Assessing genetic-based therapies for AIDS using the simian immunodeficiency virus

Biochemical assays have demonstrated the existence of hormone receptors in lung tissue from patients with pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis (LAM). This finding is the biologic corollary to the finding that LAM responds to hormonal therapy. We have examined lung tissue from two patients with LAM for estrogen and progesterone receptors by immunohistochemistry and a biochemical assay. Although specimens from both patients were negative for estrogen receptor activity by the biochemical assay, positive stain of estrogen receptors was observed in both patients with immunohistochemistry.     

Contact technology for high performance scalable BiCMOS on TFSOI

A selective W contact layer is deposited on both poly and silicon electrodes to realize scalable, high performance TFSOI BiCMOS. A unique double spacer integration results in high performance MOS and bipolar operation while providing adequate separation between poly and silicon electrodes to prevent sidewall leakage. Switching speed more than twice that of comparable bulk circuits is demonstrated. Limitations imposed by conventional silicon- and metal-diffusing self aligned silicides (Ti and Pt) are described. Pt silicide limits scaling of the spacer width while Ti silicide limits scaling of the silicon thickness. Selective W is shown capable of maintaining good device and circuit performance while not imposing such limitations     

Infraclavicular brachial plexus block: parasagittal anatomy important to the coracoid technique

OBJECTIVE: This study's objective was to determine whether the concentrations of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in the secretions of the cervix and vagina could be used to predict preterm delivery in a group of women at high risk for this complication. STUDY DESIGN: Women attending a prematurity prevention clinic at an inner-city hospital July 1, 1996-October 1, 1997, were invited to participate. From those who consented, secretions from the cervix and posterior vaginal fornix were sampled every 2 weeks until delivery, beginning at 24 weeks' gestation. Concentrations of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin were measured with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Providers of obstetric care were blinded to the results. Levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in those who were delivered before 34 weeks' gestation and those who were delivered at term were compared. A value >50 mIU/mL was considered elevated. This cutoff value was determined according to beta-human chorionic gonadotropin values obtained during pregnancies that were delivered at term. RESULTS: Of the 146 women asked to participate, 77 consented. There was no difference between participants and nonparticipants with respect to age, race, indication for enrollment in the clinic, gestational age at delivery, or parity. Of the 77 participants, 24 (31%) were delivered before 37 weeks' gestation and 12 (16%) were delivered before 34 weeks' gestation. A single beta-human chorionic gonadotropin value >50 mIU/mL obtained between 24 and 28 weeks' gestation was associated with a significant increase in the incidence of delivery before 34 weeks' gestation (P = .03). This cutoff value had sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for predicting delivery before 34 weeks' gestation of 50%, 87%, 33%, and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the concentration of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in cervicovaginal secretions may be a useful predictor of preterm delivery.     

Construction project control under resources constraints by fuzzy linear programming

Fuzzy linear programming (FLP) provides an alternative method of programming and the authors claim improvements in flexibility more appropriate to construction situations, but believe this is an area that needs further research.     

Prospective randomized study of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

We asked whether the likelihood for mice of the C57BL/6J strain to develop glucose intolerance when fed a high-fat diet is related to the increase in circulating levels of leptin or free fatty acids (FFA). We therefore administered a high-fat diet (58% fat) or a control diet (11% fat) for 1.5 years. NMRI mice were used as a more glucose-tolerant control group. After a high-fat diet, the area under the glucose curve following an intraperitoneal glucose challenge (1 g/kg) increased more markedly in C57BL/6J mice (by 42+/-8%) than in NMRI mice (by 21+/-3%, P = 0.007). Plasma levels of insulin, leptin and FFA increased in both strains of mice, whereas plasma glucose levels were elevated after the high-fat diet only in C57BL/6J mice. The slope of the relationship between body weight and plasma leptin was higher in C57BL/6J mice than in NMRI mice. suggesting leptin insensitivity. Circulating leptin correlated to circulating insulin in both strains of mice, whereas plasma FFA correlated to plasma insulin in NMRI mice but not in C57BL/6J mice. These correlations remained significant after adjustment for body weight. The results show that elevated leptin and FFA levels evolve after high-fat feeding in mice, in conjunction with evolvement of glucose intolerance and hyperglycemia.     

A comparative study of prothrombinase and thrombin inhibitors in a novel rabbit model of non-occlusive deep vein thrombosis

A quantitative and non-occlusive deep vein thrombosis model was developed in rabbits. We used this model to test the antithrombotic activity of the prothrombinase complex inhibitors factor rXai and its chemical analog glutamyl-glycyl-arginyl chloromethyl ketone inactivated human factor Xa (EGR-Xai), along with the thrombin inhibitors D-phenylalanyl-prolyl-arginyl chloromethyl ketone (PPACK) and heparin. Dose dependent effects of the inhibitors during constant infusion were monitored. Measurements included thrombus weights, hemostatic parameters and both cuticle and ear bleeding times. In this model, factor rXai and EGR-Xai had comparable in-vivo efficacy, and showed 80%-93% inhibition at plasma levels of 6.5 nM (rXai) and 8 nM (EGR-Xai). Effects on ex-vivo clotting times varied among the inhibitors. At 80-100% thrombus inhibition, factor rXai and EGR-Xai had no statistically significant effect, while PPACK extended thrombin clotting time (TCT) times 2.3-fold, and heparin prolonged both activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT) and TCT ex-vivo clotting times 6.9-, 1.2-, and 7-fold respectively. At these dosages, cuticle and ear bleeding times were prolonged for all inhibitors and showed increases of 177%-389% (cuticle) and 45%-129% (ear). Our results demonstrate that direct inhibition of prothrombinase complex assembly is effective in arresting venous thrombosis.     

A study of the association of Epstein-Barr virus with Burkitt''s lymphoma occurring in a Chinese population

Several (carbamoylalkenyl)- and (carbamoylalkenyl)phenyloxy carboxylic acids (Table 1) and some of their ethyl esters (Table 2) were synthesized and evaluated in vitro as inhibitors of steroid 5 alpha-reductase. Inhibitors of this enzyme may be useful in treating dihydrotestosterone-related diseases such as prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Using an enzyme preparation obtained from human prostate carcinoma tissue, the inhibition values ranged from 0 to 57% at the given dose of 100 microM. In the series of free acids, surprisingly, the compounds showed only modest inhibitory potency (0-26%). By contrast, the ethyl esters displayed inhibition values up to 57%. Structure-activity relationships are discussed.