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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Necessity and death: lessons from Latimer and the case of the conjoined twins.

The availability of the defence of necessity in cases of homicide is a complex issue in both Canadian and British jurisprudence. This article examines the divergent judicial and academic views and argues that, while necessity may be available for certain kinds of homicide, it should be rejected as a legitimate defence to intentional killings. The author looks closely at two recent cases in which the question arose as to whether or not killing a human being is ever justifiable or excusable on the basis of necessity: the Canadian case of R. v. Latimer and the British case of Re A (Children). The author argues that the approach of the Latimer court is preferable, advancing this position from a number of angles. Underlying rationales for the defence of necessity in Anglo-Canadian jurisprudence are examined, as well as the conceptually similar defence of duress, both at common law and in s. 17 of the Criminal Code. Both of these points are reinforced and analyzed via a discussion of the sanctity-of-life principle in Canadian criminal law. The article makes clear the essential nature of the issues raised in both Latimer and Re A (Children), as they engage fundamental questions of value for our society.

Canada↗

Hard cases.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adolescent↗

Liquid chromatographic determination of urea in water-soluble urea-formaldehyde fertilizer products and in aqueous urea solutions: collaborative study.

Water soluble urea-formaldehyde (UF) fertilizers, manufactured by complex reaction of urea and formaldehyde, typically contain varying amounts of unreacted urea. A liquid chromatography method for the analysis of urea in these products, and in aqueous urea solutions, was collaboratively studied. An amine chromatography column was used to separate the unreacted urea from numerous UF reaction products present in these liquid fertilizers. Unreacted urea was determined by using external urea standards with UV detection at 195 nm. The standards and test samples were prepared in the mobile phase of 85% (v/v) acetonitrile in water. Ten laboratories analyzed 5 different UF-based commercial products containing unreacted urea in the range of 6 to 17% by weight, and 5 different concentrations of urea in water equivalent to commercial products of that nature. The aqueous urea solutions contained 2-20% urea (w/w). The range of s(R) values for the 5 UF-based commercial fertilizers was 0.49-1.02 and the %RSD(R) was 1.94-6.14. The s(R) range for the 5 urea solutions was 0.10 to 0.79 and the %RSD(R) range was 2.54 to 4.88. The average recovery of urea from the aqueous urea solutions was 96-103%. Therefore, this method is capable of monitoring urea nitrogen manufacturers' label claims and total nitrogen claims in those cases where urea is the sole source of plant food nitrogen. Based on the collaborative study data, the authors recommend this method be approved for AOAC Official First Action status.

Chromatography, Liquid↗

Myocardial revascularization in patients with chronic renal failure.

Symptomatic coronary artery disease in patients with chronic renal failure can complicate their management in a dialysis program. Hypotension associated with hemodialysis and the anemia of chronic renal disease can produce anginal episodes refractory to medical management. Untreated coronary artery disease may be a contraindication to renal transplantation in an otherwise acceptable candidate. We have encountered three cases of coronary artery disease severe enough to necessitate coronary bypass in patients from our long-term hemodialysis program. All three patients had uncomplicated postoperative courses, none had perioperative infarction, and in all three patients postoperative angiography demonstrated patency of all grafts. One patient subsequently underwent successful renal transplantation; the other two patients have continued in hemodialyses since bypass. We believe our experience and the reported experience of others confirm the feasibility of coronary bypass grafting in patients with chronic renal failure.

Adult↗

An independent application accuracy evaluation of stereotactic frame systems.

