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Efficacy of racism-specific coping styles as predictors of cardiovascular functioning.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationship between racism-specific coping strategies and cardiovascular responses to an ethnically relevant speaking task. METHODS: Fifty-seven African-American females participated in a speaking task during which they discussed their experiences with inter-ethnic group racism. Blood pressure and heart rate responses were measured during a pre-speech, speech, and recovery period. Racism-specific coping strategies were assessed with both the Perceived Racism Scale (PRS) and the Ways of Coping Scale-Revised (WCS-R). RESULTS: Multivariate regression analyses indicated that racism-specific coping strategies assessed via the PRS and WCS-R predicted blood pressure and heart rate changes. Passive coping strategies were generally associated with greater changes in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate during the pre-speech and speech periods, and with incomplete diastolic blood pressure recovery and heart rate recovery. Unexpectedly, the use of more active roping strategies was also associated with greater changes in diastolic blood pressure, and with incomplete heart rate recovery. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary empirical evidence that racism-specific coping styles may contribute to blood pressure and heart rate variability in African-American females.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Around-the-clock attending radiology coverage is essential to avoid mistakes in the care of trauma patients.

Financial constraints due to increasing operating cost and decreased reimbursement do not allow many hospitals to maintain coverage by attending radiologists around the clock (CARAC). Preliminary film readings by radiology trainees may be inaccurate. In trauma, decisions are made fast and are often based on these preliminary readings. To examine whether there are significant discrepancies between preliminary readings (PRs) and final readings (FRs) of CT scans of trauma patients we prospectively recorded PRs (done immediately by radiology residents) and FRs (done the following working day by radiology attendings) over a period of 6 months for trauma CT scans done between 5 PM and 7 AM on weekdays or weekends. A discrepancy was classified as significant if a change in management was instituted after FR. In 42 of 383 (11%) trauma patients there was a discrepancy between PR and FR. Patients with discrepancies had a higher Injury Severity Score, higher incidence of penetrating trauma, longer hospital stay, higher hospital charges, and higher mortality than patients without any discrepancy. Most of the discrepancies were found on abdominal CT scans. The lower the level of radiology resident doing the PR the higher the likelihood of a discrepancy. In 20 patients (5%) a significant discrepancy was found. We conclude that the absence of CARAC results in inaccurate FRs risking optimal trauma patient care. The institutional savings realized by avoiding CARAC may be offset by the cost of additional care provided to patients who have delayed diagnosis and treatment due to the lack of it.

Adult↗

[Preliminary study on application of blastocyst culture and day 5 transfer in patients with low oocyte number].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether blastocyst culture and transfer in patients with low oocyte number can effectively improve the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer treatment. METHODS: Retrospectively analyze 59 couples received conventional in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment in our center from January to February 2000. Twenty-one couples had blastocyst culture and day 5 embryo transfer and another 38 couples had day 2 embryo transfer as the control. Their clinical and laboratory results were compared between these two groups. RESULTS: In day 5 group the mean oocytes retrieved were (6.6 +/- 2.8), the clinical pregnancy rates (PRs) was 43% and the life delivery rate was 38%; while in day 2 group the results were (6.9 +/- 3.7), 37% and 29% respectively. There was no significant difference between two groups. No high-order multiple birth occurred in day 5 group, but in day 2 group there were two cases: one with triplets and another with pentadriplet who had the embryos reduction. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that nonselective blastocyst culture and transfer in patients with low oocyte number seems not effectively to improve the PRs and the delivery rate, but may decrease the occurrence of multiple birth without affecting the final pregnancy results when compared with conventional day 2 transfer.

Blastocyst↗

Prognosis following in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in patients with elevated day 2 or 3 serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is better in younger vs older patients.

