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At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Modified ultrafiltration attenuates dilutional coagulopathy in pediatric open heart operations.

BACKGROUND: Extreme hemodilution caused by relatively large prime volumes required for cardiopulmonary bypass in infants causes a dilutional coagulopathy, characterized by low concentrations of fibrinogen and other circulating coagulation factors. Modified ultrafiltration results in hemoconcentration and is associated with decreases in postoperative bleeding and transfusion requirements in children. This study was undertaken to quantify the effect of modified ultrafiltration on concentrations of fibrinogen, plasma proteins, and platelets in infants and small children. METHODS: Twenty patients less than 15 kg were studied. Cardiopulmonary bypass circuits were primed with crystalloid solutions. Red blood cells were added during cardiopulmonary bypass for hematocrits less than 15%. Colloid solutions were not administered. Concentrations of fibrinogen, plasma proteins, and platelets, and hematocrit were measured before cardiopulmonary bypass, before modified ultrafiltration, and after modified ultrafiltration. RESULTS: Modified ultrafiltration was associated with significant (p < 0.001) increases in hematocrit (19% +/- 6% to 31% +/- 9%), fibrinogen (65 +/- 29 to 101 +/- 45 mg/dL), and total plasma proteins (2.7 +/- 0.3 to 4.9 +/- 0.7 g/dL), but no change (p = 0.129) in platelet count. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that modified ultrafiltration significantly attenuates the dilutional coagulopathy associated with cardiopulmonary bypass in infants.

Blood Coagulation Disorders↗
PubMed1998

Modified Konno-Rastan procedure for subaortic stenosis: indications, operative techniques, and results.

BACKGROUND: Diffuse or unresectable subaortic stenosis (SAS) necessitates an aggressive surgical approach for the elimination of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. In this article we report our experience with the modified Konno-Rastan procedure, with inherent preservation of the native aortic valve and annulus, in the treatment of diffuse or unresectable SAS. METHODS: Sixteen children (age range, 21 months to 18 years) underwent the modified Konno-Rastan procedure through either a transventricular (n = 12) or a transatrial approach (n = 4) to the conal septum. Indications for operation were recurrent SAS (n = 3), hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (n = 3), tunnel stenosis (n = 2), SAS related to a canal (n = 3), and SAS after ventricular septal defect closure (n = 5). Eleven patients had undergone previous procedures and 5 underwent the modified Konno-Rastan procedure as their primary operation. RESULTS: The mean preoperative left ventricular outflow tract gradient of 50 +/- 17 mm Hg was reduced to 3 +/- 7 mm Hg (p < 0.001) after surgical repair. Postoperative complications included sternal infection (n = 1), heart block (n = 2), mediastinal bleeding (n = 1), and renal and cerebral ischemia (n = 1). There was 1 late postoperative death caused by pneumonia 2 years after operation (6.2% mortality rate). The mean follow-up period was 62 +/- 39 months and all patients had complete relief of preoperative symptoms and were in New York Heart Association class I. One patient underwent a successful redo modified Konno-Rastan procedure 7 years after the first operation for residual left ventricular outflow tract obstruction immediately below the aortic valve. One patient is awaiting reoperation for aortic incompetence unrelated to conal enlargement 1.5 years after the first procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Konno-Rastan procedure represents an excellent therapy for diffuse or unresectable SAS in patients with a normal aortic valve. In addition, it produces excellent results in a limited number of patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, in whom the Morrow procedure traditionally has been performed. Although it usually is performed through a transventricular approach, the modified Konno-Rastan procedure also can be performed through a transatrial approach; this is particularly useful in patients who have had previous ventricular septal defect closure associated with SAS occurring proximal to the prosthetic patch.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Cytoplasmic delivery of calcein mediated by liposomes modified with a pH-sensitive poly(ethylene glycol) derivative.

