Program evaluation of a sex education curriculum for women with mental retardation

The effectiveness of a sexual education and health promotion program for 252 women with mental retardation was analyzed using an evaluation model. We used confirmatory factor analysis (LISREL) to explain the pathways of learning and related the number of instructional contacts with the outcomes. Three factors (hygiene, social interaction, and sexual experience) affected sexual knowledge directly. An increase in sexual knowledge was directly associated with a greater number of instructional contacts. The analysis indicates that our program is effective and adds to our understanding of factors contributing to sexual knowledge for adults with mental retardation.

A third-generation lentivirus vector with a conditional packaging system

Vectors derived from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are highly efficient vehicles for in vivo gene delivery. However, their biosafety is of major concern. Here we exploit the complexity of the HIV genome to provide lentivirus vectors with novel biosafety features. In addition to the structural genes, HIV contains two regulatory genes, tat and rev, that are essential for HIV replication, and four accessory genes that encode critical virulence factors. We previously reported that the HIV type 1 accessory open reading frames are dispensable for efficient gene transduction by a lentivirus vector. We now demonstrate that the requirement for the tat gene can be offset by placing constitutive promoters upstream of the vector transcript. Vectors generated from constructs containing such a chimeric long terminal repeat (LTR) transduced neurons in vivo at very high efficiency, whether or not they were produced in the presence of Tat. When the rev gene was also deleted from the packaging construct, expression of gag and pol was strictly dependent on Rev complementation in trans. By the combined use of a separate nonoverlapping Rev expression plasmid and a 5' LTR chimeric transfer construct, we achieved optimal yields of vector of high transducing efficiency (up to 10(7) transducing units [TU]/ml and 10(4) TU/ng of p24). This third-generation lentivirus vector uses only a fractional set of HIV genes: gag, pol, and rev. Moreover, the HIV-derived constructs, and any recombinant between them, are contingent on upstream elements and trans complementation for expression and thus are nonfunctional outside of the vector producer cells. This split-genome, conditional packaging system is based on existing viral sequences and acts as a built-in device against the generation of productive recombinants. While the actual biosafety of the vector will ultimately be proven in vivo, the improved design presented here should facilitate testing of lentivirus vectors.

Time trends in human dietary exposure to PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs in the UK

Total Diet Study samples collected in 1982 and 1992 were analysed. Estimated dietary intakes of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs by UK consumers were found to have fallen substantially during this period and are now considerably below the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI). Composite samples of human milk were also analysed for PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs. Estimated combined dietary intakes of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs by breast fed infants in 1993-94 via breast milk fell from 170 pg TEQ/kg bodyweight/day at 2 months to 39 pg TEQ/kg bodyweight/day at 10 months.

A genome-wide search for schizophrenia susceptibility genes

We completed a systematic genome-wide search for evidence of loci linked to schizophrenia using a collection of 70 pedigrees containing multiple affected individuals according to three phenotype classifications: schizophrenia only (48 pedigrees; 70 sib-pairs); schizophrenia plus schizoaffective disorder (70 pedigrees; 101 sib-pairs); and a broad category consisting of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, paranoid or schizotypal personality disorder, psychosis not otherwise specified (NOS), delusional disorder, and brief reactive psychosis (70 pedigrees; 111 sib-pairs). All 70 families contained at least one individual affected with chronic schizophrenia according to DSM-III-R criteria. Three hundred and thirty-eight markers spanning the genome were typed in all pedigrees for an average resolution of 10.5 cM (range, 0-31 cM) and an average heterozygosity of 74.3% per marker. The data were analyzed using multipoint nonparametric allele-sharing and traditional two-point lod score analyses using dominant and recessive, affecteds-only models. Twelve chromosomes (1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, and 22) had at least one region with a nominal P value <0.05, and two of these chromosomes had a nominal P value <0.01 (chromosomes 13 and 16), using allele-sharing tests in GENEHUNTER. Five chromosomes (1, 2, 4, 11, and 13) had at least one marker with a lod score >2.0, allowing for heterogeneity. These regions will be saturated with additional markers and investigated in a new, larger set of families to test for replication.

C-reactive protein level after total hip and total knee replacement

Our study has determined the response of C-reactive protein (CRP) after total knee replacement (TKR). The peak level occurs on the second postoperative day and is significantly greater than that after total hip replacement (THR). The level returns to normal at similar times after both procedures. The physiological response to TKR as measured by the area under the CRP/ time curve is significantly greater than that after THR. Rising CRP levels after the third postoperative day may indicate a complication of surgery such as infection.

C-reactive protein level after total hip and total knee replacement

Our study has determined the response of C-reactive protein (CRP) after total knee replacement (TKR). The peak level occurs on the second postoperative day and is significantly greater than that after total hip replacement (THR). The level returns to normal at similar times after both procedures. The physiological response to TKR as measured by the area under the CRP/time curve is significantly greater than that after THR. Rising CRP levels after the third postoperative day may indicate a complication of surgery such as infection.

