Positron emission tomography neuroimaging of [F]fluorodeoxyglucose uptake and related behavior in the -/- rat model of Parkinson disease.

Introduction: Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition affecting multiple sensorimotor and cognitive systems. The rat model exhibits vocal, cognitive, and limb use deficits seen in idiopathic PD. We sought to measure glucose metabolism in brain regions in and wild type (WT) rats, and to associate these to measures of ultrasonic vocalization, cognition, and limb use behavior.

Apparent limitations of OECD TG 431 for classification of acrylic- and methacrylic-based adhesives.

For years, the strive for in vitro methods for toxicological assessment suitable to replace animal studies gained progressive importance. OECD Test Guideline (TG) 431 was implemented in 2004, allowing to circumvent animal testing according to OECD TG 404 while reliably predicting skin corrosion potential of many substances and products. However, non-animal assays often show protocol-dependent limitations, that complicate or even prevent the testing of several groups of substances.

Improving Discharge Efficiency and Charge Containment on a Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Unit.

Background: Hospital discharge delays can negatively affect patient flow and hospital charges. Our primary aim was to increase the percentage of acute care cardiology patients discharged within 2 hours of meeting standardized medically ready (MedR) discharge criteria. Secondary aims were to reduce length of stay (LOS) and lower hospital charges.

The added value of the advanced practice provider in paediatric acute care cardiology.

Objectives: Advanced practice providers (APPs) are being employed at increasing rates in order to meet new in-hospital care demands. Utilising the Paediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative (PAC3) hospital survey, we evaluated variations in staffing models regarding first-line providers and assessed associations with programme volume, acuity of care, and post-operative length of stay (LOS).

Study Design: The PAC3 hospital survey defined staffing models and resource availability across member institutions.

Intensive Care Unit and Acute Care Unit Length of Stay After Congenital Heart Surgery.

Background: Postoperative length of stay (LOS) is an important quality metric and is known to vary widely across hospitals after congenital heart surgery. Whether this variability is explained by factors associated with the intensive care unit (ICU) or acute care unit (ACU) remains unclear. We evaluated the relationship between ICU and ACU LOS and the impact of ACU characteristics on postoperative LOS.

Quinolone Amides as Antitrypanosomal Lead Compounds with In Vivo Activity.

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a major tropical disease for which few drugs for treatment are available, driving the need for novel active compounds. Recently, morpholino-substituted benzyl amides of the fluoroquinolone-type antibiotics were identified to be compounds highly active against Trypanosoma brucei brucei Since the lead compound GHQ168 was challenged by poor water solubility in previous trials, the aim of this study was to introduce structural variations to GHQ168 as well as to formulate GHQ168 with the ultimate goal to increase its aqueous solubility while maintaining its in vitro antitrypanosomal activity. The pharmacokinetic parameters of spray-dried GHQ168 and the newly synthesized compounds GHQ242 and GHQ243 in mice were characterized by elimination half-lives ranging from 1.