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PubMed2005

Attachment of Acanthamoeba to first- and second-generation silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

PURPOSE: To investigate the attachment of Acanthamoeba to first- and second-generation silicone hydrogel contact lenses, and to determine if patient wear or the presence of a bacterial biofilm coating affects attachment characteristics. DESIGN: Experimental study. PARTICIPANTS AND CONTROLS: Attachment to the silicone hydrogel lenses was compared with that to a conventional hydrogel control lens. Sixteen replicates (n = 16) were carried out for unworn, worn, and biofilm-coated lenses of each type. METHODS: Unworn, worn, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm-coated first-generation (lotrafilcon A) and second-generation (galyfilcon A) silicone hydrogel and conventional hydrogel (etafilcon A) lens quarters were incubated for 90 minutes in suspensions of plate-cultured Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Trophozoites attached to one surface of each lens quarter were counted by direct light microscopy. Logarithmic transformation of data allowed the use of parametric analysis of variance for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Attachment of Acanthamoeba was affected significantly by lens material type (P<0.001), with higher numbers of trophozoites attaching to the first-generation lotrafilcon A silicone hydrogel lens, compared with the second-generation galyfilcon A lens and the conventional hydrogel lens. Attachments to the latter 2 lenses did not differ significantly from each other (P = 0.126). Patient wear and the presence of a bacterial biofilm had no significant effect on attachment to the lotrafilcon A lens (P = 0.426) but did significantly increase attachment to the galyfilcon A (P<0.001) and the etafilcon A (P = 0.009) lenses; attachment to the latter 2 lenses was still significantly less than that found with the first-generation silicone hydrogel (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Acanthamoeba demonstrated a significantly greater affinity for the first-generation silicone hydrogel lens as compared with the second-generation silicone hydrogel and the conventional hydrogel. If exposed to Acanthamoeba (e.g., when showering or swimming, through noncontinuous wear and ineffective lens care regimes), first-generation silicone hydrogel lenses may promote a greater risk of Acanthamoeba infection due to the enhanced attachment characteristics of this lens material. However, prospective studies in patients are required to determine if these experimental results are clinically significant.

Acanthamoeba castellanii↗
PubMed2005

Effect of glazed and polished surface finishes on the friction coefficient of two low-fusing ceramics.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: All-ceramic and metal-ceramic dental restorations are potentially harmful because they may wear opposing enamel. Wear is a multifactorial process; however, laboratory procedures can minimize the wear process, thus benefiting clinicians and manufacturers. PURPOSE: This in vitro investigation of wear evaluated the physical and tribological characteristics of 2 low-fusing ceramics and dental enamel. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Quantitative and qualitative analyses of 2 low-fusing ceramics (IPS d.Sign and Vita Omega 900) and enamel were performed using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive analyses. Each ceramic was tested using 20 disks (10 mm x 3 mm), of which 10 were glazed and 10 were polished. Ten polished enamel specimens (6 mm x 7 mm) served as the control. The specimens were submitted to a Vickers hardness test for 30 seconds using a 200 g load. The coefficient of friction was determined by using a pin-on-disk test without lubrication (5 N load, 600 seconds, 120 RPM). The data were analyzed using a 1-way analysis of variance and Sheffe analysis (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The same chemical elements were found in both ceramics, and tetragonal leucite was the main component of the crystalline phases. The microhardness of the enamel was significantly different ( P <.05) between the glazed and polished ceramics. There was no significant difference found in the friction coefficient (mean +/- SD) of the enamel (0.286 +/- 0.174), glazed Vita Omega 900 (0.309 +/- 0.085), and glazed IPS d.Sign (0.253 +/- 0.068) specimens. The mean friction coefficient of the polished Vita Omega 900 (0.486 +/- 0.036) and IPS d.Sign (0.446 +/- 0.037) specimens was found to be significantly higher than the enamel and glazed specimens ( P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both ceramics tested presented similar chemical-structural and tribological characteristics. When glazed, they showed tribological similarity to dental enamel.

Aluminum Silicates↗
PubMed2004

Changing patterns of adult (45-74 years) neurological deaths in the major Western world countries 1979-1997.

