Characterization and comparison of polyurethane networks prepared using soybean‐based polyols with varying hydroxyl content and their blends with petroleum‐based polyols

Polyurethane Networks (PUNs) were synthesized using polyols derived from soybean oil, petroleum, or a blend of the two in conjunction with diisocyanate. The soybean‐based polyols (SBPs) were prepared using air oxidation, or by hydroxylating epoxidized soybean oil. Some of the networks were subjected to several solvents to determine their respective swelling behavior and solubility parameters. Sol‐fractions were also determined, and DMA experiments were utilized to monitor the changes in storage modulus and tan δ with temperature for networks with sol and with the sol extracted. A linear relationship was noted between the hydroxyl number of a SBP and the glass transition temperature of its corresponding unextracted PU network within the range of hydroxyl numbers (i.e., 55–237 mg KOH/g) and glass transition temperatures (i.e., ?21–+83°C) encountered in this work. This same linear relationship was realized between the weighted hydroxyl number of soy and petroleum‐based polyol blends and the glass transition temperature of the resulting unextracted and extracted network PUs within the ranges utilized in this study (i.e., 44–57 mg KOH/g, ?54–19°C). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 1432–1443, 2006     

An inactivated avian polyomavirus vaccine is safe and immunogenic in various Psittaciformes

The safety and immunogenicity of adjuvanted and nonadjuvanted inactivated avian polyomavirus vaccines, administered either intramuscularly or subcutaneously (s.c.), were evaluated in a group of mixed species Psittaciformes. In 233 vaccinates representing species of macaws, cockatoos, conures, and parrots, gross reactions were limited to small scab formation at the s.c. injection site in three African grey parrots. Both vaccines stimulated a virus neutralizing (VN) antibody response, particularly in birds that were seronegative prior to vaccination. Ninety-three percent of the birds that were seronegative at the beginning of the study seroconverted (greater than fourfold increase in VN antibody titer) by 2 weeks after the second vaccination. Seventy-six percent of all the vaccinates had at least a fourfold increase in VN antibody titer at this time. There was no significant difference in seroconversion between the birds vaccinated with adjuvanted or nonadjuvanted vaccines. This study indicates that an inactivated avian polyomavirus vaccine can be used to safely immunize various species of psittacine birds in a field setting.     

Estrogen absorption and metabolism in postmenopausal women with end-stage renal disease

Women with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have a higher rate of death from heart disease than women with normal renal function. Because estrogen replacement therapy may significantly decrease the incidence of death due to cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women with normal renal function, their use has been considered for women with ESRD. However, the pharmacokinetics of estrogen have not been studied in postmenopausal women with ESRD to determine the optimal estrogen dose. Six postmenopausal women with ESRD receiving maintenance hemodialysis and six controls matched for body mass index were admitted to the in-patient Clinical Research Center. A 1- or 2-mg oral estradiol (E2) pill was given while subjects fasted. Blood sampling was performed over the next 24 h for measurement of E2, estrone (E1), albumin, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Three weeks later, the subjects were given the other E2 dose under identical conditions. At baseline, total and free E2 levels were higher in the subjects with ESRD than in controls (P = 0.0005 and 0.0035, respectively). After ingestion of 1 and 2 mg E2, total and free E2 levels remained significantly higher in the ESRD subjects from 2-8 h after treatment (P < or = 0.05). After 1 mg oral E2, total serum E2 peaked at 65 pg/mL at 4 h in ESRD subjects and at 27 pg/mL in control subjects at 8 h. After 2 mg oral E2 treatment, total serum E2 peaked at 8 h in both ESRD and control subjects, with levels of 99 and 37 pg/mL, respectively. E1 was higher in the subjects with ESRD than in the control subjects at baseline (P < 0.05). After ingestion of 1 mg E2, E1 concentrations were not significantly higher in ESRD than in control subjects, peaking at 180 and 121 pg/mL, respectively (P = 0.3). E1 concentrations were higher in ESRD than in control subjects after the ingestion of 2 mg E2, with peak levels of 376 and 201 pg/mL, respectively (P = 0.03). Total and free E2 levels are higher in patients with ESRD than in control subjects at baseline and after E2 ingestion, indicating that renal failure alters the pharmacokinetics of both endogenous and exogenous E2. Therefore, conventional E2 doses used in individuals with normal renal function may be excessive for patients with ESRD.     

Chronically depressed mood and cancer risk in older persons

BACKGROUND: Depression has been proposed as a predisposing factor for cancer, but prospective studies have been inconclusive. We examined whether a high level of depressive symptoms, present for a long time, is associated with increased risk of cancer in the elderly. METHODS: Data were obtained and analyzed from persons who lived in three communities (Massachusetts, Iowa, and Connecticut) of the Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly, a prospective cohort study with a mean follow-up of 3.8 years that included 4825 persons (1708 men and 3117 women) aged 71 years and older. Chronically depressed mood was defined as present when the number of depressive symptoms exceeded specific cut points on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale at baseline (1988) and 3 and 6 years before baseline. New cases of cancer were identified from Medicare hospitalization records and death certificates. RESULTS: Of the 4825 persons studied, 146 (3.0%) were chronically depressed. The incidence rate of cancer was 30.5 per 1000 person-years for the 146 persons with chronic depression and 21.9 per 1000 person-years for the 4679 nonchronically depressed persons. After adjustment for age, sex, race, disability, hospital admissions, alcohol intake, and smoking, the hazard ratio for cancer associated with chronically depressed mood was 1.88 (95% confidence interval = 1.13-3.14). The excess risk of cancer associated with chronic depression was consistent for most types of cancer and was not specific to cigarette smokers. CONCLUSION: When present for at least 6 years, depression was associated with a generally increased risk of cancer.     

