Modifications of C-2 on the pyrroloquinoline template aimed at the development of potent herpesvirus antivirals with improved aqueous solubility.

A series of C-2 pyrroloquinoline analogs designed to improve aqueous solubility were examined for herpesvirus polymerase and antiviral activity. Several analogs were identified that maintained the antiviral activity of the previous development candidate against HCMV, HSV-1 and VZV, but with significantly improved aqueous solubility.

Adjuvant radiotherapy for gastric cancer: A dosimetric comparison of 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, tomotherapy and conventional intensity modulated radiotherapy treatment plans.

Some patients with gastric cancer benefit from post-operative chemo-radiotherapy, but adequately irradiating the planning target volume (PTV) whilst avoiding organs at risk (OAR) can be difficult. We evaluate 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (CRT), conventional intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and helical tomotherapy (TT). TT, 2 and 5-field (F) CRT and IMRT treatment plans with the same PTV coverage were generated for 5 patients and compared.

Assessment of quality of data provided on Pap test requisitions: implications for quality of care and patient safety.

Background: The reliability of patient history and clinical information on Pap test requisitions has been questioned but not previously objectively determined. The effect of incomplete/inaccurate information on quality of patient care has not been previously quantified. Our objectives were (1) to find out how clinicians and their assistants viewed the requisition slip, and whether they understood the reasons for supplying the information requested, (2) to measure the completeness and accuracy of information on the requisition slips, and (3) to determine whether the clinical information and patient history provided on Pap test requisitions could be relied upon to accurately assign a Pap test to the laboratory's "high-risk rescreen" pool.

Scientific issues related to the cytology proficiency testing regulations.

The member organizations of the Cytology Education and Technology Consortium believe there are significant flaws in current cytology proficiency testing regulations. The most immediate needed modifications include lengthening the required testing interval, utilizing stringently validated and continuously monitored slides, changing the grading scheme, and changing the focus of the test from the individual to laboratory level testing. Integration of new computer-assisted and located-guided screening technologies into the testing protocols is necessary for the testing protocol to be compliant with the law.

Real-time glucose sensing using transdermal fluid under continuous vacuum pressure in children with type 1 diabetes.

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the accuracy and tolerance in children of an experimental device for continuous glucose monitoring. This real-time glucose sensing (RTGS) system measures transdermal fluid glucose through micropores in the stratum corneum that are kept open by continuous vacuum pressure.

Design And Methods: A comparison of self-monitored blood glucose values and RTGS values was obtained in 110 children with type 1 diabetes ranging in age from 2 to 18 years.