OBJECTIVES: To compare changes in 'adult' (45-74 years) 'all-cause deaths' (ACDs) with all neurological death categories by age and gender in the 10 major Western countries between the 1970s (1979-1981) and the 1990s (1995-1997). METHOD: World Health Organization standardized mortality data for age and gender (1979/97) were used to examine changes in adult mortality rates per million based upon ICD-9 categories for ACDs, 'neurological deaths' and the special neurological categories of 'other neurological deaths' (ONDs) and 'mental disorder deaths' (MDDs), which include the dementias. Ratios of ratios were calculated to demonstrate how each individual country's pattern changed over the period by age and gender, resolving the problem of cross-national comparisons. Rates of change across the endpoints and between age groups (45-54, 55-64, 65-74 and 75+ years) were examined using analysis of variance, stepwise regression analysis and cross-tabulation analyses. RESULTS: Meningitis deaths fell substantially, but there was little change in multiple sclerosis or epilepsy deaths. OND rates for the 1990s increased compared with the 1970s rates for males and female, in actual terms and relative to ACDs for almost all countries. Many of the relative rates of increase were substantially higher than 20%. There were significant statistical differences with respect to relative rates of ONDs between the 1970s and the 1990s data, even when the 75+ years age group was excluded. Significant differences were also found between age groups, but only in the 1990s data. MDD rates showed similar trends. Analyses of actual rates of increase in these causes of death showed that males outnumber females in all ages below 74 years. The extent of this difference remained constant across the endpoints. However, in those aged 75 years and over, females outnumbered males at both endpoints, but this disparity widened significantly in the 1990s data. CONCLUSIONS: The 1990s data indicate substantial increases compared with the 1970s data for ONDs (especially amongst 65-74 year olds), and rises in MDDs in 55-64 year olds in five countries, including England and Wales and Germany, and in 65-74 year olds in most countries, suggesting earlier onsets of the underlying conditions. Further country-specific research is required to explain the emerging morbidity and mortality.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Risperidone response and 5-HT6 receptor gene variance: genetic association analysis with adjustment for nongenetic confounders.

Previous genetic-response studies, usually without considering environmental factors, encountered great difficulties in replication of results. Although atypical antipsychotics are becoming the mainstay for schizophrenia treatment which makes an antipsychotic "atypical" remains unclear. Risperidone (a widely used atypical antipsychotic agent) and several other atypicals have high affinities for 5-HT6 and 5-HT7 receptors. This study investigated the effects of the T-->C 267 polymorphism in the 5HT6 receptor gene and two rare Pro279Leu and Thr92Lys substitutions in the 5HT7 receptor gene on risperidone efficacy after rigorous control for nongenetic confounders. We found an association between the T-->C 267 polymorphism of the 5HT6 receptor gene and response to risperidone in 123 acutely ill schizophrenia inpatients after adjustment for confounders. Compared to patients with the T/C 267 genotype, those with T/T 267 showed less severe positive symptoms (p=0.006) and general psychopathology (including anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunctions) (p=0.005). The T-->C 267 polymorphism had no influences on negative symptoms. The two rare polymorphisms in the 5HT7 receptor gene were not observed in our sample. In conclusion, the 5HT6 receptor gene variant can affect risperidone response to positive symptoms and general psychopathology (but not negative symptoms) after control for nongenetic factors.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2005

Modulation of equine articular chondrocyte messenger RNA levels following brief exposures to recombinant equine interleukin-1beta.

