Electrochemical sensor for human norovirus based on covalent organic framework/pillararene heterosupramolecular nanocomposites.

Noroviruses are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis and food-borne diseases worldwide. Thus, a rapid, accurate, and easy-to-implement detection method for controlling infection and monitoring progression is urgently needed. In this study, we constructed a novel sandwich-type electrochemical biosensor integrated with two specific recognition elements (aptamer and peptide) for human norovirus (HuNoV).

Facile synthesis of hierarchical and porous V2O5 microspheres as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries.

Hierarchical and porous V2O5 microspheres have been fabricated by a refluxing approach followed by annealing in air. The resulting porous V2O5 microspheres typically have diameters of 3-6 μm and are constructed of intertwined laminar nanocrystals or crosslinked nanobricks. It is found that the vanadyl glycolates rinsed with water have pronounced pore structures than that rinsed with ethanol alone.

Orthostatic effects of midodrine versus L-NAME on cerebral blood flow and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in tetraplegia.

Objective: To compare responses to head-up tilt (HUT) in individuals with chronic tetraplegia after midodrine hydrochloride (10 mg) versus nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 1 mg/kg) administration.

Design: Prospective comparative drug trial.

Setting: Veterans Affairs medical center.

Acute suppression of bone turnover with calcium infusion in persons with spinal cord injury.

Background: Some people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) have low vitamin D levels and secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Objective: To determine whether, and to what extent, an acute calcium infusion decreased levels of N-telopeptide (NTx), a marker of osteoclastic activity, in individuals with chronic SCI.

Study Design: Case series.

Orthostatic responses to nitric oxide synthase inhibition in persons with tetraplegia.

Objectives: To determine the effects of 1.0 mg/kg nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on orthostatic mean arterial pressure (MAP), serum aldosterone, and plasma renin concentrations in persons with chronic tetraplegia compared with nonspinal cord-injured controls.

Design: Prospective placebo-controlled intervention study.

Provocative stimulation of growth hormone: a monozygotic twin study discordant for spinal cord injury.

Background/objective: A blunted growth hormone (GH) response to provocative testing and/or low levels of plasma insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) have been reported in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). A reduction in activity of the GH-IGF-I axis may have deleterious effects on body composition and function. Provocative testing for GH stimulation was performed to determine the response in monozygotic twins that were discordant for SCI.

Effect of a vitamin D analog on leg bone mineral density in patients with chronic spinal cord injury.

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial was performed to determine the effect of a vitamin D analog (1-alpha-hydroxyvitamin D(2) [1-alpha D(2)]) on the bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Forty subjects with chronic complete motor SCI were enrolled. The mean plus or minus standard deviation age and duration of injury were 42 plus or minus 12 yr and 11 plus or minus 10 yr, respectively.

Effect of low-dose baclofen administration on plasma insulin-like growth factor-I in persons with spinal cord injury.

Patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), a condition associated with reduced physical function, have been reported to have lower plasma insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels than able-bodied persons. We evaluated the potential for daily low-dose baclofen administered over several weeks to increase plasma IGF-I levels. Ten healthy male outpatients with chronic SCI were studied prospectively.