Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Serial Extraction”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,387 records · Page 77Linked to original sources
PubMed1983

Calcium-regulated differentiation of normal human epidermal keratinocytes in chemically defined clonal culture and serum-free serial culture.

An improved serum-free culture system has been developed for normal human epidermal keratinocytes (HK). Short-term clonal growth and differentiation studies are routinely performed in a defined medium consisting of optimized nutrient medium MCDB 153 supplemented with epidermal growth factor, insulin, hydrocortisone, ethanolamine, and phosphoethanolamine. A small amount of whole bovine pituitary extract (wBPE) is added for initiation of primary cultures, for frozen storage, and for serial culture. The need for feeder layers, conditioned medium, serum, and specialized culture surfaces has been eliminated entirely. With an optimal level of calcium ion (0.3 mM), colony-forming efficiency is about 30 percent and cellular multiplication rate is 0.96 doublings per day in the defined medium. A high-calcium concentration (1.0 mM) induces stratification and terminal differentiation, which can be quantified by counting cornified envelopes that are resistant to boiling in sodium dodecyl sulfate plus dithiothreitol. Under optimal conditions with wBPE present, cellular senescence occurs after about 40 population doublings. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has verified the occurrence of stratification during differentiation in the defined medium with high calcium. High-voltage electron microscopy (HVEM) after detergent extraction of human epidermal keratinocyte (HK) colonies grown in the defined medium with low and high calcium has revealed specific changes in the intermediate filament network and keratohyalin granules corresponding to changes in cellular differentiation. Indirect immunofluorescence studies have verified that the intermediate filament network observed with HVEM is composed of keratin proteins.

Blood↗
PubMed2003

Virological control of groundwater quality using biomolecular tests.

Deep groundwater, even if generally protected, could be contaminated by surface or rain water infiltration through soil fractures, septic tanks, cesspits, land irrigation, disposal of wastewater and disposal of muds from depuration systems. The sanitary importance of such possible contamination is related to the different uses of the water and it is at the maximum level when it is intended for human use. Routine microbiological analyses do not consider viruses, only bacterial parameters, as contamination indicators. However, it is known that enteric viruses can survive a long time in deep aquifers and that they may not always be associated with bacterial indicators. The virological analysis of waters intended for drinking use is provided only as an occasional control exercised at the discretion of the sanitary authority. Technological difficulties with obtaining data about groundwater viral contamination led to a study to devise rapid and efficient methods for their detection and the application of these methods to samples from different sources. Four acid nucleic extraction techniques have been tested (classic proteinase K- phenol/chloroform, QIAamp Viral RNA Kit (Qiagen), SV Total RNA Isolation System (Promega) and NucleoSpin Virus L (Macherey-Nagel). Sensitivity and specificity of RT-PCR protocols for entero- (EV), hepatitis A (HAV) and small round structured (SRSV) viruses have been verified. Deep groundwater samples (100 L) were concentrated (2-step tangential flow ultrafiltration) and the concentrate contaminated with serial 10-fold dilutions of a known titre of poliovirus type 3. Extracted RNA was concentrated (microcon-100) and analysed by RT-PCR using specific EV primers and visualising amplification products by agarose gel electrophoresis. In addition, two different methods of RT-PCR for non-cultivable viruses have been tested: (a) RT-PCR and nested RT-PCR for HAV and (b) RT-PCR with generic primers and RT-PCR with specific primers for SRSV. Different specificity tests have been carried out in the presence of some of the commoner microorganisms. The most efficient, sensitive and specific protocols were used to test 35 x 100L deep groundwater samples. Sample concentrates were split with one part treated with chloroform and analysed by cell culture (BGM and Frp/3, derived from FrHK/4, cells) and the other tested by RT-PCR for HAV, EV and SRSV. Results demonstrated the high efficiency of the classic and QIAamp methods. Microcon-100 did not increase the sensitivity of the technique used. The highest sensitivity was observed for RT-PCR with specific primers for SRSV and for nested RT-PCR for HAV. One sample showed a cytopathic effect, not confirmed at the third subculture, while the RT-PCR allowed the detection of echovirus 7. Cell culture did not allow detection of the majority of the enteric viruses while PCR gave sensitive, specific and rapid detection of a range of agents in the same samples. Even if it was impossible to fix a virological quality standard, it would be necessary to find a viral indicator in order to achieve a complete preventive check which would be particularly useful in some cases (e.g. water never used before, after pollution accidents, for seasonal checking).

