The Lp-X test and the determination of total gammaglutamyltransferase activity (GGT), its isoenzyme activities (GGT-1 and GGT-2) and the bile acids have been performed in sera obtained from 66 patients with and without cholestasis. The sensitivity of the Lp-X test as an indicator for cholestasis appeared to be 89% with a specificity of 94%. With the exception of GGT-2 activity, the mean values of total GGT, GGT-1 isoenzyme and bile acids differed significantly between the cholestasis positive and negative groups. The diagnostic use of total GGT, isoenzymes and bile acids in the differentiation between intrahepatic cholestasis and extrahepatic biliary obstruction has been investigated. The GGT-1 isoenzyme activity appeared to be the only parameter differing significantly between the two forms of cholestasis.

Bile Acids and Salts↗

PubMed1980

Analog computer monitoring and evaluation of a dosing nomogram for gentamicin based on the c'min-method: Part I.

Present methods for dosing gentamicin are based on usual doses or desired peak concentrations. The effective range is believed to be between 3 and 10 micrograms/ml. A method is proposed to maintain the minimum steady state concentration at a desired MIC with peak concentrations not exceeding 10 microgram/ml. After determination of the log serum creatinine-log creatinine clearance relationship in a specific population group (Peruvian mestizos), a nomogram for dosing gentamicin was developed. The applicability of the nomogram or the corresponding equation upon which the nomogram was based was tested in patients for desired MIC of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 microgram/ml, and the actual c'min values obtained were compared with predicted levels. Using a correction factor, the nomogram is applicable for the United State and European population. The importance of drug level monitoring is emphasized.

Computers, Analog↗

PubMed1980

Analog computer monitoring and evaluation of a dosing nomogram for gentamicin based on the C'min-method, part II.

Present methods for dosing gentamicin are based on usual doses or desired peak concentrations. The effective range is believed to be between 3 and 10 micrograms/ml. A method is proposed to maintain the minimum steady state concentration at a desired MIC with peak concentrations not exceeding 10 micrograms/ml. After determination of the log serum creatinine-log creatinine clearance relationship in a specific population group (Peruvian mestizos), a nomogram for dosing gentamicin was developed. The applicability of the nomogram or the corresponding equation upon which the nomogram was based was tested in patients for desired MIC of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 micrograms/ml, and the actual c'min values obtained were compared with predicted levels. Using a correction factor, the nomogram is applicable for the United States and European population. The importance of drug level monitoring is emphasized.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1979

A study of alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme electrophoresis on cellulose acetate compared with agar, agarose and acrylamide in the presence or absence of triton X-100.

The application of Triton X-100 in cellulose acetate electrophoresis and its effects on the separation of serum alkaline phosphatases is described. The cellulose acetate electrophoretic patterns of serum alkaline phosphatase found in liver and bone disease have been compared with the patterns found in agar, agarose, and polyacrylamide gel in the presence and absence of Triton X-100 and the differences described and discussed. Changes in the alkaline phosphatase electrophoretic pattern and the effects on certain electrophoretic variants have been noted following addition of Triton X-100 to all parts of the system.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed1978

[Syphilitic hepatitis (author's transl)].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Developmental effects of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and material hardship among inner-city children.

Because of the growing concern that exposures to airborne pollutants have adverse effects on fetal growth and early childhood neurodevelopment, and the knowledge that such exposures are more prevalent in disadvantaged populations, we assessed the joint impact of prenatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and material hardship on the 2-year cognitive development of inner-city children, adjusted for other sociodemographic risks and chemical exposures. The purpose was to evaluate the neurotoxicant effects of ETS among children experiencing different degrees of socioeconomic disadvantage, within a minority population. The sample did not include children exposed to active maternal smoking in the prenatal period. Results showed significant adverse effects of prenatal residential ETS exposure and the level of material hardship on 2-year cognitive development, as well as a significant interaction between material hardship and ETS, such that children with both ETS exposure and material hardship exhibited the greatest cognitive deficit. In addition, children with prenatal ETS exposure were twice as likely to be classified as significantly delayed, as compared with nonexposed children. Postnatal ETS exposure in the first 2 years of life did not contribute independently to the risk of developmental delay, over and above the risk posed by prenatal ETS exposure. The study concluded that prenatal exposure to ETS in the home has a negative impact on 2-year cognitive development, and this effect is exacerbated under conditions of material hardship in this urban minority sample.

