An automotive engine oil viscosity sensor

For the evaluation of the condition of automotive engine oil, the oil's viscosity is one of the most important parameters. Using microacoustic viscosity sensors, an oil-viscosity measurement can be performed on-board. In this contribution, we discuss the behavior of the viscosity of engine oil, its temperature dependence, and the resulting representation in terms of output signals of microacoustic viscosity sensors. These considerations are illustrated by means of measurement results obtained for used oil samples, which have been obtained from test cars and fresh oil samples out of different viscosity classes. Finally, the detection of the viscosity increase due to soot contamination is demonstrated.     

Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in obese and normal weight binge eaters

OBJECTIVES: Disturbances in gastrointestinal function may result from disordered eating and may lead to increases in gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. We compared GI symptoms in obese and non-obese binge eaters and non-binge eaters. METHODS: One hundred nineteen obese and 77 normal-weight females completed a questionnaire on bowel symptoms and binge eating behaviors for the previous 3 months. Based on binge behaviors and body mass index (> 30 kg/m2), individuals were grouped as obese binge eaters (n = 73), obese non-binge eaters (n = 43), non-obese binge eaters (n = 14), and normal-weight controls (n = 61). RESULTS: Obese binge eaters reported more upper GI symptoms than normal controls or obese non-binge eaters (p < 0.001). Compared with normal controls, nausea, vomiting, and bloating was 2-4 times more prevalent in both binge eating groups. Indigestion was more prevalent in both obese groups. Obese binge eaters reported more lower GI symptoms than normal-weight controls (p < 0.05). Binge eating in both weight groups was associated with more frequent abdominal pain and dyschezia. Obesity was associated with more frequent constipation, diarrhea, straining, and flatus, whether or not subjects reported binge eating. Chi-square showed a significant association between obesity, binge eating, and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, using the Manning criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Specific GI symptoms were associated with binge eating and obesity. Overall, symptoms were more prevalent and more severe in obese binge eaters. The high prevalence of GI symptoms in obese patients who indulge in binge eating should be considered in their evaluation and treatment.     

Nitrone spin-traps block calcium channels and induce pulmonary artery relaxation independent of free radicals

Free radicals react with nitrones to form stable nitroxides which can be identified by ESR spectroscopy. Unfortunately, little is known regarding the pharmacological properties of these compounds. In this study, three commonly used nitrones, 5,5-dimethylpyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO), alpha-phenyl-tert-butylnitrone (PBN), and alpha-(4-pyridyl 1-oxide)-N-tert-butylnitrone (POBN), were found to induce relaxation of preconstricted isolated rat pulmonary artery rings. Additional experiments with PBN indicated that vasorelaxation could not be attributed to production of endothelial derived factors, prostaglandins, or free radicals. Patch-clamp techniques revealed reversible calcium channel blockade with PBN at a concentration below that needed to detect free radicals. Calcium channel blockade probably accounts for the vasorelaxation observed in the isolated ring preparations described here, and should be considered when using nitrone spin-traps both in in vivo and clinical studies.     

Diagnostic neuroimaging: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MR) are commonly used neuroimaging modalities for patients with signs or symptoms of neuro-ophthalmic disorders. Understanding the technology and clinical uses of these modalities is vital in patient management. METHODS/RESULTS: Basic instrument design and technology are presented together with a discussion of indications and contraindications to the use of these imaging techniques. Case reports are presented to illustrate the usefulness in diagnosis of orbital and neuro-ophthalmic disease. CONCLUSIONS: A basic knowledge of CT and MR helps the optometrist correlate imaging with clinical signs and symptoms of disease. This understanding also results in more effective communication with other health care providers and patients.     

Giant cell myocarditis. Report of a case

The authors report a case of giant cell myocarditis leading to rapidly progressive cardiac failure despite immuno-suppressor treatment in a 20 year old woman. The cardiac failure was successfully managed by implantation of a left ventricular assist device and then cardiac transplantation. The problems encountered underline the importance of accurate diagnosis by endomyocardial biopsy before undertaking treatment and the difficulties in the choice of appropriate method of assistance in this indication. Giant cell myocarditis is a rare cause of cardiac failure and should be considered in the differential diagnosis in view of its clinical features and risk of progression. The literature and the therapeutic implications are discussed.     