DNA, Viral↗
PubMed1978

Nitroblue tetrazolium and Limulus assays for bacteremia after dental extraction: effect of topical antiseptics.

Bacteremia that occurs after dental extraction is common. This study assessed the effect of topical antisepsis on the incidence and magnitude of post-extraction bacteremia. On hundred patients scheduled for elective tooth extraction were randomized among four groups: contr-l, mouthrinsing with sodium-p-toluene sulfonchloramide (chloramine-T), toothbrushing with chloramine-T, and irrigation with Lugol's solution. The results showed that 84% of the control group and 59% of the treatment groups had positive blood cultures (290 organisms isolated) after dental extraction. The duration and magnitude of these bacteremias were diminutive as documented by the six serial blood cultures taken for each patient, colony counts per milliliter of blood, and nitroblue tetrazolium and Limulus assays. Brushing the teeth or rinsing the mouth with chloramine-T before dental extraction significantly reduced the incidence of bacteremia (P less than .025) and the number of different organisms recovered from each patient (P less than .05). Thus, topical treatment with chloramine-T is a simple and effective means of reducing the incidence of postextraction bacteremia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

The reinnervation of healing extraction sockets in the ferret.

The objective of this study was to describe the pattern of healing of pulpal and periodontal nerve fibers following tooth extraction. The mandibular canine teeth were, under general anesthesia, removed from one side of nine young ferrets. One week (two animals), one month (four animals), and three months (three animals) later, again under general anesthesia, the animals were perfused with fixative. The mandibles were decalcified, paraffin-embedded, and serially sectioned. Sample sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, the remainder with a silver stain for nerves. Serial reconstructions were made of the innervation in control teeth and in the extraction sockets. A grid sampling technique was used for the estimation of the innervation density in different regions at various levels in the healing socket. One week after extraction, although osteoid material was beginning to fill the socket, the pattern of innervation remained similar to that of controls in being restricted to the former location of the periodontal ligament and being densest in the apical third of the socket. One month after extraction, the innervation consisted of many fine axons or small bundles distributed throughout the healing osteoid tissue though still most dense in the periphery of the socket. The overall innervation density increased between one week and one month post-extraction. At three months, as the margins of the socket were becoming obscured, the innervation consisted largely of one or two organized nerve trunks running from the apical to the coronal aspect in either the central or lateral aspects of the socket. At no time was there evidence of neuroma formation.

Alveolar Process↗
PubMed1993

Outpatient abortion for fetal anomaly and fetal death from 15-34 menstrual weeks' gestation: techniques and clinical management.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety of providing outpatient abortion services for women with complicated advanced pregnancies. METHODS: During a 10-year period, 124 abortions were performed after 14 menstrual weeks' gestation at an outpatient abortion facility for indications of fetal anomaly, diagnosed genetic disorder, or fetal death. Gestational lengths ranged from 15-34 menstrual weeks. Fetal diagnoses included a variety of chromosomal abnormalities, malformations, and death. Techniques for performing the late abortions included a serial multiple laminaria method of cervical dilation. Abortions performed after 20 menstrual weeks were effected by instillation of intra-amniotic hyperosmolar urea or induction of fetal death by injection of digoxin and/or hyperosmolar urea into the fetus, followed by artificial rupture of membranes, induction of labor, and assisted expulsion or instrumental extraction of the fetus. At less than 20 weeks, dilation and evacuation following serial multiple laminaria treatment of the cervix was the method of choice. RESULTS: The median gestational age was 23 menstrual weeks. The median procedure time for all cases was 12 minutes and median blood loss was 125 mL. Procedure time increased with length of gestation (P = .00). Blood loss was only slightly increased by gestation length (P = .154) and not by procedure time (P = .299). Complication rates were not significantly related to gestation length (P = .895). There was one major complication in this series. There were no uterine perforations and one cervical laceration. CONCLUSION: Outpatient abortion may be performed safely in most cases of fetal disorder, including death, through 34 menstrual weeks under proper conditions.

