Surface analysis using a new plasma assisted desorption/ionisation source for mass spectrometry in ambient air

The authors report on a modified micro-plasma assisted desorption/ionisation (PADI) device which creates plasma through the breakdown of ambient air rather than utilising an independent noble gas flow. This new micro-PADI device is used as an ion source for ambient mass spectrometry to analyse species released from the surfaces of polytetrafluoroethylene, and generic ibuprofen and paracetamol tablets through remote activation of the surface by the plasma. The mass spectra from these surfaces compare favourably to those produced by a PADI device constructed using an earlier design and confirm that the new ion source is an effective device which can be used to achieve ambient mass spectrometry with improved spatial resolution.     

High speed two-dimensional optical beam position detector

Disclosed is the design of a high speed two-dimensional optical beam position detector which outputs the X and Y displacement and total intensity linearly. The experimental detector measures the displacement from DC to 123 MHz and the intensity of an optical spot in a similar way as a conventional quadrant photodiode detector. The design uses four discrete photodiodes and simple dedicated optics for the position decomposition which enables higher spatial accuracy and faster electronic processing than conventional detectors. Measurements of the frequency response and the spatial sensitivity demonstrate high suitability for atomic force microscopy, scanning probe data storage applications, and wideband wavefront sensing. The operation principle allows for position measurements up to 20 GHz and more in bandwidth.     

The indoor environment and the integrated design of homes for older people with dementia

There are currently about 6 million – mainly older – people with dementia in the European Union. With ageing, a number of sensory changes occur. Dementia syndrome exacerbates the effects of these sensory changes and alters perception of stimuli. People with dementia have an altered sensitivity for indoor environmental conditions, which can induce problematic behaviour with burdensome symptoms to both the person with dementia and the family carer. This paper, based on literature review, provides an overview of the indoor environmental parameters, as well as the integrated design and implementation of relevant building systems. The overview is presented in relation to the intrinsic ageing of senses, the responses of older people with dementia and the impact on other relevant stakeholders through the combined use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and the Model of Integrated Building Design. Results are presented as indicators of the basic value, functional value and economic value, as well as a synthesis of building-related solutions. Results can help designers and building services engineers to create optimal environmental conditions inside the living environments for people with dementia, and can be used to raise awareness among health care professionals about of the influence of the indoor environment on behaviour of the person with dementia.     

Ketorolac tromethamine in the maintenance of intraoperative mydriasis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Mydriatics and antiprostaglandins are routinely applied preoperatively to facilitate the aspiration of cortical material during extracapsular cataract surgery and to prevent intraoperative miosis. Unfortunately, the ideal antiprostaglandin has yet to be introduced. This study represents the first prospective, case-controlled, randomized, masked, clinical trial comparing the efficacy of oral ketorolac tromethamine (KT) with the efficacy of topical flurbiprofen sodium (FS) and a placebo (normal saline) in maintaining intraoperative mydriasis without adrenaline in the irrigation solution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-three patients, undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, were randomly divided into three equal groups. Group 1 received 20 mg of oral KT 2 hours prior to surgery, group 2 received 0.03% FS topical solution at the recommended dosage, and group 3 received topical normal saline in a regimen identical to that of group 2. Identical mydriatics were used in both groups. The patients' pupils were measured at five stages of surgery. RESULTS: The mean pupillary diameters at each surgical stage were greater in group 1 than in group 2; however, the difference was not statistically significant. The pupils in group 3 were significantly smaller than those of group 1 or group 2 (P < .05). No systemic toxicity to KT was observed. Moreover, the need for additional postoperative analgesics was significantly greater in groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Oral KT is safe, convenient, and as effective as topical FS, and has the added advantage of reducing postoperative pain.     

The acupuncture of biologically active points in the treatment of primary corneal stromal dystrophies

New trends in surgical treatment of purulent tendovaginitis of the hand are described on the basis of clinical data of 295 patients with purulent tendovaginitis and its complications. A sparing operation technique was used as well as the fractional bathing of the purulent focus and regional antibacterial therapy at the postoperative period. This method of surgical treatment resulted in a shorter first stage of inflammation, less risk of complications (dermatogenic contracture, limited mobility in the joints of the fingers and toes, trophoneurotic disturbances) and less influence of injurious factors on the tendon in the process of treatment.     

Interaction of L-glutamic acid with human T-lymphocytes

A specific interaction of [3H]Glu with T lymphocytes from the blood of healthy donors (Kd = 0.236 microM) was revealed and described. It was found that unlabeled quisqualate, a structural analogue of L-glutamic acid, and unlabeled dipeptides Ala-Glu, Glu-Ala, and Glu-Glu competitively inhibit the specific binding of [3H]Glu to T lymphocytes (with Ki 0.19, 2.4, 3.4, and 1.2 microM, respectively). Binding experiments with conjugates of labeled and unlabeled glutamic acid with dextran showed that the receptors of [3H]Glu are localized on the outer surface of the plasma membrane of T lymphocytes.     

Expression of bovine beta-lactoglobulin/human erythropoietin fusion protein in the milk of transgenic mice and rabbits

We have generated several transgenic mouse lines and rabbits expressing efficiently (up to 0.3 mg/ml in mice and up to 0.5 mg/ml in rabbits) human erythropoietin in their milk as bovine beta-lactoglobulin fusion protein. Human erythropoietin cDNA was inserted in frame into exon 5 of the bovine beta-lactoglobulin gene with a linker oligonucleotide encoding the cleavage site for bacterial IgA protease. RNA analysis performed on one lactating transgenic mouse and one transgenic rabbit revealed that the fusion gene was expressed almost exlusively in the mammary gland, although low amounts of transgene-derived RNA were detectable in salivary glands and uterus or in the kidney. The fusion protein was specifically cleaved with IgA protease. The erythropoietin part obtained upon digestion had a lower molecular mass than recombinant erythropoietin produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells. By deglycosylation analysis it was shown that the difference in size was due to a different type of glycosylation. Biological activity of the fusion protein, as determined by growth stimulation of TF-1 erythroleukemia cells, was less than 15% of that of human recombinant erythropoietin. Upon digestion of the fusion protein with IgA protease, biological activity comparable to that of the recombinant erythropoietin was recovered. Transgenic males and virgin females did not show signs of enhanced erythropoiesis, but lactating females expressing the transgene displayed transient increases in their hematocrit values.     

The use of immunomodulators in the surgical treatment of complicated gastric disease

While examination of 83 patients it was established that in the presence of complicated gastric and duodenal ulcer disease the secondary immune deficiency is developing, which deepens after the surgical intervention conduction. Tiotriazolin, promoting the immune system state and the blood biochemistry indexes normalization, the immune system state and the blood biochemistry indexes stimulation, hemopoiesis stimulation, the treatment results improvement, was applied for immunomodulation.