An automatized computer-method utilizing Procomm Plus and DataEase (4.2) PC and SAS (6.06) mainframe software for isolated, perfused guinea-pig heart studies

A powerful, time sharing and automatized method of a comprehensive data analysis for isolated, perfused guinea-pig heart studies is described. Data are collected using DataEase PC software (version 4.2) into forms with data fields specified for vital parameters consistently recorded in isolated, perfused heart studies (HR, CBF, PEAKPRESSURE, DPDT, MVO2). After running, DataEase reports the data and information is uploaded to an IBM 3081D mainframe computer on each day of heart experiment and data collection. The uploading process, the data archival and the statistical analyses are automatized by Procomm Plus commands written in Aspect Source Program (.ASP) Files for logging, data transforming and file management procedures. The ASPCOMP.EXE compiler compiles these .ASP files into Aspect Script eXecutable (.ASX) programs, which run on the PC in our laboratory and activate WYLBUR (IBM 3081D Batch-job service and Command file processor) edited files in the mainframe's electronic devices then upload, backup and save data into these files. SAS EXE files containing program instructions for the data analyzing system are then forced by Procomm Plus to operate over the data just uploaded. SAS reads the DATA files by its INFILE facility and performs comprehensive statistical analyses and produces hard output including graphics and JOB reports of dose-response- and logaritmic scale curves for delivery to team members. This computerized and automatized method developed for isolated, perfused guinea-pig heart studies is capable of performing multiple file transfer, sophisticated statistical analyses and graphic procedures after one keystroke on the PC (Alt-F5 in Procomm Plus section) and also facilitates a consistent and convenient method for planning, controlling and standardizing experiments. The method is based on an interactive computer conversation between the PC in the laboratory and the remote's WYLBUR editor. No human presence is needed; however, in case of failure, Procomm Plus gives one of the team members supervising the system a phone call in order to get human help.     

Genotypic classification of colorectal adenocarcinoma. Biologic behavior correlates with K-ras-2 mutation type

BACKGROUND: New measures enabling better prediction of biologic behavior of large bowel cancer are highly desirable. One hundred ninety-four consecutive primary, recurrent, and metastatic colorectal adenocarcinomas, accessioned during 1991 at Rhode Island Hospital, were classified according to the presence and specific type of K-ras-2 point mutation. METHODS: An integrated histopathologic-genetic approach was used to detect mutations starting with minute, topographically selected, tissue samples from formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens. RESULTS: Each colorectal adenocarcinoma exhibited either no or only one of seven specific types of K-ras-2 mutation. The mutation type of each primary tumor was present consistently in its metastatic deposits. Thirty-five percent of primary colorectal adenocarcinomas were found to be mutated (42 of 119). A significantly higher mutation rate (65%) was seen in lymphogenous-hematogenous metastases as a group (35 of 54; P < 0.005). By contrast, 22% of anastomotic recurrences and transcoelomic metastasis were mutated (4 of 18). Twenty-eight percent of adenocarcinomas with invasion limited to muscularis propria (Tis, T1, T2) were mutated (16 of 57), compared to 41% for more deeply invasive tumors (T3, T4; 26 of 63). When colorectal adenocarcinomas were analyzed by specific K-ras-2 mutation type, it was found that codon 13 mutated tumors did not progress to local or distant metastasis (P < 0.01). Tumors having a codon 12 valine substitution did not metastasize beyond pericolonic-perirectal lymph nodes. In contrast, colorectal cancers with codon 12 aspartic acid substitutions accounted for most of the distant hematogenous deposits (P < 0.01). Tumors with normal K-ras-2 accounted for most intraperitoneal deposits. CONCLUSIONS: Genotyping of colorectal adenocarcinoma by K-ras-2 status can identify subsets of patients likely to pursue indolent and aggressive forms of disease. The integrated histopathologic-genetic approach outlined is feasible for use in diagnostic pathology, providing information that together with clinicopathologic staging may individualize and optimize treatment.     

Comparison of ketorolac and opioid analgesics in postoperative ACL reconstruction outpatient pain control

Pain control is an important postoperative consideration with any surgical procedure. Technological and procedural improvements have contributed to the reduction in both the degree of surgical difficulty and the postsurgical complications associated with intricate surgeries. As a result, certain surgeries have potential for being performed on an outpatient basis, dependent upon appropriate pain-management regimens and the degree of potential for postoperative complications. Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a common procedure. Because of the reduction in invasiveness that arthroscopy provides, outpatient surgery is now routinely employed for ACL patients. The arguments against ACL outpatient surgery have included the reluctance to use ambulatory, indwelling, intravenous pain-pump delivery systems for opioid pain medication. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a ketorolac tromethamine used for the management of the postoperative pain produced as a result of outpatient ACL reconstruction. When the ketorolac pain management regimen is compared in this setting with meperidine or morphine, pain control is as good as, or in some cases better than, either of the opioid drugs. Additionally, the adverse side effects associated with opioid drugs are significantly reduced at a substantially lower direct cost to the patient.     

