Mycobacteriosis caused by Mycobacterium genavense in birds kept in a zoo: 11-year survey

Nucleotide sequences encoding GroEL homologs of intracellular symbionts in three closely interrelated aphids were compared with one another and that for GroEL. It was suggested that in these proteins a particular position is highly susceptible to amino acid substitution, through which the GroEL homologs of symbionts seemed to have acquired a unique function on top of the activity as molecular chaperone. This may represent a rare example of non-neutral evolution of molecule under the positive selection pressure.     

Breathing of awake goats during prolonged dysfunction of caudal M ventrolateral medullary neurons

Recent scientific studies have demonstrated the efficacy of various forms of immunotherapy for the treatment of allergic diseases. Traditional subcutaneous immunotherapy, sublingual, oral, and intranasal immunotherapy have been shown to significantly reduce symptoms and favorably modulate the immune response. Outcome studies that use patient response data from standardized surveys represent the next challenge to all practicing allergists.     

Are serum human chorionic gonadotropin clearance curves of use in monitoring methotrexate treatment in cervical pregnancy?

Children with biotinidase deficiency usually exhibit symptoms at several months to years of age. We describe four children who had symptoms later in childhood or during adolescence; they had motor limb weakness, spastic paresis, and eye problems, such as loss of visual acuity and scotomata, rather than the more characteristic symptoms observed in young untreated children with the disorder. These older children each have different mutations, but they are the same as those of children who have exhibited symptoms at an early age. Biotinidase deficiency should be considered in older children who suddenly experience limb weakness and/or spastic paresis and eye symptoms.     

American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Exercise and fluid replacement

It is the position of the American College of Sports Medicine that adequate fluid replacement helps maintain hydration and, therefore, promotes the health, safety, and optimal physical performance of individuals participating in regular physical activity. This position statement is based on a comprehensive review and interpretation of scientific literature concerning the influence of fluid replacement on exercise performance and the risk of thermal injury associated with dehydration and hyperthermia. Based on available evidence, the American College of Sports Medicine makes the following general recommendations on the amount and composition of fluid that should be ingested in preparation for, during, and after exercise or athletic competition: 1) It is recommended that individuals consume a nutritionally balanced diet and drink adequate fluids during the 24-hr period before an event, especially during the period that includes the meal prior to exercise, to promote proper hydration before exercise or competition. 2) It is recommended that individuals drink about 500 ml (about 17 ounces) of fluid about 2 h before exercise to promote adequate hydration and allow time for excretion of excess ingested water. 3) During exercise, athletes should start drinking early and at regular intervals in an attempt to consume fluids at a rate sufficient to replace all the water lost through sweating (i.e., body weight loss), or consume the maximal amount that can be tolerated. 4) It is recommended that ingested fluids be cooler than ambient temperature [between 15 degrees and 22 degrees C (59 degrees and 72 degrees F])] and flavored to enhance palatability and promote fluid replacement. Fluids should be readily available and served in containers that allow adequate volumes to be ingested with ease and with minimal interruption of exercise. 5) Addition of proper amounts of carbohydrates and/or electrolytes to a fluid replacement solution is recommended for exercise events of duration greater than 1 h since it does not significantly impair water delivery to the body and may enhance performance. During exercise lasting less than 1 h, there is little evidence of physiological or physical performance differences between consuming a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink and plain water. 6) During intense exercise lasting longer than 1 h, it is recommended that carbohydrates be ingested at a rate of 30-60 g.h(-1) to maintain oxidation of carbohydrates and delay fatigue. This rate of carbohydrate intake can be achieved without compromising fluid delivery by drinking 600-1200 ml.h(-1) of solutions containing 4%-8% carbohydrates (g.100 ml(-1)). The carbohydrates can be sugars (glucose or sucrose) or starch (e.g., maltodextrin). 7) Inclusion of sodium (0.5-0.7 g.1(-1) of water) in the rehydration solution ingested during exercise lasting longer than 1 h is recommended since it may be advantageous in enhancing palatability, promoting fluid retention, and possibly preventing hyponatremia in certain individuals who drink excessive quantities of fluid. There is little physiological basis for the presence of sodium in n oral rehydration solution for enhancing intestinal water absorption as long as sodium is sufficiently available from the previous meal.     

Heterotopic ossification after cemented or uncemented bateman bipolar hemiarthroplasty

BACKGROUND: This is a retrospective study to evaluate the incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO) in cemented and uncemented femoral neck fractures treated with Bateman bipolar hemiarthroplasty. METHODS: From October 1985 to July 1990, there were 451 cases of displaced intracapsular fractures of the femoral neck treated with Bateman bipolar hemiarthroplasty (261 uncemented vs 190 cemented) at the Veterans General Hospital-Taipei. RESULTS: After an average follow-up of 46 months, there was more HO in the cemented group than in the uncemented group (p = 0.014, chi-squared test). The average surgical time was approximately 20 minutes longer and the average blood loss was approximately 160 ml more in the cemented Bateman bipolar hemiarthroplasty group. CONCLUSIONS: HO formation is more common in cemented Bateman bipolar hemiarthroplasty than in the uncemented procedure. The incidence of HO is not related to age or sex.     

On the source-identification method

The source identification method is a standard psychophysical procedure for studying the ability of listeners to localize the source of a sound. The method can be described in terms of a statistical model in which listeners' responses are determined by the width and bias of an internal distribution. This article presents a theoretical study of the method, particularly the relationships between the average experimental observables, rms error and variability, and parameters of the internal distribution. The theory is tested against source-identification experiments, both easy and difficult. Of particular interest is the experimental dependence of observable statistics on the number of sources in the stimulus array, compared with theoretical predictions. It is found that the model gives a good account of several systematic features seen in the experiments. The model leads to guidelines for the design and analysis of source-identification experiments.     

Psychosocial barriers to health promotion in an American Indian population

Northern Plains Indians (N = 200) completed the Indian Specific Health Risk Appraisal and measures assessing beliefs about risk factors and personal risk. Participants rated personal risk optimistically, judged their risk factor standing as superior to that of their peers, and neglected to consider risk factor standing when appraising personal risk. Moreover, participants were often not improving their standing on risk factors they considered relevant to their health. Such biases in health beliefs may prevent health interventions from being successful.     

Novel systems for controlled delivery of macromolecules

Gene therapy promises new treatments for human disease by alterations in the DNA content of tissues. Methods for efficient and stable introduction of genes into target cells in the body are critically important in this effort. Researchers and physicians now have many years of experience with synthetic polymers for controlled drug delivery; many of these polymers can also be used to deliver macromolecules at controlled rates to tissues. This article reviews the use of polymers in controlled protein delivery and suggests ways that polymer delivery systems may be useful in the delivery of gene transfer agents.