Comedogenesis: some new aetiological, clinical and therapeutic strategies.

Hypercornification is an early feature of acne and precedes inflammation. It is associated with ductal hyperproliferation and there are many controlling factors such as androgens, retinoids and cytokines. Cycling of normal follicles and of comedones may explain the natural resolution of comedones and, in the longer term, resolution of the disease itself.

Predictors of hospitalization and death among pre-dialysis patients: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Although there is abundant research describing predictors of patient morbidity and mortality among dialysis patients, predictors of adverse clinical outcomes among pre-dialysis patients are less well defined. The purpose of this study was to identify baseline predictors of first non-elective hospitalization among a retrospective cohort of 362 pre-dialysis patients.

Methods: Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify predictors of hospitalization prior to dialysis initiation, adjusted for baseline creatinine level.

Determining the relevance of a certification exam to home health care nursing practice.

Home health care is enjoying increased use and popularity. Unfortunately, in today's cost-cutting environment, home healthcare is also subject to increased scrutiny and inevitable reimbursement limitations. This is borne out by the impact on home healthcare as a result of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

Structural basis of the thrombin selectivity of a ligand that contains the constrained arginine mimic (2S)-2-amino-(3S)-3-(1-carbamimidoyl- piperidin-3-yl)-propanoic acid at P1.

We have studied the thrombin and trypsin complexed structures of a pair of peptidomimetic thrombin inhibitors, containing different P1 fragments. The first has arginine as its P1 fragment, and the second contains the constrained arginine mimic (2S)-2-amino-(3S)-3-(1-carbamimidoyl-piperidin-3-yl)-propano ic acid (SAPA), a fragment known to enhance thrombin/trypsin selectivity of inhibitors. On the basis of an analysis of the nonbonded interactions present in the structures of the trypsin and thrombin complexes of the two inhibitors, the calculated accessible surfaces of the enzymes and inhibitors in the four complexes, data on known structures of trypsin complexes of inhibitors, and factor Xa inhibitory potency of these compounds, we conclude that the ability of this arginine mimic to increase thrombin selectivity of an inhibitor is mediated by its differential interaction with the residue at position 192 (chymotrypsinogen numbering).

Chlorophyll breakdown by chlorophyllase: isolation and functional expression of the Chlase1 gene from ethylene-treated Citrus fruit and its regulation during development.

We report on the isolation, functional expression and characterization of a cDNA encoding chlorophyllase, the enzyme catalyzing the first step in the chlorophyll breakdown pathway. The Chlase1 cDNA from Valencia Orange (Citrus sinensis cv. Valencia) was obtained by RT-PCR using degenerate primers based on the amino acid sequence of the previously purified protein.

Anterograde transport of herpes simplex virus type 1 in cultured, dissociated human and rat dorsal root ganglion neurons.

The mechanism of anterograde transport of herpes simplex virus was studied in cultured dissociated human and rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. The neurons were infected with HSV-1 to examine the distribution of capsid (VP5), tegument (VP16), and glycoproteins (gC and gB) at 2, 6, 10, 13, 17, and 24 h postinfection (p.i.

Some virtual reality and telemedicine applications useful for long duration spaceflight from a systems engineering perspective.

This paper presents a review of virtual reality, telemedicine, and systems engineering design concepts that relate to the human performance of mission tasks during long duration spaceflight. A Mini-Case Study of the MIR/Progress collision is discussed and serves to highlight some of the key issues. We review some physiologic changes which occur as a result of long duration spaceflight, discuss issues associated with performing required mission tasks, and integrate concepts from telemedicine and virtual reality as possible methods and technologies to alleviate some of the deleterious effects of extended space missions.

Anterograde transport of herpes simplex virus proteins in axons of peripheral human fetal neurons: an immunoelectron microscopy study.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivates from latency in the neurons of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and is subsequently transported anterogradely along the axon to be shed at the skin or mucosa. Although we have previously shown that only unenveloped nucleocapsids are present in axons during anterograde transport, the mode of transport of tegument proteins and glycoproteins is not known. We used a two-chamber culture model with human fetal DRG cultivated in an inner chamber, allowing axons to grow out and penetrate an agarose barrier and interact with autologous epidermal cells in the outer chamber.

Color doppler imaging of the central retinal artery in premature infants undergoing examination for retinopathy of prematurity.

Purpose: Recent attempts have been made to quantify blood flow velocity in the central retinal artery (CRA) of adults using color Doppler imaging (CDI). Although retinal vascular abnormalities are the hallmark of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), normal values have not been established for CRA blood flow velocity in premature infants.

Methods: CDI of the CRA was successfully performed on 43 eyes in 22 infants (postconceptional ages 32 to 39 weeks) before the infants underwent examination for ROP.

Potent and selective bicyclic lactam inhibitors of thrombin: Part 3: P1' modifications.

The synthesis and antithrombotic activity of a series of nonpeptide bicyclic thrombin inhibitors are described. We have explored the SAR around the P1' site. Modification of the P1' site has been found to affect potency and selectivity.

Mechanism of triclosan inhibition of bacterial fatty acid synthesis.

Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that inhibits bacterial fatty acid synthesis at the enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI) step. Resistance to triclosan in Escherichia coli is acquired through a missense mutation in the fabI gene that leads to the expression of FabI[G93V]. The specific activity and substrate affinities of FabI[G93V] are similar to FabI.

Early intervention and prevention of anxiety disorders in children: results at 2-year follow-up.

The Queensland Early Intervention and Prevention of Anxiety Project evaluated a child- and family-focused group intervention for preventing anxiety problems in children. This article reports on 12- and 24-month follow-up data to previously reported outcomes at posttreatment and at 6-month follow-up. A total of 1,786 7- to 14-year-olds were screened for anxiety problems using teacher nominations and children's self-report.

