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We quantified nutrient concentrations and water quality parameters in soils and water from a working farm (in operation for over 100 years), through contrasting agricultural wetlands, to their receiving waters. Contrasting wetlands were a forested alluvial swamp and a ditched wetland swale. Our objective was to determine if nutrients diminished in concentration or changed in form as water moved through wetlands below the farm. Soils were collected from around the farm and receiving wetlands and were analyzed for nitrate, ammonium, and phosphorus. Water samples, collected from shallow piezometers and surface waters were analyzed for nitrate + nitrite, and total phosphorus. Nitrate in groundwater and surface water in the alluvial swamp were much lower than concentrations measured in flows from farmlands. Nitrogen in upland water was dominated by nitrate, but ammonium dominated in the swamp. Phosphorus was low in wetland soils and also diminished through the swamp. Despite receiving agricultural run-off for many decades, the natural alluvial swamp still provided an effective environment for water quality mitigation of nitrate and phosphorus. The ditched wetland swale did not significantly reduce nitrate but appeared to provide some phosphorus mitigation. Agricultural wetland conservation is an especially effective, low cost tool for water quality management.

Purpose of the study To reduce the number of unnecessary laboratory tests ordered through a measurement of effects of education and cost awareness on laboratory ordering behaviour by internal medicine residents for common tests, including complete blood cell count (CBC) and renal profile (RP), and to evaluate effects of cost awareness on hospitalisation, 30-day readmission rate and mortality rate. Study design 567 patients admitted during February, March and April 2014 were reviewed as the control group. Total CBC, CBC with differential and RP tests were counted, along with readmission and mortality rates. Interventions were education and visual cost reminders. The same tests were reassessed for 629 patients treated during 12 months after intervention in 2015. Results Data showed a significant increase in CBCs ordered after the intervention (mean number per hospitalisation changed from 1.7 to 2.3 (p Conclusions Education in the form of cost reminders did not significantly reduce the overall ordering of the most common daily laboratory testing in our academic teaching service. We believe further research is needed to fully evaluate the effectiveness of other education forms on the redundant ordering of tests in the hospital setting.

Background Recurrent complex esophageal strictures remain difficult to manage. Aims To determine the efficacy of topical Mitomycin C application for recurrent benign esophageal strictures. Methods All patients who underwent balloon dilation followed by topical Mitomycin C application for recurrent benign esophageal strictures were included. Primary outcome was number of dilations and change of dysphagia score. Results Nine patients with anastomotic (3), radiation-induced (3), caustic (2), and combined anastomotic and radiation-induced (1) strictures were included. Strictures had a mean length of 13.75 mm, diameter of 8.0 mm, and were dilated 10.7 times over a median of 8 months (1.5 dilations per month). Following Mitomycin C application, the need for further dilation decreased to 0.39 dilations per month over a median of 10 months; however, dysphagia scores improved not significantly from 3.2 to 2.6 (mean). Conclusion In this pilot study, topical Mitomycin C in conjunction with dilation decreased the frequency of esophageal dilations for recurrent benign esophageal strictures.

Active traffic management (ATM) incorporates a collection of strategies allowing the dynamic management of recurrent and non-recurrent congestion, based on prevailing traffic conditions. These strategies help to increase peak capacity, smooth traffic flows, and increase safety on busy, major highways. Studies were conducted in a driving simulator to examine driver behavior in response to a variety of scenarios using ATM signs. The present research focuses on the use of variable speed limit (VSL) signs that are shown over each lane on a highway. The studies showed compliance with the VSL signs. Issues with respect to sign design, operational implementation, and driver speed selection, are discussed.