Previously, as a new type of pH-sensitive liposome, we prepared egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EYPC) liposomes bearing succinylated poly(glycidol), that is a poly(ethylene glycol) derivative having carboxyl groups, and showed that fusion ability of the liposomes increases under weakly acidic and acidic conditions (Kono, K., Zenitani, K. and Takagishi, T. (1994) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1193, 1-9). In this study, we examined intracellular delivery of a water-soluble molecule, calcein, mediated by the succinylated poly(glycidol)-modified liposomes. When CV-1 cells, an established line of African green monkey kidney cells, were incubated with bare EYPC liposomes containing calcein at 37 degrees C, only weak and vesicular fluorescence of calcein was observed by using a fluorescence microscope. In contrast, the cells treated with the polymer-modified liposomes containing calcein displayed more intensive and diffuse fluorescence, indicating that calcein was transferred into the cytoplasm. Uptake of the polymer-modified liposomes by the cells was shown to decrease slightly as amount of the polymer fixed on the liposome increases. However, the fluorescence of calcein observed in the liposome-treated cell was, on the contrary, enhanced as amount of the polymer fixed on the liposome increases, indicating that the liposome modified with a higher amount of the polymer transfers its content into cytoplasm more efficiently after internalization into the cell. Fusion assay by resonance energy transfer using N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)phosphatidylethanolamine and lissamine rhodamine B-sulfonylphosphatidylethanolamine suggested occurrence of fusion between the polymer-modified liposomes and endosomal and/or lysosomal membranes. Moreover, the liposome with a higher polymer content revealed higher percent fusion after internalization into the cell. These results imply that the polymer-modified liposomes transfer the content into the cytoplasm by fusing with the endosomal membrane after internalization into the cells through an endocytic pathway.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Postischemic, systemic administration of polyamine-modified superoxide dismutase reduces hippocampal CA1 neurodegeneration in rat global cerebral ischemia.

Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) have shown neuroprotective effects in animal models of cerebral ischemia, but only at very high doses. Modifications to increase the plasma half-life or blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability of SOD have resulted in limited neuroprotective effects. No one has demonstrated neuroprotection with postischemic administration. The specific aim of the present study was to administer systemically a polyamine-modified SOD, having increased BBB permeability and preserved enzymatic activity, following global cerebral ischemia in rats and analyze the effects on the selective vulnerability of CA1 hippocampal neurons. Following 12 min of four-vessel occlusion, global cerebral ischemia, male Wistar rats were dosed (i.v.) with either saline, native SOD (5000 U/kg), polyamine-modified SOD (5000 U/kg), or enzymatically inactive, polyamine-modified SOD (2.1 mg/kg) twice daily for 3 days. Neuroprotective effects on hippocampal CA1 neurons were assessed using standard histological methods. Saline-treated animals had very few remaining CA1 neurons (1.44 +/- 0.60 neurons/reticle; x +/- S.E.M.) compared to sham rats (58.57 +/- 0.69). Native (10.38 +/- 2.96) or inactive, polyamine-modified SOD (7.32 +/- 2.68) did not show significant neuroprotective effects. Polyamine-modified SOD, however, resulted in the survival of significantly more CA1 neurons (24.61 +/- 5.90; P < 0.01). Postischemic, systemic administration of polyamine-modified SOD, having increased BBB permeability and preserved enzymatic activity, significantly reduced hippocampal CA1 neuron loss following global cerebral ischemia. Similar modification of other antioxidant enzymes and neurotrophic factors with polyamines may provide a useful technique for the systemic delivery of therapeutic proteins across the BBB for the treatment of stroke and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

The effect of substrate modification on binding of porcine pancreatic alpha amylase: hydrolysis of modified amylose containing D-allose residues.

A modified amylose containing 10% of tritiated D-allose residues has been hydrolyzed by porcine pancreatic alpha amylase (PPA). This reaction produced a number of radioactive oligosaccharides of low molecular weight, including modified mono-, di-, and tri-saccharides, as well as larger products. Analysis of these products by chemical and enzymic methods identified D-allose, two isomers of modified maltose, and isomers of modified maltotriose. These results may be interpreted in terms of current PPA models to indicate that D-allose residues may be productively bound at all five subsites of the active site of the enzyme. The distribution of modified residues in these products, however, further suggests that productive binding of D-allose at the subsite where catalytic attack occurs (subsite 3) is less favorable than binding of D-glucose. These results are compared with results of a series of PPA substrates having modifications at C-3 and at other positions. Trends observed in enzyme hydrolysis of these modified substrates reflect factors that contribute to PPA catalysis, with respect to steric, electronic, and hydrogen-bonding interactions between enzyme and substrate.

Amylose↗
PubMed1986

In vitro biologic responses to native and surface-modified asbestos.