PURPOSE: To determine if younger women with increased day 2 or 3 serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels have a better prognosis than older women with similar FSH elevations. METHODS: Retrospective comparison of in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome from cycles from 1/1/97 to 9/30/99 according to serum FSH < or = 12 vs > 12 and age < or = 38 or > 38. Only cycles where follicular phase leuprolide acetate was used were included. RESULTS: Age group < or = 38 - clinical pregnancy rate (PR)/transfer was 32% with lower FSH vs 28.6% with higher FSH. The respective PRs for the older group were 30.3% and 5.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Oocyte quality as evidenced by PRs following IVF-ET seems to be better in younger vs older patients despite increased basal serum FSH levels.

Adult↗

A study to determine if embryo cryopreservation influences the potential of rapidly growing embryos to successfully implant in uterine environments not influenced by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

PURPOSE: To determine if transferring at least one embryo with eight blastomeres at 72 hours improves prognosis of donor oocyte recipients. The study aim was to verify if cryopreservation increases or decreases the advantage of rapidly growing embryos. The study could exclude the influence of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) on the uterine environment. METHODS: All transfers, fresh or frozen, using exclusively embryos that resulted from fertilization of donor oocytes over a three-year period were evaluated. RESULTS: Significantly higher pregnancy rates (PRs) and delivery rates were found in donor oocyte recipients receiving at least one eight-cell embryo compared to transfers without any eight-cell embryos. These differences were not found when comparing frozen embryo transfers (ETs). The data could not be explained by confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of at least one 8-cell embryo on day 3 fresh ET resulted in higher PRs even without the influence of COH. However, higher blastomere number did not influence frozen ET outcome.

Blastomeres↗

Increased proliferative response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and T cells to Streptococcus mutans and glucosyltransferase D antigens in the exacerbation stage of recurrent aphthous ulcerations.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-induced lysis of virus-infected oral epithelial cells has been shown to be a cause of early ulcer formation in recurrent aphthous ulcerations (RAU). To test whether bacteria and their associated antigens are involved in the disease process of RAU, the proliferative response (PR) to different streptococcal species in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and T cells isolated from RAU patients at the exacerbation stage was determined. METHODS: PBMC and T cells were isolated from 39 patients with RAU, 21 patients with erosive oral lichen plaus (EOLP, disease control group), and 22 healthy subjects (normal control group). Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus mitis and their associated antigen, glucosyltransferase D (GtfD), were used to stimulate isolated PBMC and T cells in in vitro proliferation assays. RESULTS: PBMC and T cells isolated from RAU patients at the exacerbation stage showed a significantly higher PR to S. mutans antigen and GtfD than those isolated from EOLP patients or healthy control subjects (p < 0.05). GtfD was a more potent stimulation antigen than S. mutans. However, elevated PRs to S. mutans antigen and GtfD were transient and present only in the exacerbation stage of RAU. These elevated PRs declined to normal levels in the postexacerbation and convalescence stages of RAU. Furthermore, the GtfD-stimulated PR in PBMC and T cells was correlated with the severity of RAU. CONCLUSION: In addition to viral infections, streptococci and their associated antigen, GtfD, may be involved in the disease process of RAU, especially in the exacerbation stage.

Adolescent↗

Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of C.I. Acid Red 114 (CAS No. 6459-94-5) in F344/N Rats (Drinking Water Studies).