The effect of recombinant equine IL-1beta (EqIL-1beta) on steady-state mRNA levels of equine articular chondrocytes in high-density monolayer culture was investigated using a customized cDNA array analysis. Total RNA samples isolated from chondrocytes cultured in media alone or with the addition of 1 ng/ml EqIL-1beta for 1-, 3-, and 6-h durations of exposure were reverse transcribed, radiolabeled, and hybridized to a customized 380-target cDNA array. Means of duplicate log base 2 transformed hybridization signals were normalized to equine glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mean signal intensities. Differentially expressed transcripts were identified using a two-stage mixed linear analysis of variance model (Statistical Analysis Software, Cary, NC). A time-dependent pattern was observed in the number of transcripts increased > or =two-fold in response to EqIL-1beta after 1, 3 and 6h (1, 2 and 109 transcripts, respectively). At 6 h of EqIL-1beta stimulation, signal intensities for 88 cDNA targets with purported function in processes related to cell cycle, intracellular signaling, transcription, translation, extracellular matrix turnover, and inflammation, as well as a number of cDNAs lacking homology to previously reported cDNA sequences, were increased >two-fold and were associated with p<0.05. Principal component analysis identified a vector component ( approximately 10% of the total variation) corresponding to a potential EqIL-1beta co-regulation of cell cycle associated gene transcription. These results support and expand our existing comprehension of the complex role of IL-1 in modulated chondrocyte gene expression and suggest the involvement of specific target gene up-regulation and activation of downstream inflammatory cascade mediators. This study adds to the current understanding of the molecular events associated with an IL-1 induced inflammation and pathobiologic processes that may be associated with the development of equine osteoarthritis.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Randomized multicenter trial documenting the efficacy and safety of a lactose-free and a lactose-containing formula for term infants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new lactose-free infant formula. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, double-blind, controlled, outpatient, multicenter, parallel 12-week trial. SETTING: Ambulatory-care facilities of the participating centers. SUBJECTS: 137 healthy term infants (approximately 7 days old at the time of study enrollment). INTERVENTION: Healthy term infants, whose mothers had decided not to breast-feed, were randomly assigned 1 of the 2 study formulas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Weight, length, and occipitofrontal circumference measurements were obtained at baseline and when the infant was 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks old. Formula acceptance and tolerance were also assessed at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12. Serum albumin concentration, creatirune level, and blood urea nitrogen were determined at baseline and week 12. Adverse events were assessed throughout the study. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Each baseline anthropometric and laboratory variable was analyzed for comparability between groups using the Student t test and was also analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance method. Covariance analysis was applied to the final laboratory data using the respective baseline data as covariates. Decisions about equality of mean responses to formula effects were based on the .05 level of significance in all cases. RESULTS: One hundred four infants completed the study. No significant differences between the 2 formula groups were noted for any of the growth and blood parameters. APPLICATIONS: This new formula is an effective and safe lactose-free nutrition alternative for infants who require such a diet.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed1998

Pica practices of pregnant women are associated with lower maternal hemoglobin level at delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of pica during pregnancy, maternal hemoglobin levels at delivery, and the association of pica with 2 adverse pregnancy outcomes: low birth weight and preterm birth. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using eligible subjects (n=281) from a cross-sectional survey (n=366). SUBJECTS/SETTING: Mothers aged 16 to 30 years with infants younger than 1 year of age who participated in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) were interviewed at 4 WIC clinics in Houston and Prairie View, Tex. Medical records from 31 hospitals were abstracted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maternal hemoglobin levels at delivery, mean birth weight, and mean gestational age were compared for women who reported pica and women who did not. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Chi(2) tests, orthogonal t tests, analysis of variance, and regression analysis were used to test the relationships among study variables. RESULTS: Pica prevalence categorized by substance was as follows: ice, 53.7%; ice and freezer frost, 14.6%; other substances such as baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, laundry starch, baby powder, clay, or dirt, 8.2%; and no pica, 23.5%. Women in all 3 pica groups had lower hemoglobin levels (mean+/-standard deviation, 114+/-12 g/L, 110+/-13 g/L, and 113+/-12 g/L, respectively) at delivery than women who did not report pica (118+/-11 g/L) (P<.01 for all pica groups vs no pica). There were no differences in mean birth weight or mean gestational age of infants born to women from the 3 pica groups and the No Pica group. APPLICATIONS: The findings suggest that pica practices are associated with significantly lower maternal hemoglobin levels at delivery but are not associated with pregnancy outcomes. Dietitians should ask pregnant women with anemia about pica and should counsel women who report pica regarding the health risks associated with it.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Stages of change and the intake of dietary fat in African-American women: improving stage assignment using the Eating Styles Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an algorithm for determining the stage of change for dietary fat intake in African-American women. DESIGN: We examined the relationships between stage of change, dietary fat intake, and associated eating behaviors and developed an assessment tool for placing subjects in their appropriate stage of change. SUBJECTS: Working class and middle-income African-American women in Nashville, Tenn; 174 in study 1 and 208 in study 2. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Fat and fiber intake by stage of change was examined using multivariate analysis of variance. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using Ward's method. RESULTS: A significant difference in fat intake was noted between women trying to change their intake and those not trying to change in study 1 (P < .001) and study 2 (P < .03). Of those trying to change, only 34% (study 1) and 9% (study 2) of subjects reported fat intakes below the Healthy People 2000 goal of 30% of energy from fat. In study 1, cluster analysis identified 14 groups of foods that significantly separated subjects into not trying, noncompliant, and compliant categories. Compliant subjects ate out less; ate fewer snack foods and less chicken, meat, and fat; and ate more fruits, vegetables, breakfast foods, and low-fat products. These results led to development of the Eating Styles Questionnaire (study 2), which facilitated more appropriate placement of the noncompliant group in stages of change for dietary fat intake. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: These data support the stage construct of the Transtheoretical Model for dietary fat reduction in African-American women. Moreover, the Eating Styles Questionnaire (ESQ) can improve determination of stage of change for this group of women. The ESQ can be used to diagnose the eating styles that contribute to a high-fat intake and help in the design of interventions to lower fat intakes.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Elevated levels of midtrimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein are associated with preterm delivery but not with fetal growth retardation.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine if the low birth weight associated with unexplained elevations of midtrimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels is due to prematurity or to fetal growth retardation. STUDY DESIGN: Rates of preterm delivery and fetal growth retardation were analyzed according to incremental maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels in 5555 women, predominantly white, who were screened for neural tube defects (group 1) and 843 women, predominantly black, with risk factors for low birth weight (group 2). Statistical methods included chi 2, t tests, analysis of variance, and regression analysis. RESULTS: In both groups increasing levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein are significantly associated with preterm delivery but not with fetal growth retardation. The preterm delivery rate increased in each group from 8% at levels less than 0.5 multiples of the median to 18.1% (p less than 0.001) at levels greater than or equal to 2.5 multiples of the median in group 1 and 28.1% (p = 0.01) in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Women with unexplained elevations of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein are at increased risk for preterm delivery but not fetal growth retardation. Because of the wide availability of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein screening, women at increased risk for preterm delivery can be identified in the midtrimester of pregnancy.