A comparative study was made of in vitro biologic responses to native chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite and corresponding asbestos fibers whose surfaces were modified by metal oxides. Interferon induction by influenza virus was depressed by approximately 50% by all native asbestos whereas corresponding surface modified asbestos minimally affected this nonspecific cellular defense mechanism. The release of the cytoplasmic enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and lysosomal enzymes, beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (beta-NAG) and beta-glucuronidase (beta-Gluc), by rat alveolar macrophages after exposure to either native or surface-modified asbestos (which is indicative of membrane damage) was monitored. Although both native and surface-modified asbestos induced significant leakage of LDH, generally, lesser amounts of the enzyme were released as a result of exposure to the latter than to native asbestos. Whereas all forms of native asbestos caused significant release of beta-NAG and beta-Gluc, leakage of these enzymes from macrophages exposed to surface-modified asbestos was minimal. In contrast to native asbestos which induced irritation of cell membranes, as indicated by hemolysis of sheep erythrocytes, surface-modified asbestos exhibited minimal hemolytic activity. The findings indicate that surface modification of different asbestos by metal oxides generally lessened the adverse effect of the native mineral on the aforementioned biologic entities.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Modified ultrafiltration versus conventional ultrafiltration: a randomized prospective study in neonatal piglets.

UNLABELLED: Cardiopulmonary bypass in neonates generates large increases in inflammatory mediators, causing edema formation that may lead to multiple organ dysfunction. Clinical strategies aimed at removing inflammatory mediators, reducing edema formation, and improving organ function include conventional and modified ultrafiltration. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the effectiveness of conventional and modified ultrafiltration in preventing weight gain, myocardial edema formation, and left ventricular dysfunction in neonatal piglets undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: In this randomized prospective study, 18 1-week-old piglets were supported with cardiopulmonary bypass at 100 ml kg(-1) x min(-1), cooled to 25 degrees C, exposed to 75 minutes of cardioplegic arrest, rewarmed to 37 degrees C, and weaned from bypass. Left ventricular myocardial contractility was assessed by the preload-recruitable stroke work method, with the use of a sonomicrometric two-dimensional cylindrical model, before bypass and at 10, 60, and 120 minutes after separation from bypass. RESULTS: Total body weight gain was significantly less in the modified ultrafiltration group than in either the conventional ultrafiltration group or the control group (no filtration). Myocardial wet/dry ratios were also improved with modified ultrafiltration, but not with conventional ultrafiltration, when compared with no filtration (control group). Hemodynamically, modified ultrafiltration was superior to conventional ultrafiltration and no filtration (control) in raising the mean arterial pressure and increasing the left ventricular preload-recruitable stroke work after bypass. CONCLUSION: Modified ultrafiltration is superior to conventional ultrafiltration and no filtration in reducing the total body weight gain, lessening myocardial edema, raising mean arterial pressure, and improving left ventricular contractility in neonatal piglets undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Modified ultrafiltration improves left ventricular systolic function in infants after cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to test the hypothesis that use of modified ultrafiltration after cardiopulmonary bypass improves intrinsic left ventricular systolic function in children. METHODS: Twenty-one infants undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass were instrumented with ultrasonic dimension transducers, to measure the anteroposterior minor axis diameter, and a left ventricular micromanometer. Patients were randomized to modified ultrafiltration (n = 11, age 226 +/- 355 days, weight 6.7 +/- 3.1 kg) or control (n = 10, age 300 +/- 240 days, weight 7.0 +/- 2.5 kg) (all differences p > 0.05 between groups). Left ventricular systolic function was assessed by means of the slope of the preload-recruitable stroke work index. Myocardial cross-sectional area was measured by echocardiography. Data were acquired immediately after separation from bypass, at steady state, and during transient vena caval occlusion. Data acquisition was repeated after 13 +/- 5 minutes of modified ultrafiltration or after 12 +/- 5 minutes without modified ultrafiltration in the control group. Inotropic drug support was the same at both study points. RESULTS: In the modified ultrafiltration group, the filtrate volume was 363 +/- 262 ml. The hematocrit value increased from 26.0% +/- 2.7% to 36.7% +/- 9.5% (p = 0.018), myocardial cross-sectional area decreased from 3.72 +/- 0.35 cm2 to 3.63 +/- 0.36 cm2 (p = 0.04), end-diastolic length increased from 25.6 +/- 9.0 mm to 28.8 +/- 9.9 mm (p = 0.01), and end-diastolic pressure fell from 5.6 +/- 0.8 mm Hg to 4.2 +/- 0.8 mm Hg (p = 0.005), suggesting an improved diastolic compliance. In the control group, the hematocrit value, myocardial cross-sectional area, end-diastolic length, and pressure did not change (all p > 0.05). Mean ejection pressure increased in the ultrafiltration group (p = 0.001) but did not change in the control group (p = 0.22). The slope of the preload-recruitable stroke work index increased after ultrafiltration from 52.3 +/- 52.0 to 74.2 +/- 66.0 (10[3] erg/cm3) (p = 0.02) but did not change in the control group (p = 0.07). One patient from each group died in the postoperative period. Patients in the ultrafiltration group received less inotropic drug support in the first 24 hours after the operation (156.62 +/- 92.31 microg/kg in 24 hours) than patients in the control group (865.33 +/- 1772.26 microg/kg in 24 hours, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Use of modified ultrafiltration after cardiopulmonary bypass improves intrinsic left ventricular systolic function, improves diastolic compliance, increases blood pressure, and decreases inotropic drug use in the early postoperative period.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass↗
PubMed1994