Child↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A novel applicator for low-dose-rate brachytherapy of gynecological cancers.

The standard low-dose-rate (LDR) delivery system utilized in the definitive management of patients with cervical carcinoma involves an intrauterine tandem and a pair of vaginal colpostats (ovoids). This well-known application system may deliver inadequate dosage if the tumor extends to the lower vaginal mucosa. During the gauze packing of the ovoids, either operator error or narrowing of the vaginal apex can result in mal-alignment of the colpostats and subsequent inadequate dosing to the ecto-cervix. A novel vaginal cylinder has been designed to address these concerns. Beginning January 1, 2001, patients with cancer of the cervix, endometrium, or vagina requiring LDR brachytherapy have been enrolled into an institutionally sanctioned clinical trial. As of May 31, 2001, a total of 11 patients have been entered but only 10 were successfully implanted with the test device. Patient follow-up has ranged from 0.81 years to 1.2 years (median: 0.96 years). Using our study applicator, all patients received within 10% of the preimplant prescribed dose to tumor. Also, no one had cumulative dosage that exceeded 10% of the maximum allowed dose to the critical normal tissues. Thus far, all study patients have had no clinical evidence of persistence/recurrence of disease or complications from treatment. The preliminary results presented herein clearly demonstrate the feasibility of this novel LDR vaginal cylinder in the treatment of a variety of clinical situations involving gynecological cancers. Our institutional trial is continuing.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cultivation and characterization of stable Leishmania guyanensis complex axenic amastigotes derived from infected U937 cells.

The study of the differential regulation of several genes, in both Leishmania parasite life cycle forms, has been simplified by the development of in vitro axenic amastigote culture. Different reports have described extracellular amastigote production and maintenance from several Leishmania spp. A general approach to induce amastigote-like transformation includes progressive pH and temperature changes. Production of axenic amastigotes in continuous cultures using amastigotes recovered from macrophages is described in this report. Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis (M/HOM/PA/71/LS94) and Leishmania (V). guyanensis (M/HOM/BR/75/M4147) intracellular amastigotes were recovered from the human macrophage-like U937 cell line previously infected with promastigotes. The parasites were immediately adapted for growth and kept as axenic amastigotes at 34 degrees C and acidic pH. These organisms were able to infect macrophage cell lines, maintain amastigote morphologic features, and express stage-specific transcripts. The relevance of axenic amastigotes in characterizing virulence factors in American leishmaniasis is discussed.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The PACE program in Otisville.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Epidemiology of hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease in the central region of Cuba].

INTRODUCTION: Cerebrovascular diseases are the third most important cause of death in Cuba. Among the programmes given priority by the Cuban Ministry of Public Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), hemorrhagic disorders are the most lethal . OBJECTIVE: To determine the behaviour of hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease in the central region of Cuba. PATIENTS AND METHODS: . An exploratory, descriptive, retrospective study in which 1,401 clinical histories were reviewed. The variables being investigated were then processed using the computer data processor EPINFO 6.0 to determine the mean, standard deviation and chi squared. RESULTS: An annual incidence rate of 84.03 per 100,000 persons was seen for hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease; 54.16 and 29.86 per 100,000 persons respectively for intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage; and total mortality of 68.95%. The disorder was associated with possible meteorological factors and the highest percentage was due to intracerebral hemorrhage with 64.45%. Arterial hypertension was the most intensely studied risk marker (p< 0.01). Most cases were elderly (p< 0.001). Surgical treatment was given to 81 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, with a predominance of malformations of the middle and anterior cerebral arteries. Treatment was based on depletion using Manitol and calcium antagonists. A considerable number of patients required mechanical ventilation and vaso active drug support. Most were attended in Intermediate Polyvalent Treatment Units and the main complication was sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high mortality from hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease in the central region of Cuba, and once the diagnosis has been made the prognosis is usually poor. The patients included in the programme of attention for subarachnoid haemorrhage showed promising results.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Respiratory arrest after 0.75% bupivacaine retrobulbar block.

Respiratory arrest is an uncommon complication of retrobulbar anesthesia. We present a case in which it occurred following a 0.75% bupivacaine and 2% lidocaine retrobulbar block and analyze the possible causes. We conclude that the most important of these were the relatively high concentration and volume of the anesthetic and a faulty technique.

Aged↗