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SUMMARY Epidemiological data suggest that women who are sexual partners of injection drug users (IDUs) are at increasing risk for HIV (CDC, 1992). This study describes characteristics of 180 female sexual partners (FSPs) living in southern Arizona. These characteristics include ethnicity, age, income source, living arrangement, sexual risk behavior, reasons for sexual risk, and knowledge of AIDS risk and transmission. Data from this study indicate that FSPs vary a great deal on all of these characteristics and thus a single “profile” of FSPs is difficult to conceptualize. Implications of the data suggest that effective interventions for HIV risk reduction for FSPs should be personalized to fit the specific characteristics and needs of the individual.

Undefined follicular factors that may influence nuclear maturation and/or cytoplasmic maturation are required during in vitro maturation of pig oocytes. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and dialysed porcine follicular fluid (dpFF) were evaluated for their effects on porcine oocyte nuclear maturation in vitro. In Experiment I, eight different maturation media were made in a split-plot factorial design with dpFF (0% vs. 10% v/v dialyzed pFF) as the whole plot component, and EGF (0.0 vs. 50 ng/ml) and/or IGF-I (0.0 vs. 100 ng/ml) as the factorial subplot component. Experiment II was a complete factorial design with dpFF and EGF. Pig follicular granulosa-cumulus-oocyte complexes (GCOC) were obtained from slaughterhouse ovaries, washed, and cultured at 38.5°C in a humidified incubator with 5% CO2 in air for 42 h. Following culture, GCOC were mechanically stripped of granulosa-cumulus cells and evaluated for nuclear maturation by light microscopy. In Experiment I, the percentage of Metaphase II oocytes for control, IGF-I, EGF, and IGF-I + EGF treatments without pFF were 50.7%, 52.6%, 80.9%, and 84.3% (control and IGF-I groups significantly less, P

Two methods of drug detection, urinalysis and hair analysis, were compared with respect to the efficiency of identification of drug use in a population of men living on the Arizona-Mexico border. The standard curve of cannabinoids in urine was linear to 20 ng/mL. The GC/MS levels for all cannabinoids combined in urine were very similar to that obtained by radioimmunoassay (RIA), 91% concordance. Similar results were obtained from samples analyzed dually for the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine (BE) after spiking. As determined by RIA of urine, 74% of the subjects were positive for cannabinoids. The majority were in the range of 100-1000 ng/mg creatinine. The pattern of excretion of THC metabolites with respect to the verbally reported time of first use was fairly normal, with the peak rate of elimination 13-24 hours following the last reported use. Washed hair samples were extracted by overnight acid hydrolysis. Urine samples and neutralized hair extracts were analyzed for cocaine and BE by RIA. Of the hair samples, 55% contained cocaine/BE, as compared with only 4.3% of the urine samples. Most hair samples contained cocaine/BE in the range of 25-100 ng/sample (100 mg hair). All hair samples testing negative for cocaine/BE by RIA also tested negative by GC/MS, and four samples containing the highest amounts of cocaine and BE by RIA were similarly found to contain the highest amounts by GC/MS. Hair analysis, therefore, gives a wider window of detection of drug use than does urinalysis and shows merit in the confirmation of cocaine use in small clinical research studies.

The purpose of this study was to determine if giving 50 mg of meclizine the night before and on the day of surgery would effectively reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) for the entire 24 hours after surgery in patients identified as being at high risk for PONV Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 50 mg of oral meclizine (experimental group) or a placebo (control group) the night before and the day of surgery. All subjects were intravenously administered 4 mg of ondansetron before the conclusion of surgery. Seventy subjects (35 control; 35 experimental) were included in analysis. postoperaIn the placebo group we noted higher verbal numeric rating scale scores for nausea, a higher incidence oftive nausea and vomiting (PONV) continues to be a common complication after general anesthesia, with the incidence ranging from 17% to 87%.15 It has been reported that PONV increased antiemetic requirements, and lower overall anesthesia satisfaction scores at all time intervals measured, compared with the experimental group, but the differences were not statistically significant until analyzed by postoperative setting. No difference in sedation or side effects was noted between groups. Based on these results, we recommend that the administration of 50 mg of oral meclizine the night before and on the day of surgery be considered effective antiemetic prophylaxis in patients identified as having a high risk for PONV.