Abortion, Eugenic↗
PubMed1999

Aspects of the antimicrobial efficacy of grapefruit seed extract and its relation to preservative substances contained.

The antimicrobial efficacy as well as the content of preservative agents of six commercially available grapefruit seed extracts were examined. Five of the six extracts showed a high growth inhibiting activity against the test germs Bacillus subtilis SBUG 14, Micrococcus flavus SBUG 16, Staphylococcus aureus SBUG 11, Serratia marcescens SBUG 9, Escherichia coli SBUG 17, Proteus mirabilis SBUG 47, and Candida maltosa SBUG 700. In all of the antimicrobial active grapefruit seed extracts, the preservative benzethonium chloride was detected by thin layer chromatography. Additionally, three extracts contained the preserving substances triclosan and methyl parabene. In only one of the grapefruit seed extracts tested no preservative agent was found. However, with this extract as well as with several self-made extracts from seed and juiceless pulp of grapefruits (Citrus paradisi) no antimicrobial activity could be detected (standard serial broth dilution assay, agar diffusion test). Thus, it is concluded that the potent as well as nearly universal antimicrobial activity being attributed to grapefruit seed extract is merely due to the synthetic preservative agents contained within. Natural products with antimicrobial activity do not appear to be present.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2000

Defining hepatocellular chimerism in a liver failure patient bridged with hepatocyte infusion.

BACKGROUND: A practical method of monitoring engraftment by transplanted hepatocytes for the purpose of bridging human liver failure to native regeneration is described. METHODS: A previously healthy 37-year-old female with a 2-week history of a febrile illness presented with fulminant liver failure. Findings on admission included the following: illicit drug use, serum hepatitis B surface antigen positive, grade 1 encephalopathy, prothrombin time (pt) >100 sec, F7<1%, NH3 150 micromol/L, alanine aminotransferase 4079 U/L, total bilirubin level 11.4 mg/dl, and glucose 70 mg/dl (on IV D10). With immunosuppression, 8.8x10(8), 96% viable human hepatocytes were intraportally infused. Clinical chemistries, total sHLA class I, and ELISA to measure donor-specific sHLA-A1 and -B8 were recorded. Serial transjugular liver biopsies were performed and pooled for histological examination, DNA extraction, and HLA DNA typing. RESULTS: The patient fully recovered. At months 3 and 4 with donor biopsy specimen class I HLA DNA no longer detectable, immunosuppression was tapered off. The patient is clinically normal, serum hepatitis B surface antigen negative at 10 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Bridging liver failure with donor hepatocytes with HLA class I antigen disparate from recipients is clinically feasible, and allows for a marker, combined with serial graft histology, to safely wean immunosuppression when native liver regeneration succeeds.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

The use of commercial saponin from Quillaja saponaria bark as a natural larvicidal agent against Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens.

The larvicidal activity of commercial bark saponin extract (Sigma) from Quillaja saponaria was studied on 3rd-4th instar larvae of Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens (vectors for dengue fever and Western Nile virus, respectively). The larvae were exposed to serial concentrations (1000, 800, 500, 300, 100, 10, 1, 0.1 and 0.01 mg/l) of the extract for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 11 days. The results indicate that commercial bark saponin is toxic, causing 100% larval mortality in A. aegypti and C. pipiens after 1 and 5 days at a dosage of 800 and 1000 mg/l, respectively. Interestingly, while bark saponins had a toxic effect on larvae there was no effect on egg hatchability in either species. The results obtained suggest that, in addition to their known activities, saponins can also serve as natural larvicidal compounds.

