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At least 649 records · Page 36Linked to original sources

Cytoplasmic tutor: a program for teaching interpretation of a microscope-based laboratory test.

Antibodies to cytoplasmic antigens can be identified with a microscope-based indirect immunofluorescence assay that uses a mouse stomach-kidney substrate. The antibodies are diagnostic markers in chronic active hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, pernicious anemia, and other autoimmune diseases. We describe the development and features of an image-based computer program for teaching medical technologists and other health care workers the proper interpretation of cytoplasmic fluorescence staining patterns. The program, called Cytoplasmic Tutor, is written in Microsoft Visual Basic for Windows and runs on an 80486 microcomputer. it is based on a library of digital images, with key features described by overlays of text. The images were collected and processed with a computer-based fluorescence video microscopy system assembled in our laboratory.

Animals↗

Strengthening the links between health sciences information users and providers.

In 1994, the Hospital Library Service Program of the Central New York Library Resources Council conducted a study to evaluate the usefulness, impacts, and potential services of eleven hospital libraries in a four-county area in New York State; determine the degree to which the libraries comply with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) standard IM.9.2; and provide recommendations for improved services in the member libraries. Two research instruments were used: a survey for hospital-based health sciences professionals and a survey for hospital-based information providers. Results from the two surveys were compared to determine if users' needs were being filled, and to develop plans for improved information services and products. Fourteen recommendations are made that, if implemented, will support the creation of user-defined information products, enhance the library's profile within the hospital, and exploit resource sharing to reduce costs and enhance coordination.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Photoprotective compounds in cyanobacteria, phytoplankton and macroalgae--a database.

A database on photoprotective compounds in cyanobacteria, phytoplankton and macroalgae has been developed. It contains information on photoprotective compounds such as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), scytonemin and other not yet identified compounds reported in aquatic organisms, their habitat, the collection site and date and the reference. Further information on the absorption maxima and extinction coefficients of different photoprotective compounds as well as experimental procedures are provided (see http:/ /www.biologie.uni-erlangen.de/botanik1/index.html). The database answers the urgent need for a library on these substances and provides scientists in the field with the necessary information to identify and quantify screening pigments in different aquatic organisms from various growing sites and different collection dates.

Cyanobacteria↗

Forward chemical genetics: progress and obstacles on the path to a new pharmacopoeia.

Forward chemical genetics is a new method to systematize the discovery and use of small molecules as tools for basic biological research. This approach requires three basic components: a library of compounds; an assay, in which the library is screened for a cellular or organismal phenotype; and a method to trace an active compound to its biological target. Bioactive compounds have traditionally been isolated from natural product extracts, although 'diversity-oriented synthesis' and commercial compound collections are gaining in prominence. New techniques, such as image-based screening and the cytoblot method, have increased the throughput of phenotypic assays. Strategies are also being developed to streamline target identification using molecular biological approaches.

Drug Evaluation, Preclinical↗

Documenting nursing and health care history in the mid-Atlantic region.

The records of health care institutions can be of great value to library patrons. Yet, librarians rarely provide these unique resources because records must be collected, arranged, and described before they can be useful to patrons. The University of Pennsylvania's Center for the Study of the History of Nursing conducted a survey of health care agencies in the mid-Atlantic region to locate records created by area health care institutions. The goals of this project were to develop a database of primary source materials, to place organizational records with enduring value at suitable repositories, and to assist in the development of in-house archival programs at agencies keeping records. In-house programs provide health care institutions with a systematic way to preserve their records for administrative, legal, fiscal, and research use. Such programs also facilitate access to information, reduce cost through records management, and promote an institution through preservation and use of its historical records. The survey demonstrated that record keeping is not coordinated in most institutions, and that institutional awareness of the organization or content of records is minimal.

Archives↗

Public library consumer health information pilot project: results of a National Library of Medicine evaluation.