El hilo conductor del proyecto en Yucatán partió de las preguntas surgidas del Programa Dinámicas Territoriales Rurales (DTR): ¿Cuáles han sido los fenómenos endógenos y exógenos que han influenciado la dinámica del territorio a estudiar en los últimos 20 años?; ¿Cuáles son los fenómenos que podrían explicar el resultado de una mejora de 1990 a 2005 en el nivel de bienestar de los hogares de cuatro municipios en el estado de Yucatán? A las estas dos preguntas hemos añadido la que sigue:¿ha cambiado el bienestar de los hogares de estos municipios en 2009? Un paso previo, necesario para llevar a cabo el estudio, fue indagar si los cuatro municipios yucatecos pueden considerarse como un territorio. Con base en los resultados obtenidos consideramos que los municipios de Cuzamá, Huhí, Acanceh y Homún forman un territorio, que denominamos CHAH a partir de la primera letra de sus nombres. Nuestra investigación se ha basado en el uso de dos metodologías: cualitativa y cuantitativa.

Item does not contain fulltext We report a case of chromoblastomycosis which resembled sporotrichosis due to the presence of warty nodules and lymphatic distribution on the forearm in a 56-year-old male. Mycological and histopathological investigation of exudates and biopsy tissue samples revealed a granulomatous lesion with muriform cells, the hallmark of chromoblastomycosis. The infection showed only localized expansion with verrucous plaques suggesting a new clinical type of the disease. The causative agent was identified as Rhinocladiella aquaspersa. This case prompted a study of the clinical spectrum of R. aquaspersa, through which we identified a second case caused by this fungus in a 62-year-old Brazilian female. The case was unusual in that R. aquaspersa exhibited hyphae rather than muriform cells in tissue. Given the difficulties treating chromoblastomycosis and other infections caused by melanized fungi, we evaluated the in vitro activities of extended-spectrum triazoles, amphotericin B, and echinocandins against these clinical isolates of R. aquaspersa. Itraconazole (MIC; 0.063 mg/l) and posaconazole (MIC; 0.125 mg/l) had the highest in vitro activities, while voriconazole and isavuconazole had somewhat lower activities (MICs; 2 mg/l) against the isolates. Amphotericin B and anidulafungin each had an MIC of 1 mg/l, whereas the MIC of caspofungin was 8 mg/l. 01 augustus 2010

In this paper, we first review the need for communications-based protection of subtransmission lines and show the advantages of directional comparison protection using spread-spectrum radio channels for this application. After a brief description of the applications of directional comparison protection over radio channels in Mexico, we provide data on the field performance of protection schemes and radio channels. We then present cases of protection scheme operation for actual faults. Finally, we provide guidelines for applying directional comparison protection over radio channels to subtransmission lines. (5 pages)

The use of proton and heavy ion beams for radiotherapy is a well established cancer treatment modality in the first world, which is becoming increasingly widespread, due to its clear advantages over conventional photon-based treatments. This strategy is suitable when the tumor is spatially well localized. Also the use of neutrons has tradition. Here Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) stands out, though on a much smaller scale, being a promising alternative for tumors which are diffuse and infiltrating. On this sector, so far only nuclear reactors have been used as neutron sources. In this paper we briefly describe the situation in Latin America and in particular we discuss the present status of an ongoing project to develop a folded Tandem-ElectroStatic-Quadrupole (TESQ) accelerator for Accelerator-Based (AB)-Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) at the Atomic Energy Commission of Argentina. The project goal is a machine capable of delivering 30 mA of 2.4 MeV protons to be used in conjunction with a neutron production target based on the {sup 7}Li(p,n){sup 7}Be reaction. These are the specifications needed to produce sufficiently intense and clean epithermal neutron beams to perform BNCT for deep-seated tumors in less than an hour. The machine being currently designed and constructedmore » is a folded TESQ with a terminal at 0.6 MV as a smaller scale prototype. Since the concept is modular the same structure will be used for the 1.2 MV final accelerator.« less