The purpose of this study is to describe a system for formally reporting second-opinion interpretations of CT imaging exams accompanying patients transferred emergently to a tertiary care center. Second-opinion interpretations of cross-sectional imaging exams rendered in the emergency department setting over 6 months spanning 22 September 2009 to 22 March 2010 were reviewed and tallied by two radiologists and a research assistant, with a focus on professional fee reimbursement rates. A more in depth review was performed of those exams for which a clinical referral request form was available, detailing such information as the clinical history, content and source of available initial interpretation, and congruity of the initial interpretation with clinical data. Discrepancies between outside and second-opinion interpretations were also assessed. This quality assurance exercise was reviewed by our institutional review board, which waived formal informed consent. Formal second-opinion interpretation was rendered for 370 exams on 198 patients (mean age, 53.5 years; 45.1% female), received from 50 referring facilities. Head CT was the most common imaging exam referred for second opinion. Forty-one of 370 exams (11%) were submitted for self-pay, and 43 (12%) were written off as free care. The remaining 286 exams (77%) were submitted for reimbursement of the professional fee only. Ultimately, of the 286 exams submitted, 260 (91%) were reimbursed for professional fees, 199 (70%) on the initial submission. Of 29 health plans contracted with our facility, 22 ultimately approved all claims made. Three plans denied all claims submitted. The largest payer was Medicare, which reimbursed 88 of 90 submitted claims. Clinical intake forms were available for 184 exams on 107 patients (mean age, 52.7 years, 43.0% female). Trauma was the most common indication, or history, provided (55% of 184 exams, 40% of 107 patients). An outside report of some form was available for 112 of the 184 exams (61%), although only 18 were formal, signed radiology reports from the referring facility. Discrepancies between available outside reports and second-opinion interpretations were noted for 17 out of 112 exams. Need for reimaging was substantially curtailed, with only ten exams repeated within 24 h. A formal process for issuing second-opinion interpretations of cross-sectional exams performed at outside institutions is feasible in the emergency department setting. In the majority of cases, reimbursement for full professional fees can be obtained.

A simple and facile method has been developed to produce surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) active surfaces. Tollen's reagent was used to coat silver onto the surface of glass fiber filters. Using a Fourier transform (FT) Raman instrument, strong surface-enhanced Raman signals have been observed for L-phenylalanine on these surfaces. The use of an FT-Raman instrument combined with this new SERS method allows for a method with both high sensitivity and selectivity. A linear dependence of the Raman signal on L-phenylalanine concentration (0.01–1.0 mM) has been demonstrated. The SERS technique presented here is both novel and promising for biochemical analysis.

The impedance of impregnated carbon is measured in real time during exposure to SO 2 vapors at ambient temperatures using a plug flow reactor and an impedance monitor. Impedance measurements are accomplished using a dual parallel plate mesh electrode configuration that measures the electrical conductivity of the carbon bed using an impedance analyzer operating at 10 Hz. It is observed for all impregnated carbon samples undergoing SO 2 exposure the carbon impedance undergoes an initial increase followed by a longer lasting characteristic decrease. The rate of the initial impedance increase appears to be proportional to the SO 2 partial pressure, while the impedance drops more quickly with increasing relative humidity and additive concentration. From these findings, along with XPS measurements to identify the chemical composition of the carbon bed, it is postulated that the SO 2 interaction with impregnated activated carbon is governed by an initial physical adsorption of SO 2 vapors onto the activated carbon followed by a catalytic oxidation of SO 2 to SO 3 and eventually a conductive sulfate-containing acid like H 2 SO 4 .

Female zebrafish housed in aquaria with spatial complexity (plastic plants) over a 13–16-week period showed reduced levels of aggressive behavior compared to females in bare tanks. In tanks with plants, there was no relationship between levels of aggression and fecundity but, in bare tanks, females experiencing the highest levels of aggression showed reduced fecundity. Our results suggest that it may be beneficial, when maintaining zebrafish at moderate to high densities or working with especially aggressive strains, to house them in spatially complex conditions.

Despite the growing use of telecommunication technologies in delivering psychological interventions for family caregivers (CGs) of older adults with dementia, this development has been restricted primarily to large metropolitan areas. Twenty percent of dementia CGs live in small rural communities where Internet transmission services do not exist or are difficult to obtain. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the efficacy of telephone-based cognitive-behavioral (CB) intervention versus routine education and support (ES) in reducing CGs' psychological distress and subjective burden, as well as improving their perceived self-efficacy and specific caregiving-related problems. Although the results are preliminary, partial support was obtained for the differential benefits of CB intervention over ES for this population.