In October 1998, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) launched a pilot project to learn about the role of public libraries in providing health information to the public and to generate information that would assist NLM and the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) in learning how best to work with public libraries in the future. Three regional medical libraries (RMLs), eight resource libraries, and forty-one public libraries or library systems from nine states and the District of Columbia were selected for participation. The pilot project included an evaluation component that was carried out in parallel with project implementation. The evaluation ran through September 1999. The results of the evaluation indicated that participating public librarians were enthusiastic about the training and information materials provided as part of the project and that many public libraries used the materials and conducted their own outreach to local communities and groups. Most libraries applied the modest funds to purchase additional Internet-accessible computers and/or upgrade their health-reference materials. However, few of the participating public libraries had health information centers (although health information was perceived as a top-ten or top-five topic of interest to patrons). Also, the project generated only minimal usage of NLM's consumer health database, known as MEDLINEplus, from the premises of the monitored libraries (patron usage from home or office locations was not tracked). The evaluation results suggested a balanced follow-up by NLM and the NN/LM, with a few carefully selected national activities, complemented by a package of targeted activities that, as of January 2000, are being planned, developed, or implemented. The results also highlighted the importance of building an evaluation component into projects like this one from the outset, to assure that objectives were met and that evaluative information was available on a timely basis, as was the case here.

Computers↗

Genetic manipulation of the pathogenic yeast Candida parapsilosis.

Candida parapsilosis is an important human pathogen, responsible for severe cases of systemic candidiasis and one of the leading causes of mortality in neonates. In this report, we describe the first system for genetic manipulation of C. parapsilosis. We isolated and subsequently determined DNA sequences of genes encoding galactokinase ( CpGAL1) and orotidine-5'-phosphate decarboxylase ( CpURA3) from a genomic DNA library of C. parapsilosis by functional complementation of corresponding mutations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The predicted protein products, Gal1p and Ura3p, displayed a high degree of homology with corresponding sequences of C. albicans and S. cerevisiae, respectively. A collection of galactokinase-deficient ( gal1) strains of C. parapsilosis was prepared using direct selection of mutagenized cells on media containing 2-deoxy-galactose. Additionally, we constructed a plasmid vector carrying CpGAL1 as a selection marker and a genomic DNA fragment with an autonomously replicating sequence activity that transforms the C. parapsilosis gal1 mutant strain with high efficiency. This system for genetic transformation of C. parapsilosis may significantly advance the study of this human pathogen, greatly improving our understanding of its biology and virulence, with implications for drug development.

Candida↗

A comprehensive nonredundant expressed sequence tag collection for the developing Rattus norvegicus heart.

Congenital heart defects affect approximately 1,000,000 people in the United States, with 40,000 new births contributing to that number every year. A large percentage of these defects can be attributed to septal defects. We assembled a nonredundant collection of over 12,000 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from a total of 30,000 ESTs, with the ultimate goal of identifying spatially and/or temporally regulated genes during heart septation. These ESTs were compiled from nonnormalized, normalized, and serially subtracted cDNA libraries derived from two sets of tissue samples. The first includes microdissected rat hearts from embryonic (E) days E13, E15, and E16.5-E18.5 and adult heart. The second includes hearts from embryonic days E17, E19, and E21 and postnatal (P) days P1, P12, P74, and P200. Over 6,000 novel ESTs were identified in the libraries derived from these two sets of tissues, all of which have been contributed to the NCBI rat UniGene collection. It is anticipated that such EST and cDNA clone resources will prove invaluable to gene expression studies aimed at the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying heart septation defects.

Animals↗

Carbamazepine for cocaine dependence.