OBJECTIVES: Rehospitalization after a diabetes diagnosis in youth signals the failure of outpatient management. We examined risk factors for rehospitalization among young patients with diabetes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We queried 535 participants diagnosed before 18 years of age from the Chicago Childhood Diabetes Registry. Demographic, social, and clinical data were used in logistic models of diabetes-related rehospitalization, as well as, among those rehospitalized, frequent (≥ once per 2 years' duration) versus infrequent rehospitalization rates. RESULTS: Mean (range) duration was 5.1 years (0.1–19.2 years). The sample was 55% non-Hispanic black, 11% non-Hispanic white, 26% Hispanic, and 7% other/mixed race; 86% had presumed type 1 diabetes; and 47% were underinsured. Overall, 46% reported rehospitalization for diabetes. In multivariable logistic regression, ever being rehospitalized was significantly associated with diabetes duration (per year, odds ratio [OR]: 1.26; P < .01), female gender (OR: 1.67; P = .01), underinsurance (versus private insurance; OR: 1.79; P < .01), presumed phenotype (non–type 1 diabetes versus type 1; OR: 0.32; P < .01), and diagnosis at a community hospital (versus tertiary care facility; OR: 1.96; P < .01) and tended to be higher for those of nonwhite race (OR: 1.94; P = .07). Among those rehospitalized, multivariable associations with frequent rehospitalization were presumed phenotype (non–type 1 diabetes versus type 1; OR: 2.74; P = .04), head of household not working (versus employed; OR: 1.88; P = .02), and younger age at questionnaire (per year; OR: 0.94; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Rehospitalization is common in young patients with diabetes, especially for those with limited resources, indicating the need for improved outpatient services. Comprehensive initial education and support available to young patients with diabetes diagnosed at tertiary care facilities and their families may have lasting protective effects.

The problem of adaptive stabilization of a class of continuous-time and time-varying nonlinear plants is treated in this paper. The control scheme guarantees that the state of the plant, with bounded time-varying parameters, asymptotically converges to zero. For the nonlinear case with n2+n unknown parameters (n time-varying and n2 constant), when the control matrix B is unknown the controller has to adjust n2+1 parameters providing only local stability results. On the contrary, when the control matrix B is known only one parameter has to be adjusted and the proposed scheme provides global stability results. The general methodology is particularized for the linear case with 2n2 unknown parameters (n2 time-varying and n2 constant), adjusting n2+1 parameters when the control matrix B is unknown and guarantees only local stability results, whereas in the case when the control matrix B is known only one parameter has to be adjusted and the proposed scheme provides global stability results.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from 47 Hispanic poly-drug users with a history of cocaine abuse were analyzed for in vitro production of interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), gamma-interferon (IFN) and plasma levels of soluble IL-2 receptor (SIL-2R). Cocaine use was confirmed and quantified by analysis of hair and urine samples, and subjects were grouped into 3 based on the extent of cocaine metabolites detected. No significant differences in IL-1 and IFN production were seen between the 3 groups. However, subjects with higher levels of cocaine in hair also showed higher levels of IL-2. In addition, a positive correlation was seen between cocaine concentrations and IL-2 levels. A corresponding negative correlation was seen between cocaine levels and levels of plasma SIL-2R. These findings suggest modulation of the IL-2 network by cocaine in poly-drug users.

The results reported in this paper showing the effect of different degassing modes on the Al-20Si-3Cu-1 Mg powder are a complement of our previous papers concerning the continuous and non-continuous degassing sequences of the same powder. This research was mainly directed at an improvement in the technique to remove volatile and gaseous contaminants from the porous compact made from the Al-20Si-3Cu-1 Mg powder. This improvement has been possible by modifying the conventional degassing process of the powder as reported previously, namely degassing of the powder assisted by flushing with depurative gases such as argon or nitrogen. It is apparent that flushing with argon or nitrogen increases the efficiency of moisture and hydrogen evolution in comparison with the conventional degassing mode.

The results reported here, showing the effect of a non-continuous degassing sequence on the Al-20Si-3Cu-1 Mg powder, are a complement of previous work concerning the continuous degassing of the same powder. The degassing experiments were carried out, under high vacuum, in the temperature range 20 to 550 °C in a horizontal furnace heated at a uniform heating rate of 2.5 °C min−1. The partial pressures of the released gases were monitored and analysed during the heating phase by a computerized Edwards EQ80F residual gas analyser (RGA). RGA measurements indicate that water and hydrogen are the main degassing products. A complete degassing can only be achieved if the sample is heated up to a temperature where the chemical reactions are finished in the applied time. Thermodynamical equations alone are not enough to explain the kinetics of degassing of aluminium powders. The diffusion of aluminium through its surface oxide layer (Al2O3), described by the self-diffusion of aluminium, can explain to a large extent the kinetics of degassing aluminium powders.

Part of a comprehensive research programme involving different aspects of degassing of powder metallurgy (P/M) aluminium alloys carried out in the P/M Group of the Delft University of Technology, is reported. The fundamental aspects of moisture and gas evolution during degassing of a porous billet are described in a semi-quantitative manner using a kinetic approach. During degassing of Al-20Si-X P/M alloys, at temperatures up to 550 °C, the partial pressures of moisture and hydrogen were within the range 10−4 to 10−7 mbar. The thermodynamics of gas desorption is mainly influenced by temperature which is the critical degassing parameter. It appears that the diffusion of aluminium through the oxide layer can explain, to a large extent, the kinetics of degassing of aluminium powders. A shift in the release of moisture and hydrogen towards higher temperatures is due to the presence of MgO in the surface layer, compared to the situation when only Al2O3 builds the oxide film. Thermodynamical data indicate that the reaction of magnesium with water vapour proceeds more intensely than that between aluminium and water vapour.