This study determined the levels of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Na in various tissues samples (liver, brain, kidney, intestines, muscle and hair) of diabetic and non-diabetic rats by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, in order to assess the role of element levels during T2DM. The ratios of Ca/Mg, Zn/Cu, Ca/Zn, and Mg/Zn in diabetic and non-diabetic rat tissues were also calculated. The determined element levels were further subjected to a student-t test statistical analysis and multiple-linear-regression in order to evaluate similarities, differences, and an inter-element association in tissues of diabetic and non-diabetic rats. The results of the study showed high variability in element levels and Ca/Mg Zn/Cu Mg/Zn Ca/Zn ratios in the tissues of diabetic and non-diabetic rats, but are tissue- and element-dependent, suggesting differences in the accumulation of the elements in tissues of diabetics and non-diabetics. The obtained significant differences in the levels of elements and Ca/Mg Zn/Cu Mg/Zn Ca/Zn ratios in several tissues of diabetic and non-diabetic rats in this study suggest that the investigated elements play considerable roles in the T2DM disease process. Strong inter-element associations (R(2)≥0.9) were observed for some elements in tissues of diabetic and non-diabetics rats. However, poor inter-elemental associations were obtained for some elements in the tissues of diabetic and non-diabetic rats.

Active traffic management (ATM) is a technique for mitigation of recurrent and non-recurrent congestion. Two ATM tools were evaluated: variable speed limits and lane control signing. An iterative human factors approach included a series of four experiments: a laboratory assessment, a field study, and two dynamic driving simulations. This paper presents the evaluation of signing for one scenario, from among several, to provide an example of the evaluation methodology. That scenario involved closing two lanes on a multi-lane freeway where the exit ramp adjacent to the closed lanes remained open. Results were consistent across experimental settings. The majority of drivers appeared to correctly comprehend the ATM signs in both static and dynamic environments. The combined results from the four experiments showed that the tested ATM signing could achieve about 66 percent driver comprehension and compliance in the presented scenario.

It is well known that surface plasmon absorption (color) of Au nanoparticles highly depends on its size, shape, and surrounding surface environment, providing a great opportunity for the development of Au nanoparticles as a probe for chemical and biochemical sensing and as a building block for nano-optical devices. Currently, it remains incompletely understood how the surface properties of Au nanoparticles ultimately define its optical properties, hindering the progress of rational design of Au nanoparticles for biochemical sensing and assembly of nano-optical devices. Ru(bpy)32+ possesses rich photochemical and electrochemical properties, offering a unique probe to study the surface environment of Au nanoparticles. In this study, we investigate the kinetics of surface plasmon absorption of Au nanoparticles (6.5, 19, 48, 97 nm) in the presence of Ru(bpy)32+ at 24.0, 33.0, and 51.0 °C. We find that the color-change rate of Au nanoparticles is highly sensitive to the amount of Ru(bpy)32+. In addition, the m...

Objective This study was performed to evaluate the clinical course of patients treated for traumatic microhyphema and the occurrence of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and secondary hemorrhage in these patients. Design Retrospective noncomparative case series. Participants Records of all patients treated for traumatic microhyphema through the Wills Eye Hospital Emergency Department from January 1997 through September 1999 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients examined for 3 consecutive days after presentation and 2 weeks after initial presentation were included. Patients with open-globe injury were excluded. A total of 162 patients met the study criteria. Intervention All patients were treated initially as outpatients according to the standard Wills Eye Hospital protocol for traumatic microhyphema (atropinization, bedrest, shield, restriction of antiplatelet medications). Three patients were subsequently hospitalized. Main outcome measures The occurrence of IOP elevation (greater than 21 mmHg) and rebleeding was recorded. The effect of topical corticosteroids was evaluated. Results IOP was elevated in 14 patients. Six patients had IOP less than 26 mmHg and required no treatment. Six patients had IOP greater than 26 mmHg and received medical treatment. In two patients, IOP increased after initial presentation. Of 150 patients with normal IOP at presentation, only one (0.7%) developed an elevated IOP at any point to warrant treatment (28 mmHg). Rebleeding was documented in three patients, one of whom developed a layered hyphema. The incidence of rebleeding was not statistically associated with the use of topical corticosteroids. Conclusions Complications from traumatic microhyphema treated with standard measures are few. Closeness of follow-up may be determined by IOP on presentation. Secondary hemorrhage seems to be unaffected by the use of topical corticosteroids.

Sizes and dynamics of single membrane transporters on single living cells, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were directly measured showing transported substrates up to 80 nm in diameter, which is one order ...

