Intra- and inter-laboratory reproducibility of estrogen and progesterone receptor enzyme immunoassay in breast cancer cytosol samples--a Swedish multicenter study. Swedish Society of Cancer Study Group

Estrogen and progesterone receptor analysis results were compared within and between six laboratories in Sweden using frozen breast cancer cytosol samples, and the same technique (enzyme immunoassay, Abbott Laboratories). The concordance in receptor status (positive vs. negative) was excellent (98.4% (571/580)). The discordant results were attributable to values near cut-off (n = 4) or outliers (n = 5), the latter probably being due to analytical errors. One laboratory reported significantly higher ER concentrations than the others; thus caution should be observed when comparing absolute values from different centers. For PgR there were similar differences between the laboratories. However, the intra- and inter-laboratory differences were small compared with the overall variability in ER and PgR content between different samples in a large database. The range of the median intra-laboratory coefficient of variation was 11-23% for ER and 12-19% for PgR, indicating that there is room for improvement in the quality of assay performance.     

Ultrananocrystalline Diamond-Coated Microporous Silicon Nitride Membranes for Medical Implant Applications

Ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) exhibits excellent biological and mechanical properties, which make it an appropriate choice for promoting epidermal cell migration on the surfaces of percutaneous implants. We deposited a ~150 nm thick UNCD film on a microporous silicon nitride membrane using microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to examine the pore structure and chemical bonding of this material, respectively. Growth of human epidermal keratinocytes on UNCD-coated microporous silicon nitride membranes and uncoated microporous silicon nitride membranes was compared using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results show that the UNCD coating did not significantly alter the viability of human epidermal keratinocytes, indicating potential use of this material for improving skin sealing around percutaneous implants.     

Ovarian steroid manipulation of the antidipsogenic and thermogenic responses of rats to central administration of prostaglandin E?.

A study by the 1st and 4th authors (1983) showed that intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of prostaglandin E? (PGE?) increased arterial pressure, suppressed water intake, and elevated the core temperature of rats. Treatment of ovariectomized (OVX) rats with estradiol or progesterone resulted in an attenuation of the pressor response to PGE?. The present study examined the effects of daily subcutaneous injection of estradiol benzoate (1 μg), progesterone (5 mg), or oil vehicle on the antidipsogenic and thermogenic response to icv PGE? of OVX Long-Evans rats. The change of core temperature induced by the PGE treatment was significantly correlated with antidipsogenesis for OVX Ss receiving daily oil injections. Although neither the suppression of water intake nor the increase of core temperature in response to icv PGE? was significantly affected by ovarian steroid treatment, the linear relation between the thermogenic and antidisogenic actions of the icv PGE? was abolished by either estradiol or progesterone administration. Thus, although the pressor, antidipsogenic, and thermogenic effects of icv PGE? tend to occur together, they may be differentially affected by ovarian steroid administration, suggesting that the mechanisms underlying these varied effects of icv PGE? may be independent. (12 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An overview of Signaling System No.7

An overview of Signaling System No.7 (SS7) is presented. The salient features of SS7's network services part (NSP) are described. Functionally, NSP corresponds to the first three layers of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model. The signaling network structures that, in conjunction with the NSP, provide integrated services digital network (ISDN) nodes with a highly reliable and efficient means of exchanging signaling messages are discussed. The nodal capabilities of call control and remote process invocation and management, part of the SS7 user parts, are described. The very stringent performance requirements of signaling systems and their reflection on the critical nature of signaling functions and their real-time exigencies are discussed. The likely evolution of network signaling in the remaining years of the 20th century is discussed     

Quantitative determination of albumin dimer in albumin preparations by combined starch-gel electrophoresis and immunoprecipitation

A method is described for albumin dimer determination. The method is based upon an electrophoretic separation of albumin dimer from the monomer in starch gel with a subsequent immunochemical diffusion and precipitation of the albumin components in agarose gel containing antibodies. The precipitation zones are measured and compared iwth those of albumin monomer standards. A factor for converting monomer to dimer has furthermore been established.     

In search of the comfortable indoor environment: A comparison of the utility of objective and subjective indicators of indoor comfort

Today, many procedures for assessing the indoor environment rely on both subjective and objective indicators (e.g. ANSI/ASHRAE 55-2004; ISO 10551). It is however unclear how these two types of measurements are related to perceived comfort. This article aims at assessing the relative utility of subjective (rating scale measures) and objective indicators of perceived comfort of indoor environments. In a hospital setting, physical environmental variables (e.g. temperature, relative humidity and noise level) were simultaneously measured as respondents (both patients and staff) rated their perception of the indoor environment. Regression analyses indicated that the subjective sensory ratings were significantly better than objective indicators at predicting overall rated indoor comfort. These results are discussed in relation to existing measurement procedures and standards.     

Benign and malignant pediatric scrotal masses

Pediatric patients presenting with painless scrotal masses can be perplexing because of the long differential diagnosis. A careful plan based on the physical examination and sonogram findings localizes the mass to the testis or an extratesticular location. Sonography distinguishes solid from cystic lesions. Subsequent management is based on the location and nature of the mass. Intratesticular masses are assumed to be malignant, but testis-sparing surgery is possible in pediatric patients. Extratesticular cystic lesions are likely benign and are managed according to the specific diagnosis. Solid extratesticular lesions require exploration to establish the correct diagnosis.