Plume characteristics and dynamics of UV and IR laser-desorbed oligonucleotides.

Laser desorption of dye-tagged oligonucleotides was studied using laser-induced fluorescence imaging. Desorption with ultra violet (UV) and infra-red (IR) lasers resulted in forward directed plumes of molecules. In the case of UV desorption, the initial shot desorbed approximately seven-fold more material than subsequent shots.

Development of a novel mass spectrometric technique for studying DNA damage.

An experimental system, based upon UV and IR laser desorption, has been constructed to enable the production and characterization of neutral biomolecular targets. These targets are to be used for interaction experiments investigating radiation-induced damage to DNA. The viability of the laser-desorption techniques of MALDI (matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization), SALDI (surface-assisted laser-desorption ionization) and DIOS (desorption/ionization on silicon), for production of these gas targets is discussed in the present paper.

A dynamic mechanical method for determining the silicone elastomer solubility of drugs and pharmaceutical excipients in silicone intravaginal drug delivery rings.

The silicone elastomer solubilities of a range of drugs and pharmaceutical excipients employed in the development of silicone intravaginal drug delivery rings (polyethylene glycols, norethisterone acetate, estradiol, triclosan, oleyl alcohol, oxybutynin) have been determined using dynamic mechanical analysis. The method involves measuring the concentration-dependent decrease in the storage modulus associated with the melting of the incorporated drug/excipient, and extrapolation to zero change in storage modulus. The study also demonstrates the effect of drug/excipient concentrations on the mechanical stiffness of the silicone devices it 37 degrees C.

Relationship between peripheral intravenous catheter Dwell time and the development of phlebitis and infiltration.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether lengthening the dwell time of peripheral i.v. catheters from 72 hours to 144 hours resulted in increased rates of phlebitis and/or infiltration.

Impact of a dedicated intravenous therapy team on nosocomial bloodstream infection rates.

Background: Meticulous care of intravenous catheters could be expected to minimize associated nosocomial bloodstream infections, but care is often suboptimal.

Methods: To examine the ostensible benefits of a professional, dedicated intravenous therapy team, we compared the secular trends in nosocomial bloodstream infections before and after such a team was established.

Results: After the introduction of the team at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, the rate of primary nosocomial bloodstream infection decreased by 35% (1.