C.I. Acid Red 114 is one of five chemicals being evaluated in 2-year carcinogenicity and toxicity studies as part of the NTP's Benzidine Dye Initiative. This Initiative was designed to evaluate representative benzidine congeners, benzidine congener-derived dyes, and benzidine-derived dyes. C.I. Acid Red 114 was nominated for study because of the potential for human exposure during production of bisazobiphenyl dyes and because benzidine, a structurally related chemical, is a known human carcinogen. Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies were conducted by administering desalted, industrial grade C.I. Acid Red 114 in drinking water to groups of F344/N rats of each sex for 13 days, 13 weeks, 9 or 15 months, or 2 years. These studies were performed only in rats because studies of benzidine congeners were being performed in mice at the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR). Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in Salmonella typhimurium, Chinese hamster ovary cells, and Drosophila melanogaster. 13-Day Studies: Rats were exposed to C.I. Acid Red 114 in drinking water at doses of 0, 10,000, 20,000, or 30,000 ppm. All control and dosed rats survived except one male rat in the 20,000 ppm dose group. Final mean body weights in the three dosed groups were 94%, 83%, or 77% of controls for males and 92%, 88%, or 80% of controls for females. Water consumption declined with increased dose. Clinical findings included red stained fur, ears, and tail in all test animals. On gross necropsy, organs and tissues were also stained red. 13-Week Studies: C.I. Acid Red 114 was administered in drinking water at doses of 0, 600, 1,200, 2,500, 5,000, or 10,000 ppm. All control and dosed animals survived until the end of the study. Final mean body weights in the five dosed groups were 97%, 89%, 87%, 87%, or 85% of controls for males and 97%, 94%, 94%, 92%, or 89% of controls for females. Water consumption was decreased in dosed animals. As was seen in the 13-day studies, major organs and tissues from treated animals were stained red. Kidney toxicity characterized by regeneration and karyomegaly of tubule epithelial cells with chronic inflammation was observed in female rats at doses of 1,200 ppm or above. Treatment-related increases in relative liver weights and elevated liver enzyme levels were seen in males and females, centrilobular pallor in the liver was seen in all male dose groups. Because of these body weight differences, decreases in water consumption, and organ toxicity, the doses chosen for the 2-year studies were 70,150, and 300 ppm for males and 150, 300, and 600 for females. 2-Year Studies: Male rats received doses of 0, 70, 150, or 300 ppm of C.I. Acid Red 114, and female rats received 0, 150, 300, or 600 ppm. Seventy animals were in the control and high-dose groups, 45 in the low-dose groups, and 75 in the mid-dose groups. Ten animals were evaluated from the control and high-dose groups at 9 months, and ten animals from all dose groups were evaluated at 15 months. The average amount of compound consumed per day was 4, 8, or 20 mg/kg for males and 9, 20, or 70 mg/kg for females. Survival and Body Weights: Survival at 105 weeks for male rats receiving 0, 70, 150, or 300 ppm was 24/50, 15/35, 26/65, and 1/50; for females receiving 0, 150, or 300 ppm, survival was 36/50, 13/35, and 6/64. All female rats receiving 600 ppm died by week 89. The decreased survival in treated groups was due primarily to the development of chemical-related neoplasms. Of the surviving animals, the final mean body weights for males receiving 70 or 150 ppm were 94% and 90% of control and for females receiving 150 or 300 ppm, 99% and 84% of control. These weight differences began in the second year of the studies and were attributed in part to the development of neoplasms in the dosed groups. Histopathologic Effects in the 2-Year Studies: At 9 and 15 months, a few neoplasms were seen in the liver, lung, clitoral gland, skin, Zymbal's gland, oral cavity epithelium, and small and large intestine, and the number of neoplasms at these sites increased as gland, skin, Zymbal's gland, oral cavity epithelium, and small and large intestine, and the number of neoplasms at these sites increased as the studies progressed. At 2 years, there was a clear carcinogenic response in the skin, Zymbal's gland, and liver of male and female rats, and in the clitoral gland, oral cavity epithelium, small and large intestine, and lung in female rats. Treatment-related increases were also seen in the incidence in neoplasms of the oral cavity epithelium, adrenal gland, and lung of male rats, and in mononuclear cell leukemia and in neoplasms of the mammary gland and adrenal gland in female rats. The incidence of these neoplasms was generally lower, but was significant and considered to be marginally related to chemical treatment. The same neoplastic effects have been previously observed in some or all of the NTP studies with dimethoxybenzidine, dimethylbenzidine, or C.I. Direct Blue 15. Genetic Toxicology: In a standard preincubation protocol, C.I. Acid Red 114 was mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium strain TA98 in the presence of induced hamster liver S9, and an equivocal response was noted in strain TA100 with hamster liver S9. However, no significant mutagenic activity was noted in strains TA1535 or TA1537 with or without S9 activation. In a modified S. typhimurium gene mutation test which employed reductive metabolism followed by oxidative metabolism with S9 liver enzymes, C.I. Acid Red 114 was strongly mutagenic in strain TA1538. C.I. Acid Red 114 did not induce sister chromatid exchanges or chromosomal aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary cells with or without S9 activation; reductive metabolism was not used in these cytogenetic tests. No increase in sex-linked recessive lethal mutations was observed in germ cells of male Drosophila melanogaster administered C.I. Acid Red 114 by feeding or injection. Conclusions: Under the conditions of these 2-year drinking water studies, there was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of C.I. Acid Red 114 for male F344/N rats, as indicated by benign and malignant neoplasms of the skin, Zymbal's gland, and liver. Increased incidences of neoplasms of the oral cavity epithelium, adrenal gland, and lung may have been related to chemical administration. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity for female F344/N rats, as indicated by benign and malignant neoplasms of the skin, Zymbal's gland, clitoral gland, liver, oral cavity epithelium, small and large intestines, and lung. Increased incidences of mononuclear cell leukemia, mammary gland adenocarcinoma, and adrenal gland pheochromocytomas may have been related to chemical administration. Synonyms: 1,3-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 8-((3,3'-dimethyl-4'-((4-(((4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl)oxy)phenyl)azo)(1,1'-bipheny)-4-yl)azo)-7-hydroxy, disodium salt, Acid Leather Red BG, Acid Red 114, Amacid Milling Red PRS, Benzyl Fast Red BG, Benzyl Red BR, Cerven Kysela, C.I. 23635, Erionyl Red RS, Folan Red B, Kayanol Milling Red RS, Leather Fast Red B, Levanol Red GG, Midlon Red PRS, Milling Red B, Milling Red BB, Milling Red SWB, NCI C61096, Polar Red RS, Sandolan Red N-RS, Sella Fast Red RS, Sulphonol Fast Red R, Supranol Fast Red GG, Supranol Red PBX-CF, Supranol Red R, Telon Fast Red GG, Tertracid Milling Red B, Vondamol Fast Red RS