The purpose of incorporating stereotactic methodology into neurosurgical procedures is to consistently achieve a high degree of accuracy and precision in localizing intracranial targets. Therefore, the limits of resolution for the therapeutic intervention itself are a function of the accuracy and precision inherent to the particular stereotactic frame system itself. The total clinically relevant error (application accuracy) comprises errors associated with each procedural step, including imaging, target selection, vector calculation and the mechanical errors of stereotactic frames. To evaluate these parameters, a systematic error analysis was carried out in the 4 most commonly used CT-compatible stereotactic devices: the Brown-Roberts-Wells, Cosman-Roberts-Wells, Kelly-Goerss Compass (modified Todd-Wells) and Leksell frames. Over 7,681 independent test measurements were made. The results suggest a potentially significant degree of error in application accuracy of all stereotactic instrumentation which is accentuated by imaging-associated error. These individual error values must be considered with every clinical use of stereotactic frames.

Humans↗

Constitutive achlorhydria in mucolipidosis type IV.

Mucolipidosis type IV is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease of unknown etiology that causes severe neurological and ophthalmological abnormalities. In an attempt to obtain insight into the nature of the metabolic abnormality in this disorder, we prospectively evaluated 15 consecutive patients, aged 2 to 23 years, over a period of 22 months. The finding of iron deficiency in some of the patients led us to the discovery that all patients but one had markedly elevated blood gastrin levels. None had vitamin B12 deficiency. Gastroscopy in three patients showed normal gross appearance of the mucosa in two patients, 4 and 7 years old, and mucosal atrophy in a 22-year-old. Parietal cells were present in normal numbers and contained large cytoplasmic inclusions that were confirmed immunohistochemically to be lysosomal in nature. Other gastric epithelial cells appeared normal. Parietal cells contained very few tubulovesicular membranes, suggesting cellular activation, whereas apical canaliculi appeared relatively nonactivated. Both subunits of the parietal cell H+/K+-ATPase were present, and both partially colocalized with f-actin at the apical membrane. We conclude that patients with mucolipidosis type IV are constitutively achlorhydric and have partially activated parietal cells. We hypothesize that the defective protein in this disease is closely associated with the final stages of parietal cell activation and is critical for a specific type of cellular vacuolar trafficking between the cytoplasm and the apical membrane domain.

Achlorhydria↗

A 12-week study comparing moclobemide and sertraline in the treatment of outpatients with atypical depression.

One hundred and ninety-seven outpatients with atypical depression [Atypical Depression Diagnostic Scale (ADDS) score=4] were randomized to 12 weeks of double-blind treatment with sertraline or moclobemide in a multicentre, parallel-group clinical trial. Patients were started on either 50 mg/day sertraline or 300 mg/day moclobemide. If the therapeutic response was not satisfactory after 4 weeks, the dose could be increased to either 100 mg/day sertraline or 450 mg/day moclobemide. Primary efficacy evaluations were the 29-item Hamilton Psychiatric Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement (CGI-I) response rate (much or very much improved) at study endpoint. Secondary efficacy evaluations included the ADDS, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), the Leeds Sleep Scale, and the Battelle Quality of Life Battery (BQOLB). In the analysis of the 172 patient efficacy-evaluable population, there was significant baseline to endpoint improvement in all primary and secondary efficacy assessments after treatment with either sertraline or moclobemide. At the endpoint, the proportion of responders on CGI-I, was 77.5% in the sertraline group and 67.5% in the moclobemide group (p=0.052). The baseline to endpoint mean 29-item HAM-D score decreased from 35.9 to 14.5 in the sertraline group and from 36.3 to 16.1 in the moclobemide group. Sertraline also resulted in a significantly (p < 0.05) greater degree of improvement at the endpoint, compared with moclobemide, in the proportion of remitters on the HAMA (total score < or = 7), ADDS Category IID (Rejection Sensitivity), Leeds Sleep Factor 4 (Integrity of Behaviour Following Awakening), and on three dimensions of the BQOLB (Energy/Vitality, Social Interaction and Life Satisfaction). There were no other significant differences between treatment groups. Overall, both medications were well tolerated. In this study, both sertraline and moclobemide improved the symptoms of atypical depression.

Adult↗

Expression of cytolethal distending toxin and hemolysin is not required for pustule formation by Haemophilus ducreyi in human volunteers.