BACKGROUND: Cocaine dependence has become a substantial public health problem, developing a significant number of medical, psychological and social problems, including the spread of infectious diseases (e.g. AIDS, hepatitis and tuberculosis), crime, violence and neonatal drug exposure. Although there is no consensus regarding how to treat cocaine dependence, effective pharmacotherapy has a potentially major role to play as part of a broader treatment milieu. The anti-convulsant carbamazepine, a tricyclic medication that is widely used to treat a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorder, has also been used for treatment of cocaine dependence, although its effectiveness has not been established. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether carbamazapine (CBZ) is effective on the treatment of cocaine dependence. SEARCH STRATEGY: Electronic searches of Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycLIT, Biological Abstracts and LILACS; scan of reference list of relevant articles; personal communication; conference abstracts; unpublished trials from pharmaceutical industry; book chapters on treatment of cocaine dependence. SELECTION CRITERIA: The inclusion criteria for all randomised controlled trials were that they should focus on the use of carbamazepine drugs versus placebo on the treatment of cocaine dependence. Trials including patients with additional diagnosis such as opiate dependence were also eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The reviewers extracted the data independently and Odds Ratios, weighted mean difference and number needed to treat were estimated. Qualitative assessments of the methodology of eligible studies were carried out using validated checklists. The reviewers assumed that people who died or dropped out had no improvement and tested the sensitivity of the final results to this assumption. Where possible analysis was carried out according to the "intention to treat" principles. MAIN RESULTS: 5 studies were included in the review, with 455 people randomised. No differences were found regarding positive urine sample for cocaine metabolites. Scores on Spielberg State Anxiety Inventory slightly favoured carbamazepine, but didn't reach statistical significance. Dropouts were high in both groups up to 70% in the placebo group. Less dropout occurred in the Carbamazepine group (RR 0.87 95%CI 0.71-1.06). When no retention in treatment was due to side effects no differences were found. The number of participants presenting at least one side effect, reported in Kranzler (1995), was higher in the carbamazepine group (RR 4.33 95% CI 1.45-12.91). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is no current evidence supporting the clinical use of CBZ in the treatment of cocaine dependence. Larger randomised investigation must be considered taking into account that these time-consuming efforts should be reserved for medications showing more relevant and promising evidence.

Anticonvulsants↗

Comparative analysis of expressed sequence tags from different organs of Vitis vinifera L.

Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) are providing a valuable approach to sampling organism-expressed genomes, especially when studying large genomes such as those of many plants. We report on the comparison of 8,647 ESTs generated from six different grape (Vitis vinifera L.) organs: berry, root, leaf, bud, shoot and inflorescence. Clustering and assembly of these ESTs resulted in 4,203 unique sequences and revealed that at this level of EST sampling, each organ shares a low percentage of transcripts with the others. To define organ relationships based on EST counts, we calculated a distance matrix of pairwise correlation coefficients between the libraries which indicated bud, inflorescence and shoot as a group distinct from the other organs considered in this study. A putative function was identified for about 85% of the unique sequences. By assigning them to specific functional classes, we were able to highlight strong differences between organs in the metabolism, protein biosynthesis and photosynthesis categories. This grape EST collection has also proven to be a valuable source for the development of 'functional' simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers: a total of 405 SSRs have been identified. EST sequences and annotation results have been organised in the IASMA-grape database, freely available at the address http://genomics.iasma.it.

DNA, Complementary↗

Comparative virtual and experimental high-throughput screening for glycogen synthase kinase-3beta inhibitors.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) is a serine/threonine kinase that has recently emerged as a key target for neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes. As an initial step of our lead discovery program, we developed a virtual screen to discriminate known GSK-3beta inhibitors and inactive compounds using FlexX, FlexX-Pharm, and FlexE. The maximal enrichment factor (EF = 28) suggests that our protocol identifies potential GSK-3beta inhibitors effectively from large compound collections. The effectiveness of our screening protocol was further investigated by comparative experimental and virtual high-throughput screens (HTSs) performed for the same subset of our corporate library. Enrichment factors, the significantly higher hit rate of virtual screening (12.9%) than that of the HTS (0.55%), and also the comparison of active clusters suggest that our virtual screening protocol is an effective tool in GSK-3beta-based library focusing. Head-to-head comparison of true/false positives and negatives revealed the two approaches to be complementary rather than competitive.

Crystallography, X-Ray↗

Embryogenomics of pre-implantation mammalian development: current status.

Pre-implantation development is marked by many critical molecular events, including the maternal to zygotic transition and the first differentiation of cells. Understanding such events is important, for both basic reproductive biology and practical applications, including regenerative medicine and livestock production. Scarcity of materials has hampered the progress of the field, but systematic genomics approaches are beginning to be applied to the study of pre-implantation development, resulting in unprecedented amounts of data about the pre-implantation process. The first step in embryogenomics is to collect and sequence cDNAs (expressed sequence tags (ESTs)) for genes that are expressed and function in these early embryos. Mouse work is the most advanced, with 140 111 ESTs derived from all stages of pre-implantation development currently available in the public sequence database. For other mammals, at present only approximately 1000 ESTs can be found in the public database, but efforts by several groups are generating cDNA libraries and ESTs. In the present review, the current status of the implementation of these investigative tools for mammalian pre-implantation embryos is discussed.