Journal Article↗

Efficacy of anterior and middle superior alveolar (AMSA) anesthesia using a new injection system: the Wand.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effect of anterior and middle superior alveolar (AMSA) field block of maxillary nerves using a new local anesthetic system--the Wand. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Twenty healthy volunteers aged 23 to 44 years were used in the study. Either side of the maxillary teeth was randomly selected for AMSA injection; the other side was left as a control. For each side, 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine solution with 1/80,000 epinephrine was injected by the Wand on a point that bisects the maxillary first and second premolars and is midway between the crest of the free gingival margin and the midpalatine suture. Pain rating score (PRS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were applied for measurement of puncture, insertion, and injection pain. Electric pulp stimulation was given to each maxillary tooth every 10 minutes for 1 hour after the injection in order to find out the specific tooth on which AMSA injection was effective. RESULTS: During needle insertion, 14 out of 20 subjects answered moderate pain and VAS showed 27.3 mm (mean). During injection, 11 of 20 revealed no pain and the mean of VAS was 14.5 mm. No one claimed severe pain by PRS. Electric pulp stimulation indicated that lateral incisors, canines, and first and second premolars were more anesthetized than central incisors and first molars. CONCLUSION: AMSA injection using the Wand method seems to avoid severe injection pain and seems to be very effective for pulpal anesthesia at lateral incisors, canines, and premolars.

Adult↗

The role of epipodophyllotoxin derivatives in bladder cancer.