Haemophilus ducreyi makes cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) and hemolysin. In a previous human challenge trial, an isogenic hemolysin-deficient mutant caused pustules with a rate similar to that of its parent. To test whether CDT was required for pustule formation, six human subjects were inoculated with a CDT mutant and parent at multiple sites. The pustule formation rates were similar at both parent and mutant sites. A CDT and hemolysin double mutant was constructed and tested in five additional subjects. The pustule formation rates were similar for the parent and double mutant. These results indicate that neither the expression of CDT, nor that of hemolysin, nor both are required for pustule formation by H. ducreyi in humans.

Adult↗

Response of three paleo-primary production proxy measures to development of an urban estuary.

In this study we present a novel comparison of three proxy indicators of paleoproductivity, pigments, biogenic silica (BSi), and cysts of autotrophic dinoflagellates measured in cored sediments from New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts. In addition to detailed historical reports we use palynological signals of land clearance, changes in the ratio of centric and pennate diatoms, sedimentary organic carbon and stable carbon isotopes to constrain our interpretations. Our study spans the period from prior to European settlement to approximately 1977, during which watersheds were cleared, port development occurred and much of the coastal property became industrialized. The combined effects of nutrient loading from watershed clearance and urban sewage on the estuarine ecosystem shifted not only levels of primary production, but also the nature of the production. Our proxies show that when European colonists first arrived the estuarine production was benthic-dominated, but eventually became pelagic-dominated. Importance of water column production (by diatoms and dinoflagellates) rapidly increased as soil nitrogen was released following forest clearance. Stabilization in rates of forest clearance is reflected as a decline in production. However, population increases in the urbanizing watershed brought new sources of nutrients through direct sewage discharge, apparently again stimulating primary production. We assume that early 20th century changes in sewage discharge and introduction of heavy metals into Harbor waters caused a temporary reduction in primary production. The introduction of a new sewer outfall near the core site and changes in estuarine hydrography due to construction of a hurricane barrier across the mouth of the harbor are reflected by renewed water column production, but decreases in the population of diatoms and dinoflagellates. Fossil pigments suggest renewed water column production in the latest years recorded by our sediment core.

Cities↗

Two molecular forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH-I and GnRH-II) are expressed by two separate populations of cells in the rhesus macaque hypothalamus.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone represents the primary neuroendocrine link between the brain and the reproductive axis, and at least two distinct molecular forms of this decapeptide (GnRH-I and GnRH-II) are known to be expressed in the forebrain of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Although the distribution pattern of the two corresponding mRNAs is largely dissimilar, their expression appears to show some overlap in specific regions of the hypothalamus; this raises the possibility that some cells express both molecular forms of GnRH. To resolve this issue, double-label histochemistry was performed on hypothalamic sections from six male rhesus macaques, using a monoclonal antibody to GnRH-I and a riboprobe to monkey GnRH-II mRNA. In total, more than 2000 GnRH neurons were examined but in no instance were GnRH-I peptide and GnRH-II mRNA found to be coexpressed. This finding emphasizes that GnRH-I and GnRH-II are synthesized by two distinct populations of hypothalamic neurons, and suggests that they may be regulated by different neuroendocrine pathways.

Animals↗

Oxidation states of the manganese cluster during the flash-induced S-state cycle of the photosynthetic oxygen-evolving complex.

The Mn K-edge x-ray absorption spectra for the pure S states of the tetranuclear Mn cluster of the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II during flash-induced S-state cycling have been determined. The relative S-state populations in samples given 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 flashes were determined from fitting the flash-induced electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) multiline signal oscillation pattern to the Kok model. The edge spectra of samples given 0, 1, 2, or 3 flashes were combined with EPR information to calculate the pure S-state edge spectra. The edge positions (defined as the zero-crossing of the second derivatives) are 6550.1, 6551.7, 6553.5, and 6553.8 eV for S0, S1, S2, and S3, respectively. In addition to the shift in edge position, the S0--> S1 and S1--> S2 transitions are accompanied by characteristic changes in the shape of the edge, both indicative of Mn oxidation. The edge position shifts very little (0.3 eV) for the S2--> S3 transition, and the edge shape shows only subtle changes. We conclude that probably no direct Mn oxidation is involved in this transition. The proposed Mn oxidation state assignments are as follows: S0 (II, III, IV, IV) or (III, III, III, IV), S1 (III, III, IV, IV), S2 (III, IV, IV, IV), S3 (III, IV, IV, IV).

