Cervical epidural analgesia via a thoracic approach using nerve stimulation guidance in an adult patient undergoing elbow surgery.

Objective: This case report describes the placement of a cervical epidural catheter via the thoracic approach, using nerve stimulation, in a patient undergoing elbow surgery.

Case Report: An epidural catheter was easily advanced to the C5 dermatome level from the T4-5 interspace, using nerve stimulation guidance. Successful perioperative analgesia was accomplished using an infusion of ropivacaine 0.

DNA adduct analysis and histopathological biomarkers in European flounder (Platichthys flesus) sampled from UK estuaries.

The presence of genotoxic and potentially carcinogenic chemical contaminants in the estuarine and coastal marine environment is well documented. In this study, European flounder (Platichthys flesus) sampled from eight UK estuaries were analysed for hepatic DNA adducts, using the 32P-postlabelling assay and liver histopathology as part of an on going survey to establish the health status of UK estuaries. Fish were collected from the estuaries Tyne, Mersey, Thames, Alde (reference site), Belfast, Forth, Clyde and Southampton.

Discovery stage pharmacokinetics using dried blood spots.

Early in the discovery stage, the measurement of drug candidates in biological fluids as a function time provides important information used in decision making for lead optimization. The detection methodology primarily used is liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Sample preparation is an important aspect of these experiments and robotic-based automation is commonly used.

Improving health care systems performance: a human factors approach.

Under contract from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) promote improvement in health care system performance. With the QIO contract cycle that began in the fall of 1999, CMS adopted a broad national improvement agenda emphasizing 24 quality measures from 6 clinical topic areas. The Utah QIO developed a human factors and organizational safety management-based intervention strategy for the inpatient clinical topic areas, borrowing approaches and principles previously applied in hospital-based medication systems safety improvement efforts.

Haemolymph parasite of the shore crab Carcinus maenas: pathology, ultrastructure and observations on crustacean haplosporidians.

A protozoan parasite with some features of haplosporidians is described from the European shore crab Carcinus maenas. The parasite establishes a systemic infection through the haemal sinuses and connective tissues. Intracellular stages of the parasite were found within reserve inclusion, connective tissue, and muscle cells, while free forms were present in all haemal spaces.

Development and process evaluation of a web-based smoking cessation program for college smokers: innovative tool for education.

Smoking cessation interventions are needed for young adults. Innovative approaches to behavior change for this population should be tested. Formative research and process evaluation of those approaches would result in more effective programs.

Pathology and ultrastructure of an intranuclear bacilliform virus (IBV) infecting brown shrimp Crangon crangon (Decapoda: Crangonidae).

The brown shrimp Crangon crangon supports an important fishery in Europe (over 25000 t, valued at 80 million euros in 2000). Through the course of histopathological screening of crustaceans from the Clyde estuary, western Scotland, for the biological effect of contaminants, we have discovered a highly prevalent (up to 100%) non-occluded intranuclear bacilliform virus (IBV) infection in the hepatopancreatic tubule epithelia and midgut epithelia of wild C. crangon.

Catalytic inactivation of protein tyrosine phosphatase CD45 and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B by polyaromatic quinones.

Polyaromatic quinones, such as the environmental pollutants 9,10-phenanthrenediones, elicit a wide range of responses including growth inhibition, immune suppression, and glucose normalization in diabetic models. Yet the molecular mechanisms behind these effects remain controversial. Here we report that many of them are oxygen-dependent and catalytic inactivators of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP).

Carrageenan-induced paw edema in rat elicits a predominant prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) response in the central nervous system associated with the induction of microsomal PGE2 synthase-1.

Peripheral inflammation involves an increase in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-mediated prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in the central nervous system (CNS), which contributes to allodynia and hyperalgesia. In the present study we have determined the changes in prostanoid tissue levels and in expression of terminal prostanoid synthases in both the CNS and inflamed peripheral tissue during carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in the rat. Prostanoid levels were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and enzyme expression at the RNA level by quantitative PCR analysis during both the early (1-6 h) and late (12 and 24 h) phases of the inflammatory response.

Deletion of microsomal prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthase-1 reduces inducible and basal PGE2 production and alters the gastric prostanoid profile.

Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) is an inducible protein recently shown to be an important source of inflammatory PGE2. Here we have used mPGES-1 wild type, heterozygote, and null mice to assess the impact of reduction or absence mPGES-1 protein on the production of PGE2 and other prostaglandins in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophages and mice. Thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages with mPGES-1 deficiency were found to lose their ability to produce PGE2 upon LPS stimulation.

Health performance of feeder calves sold at conventional auctions versus special auctions of vaccinated or conditioned calves in Ontario.

Objective: To compare health performance during the first 28 days in the feedlot for vaccinated or conditioned feeder calves sold through special auctions in Ontario with health performance for calves sold through conventional auctions in the province.

Design: Cohort study.

Animals: 12,313 calves sold through conventional and special auctions at the Keady Livestock Market during the fall of 1999 and 2000.

Comparison of prices paid for feeder calves sold at conventional auctions versus special auctions of vaccinated or conditioned calves in Ontario.

Objective: To determine whether vaccinated or conditioned feeder calves sold through special auctions in Ontario commanded a premium, compared with feeder calves sold at conventional auctions, and whether various physical characteristics of the calves were associated with the sale price.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Animals: 14,037 calves sold through conventional and special auctions at the Keady Livestock Market during the fall of 1999 and 2000.