Past and present experiences with podophyllin derivatives in bladder cancer are described. A preliminary study of teniposide was conducted in 1975 at the Institute of Urology, University of Palermo, in patients with advanced or superficial bladder cancer. In 18 patients with advanced bladder cancer, teniposide was administered intravenously (IV), followed in seven patients by peptichemio or doxorubicin. One complete response (CR) and four partial responses (PRs) were achieved. In 24 patients with superficial tumors, teniposide at a dose of 50 mg dissolved in 30 mL normal saline was administered intravesically as ablative therapy or as prophylaxis following transurethral resection (TUR). Of 12 patients in the ablative therapy group, two CRs and two PRs were achieved. Only 2 patients of 12 in the prophylaxis group relapsed within 6 months. In five cases, teniposide was administered in combination with peptichemio. In recent years, the Urological Group of the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) has performed a phase II study in which teniposide was used in combination with cisplatin given IV in the treatment of advanced bladder cancer. The EORTC group has also performed a randomized study to compare intravesical teniposide versus thiotepa versus no treatment other than initial resection. A brief report on both studies is given. In December 1987, a study was initiated to evaluate intravesical etoposide use in the prophylaxis of recurrences of superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Intravesical etoposide (200 mg dissolved in 50 mL saline solution) was administered at weekly intervals for the first month after TUR and then monthly for 11 months. Of 38 evaluable patients, 20 had recurrences at a mean follow-up of 14 months. No systemic toxicity was noted.

Combined Modality Therapy↗

Comparison of CO2 laser laparoscopy with laparotomy for treatment of endometriomata.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of laparoscopy versus laparotomy in the treatment of endometriomata. DESIGN: Controlled study using data prospectively tabulated. SETTING: Treatment performed by senior author in a referral reproductive endocrinology and surgery private practice. PATIENTS: One hundred infertile women were diagnosed with endometriomata. INTERVENTION: Forty-eight women were treated with CO2 laser laparoscopy (laparoscopy group) and 52 women were treated with CO2 laser or nonlaser laparotomy (laparotomy group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The hypothesis that laparoscopy group pregnancy rates (PRs) would be equal to or greater than laparotomy group was formulated before data analysis but after data tabulation. RESULTS: The 1 and 3-year life table estimated cumulative PRs +/- SE were 0.30 +/- 0.07 and 0.52 +/- 0.09 for laparoscopy group and 0.23 +/- 0.06 and 0.46 +/- 0.09 for laparotomy group (Breslow P = 0.48). Monthly fecundity over 3 years was 2.4% for laparoscopy group and 2.0% for laparotomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy with CO2 laser can be a safe and effective modality for treating endometriomata.

Adult↗

[Perioperative risk factors evaluation of cleft palate repair in Pierre Robin sequence at early age].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the perioperative risk factors of the cleft palate repair in Pierre Robin sequence patients at early age and to investigate how to control the risk factors. METHODS: Six consecutive patients with Pierre Robin sequence underwent primary repair of cleft palate in Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School of Stomatology from June 2001 to February 2004. The patients underwent von Longenbeck operation by the same perioperative observation of serum oxygen saturation were obtained for these patients. patients included 4 males and 2 females with age of 9 months to 5 surgeon. Pre- and post-operative polysomnographic studies and years. RESULTS: All the patients suffered various degree of hypoxaemia during the period of intubation. There was only one patient who had hypoxaemia within the first 2 hours during postanaesthetic recovery period. No obvious difference was found in apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) among the patients before and after operation. CONCLUSIONS: Severe hypoxaemia may happen in perioperative period when the patients with PRS underwent cleft palate repair. Most patients with PRS could undergo cleft palate repair safely performed by experienced surgeon at early age under comprehensive consideration and careful control of the risk factors.

Child, Preschool↗

Efficacy and adverse effects of patient-controlled epidural or intravenous analgesia after major surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine whether epidural fentanyl-bupivacaine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) was more efficacious and had fewer adverse effects than epidural or intravenous morphine PCA. METHODS: We retrospectively retrieved data from 859 patients (mean age 64+/-7 years) who received continuous epidural medication, either morphine or fentanyl-bupivacaine PCA, or intravenous morphine PCA for postoperative pain control after major elective surgery from 1999 to 2000. Pain was assessed postoperatively using a verbal analogue pain scale (VAS, 0-10) during rest, mobilization, and coughing. Adverse effects including nausea, vomiting, pruritus, urinary retention, sedation, motor block, and respiratory depression (< 8 breaths per minute) were recorded. On the third postoperative day, the overall quality of pain control was evaluated using a pain relief scale (PRS, 1-4). RESULTS: There were 201 patients who had epidural morphine PCA, 427 patients who had fentanyl-bupivacaine PCA, and 231 patients who had intravenous morphine PCA. Most patients (> 86%) who received epidural or intravenous PCA, either morphine or fentanyl combined with bupivacaine, experienced good pain relief (VAS, 0-3) during rest, mobilization, and coughing. Nonetheless, patients who received epidural morphine or fentanyl-bupivacaine had greater satisfaction with overall pain relief (PRS = 4) than did those who received intravenous morphine (p<0.05). Nausea and vomiting were most common in the epidural morphine group (p<0.05). Pruritus occurred least often in patients who received epidural fentanyl-bupivacaine analgesia (p < 0.05). There were no differences in other adverse events such as urinary retention, sedation, and motor block among the three groups. No respiratory depression was found in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving epidural fentanyl-bupivacaine PCA experienced better overall pain relief, while morphine PCA, either epidurally or intravenously, caused more side effects. It is considered safe to use continuous epidural PCA with fentanyl-bupivacaine in patients receiving major elective surgery.