Black People↗
PubMed1997

Clinical predictors of urinary incontinence in women.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to characterize historic and clinical parameters in incontinent women to determine the predictive value for urodynamic diagnoses. STUDY DESIGN: The analysis includes 535 consecutive women with final diagnoses of genuine stress incontinence, detrusor instability, or both. Evaluations included a standardized history, examination, urinary diary, quantitation test, and urodynamics. The analysis used one-way analysis of variance, chi 2 analysis with Yates' correction, and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: A total of 351 (66%) women were diagnosed with genuine stress incontinence, 102 (19%) with detrusor instability, and 82 (15%) with both. Half had symptoms of both stress incontinence and urge incontinence, of whom only 21% had both genuine stress incontinence and detrusor instability. Fewer than half of women diagnosed with genuine stress incontinence or detrusor instability had just symptoms of stress incontinence or urge incontinence, respectively. Evaluation of historic, examination, and urinary diary data for their influences on the predictive value of pure stress incontinence or urge incontinence revealed statistical differences for urethral hypermobility, estrogen deficiency, and incontinent episodes, yet they were not clinically practical predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Pure symptoms identify fewer than half of patients with pure genuine stress incontinence or detrusor instability; historic and clinical parameters do not improve the sensitivity of these symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Cervical length in uncomplicated pregnancy: A study of sociodemographic predictors of cervical changes across gestation.