Aedes↗
PubMed1995

The evolution of multiple sclerosis lesions on serial MR.

PURPOSE: To characterize temporal changes in signal intensity patterns of multiple sclerosis lesions on serial MR. METHODS: T1-, T2-, proton density-, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR was performed on five patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis at least 22 times in the course of 1 year. RESULTS: Forty-three enhancing lesions and 1 new lesion that never showed enhancement were detected and followed for periods ranging from approximately 4 weeks to 1 year (total of 702 time points). At first detection the center of new lesions was brighter than the periphery (20 of 24 new lesions on proton density-weighted and 19 of 23 new lesions on contrast-enhanced images). On contrast-enhanced images, ring hyperintensity was predominant at time points later than 29 days. As lesions aged, a residual rim of "nonenhancing" hyperintensity often was noted on contrast-enhanced images. Some older lesions (> 1 year) showed similar appearance on unenhanced T1-weighted images. On proton density-weighted images ring hyperintensity was most frequent 2 to 4 months after lesion detection. The estimated average duration of gadopentetate dimeglumine enhancement was 1 to 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: A lesion evolution pattern relevant to MR was inferred. We believe that specific information about the histopathologic evolution of a lesion may be extracted not only from contrast-enhanced but also from nonenhanced serial MR. Assessment of drugs targeting specific phases of lesion evolution could benefit from quantitative pattern analysis of routine MR images.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Efficient translocation and processing with Xenopus egg extracts of proteins synthesized in rabbit reticulocyte lysate.

Cell-free translation/translocation systems are broadly applied to examine gene expression and characterize the structure-function relationship of gene products. We present the characterization of Xenopus egg extract (XEE) translocation and processing of proteins synthesized in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. The XEE was prepared from eggs laid by adult female frogs that received serial injections of gonadotropins. The eggs were then dejellied in 2% L-cysteine-HCl and the cytoplasm extracted by centrifugation at 10,000 rpm for 15 min. The in vitro translocation and processing of XEE was examined with a cell-free translation system containing reticulocyte lysate, and appropriate messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA) or complementary deoxyribonucleic acid plasmids with RNA polymerase. Cell-free production of the following proteins were used to assess posttranslational modifications: Escherichia coli beta-lactamase for signal sequence cleavage, Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha-mating factor for translocation and N-linked glycosylation, the soluble protein luciferase for functional activity, and the membrane-bound human insulin receptor for translation efficiency. All translation products were identified by [35S]-methionine labeling, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and fluorography. The results demonstrate that (1) XEE produces near-complete signal sequence and N-glycosylation processing of proteins synthesized in reticulocyte lysate, (2) XEE contains endoplasmic reticulum-equivalent microsomes, which allows for protein translocation and protease protection, (3) the addition of XEE in the translation reaction does not affect synthesis and chemiluminescence activity of luciferase, (4) XEE is efficient in processing the nascent 160-kDa human insulin receptor precursor, a transmembrane protein, and (5) as compared to canine pancreatic microsomes, XEE translocation efficiency is minimally decreased with the addition of dimethylsulfoxide. These results are the first description of the combined use of XEE with reticulocyte lysate and clearly demonstrate a higher efficiency of translocation and processing compared to canine pancreatic microsomes. This method of cell-free translation and processing allows for more extensive in vitro examination of posttranslational modifications of secretory and membrane-bound proteins.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Direct extraction of Sabin poliovirus genomes from human fecal samples using a guanidine thiocyanate extraction method.