Aged↗

A swellographic approach to monitoring continuous-flow solid-phase peptide synthesis.

A new type of practical low pressure continuous-flow reaction system has been developed, allowing continuous "dead volume free" handling of polystyrene-based peptide-resins (PR) under conventional Boc/Bzl solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). The reaction system offers a unique opportunity for direct recording of bed volume changes accompanying chemical and physical manipulations with PRs. A new monitoring principle, called "swellography," based on a straightforward interpretation of PR bed volume dynamics, is described. It seems to provide a basis for a novel, automated, non-invasive feedback control system. This novel technique does not complicate SPPS practice; and, moreover, it provides useful information about the swelling behavior of PRs in the real time of SPPS. Although the approach is not directly applicable for quantitation of deprotection and coupling reactions, it does give a good opportunity for real-time optimization of solvent and re-agent usage during the washing and neutralization steps of SPPS. A number of 8- to 16-membered peptides were synthesized manually with complete swellographic monitoring. The practical merits of the new approach are discussed in some detail.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Non-homogeneous hyperechogenic echo pattern three days after frozen embryo transfer is associated with lower pregnancy rates.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of mid-luteal phase echo patterns and pregnancy rates (PRs) following frozen embryo transfer (ET). METHODS: Sonographic evaluation of endometrial echo patterns was performed three days after ET in the first frozen ET cycle of women < 40 years of age who used their own oocytes as well as all donor oocyte recipients. RESULTS: The distribution of echo patterns and clinical PRs were similar in women using their own eggs and women who used donor oocytes; therefore all data was combined. The clinical PR was 49.5% with a hyperechogenic echo pattern vs 38.8% with a non-hyperechogenic pattern, p = .007. CONCLUSION: A larger study of frozen ET and mid-luteal echo pattern now demonstrates conclusions similar to the data from fresh ET in hyperstimulated in vitro fertilization (IVF)-ET cycles in that failure to attain a hyperechogenic echo pattern three days after ET is associated with lower pregnancy rates.

Adult↗

Characteristics of schizophrenia residents and staff rejection in community mental health hostels.

BACKGROUND: In the era of deinstitutionalization, increasing numbers of schizophrenia patients reside and receive rehabilitational treatment within the framework of community hostels. The quality of staff-patient relationships is a crucial determinant of the rehabilitational process outcome. METHOD: This study examined the characteristics of 56 schizophrenia hostel residents, measured the degree of staff criticism and rejection expressed towards these patients and assessed the contribution of residents and staff characteristics to the induction of staff rejection. Measures included assessments of patients' symptoms using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), staff attitudes using the Patient Rejection Scale (PRS), and patients' living skills using the Independent Living Skills Survey (ILSS). RESULTS: Young, relatively inexperienced instructors represented 60% of the hostels staff. Residents' symptoms and staff rejection levels were overall low. However, significantly increased rejection was expressed towards patients who were more symptomatic, as measured by PANSS total and positive symptoms scores and had diminished job-related and health care living skills. Staff older age and longer professional experience were correlated with higher rejection scores. LIMITATIONS: Relatively small sample size and catchment area. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the need for a better definition and understanding of schizophrenia residents selection criteria and treatment goals in community hostels. Moreover, they suggest that improvements in this area should be coupled with the provision of specialized staff training aiming at the achievement of more flexible staff attitudes. Within this framework, the PRS may serve as a practical, cost-effective tool for monitoring crucial aspects of staff-patients relationships.