Journal Article↗

The alternating conformation of analogues of poly[d(AT)].

Synthetic DNAs were prepared containing 6-methyl adenine (m6A) in place of adenine and 5-ethyl uracil (Et5U) or 5-methoxymethyl uracil (Mm5U) in place of thymine. All three modifications destabilized duplex DNAs to varying degrees. The binding of ethidium was studied to analogues of poly[d(AT)]. There was no evidence of cooperative binding and the "neighbour exclusion rule" was obeyed in all cases although the binding constant to poly[d(m6AT)] was approximately 6 fold higher than to poly[d(AT)]. 31P NMR spectra were recorded in increasing concentrations of CsF. Poly[d(AEt5U)] showed two well-resolved signals separated by 0.55 ppm in 1 M CsF compared to 0.32 ppm for poly[d(AT)] under identical conditions. In contrast, poly[d(AMm5U)] and poly[d(m6AT)] showed two signals separated by 0.28 ppm and 0.15 ppm respectively, only when the concentration of CsF was raised to 2 M. The signals for poly[d(AT)] in 2 M CsF were better resolved and were separated by 0.41 ppm. These results suggest that minor modifications to the bases may have conformational effects which could be recognized by DNA-binding proteins.

Ethidium↗

Axillary cystadenocarcinoma in a Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis).

An adult Moluccan cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis) was diagnosed with a cystadenocarcinoma in the right axillary region that was treated symptomatically with surgical debulking and periodic drainage. The bird eventually died and a necropsy was performed. The neoplasm extended through the humerus, and small neoplastic foci were seen within the ipsilateral lung parenchyma. Rare groupings of microvilli were observed lining intercellular canalicular lumens on electron microscopy within the axillary tumor. These findings suggest a respiratory neoplasm, although the tissue of origin remained undetermined.

Animals↗

Sulfur K-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy: a spectroscopic tool to examine the redox state of S-containing metabolites in vivo.

The sulfur K-edge x-ray absorption spectra for the amino acids cysteine and methionine and their corresponding oxidized forms cystine and methionine sulfoxide are presented. Distinct differences in the shape of the edge and the inflection point energy for cysteine and cystine are observed. For methionine sulfoxide the inflection point energy is 2.8 eV higher compared with methionine. Glutathione, the most abundant thiol in animal cells, also has been investigated. The x-ray absorption near-edge structure spectrum of reduced glutathione resembles that of cysteine, whereas the spectrum of oxidized glutathione resembles that of cystine. The characteristic differences between the thiol and disulfide spectra enable one to determine the redox status (thiol to disulfide ratio) in intact biological systems, such as unbroken cells, where glutathione and cyst(e)ine are the two major sulfur-containing components. The sulfur K-edge spectra for whole human blood, plasma, and erythrocytes are shown. The erythrocyte sulfur K-edge spectrum is similar to that of fully reduced glutathione. Simulation of the plasma spectrum indicated 32% thiol and 68% disulfide sulfur. The whole blood spectrum can be simulated by a combination of 46% disulfide and 54% thiol sulfur.

Erythrocytes↗

Orbital neoplasia with enophthalmos in a cat.

A 9-year-old cat was evaluated for left-sided enophthalmos and protrusion of the third eyelid. A primary orbital fibrosarcoma was diagnosed. During the orbital exploration, normal periorbital fascia could not be identified in the lateral and ventral region, thus accounting for the enophthalmos.

Animals↗