Cyanoacrylate glue in socket repair: a comparative study.

This study aimed to compare socket repair with Nylon 5-0 suture and closure using cyanoacrylate biological glue after tooth extraction. Twenty male Wistar rats, each weighing approximately 200 g were submitted to the extraction of the right and left first molar teeth. On the right side, the alveolus was closed with 2 ethyl-cyanoacrylate glue, whereas on the left side closure was with a single interrupted Nylon 5-0 suture (Ethilon). The animals were sacrificed after 3, 7, 15, and 30 postoperative days, and images of histological sections of the alveolus were captured for analysis. Histomorphometry was performed using Image J software to quantify bone neoformation in the alveolus. The results showed that on the seventh postoperative day the side treated with 2-ethyl-cyanoacrylate presented a delay in relation to the sutured side. However, on days 15 and 30, the difference in bone neoformation between gradually decreased until the thirtieth postoperative day, with no significant difference in bone neoformation in the last period of analysis. There was no difference between neoformation in the two sides (p = 0.902) after statistical analysis of the histomorphometric results. In conclusion, socket repair after alveolus closure with 2-ethyl-cyanoacrylate allows complete bone neoformation after tooth extraction, and there is no significant difference when compared with closure with Nylon 5-0.

An intra-operative feature-based classification of microelectrode recordings to support the subthalamic nucleus functional identification during deep brain stimulation surgery.

Objective. The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is the most selected target for the placement of the Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) electrode to treat Parkinson's disease. Its identification is a delicate and challenging task which is based on the interpretation of the STN functional activity acquired through microelectrode recordings (MERs). Aim of this work is to explore the potentiality of a set of 25 features to build a classification model for the discrimination of MER signals belonging to the STN.Approach.We explored the use of different sets of spike-dependent and spike-independent features in combination with an ensemble trees classification algorithm on a dataset composed of 13 patients receiving bilateral DBS. We compared results from six subsets of features and two dataset conditions (with and without standardization) using performance metrics on a leave-one-patient-out validation schema.Main results.We obtained statistically better results (i.e. higher accuracyp-value = 0.003) on the RAW dataset than on the standardized one, where the selection of seven features using a minimum redundancy maximum relevance algorithm provided a mean accuracy of 94.1%, comparable with the use of the full set of features. In the same conditions, the spike-dependent features provided the lowest accuracy (86.8%), while a power density-based index was shown to be a good indicator of STN activity (92.3%).Significance.Results suggest that a small and simple set of features can be used for an efficient classification of MERs to implement an intraoperative support for clinical decision during DBS surgery.

Oral saline consumption and pressor responses to acute physical stress.

Sodium induced volume loading may alter pressor responses to physical stress, an early symptom of cardiovascular disease. PURPOSE: Study 1: Determine the time point where total blood volume and serum sodium were elevated following saline consumption. Study 2: Examine the BP response to isometric handgrip (HG) and the cold pressor test (CPT) following saline consumption. METHODS: Study 1: Eight participants drank 423 mL of normal saline (sodium 154 mmol/L) and had blood draws every 30 min for 3 h. Study 2: Sixteen participants underwent two randomized data collection visits; a control and experimental visit 90 min following saline consumption. Participants underwent 2 min of isometric HG, post exercise ischemia (PEI), and CPT. RESULTS: Study 1: Total blood volume (3.8 ± 3.0 Δ%) and serum sodium (3.5 ± 3.6 Δ%) were elevated (P < 0.05) by the 90 min time point. Study 2: There were no differences in mean arterial pressure (MAP) during HG (EXP: 17.4 ± 8.2 ΔmmHg; CON: 19.1 ± 6.0 ΔmmHg), PEI (EXP: 16.9 ± 11.7 ΔmmHg; CON: 16.9 ± 7.8 ΔmmHg), or the CPT (EXP: 20.3 ± 10.8 ΔmmHg; CON: 20.9 ± 11.7 ΔmmHg) between conditions (P > 0.05). MAP recovery from the CPT was slower following saline consumption (1 min recovery: EXP; 15.7 ± 7.9 ΔmmHg, CON; 12.3 ± 8.9 ΔmmHg, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Data showed no difference in cardiovascular responses during HG or the CPT between conditions. BP recovery was delayed by saline consumption following the CPT.