To evaluate disease characteristics of childhood onset SLE in Latin America and to compare this information with an adult population in the same cohort of GLADEL. A protocol was designed as a multicenter, multinational, inception cohort of lupus patients to evaluate demographic, clinical, laboratory and serological variables, as well as classification criteria, disease activity, organ damage and mortality. Descriptive statistics, chi square, Fisher's exact test, Student's t test and multiple logistic regression were used to compare childhood and adult onset SLE. 230 patients were < 18 years and 884 were adult SLE patients. Malar rash, fever, oral ulcers, thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia and some neurologic manifestations were more prevalent in children (p < 0.05). On the other hand, myalgias, Sjögren’s syndrome and cranial nerve involvement were more frequently seen in adults (p < 0.05). Afro-Latin-American children had a higher prevalence of fever, thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia. White and mestizo children had a higher prevalence of malar rash. Mestizo children had a higher prevalence of cerebrovascular disease and cranial nerve involvement. Children met SLE ACR criteria earlier with higher mean values than adults (p: 0.001). They also had higher disease activity scores (p: 0.01), whereas adults had greater disease damage (p: 0.02). In Latin America, childhood onset SLE seems to be a more severe disease than adults. Some differences can be detected among ethnic groups.

The widespread application of porcine SCNT to biomedical research is being hampered by the large adult size (300-600 lbs) of the commercial breeds commonly used for SCNT. The Yucatan minipig, in contrast, has an adult weight of 140-150 lbs and a long history of utility in biomedical research. In order to combine the wide availability of commercial swine with the biomedical value of the Yucatan minipig, we utilized SCNT using the Yucatan as nuclear donors and commercial swine as both oocyte donors and recipients. Of six recipient gilts receiving 631 SCNT embryos, three went to term and delivered seven piglets, four of which survived to adulthood. Additionally, we obtained fetal fibroblasts from a cloned Yucatan and used them for a second round of SCNT. Of three recipients receiving 315 reconstructed embryos, one went to term and delivered three piglets, one of which survived to adulthood. Both microsatellite and D-loop sequence analysis confirmed that all of the piglets generated were nuclear-mitochondrial hybrids carrying Yucatan nuclear DNA and commercial breed mitochondrial DNA. This report shows that it is possible to produce viable Yucatan SCNT clones and opens up the possibility of developing valuable biomedical models in this porcine breed.

In this paper, we first review the need for communications-assisted protection of subtransmission lines, describe the communications channels available, and compare applicable protection schemes. We show the advantages of directional comparison protection over digital point-to-point radio channels for this application. Later we present a summary of the applications of directional comparison protection over radio channels in Mexico. We also provide statistical data on the field performance of protection schemes and radio channels installed in Mexico. We then present and discuss several cases of protection scheme operation for actual faults. Finally, we provide guidelines for applying directional comparison protection over radio channels to subtransmission lines.

The adaptive stabilization of a class of continuous-time non-linear systems (not necessarily chaotic) at the unknown equilibrium points is treated in this paper. The controller is designed based on the invariant manifold theory and on the concept of uniform δ-persistent excitation (U δ-PE). Firstly, the case when there are no constraints on the parameter estimates is presented and then the case when the parameter estimates are confined to a certain region is discussed. In the last case the proposed alternative does not require knowledge of bounds but new estimates have to be introduced. Finally, the behaviour of the proposed scheme is verified through simulations on the Lorenz system for both chaotic and non-chaotic cases.

A computer-based system that automates sleep studies, including sleep deprivation paradigms, is described. The system allows for total or REM-specific sleep deprivation and is based on a reliable, fast-responding, on-line state detection algorithm linked to a dependable intervention device. Behavioral state detection is achieved by dimensión reduction of short-term EEG power spectrum. Interventions are made by serial outputs to servomotors that move a cage with different patterns and variable intensity. The system can adapt itself to individual characteristics and to changes in recording conditions. Customized protocols can be designed by defining the states or stages to be deprived, including scheduling temporal patterns. A detailed analysis of the relevant signáis during and after deprivation is readily available. Data is presented from two experimental designs in rats. One consisted of specific REM-sleep short-term deprivation and the other of 10-hour total sleep deprivation. An outline of conceptual and practical considerations involved in the automation of laboratory set-ups oriented to biosignal analysis is provided. Careful monitoring of sleep EEG variables during sleep deprivation suggests peculiarities of brain functioning in that condition. A corollary is that sleep deprivation should not be considered to be merely a forced prolonged wakefulness.