OBJECTIVE: We conducted this study to evaluate sociodemographic factors associated with changes in the length of the cervix across gestation in pregnancies that resulted in term deliveries. STUDY DESIGN: This study is an observational cohort design of sonographically determined cervical length measured at 3- to 4-week intervals in 125 women with a singleton pregnancy between 20 and 32 weeks gestation. We developed a structured questionnaire to collect psychosocial and sociodemographic characteristics. We used bivariate analysis, analysis of variance, and regression analysis to study variation in cervical length. RESULTS: Overall, cervical length decreased minimally as gestational age progressed. However, among black women cervical length decreased significantly with increasing gestational age (P =.006). In addition, high psychosocial stress was associated with significantly shorter cervices later in gestation, independent of race (P =.003). Finally, women whose occupations involved skilled manual labor had shorter cervices (P =.02). CONCLUSIONS: Women who are black, under stress, or working as skilled manual laborers demonstrate significant shortening of the cervix during gestation. Given that a shorter cervix predisposes to preterm delivery, our findings provide new insights into the well-described association of these psychosocial and sociodemographic factors with an increased risk of preterm delivery.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Lung transplantation for primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Single lung transplantation (SLT) and bilateral lung transplantation (BLT) are routinely performed in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and secondary pulmonary hypertension (SPH). It is unclear which procedure is preferable. We reviewed our experience with lung transplants for PPH and SPH to determine if any advantage exists with SLT or BLT for either PPH or SPH. METHODS: We reviewed the outcomes of all lung transplants performed for PPH or SPH for 4.5 years (July 1995 to January 2000). Survival was reported by the Kaplan-Meier method, and log rank analysis was used to determine significance. Statistical analyses of clinical data were performed using analysis of variance and chi2 analysis. RESULTS: A total of 57 recipients met criteria for pulmonary hypertension with a mean pulmonary artery pressure of greater than or equal to 30 mm Hg. There were 15 patients with PPH and 40 patients with SPH. There were 6 patients who had SLTs and 9 patients who had BLTs in the PPH group; and there were 9 patients who had SLTs and 21 patients who had BLTs in the SPH group. We found a survival advantage for PPH patients who underwent BLTs at all time points up to 4 years (100% vs 67%; p < or = 0.02). There was no clear advantage to SLTs or BLTs for SPH. At 4 years there was a trend toward improved survival with SLTs (91% vs 75%) in SPH patients with a mean pulmonary artery pressure less than or equal to 40 mm Hg (p < or = 0.11) with equivalent survival (80%) in patients with a mean pulmonary artery pressure greater than or equal to 40 mm Hg. There was also a trend toward improved survival in patients with a mean pulmonary artery pressure greater than or equal to 40 mm Hg (PPH and SPH) with BLTs (88% vs 62%; p = 0.19). The incidence of rejection, infection, and other complications was comparable between SLTs and BLTs in each group. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that BLT is the procedure of choice for PPH. The procedure of choice is less clear for SPH. Patients with SPH and a mean pulmonary artery pressure greater than 40 mm Hg may benefit from a BLT and those with a mean pulmonary artery pressure less than or equal to 40 mm Hg may do better with an SLT; however, no clear advantage is seen.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Neuromuscular fatigue in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the etiology of fatigue in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT). METHODS: Thirteen prescreened men (60 to 76 years in age, 58 to 130 kg in body weight) were evaluated for neuromuscular fatigue (NMF) of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, cardiopulmonary fatigue (CPF), and psychological-subjective fatigue (PSF) at 1 to 2 weeks before RT (Pre), at the end of 8 weeks of RT (RT), and at 5 to 6 weeks after completion of RT (Post). OUTCOME MEASURES: For NMF, the TA muscle was fatigued by sustained isometric contraction at 80% of maximum voluntary contraction for 60 seconds on a force dynamometer. Neuromuscular efficiency (NME) expressed as a ratio of isometric force (in Newtons) and respective integrated electromyograms were measured. For CPF, stress testing was performed on a treadmill using the modified Bruce protocol. Piper Fatigue Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were administered to evaluate PSF. DATA ANALYSIS: Paired t tests, single factor analysis of variance, and nonparametric analysis. RESULTS: At RT, there was a significant decline in NME of TA at the beginning (18.4%, p < .01) and the end (29.2%, p < .001) of sustained muscle contraction for 60 seconds. Post values were lower but nonsignificant in comparison with Pre values. NME recovered within 5 to 6 weeks after RT. No abnormalities were detected in CPF or PSF. No correlation was found between the decline in NME and psychological status of the patients. CONCLUSION: Results provide definitive evidence of transient decline in NME in prostate cancer patients at the completion of RT. The effect seems to be specific for neuromuscular performance alone and is independent of the cardiovascular or psychological status of the patients.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2003

Are patients and the general public like-minded about the effect of erectile dysfunction on quality of life?

OBJECTIVES: To substantiate claims for treatment, patients may overestimate treatment effects. Consequently, in funding debates, the question becomes whether the general public agrees on the value of a treatment. Unfortunately, little is known about the social values for treatments of erectile dysfunction (ED). To solve this problem, we compared the values of patients and the general population for ED. METHODS: One hundred six ED patients and a representative sample of 169 individuals of the general population valued 28 health states of ED using time tradeoff. A hesitation to reveal preferences for this taboo subject or unawareness of the quality-of-life effects of ED may bias the social values. To explore the validity, we compared the factor structure of the valuation space of patients' and social values using a multivariate analysis of variance repeated measure analysis. Furthermore, we analyzed whether social values were related to demographic or sexual variables. RESULTS: Patients valued ED lower than the general public, but the factor structure was the same. This evidence suggests that patients and the general public valued the health states of ED in the same way, although the overall level of appreciation differed slightly. Values were not systematically related to any other background variable. CONCLUSIONS: Both patients and the general population consider erectile function an important aspect of quality of life. Therefore, funding for ED treatment might be considered. Moreover, because the value for erectile function was equivalent in different age groups, there is no convincing argument to limit funding to young patients.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Hydrogel/silver ion-coated urinary catheter reduces nosocomial urinary tract infection rates in intensive care unit patients: a multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: Indwelling urinary catheters are the leading source of nosocomial urinary tract infections (NUTIs). The Bardex I.C. catheter is a hydrogel latex Foley catheter with a monolayer of silver metal applied to the inner and outer surfaces of the catheter. We investigated the Bardex I.C. catheter for its ability to decrease the NUTI rate in critical care units. METHODS: Five hospitals participated in a blind prospective study, exchanging the standard latex Foley catheter for the Bardex I.C. Foley catheter. The device use rate and NUTI rate were monitored. Data were collected and analyzed using Wilcoxon rank sum test and four-way analysis of variance. A cost analysis was also performed. RESULTS: The baseline period, intervention period, and number of device days was similar for both periods. The unadjusted catheter-associated infection rate during the baseline and intervention periods was 7.1 and 4.5 infections per 1000 catheter days, respectively (P <0.01). The adjusted catheter-associated infection rate during the baseline and intervention periods was 8.1 and 4.9 infections per 1000 catheter days, respectively. This was not statistically significant (P = 0. 13). CONCLUSIONS: A trend toward a reduction in NUTIs with the use of the hydrogel/silver-coated catheter was noted in all intensive care units at each institution as shown by the unadjusted and adjusted catheter-associated infection rates. One hospital demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in NUTIs. However, statistical significance was not met when the results were adjusted. The cost analysis at one institution demonstrated cost savings with the use of the silver-coated catheter. Future analysis may require a double-blind, prospective-controlled study of longer duration to reach statistical significance.

