulating immune complexes (CIC) content and a decrease of neutrophil leukocyte chemotactic activity were found. The authors conclude that an immune system dysfunction occurs in patients with bedsores as well as secondary immune deficiency and immunoglobulin and CIC deposition in the granulation tissue vessels. Development of chronic vasculitis, obliteration and reduction of vessels, hypoxia and metabolic disturbances in the wound edges, formation of deficient fibroblasts synthesizing collagen type III which does not facilitate skin epithelium maturation, all these changes result in a chronic course of the wound and almost complete lack of healing.