Use of an ultrasonic scalpel as an alternative to electrocautery in patients with pacemakers

We report the safe and effective use of an ultrasonically activated scalpel as an alternative to unipolar electrocautery during surgical procedures in 4 patients with pacemakers. This scalpel provided adequate hemostasis without the adverse consequences of electromagnetic interference. As the scalpel was able to easily cut through the silicone connector sleeve of one generator, it is not recommended for routine generator replacement because it may damage existing pacing leads. However, its use during nonpacemaker operations in patients with pacemakers should be considered.     

Computed tomography in evaluation of patients with stage III melanoma

BACKGROUND: Metastatic disease is detected infrequently by computed tomography (CT) in early stage melanoma. The diagnostic yield of routine CT for stage III melanoma is less established, despite extensive use in clinical practice. METHODS: Charts from 347 asymptomatic patients with stage III melanoma were reviewed. Findings suggestive of metastatic melanoma identified by head or body CT, chest radiography, bone scan, or liver function studies were confirmed histologically or by progression of disease. RESULTS: Individual CT scans identified 33/788 (4.2%) instances of metastatic melanoma, with 66/788 (8.4%) false positive studies. No metastases were identified among 104 head CT scans. Chest CT had the highest yield in patients with cervical adenopathy (7/35, 20%), and the lowest yield with groin adenopathy (1/50, 2%). Pelvic CT diagnosed metastases in 7/94 (7.4%) patients with groin adenopathy, but no patients with palpable axillary (n = 76) or cervical (n = 21) nodes. Metastatic melanoma was diagnosed in 11/136 (8.1%) patients having complete body CT imaging (chest, abdomen, and pelvis), including six patients (4.4%) identified by CT alone. CONCLUSIONS: Routine CT in patients with clinical stage III melanoma infrequently identifies metastatic disease. Head CT in the asymptomatic patient, chest CT in patients with groin adenopathy, and pelvic CT in the presence of axillary or cervical adenopathy are not indicated. Selective use of chest CT in patients with cervical adenopathy or pelvic CT in the presence of groin disease may be useful.     

Effects of rumen-undegradable protein and feed intake on purine derivative and urea nitrogen: comparison with predictions from the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System

Six multiparous Holstein cows were used in a 6 x 6 Latin square to investigate the ability of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System to predict accurately rumen microbial yield, plasma urea N, and milk urea N. Estimations for microbial protein yield were compared with the measured excretion of purine derivative N in urine. A 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was adopted. Three concentrations of a rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) supplement (4.5, 14.9, and 29.1% of dry matter intake) and two levels of feed restriction (90 and 80% of ad libitum intake) were the corresponding factors. No effect of concentration of RUP supplement or feed restriction was detected on the excretion of purine derivative N in urine (mean, 18.5 g/d). Conversely, the Cornell system predicted a linear decrease in metabolizable protein from bacteria as the concentration of the RUP supplement increased. The Cornell system also predicted a significant reduction in metabolizable protein of microbial origin as feed restriction was increased. Measured values and values derived from the Cornell system for plasma and milk urea N increased linearly as the concentration of the RUP supplement increased. The Cornell system overpredicted milk urea N for cows consuming the highest RUP concentration. Predictions by the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System were of limited value because the empirical nature of the model is insufficiently rigorous to yield accurate predictions under the conditions described herein.     

Predisposing factors for individuals' Lyme disease prevention practices: Connecticut, Maine, and Montana

OBJECTIVES: This study examined factors that predispose individuals to protect against Lyme disease. METHODS: Knowledge, attitude, and practice questions concerning Lyme disease prevention were included in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance surveys in Connecticut, Maine, and Montana. A total of 4246 persons were interviewed. RESULTS: Perceived risk of acquiring Lyme disease, knowing anyone with Lyme disease, knowledge about Lyme disease, and believing Lyme disease to be a common problem were significantly associated with prevention practices. CONCLUSIONS: Predisposing factors differ substantially between states and appear related to disease incidence. Personal risk, knowing someone with Lyme disease, and cognizance about Lyme disease and acting on this information are consistent with social learning theories.     

Topical formulations of novel angiostatic steroids inhibit rabbit corneal neovascularization

PURPOSE: To evaluate the antiangiogenic potential of topical ophthalmic formulations of the novel angiostatic steroids AL-3789 and AL-4940, using a rabbit model of corneal neovascularization. METHODS: Neovascularization was induced in the rabbit cornea by surgical implantation of a standard ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (Elvax-40) pellet containing 1 microg lipopolysaccharide. Coded formulations of the control vehicle or the following test agents were administered in prevention and intervention treatment protocols: 1% formulations of AL-3789, AL-4940, and cortisol acetate as a positive drug control. Three doses of AL-3789 (0.01%, 0.1%, and 1%) were also evaluated in a prevention treatment protocol. Corneal responses were monitored throughout a 2-week treatment period, and 1 week after the last treatment dose. Observations included quantitative measurement of the area of new blood vessel growth and qualitative assessment of cellular infiltrate and edema. All treatments and observations were performed in a double-masked manner. RESULTS: All tested formulations, except the vehicle and the 0.01% AL-3789 preparation, significantly inhibited corneal neovascularization and other lipopolysaccharide-induced responses in the various treatment protocols employed. AL-4940, the free alcohol form of AL-3789, was slightly less effective than cortisol acetate or AL-3789. The extent of inhibition of the angiogenic response by the 1% and 0.1% AL-3789 suspensions ranged from 76% to 100% 1 week after the last treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The antiangiogenic steroid AL-3789 may be a therapeutically useful angiostatic agent for corneal neovascularization and potentially could be effective in other ocular neovascular diseases.