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PubMed2005

[Characterization and cytotoxicity of mixed PEG-DSG modified liposomes].

It is known that polyethyleneglycol (PEG) modification of the liposome surface leads to the formation of a fixed aqueous layer around the liposomes due to interaction between the PEG polymer and water molecules, which prevents the attraction of opsonins. When a combination of PEG-distearolyglycerol (PEG-DSG) whose characteristics are remarkably different is used, interaction between molecules occurs, leading to increased fixed aqueous layer thickness (FALT). From this speculation, we studied the effect of both modification of PEG900-DSG and PEG2000-DSG modified liposome on FALT, cell uptake and biodistribution. The FALT of mixed PEG modified liposome increased, compared to that of each single PEG modified liposome. In this mixed modification, maximum FALT was shown at liposome modified by added PEG-2000:PEG-900=2:1. This most suitable additional ratio was equal to actual incorporated ratio. On the other hand, cell uptake of mixed modified liposome containing doxorubicin (DOX) was similar with that of PEG2000 modified liposome. Furthermore, mixed PEG modification of liposome was tendency to increase cytotoxicity, compared to that of other modifications. After DOX contained liposome treatment, DOX distribution in the tumor and antitumor activity of DOX increase by mixed PEG modification. In conclusion, it was suggested that mixed PEG liposome (PEG-2000:PEG-900=2:1) was useful for cancer chemotherapy.

Animals↗
PubMed2024

Design and evaluation of antisense sequence length for modified mouse U7 small nuclear RNA to induce efficient pre-messenger RNA splicing modulation in vitro.

Pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) splicing modulation is an attractive approach for investigating the mechanisms of genetic disorders caused by mis-splicing. Previous reports have indicated that a modified U7 small nuclear RNA (U7 snRNA) is a prospective tool for modulating splicing both in vitro and in vivo. To date, very few studies have investigated the role of antisense sequence length in modified U7 snRNA. In this study, we designed a series of antisense sequences with various lengths and evaluated their efficiency in inducing splicing modulation. To express modified U7 snRNAs, we constructed a series of plasmid DNA sequences which codes cytomegalovirus (CMV) enhancer, human U1 promoter, and modified mouse U7 snRNAs with antisense sequences of different lengths. We evaluated in vitro splicing modulation efficiency using a luciferase reporter system for simple and precise evaluation as well as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to monitor splicing patterns. Our in vitro assay findings suggest that antisense sequences of modified mouse U7 snRNAs have an optimal length for efficient splicing modulation, which depends on the target exon. In addition, antisense sequences that were either too long or too short decreased splicing modulation efficiency. To confirm reproducibility, we performed an in vitro assay using two target genes, mouse Fas and mouse Dmd. Together, our data suggests that the antisense sequence length should be optimized for modified mouse U7 snRNAs to induce efficient splicing modulation.

RNA, Small Nuclear↗
PubMed1999

Clinical performance and caries inhibition of resin-modified glass ionomer cement and amalgam restorations.

BACKGROUND: The authors clinically examined two restorative materials to evaluate their effectiveness in Class II restorations in primary molars and their ability to inhibit recurrent caries. METHODS: Forty subjects, each in need of two Class II restorations in primary molars, took part in this study. Each patient received one Class II restoration of resin-modified glass ionomer cement and one of amalgam. The authors evaluated the restorations at six-month, one-year, two-year and three-year recall appointments. On exfoliation, teeth with experimental restorations were retrieved and microscopically examined for inhibition of demineralization at restoration margins. RESULTS: The results of the clinical evaluation demonstrated no significant differences between the resin-modified glass ionomer cement restorations and the amalgam restorations (P < .05). Polarized light microscopic examination of the returned teeth that were restored as a part of this study indicated that the resin-modified glass ionomer cement had significantly less enamel demineralization at restoration margins than did amalgam (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The resin-modified glass ionomer cement functioned clinically as well as amalgam for Class II restorations in primary molars. However, the resin-modified glass ionomer exhibited significantly less enamel demineralization at restoration margins than did amalgam. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Resin-modified glass ionomer cement restorative material functions well for Class II restorations in primary molars and exhibits less recurrent caries at restoration margins than does amalgam.

Cariostatic Agents↗
PubMed2005

A modified combined approach to operative carotid and coronary artery disease: 82 cases in 8 years.