Characterization of Microelectrode Recordings for the Subthalamic Nucleus identification in Parkinson's disease.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease, when the pharmacological approach has no more effect. DBS efficacy strongly depends on the accurate localization of the STN and the adequate positioning of the stimulation electrode during DBS stereotactic surgery. During this procedure, the analysis of microelectrode recordings (MER) is fundamental to assess the correct localization. Therefore, in this work, we explore different signal feature types for the characterization of the MER signals associated to STN from NON-STN structures. We extracted a set of spike-dependent (action potential domain) and spike-independent features in the time and frequency domain to evaluate their usefulness in distinguishing the STN from other structures. We discuss the results from a physiological and methodological point of view, showing the superiority of features having a direct electrophysiological interpretation.Clinical Relevance- The identification of a simple, clinically interpretable, and powerful set of features for the STN localization would support the clinical positioning of the DBS electrode, improving the treatment outcome.

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific to the activated ras p21 with aspartic acid at position 13.

The ras proto-oncogenes encode membrane bound proteins (p21) which are structurally distinct from the proteins encoded by the activated transforming ras genes. These activated ras genes have been identified in various human tumors as well as their preneoplastic lesions such as colorectal tumors (20-40%), pancreatic carcinomas (95%), lung carcinomas (20-30%), myelodysplasia (40%) and acute myeloid leukemia (30%). The activation of ras p21 is due to amino acid substitutions at positions 12, 13 or 61 of the p21 protein. This report describes two monoclonal antibodies designated D129 and D146 raised against a synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acids 5-16 of ras p21 activated by the substitution of aspartic acid for glycine at position 13. D129 and D146 react specifically with the peptide with the aspartic acid substitution at position 13, but not with the peptide with valine at position 13 or the peptide containing the normal glycine at position 13. Western blot analysis demonstrates that D129 and D146 react specifically with p21 extracted from transformed NIH3T3 fibroblast lines containing aspartic acid at position 13. These studies also demonstrate that D146 is able to detect the activated p21 with aspartic acid at position 13 that is shed into the culture media. Studies demonstrate that MAb D146 specifically immunoprecipitates the cellular p21 with aspartic acid at position 13 from transformed NIH3T3 cells, whereas D129 cannot immunoprecipitate the activated p21. Using a sandwich ELISA format, D146 is able to detect the p21 with position 13 aspartic acid from cell extracts and culture fluids. The ability of D146 to function in the ELISA format raises the possibility that this assay maybe a quick and effective way of determining the presence of activated p21 with aspartic acid at position 13 in human fluids and tissues.

Activated Val-12 ras p21 in cell culture fluids and mouse plasma.

Activation of ras oncogenes has been associated with a variety of cancers as well as their precursor lesions. Ras proteins activated by substitutions at amino acid positions 12, 13 or 61 have not been identified in normal tissues and therefore their detection may have clinical value. In this study our objective was to determine whether activated ras proteins could be released into the extracellular environment. To test this hypothesis, we used ras-transformed NIH3T3 cells that express an activated p21 containing valine (Val-12 p21) at position 12 instead of the normal glycine (Gly-12 p21) and a monoclonal antibody (mAb) designated DWP that is specific for the activated Val-12 ras proteins. Culture fluids collected from NIH3T3 cells transformed by the activated Val-12 p21 were shown, using mAb DWP in a sandwich ELISA format, to contain the activated Val-12 p21. In contrast, culture fluids from non-Val-12-containing cells were unreactive with mAb DWP. PSV-LM-EJ cells which overexpress the activated Val-12 p21 were injected subcutaneously (SQ) into nude mice to produce tumors. At the time of gross tumor appearance (14-21 days after tumor cell inoculation), plasma was collected from the PSV-LM-EJ tumor-bearing mice as well as from a series of control mice. Employing mAb DWP as a detection reagent in the sandwich ELISA format, we were able to detect the Val-12 p21 in the plasma of the PSV-LM-EJ tumor-bearing mice. Activated Val-12 p21 was not present in the plasma of non-tumor-bearing mice, or in the plasma of mice bearing SQ tumors composed of non-Val-12 p21 ras-transformed cells. This report is the first description of an activated ras protein (Val-12 p21) in the plasma of tumor-bearing mice and demonstrates that the results of the Val-12 p21-specific ELISA could be validated with Western blot format.

Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus replication and growth advantage of CD4+ T cells and monocytes derived from CD34+ cells transduced with an intracellular antibody directed against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat.

Current clinical gene therapy protocols for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection involve the ex vivo transduction and expansion of CD4+ T cells derived from HIV-positive patients at a late stage in their disease (CD4+ cell count <400 cells/mm3). We examined the efficiency of transduction and transgene expression in adult bone marrow (BM)- and umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived CD34+ cells induced to differentiate into T cells and monocytes in vitro with an MuLV-based vector encoding the neomycin resistance gene and an intracellular antibody directed against the Tat protein of HIV-1 (sFvtat1-Ckappa). The expression of the marker gene and the effects of antiviral construct on subsequent challenge with monocytotropic and T cell-tropic HIV-1 isolates were monitored in vitro in purified T cells and monocytes generated in culture from the transduced CD34+ cells. Transduction efficiencies of CD34+ cells ranged between 22 and 27%. Differentiation of CD34+ cells into T cells or monocytes was not significantly altered by the transduction process. HIV-1 replication in monocytes and CD4+ T cells derived from CD34+ cells transduced with the intracellular antibody gene was significantly reduced in comparison with the degree of HIV replication seen in monocytes and CD4+ T cells derived from CD34+ cells transduced with the neomycin resistance gene alone. Further, T cells and monocytes derived from CD34+ cells transduced with the intracellular antibody gene were demonstrated to express the sFvtat1-Ckappa transgene by RT-PCR and had a selective growth advantage in cultures that had been challenged with HIV-1. These data demonstrate that sFvtat1-Ckappa inhibits HIV-1 replication in T cells and monocytes developing from CD34+ cells and supports the continuing development of a stem cell gene therapy for the treatment of HIV-1 infection.

Association of contaminated gloves with transmission of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus var. anitratus in an intensive care unit.

PURPOSE: Acinetobacter calcoaceticus var. anitratus is an important nosocomial pathogen that has been associated with environmental reservoirs. An increased isolation rate of A. anitratus in our intensive care units (ICUs), from 0.03% (two of 7,800) to 0.5% (seven of 1,300) (p less than 0.00003), prompted an investigation. PATIENTS, METHODS, AND RESULTS: Ten patients were admitted to the surgical ICU and nine to the medical ICU during the outbreak period (late December 1987 to January 1988). Controls were all patients on the units who were not infected or colonized with the transmitted strain of A. anitratus. Three patients had A. anitratus pneumonia. A throat culture prevalence survey demonstrated three patients colonized with A. anitratus. Cases were placed in a cohort and symptomatic cases treated. An epidemiologic investigation was conducted to identify reservoirs and modes of transmission. Latex gloves were being used for universal precautions without routine changing of gloves between patients. Environmental sources culture-positive for A. antitratus included a small volume medication nebulizer and gloves in use for patient care. Plasmid typing showed that plasmid profiles of isolates from two symptomatic patients, two colonized patients, the nebulizer, and the gloves were identical. Other A. anitratus ICU isolates had distinct plasmid profiles. All patients with the transmitted strain had been in the surgical ICU. The need for changing gloves between patients and contaminated body sites was reinforced. CONCLUSION: Gloves, used incorrectly for universal precautions, may potentially transmit A. anitratus.

An air photo analysis of an airplane crash.