To permit rapid and efficient detection of Sabin poliovirus type 3 from human fecal samples, we developed a guanidine thiocyanate (GuSCN) extraction and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Using 10-fold serial dilutions from stock Sabin-Leon 12 a1b poliovirus type 3 at 10(7) TCID(50) per 0.1 ml, genome was detected to a dilution of 10(3) TCID(50) per 0.1 ml. A total of 40 archived fecal samples were examined using this GuSCN extraction method followed by RT-PCR. Fourteen of 20 poliovirus type 3 tissue culture-positive specimens (70%) and two of 20 tissue culture-negative specimens (10%) were detected by GuSCN extraction and RT-PCR. All positive and negative extraction and RT-PCR controls were identified accurately. This GuSCN extraction and RT-PCR technique is rapid, inexpensive, and can be readily adapted to identify genome sequences of other enterovirus types in large numbers of fecal samples. Moreover, the GuSCN technique extracts viral RNA directly from fecal samples, allowing observation of in vivo alterations of genome sequences. Further studies are underway to examine the development of revertant point mutations in the Sabin poliovirus type 3 genome following oral administration of trivalent Sabin Oral Poliovirus Vaccine to humans.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Effects of Paeoniae Radix, a traditional Chinese medicine, on the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin.

BACKGROUND: Phenytoin (PHT), one of the most widely prescribed antiepileptic drugs, has been reported to be associated with numerous drug-drug interactions. However, there are far fewer reports about the pharmacokinetic interactions between PHT and traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). Paeoniae Radix (PR), one of the well-known TCMs, is used as an adjunct in some epileptic patients. OBJECTIVE: In the present work, we studied the influences of PR on the pharmacokinetics of PHT in rats to identify the possible interactions between PR and PHT. METHOD: A single dose of PHT (100 mg/kg) alone or in combination with PR extract (300 mg/kg) was administered by gavage to male SD rats. Serial blood samples of PHT were obtained for up to 24 h post-administration and measured by high-performance liquid-chromatography. The free (unbound) plasma concentrations of PHT were determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. The plasma concentrations were used to construct pharmacokinetic profiles by plotting drug concentration-time curves. All data were subsequently processed by the computer program WINNONLIN. Statistical comparisons of pharmacokinetic parameters were performed with the unpaired Student t-test. RESULTS: The mean maximum plasma concentration of PHT was attained 2 h after oral administration of PHT alone and 4-6 h after oral administration of PHT in combination with PR. The plasma level of PHT declined with a half-life of 5.38 h after PHT alone and 4.03 h after PHT and PR given together. No statistically significant differences were obtained in most of the pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax, AUC, t1/2, MRT and CL/F) and protein binding rates of PHT between the two treatments. However, significant differences in Tmax and Vd/F between groups were noted. CONCLUSION: The significant increase in Tmax indicated that simultaneous oral administration of PR delayed the absorption of PHT. The delayed absorption of PHT might lead to its slow onset of clinical effect. There were no significant differences in Cmax, AUC, t1/2, MRT and CL/F of PHT between the two groups, showing that PR could not significantly affect the extent of absorption, metabolism and elimination of PHT. No significant difference in protein binding rate was found, indicating that PR might not significantly alter the protein binding of PHT. While a significant decrease in Vd/F was noted, the mechanism underlying the apparently decreased Vd/F of PHT influenced by PR needs further study.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1989

[A study of secondary caries in cast restored teeth].

