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It is argued that during 44 years of Social Democratic government in Sweden intimate cooperation has developed between this government and multinational corporations. This cooperation was based upon the development of common interests, and was the result of an economic policy of structural rationalization and state intervention. A strong tendency of concentration of capital can be observed. Data are presented to support the theses developed.
UNLABELLED: Value of urodynamic pressure-flow studies in evaluation of bladder outlet obstruction has been recognized. Voiding during these studies is influenced by transurethral catheter, which is used for measurement of vesical pressure. We have investigated the influence of 7 F (2.3 mm) catheter on flow rate during pressure-flow study as a potential cause of misclassification. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of free urinary flow and pressure flow from 111 men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia were analyzed. Inclusion criteria for analysis: age over 45 years, total International Prostate Symptom Score over 8, maximum flow rate in range of 4-20 ml/s, total voided volume of 100 ml or greater. RESULTS: Of all patients, means of maximum free and pressure-flow rate were 9.8 and 9.0 ml/s (p=0.01) with mean voided volume 199 and 212 ml (p=0.03) respectively. Maximum flow rate decreased in 56.8%, increased in 41.4% and was stable in 1.8% of cases. The difference ranged from -8.5 to +10.2 ml/s ('+' is indicated when maximum rate of free flow is higher). In the group of obstructed subjects mean maximum flow rates were respectively 8.8 ml/s and 7.9 ml/s (p=0.01). There was no significant difference in maximum flow rate within the group of unobstructed/equivocal subjects. More pronounced mean 1.3 ml/s difference in maximum flow rate was observed also in subgroup of patients with prostate volumes over 60 cc (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Catheter of 7 F (2.3 mm) generally slightly diminishes maximum flow rate. Overdiagnosis of obstruction is more likely if considering the effect of catheter and vesical pressure. Misclassification of subject is possible in case of mild obstruction so such cases should be interpreted with caution. In the case of big difference in maximum flow rate it is necessary to take into account the free flow.
We compared the usefulness of t-test and parametric and rank-sum tests in the statistical analysis of significant differences in the so-called "decision tree" for the quantitative data obtained from toxicity studies. The Dunnett's multiple comparison test had lower analytic power than the t-test when one of the groups showed a marked difference in variance. The Dunnett's test was less efficient with the increase in the number of groups. If one group showed a decrease in the number of animals, this test was less efficient than parametric tests, because the rank-sum tests should be chosen. The rank-sum test is required occasionally to attach the asterisks of significant difference to the mean +/- SD even in showing the same mean values. The nonparametric Dunnett's test could not be used for analysis of significant differences when the mean value for the control and treated groups showed big differences. The nonparametric Dunnett's and parametric Scheffé tests were not as efficient as the other parametric tests probably because of the vague evaluation or overlooking the effect of the test substance.
An effective method for determination of the levels of newly discovered 31-amino acid endothelins [ETs(1-31)] as well as big ETs and 21-amino acid ETs [ETs(1-21)], in human lungs has been developed. About 85% of ETs in human lung homogenates were recovered on acid extraction 8 times. Most of the published protocols for the determination of tissue ETs involve a reverse-phase minicolumn to separate proteins from peptides, after which the levels of ETs are directly determined by enzyme immunoassay. The levels determined, however, include fairly high amounts of non-bioactive ET metabolites in tissues and the data reported are diverse. We established an effective methods for the extraction and the separation of nine different muscle constricting ETs from their metabolites on a reverse-phase C18 column. Using this protocol, the levels of ETs in human lungs were determined by means of a sandwich-enzyme immunoassay specific for each ET derivative. The levels of ET-2(1-21) were the highest among those of ETs, and the levels of ETs(1-31) were in a similar range to those of big ETs but were lower than those of ETs(1-21). This method can be utilized to assess the pathophysiological roles of ETs(1-31) in various human organs.
Clinical manifestations and other aspects of nonspecific X-linked mental retardation are reviewed using data from the literature and information on affected males in 24 new families ascertained in British Columbia. A great degree of variability was apparent in the mental abilities of affected males. Speech defects, other CNS disorders and minor physical changes such as "big" ears or a highly arched palate were not present in many cases. Evidence for the existence of a clinical entity of mental retardation associated with the fragile site at Xq27 or 28 and macro-orchidism is discussed. Genetic phenomena of reduced penetrance in males and of partial expression in females with respect of X-linked recessive genes are examined. Consideration is given to the question of whether this type of mental retardation is due to X-linked recessive or autosomal dominant sex-limited genes. Most ascertained cases of X-linked mental retardation are from families of northern European extraction. Recommendations are made regarding the diagnosis and counseling of X-linked mental retardation cases.