Adult↗

A prospective, randomized study of pregnancy rates after transuterotubal and intrauterine insemination.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relative efficacy, in terms of clinical pregnancy rates (PRs), of transuterotubal insemination versus the more traditional intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, cross-over. SETTING: University-affiliated tertiary care center. PATIENTS: One hundred sixty infertile patients underwent 414 inseminations with or without controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. INTERVENTIONS: All patients were randomized in their initial cycle to transuterotubal insemination or IUI then crossed-over in subsequent cycles (n = 191 total cycles of transuterotubal insemination and n = 223 total cycles of IUI). Transuterotubal insemination was performed initially with ultrasound guidance, and then a tactile technique was used for the last 6 months of the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical PRs and complications after both insemination methods. RESULTS: The clinical PR per treatment cycle was 7% (13/191) after transuterotubal insemination and 7% (16/223) after IUI. The overall PR per patient was 18% (29/160). The incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 1 in 191 for transuterotubal insemination cycles and 0 in 223 for IUI cycles. Other complications included 3 vasovagal episodes with transuterotubal insemination and 1 with IUI. There was no clinical evidence of tubal infection, trauma, or perforation in either group. CONCLUSION: Transuterotubal insemination did not appear to be associated with a higher PR when compared with IUI in this study. The potential for increased risk from complications related to the more invasive tubal technique does not appear to justify its use presently.

Adult↗

[A seroepidemiological survey of neutralization antibodies to polioviruses in Linqu and Yucheng counties of Shandong Province, China].

Two hundred and fifty two serum samples from Linqu county and 249 serum samples from Yucheng county, in Shandong province, China, were collected among the age group of 0-, 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-9 years old and assayed by microneutralization test in 1989. The results showed that the positive rates (PRs) and geometric mean titres (GMTs) of antibodies to poliovirus type 1-3 in Linqu county were 82.54%, 80.56%, 82.94% and 27.06, 22.94, 24.24, respectively, and much significantly higher than those, in Yucheng county (84.34%, 51.81%, 59.04% and 16.78, 2.79, 3.40) except the PR to typel.for children in both countries, the PRs and GMTs were highest in the age group of 2-4 years old, and no significant difference was found between male and female. All above indicated that EPI was helpful for improving immune status of children, the coverage of TOPV and quality of vaccination should still be emphasized in future EPI works.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Expression of rat phosphoribosylpyrophosphate synthetase subunits I and II in Escherichia coli. Isolation and characterization of the recombinant isoforms.

The 34-kDa subunit of rat liver phosphoribosylpyrophosphate synthetase is a mixture of the two highly homologous isoforms, PRS I and PRS II. Heretofore, it was not possible to separate the two. We now describe isolation and characterization of the recombinant isoforms, named rPRS I and rPRS II. The respective rat cDNAs were inserted into vectors constructed from pKK233-2 by replacing its replication origin with that of pGEM-1 and expressed in Escherichia coli. The rPRS I and rPRS II were purified to apparent homogeneity with specific activities of 33,400 and 46,200 milliunits/mg, respectively; these values were at least 2.5-fold higher than the highest value for the mammalian enzyme so far reported. Both isoforms showed a similar dependency on Pi as an absolute activator. Sulfate partially substituted for Pi. The maximal activities of rPRS I and rPRS II with sulfate were 43 and 7%, respectively, of those seen with Pi. The two isoforms differed in sensitivity to inhibition by ADP and GDP. Inhibition of rPRS I and rPRS II by 0.3 mM ADP was 87 and 54%, respectively, and inhibition by 1 mM GDP was 93 and 24%, respectively. rPRS II was 180-fold more sensitive than rPRS I to heat inactivation at 49 degrees C.

Animals↗