BACKGROUND: A significant number of patients undergoing coronary artery surgery have severe carotid artery disease. It is also true that up to half of the patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) have severe treatable coronary lesions. This study aims to review data regarding 82 patients of combined approach in 8 years; the second half consists of 44 patients whose CEA was performed under local anesthesia. It compares results of the conventional and the modified approaches to simultaneous surgery. METHODS: All 82 patients who planned to have a concomitant procedure were recorded prospectively between 1995 and 2003. From 1998, the surgical technique has been modified to switch to local anesthesia for CEA, rather than perform under a single general anesthetic period. All pre-and perioperative data as well as in-hospital and outpatient control (mid- to long-term) data were recorded. A P-value of less than .05 was considered as significant. Analysis of survival was performed by using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. RESULTS: The 30-day follow-up was 100% complete for all patients. All patients were followed for 59.59 to 114 months) months postoperatively. Three patients (6.8%) in the modified and 2 (5.2%) in the standard group had intraluminal shunting (P > .05). In the standard group, 3 patients expired and 3 had perioperative stroke; only 1 patient had a stroke in the modified group and two expired (P > .05). Mean survival time according to Kaplan-Meier test was 109.97, SE 2.84, 95% CI (104.41-115.52) months for the former group, whereas it was 62.79, SE 1.20, 95% CI (60.4565.13) months for the latter. Actuarial estimates of survival during ten-year follow up were 94.44% SE 3.83 in ten-year follow-ups and 97.67% SE 2.30 in 5-year follow-ups for the modified group (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Avoidance from extended periods of general anesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass periods as well as immediate recognition of impaired cerebral flow during CEA and the time it provides to take preventive measures are the most important benefits of the modified technique without significantly changing hospital and long-term mortality and stroke. It may also reduce the cost and the waiting period for the suffering patient.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Modified glomerular filtration rate estimating equation for Chinese patients with chronic kidney disease.

The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equations provide a rapid method of assessing GFR in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, previous research indicated that modification of these equations is necessary for application in Chinese patients with CKD. The objective of this study was to modify MDRD equations on the basis of the data from the Chinese CKD population and compare the diagnostic performance of the modified MDRD equations with that of the original MDRD equations across CKD stages in a multicenter, cross-sectional study of GFR estimation from plasma creatinine, demographic data, and clinical characteristics. A total of 684 adult patients with CKD, from nine geographic regions of China were selected. A random sample of 454 of these patients were included in the training sample set, and the remaining 230 patients were included in the testing sample set. With the use of the dual plasma sampling (99m)Tc-DTPA plasma clearance method as a reference for GFR measurement, the original MDRD equations were modified by two methods: First, by adding a racial factor for Chinese in the original MDRD equations, and, second, by applying multiple linear regression to the training sample and modifying the coefficient that is associated with each variable in the original MDRD equations and then validating in the testing sample and comparing it with the original MDRD equations. All modified MDRD equations showed significant performance improvement in bias, precision, and accuracy compared with the original MDRD equations, and the percentage of estimated GFR that did not deviate >30% from the reference GFR was >75%. The modified MDRD equations that were based on the Chinese patients with CKD offered significant advantages in different CKD stages and could be applied in clinical practice, at least in Chinese patients with CKD.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1988

A longitudinal study comparing scaling, osseous surgery and modified Widman procedures. Results after one year.

The purpose of this study was to compare, longitudinally, the effectiveness of scaling and root planing, osseous surgery, and the modified Widman procedures. The study was carried out in a private practice setting. Sixteen adult patients with moderate to advanced adult periodontitis were treated with initial scaling and oral hygiene procedures. Posthygiene data were used for comparison of changes in probing depth, clinical attachment levels and gingival recession. The initial examination data were used to compare changes in plaque and gingival indices. Frequency distributions were used to compare changes that occurred at individual sites. At one year, plaque and gingival indices were significantly reduced when compared with the initial examination. At one year, shallow pockets (1-3 mm) were reduced when compared to posthygiene. Four- to six-millimeter pockets were significantly reduced by the three procedures. Osseous surgery and modified Widman had significantly greater pocket reduction when compared with scaling. For pockets greater than 7 mm, osseous surgery and the modified Widman had significantly greater reduction when compared with scaling. For pockets 1-3 mm at one year osseous surgery had significantly greater clinical attachment loss when compared with scaling. For 4-6 mm pockets at one year, the three procedures had slight gains in clinical attachment levels. The results were similar for pockets with greater than 7 mm. Interproximal soft tissue craters were measured for six postoperative weeks. Initially, the modified Widman had a higher percentage of soft tissue craters when compared with osseous surgery. At six weeks, however, there were no significant differences when the surgical procedures were compared. Recession was measured at each examination. Recession for 1-3 mm pockets at one year was greater for osseous surgery when compared with scaling and the modified Widman. Recession for 4-6 mm and greater than 7 pockets was greater for the surgical procedures than scaling. The results from this study indicate that with three-month maintenance recalls, both the modified Widman and osseous surgery are effective for pocket reduction, and each will produce a slight gain of clinical attachment over one year. Scaling was effective at maintaining attachment levels but was not as effective in reducing pocket depth.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Evaluation of a simple modified radiographic alignment system for routine use.