At a signalized intersection, there exists an area where drivers become indecisive as to either stop their car or proceed through when the traffic signal turns yellow. This point, called a dilemma zone, has remained a safety concern for drivers due to the great possibility of a rear-end or right-angle crash occurring. In order to reduce the risk of car crashes at the dilemma zone, Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) recommended a dilemma zone model. The model, however, fails to provide precise calculations on the decision of drivers because it disregards the supplemental roadway information, such as whether a red light camera is present. Hence, the goal of this study was to incorporate such roadway environmental factors into a more realistic driver decision-making model for the dilemma zone. A driving simulator was used to determine the influence of roadway conditions on decision-making of real drivers. Following data collection, each driver's decision outcomes were implemented in an Agent-Based Simulation (ABS) so as to analyze behaviors under realistic road environments. The experimental results revealed that the proposed dilemma zone model was able to accurately predict the decisions of drivers. Specifically, the model confirmed the findings from the driving simulator study that the changes in the roadway environment reduced the number of red light violations at an intersection.

Purpose To discuss the incidence and to characterize the clinical features of ocular trauma associated with bungee cord injuries. Design Retrospective case series. Participants The authors identified 67 subjects (60 males) treated at Wills Eye Hospital for ocular trauma resulting from bungee cords between September 1, 1994, and September 1, 1999. Methods The authors reviewed subjects’ records from Wills Eye Hospital, records from outside physicians involved in the subjects’ care, and conducted telephone interviews when additional information was needed. Main outcome measures Each chart was reviewed for demographic information, mechanism of injury, presenting visual acuity, anterior segment, posterior segment and periocular injuries, medical and surgical intervention, final visual acuity, and length of follow-up. Results Mean visual acuity on presentation was 20/150. The most common anterior, posterior, and periocular injuries were hyphema (42/67, 63%), commotio retinae (30/55, 55%), and eyelid edema/ecchymosis (40/67, 60%), respectively. Seven subjects (10%) sustained open globe injuries, three (4%) of whom required enucleation. Eighteen subjects (27%) required medical treatment, and 4 subjects (6%) required surgical treatment for increased intraocular pressure. A total of 21 subjects (31%) required some form of surgical intervention. Mean final visual acuity was 20/60, with an average follow-up of 34 weeks. Conclusions This series, the largest to date, demonstrates a wide spectrum of serious ocular injuries related to bungee cord use. Medical and surgical treatments are commonly necessary to manage these injuries. We advocate a modification in the design of these cords and appropriate printed warnings directed to the users of bungee cords regarding the potential for severe ocular trauma.

Molecular forms of serum prostate-specific antigens (PSA-free, PSA-total, PSA-complex) were conjugated with an N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of a ruthenium(II) tris-bipyridine (Ru(bpy)32+–NHS) which provided both electrochemiluminescence (ECL) and phosphorescence. ECL intensity of labeled PSA, produced upon oxidation of Ru(bpy)32+ in a solution containing tri-n-propylamine, was proportional to the concentration of PSA and inversely proportional to its mass and size of PSA. ECL intensity of the PSA-free antigen decreased upon binding with its monoclonal antibody (MAB) due to the increased mass and size of the conjugated pair and the decrease in diffusion coefficient. The binding affinity of PSA-free antigen with its MAB at 1 × 1010 M−1 was determined. However, no binding of PSA-free antigen with the MAB of PSA-complex was observed. A similar approach was applied to study labeled PSA-complex indicating affinity of PSA-complex to its MAB at 3 × 109 M−1 and a step-wise binding process with PSA-free MAB. Thus, this solution-phase quantitative ECL immunoassay allowed measurement of the affinity of serum PSAs with their MABs and screening of PSAs based upon their affinity to MABs. Unlike other immunoassays, this immunoassay demonstrated one-step rapid analysis while simultaneously eliminating immobilization, separation and washing steps and detected PSA at a level of 1.7 pg mL−1, which is 1000-fold more sensitive than current PSA immunoassays. Furthermore, single-molecule (SM) phosphorescence microscopy was developed to detect single serum PSA-free and PSA-complex molecules in solution with no use of antibody showing that PSA-free molecules diffused faster than PSA-complex molecules in solution. This finding is consistent with ECL measurements and implies the possibility of screening individual analytes in a complex mixture using their distinct SM diffusion distance. This is the first report describing the detection of single protein molecules labeled with a metal-complex using phosphorescence microscopy and also the screening of serum tumor markers using ECL and SM phosphorescence solution-phase assays.