The purpose of this study was to investigate the state of the natural secondary caries and in vitro artificial secondary caries, associated with cast restorations cemented with zinc phosphate cement, histopathologically. For this study, the method of making and staining ground serial sections of teeth with cemented cast restorations was established. The material consisted of 50 extracted human permanent teeth with cemented cast restorations, and 12 human premolar teeth with in vitro secondary caries produced by the acid-gelatin system (pH 4.0). These specimens were embedded in MMA resin and then they were sliced to serial thin sections. Each section was etched by 0.1 N HCl, and stained with methylene blue fuchsin, and then observed with optical microscope, microradiography, and SEM. The result were as follows: 1. When the margin of restoration was set on dentine (cementum), the typical shape of natural secondary caries was found out. 2. The rate of natural secondary caries in case of margin set on dentine was about four times as many as the rate in case of margin set on enamel. 3. The shape of artificial secondary caries was very similar to the shape of natural secondary caries. 4. The resistance to secondary caries in case of the margin set on enamel was higher than the resistance in case of the margin set on dentine.

Crowns↗
PubMed2006

Minimally invasive method of determining blood input function from PET images in rodents.

UNLABELLED: For cardiovascular research on rodents, small-animal PET has limitations because of the inherent spatial resolution of the system and because of cardiac motion. A factor analysis (FA) technique for extracting the blood input function and myocardial time-activity curve from dynamic small-animal PET images of the rodent heart has been implemented to overcome these limitations. METHODS: Six Sprague-Dawley rats and 6 BALB/c mice underwent dynamic imaging with 18F-FDG (n = 6) and 1-11C-acetate (n = 6). From the dynamic images, blood input functions and myocardial time-activity curves were extracted by the FA method. The accuracy of input functions derived by the FA method was compared with that of input functions determined from serial blood samples, and the correlation coefficients were calculated. RESULTS: Factor images (right ventricle, left ventricle, and myocardium) were successfully extracted for both 18F-FDG and 1-11C-acetate in rats. The correlation coefficients for the input functions were 0.973 for 18F-FDG and 0.965 for 1-11C-acetate. In mice, the correlation coefficients for the input functions were 0.930 for 18F-FDG and 0.972 for 1-11C-acetate. CONCLUSION: The FA method enables minimally invasive extraction of accurate input functions and myocardial time-activity curves from dynamic microPET images of rodents without the need to draw regions of interest and without the possible complications of surgery and repeated blood sampling.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

High-throughput pharmacokinetics screen of VLA-4 antagonists by LC/MS/MS coupled with automated solid-phase extraction sample preparation.

Automation of plasma sample preparation for pharmacokinetic studies on VLA-4 antagonists has been achieved by using 96-well format solid-phase extraction operated by Beckman Coulter Biomek 2000 liquid handling system. A Biomek 2000 robot is used to perform fully automated plasma sample preparation tasks that include serial dilution of standard solutions, pipetting plasma samples, addition of standard and internal standard solutions, performing solid-phase extraction (SPE) on Waters OASIS 96-well plates. This automated sample preparation process takes less than 2 h for a typical pharmacokinetic study, including 51 samples, 24 standards, 9 quality controls, and 3-6 dose checks with minimal manual intervention. Extensive validation has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of this method. A two-stage vacuum pressure controller has been incorporated in the program to improve SPE efficiency. This automated SPE sample preparation approach combined with liquid chromatography coupled with the high sensitivity and selectivity of tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS)/MS has been successfully applied on both individual and cassette dosing for pharmacokinetic screening of a large number of VLA-4 antagonists with a limit of quantitation in the range of 1-5 ng/ml. Consequently, a significant throughput increase has been achieved along with an elimination of tedious labor and its consequential tendency to produce errors.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Further evaluation of a live hepatitis A vaccine in marmosets.

Live, attenuated F' hepatitis A vaccine virus was studied in vivo in Saguinus labiatus marmosets for possible reversion to virulence, for possible establishment of persistent infection and for its capacity as a parenterally administered vaccine to induce immunity to oral infection. Serial transmission of the virus in S. labiatus, using infectious stool extracts for the second and third passages, produced no evidence of reversion of the F' vaccine virus to virulence. Monitoring for live HAV in stools over a 135-day period post-inoculation of marmosets with the F' vaccine revealed no evidence of persistent infection. Vaccinated animals were also shown to be resistant to infection on challenge by the oral route as well as by the previously demonstrated parenteral route.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2003

Conservative (labyrinth-preserving) transpetrosal approach to the clivus and petroclival region--indications, complications, results and lessons learned.