Radiographic frames used for longitudinal studies may be in part unreadable for measuring crestal bone change. Sites may not be present on the film, or the measurement reliability may be compromised because of dissimilar geometry. Several techniques used to address this problem are expensive, time-consuming, and required great skill. For the present study a commercially-available alignment system was simply modified by addition of a reference pin in the bite block, facilitating the repositioning of the film holder for a second exposure. This study determined the ability of the modified instrument to: 1) improve the geometrical correspondence between serial radiographs; and 2) reduce the frequency of missed sites in the film. Two pairs of x-rays were taken for each of 40 subjects, 1 pair with the standard alignment instrument of an assigned site and 1 pair with the modified instrument of the contralateral site. Measurements of alveolar bone height were performed using the "side by side" technique. The modified instrument yielded significantly smaller measurement differences and a significantly better geometrical correspondence than the conventional system (P < 0.05). Also, the modified instrument yielded significantly greater (P < 0.01) readable sites (86%) as compared to the conventional instrument (62%). The simply-modified instrument facilitates the correct interpretation of serial radiographs.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed2001

Electrocatalytic reduction of dioxygen on a glassy carbon electrode modified with adsorbed cobaloxime complex.

The preparation and electrochemical properties of a glassy carbon (GC) electrode modified with cobaloxime complex were investigated. The complex of the type [CoIII(DO)(DOH)pn)Cl2] where (DO)(DOH)pn = N2,N2'-propanediylbis-2,3-butanedione-2-imine-3-oxime) was adsorbed irreversibly and strongly on the surface of preanodized glassy carbon electrode. Electrochemical behavior and stability of modified GC electrode were investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The electrocatalytic reduction of dioxygen has been studied using this modified glassy carbon electrode by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and rotating disk electrode voltammetry as diagnostic techniques. The modified electrode showed excellent eletrocatalytic ability for the reduction of dioxygen to hydrogen peroxide in acetate buffer (pH 4.0) with overpotential 1.0 V lower than the plain glassy carbon electrode. The formal potential for this modified electrode is not shifted to more negative potentials by repeated reduction-oxidation cycles in oxygen-saturated supporting electrolyte solution. The apparent electron transfer rate constant (kS), the transfer coefficent (alpha) and the catalytic rate constant of O2 reduction at a GC modified electrode were determined by cyclic voltammetry and rotating disk electrode voltammetry and were found to be around 2.6 s(-1), 0.33 and 2.25 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1). Based on the results, a catalytic mechanism is proposed and discussed.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Diffusivities of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium inside silica-nanochannels modified with alkylsilanes.

The apparent diffusion coefficients of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium ([Ru(bpy(3))](2+)) are estimated in silica-nanochannels which are assembled inside columnar alumina pores in an anodic alumina membrane, and are modified with alkylsilanes such as trimethylchlorosilane (C1), butyldimethylchlorosilane (C4), and dodecyldimethylchlorosilane (C12). The estimation is performed by observing the lag-time, which is defined as the time required for [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) to diffuse through alkylsilane-modified silica-nanochannels in the alumina membrane. When ethanol is used as a solvent, the apparent diffusion coefficients of [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) are estimated as 2.1 x 10(-10) and 3.2 x 10(-10) cm(2) s(-1) in the C1- and C4-modified silica-nanochannels, respectively. These values are about 10(4) times smaller than that obtained in bulk ethanol. Based on the experimental results on the solvent dependency of the lag-time, the hydrogen-bonding interaction between ethanol molecules is considered to be stronger in the C1- and C4-modified silica-nanochannels than in bulk ethanol, and the hydrogen-bonding interaction plays a critical role for the slow diffusivity in those nanochannels. In contrast, the apparent diffusion coefficient in the C12-modified silica-nanochannel is at least two orders of magnitude larger than those in the C1- and C4-modified silica-nanochannels. This relatively fast diffusion is most likely explained by the presence of a long alkyl chain of C12, which reduces a hindrance effect that is originates in the hydrogen-bonding interaction.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Determination of cadmium, chromium, copper and lead in sediments and soil samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using zirconium containing chemical modifiers.