A reluctance by athletes to wear protective eyewear for most sports and recreational activities pervades our society today. Industry, on the other hand, has been aware of the need for eye protection and have mandated the use of safety eyewear in the workplace. Comments by professional athletes with whom the author has worked, who oppose the wearing of appropriate eye protection, include "it's not macho," "it's not my style," "it cuts down my peripheral vision," and "it's like looking through a dirty windshield" (the player having wiped it with a sweaty towel). Young athletes complain that wearing glasses or any eye protector looks nerdy. Unless a youngster has experienced a previous serious eye injury, some parents and coaches do not support the need for protection.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and Angiotensin II (Ang II) are important modulators of vascular tone. Contraction to ET-1 is dependent on the activation of ETA and ETB receptors. The contractile receptor ETA is localized in the smooth muscle cells whereas ETB receptors are predominantly found in the endothelium. We investigated the role of ETB receptors in ET-1 contraction in a model of Ang II-dependent hypertension, the (mRen2)27 rat. Third branch mesenteric arteries were isolated from 12 weeks old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) control and (mRen2)27 hypertensive rats and mounted on a wire Multi Myograph (Model 620, DMT) for determination of isometric force. Dose response curves to ET-1 (10 -11 -10 -7 M) were performed in arterial segments that were either intact, endothelium denuded or preincubated with the ETB specific antagonist BQ788 10 -6 M. Endothelial denudation was performed by passing a human hair through the arterial lumen and functional loss of the endothelium was confirmed by the absence of vasodilatation to acetylcholine. Maximal responses were expressed as percent of maximal response to 75mM KCl (%K MAX ) and the sensitivity as pD 2 (pD 2 = -Log[EC 50 ]). In SD control rats, addition of BQ788 significantly increased ET-1 sensitivity in intact arteries (8.9±0.1 vs 9.3±0.1, pMAX , pvs 188±12 %K MAX , p

Ouabain (Oua)-induced hypertension in rodents provides a model to study cardiovascular changes associated with human hypertension. We examined vascular function in rats after a long-term treatment with Oua. Systolic blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff plethysmography in male Sprague-Dawley rats treated with Oua (≈ 25 µg/d) or placebo for 8 weeks. Blood pressure increased in Oua-treated animals, reaching 30% above baseline systolic blood pressure after 7 weeks. At the end of treatment, vascular responses were studied in mesenteric resistance arteries (MRAs) by wire myography. Contraction to potassium chloride in intact and denuded arteries showed greater sensitivity in Oua-treated animals. Contraction to phenylephrine and relaxation to acetylcholine were similar between groups with a lower response to sodium nitroprusside in Oua-treated arteries. Sensitivity to endothelin-1 was higher in Oua-treated arteries. Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase activity was decreased in MRAs from Oua-treated animals, whereas protein expression of the Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase α₂ isoform was increased in heart and unchanged in mesenteric artery. Preincubation with indomethacin (10⁻⁵ M) or Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10⁻⁴ M) abolished the differences in potassium chloride response and Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase activity. Changes in MRAs are consistent with enhanced vascular smooth muscle cell reactivity, a contributor to the increased vascular tone observed in this model of hypertension.

• Background: No internationally standardized classification of ocular trauma terminology has existed heretofore. Despite a growing interest in eye injuries, the absence of a common language continues to impede both clinical care and research. • Methods: A classification was initially developed based on the authors' extensive personal experience. It then underwent repeated reviews over a 3-year period by international ophthalmic specialists. Written and oral suggestions from respondents in 19 countries and from selected ocular trauma experts were considered and incorporated. • Results: By always using the entire globe as the tissue of reference, the new classification is unambiguous, consistent, simple, and comprehensive. It provides definitions for the terms commonly used in eye trauma and creates a logical system of injury types. • Conclusion: In addition to widespread international acceptance by professionals, the new classification has been endorsed by the International Society of Ocular Trauma, the United States Eye Injury Registry, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Hungarian Eye injury Registry, the Vetreous Society, and the Retina Society. It can be reasonably expected that the system will ultimately become the standardized international language of ocular trauma.