Success rate of modified Pereyra bladder neck suspension determined by outcomes analysis.

The reported success rates of the modified Pereyra bladder neck suspension vary from 51 to 90%. Retrospective chart review studies have reported cure rates of 77 to 90%. In contrast, a questionnaire based outcomes analysis, using a strict definition of cure, reported 51% of the patients to be cured of stress urinary incontinence after modified Pereyra bladder neck suspension. We conducted a questionnaire based outcomes analysis of the modified Pereyra bladder neck suspension at our institution. The objectives of the study were to determine the success rates of this procedure using strict criteria in an outcomes analysis format, assess the overall satisfaction of patients postoperatively and identify historical factors that may be predictive of outcome. Between September 1988 and December 1991, 151 patients underwent a modified Pereyra bladder neck suspension for urodynamically documented genuine stress urinary incontinence. Mean patient age was 56 years (range 19 to 82 years) and mean followup was 25 months (range 9 to 45). All patients had type 2 incontinence (anatomical) based on history (severity of symptoms), physical examination, and fluoroscopic assessment of the bladder neck and urethra. Preoperative pad use, and irritative and obstructive symptoms were retrospectively assessed, and a preoperative Stamey incontinence score was assigned. A standardized questionnaire was used to compare preoperative and postoperative voiding symptoms, perception of urinary control and satisfaction with the decision to undergo an operation. Followup telephone calls were made by a trained registered nurse not associated with the original procedure. Postoperative pad use also was quantified and a postoperative Stamey score was assigned. A total of 106 patients (70%) returned the questionnaires. Cure was strictly defined as no urine leakage under any circumstance. While 78% of the patients required no to minimal protection postoperatively, 50 (47%) reported cure of the stress urinary incontinence, 68 (64%) reported subjective improvement, 27 (26%) were the same and 11 (10%) were subjectively worse after modified Pereyra bladder neck suspension. Of the patients 77% were satisfied with the decision to undergo the operation. Patients subjectively worse were significantly older than those subjectively improved (66 versus 54 years, p = 0.05). Postoperative failures had significantly higher obstructive and irritative symptom scores. Questionnaire based outcomes analysis has consistently demonstrated success rates less than those reported in retrospective chart review studies. Outcomes analysis, based on patient assessment of satisfaction, may more accurately reflect the expected surgical outcome after a modified Pereyra bladder neck suspension. We emphasize the need for standardized questionnaires and outcomes analysis to evaluate patient satisfaction with surgery designed to improve quality of life.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Comparison of a modified Sugiura procedure with portal systemic shunt for prevention of recurrent variceal bleeding in cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: There is no agreement on the management of patients with cirrhosis and recurrent variceal bleeding after failure of medical or endoscopic treatments or both. Portal systemic shunts are highly effective in preventing rebleeding but are associated with a high incidence of chronic encephalopathy. This study compared the results of a slightly modified Sugiura procedure (esophageal transection plus esophagogastric devascularization plus splenectomy) with those of nonselective portal systemic shunts in patients with previous variceal bleeding. METHODS: Fifty-four patients were included in this randomized controlled study between January 1984 and April 1989. The major end point was chronic encephalopathy. Secondary end points were recurrent variceal bleeding, survival, ascites, and hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were assigned to each group. The rate of chronic encephalopathy was significantly (p = 0.002) lower after modified Sugiura procedure than after portal systemic shunt. Recurrent variceal bleeding was more frequent after modified Sugiura procedure than after portal systemic shunt, but the difference is not significant. One-, two-, and three-year survival rates were 93%, 81%, and 67%, respectively, in the modified Sugiura group and 78%, 66%, and 39%, respectively, in the portal systemic shunt group (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the modified Sugiura procedure is better overall than the nonselective portal systemic shunt in the management of patients with cirrhosis and recurrent variceal bleeding. Although the rebleeding rate is higher after the modified Sugiura procedure, this does not seem to affect mortality in these patients.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗
PubMed1997