A method for direct determination of cadmium, chromium, copper and lead in sediments and soil samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using Zr, Ir, etylenediamine acetic acid (EDTA), Zr + EDTA, Ir + EDTA, Zr + Ir and Zr + Ir + EDTA as chemical modifiers in 0.5% (v/v) Triton X-100 plus 0.2% (v/v) nitric acid mixture used as diluent was developed. The effects of mass and mass ratio of modifiers on analytes in sample solutions were studied. The optimum masses and mass ratios of modifiers: 20 microg of Zr, 4 microg of Ir, 100 microg of EDTA and 20 microg of Zr + 4 microg of Ir + 100 microg of EDTA, were used to enhance the analyte signals. Pyrolysis and atomization temperatures, atomization and background absorption profiles, characteristic masses, and detection limits of analytes in samples were compared in the presence or absence of a modifier. The detection limits and characteristic masses of analytes in a 0.5% (m/v) dissolved sample (dilution factor of 200 ml g(-1)) obtained with Zr + Ir + EDTA are 8.0 ng g(-1) and 1.2 pg for Cd, 61 ng g(-1) and 4.3 pg for Cr, 32 ng g(-1) and 23 pg for Cu, and 3.4 ng g(-1) and 19 pg for Pb, respectively. The Zr + Ir + EDTA modifier mixture was found to be preferable for the determination of analytes in sediment and soil-certified and standard reference materials. Depending on the sample type, the percent recoveries of analytes were increased from 81 to 103% by using the proposed modifier mixture; the results obtained are in good agreement with the certified values.

Cadmium↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Osteoplastic flap versus modified endoscopic Lothrop procedure in patients with frontal sinus disease.

The aim of the present study was to review the clinical results of osteoplastic flap procedure with abdominal fat obliteration and modified endoscopic Lothrop procedure. Charts of patients with frontal sinus disease who underwent osteoplastic flap procedure with abdominal fat obliteration or modified endoscopic Lothrop procedure were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-three patients with frontal sinus disease underwent osteoplastic flap procedure with abdominal fat obliteration. Frontal sinus disease was chronic sinusitis in 21, mucocele in 18, and papilloma in four. None of the patients had recurrence within 3 to 12 years follow-up period. Six patients had decreased forehead sensation, one had a CSF leak, and one had loss of the fat graft. Fifteen patients with chronic frontal sinusitis underwent modified endoscopic Lothrop procedure. The follow-up period ranged from 0.5 to 2.5 years. Two patients had recurrence of disease 2 and 6 months after surgery and required osteoplastic flap. In patients with chronic frontal sinusitis, both procedures achieved good relief of symptoms; however, follow-up time of modified endoscopic Lothrop procedure was smaller than that of osteoplastic flap procedure. In conclusion, osteoplastic flap procedure with abdominal fat obliteration provides successful treatment in patients with frontal chronic sinusitis, mucocele, or papilloma. Modified endoscopic Lothrop procedure achieves the relief of symptoms in patients with chronic frontal sinusitis. With the future availability of long term follow-up results, modified endoscopic Lothrop procedure may reduce the number of osteoplastic flap procedures in patients with chronic frontal sinusitis.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Direct proteins electrochemistry based on ionic liquid mediated carbon nanotube modified glassy carbon electrode.

A novel glassy carbon electrode modified by a gel containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and ionic liquid of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIPF6) is reported. The gel is formed by grinding of MWNTs and BMIPF6. Such gel is then coated on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode. We have employed scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and cyclic voltammetry to characterize the modified electrode. The direct electron transfers of hemoglobin and catalase on the modified electrode have been observed and studied in detail electrochemically. Hemoglobin is verified to be adsorbed on the modified electrode with the retention of conformation, which has been proved by microscopic FTIR. The electrochemical response of the adsorbed hemoglobin on the modified electrode is very stable, and shows repeated changes in the different pH solutions. It also has shown electrocatalysis to the reduction of oxygen and trichloroacetic acid. Catalase adsorbed on the gel modified electrode still keep activity to hydrogen peroxide. This work provides a simple and easy approach to construct biosensors based on the carbon nanotubes and ionic liquids.