Improved method for the on-line metal chelate affinity chromatography-high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of tetracycline antibiotics in animal products

An improved on-line metal chelate affinity chromatography-high-performance liquid chromatography (MCAC-HPLC) method for the determination of tetracycline antibiotics in animal tissues and egg has been developed. Extraction was carried out with ethyl acetate. The extract was then evaporated to dryness and reconstituted in methanol prior to on-line MCAC clean-up and HPLC-UV determination. Recoveries of tetracycline, oxytetracycline, demeclocycline and chlortetracycline in the range 42% to 101% were obtained from egg, poultry, fish and venison tissues spiked at 25 micrograms kg-1. Limits of detection less than 10 microgram kg-1 were estimated for all four analytes. This method has higher throughput, higher recovery and lower limits of detection than a previously reported on-line MCAC-HPLC method which involved aqueous extraction and solid-phase extraction clean-up.

Perceptions of alcohol-related attendances in accident and emergency departments in England: a national survey

The results from a survey, conducted in February and March 1997, of all Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments in England are presented. The survey examined staff perceptions of the preventive role of A&E departments in screening and intervention in alcohol-related attendances. Perceptions of the prevalence of alcohol-related attendances were also included. Attitudes towards developing a preventive response were positive. Few departments currently screen or offer intervention and considerable barriers to the implementation of a preventive response were reported.

The effects of iron and vitamin C co-supplementation on oxidative damage to DNA in healthy volunteers

The effects of co-supplementing healthy volunteers with iron (14 mg/day ferrous sulphate) and vitamin C (either 60 mg/day or 260 mg/day as ascorbic acid) on levels of oxidative DNA damage in white blood cells were studied. The subjects were divided into two groups: one group of 20 volunteers with a higher mean initial level of plasma vitamin C (71.9 +/- 14.0 mumol/l) and a second group of 18 volunteers with a lower mean level (50.4 +/- 25.8 mumol/l). In the first group there was a significant rise in several oxidative DNA base damage products and in total oxidative DNA damage in DNA extracted from white blood cells, but not in 8-hydroxyguanine, after 6 weeks of supplementation. However, after 12 weeks levels returned approximately to normal. In the group with the lower initial level of plasma ascorbate, presupplemental levels of oxidative DNA damage were higher and decreased on supplementation with iron and ascorbate. Since oxidative DNA damage has been suggested as a risk factor for the development of cancer, the implications of increased levels in well-nourished subjects after iron/ascorbate supplementation are disturbing in view of the frequent use of dietary supplements containing both iron salts and ascorbate.

A high-resolution microsatellite map of the mouse genome

The European Collaborative Interspecific Backcross (EUCIB) resource was constructed for the purposes of high-resolution genetic mapping of the mouse genome (). The large Mus spretus/C57BL/6 backcross of 982 progeny has a genetic resolution of 0.3 cM at the 95% confidence level ( approximately 500 kb in the mouse genome). We have used the EUCIB mapping resource to develop a genome-wide high-resolution genetic map incorporating 3368 microsatellites. The microsatellites are distributed among 2302 genetically separated bins with 1.46 markers per bin on average. Average bin separation is 0.61 cM. This high-resolution genetic map will aid the construction of a robust physical map of the mouse genome.

Is your organization strategically prepared to be a Medicare PSO?

The new Medicare+Choice managed care program authorized by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 affords hospitals and physicians an opportunity to contract directly with HCFA to provide services to Medicare beneficiaries through a provider-sponsored organization (PSO). Developing and operating a Medicare PSO is a complex process, however, and organizations that lack certain strategic and operational "readiness" characteristics may encounter significant barriers to success. To ascertain their readiness to form a Medicare PSO, providers should assess their capabilities in six key strategic areas: culture and governance, organizational and legal structure, market position and strategy, provider network, risk-contracting experience and supporting infrastructure, and capital resources and fiscal soundness.

Multiplicity-Selective Coherence Transfer Steps for the Design of Amino Acid-Selective Experiments-A Triple-Resonance Experiment Selective for Asn and Gln

A multiplicity-selective coherence transfer step is discussed, that can replace the normal INEPT transfer in triple-resonance experiments. Depending on the pulse sequence in which they are implemented, amino acid-selective experiments will be created. Two experiments selective for Asn and Gln are proposed. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Pelvic fractures: the golden hour

Major accident units should be able to apply standard treatment methods to control life threatening haemorrhage within the 'Golden Hour', as recommended by the ATLS guidelines. In this study all 31 major accident units in Scotland were examined to determine their ability to stabilize a pelvic fracture within this period. We found that only eight units could potentially stabilize a pelvis within 1 h. In eight other units no appropriate emergency treatment was available. We recommend that all units designated to receive multiple injuries should have a pelvic stabilization device as well as the training and expertise to use it.