Endothelins are peptide hormones with a potent vasoconstrictor activity that are also known to function as intercellular signaling molecules. The final step in the biosynthesis of endothelins is the proteolytic processing of precursor peptides by endothelin-converting enzymes (ECEs). ECE-1 is a zinc metalloendopeptidase related in amino acid sequence to neprilysin, a mammalian cell-surface peptidase involved in the metabolism of numerous biologically active peptides. Despite apparent structural similarities, ECE-1 and neprilysin have been considered to differ significantly in substrate specificity. In this study we have examined the activity of recombinant ECE-1 against a collection of biologically active peptides. ECE-1, unlike neprilysin, was found to have minimal activity against substrates smaller than hexapeptides, such as Leu-enkephalin. Larger peptides such as neurotensin, substance P, bradykinin, and the oxidized insulin B chain were hydrolyzed by ECE-1 as efficiently as big endothelin-1, a known in vivo substrate. Identification of the products of hydrolysis of six peptides indicates that ECE-1 has a substrate specificity similar to that of neprilysin, preferring to cleave substrates at the amino side of hydrophobic residues. The data indicate that ECE-1 possesses a surprisingly broad substrate specificity and is potentially involved in the metabolism of biologically active peptides distinct from the endothelins.
CPAE endothelial cells were cultured in the presence of pepstatin, NH4Cl, or chloroquine in order to assess their effects on the secretion of endothelin-1 (ET-1). The first of these is an inhibitor of aspartyl proteases and the last two are known to neutralize acidic intracellular compartments. The pepstatin was encapsulated into liposomes to aid in its uptake, and uptake was confirmed by measuring the residual aspartyl protease activity in washed, lysed cells. Pepstatin had no effect (less than 5%) on the secretion of ET-1, 25 mM NH4Cl decreased secretion by 30-47%, and 25 microM chloroquine increased secretion by 37-79%. In contrast, each of these reagents is known to inhibit lysosomal degradation of intracellular proteins by 75-90%. Additionally, big ET was shown to be a very poor substrate, in terms of kcat/Km values, for aspartyl proteases. The rate constants were less than 10(4) M-1 s-1, which is approximately 1% of the value for the best substrates. The data, therefore, do not support a role for aspartyl proteases in the formation of ET-1. Similar to chloroquine, 0.5 microM monensin increased the secretion of ET-1 by 40-60%. Both of these reagents have previously been shown to increase the rate of constitutive secretion of peptides by affecting their partitioning between packaging into storage granules and constitutive secretion. The results would therefore provide supportive evidence for the existence of a storage form of ET-1 in endothelial cells.
Structural isomers of nine diphenylmethyl alcohols (DPMA) have been separated by paper chromatography with sodium dodecylsulfate(SDS) micellar pure water solution as mobile phase and their Ri data are measured in different concentrations of SDS surfactant aqueous solution with no other additives. However, the curves of Cm vs Ri/(1 - Ri) deviate considerably from the Armstrong's ideal curve and are sawtoothed. The reason is that there is a big stereoscopic effect of DPMA compounds. The partly antibinding behaviour of the sawtoothed shapes comes from the effect which decides that DPMA cannot enter micellar core, otherwise the entropy of micellar system would be reduced or micellar will be broken, although both of them have hydrophobic property. One of the Armstrong's equations is shown as: [formula: see text] In this case, Km in the equation is negative. The above equation comes from a special condition in which there is only one type of micelle, however, there are several kinds of micelles for real system which is in dynamic equilibrium. Armstrong gave the correct pseudophase retention equation for 2:1 complexes [formula: see text] The DPMAs' chromatographic behaviour is the synthetic results of K1 and K2, both of which can be more than or less than zero, respectively or simultaneously, so the curves show sawtoothed shapes. The suitability of the relationship between the solutes' molecular structures and the micellar shapes and sizes is the main driving force of chromatographic separation.
The progress made by the private medical sector in different Russia's regions has been uneven. A key share of private medical facilities is concentrated in big cities. The frequency rate of citizens' asking the rural and urban private practitioners for medical care was investigated by the example of the Omsk Region. The dynamic morbidity and the specificity of its structure are described on the basis of the data contained in basic medical registration documents borrowed from private medical institutions. The importance and value of the information-and-analytical cooperation between the private-sector structures, on the one hand, and the healthcare management bodies, on the other hand, are pointed out.