Carbon↗
PubMed1996

Flexure strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cements and their bond strength to dental composites.

The flexure strength of three resin-modified glass ionomer cements and one conventional glass ionomer cement and their bond strength to dental composites were studied by measuring the three-point bending and the shear strengths. The bond strengths between the dental composite and the resin-modified glass ionomer cements were dependent on the curing modes. Resin-modified glass ionomer cements bonded significantly more strongly to cured dental composites than dental composites bonded to cured resin-modified glass ionomer cements. However, the dental composites showed a significantly stronger bonding to the resin-modified glass ionomer cements than to the cured conventional glass ionomer cement, to which the dental composite did not adhere without acid etching. The flexure strengths of the resin-modified glass ionomer cements were significantly improved compared with the conventional one but were still significantly lower than that of the dental composites.

Acid Etching, Dental↗
PubMed2000

Possible involvement of altered RGD sequence in reduced adhesive and spreading activities of advanced glycation end product-modified fibronectin to vascular smooth muscle cells.

Although fibronectin (FN) modified by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) has been shown to contribute to the development of diabetic vascular complications through its reduced adhesive activity to vascular cells, little is known about changes in the cell binding domain of AGE-modified FN. Here we examined the mechanism of reduced adhesive and spreading activities of AGE-modified FN to vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), particularly the contribution of modification of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence. Incubation with glucose caused not only the formation of N(epsilon) -carboxymethyllysine and pentosidine, but also polymerization of FN in a dose- and time-dependent manner. AGE-modified FN had significantly low adhesive and spreading activities to cultured SMCs. On the other hand, multimeric FN formed by disulfide bonds did not show any effect on either cell adhesion or spreading. The adhesive activity of type I collagen, one of the RGD sequence-containing proteins, to SMCs also decreased by AGE-modification. The inhibitory effect of AGE-modification on cell adhesion was significantly greater in type I collagen than in FN. Although the extent of AGE-modification of type I collagen was indistinguishable from that of FN, AGE-modification decreased the arginine content of type I collagen by 69.5% and of FN by 30.6%, compared with their non-glycated forms. The addition of RGD peptides caused a decrease in adhesion of SMCs to non-glycated FN, but not to AGE-modified FN. Modification of RGD sequence with glyoxal eliminated its inhibitory effect on cell adhesion. Our results suggest that a marked decrease in adhesive and spreading activities of AGE-modified FN to SMCs might largely be due to a modification of its RGD sequence by AGE, thus suggesting a potential link between AGE modification of FN and the pathogenesis of diabetic angiopathy.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed2006

Calibration of infrared milk analyzers: modified milk versus producer milk.

Mid-infrared (MIR) milk analyzers are traditionally calibrated using sets of preserved raw individual producer milk samples. The goal of this study was to determine if the use of sets of preserved pasteurized modified milks improved calibration performance of MIR milk analyzers compared with calibration sets of producer milks. The preserved pasteurized modified milk sets exhibited more consistent day-to-day and set-to-set calibration slope and intercept values for all components compared with the preserved raw producer milk calibration sets. Pasteurized modified milk calibration samples achieved smaller confidence interval (CI) around the regression line (i.e., calibration uncertainty). Use of modified milk calibration sets with a larger component range, more even distribution of component concentrations within the ranges, and the lower correlation of fat and protein concentrations than producer milk calibration sets produced a smaller 95% CI for the regression line due to the elimination of moderate and high leverage samples. The CI for the producer calibration sets were about 2 to 12 times greater than the CI for the modified milk calibration sets, depending on the component. Modified milk calibration samples have the potential to produce MIR milk analyzer calibrations that will perform better in validation checks than producer milk-based calibrations by reducing the mean difference and standard deviation of the difference between instrument values and reference chemistry.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