Cross Infection↗
PubMed2002

Prediction of X and Y chromosome content in bovine sperm by using DNA pools through capillary electrophoresis.

Livestock resource management through gender offspring preselection is an efficient tool in terms of genetic improvement and farm management and additionally provides the opportunity to adjust offspring to market demands. In this study bull ejaculates were tested using PCR amplification of a segment of the X-Y homologous amelogenin gene in order to estimate the X and Y chromosome frequencies by capillary electrophoresis. Results were quantified against a regression function constructed with pools prepared with DNA from bulls and cows with known X and Y ratios. An average of 50.02 +/- 2.79% X chromosome content was found with normal distribution ranging from 38.7 to 58.2%. Bull effect was significant in the analysis of variance representing 8.5% of the total variance. This simple analysis provides a low-cost and quick method of evaluating an X-Y ratio in a high number of ejaculates, particularly when external factors can be manipulated to alter it.

Amelogenin↗
PubMed1987

Intraocular pressure and visual field defects after argon laser trabeculoplasty in chronic open-angle glaucoma.

Nineteen patients undergoing argon laser trabeculoplasty for open-angle glaucoma were studied prospectively. All patients had glaucomatous visual field defects with inadequate medical control of intraocular pressure (IOP) before laser treatment. All patients had two automated visual fields immediately before laser treatment. They also had follow-up automated perimetry at 1, 4, 8, and 12 months posttreatment. The serial visual fields were compared using a one-way analysis of variance and trend analysis. After the laser trabeculoplasty, six patients showed visual field improvement, eight showed no change, and five showed progressive visual field deterioration. Patients with little fluctuation of IOP measurements after laser treatment had a better prognosis for visual field retention. The mean IOP level, however, was a poor predictor of visual field progression. Patients with more extensive visual field damage before laser treatment did not do worse than patients with less extensive visual field loss.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Reversed circadian blood pressure rhythm preserves fetal growth in preeclamptic pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical trait of hypertension in pregnant women with a reversed circadian blood pressure (BP) rhythm. STUDY DESIGN: 24-h BP monitoring was performed in 56 hypertensive pregnant women, of whom 12 had a reversed systolic BP (SBP) rhythm (day/night mean BP ratio < 1.0). Clinical data, ultrasound fetometry and umbilical artery velocimetry were compared to that in women with a normal rhythm. Statistical analyses were performed with simple linear regression, Mann-Whitney U test, analysis of variance, contingency table analysis and Fisher's test. A two-tailed P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: In the reversed SBP group, the nighttime BP, fetal weight, albuminuria and S-urate were higher, and the BP variations smaller. The birthweight correlated negatively to the SBP day/night ratio. Higher SBP day/night ratios and larger BP variations were associated with an increased vascular resistance in the umbilical artery and an impaired growth. CONCLUSION: A reversed SBP rhythm was associated with a more severe degree of preeclampsia, but also with a smaller BP variation, maintenance of fetal growth, and higher birthweight. A sustained high nighttime BP preserved fetal growth. These novel observations challenge the opinion that a reversed circadian BP rhythm is merely an ominous sign.

Adolescent↗