The reform of the medical service dealing with occupational pathologies in the city of Kazan, introduction of new management conditions involving the market-economy tools and emergence, in this connection, of patient-care and prevention facilities of different organizational-and-legal types had a negative effect on the health of employees occupied at hazardous and dangerous enterprises. Data related with the system of periodical prevention measures undertaken for the sake of health protection of able-bodied population are elucidated; methods of promoting the structure and management of the occupational-pathology service functioning under the conditions of a big industrial city are suggested.
Standardization has been a powerful strategy in consumer markets, but it's reached the point of diminishing returns. And diversity is not the only chink in standardization's armor: Attempts to build stores in the remaining attractive locations often meet fierce resistance from community activists. From California to Florida to New Jersey, neighborhoods are passing ordinances that dictate the sizes and even architectural styles of new shops. Building more of the same--long the cornerstone of retailer growth--seems to be tapped out as a strategy. Of course, a company can't customize every element of its business in every location. Strategists have begun to use clustering techniques to simplify and smooth out decision making and to focus their efforts on the relatively small number of variables that usually drive the bulk of consumer purchases. The customization-by-clusters approach, which began as a strategy for grocery stores in 1995, has since proven effective in drugstores, department stores, mass merchants, big-box retailers, restaurants, apparel companies, and a variety of consumer goods manufacturers. Clustering sorts things into groups, so that the associations are strong between members of the same cluster and weak between members of different clusters. In fact, by centralizing data-intensive and scale-sensitive functions (such as store design, merchandise assortment, buying, and supply chain management), localization liberates store personnel to do what they do best: Test innovative solutions to local challenges and forge strong bonds with communities. Ultimately, all companies serving consumers will face the challenge of local customization. We are advancing to a world where the strategies of the most successful businesses will be as diverse as the communities they serve.
The effect of man-made electromagnetic fluctuations and strong geomagnetic disturbances on human pathology-data from St. Petersburg (Russia, 1981) is analyzed. The most remarkable effect is the 7-day variation of the ambulance-call data for myocardial infarction, that show a decrease in pathology-rate (70%) during week-ends and public holidays. Results of measurement of man-made electromagnetic fluctuations in the frequency range 0.005-10 Hz in 1991 and 1994 show a big decrease in electromagnetic noise during week-ends. We suggest that very big 7-day variation in infarction rates is connected with the decrease of electromagnetic noise during Saturdays-Sundays. This phenomenon is responsible for the very big 7-day variation in infarction rate. The myocardial infarction rate cleaned up by meteorological and social effects show the increasing by a factor 1.14 during geomagnetic storms.
AIMS: To predict the burden of blindness, partial sight, and visual impairment (binocular visual acuity 6/18 or less) due to late stage age related macular degeneration (AMD) in the ageing population of the United Kingdom. METHODS: A systematic review, followed by a request for data, was used to establish a pooled prevalence of AMD and corresponding visual loss. Prevalence figures were applied to the UK population. Using UK population trends, the future burden of AMD over the coming decade was established. RESULTS: Pooled data from six studies showed that the prevalence of visual loss caused by AMD increased exponentially from the age of 70-85 years of age, with 3.5% (95% CI 3.0 to 4.1) having visual impairment beyond the age of 75 years. The authors estimate that there are currently 214 000 (95% CI 151 000 to 310 000) with visual impairment caused by AMD (suitable for registration). This number is expected to increase to 239 000 (95% CI 168 000 to 346 000) by the year 2011. Currently there are 172 000 (95% CI 106 000 to 279 000) and 245 000 (95% CI 163 000 to 364 000) with geographical and neovascular AMD, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Estimates of visual impairment agree with official statistics for the number registered partially sighted or blind, caused by AMD, and are well below other figures often cited. Although these estimates are associated with wide confidence intervals (CI) and a number of caveats, they represent the best available data, which can be used to guide health and social care provision for older people in the UK setting. Implications for low vision services are outlined.