[Efficacy of modified acupotome combined with blocking therapy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of modified acupotome combined with blocking therapy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: Fifty-five patients with CTS were divided into three groups, which were modified acupotome group including 26 CTS patients with 28 lesions treated by modified acupotome combined with blocking therapy, traditional acupotome group including 14 CTS patients with 16 lesions treated by traditional acupotome combined with blocking therapy, and blocking therapy group including 15 CTS patients with 15 lesions only treated by local blocking. The treatment outcome and one-year recurrence rate were observed. RESULTS: The response rate and one-year recurrence rate after operation in the modified acupotome group were 85.7% (24/28) and 20.8% (5/24) respectively, which had no significant differences as compared with 81.3% (13/16) and 38.5% (5/13) in the traditional acupotome group. The response rate and one-year recurrence rate after operation in the above two groups were both improved significantly as compared with those in the blocking therapy group which were 46.7% (7/15) and 85.7% (6/7) respectively. There were no acupotome-related adverse effects and injuries observed in the modified acupotome group. CONCLUSION: The modified acupotome is a considerable treatment method for CTS with respect to its simple manipulation and high effectiveness.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The relationship between modifiable health risks and future medical care expenditures: the Korea Medical Insurance Corporation (KMIC) Study.

CONTEXT: The relationship between lifestyle risk factors, morbidity, and mortality is well established, but the relationship between lifestyle risk factors and medical care costs is not as well defined. OBJECTIVES: To determine the ability of modifiable biometric and lifestyle risk factors to predict future medical care costs. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Data on modifiable risk factors collected in 1992 and medical care costs collected in 1998 by the Korea Medical Insurance Corporation in South Korea. Data were examined for a final cohort of 78,728 men and 50,414 women enrolled in the health insurance plan from 1990 through 1998. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures included likelihood of any inpatient, outpatient, and total medical care costs and outlier costs; amount of inpatient, outpatient, and total medical care costs; and portion of total medical costs attributable to each risk factor through unadjusted and adjusted multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Baseline modifiable risk factors measured in 1992 (including lifestyle factors such as smoking, high body mass index, exercise, and biometric measures such as cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and urinary sugar) were important predictors of the amount of medical care costs incurred 6 years later in 1998, even after controlling for age, perceived health status, and each of the other modifiable variables. These risk factors were generally better predictors than nonmodifiable demographic risk factors, including income level and type of job. For men, lifestyle risk factors were associated with total costs that were 2.4% (for high blood pressure) to 16.1% (for former smokers) higher than among men without those risk factors. Biometric risk factors were associated with costs ranging from 9.2% (for cholesterol) to 38.2% (for positive urinary glucose) higher. For women, lifestyle risk factors were associated with total costs that were 2.5% (for exercise) to 6.4% (for current smokers) higher than among those without the risk factors. Biometric risk factors were associated with costs ranging from 10.2% (for cholesterol) to 60.4% (for positive urinary glucose) higher. For men, a cluster of six heart disease risk factors were associated with total costs 54.7% higher, and a cluster of three stroke risk factors were associated with total costs 22.2% higher than in men who had none of these risk factors. Modifiable risk factors accounted for 23.1% of medical costs for men and 8.7% for women. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that modifiable biometric and lifestyle risk factors can predict a moderate portion of future medical care costs. If these risk factors can be reduced, future medical care costs may be reduced.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Roles of oxidation-reduction potential in electrolyzed oxidizing and chemically modified water for the inactivation of food-related pathogens.

This study investigates the properties of electrolyzed oxidizing (EO) water for the inactivation of pathogen and to evaluate the chemically modified solutions possessing properties similar to EO water in killing Escherichia coli O157:H7. A five-strain cocktail (10(10) CFU/ml) of E. coli O157:H7 was subjected to deionized water (control), EO water with 10 mg/liter residual chlorine (J.A.W-EO water), EO water with 56 mg/liter residual chlorine (ROX-EO water), and chemically modified solutions. Inactivation (8.88 log10 CFU/ml reduction) of E. coli O157:H7 occurred within 30 s after application of EO water and chemically modified solutions containing chlorine and 1% bromine. Iron was added to EO or chemically modified solutions to reduce oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) readings and neutralizing buffer was added to neutralize chlorine. J.A.W-EO water with 100 mg/liter iron, acetic acid solution, and chemically modified solutions containing neutralizing buffer or 100 mg/liter iron were ineffective in reducing the bacteria population. ROX-EO water with 100 mg/liter iron was the only solution still effective in inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 and having high ORP readings regardless of residual chlorine. These results suggest that it is possible to simulate EO water by chemically modifying deionized water and ORP of the solution may be the primary factor affecting microbial inactivation.

Animals↗