Crash patterns-such as cut and damaged vegetation, gouges, debris scatter, burn areas, etc.,-and their spatial relations can be very effectively evaluated by the analysis of stereo aerial photographs. Results from the Canadian Aviation Safety Board's use of aerial photography in the Gander, Nfld., crash of Dec. 12, 1985, show that the technique can lend direct support to an investigation in several ways. It provides an overall perspective view of the regional relations of the crash patterns. It helps direct ground activities. In three-covered areas, it can help establish aircraft attitude and orientation. When combined with debris plots and attitude determinations, it can help establish the breakup sequence. And, when coupled to photogrammetric procedures, it can assign dimensional values to attitude, descent path, areas, lengths, etc.

Inflammatory bowel disease. 1. Origins, presentation, and course.

The exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease remains undiscovered, but its destructive nature is clearly recognized. In this article, the authors summarize what is known about the pathogenesis and epidemiology of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and how to distinguish between the two, both clinically and pathologically. They also describe disorders that may mimic inflammatory bowel disease. In part 2 of this article, beginning on page 86, the authors discuss some of the therapeutic options that are the commonly used as well as some that are investigational but show promise for patients with this chronic and relapsing disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease. 2. Current and future therapeutic options.

The exact source of interference with the normal protective immune response in patients with inflammatory bowel disease remains unclear. Infectious causes have been proposed, and the increased incidence among family members indicates genetic predisposition. No matter what the pathogenesis may be, the disease is chronic, recurrent, and destructive in many cases. Conventional therapy with 5-ASAs, corticosteroids, immunomodulating agents, methotrexate, and antibiotics often offers relief. However, adverse effects accompany long-term use of many of these agents, so follow-up is important. Much investigation of alternative methods is under way, and anecdotal as well as published experience suggests benefits in at least some patients. Because of the chronic nature of their condition, patients with inflammatory bowel disease often become quite sophisticated in their understanding of treatment methods. Therefore, they should be told of updates regarding new options for disease control. We recommend that patients be seen periodically by a gastroenterologist who has expertise in inflammatory bowel disease, even when the disease is quiescent. Our experience in observing these patients over time strongly supports use of some of the agents discussed in this article for prophylaxis against flares and chronic inflammation.

Expirical relationships among heat stress indices in 14 hot industries.

This study develops empirical relationships between several indices of heat stress derived from a series of studies in 14 representative, hot industries. With particular emphasis on Wet Bulb-Globe Temperature, the analysis verifies and supplements certain relationships between heat stress indices developed by other investigators. Because of its large industrial data base, the study also provides a reliable basis for interrelating heat stress indices in future standard-setting procedures.

Procedure-related abdominal discomfort in patients undergoing colorectal cancer screening: a comparison of colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine if there was a difference in procedure-related abdominal discomfort or willingness to return for subsequent screening examinations between patients undergoing colonoscopy and those undergoing flexible sigmoidoscopy. METHODS: Two groups were compared: patients referred for screening flexible sigmoidoscopy and patients referred for screening colonoscopy. All patients were asymptomatic for colorectal cancer. Four university-based gastroenterologists performed all procedures. Patients received conscious sedation for colonoscopy but not for flexible sigmoidoscopy. A research nurse blinded to the procedure performed and the study purpose administered a standardized telephone questionnaire assessing and quantifying peri-procedural discomfort. RESULTS: A cohort of 466 patients underwent screening examinations, and 87% were contacted subsequent to their examination. Procedure-related discomfort, postprocedural discomfort, or discomfort at either of these two times ("peri-procedural discomfort") occurred in 28% (68/243), 14% (34/243), and 36% (88/243) of patients undergoing colonoscopy, respectively. Procedure-related discomfort, postprocedural discomfort, or discomfort at either of these two times occurred in 58% (94/162), 16% (26/162), and 62% (100/162) of patients undergoing flexible sigmoidoscopy, respectively. Peri-procedural discomfort was significantly more common in patients undergoing flexible sigmoidoscopy than with colonoscopy (p < 0.0005). Patients undergoing screening colonoscopy were more willing to undergo the procedure again than those undergoing screening flexible sigmoidoscopy (p < 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing screening colonoscopy with conscious sedation are less likely to experience peri-procedural discomfort than those undergoing screening flexible sigmoidoscopy. Although most patients are willing to undergo subsequent screening examinations, patients undergoing screening colonoscopy are significantly more willing to undergo a subsequent examination than those undergoing screening flexible sigmoidoscopy.