Co-infection by a yeast-like organism in Hematodinium-infected European edible crabs Cancer pagurus and velvet swimming crabs Necora puber from the English Channel.

During the winter months, edible crabs Cancer pagurus and velvet swimming crabs Necora puber from the English Channel can harbour infections by a Hematodinium sp. dinoflagellate. This parasite is responsible for a highly pathological condition known as 'Pink Crab Disease' (PCD) in the edible crab.

Proteinase inhibitors from Nicotiana alata enhance plant resistance to insect pests.

The ornamental tobacco (Nicotiana alata) produces one 6-kDa chymotrypsin inhibitor and four 6-kDa trypsin inhibitors from a single 40.3-kDa precursor protein. Three different approaches have been used to assess the potential of these proteinase inhibitors (PIs) in insect control.

Oral gemifloxacin once daily for 5 days compared with sequential therapy with i.v. ceftriaxone/oral cefuroxime (maximum of 10 days) in the treatment of hospitalized patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

In a randomized, open-label, controlled, multicentre study, the clinical and bacteriological efficacy, safety and tolerability of oral gemifloxacin (320 mg once daily, 5 days) was compared with sequential intravenous (i.v.) ceftriaxone (1 g once daily, maximum 3 days) followed by oral cefuroxime axetil (500 mg twice daily, maximum 7 days) in adult hospitalized patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) (n = 274).

Structure of the mammalian CoA transferase from pig heart.

Ketoacidosis affects patients who are deficient in the enzyme activity of succinyl-CoA:3-ketoacid CoA transferase (SCOT), since SCOT catalyses the activation of acetoacetate in the metabolism of ketone bodies. Thus far, structure/function analysis of the mammalian enzyme has been predicted based on the three-dimensional structure of a CoA transferase determined from an anaerobic bacterium that utilizes its enzyme for glutamate fermentation. To better interpret clinical data, we have determined the structure of a mammalian CoA transferase from pig heart by X-ray crystallography to 2.

Effects of tail docking using a rubber ring with or without anesthetic on behavior and production of lactating cows.

Production and behavioral measures were recorded to determine the level of stress and pain associated with tail docking adult dairy cows with a rubber ring. The possible advantages of using an epidural anesthetic were also examined. Sixty-four lactating, mixed-parity, Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups.

The effect of treatment of clinical endometritis on reproductive performance in dairy cows.

The objective of this field trial was to compare the effect of intrauterine (i.u.) antibiotic or intramuscular (i.

Defining and diagnosing postpartum clinical endometritis and its impact on reproductive performance in dairy cows.

The objectives of this study were to validate diagnostic criteria for clinical endometritis in postpartum dairy cows and to measure the impact of endometritis on reproductive performance. Data were collected from 1865 cows in 27 herds, including history of dystocia, twins, retained placenta, or metritis. All cows were examined once between 20 and 33 d in milk (DIM) including external inspection, vaginoscopy, and transrectal palpation of the cervix, uterus, and ovaries.

Arabinogalactan proteins are expressed at the symbiotic interface in root nodules of Alnus spp.

•  We have characterized the origin and distribution of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) at the symbiotic interface of dinitrogen (N )-fixing root nodules of Alnus spp. The interface between the host plant cell and the microsymbiont is an important zone for signaling and growth regulation during nodulation. Arabinogalactan proteins are glycoproteins that have adhesive properties, and, potentially, participate in cell wall assembly, direction of growth, and signaling cascades.

The effect of prepartum injection of vitamin E on health in transition dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to investigate parenteral vitamin E for the prevention of peripartum disease in dairy cows. A randomized clinical trial was conducted in 21 commercial dairy herds. Cows (n = 1142) were randomly assigned to receive either a single subcutaneous injection of 3000 IU of vitamin E, or placebo, 1 wk before expected calving.

Infection by a Hematodinium-like parasitic dinoflagellate causes Pink Crab Disease (PCD) in the edible crab Cancer pagurus.

The edible crab (Cancer pagurus) supports a large and valuable fishery in UK waters. Much of the catch is transported live to continental Europe in specially designed live-well ('vivier') vehicles. During the winter of 2000/2001, many trap-caught crabs from Guernsey, Channel Islands, UK, were reportedly moribund and pink in colour.

Development of generic liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods using experimental design.

Standard approaches to development of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods, either ion-pairing or reversed-phase liquid chromatography, have been through trial and error or intentional variation of experimental factors. These approaches to method optimization fail to take into account interactions between experimental factors and therefore the results may not be optimal for the combination of experimental factors. Another approach to optimization is through the use of chemometrics.

Purification and characterization of the human PDE4A catalytic domain (PDE4A330-723) expressed in Sf9 cells.

The human PDE4A catalytic domain (PDE4A330-723) expressed in Sf9 cells was found to be heavily phosphorylated on both serines of the conserved SPS motif by mass spectrometric analysis. The purified protein exists as a tetramer at a concentration approximately 1 mg/ml from light scattering measurement and has a Km of 2 microM in hydrolyzing cAMP. In comparison, a partially purified PDE4A330-723 expressed in Escherichia coli has an apparent Km of 10 microM.