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of air bags as a safety device in decreasing fatalities and reducing morbidity in frontal impact motor vehicle accidents has been well established. However, case reports have surfaced documenting ocular injuries related to air bag inflation. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze ocular injuries sustained during air bag inflation. * PATIENTS AND METHODS: Hospital emergency room records were reviewed retrospectively for a period of 4 years for patients who had sustained ocular injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Those injuries associated with air bag inflation were analyzed as to the nature of the injury, type of vehicle, speed, and visual morbidity. * RESULTS: Fourteen cases of ocular injury related to air bag inflation were identified. Hyphema (nine cases) and cornea abrasion (eight cases) were the most common. Three cases, all patients who had been wearing glasses, sustained serious and permanent ocular damage. * CONCLUSION: While air bags are an unequivocal safety feature, ocular injuries do occur that are related to air bag inflation. Eyeglass wear may present an additional risk factor. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1995;26:542-548.]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to detail three cases of serious ocular injury associated with eyeglass wear during airbag inflation following motor vehicle crashes. DESIGN: Although there were too few cases to provide valid statistics, an attempt was made to determine if there were characteristics common to the glasses or accidents that would provide preventive information. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The emergency room records were reviewed for a 4-year period and cases were extracted involving ocular injuries related to airbag inflation. Fourteen cases were found, and three patients were wearing glasses. These cases were studied in detail. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All three patients sustained serious, vision-compromising ocular damage. CONCLUSIONS: Eyeglass wear presents an additional risk factor for ocular injury during airbag inflation. Frame damage and lens shatter provide potential for both blunt and penetrating types of ocular injury.

This retrospective study examined demographic, clinical, and histopathologic factors in 24 traumatically ruptured globes that were enucleated at Wills Eye Hospital during a 2-year period. The majority of these injuries occurred in a violent assault setting with a blunt mechanism, during the evening and early morning hours, and in the fall and winter months. Most patients were black males, and 67% were substance abusers. Clinically, the initial visual acuity in 96% of the eyes was light perception or worse. Five of the eyes were enucleated primarily. Gross examination of the globes revealed that 92% of the wounds involved the sclera, 83% of the eyes had hyphema, and 71% of the lacerations were longer than 10 mm. Histopathologic examination demonstrated that the majority of eyes had fragmented or missing lenses, disrupted ciliary bodies, and detached choroids. Ninety-six percent of the retinas were detached. There was one case of acute endophthalmitis.

This study was performed to evaluate the clinical course of patients treated for traumatic microhyphema and the occurrence of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and secondary hemorrhage in these patients.Retrospective noncomparative case series.Records of all patients treated for traumatic microhyphema through the Wills Eye Hospital Emergency Department from January 1997 through September 1999 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients examined for 3 consecutive days after presentation and 2 weeks after initial presentation were included. Patients with open-globe injury were excluded. A total of 162 patients met the study criteria.All patients were treated initially as outpatients according to the standard Wills Eye Hospital protocol for traumatic microhyphema (atropinization, bedrest, shield, restriction of antiplatelet medications). Three patients were subsequently hospitalized.The occurrence of IOP elevation (greater than 21 mmHg) and rebleeding was recorded. The effect of topical corticosteroids was evaluated.IOP was elevated in 14 patients. Six patients had IOP less than 26 mmHg and required no treatment. Six patients had IOP greater than 26 mmHg and received medical treatment. In two patients, IOP increased after initial presentation. Of 150 patients with normal IOP at presentation, only one (0.7%) developed an elevated IOP at any point to warrant treatment (28 mmHg). Rebleeding was documented in three patients, one of whom developed a layered hyphema. The incidence of rebleeding was not statistically associated with the use of topical corticosteroids.Complications from traumatic microhyphema treated with standard measures are few. Closeness of follow-up may be determined by IOP on presentation. Secondary hemorrhage seems to be unaffected by the use of topical corticosteroids.