Among the variety of new aluminium alloys, the Al-Si-X P/M system appears to be the most suitable for high-performance applications in the automobile industry. Our work concerns the research on the possible application of this system for products with enhanced wear and high-temperature resistance. This paper presents the characteristics of the air-atomized J1 (Al-20Si-3Cu-1Mg), J2 (Al-20Si-3Cu-1Mg-5Fe), J3 (Al-20Si-3Cu-1Mg-7.5Ni), K1 (Al-20Si-5Fe-2Ni), and the argon-atomized K2 (Al-20Si-5Fe-2Ni) powders, aimed at optimizing the processing conditions of the final products, in terms of production techniques, powder morphologies, powder sizes and size distributions, cooling rates, specific areas, surface oxide thicknesses and oxygen contents. Atomization in air (J1, J2, J3, K1) and atomization in argon (K2) resulted in morphologically different powders. Particle-size distributions were similar, indicating cooling rates of ∼104 to 106 K sec−1. This cooling range proves that the theoretical estimate presented in this work is sufficiently accurate. Al-Si-X P/M alloys consisted of primary and eutectic silicon crystals in an aluminium matrix (J1) plus intermetallic compounds (J2, J3, K1, K2). Air-atomized powders with different chemical composition showed an average oxide thickness of ∼30 to 40 nm. In powders with equal chemical composition, an inert atomization atmosphere produced powders with smaller surface area, lower amount of oxygen, and thinner total oxide thickness. The composition of surface oxides was strongly influenced by the chemical composition but the thickness was mainly influenced by the atomization atmosphere.

This paper describes some characteristics of an Al-20Si-X aluminium alloy, processed by the Osprey route, in terms of total oxygen content, porosity distribution and microstructure. A theoretical analysis of the solidification of the material, after a semi-liquid/semi-solid spray of atomized droplets-particles impacts the deposit, is presented. A heat flow calculation was conducted applying the forced convection method at quasi-steady conditions. Based on the calculation of the heat transfer coefficient the cooling rate was estimated within the range ∼102 to 104 K sec−1. Stroehlein OSA-MAT measurements showed that the total content of oxygen of the Osprey preform was 3.5 and 7 times lower than the corresponding values for argon (nitrogen) and air atomized Al-20Si-X powders, respectively. Light microscopic examination of the deposited material revealed a homogeneous microstructure with a porosity level as low as 1.3%. Microstructural features indicated that the Osprey process provided rapidly solidified material with an average cooling rate of 103 to 104 Ksec−1. This cooling range proves that the theoretical estimation presented in this work is sufficiently accurate.

The so called leukotriene antagonists or, more accurately, the leukotriene modifiers are a rather heterogeneous set of drugs that work by several mechanisms. Such mechanisms include: (i) 5-lipoxygenase enzyme inhibition (e.g. zileuton); (ii) 5-lipoxygenase—activating-protein inhibition (e.g. quiflapon, BAYx 1005); (iii) LTD4-receptor antagonism (e.g. zafirlukast, montelukast, MK-571, pranlukast). The first leukotriene modifiers tested (L-649,923 and tomelukast) had adverse gastrointestinal effects. Since then, several leukotriene modifiers have been marketed, including zafirlukast, zileuton and montelukast. Zafirlukast has been associated with 8 cases of Churg-Strauss syndrome, although these were probably not caused by zafirlukast. It is more likely that this syndrome is related to the underlying illness, which was masked by corticosteroids, and revealed after zafirlukast-mediated asthma treatment allowed steroid withdrawal and unmasking of underlying vasculitis. The main adverse effects of zileuton include liver function test abnormalities, while montelukast, the most recently marketed, has so far shown minimal adverse effects. Zafirlukast causes a decrease in warfarin clearance and a clinically significant increase in prothrombin time, probably by cytochrome P450 isoenzyme interactions. Moreover, terfenadine decreases zafirlukast maximum serum concentrations. Calcium antagonists, cyclosporin, cisapride and astemizole are metabolised via the cytochrome P450 system, and interactions with leukotriene modifiers can be expected.