OBJECTIVE: Tumours or vascular lesions of the clivus and juxtaclival region present a unique challenge to neurosurgeons and a variety of techniques, with a wide spectrum of complexity, have been advocated. This report presents the use of a conservative transpetrosal approach which combines partial removal of the postero-lateral petrous bone with preservation of the labyrinth, with particular focus on efficacy and the reduction of complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over 9 years, 52 patients underwent a conservative combined supra-infratentorial, labyrinth-preserving transpetrosal approach. There were 32 women and 20 men; 33 had tumour lesions including 22 patients with a clival or petroclival meningioma. Among the 19 patients with a vascular lesion, 12 patients had a basilar artery trunk aneurysm, including one giant midbasilar aneurysm. 3 Patients had vertebro-basilar junction aneurysms, and 4 patients had a pontine cavernoma. Data on the clinical features, investigations and operative techniques were extracted from the patient's case records. Outcome was assessed by serial examinations of the patients or by telephone interview with the treating physician, and in survivors graded as excellent, good or poor. RESULTS: 52 patients, 23 patients (44%) had an excellent outcome, in 21 patients (41%) the outcome was good and in 7 patients (13%) the outcome was poor. One patient with a complex fusiform basilar trunk aneurysm, operated upon as an emergency, died in the postoperative period. Total resection was achieved, as demonstrated by follow-up MRI in 20 of 33 patients with a tumour, including 15 of 22 patients with clival or petro-clival meningiomas. All vascular lesions were treated effectively and in 14 patients with a basilar or vertebro-basilar junction aneurysm, clipping of the aneurysm was achieved. In one patient, a giant calcified vertebro-basilar junction aneurysm was resected. New cranial nerve deficits or an accentuation of a pre-existing deficit, occurred in 8 patients with a tumour and 4 patients with a vascular lesion. Complications included: temporary conductive hearing deficit in 4 patients, a minor laceration of the sigmoid/transverse sinus in 4 and transient post-operative CSF leakage in 12 patients. Temporary lumbar drainage resulted in sealing of the CSF leak in 8 patients, but in 3 patients a permanent ventriculo-peritoneal shunt had to be implanted. CONCLUSION: When based on adequate experience in skull base surgery, the combined supra-infratentorial, conservative transpetrosal approach, with preservation of the labyrinth, allows direct and wide exposure of a large variety of tumour and vascular lesions located along the supra- and infratentorial juxta-clival area; little or almost no retraction of neurovascular structures is needed and with adherence to important principles, complications related to the approach can be minimised.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Detection of viral deoxyribonucleic acid in the amniotic fluid of low-risk pregnancies by polymerase chain reaction.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether viral deoxyribonucleic acid is detectable in the amniotic fluid of pregnancies at low risk for fetal viral infection. STUDY DESIGN: Amniotic fluid samples were prospectively collected from 277 patients. Selected primer pairs amplified deoxyribonucleic acid sequences unique to adenovirus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and parvovirus. Amplified deoxyribonucleic acid was detected by gel electrophoresis. Sensitivity of the adenovirus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes virus primers were determined by serial dilution of 10(3) PFU/ml controls. RESULTS: Of the 277 extracted samples, 243 had detectable deoxyribonucleic acid. None of these samples had detectable viral deoxyribonucleic acid by polymerase chain reaction. The sensitivity of the adenovirus primer pairs was 10(-3) PFU/ml, cytomegalovirus 10(-2) PFU/ml, and herpes simplex virus 10(-1) PFU/ml. CONCLUSION: This study did not detect viral deoxyribonucleic acid in a low-risk population, supporting the clinical significance of detecting viral deoxyribonucleic acid in pregnancies at risk for infection.

Adenoviridae↗