Differential regulation of ventricular adrenomedullin and atrial natriuretic peptide gene expression in pressure and volume overload in the rat

1. Adrenomedullin is a recently discovered vasodilating and natriuretic peptide whose physiological and pathophysiological roles remain to be established. Like atrial natiuretic peptide adrenomedullin is expressed in the left ventricle. Ventricular expression of atrial natriuretic peptide is known to be markedly increased by volume or pressure overload. In this study we investigated whether ventricular expression of adrenomedullin is similarly stimulated under such conditions. 2. Ventricular adrenomedullin and atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA levels as well as those of a loading control mRNA (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) were quantified by Northern blot analysis in (a) rats with severe post-infarction heart failure induced by left coronary ligation at 30 days post-surgery and (b) in rats with pressure-related cardiac hypertrophy induced by aortic banding at several time points (0.5, 1 and 4 h, and 1, 4, 7 and 28 days) after surgery. Levels were compared with those in matched sham-operated controls. 3. The mRNA level of atrial natriuretic peptide was markedly increased (8-10-fold) in the left ventricle of animals with post-infarction heart failure. In contrast, there was only a modest (40%) increase in the level of adrenomedullin mRNA. In rats with pressure-induced cardiac hypertrophy the ventricular level of atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA was again markedly increased (maximum 10-fold). The increase was first noticeable at 24 h post-banding and persisted until 28 days. In contrast, there was no change in adrenomedullin mRNA level compared with sham-operated rats at any time point. 4. Despite having similar systemic effects, the expression of adrenomedullin and atrial natriuretic peptide in the left ventricle is differently regulated. The findings imply distinct roles for the two peptides. The results do not support an important role for ventricular adrenomedullin expression in the remodelling process that occurs during the development of cardiac hypertrophy but suggest that ventricular adrenomedullin participates in the local and/or systemic response to heart failure.

Gestational carrier pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of a gestational carrier program in terms of pregnancy rates in fresh and cryopreserved cycles.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING

Private IVF program.

PATIENT(S)

Women with uterine or medical reasons for unsuccessful gestation.

INTERVENTION(S)

In vitro fertilization of oocytes with fresh or cryopreserved ET to gestational carriers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Pregnancy rates and deliveries.

RESULT(S)

A PR of 56.3% and a cycle rate of 30.8% was achieved in each patient <40 years of age in 117 cycles of fresh or cryopreserved ET. There were no pregnancies for nine patients >40 years of age in 27 cycles.

CONCLUSION(S)

Carrier gestation offers a satisfactory solution to childlessness caused by uterine or major medical factors.

Manipulating odor cues facilitates add-on fostering in sheep

Manipulating the odor of a ewe's own and alien lambs has been used to facilitate fostering a second lamb on ewes with a single offspring (add-on fostering). Previous research has demonstrated that familiar odor cues must be present on the own and alien young to achieve successful and rapid adoptions. Familiar odors may consist of natural own-lamb odors or artificial odors previously applied to the lambs involved. In the present study (Exp. 1), an artificial odorant (neatsfoot oil) was applied to the own and alien lambs shortly after birth to establish a common familiar odor. Acceptance tests were conducted daily over a 72 h period. In Exp. 2, neatsfoot oil was again used as a common artificial odorant to facilitate add-on fostering, but, in addition, the natural odors of own and alien lambs were transposed by exchanging cloth stockinette jackets worn by the lambs. In Exp. 1, 9 of 18 ewes (50%) met the criteria for accepting their own and alien lambs within 72 h. Seven of these nine ewes (78%) accepted the alien lamb immediately. In Exp. 2, 24 of 30 ewes (80%) accepted their own and alien young, and 20 of the 24 acceptances (83%) were immediate. We conclude that add-on fostering may be limited only by our inability to properly match familiar-odor cues on own and alien lambs.

A preliminary study to determine the effect of an infusion of cryopreserved autologous lymphocytes on immunocompetence and viral load in HIV-infected patients

Therapeutic measures aimed at boosting the immunity of HIV-infected patients are a critical component of strategies for effective therapy of HIV and AIDS. To improve immunocompetence in patients with progressive disease, autologous lymphocytes that were collected and cryopreserved earlier in the course of HIV-infection were reinfused. None of the 12 patients receiving cell infusions experienced any adverse effects. Improvements in immunologic parameters (CD4+ counts, CD8+ counts, or both; HIV-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity; or viral load) were seen in seven patients. Restoration of the CD4+ count to the level recorded at the time of cell harvest was achieved in two patients with less advanced disease. Plasma HIV RNA was reduced by >0.5 logs in two of the four patients tested. These preliminary results suggest that cellular immunotherapy using cryopreserved autologous lymphocytes has the potential to improve some measures of immunity in patients with HIV/AIDS and warrants further investigation.