A very low operation current InGaAsP/InP total internal reflectionoptical switch using p/n/p/n current blocking layers

A very low operation current (20 mA) has been achieved for the first time with an InGaAsP/InP total-internal-reflection optical switch. The optical switch is fabricated on an n⁺-InP substrate using p/n/p/n current blocking layers. This switch has a large effective contact area and is a self-aligned structure. This is a promising result for making optical integrated circuits     

Concrete/mortar water phase transition studied by single-point MRI methods

A total of 231 pigs were anesthetized and then scanned by DXA using a Lunar DPXL instrument. The weight of the pigs ranged from 5 to 97 kg (av. = 37.7 kg). Of the total, 98 pigs were scanned using the pediatric mode and 133 pigs were scanned using the adult mode. After scanning, the pigs were euthanized, the entire body homogenized by grinding, and analyzed chemically for fat, water, protein and total body mineral content. The mean value for the DXA total tissue mass (37.1 kg) was not significantly (P > 0.05, n = 231) different from the mean body weight. The mean DXA value for percent fat was 14.6 and was significantly less (P < 0.05) than the mean value (17.6%) measured by CHEM analysis. The greatest discrepancy occurred in pigs with < 15% body fat. From a prediction equation using the DXA R value [% fat = 493-349(DXA R value)], the DXA estimated percent fat was 18.0%, compared to 17.6% by CHEM analysis (P > 0.05). Using a prediction equation [g protein = -1.062 + 0.22(g DXA lean)], the DXA estimate for body protein content was 17.8%, compared to 17.1% (P < 0.05, n = 131) by CHEM analysis. The DXA estimate for body water content [g water = 508 + 0.74 (g DXA lean)] was 63.8%, compared to 62.6% (P < 0.05, n = 231) by CHEM analysis. The bone mineral content of 83 of the pigs measured by DXA was 2.40%, compared to 2.54% (P < 0.05, n = 83) estimated from CHEM analysis of total body ash [g bone mineral = g total body ash -0.0085(g DXA lean)].     

Chemiluminescence detection in integrated post-separation reactors for microchip-based capillary electrophoresis and affinity electrophoresis

Chemiluminescence (CL) detection based on the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) catalyzed reaction of luminol with peroxide was investigated as a post-separation detection scheme for microchip-based capillary electrophoresis. An integrated injector, separator and post-separation reactor was fabricated on planar glass wafers. The fluorescein conjugate of HRP (HRP-F1) was used as a sample for optimization of the CL detector response. In devices etched 10 microm deep, with an aluminum mirror integrated onto the backside of the detection zone to enhance collection efficiency, the detection limit, estimated at 3 standard deviations (SD) above background noise, for 1 nL injected sample plugs was 35 nM in HRP-F1. In devices etched 40 microm deep, 8 nL plugs gave a detection limit of 7 nM. Separation and CL detection of the products of an immunological reaction of a F(ab')2 fragment of the HRP conjugate of goat anti-mouse immunoglobulin G (IgG) with mouse IgG was performed on-chip. A linear calibration curve was obtained for the decrease in peak height of the HRP conjugate (53 microg/mL) with increasing mouse IgG (0-60 microg/mL). When microperoxidase was used as an internal standard, the R2 value of a linear least-squares fit was 0.9867, and the relative errors in the slope and intercept were +/- 5.8 and +/- 1.3 %, respectively.     

Control of Dongchimi Fermentation with Chitosan Deacetylated by Alkali Treatment to Prevent Over-Ripening

Abstract: Antimicrobial activities of chitosan against lactic acid bacteria were studied to apply for controlling dongchimi (whole-radish juicy kimchi) fermentation to prevent over-ripening. Antimicrobial activity of chitosan against lactic acid bacteria such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Lactobacillus plantarum was assayed at 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/L concentration in the medium. The addition of 40 mg/L of the chitosan prepared at 140 °C for 10 min showed strong inhibitory effect on the growth of L. mesenteroides and L. plantarum. The effects of addition of chitosan to dongchimi have also been studied during fermentation at different temperatures of 4, 10, and 20 °C. Addition of chitosan decreased markedly viable cell counts of lactic acid bacteria such as Leuconostoc spp. and Lactobacillus spp. at the initial stage. Subsequently the lactic acid bacteria recovered the growth to the same level as non-chitosan treated dongchimi. During the dongchimi fermentation, the addition of chitosan at larger quantity up to 1000 mg/L (CS1000) prolonged the palatable fermentation period. Addition of chitosan in the dongchimi seemed to inhibit the growth of lactic acid bacteria, thereby lowering the acid content. It, therefore, caused the shelf life to be extended and resulted in a prolonged palatable period for the dongchimi.