In vitro toothbrush-dentifrice abrasion of resin-modified glass ionomers.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to compare the rate of abrasive wear and change in surface roughness of resin-modified and conventional acid-base glass ionomers when subjected to toothbrush-dentifrice abrasion. METHODS: Two resin-modified and two conventional glass ionomers were used. Samples of a high-copper amalgam and a hybrid resin composite were used as reference materials. Specimens of each material were prepared and subjected to toothbrush-dentifrice abrasion using 20,000 strokes of brushing. The amount of vertical loss of material was determined by profilometry (Surfcom-4A, Tokyo-Seimitsu, Tokyo, Japan). The surface characteristics after abrasion were evaluated on secondary electron images by SEM, and the surface hardness (KHN) was also measured for all materials. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05), followed by a multiple comparisons test using LSD (Least-significant difference) at a level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The abrasion resistance of resin-modified glass-ionomers was statistically lower for the amalgam and the resin composite reference materials. Statistically lower abrasion resistance and surface hardness were observed for the resin-modified glass ionomers than for their conventional acid-base counterparts when two forms of products from the same manufacturer were compared. SEM observations made after abrasion testing showed a significantly rougher surface for all glass ionomer materials than for the amalgam and the resin composite. SIGNIFICANCE: When comparisons were made between products from the same manufacturers, it was found that in vitro resistance to toothbrush-dentifrice abrasion of the resin-modified glass ionomers is inferior to that of the conventional acid-base glass ionomers. The lower abrasion resistance found in the resin-modified products appears to be related to their lower surface hardness.

Aluminum Hydroxide↗
PubMed1997

Effect on cell kill of addition of multidrug resistance modifiers cyclosporin A and PSC 833 to cytotoxic agents in acute myeloid leukaemia.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by the drug efflux pump P-glycoprotein (Pgp), may cause remission failure and relapse in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) by extruding cytotoxic agents such as anthracyclines from leukaemic cells thus allowing them to survive. Cell line data suggest that reversal of MDR is possible using modifying drugs such as cyclosporin A (CSA) and its analogue PSC 833. We have investigated the effects on cell kill of the addition of CSA and PSC 833 to daunorubicin, idarubicin, mitozantrone, etoposide and cytarabine in 52 fresh cell samples from AML patients using an MTT assay. Pgp status was determined by using monoclonal antibodies JSB-1 and MRK-16 and by assessment of rhodamine efflux. Although overall each cytotoxic-modifier combination produced significant improvements in cell kill compared to cytotoxic alone (P values ranged from P < 0.001 to P = 0.017), modifiers also produced significant cytotoxicity in their own right, and no consistent difference was seen between responses in Pgp-positive and negative groups. Up to one in three Pgp-positive samples failed to show any improvement in cell kill with the addition of CSA or PSC 833, possibly owing to co-expression of alternative resistance mechanisms not affected by the MDR modifiers. The best responses were seen when PSC 833 was added to idarubicin, with 7 out of 22 Pgp-positive cases (32%) showing five-fold improvements in cell kill or better compared to idarubicin alone. Comparison of equimolar concentrations of the two modifiers in the Pgp positive group failed to show a significant difference in cell kill, though PSC 833 was markedly superior to CSA in a minority of highly responsive samples which demonstrated clear evidence of MDR reversal. Our in vitro data suggest that MDR modifiers such as CSA and PSC 833 could play an important role in the therapy of AML and indicate the need for prospective randomised trials to assess their clinical efficacy.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗
PubMed1998

Effect of dissolved carbon dioxide and temperature on the growth of Lactobacillus sake in modified atmospheres.