Animals↗

In situ-synthesized novel microarray optimized for mouse stem cell and early developmental expression profiling.

Applications of microarray technologies to mouse embryology/genetics have been limited, due to the nonavailability of microarrays containing large numbers of embryonic genes and the gap between microgram quantities of RNA required by typical microarray methods and the miniscule amounts of tissue available to researchers. To overcome these problems, we have developed a microarray platform containing in situ-synthesized 60-mer oligonucleotide probes representing approximately 22,000 unique mouse transcripts, assembled primarily from sequences of stem cell and embryo cDNA libraries. We have optimized RNA labeling protocols and experimental designs to use as little as 2 ng total RNA reliably and reproducibly. At least 98% of the probes contained in the microarray correspond to clones in our publicly available collections, making cDNAs readily available for further experimentation on genes of interest. These characteristics, combined with the ability to profile very small samples, make this system a resource for stem cell and embryogenomics research.

Animals↗

Estimation of the abundance of an uncultured soil bacterial strain by a competitive quantitative PCR method.

Strain EA25 was identified in a clone library of bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences that had been amplified from DNA extracted from soil collected in eastern Washington State. EA25 was subsequently shown to be related to members of the genera Planctomyces and Chlamydia and most closely related (93% similarity) to strain MC18, a strain identified in an Australian soil sample (W. Liesack and E. Stackebrandt, J. Bacteriol. 174:5072-5078, 1992). A competitive quantitative PCR method developed by Zachar et al. (V. Zachar, R.A. Thomas, and A.S. Goustin, Nucleic Acids Res. 21:2017-2018, 1993) was used to estimate the abundance of this uncultured strain in soil. An estimation of the abundance of EA25 was based on the number of copies of the sequence in the DNA extracted and the efficiency of the DNA extraction. In addition, amplification rates of Escherichia coli DNAs added to soil were shown to be similar to those of DNAs from laboratory cultures of E. coli. The number of EA25 16S rRNA genes was estimated to be 2.17 x 10(8) copies per g of soil, suggesting that strains similar to EA25 and the similar Australian strain could be widely distributed and present in significant numbers in soils from temperate regions. This represents the first enumeration of 16S rDNA copies from an uncultured strain in soil.

Chlamydia↗

[Construction of DNA-fragments' libraries with complete genomes of different variola strains].

Libraries of hybrid plasmids carrying DNA fragments of complete genomes of 8 variola virus strain from the Russian Collection belonging to 2 epidemical types and isolated in various geographic regions of the world were obtained. Genomic sequences of variola virus can be thus preserved for a long time in a biologically safe form and provide the research work on studying the genetic organization of this unique virus and on developing modern methods for rapid detection of variola virus and other orthopoxviruses.

DNA, Viral↗

Diuretics for respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Lung edema may complicate respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to assess the risks and benefits of diuretic administration in preterm infants with RDS. SEARCH STRATEGY: We used the standard search method of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group. We searched Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register from the Cochrane Library, using the following keywords: and . In addition, we searched the abstract books of the American Thoracic Society and Pediatric Research Societies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We only included trials in which preterm infants with RDS and less than 5 days of age were randomly allocated to diuretic administration. Of those trials, we only included studies in which at least one of the following outcomes measures was evaluated: mortality, patent ductus arteriosus, hypovolemic shock, intraventricular hemorrhage, renal failure, duration of oxygen supplementation, duration of mechanical ventilation, need for oxygen supplementation at 28 days of life, oxygen supplementation at 36 weeks of postconceptional age (gestational age + postnatal age), length of stay, number of rehospitalizations during the first year of life, and neurodevelopmental outcome. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used the standard method for the Cochrane Collaboration which is described in the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook. Two investigators extracted, assessed and coded separately all data for each study. Any disagreement was resolved by discussion. MAIN RESULTS: Six studies met inclusion criteria. Studies available for this systematic review were all done before the current era of prenatal steroids, surfactant, indomethacin and fluid restriction. Furosemide administration had no long-term benefits. Furosemide-induced transient improvement in pulmonary function did not outweigh an increased risk for patent ductus arteriosus and for hemodynamic instability. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There are no current data to support routine diuretic administration in preterm infants with RDS. Elective administration of furosemide or any diuretic to any patient with RDS should be carefully weighed against the risk of precipitating hypovolemia. In addition, elective administration of furosemide should be weighed against the risk of developing a symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus.