In many emerging applications it is required a high boosting gain; in the literature has been proposed many topologies to make this possible, since the traditional dc-dc boost converter can not make the very high boosting function by itself. In this paper a different approach to obtain the high boosting gain is proposed: the tapped-inductor boost converter. This converter has few components and high efficiency, and also operates in a simple way. Analysis and experimental results are presented.

Background Presently, multiple options exist for conducting gene expression profiling studies in swine. In order to determine the performance of some of the existing microarrays, Affymetrix Porcine, Affymetrix Human U133+2.0, and the U.S. Pig Genome Coordination Program spotted glass oligonucleotide microarrays were compared for their reproducibility, coverage, platform independent and dependent sensitivity using fibroblast cell lines derived from control and parthenogenic porcine embryos. Results Array group correlations between technical replicates demonstrated comparable reproducibility in both Affymetrix arrays. Glass oligonucleotide arrays showed greater variability and, in addition, approximately 10% of probes had to be discarded due to slide printing defects. Probe level analysis of Affymetrix Human arrays revealed significant variability within probe sets due to the effects of cross-species hybridization. Affymetrix Porcine arrays identified the greatest number of differentially expressed genes amongst probes common to all arrays, a measure of platform sensitivity. Affymetrix Porcine arrays also identified the greatest number of differentially expressed known imprinted genes using all probes on each array, an ad hoc measure of realistic performance for this particular experiment. Conclusion We conclude that of the platforms currently available and tested, the Affymetrix Porcine array is the most sensitive and reproducible microarray for swine genomic studies.

An efficient protocol was developed to synchronize and superovulate mature pigs for the collection of pronuclear stage embryos suitable for DNA microinjection. A timed and coordinated regimen of Lutalyse ® , PG600 ® and Chorulon ® along with daily checking for estrus allowed synchronization of groups of gilts having estrous cycles at regular intervals. Pigs 10–16 days after the beginning of standing estrus have been successfully synchronized into estrus using this protocol. A standard dose of each drug was used independent of size or age of the animal. One protocol averaged 38.9 ovulations and 31.1 one-cell embryos recovered per animal.

A new cascade passivity-based control scheme for tracking purposes is proposed in this paper. The proposed scheme is valid for a certain class of nonlinear systems even with unstable zero dynamic, and it is also useful for regulation and stabilization purposes. The cases where all system parameters are assumed to be known (nonadaptive case) and also the case when they are unknown (adaptive case) are considered. Some simulation examples are studied to analyze the behavior of the proposed scheme.

We report the first case of a retropancreatic colon. This condition appears to be a congenital internal intra-abdominal hernia secondary to abnormal intestinal rotation in the embryo.

Growth factors have proved to be an effective therapeutic strategy. However, some controversies have arisen concerning their efficacy in topical wound treatments. Stabilization of epidermal growth factors at the wound site and long-lasting receptor occupancy are important factors for wound repair. This study evaluated the cumulative profiles of two jellies containing 10 or 20 microg of 125I-rhEGF per gram of jelly, in a rat full-thickness skin lesion model. The prolonged time-courses at the wound sites for both strengths compared with saline solutions previously evaluated using a similar skin lesion model are reported. It seems that these two topical formulations that provide more sustained amounts of 125I-rhEGF over the period of sampling, would probably achieve the required wound healing response in terms of cell proliferation, collagen deposition and protein synthesis. Further studies need to be developed in order to elucidate whether such an in vivo disposition pattern is consistent with an earlier and stronger promotion of wound healing events.

Throughout Latin America, rural connectivity is a topic of increasing interest. Country governments, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector are all teaming to bring a variety of innovative programs to rural areas that provide services such as telephony, distance education, and access to the Internet. Photovoltaic (PV) technologies are helping to bring these services to the more isolated communities located beyond the electric grid. Sandia National Laboratories and its partners are facilitating the increased use of PV for these new and growing applications through capacity building and technology development, with emphasis on Mexico and Central America. The work described herein is sponsored by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US Department of Energy (USDOE).

The case of a 39-year-old female with generalized eczema following sodium nadroparin administration was referred to us. Positive patch-tests for several low molecular weight heparins (LMWH), but negative for unfractionated heparins (UFH) and tinzaparin were obtained. Furthermore, intradermal tests gave positive results to sodium and calcium heparin, while only subcutaneous challenge showed tinzaparin sensitivity. In summary, in heparin type IV hypersensitivity diagnosis, the intradermal test seems to be an eligible tool, rather than patch-test.

OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the literature on the impact of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV), and tuberculosis on minority drug injectors in the United States. OBSERVATIONS: Injection drug use is a key factor in the transmission of blood-borne pathogens, and HIV disease is exacerbated by tuberculosis infection. Minority drug injectors are disproportionately represented in the national statistics on these infections. Behavioral epidemiologic studies show that both injection-related risk factors years of injecting drugs, type of drug injected, direct and indirect sharing of injection paraphernalia) and sex-related risk factors (lack of condom use, multiple sexual partners, survival sex) are conducive to the spread of HIV, HBV, and HCV. CONCLUSIONS: Two issues must be addressed to halt the spread of HIV infection and hepatitis B and C. The capacity of syringe-exchange programs to refer participants to drug treatment programs and facilitate access to health and social services must be increased. Culturally appropriate behavioral interventions targeting risk behaviors among ethnic and racial minorities, especially women, must be developed and put in place.

American Indians and Alaska Natives have had low employment in recent history. Drug users also have low employment due to cycles of drug use and relapse,and the impact of the type of drug abused on levels of functioning. Drug use is associated with increased HIV risk through injection drug use, frequency of injection, and needle sharing. Data from three sites of the NIDA Cooperative Agreement for Community Based-Outreach/Intervention Research were analyzed to determine the relationship among race/ethnicity, age, and level of educational attainment on employment and unemployment at intake interview and six-month follow-up. HIV risk for those employed and unemployed was then assessed. American Indian and Alaska Native drug users were younger, less educated, and less likely to have a paid job at both intake and follow-up than non-Native drug users. Those participants who were unemployed at baseline interview who were American Indian/Alaska Native were less likely to transition to employment at six-month follow-up than other race/ethnicity groups in the cohort. However, all participants showed low levels of employment at follow-up. Individuals who were employed at baseline and those who transitioned to employment had lower levels of injection drug use and needle sharing than those who were unemployed at both baseline and follow-up. American Indian and Alaska Native drug users may be at risk for acquisition of HIV due to drug risk behaviors that appear to be associated with unemployment.

It was accomplished a longitudinal retrospective and comparative study in the General Hospital Tacuba of the ISSSTE, From 1 July 1995 to the 30 of June of 1996, in order to determine the sensibility and specificity of the diagnosis obtained by means of Novak's cannula and the curettage, comparing them with the result obtained in the hysterectomy. From 194 hysterectomies performed in that period, 69 patient were excluded remaining 125 patient. We correlated the results from both methods with the results of the histological study of the uterus gotten by hysterectomy. It was found for the biopsy taken by Novak's cannula a specificity and sensibility of the 75% and for the curettage a sensibility of 63.26% and specificity of 65.30%, being a difference not meaningful for the sensibility as for the specificity between both methods (p0.01). Having a smaller mistake range when were tried to proliferative o secretor endometry, not thus when existed simple hyperplasia or with atypical endometrial hyperplasia. We concluded that both methods are equally useful for the study of the endometrial pathology.

FGD1 encodes a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that specifically activates the Rho GTPase Cdc42; FGD1 mutations result in Faciogenital Dysplasia (FGDY, Aarskog syndrome), an X-linked developmental disorder that adversely affects the formation of multiple skeletal structures. To further define the role of FGD1 in skeletal development, we examined its expression in developing mouse embryos and correlated this pattern with FGDY skeletal defects. In this study, we show that Fgd1, the mouse FGD1 ortholog, is initially expressed during the onset of ossification during embryogenesis. Fgd1 is expressed in regions of active bone formation in the trabeculae and diaphyseal cortices of developing long bones. The onset of Fgd1 expression correlates with the expression of bone sialo-protein, a protein specifically expressed in osteoblasts at the onset of matrix mineralization; an analysis of serial sections shows that Fgd1 is expressed in tissues containing calcified and mineralized extracellular matrix. Fgd1 protein is specifically expressed in cultured osteoblast and osteoblast-like cells including MC3T3-E1 cells and human osteosarcoma cells but not in other mesodermal cells; immunohistochemical studies confirm the presence of Fgd1 protein in mouse calvarial cells. Postnatally, Fgd1 is expressed more broadly in skeletal tissue with expression in the perichondrium, resting chondrocytes, and joint capsule fibroblasts. The data indicate that Fgd1 is expressed in a variety of regions of incipient and active endochondral and intramembranous ossification including the craniofacial bones, vertebrae, ribs, long bones and phalanges. The observed pattern of Fgd1 expression correlates with FGDY skeletal manifestations and provides an embryologic basis for the prevalence of observed skeletal defects. The observation that the induction of Fgd1 expression coincides with the initiation of ossification strongly suggests that FGD1 signaling plays a role in ossification and bone formation; it also suggests that FGD1 signaling does not play a role in the earlier phases of skeletogenesis. With the observation that FGD1 mutations result in the skeletal dysplasia FGDY, accumulated data indicate that FGD1 signaling plays a critical role in ossification and skeletal development.