Carbon dioxide is known to be the active gas in modified atmosphere packaging. However, only the dissolved part of the CO2 will be active in the inhibition of microorganisms. When the effect of a modified atmosphere on the growth of microorganisms is modeled, the amount of dissolved CO2 should be the parameter to evaluate the effect of CO2 in modified atmospheres. Lactobacillus sake was isolated from cooked ham, identified and was chosen as a representative organism for the spoilage of modified atmosphere packed cooked meat products. In a first step a suitable liquid simulation medium for cooked meat products was selected. The growth rate of L. sake was significantly higher in modified MRS than in cooked ham, while no significant difference was observed between the growth parameters of L. sake in modified BHI and in cooked ham. Careful evaluation of the applied simulation medium was shown to be essential before application to the development of predictive models for nutrient demanding microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria. In a second step, the influence of dissolved CO2 and the storage temperature on the growth parameters of L. sake was modeled. Temperature was shown to have a major effect on the growth rate and lag phase of L. sake. Carbon dioxide negatively influenced the growth rate of L. sake. A negative, linear relationship was observed between the growth rate and the amount of dissolved carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide was shown, however, to have no significant effect on the lag phase of L. sake. A significant interaction term between temperature and dissolved CO2 on the growth rate of L. sake was established.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed1998

Concentration of carbon dioxide in the water-phase as a parameter to model the effect of a modified atmosphere on microorganisms.

The effect of modified atmosphere packaging can mainly be attributed to the bacteriostatic action of CO2. The dissolved CO2 in the water-phase of a food product is strongly dependent on several intrinsic and extrinsic parameters and will determine the effectiveness of a modified atmosphere packaging configuration. The effect of pH, gas/product ratio, initial %CO2 in the gas-phase, lard content and storage temperature on the amount of dissolved CO2 was screened in a preliminary experiment. The initial CO2-concentration in the gas-phase and the gas/product ratio turned out to be the two major factors determining the amount of dissolved CO2. The initial pH also determined significantly the final CO2-concentration in the broth. Temperature and lard content were shown to have only a minor effect on the amount of dissolved CO2 compared to the above mentioned parameters. This demonstrates the importance of the packaging configuration in the effectiveness of a modified atmosphere. In a second step, a model was constructed to predict the amount of dissolved carbon dioxide in modified BHI-broth as a function of the gas/product ratio, the initial CO2-concentration and the temperature by means of Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A second equation was also derived based on Henry's law and was shown to be a powerful tool in the quantification of the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic parameters on the CO2-solubility in food products. The possibility of the use of the concentration of dissolved CO2 in the water-phase as a determinative factor for the inhibitory effect of modified atmospheres was examined on Pseudomonas fluorescens. Growth curves at 7 degrees C of P. fluorescens in different packaging configurations (initial %CO2 and gas/product ratio) resulting in equal amounts of dissolved CO2 were compared. P. fluorescens was shown to be similarly inhibited by equal amounts of dissolved CO2-concentrations, independent of the packaging configuration. This demonstrates the potential of the application of the concentration of dissolved CO2 in the water-phase as a parameter to characterise a modified atmosphere and its inhibition of certain microorganisms.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed1998

Toxicity and efficacy of ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide (modified ICE) as a salvage chemotherapy in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The combination of ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide (modified ICE), was evaluated for its toxicity and activity in relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Twenty patients, 14-69 years of age, with relapsed (19 cases) or refractory (one case) aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were treated with modified ICE therapy, consisting of ifosfamide 6 g/m2 (1.2 g/m2 day 1-5), carboplatin 400 mg/m2 (day 1) and etoposide 500 mg/m2 (100 mg/m2 day 1-5). The regimen was repeated at approximately 28-day intervals. All patients had undergone a doxorubicin-containing regimen before modified ICE therapy. Median total dose of previously received doxorubicin was 406 mg/m2 (range: 200-825 mg/m2). The median interval from diagnosis to modified ICE therapy was 9.4 months (range: 3.6-121 months). Two patients achieved CR and five achieved PR out of 16 patients with measurable lesions (response rate 43.8%; 95% confidence interval 19.0-68.6%). Median overall survival was 227 days (range: 41-552 days) from the start of modified ICE therapy. Myelosuppression was the most serious toxicity, namely 16 patients (80%) and 11 patients (55%) showed grade 4 neutropenia and grade 4 thrombocytopenia after the first course, respectively. Modified ICE therapy might be an active regimen with acceptable toxicity as a salvage chemotherapy in aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Modulation of RNase H activity by modified DNA probes: major groove vs minor groove effects.