Single-molecule phosphorescence immunoassay microscopy was developed and applied for high-throughput screening of tumor markers at the single-molecule (SM) level with no need of separation processes. The screening of individual analyte in a mixture was based upon distinguished diffusion images of single molecules associated with its size and mass. As a working example, several molecular forms of serum prostate- specific antigens (PSA) were labeled with Ru(bpy)32+-NHS-ester and labeled PSA-free and PSA-complex were distinguished based upon their SM diffusion images using this SM microscopy. The bound and unbound PSA-free with its monoclonal antibody (MAB) were also detected using this SM microscopy. A novel solution-phase quantitative electro chemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay was developed to measure affinity constants of PSA with its antibody and diffusion coefficients of labeled PSA. The ECL immunoassay was able to detect PSA at 1.7 pg/mL. Diffusion of labeled PSA-free and PSA-complex measured by ECL and SM microscopy was consistent demonstrating that distinguished SM diffusion images could be used to screen multiple analytes in a complex mixture. This also implied the possibility of real- time monitoring of kinetics of binding reactions using such SM microscopy.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Objectives To describe the type and severity of ocular injuries caused by paintballs, to summarize the outcomes, to determine if the injury occurred in a commercial or noncommercial setting, to compare the number of injuries in each setting as a function of time, and to ascertain whether eye-protective devices were worn and why they were removed. Design Retrospective analysis of 35 patients who sustained ocular injuries caused by paintballs and underwent evaluation and treatment at an eye hospital from January 1, 1985, to September 30, 1998. Thirty-five eyes of 35 patients underwent a complete ocular examination, diagnostic testing, and surgical intervention when indicated. Results All patients were male (average age, 22 years). Twenty-six patients (74%) had an initial visual acuity of 20/200 or worse, and visual acuity in 16 (46%) remained 20/200 or worse on follow-up (range, 2 weeks to 22 months). Traumatic hyphema was seen in 21 patients (60%). Twenty-two patients (63%) had access to goggles, 7 (33%) of whom removed them due to fogging before the injury. Injuries sustained after 1995 were 5.8 times (relative risk, 5.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-22.4) more likely to occur during a noncommercial war game than those occurring in 1995 or before. Conclusions As the popularity of war games increases, so does the potential for serious ocular injury caused by paint pellet guns. Most injuries seen after 1995 occurred in noncommercial war game settings, where the use of eye-protective devices is not required. Industry standards for eye protection have been developed recently and should be implemented.

Oral aminocaproic acid has been shown to be effective in clot stabilization and in the reduction of secondary bleeding rates in cases of traumatic hyphema. In a retrospective study of 105 patients treated during a 1-year period, we found the incidence of rebleeding in patients with traumatic hyphema who received aminocaproic acid prophylaxis was 2%; the incidence in those who did not was 25%.

A cross-sectional population study was performed in a cohort of 890 non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients residing in the greater Denver metropolitan region. Its purpose was to evaluate the relationship between insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) with regard to metabolic control and diabetic complications. The mean glycosylated hemoglobin for patients treated with insulin was 12.0 +/- 0.15% versus 11.4 +/- 0.14% (p.03) for OHA. The difference in fasting blood sugar for the insulin-treated group (195.0 +/- 3.5 mg/dl) versus the OHA-treated group (194.0 +/- 2.9 mg/dl) was not statistically significant. Categorical increases in urinary albumin excretion were associated positively within insulin versus OHA therapy (p.0001). Patients treated with insulin therapy had a higher frequency of peripheral vascular disease (insulin therapy, 14%; OHA therapy, 10%; p.05); neuropathy (insulin therapy, 55%; OHA therapy, 37%; p.0001); and retinopathy (insulin therapy, 71%; OHA therapy, 45%; p.0001). The frequency of cardiovascular disease was equivalent in the two groups (17% versus 13%). In protocols correcting for diabetes duration, glycosylated hemoglobin, and gender in a multivariate model, the use of insulin still was related significantly to increases in urinary albumin excretion (p.01), retinopathy (p.0001), and neuropathy (p.0008). In a subgroup of individuals with diabetes duration10 years (n = 211 for insulin treatment, n = 118 for OHA treatment), the frequency of neuropathy still was significantly higher in the insulin group (63% vs 49%; p.016) as was retinopathy (85% vs 58%; p.0001). Overt albuminuria also was more significant in the insulin-treated patients (p.04). In summary, the NIDDM patients treated with insulin had more nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy than did NIDDM patients treated with OHA, independent of duration of diabetes, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, age, and blood pressure level. These results in NIDDM patients may be due to contributions from worse blood glucose control at an earlier stage in the patients' diabetes and/or the mitogenic, atherogenic, thrombogenic, and vascular permeability effects of insulin.