The human N-acetyltransferase (Nat2) genetic polymorphisms have been modeled in mouse strains. We determined the phenotype and genotype of the N-acetyltransferase 2 (Nat2*) gene among outbred CD-1 mice and found a mixed population of heterozygous and rapid and slow homozygous genotypes. Phenotypes determined with p-aminobenzoic acid demonstrated complete concordance of slow and rapid genotype and phenotype. The kidney p-aminobenzoic acid/Nat2-acetylating activity of CD-1 female mice showed a 2.5-fold increase at 80 days of age compared with day 1, whereas males showed a 4.3-fold increase at 25 days and a 5.8-fold increase at 80 days. Immunoblot analysis revealed a 2-fold increase in male kidney Nat immunoreactive protein at 80 days of age, whereas no significant differences were detected in female mice. Likewise, the Nat2 mRNA levels determined by ribonuclease protection assay showed an increase in transcript levels in kidney of male mice during postnatal development, whereas they remained unchanged in females. Gender-associated differences of Nat2 activity, protein, and transcript levels were absent in liver. These observations suggest that the increase in Nat2 enzymatic activity in kidney is accomplished by an increase in transcript. We propose that the observed increase in Nat2 transcript expression in male mice may be a result of androgen regulation during development.

Although health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction are shifting doctors' attention to the patient, the scant number of publications on quality of life questionnaires and allergen immunotherapy contrasts with the quickly growing number of those dealing with this topic and pharmacotherapy. We delivered an original, self-administered patient satisfaction questionnaire to 95 patients (age = 17.7 +/- 7.9 years) suffering from allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (45%) and/or asthma (55%), who had been receiving allergen immunotherapy for more than 1 year (22.2 +/- 10.5 months). The anonymous, voluntary questionnaire was filled in at home; although only 32% were returned, we found no significant differences relating to age, sex, asthma, allergen sensitization or allergen immunotherapy regimen between the source sample and those who replied. Patient expectations, which were scored on a scale of 1 to 10 points, were rather poor, in sharp contrast with patient perception score after treatment (5.4 +/- 1.8 vs. 8.0 +/- 2.0, p0.0001). Perception scores did not differ between patients receiving seasonal or perennial allergen immunotherapy, nor did they depend on the duration of treatment. In addition, patient age, sex, diagnosis or sensitization did not appear to influence perceptions. In conclusion, our data suggest that when a voluntary, anonymous questionnaire is used, patients express a poor opinion of allergen immunotherapy, in contrast with high satisfaction after treatment, provided that allergen immunotherapy lasts long enough.

This article documents the prevalence of injection-related HIV risk behaviors among a sample of 758 Mexican-American. Puerto Rican, and African-American drug injectors derived from the National Institute on Drug Abuse Cooperative Agreement database. The results show that the two Hispanic subgroups had higher injection-related risks than the African-American group. Further, among Hispanics, Puerto Ricans had higher rates of drug injection than Mexican-Americans, but Mexican-Americans had higher rates of sharing injection paraphernalia than Puerto Ricans. The research suggests that more aggressive HIV/AIDS intervention efforts be targeted to minority injection drug users, especially those that are contextualized by the racial/ethnic group targeted.

The aim of this study is to assess in human vein endothelial cells cultures the variations related to aging in: number of cells, glucose, triglycerides, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, total protein and urea and to analyze the relation of these parameters between themselves. Eight parallel flasks were subjected to the natural aging process, one of them without cells, analyzed at eight chronological stages. The determinations of biochemical parameters were performed in culture medium when it was changed. The number of cells, glucose, triglycerides and TBARS show significant variations during the aging process (P < 0.001). The glucose uptake per cell is maintained relatively constant in time (0.9 ng/cell day). A high linear correlation between glucose and the number of cells (r=0.935), triglycerides and the number of cells (r=0.505), triglycerides and decrease in number of cells (r=0.805) is observed. The measurement of glucose uptake seems to be an excellent method for the assessment of energetic cellular metabolism and, in certain conditions, can be used to estimate the number of cells. In the latest stages of aged cells a slight increase in glucose uptake has been observed. There is an increase of triglycerides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances release during aging process.