Growth factors: potential for the management of solid epithelial tumours

At present we are on the threshold of an enormous change in clinical practice. The application of molecular medicine has already started and the area of growth factor biology is particularly relevant to this endeavor (Figure 6) (Jankowski and Polak 1996). Perhaps the major limitation to this process is the rate at which the clinician can comprehend and then undertake carefully designed molecular studies in gastroenterology. In time monographs that specifically address the issue of molecular medicine in clinical gene analysis and manipulation may perhaps replace standard text books (see Jankowski and Polak, 1996).     

Predictors of respiratory function deterioration after transfer of critically ill patients

OBJECTIVES: Critically ill patients are often transferred due to the growing number of diagnostic procedures required to be performed outside the intensive care unit. These transfers have proved to be very critical. The aim of this study was to evaluate predictors for the deterioration of respiratory function in critically ill patients after transfer. DESIGN: Prospective, clinical, observational study. SETTING: 1800-bed university teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: 98 mechanically ventilated patients were investigated during transfer. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Before transfer, all patients were classified according to the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score and the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS). Haemodynamics and arterial blood gases were measured at 11 different times. Arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), fractional inspired oxygen (FIO2), PaO2/FIO2 ratio, lowest PaO2/FIO2 ratio, minimal PaO2 and maximal FIO2, APACHE II score, TISS before transfer, age and duration of transfer were analysed as potential predictors for deterioration of respiratory function after transfer. Variables were analysed using Classification and Regression Trees and Clustering by Response. In 54 transports (55%) there was a decrease in the PaO2/FIO2 ratio, and a decrease of more than 20% from baseline was noted in 23 of the transferred patients (24%). Age > 43 years and FIO2 > 0.5 were identified as predictors for respiratory deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: Our predictors were able to indicate deterioration after transfer correctly in 20 of 22 patients (91%), combined with a false-positive rate in 17 of 49 (35%).     

The atomic arrangement of interstitials in molybdenum ordered solutions

The concentration wave approach is used to predict the atomic arrangement of both octahedral and tetrahedral interstitials in molybdenum ordered solutions. A comparison of the predicted ordered phases with experimental studies shows good agreement in the molybdenum-oxide and-carbide systems.     

Thrombin generation measured ex vivo following microvascular injury is increased in SLE patients with antiphospholipid-protein antibodies

Antiphospholipid-protein antibodies (APA) include lupus-type anticoagulant (LA) and antibodies recognizing complexes of anionic phospholipids (e.g. cardiolipin) and proteins (e.g. prothrombin and beta2-glycoprotein I). The presence of APA is associated with an increased risk of both arterial and venous thrombosis. However, the pathogenic mechanism leading to thrombosis in patients with APA remains unclear. We studied 32 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who were divided into two groups depending on the presence (n = 19) or absence (n = 13) of APA. Healthy volunteers (n = 12) matched by age and sex served as controls. In all subjects LA and IgG class anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) were determined. Thrombin generation was monitored ex vivo measuring fibrinopeptide A (FPA) and prothrombin fragment F1 + 2 (F1 + 2) in blood emerging from a skin microvasculature injury, collected at 30 second intervals. In subjects with antiphospholipid antibodies mean FPA and F1 + 2 concentrations were significantly higher at most blood sampling times than in controls. In some SLE patients with APA the process of thrombin generation was clearly disturbed and very high concentrations of fibrinopeptide A were detected already in the first samples collected. Two minutes after skin incision SLE patients without APA produced slightly more FPA, but not F1 + 2, as compared to healthy subjects. Mathematical model applied to analyze the thrombin generation kinetics revealed that APA patients generated significantly greater amounts of thrombin than healthy controls (p = 0.02 for either marker). In contrast, in the same patients generation of thrombin in recalcified plasma in vitro was delayed pointing to the role of endothelium in the phenomenon studied. In summary, these data show for the first time that in SLE patients with antiphospholipid-protein antibodies thrombin generation after small blood vessel injury is markedly increased. Enhanced thrombin generation might explain thrombotic tendency observed in these patients.     

Lumbar intervertebral disk herniation in children

A consecutive series of 16 children from 9 to 18 years old, with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation who were treated surgically in Department of Neurosurgery Medical Academy in Poznań, between 1978-1992, was analysed. The clinical symptoms, X-ray assessment, type of operation and outcome are reviewed. In our analysis characteristic features of disc herniation in children are: the onset of pain due to violent injury in relation to lifting, bilateral neurological symptoms and radiculography imaging central intervertebral disc herniation.     

Evaluation of patient exposure to radiation during x-ray diagnostic examinations (in selected health service centers in the city of Wroc?aw and in the province of Wroc?aw)

In 35 x-ray laboratories, randomly selected, in the city of Wroc?aw an in the voivodship, the following measurements were performed: -exposure doses (mGy) for different kinds of x-ray examinations, -exposure doses (mGy) for examinations employing conventional intensifying cassettes and cassettes equipped with intensifying screens of rare earths, -basic exposure parameters, ie high voltage (kV), anodic current intensity (mA), and exposure duration. An average number of exposure per one examination was also defined. The values of standard deviation (SD) for doses measured and for exposure parameters were identified. The doses were compared with the values recommended in "Basic Safety Standards for Protection Against Ionizing Radiation" (IAEA, Safety Series No 115). Two differences were discussed between the values measured and those recommended, particularly in exposures when conventional cassettes were used. The assessment of exposure parameters for the same x-ray examinations performed in different laboratories pointed to a lack of any analogy between the results. It bears witness to the fact that x-ray equipment is very much diversified, and that subjective factors play a significant role.     

Synthesis and properties of some 7H,9H-quinazolino-[3,2-b]benz[d,e]isoquinolin-7-one derivatives

A number of 7H,9H-quinazolino[3,2-b]benz[d,e]isoquinolin-7-one derivatives containing chlorine atoms, methoxy, nitro or amino groups at the 11 or 12 position of the molecule skeleton have been synthesised.The structure of the dyes obtained has been confirmed by elemental analysis, as well as by i.r. and n.m.r. spectroscopy. Electronic spectra in the visible range have also been recorded and the effect of the character of the substituents on the colour has been analysed.     

Synthesis and Dyeing Examinations of 7H, 9H-Quinazolino [3,2-b] benz [d,e] isoquinolin-7-one

The synthesis and application of a representative compound of the new group of disperse dyes derived from 7H,9H-quinazolino[3,2-b] benz[d, e] isoquinolin-7-one (II) have been investigated. The MS, IR and NMR spectra of compound (II) are analysed, and its dyeing and colour properties are compared with 7H-benzimidazo-[2,1-a] benz [d.e] isoquinolin-7-one (I).     

Forgiveness, spiritual instability, mental health symptoms, and well-being: Mediator effects of differentiation of self.

The present study tested the theoretical formulation based on Bowenian theory and Volfian theology that differentiation of self (DoS) serves as a mediator variable by which dispositional forgiveness is associated with indices of spiritual and mental health. Data were collected in a sample (N = 213) of graduate students (mean age = 34.46 years) at a Protestant-affiliated university. Results supported the hypotheses with DoS mediating the relationship between dispositional forgiveness and (a) spiritual instability, (b) mental health symptoms, and (c) psychological well-being. Implications are considered for future research on forgiveness, DoS, and spirituality, as well as clinical interventions related to self-regulation and trauma symptoms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)