Biofeedback-assisted relaxation training with brain injured patients in acute stages of recovery.

There are few published accounts or empirical studies of biofeedback-assisted relaxation training with brain injured patients still in acute stages of recovery. Given the efficacy of biofeedback-assisted relaxation training with other medical populations, brain injured patients in acute stages of recovery with anxiety-based symptoms may also stand to gain some benefits from this form of treatment. It has yet to be determined, however, if severe cognitive impairment or disorientation contraindicate biofeedback treatment.

Continuity of care: a nursing needs assessment instrument.

Based on testing of the Uniform Needs Assessment Instrument (UNAI), a nursing needs assessment tool for adult hospitalized patients was integrated into nursing practice. Some content and format changes to the UNAI occurred as a result of the research process. The revised assessment form is called the Nursing Needs Assessment Instrument (NNAI).

Educating families and caretakers of traumatically brain injured patients in the new health care environment: a three phase model and bibliography.

Shorter inpatient stays for traumatically brain injured patients frequently allow less time for comprehensive education of families and caretakers. What is needed to compensate for the shortened duration of brain injury rehabilitation in many settings is a family educational programme that (1) satisfies the family's acute information needs as they arise, and (2) standardizes the delivery of information so that certain knowledge criteria are met. The following article proposes a three phase model of family and caretaker education with an accompanying bibliographical index.

Potent and selective bicyclic lactam inhibitors of thrombin: Part 2: P1 modifications.

The synthesis and antithrombotic activity of a series of nonpeptide bicyclic thrombin inhibitors is described. We have explored the SAR with modifications to the P1 site. The introduction of arginine mimetics at the P1 site led to potent and selective thrombin inhibitors.

Herpes simplex type 2 infection in a cohort aged 21 years.

Objectives: To measure the prevalence of HSV-2 antibodies in a birth cohort of 21 year old New Zealanders from whom detailed sexual histories had been obtained, and to assess the potential for HSV-2 serology in characterising a young adult population's risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STD).

Methods: Sera from 784 cohort members were tested using an indirect IgG enzyme linked immunoassay specific to the HSV-2 glycoprotein G. Positive results were confirmed by western blot.

The axonal transmission of herpes simplex virus to epidermal cells: a novel use of the freeze substitution technique applied to explant cultures retained on cover slips.

Retaining the ultrastructural arrangement of a mixed-cell culture on a solid support while processing for immunocytochemical study is a technical challenge. We developed a technique to study the axonal transport of the Herpes simplex virus from dorsal root ganglia sensory neurones to epidermal cells. Autologous explants of human foetal dorsal root ganglia and skin were cultured on plastic cover slips.

Design of peptidomimetics that inhibit the association of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase with platelet-derived growth factor-beta receptor and possess cellular activity.

Phosphorylated tyrosine residues of growth factor receptors that associate with intracellular proteins containing src-homology 2 (SH2) domains are integral components in several signal transduction pathways related to proliferative diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and restenosis. In particular, a phosphorylated pentapeptide [pTyr751-Val-Pro-Met754-Leu (pTyr = phosphotyrosine)] derived from the primary sequence of platelet-derived growth factor-beta (PDGF-beta) receptor blocks the association of the C-terminal SH2 domain of the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) to PDGF-beta receptor with an IC50 of 0.445 +/- 0.

Differential response of sebaceous glands to exogenous testosterone.

To test the hypothesis that the seborrhoea of acne is an end-organ hyper-response to androgens, a standardized dose of 2% testosterone cream was applied to the forehead of eight prepubertal boys for 6 weeks and the effect determined by measurements of sebum excretion rate (SER). Three boys showed a 15-fold increase in SER and three boys were non-responders, whereas two boys had SER values between those of the responders and non-responders. These data show that sebaceous glands are stimulated by androgens to varying degrees and support the theory of an end-organ response in acne.

Testing the Uniform Needs Assessment Instrument for hospital discharge planning with older adults.

The Uniform Needs Assessment Instrument (UNAI) was developed to systematically assess the continuing care needs of high-risk older adults in response to the 1986 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Based on previous studies, a revised UNAI was tested with 103 hospitalized older adults, comparing usual discharge planning with the UNAI. High interrater reliability was obtained.

Liquid chromatographic determination of flumequine, nalidixic acid, oxolinic acid, and piromidic acid residues in catfish (Ictalurus punctatus).

A peer-verified, liquid chromatographic (LC) method for simultaneous determination of residues of flumequine (FLU), nalidixic acid (NAL), oxolinic acid (OXO), and piromidic acid (PIR) in catfish muscle is presented. Sample workup involves homogenizing tissue with acetone, defatting with hexane, and extracting quinolones into chloroform. Sample is purified further by partitioning into base and then subsequently back-extracting into chloroform after acidifying the aqueous phase.

Obsessional disorders during recovery from severe head injury: report of four cases.

Four cases of transient obsessional disorders following severe head injury are described within the context of recovery from acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). Obsessional features following TBI have important treatment implications in brain injury rehabilitation settings, since emergence of this disorder in the acutely brain injured patient poses a significant obstacle to interdisciplinary rehabilitation. Although the numbers of patients described here and in previous reports are too small to draw conclusions about the incidence of obsessional disorders following TBI, these cases illustrate the importance of correctly identifying and treating obsessional symptoms in the brain injured patient.

Differentiation and characterization of enteroviruses by computer-assisted viral protein fingerprinting.

We have developed and standardized a computerized method for the typing and characterization of enteroviruses with radiolabeled viral protein fingerprints. Enteroviral proteins were radiolabeled with [35S]methionine during growth in cell culture and were then separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The dried gel was scanned, and from the resulting computer image (which resembled an autoradiogram) protein patterns were computer extracted and stored in a database.