Diuretics↗

Reduced osmolarity oral rehydration solution for treating dehydration caused by acute diarrhoea in children.

BACKGROUND: Oral rehydration solution (ORS) has reduced childhood deaths from diarrhoea in many countries. Recent studies suggest that the currently recommended formulation of ORS recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) may not be optimal, and solutions that contain lower concentrations of sodium and glucose may be more effective. OBJECTIVES: In children with acute diarrhoea, to compare reduced osmolarity glucose-based oral rehydration salt solution with international WHO formulation. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Collaboration Trials Register, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were searched. Additional trials were identified by hand searching. Content experts were contacted. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing reduced osmolarity ORS solution with the WHO formulation. Outcomes sought were unscheduled intravenous fluid infusion therapy and measures of clinical illness. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted by two reviewers. We tested for heterogeneity using the chi-square statistic, conducted sensitivity analysis by allocation concealment, and the regression approach to assess funnel plot asymmetry from selective trial publication. MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was reported in 12 trials. In a meta-analysis of nine trials, reduced osmolarity ORS was associated with fewer unscheduled infusions compared with standard WHO ORS (Mantel Haenzel odds ratio 0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.47 to 0.81) with no evidence for heterogeneity between trials. No unscheduled intravenous fluid infusion therapy was required in any participant in three trials. Thirteen trials reported stool output, and data suggested less stool output in the reduced osmolarity ORS group. Vomiting was less frequent in the reduced osmolarity group in the six trials reporting this. Six trials sought hyponatraemia, with events in three studies, but no obvious difference between the two arms. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: In children admitted to hospital with diarrhoea, reduced osmolarity ORS when compared to WHO ORS is associated with fewer unscheduled intravenous infusions, smaller stool volume post randomisation, and less vomiting. No additional risk of developing hyponatraemia when compared with WHO ORS was detected.

Bicarbonates↗

University hospital-based drug information service in a developing country.

In 1994, a clinically oriented drug information unit was established at the Tribhuvan University Teaching hospital in Nepal, with a view to providing objective and independent information through a question-answer service and bulletin production. During the first 2 years of its service, the unit received a total of 674 encounters, with an average of 28 inquiries a month (range 13-42): about three-quarters (74.5%) of all the inquiries were from prescribing doctors, including 38.0% from specialist clinicians: about a quarter (24.6%) were related to patient problems. Most (86.8%) of the responses were provided within 24 h of the inquiry. Frequently encountered queries related to: pharmacotherapy of a disease or drug indication(s), adverse drug reactions, drug doses, availability, drug use in pregnancy, ingredient(s) of a proprietary product, precautions for use and drug interactions. Details of the inquiries received and the responses provided by the unit are documented in a standard question-answer form. The unit also carries out proactive dissemination of information through the publication and free distribution of a bimonthly bulletin which includes brief referenced reviews on drug- and therapeutics-related topics. Nepal- or the local situation-related write-ups are now being increasingly included in the bulletin. A users' survey carried out at the end of 1-year service indicated that the question-answer and bulletin production activities of the unit were well-perceived by its target audiences, i.e. the prescribing doctors and postgraduate medical students. Although Medline on CD-ROM and original journal articles available in the hospital library were consulted for answering a few of the questions, the vast majority of them could be adequately handled by consulting a limited number of well-known drug information books. Our experience indicates that in developing countries such as Nepal, where funds are often severely limited, a small-scale drug information centre, serving a local area, can be usefully initiated by a few motivated staff with a modest collection of about a dozen key reference books.

Adult↗