Background Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a disease that affects over 14.5 million Americans, leading to increased morbidity and ultimately mortality. During early stages of the disease, insulin is unable to move glucose into the body’s cells; this results in a buildup of glucose in the blood known as hyperglycemia. These detrimental effects lead to an imbalance of heat shock proteins (Hsps) and nitric oxide (NO), all of which contribute to vascular dysfunction. While both exercise and acute exposure to heat are known to improve the expression of Hsps and the bioavailability of NO, the role of combining the two is unclear during conditions of vascular dysfunction. In this research, we predict that a combination of heat and exercise (heat acclimation) will minimize harmful effects that occur in T2DM. Methods Using a type 2 diabetic rodent model (Goto-Kakizaki (GK)) and corresponding control rodent model (Wistar), animals were subjected to heat acclimation over a period of 14 days. Throughout the study, the animals were pair-fed, and NO availability (by way of plasma nitrite and nitrate) via Nitric Oxide Analyzer (NOA), Hsp expression via ELISA assay, blood glucose, and tail-cuff blood pressure were measured. Results While the blood pressure remained physiological in both the GK and Wistar rats, the GK-heat acclimated blood pressure was stabilized. Furthermore, the blood glucose was reduced. A significant increase in plasma nitrate ( p p Conclusion Heat acclimation has an influential effect on NO availability and Hsp expression in GK type 2 diabetic rodents, potentially improving vascular dysfunction. Disclosure Research supported by Research Initiation Program Grant at Winston Salem State University.

The effectiveness of air bags as a safety device in decreasing fatalities and reducing morbidity in frontal impact motor vehicle accidents has been well established. However, case reports have surfaced documenting ocular injuries related to air bag inflation. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze ocular injuries sustained during air bag inflation.Hospital emergency room records were reviewed retrospectively for a period of 4 years for patients who had sustained ocular injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Those injuries associated with air bag inflation were analyzed as to the nature of the injury, type of vehicle, speed, and visual morbidity.Fourteen cases of ocular injury related to air bag inflation were identified. Hyphema (nine cases) and cornea abrasion (eight cases) were the most common. Three cases, all patients who had been wearing glasses, sustained serious and permanent ocular damage.While air bags are an unequivocal safety feature, ocular injuries do occur that are related to air bag inflation. Eyeglass wear may present an additional risk factor.

This retrospective study was designed to document the etiology of tra u metical Iy ruptured globes in children and to determine the prognostic value of several clinical parameters with respect to visual outcome. Forty-six children 16 years of age and under seen in the emergency room over a 2-year period were found to have full thickness penetration of the globe. Fifty-nine percent of injuries occurred during recreational activities, and 59% occurred outside of the home. Boys outnumbered girls by a 6:1 ratio. For children, initial visual acuity proved to be less valuable as a prognostic indicator with regard to final vision than has been reported in adults. Smaller corneal wounds offered better visual outcomes. Four eyes were enucleated. Ten ruptures (22%) were related to activity involving guns. Four of six BB gun injuries were the result of a ricocheted BB. Visual outcomes in gun-related injuries were particularly poor.

During 1991 and 1992, an aggressive drilling program in the South Texas Lower Wilcox trend was undertaken by Mobil and its partners which has provided a unique opportunity to compare results of locations selected from like vintages of 3-D and 2-D seismic data. Sixty-nine wells were drilled over this two year period, thirty-two based on 3-D seismic data and thirty-seven on the 2-D seismic data. The 3-D data set consisted of a 1991 vintage 33 square mile seismic survey. The 2-D seismic included 1991 and 1992 vintage data plus reprocessed 1986 vintage data. The results of the sixty-nine wells drilled based on these two data sets show an improvement from a sound70% success ratio for the 2-D data locations to a much improved 84% success ratio for the 3-D data locations. The results demonstrate the added value 3-D seismic had on the bottom line for a project within a relatively low risk producing trend.

The title system is a mixture of two well-studied antiferromagnets, which exhibit metamagnetic transitions near 31 kG (Co) and 19 kG (Ni), respectively. It is found that in Co 1− x Ni x Cl 2 ·2H 2 O the metamagnetism persists, and that for compositions where the nickel species is a sufficiently large minority component the transition occurs at fields substantially less than for either pure component.