Effects of growth hormone-releasing factor and(or) thyrotropin-releasing hormone on growth, feed efficiency, carcass characteristics, and blood hormones and metabolites in beef heifers

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of long-term administration of a growth hormone (GH)-releasing factor analog (GRFa) and(or) thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) on growth, feed efficiency, carcass characteristics, and blood hormones and metabolites in beef heifers. Crossbred heifers (n = 48; 345.9 +/- 2.8 kg) were divided into four equal groups: control (vehicle), 1 microgram of GRFa (human GRF 1-29 analog).kg BW-1.d-1, 1 microgram of TRH.kg BW-1.d-1, or GRFa + TRH. Daily s.c. injections continued for 86 d. Blood samples were collected from half of the heifers after injection on d 1, 36, and 78. On d 89, all heifers were slaughtered. Treatments did not affect (P > .05) ADG but GRFa + TRH decreased (P < .05) ADFI relative to all other treatments. Feed conversion efficiency tended (P < .10) to be improved in the groups given GRFa alone or TRH alone. Treatment with GRFa and(or) TRH did not affect carcass weight, dressing percentage, conformation score, backfat thickness, or weights of liver, kidneys, pituitary, and ovaries. The GRFa + TRH treatment reduced (P < .05) fat score and increased (P < .05) longissimus muscle area relative to other treatments. The GRFa treatments reduced (P < .05) the weight and fat percentage of the mammary gland and increased (P < .05) heart weight. Treatment with TRH alone failed to stimulate GH on d 1, 36, and 78. Treatment with GRFa alone increased (P < .05) GH above controls on d 36, whereas GRFa + TRH increased (P < .05) GH on d 1, 36, and 78. Treatment with GRFa alone increased (P < .05) IGF-I only on d 1, whereas GRFa + TRH was without effect on all days. Across sampling days, treatments had little effect on blood concentrations of insulin, triiodothyronine, nonesterified fatty acids, urea nitrogen, and glucose. The GRFa alone and GRFa + TRH decreased (P < .05) and TRH alone increased (P < .05) thyroxine concentrations. In conclusion, with the dose and administration regimen used, GRFa and(or) TRH yielded small but positive improvements in animal performance.     

Alcohol in Munich secondary school students--a study for dissemination of experiences, knowledge, attitude and behavior

The Munich Community Health Service (Medical School-Service Department) conducted an alcohol prevention project in ten public secondary schools. The 423 pupils (11-17 years of age) filled in a questionnaire on alcohol and discussed it afterwards under the guidance of a school physician and a teacher using guideline information. The results of the survey are presented in this paper. Additionally, suggestions for transferring the results to conceptualize and carry out preventive measures are made. The results indicate that the first experience with alcohol occurred early in life. One-fifth of the sample had already tried alcohol at the age of six. Immediate effects of alcohol (e.g. state of drunkenness) were experienced by 35.7 percent of the sample group. Kiosks, shops, and beverage stores were named most frequently as sources for alcohol. The sources of social support varied with respect to sex and age. With increasing age of the children, parents were contacted less frequently whereas the role of peers increased. The present results supply possible paths of action for the development of successful prevention strategies, e.g. by pointing out the early age of onset as well as specific sources of alcohol acquisition.     

In vivo characterization of cytotoxic intracellular edema by multicomponent analysis of transverse magnetization decay curves

The precise measurement of low numbers of leukocyte below 0.1 WBC/microliter in filtered red cell or platelet suspensions meet both aims: to check the compliance with previously determined requirements and to evaluate the performances of novel filtering material (5 log depletion or more), justified by more and more important clinical use. The reliability of results, obtained with the chosen method, is ensured by applying of validation protocol, including training of technologist, assessment of the analytical range and the detection limit, assessment of precision and accuracy. The flow cytometry (FC) and Nageotte Chamber (NC) method are the both techniques which are currently used in routine Quality Control (QC) and validated by multicenter studies. Recent developments are made for increasing the sensibility of these counting methods, thanks to higher concentration or volume of the sample to be analysed. Among the experimental techniques, requiring more advances before implementing in QC program, quantitative PCR must become essential as reference method for evaluating the efficiency of filtration, in the future.