An improved method for monitoring heat stress levels in the workplace.

Studies in 15 industries revealed characteristic empirical relationships between workplace environmental conditions and outside weather conditions. These relationships, expressed in the form of predictive models for Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, can be used to estimate WBGT from weather forecasts, weather reports, or current meterorological measurements.

Intoxicación por veneno paralizante de moluscos (marea roja) / Intoxication by paralysing shellfish venom (red tide)

Con el objeto de difundir el conocimiento e importancia de las intoxicaciones por veneno paralizante de moluscos, llamado también intoxicación por "marea roja", se comunica la evolución clínica, criterios de diagnóstico y terapéutica de los 18 casos atendidos en Trelew, durante el verano 1984-1985. Esta intoxicación, en la Argentina se presentó en el área de la Península Valdez, por primera vez en 1980; la segunda oportunidad es este brote que se comunica también en las costas del Chubut. Los moluscos bivalvos ingeridos fueron mejillones (Mytilus platensis) contaminados con toxina producida por el dinoflagelado Gonyaulax excavata, causante de esta "marea roja". Dado que esta área es una de las principales proveedoras de moluscos bivalvos de nuestro país, y que los moluscos contaminados e intoxicantes no presentaron ninguna característica física ni organoléptica diferente a los no contaminados, es imprescindible el conocimiento de la existencia y la posible gravedad de esta intoxicación. Todos los pacientes concurrieron en forma inmediata al presentarse los síntomas, en ningún caso después de las 2 horas de la ingesta de moluscos, que posteriormente se demostró que contenían toxina. El síntoma común a todos los pacientes fue parestesia peribucal. Intoxicación grave con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda presentaron 5 de los pacientes, 2 demandaron asistencia respiratoria mecánica y los 3 restantes fallecieron antes de poder ser asistidos de esta manera; 1 falleció a pesar de la asistencia respiratoria mecánica

Intoxicación por veneno paralizante de moluscos (marea roja) / Intoxication by paralysing shellfish venom (red tide)

Con el objeto de difundir el conocimiento e importancia de las intoxicaciones por veneno paralizante de moluscos, llamado también intoxicación por "marea roja", se comunica la evolución clínica, criterios de diagnóstico y terapéutica de los 18 casos atendidos en Trelew, durante el verano 1984-1985. Esta intoxicación, en la Argentina se presentó en el área de la Península Valdez, por primera vez en 1980; la segunda oportunidad es este brote que se comunica también en las costas del Chubut. Los moluscos bivalvos ingeridos fueron mejillones (Mytilus platensis) contaminados con toxina producida por el dinoflagelado Gonyaulax excavata, causante de esta "marea roja". Dado que esta área es una de las principales proveedoras de moluscos bivalvos de nuestro país, y que los moluscos contaminados e intoxicantes no presentaron ninguna característica física ni organoléptica diferente a los no contaminados, es imprescindible el conocimiento de la existencia y la posible gravedad de esta intoxicación. Todos los pacientes concurrieron en forma inmediata al presentarse los síntomas, en ningún caso después de las 2 horas de la ingesta de moluscos, que posteriormente se demostró que contenían toxina. El síntoma común a todos los pacientes fue parestesia peribucal. Intoxicación grave con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda presentaron 5 de los pacientes, 2 demandaron asistencia respiratoria mecánica y los 3 restantes fallecieron antes de poder ser asistidos de esta manera; 1 falleció a pesar de la asistencia respiratoria mecánica (AU)