We have previously prepared ribozyme mimics and chemical nucleases from modified DNA containing pendant bipyridine and terpyridine groups. The ability of these modified DNA probes to support RNase H cleavage of complementary RNA is described. DNA/RNA duplexes were formed using DNA probes designed to deliver metal complexes via either the major groove or the minor groove of the duplex. The duplexes were treated with Escherichia coli RNase H. Modifications in the major groove produced the same RNA cleavage pattern as unmodified DNA probes. However, minor groove substituents inhibited RNA cleavage over a four-base region. Comparison was made with a DNA probe containing a 2'-OMe modification. Our results support enzyme binding in the minor groove of a DNA/RNA duplex. We do not observe cleavage directly across from the modified nucleoside. The RNA cleavage efficiency effected by RNase H and a DNA probe decreases as follows: unmodified DNA > or = C-5 modified DNA >> c2'-modified DNA > C1'-modified DNA. Results with 28-mer RNA substrates roughly parallel those obtained with a 159-mer RNA target. The differences observed between low and high MW RNA substrates can be explained by a much higher enzyme-substrate binding constant for the high MW target.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Modified facelift incision for parotidectomy.

The most commonly used incision for parotidectomies is the modified Blair incision. We have successfully used an alternative incision which allows good exposure, and leaves no neck scar. Between 1 March 1989 and 1 August 1991, 18 parotidectomies were performed using a modified facelift incision. Fifteen parotidectomies were done for similar indications during the same period using a modified Blair incision. The mean age in both groups of patients was 40.3 years. The pathology and incidence of complications was similar in the two groups. The difference in mean (+/- SD) time of surgery between the two groups was not statistically significant: 3.14 +/- 0.75 hours in patients with a modified facelift incision and 3.25 +/- 1.27 hours in patients with a modified Blair incision (p > 0.1). The modified facelift incision is an alternative approach to parotidectomy for selected patients. It provides adequate exposure, even for a total parotidectomy and mastoidectomy and it results in improved patient satisfaction without additional risk of complications.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗
PubMed1994

Voltammetric DNA biosensor for cystic fibrosis based on a modified carbon paste electrode.

Carbon paste electrodes modified by the inclusion of either octadecylamine or stearic acid were used as solid phases to which DNA was covalently bound. Immobilized DNA was detected by voltammetry of solutions containing submillimolar quantities of Co(bpy)3(ClO4)3, Co(phen)3(ClO4)3, and Os(bpy)3-Cl2 (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), all of which associate reversibly with immobilized DNA and yield increased peak currents at DNA-modified electrodes. Immobilization onto octadecylamine-modified electrodes was performed using a water-soluble carbodiimide, and at high DNA concentrations in the reaction mixture, it resulted in visible polymerization of DNA on the surface. Optimization of the deoxyguanosine- (dG-) selective immobilization reaction for stearic acid-modified electrodes, using water-soluble carbodiimide and N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide reagents to activate carboxylate groups on the surface, yielded conditions of 4.5% (w/w) stearic acid and 10 micrograms/mL DNA. Polythymidylic acid of 4000-base average length (poly(dT)4000) was immobilized at stearic acid-modified electrodes following enzymatic elongation with dG residues at the 3'-end. These DNA-modified electrodes were used to study hybridization with analyte poly(dA)4000 by in situ voltammetry of 60 microM Co(bpy)3(ClO4)3 at low ionic strength (20 mM NaCl), and by voltammetry of the same complex, following exposure of the electrode to poly(dA)4000 in a separate hybridization step conducted at high ionic strength (0.5 M NaCl). Results indicate slow (> or = 1 h) hybridization at low ionic strength and fast (< or = 10 min) hybridization at high ionic strength.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Base Sequence↗