The relationship between environmental factors and hospital admissions has usually been analysed without taking into account the influence of a factor closely related to traffic in big cities, that is, environmental noise levels. We analysed the relationship between environmental noise and emergency admissions, for all causes and specific causes in Madrid (Spain), for the study period 1995-1997, using two statistical methods for the analysis of epidemiological time series data: Poisson autoregressive models and Box Jenkins (ARIMA) methodology. Both methods produce a clear association between emergency admissions for all and specific causes and environmental noise levels. We found very similar results from both methods for all and circulatory causes, but slightly different for respiratory causes. Around 5% of all emergency admissions can be attributed to high noise levels, with a lower figure for specific causes. Current levels of environmental noise have a considerable epidemiological impact on emergency admissions in Madrid. A reduction of environmental noise levels could be accompanied by a possible reduction in the number of emergency admissions.
An analysis of frequencies, causes and injury patterns in skiing with emphasis to knee injuries was done. In our clinic next to the slopes of the ski resort Pfronten and the skiing region Ostallgäu skiing injuries contribute with 58% of all stationary treated sports injuries to a big part of our in-patients. Out of all skiing injuries 52% are ligament lesions and 63% concern the knee joint. Thus the knee ligament lesions are leading in our sports related orthopaedic surgery. The results of this analysis were compared with data from Swiss skiing areas and Austrian and German university clinics. Possible ways of injury prophylaxis are presented.
Certain neonicotinoids are used in cotton, Gossypium hirsutum (L.), to control various piercing-sucking pests. We conducted field studies using three neonicotinoids (acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, and imidacloprid) and an organophosphate (dicrotophos) to assess the activity of these insecticides against nontarget arthropods, particularly predators, and to determine the potential economic consequences of such activity. Mortality among populations of the big-eyed bug, Geocoris punctipes (Say), and the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, was highest after thiamethoxam and dicrotophos treatments. Numbers of arachnids were consistently lower after dicrotophos treatments, whereas none of the neonicotinoids caused appreciable mortality. Total predators in pooled data from five separate studies revealed that numbers, compared with untreated plots, were reduced by -75% in dicrotophos, 55-60% in thiamethoxam, and only 30% in both acetamiprid and imidacloprid plots. Acetamiprid and thiamethoxam exhibited significant mortality against field-deposited eggs of bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie). Both thiamethoxam and dicrotophos plots exhibited bollworm numbers that were approximately three times higher than treatment thresholds (three per 100 plants), whereas numbers in untreated plots were below threshold levels. In one study on Bt cotton, a significant negative correlation was observed between numbers of predators and bollworm larvae. Results demonstrated that neonicotinoids differ in activity against predaceous arthropods and bollworm eggs and that high predator mortality can result in resurgence of bollworm larvae and additional insecticide costs.
The influence of ischemic preconditioning of heart on ischemia-reperfusion injury of 16 Japanese big-ear-rabbit lungs were studied. The results showed: 1. Experimental group had a significant reduction in wet/dry weight ratio; 2. It had a significant increase in PaO2. 3. It had a minimal intraalveolar neutrophil infiltration in comparison with the control group. These data suggestes that the ischemic preconditioning of heart can lighten the ischemia-reperfusion injury of rabbit lungs.
Our study proposes to evaluate the prevalence of clinical respiratory symptoms, spirometric abnormalities and allergy skin test sensitivities in two groups: on exposed to grain dust in a big traditional grain market in Casablanca and the other unexposed. The inquiry which concerned 277 exposed workers and 230 non exposed consisted of a questionnaire, spirometric examinations and skin prick testings. Exposed and no exposed groups are statically similar as far as physical data (sex, age, weight, heignt) and smoking habits. The atopy was found among 18% of the exposed. The prevalence of clinical respiratory symptomatology among exposed is 64.3% against 24.8% among non exposed. Respiratory symptoms (cough, expectoration), rhinitis, asthma, conjonctivitis, dermatitis, chronic bronchitis were significantly more frequent in those exposed than in the non exposed. Smoking is at the origin of additional morbidity. Atopy seems to be a potentiating factor as all the atopic people exposed are symptomatic. Respiratory function was altered in 37.1% of those exposed versus 12.8% of those no exposed. Among exposed workers with decline of lung function parameters 68.9% have only light anomalies. Tabacco interferes significantly in the alteration of respiratory function parameters. Work exposure to grain associated with smoking resulted in a reduction in respiratory function values. In grain workers, the prevalence of allergy skin test sensitivities of occupational allergens is 30.3% versus 6.9% among those no exposed. The enquiry in the workplace shows complete absence of means of protection for the work force and elevated levels of dust. It is imperative to implement an occupational health service and to develop means for collective and individual prevention to maximally reduce the risk.