Validation and reproducibility of an Australian caffeine food frequency questionnaire

The aim of this study was to measure validity and reproducibility of a caffeine food frequency questionnaire (C-FFQ) developed for the Australian population. The C-FFQ was designed to assess average daily caffeine consumption using four categories of food and beverages including; energy drinks; soft drinks/soda; coffee and tea and chocolate (food and drink). Participants completed a seven-day food diary immediately followed by the C-FFQ on two consecutive days. The questionnaire was first piloted in 20 adults, and then, a validity/reproducibility study was conducted (n = 90 adults). The C-FFQ showed moderate correlations (r = .60), fair agreement (mean difference 63 mg) and reasonable quintile rankings indicating fair to moderate agreement with the seven-day food diary. To test reproducibility, the C-FFQ was compared to itself and showed strong correlations (r = .90), good quintile rankings and strong kappa values (κ = 0.65), indicating strong reproducibility. The C-FFQ shows adequate validity and reproducibility and will aid researchers in Australia to quantify caffeine consumption.

Distribution and presentation of Lyme borreliosis in Scotland - analysis of data from a national testing laboratory

This study examines the distribution of laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme borreliosis in Scotland and the clinical spectrum of presentations within NHS Highland. Methods General demographic data (age/sex/referring Health Board) from all cases of Lyme borreliosis serologically confirmed by the National Lyme Borreliosis Testing Laboratory from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2013 were analysed. Clinical features of confirmed cases were ascertained from questionnaires sent to referring clinicians within NHS Highland during the study period. Results The number of laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme borreliosis in Scotland peaked at 440 in 2010. From 2008 to 2013 the estimated average annual incidence was 6.8 per 100,000 (44.1 per 100,000 in NHS Highland). Of 594 questionnaires from NHS Highland patients: 76% had clinically confirmed Lyme borreliosis; 48% erythema migrans; 17% rash, 25% joint, 15% neurological and 1% cardiac symptoms. Only 61% could recall a tick bite. Conclusion The incidence of Lyme borreliosis may be stabilising in Scotland but NHS Highland remains an area of high incidence. Lyme borreliosis should be considered in symptomatic patients that have had exposure to ticks and not just those with a definite tick bite.

Laboratory diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis in Scottish patients: a novel approach

Traditional two-tier (enzyme immunoassay [EIA] screening and Western blot confirmation) testing for the laboratory diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis (LB) is expensive, lacks sensitivity in the diagnosis of early LB, cannot distinguish between current and past infection and cannot be used as a marker for treatment response. The aims of the present study is to investigate the role of the C6 EIA as a screening assay, as part of two-tier EIA test strategy, and its use as a marker of treatment response or resolving infection in a routine diagnostic laboratory. The C6 EIA was significantly less sensitive than the Enzygnost Lyme link VlsE/IgG EIA (169/249 vs. 190/249 reactive sera, respectively; P = 0.0455, Fishers exact two-tailed test). The two-EIA strategy, utilising C6 EIA confirmation, was slightly more sensitive than traditional two-tier testing (82/151 vs. 67/151 positive sera). Twenty-seven patients were positive by the two-EIA strategy but negative by Western blot, raising questions of specificity, but 12 samples positive with the traditional two-tier testing were negative with the two-EIA strategy. There was no evidence to support the use of the C6 EIA for monitoring treatment response or resolving infection. The authors have devised a novel approach to detect LB in Scottish patients. For cases with a high clinical suspicion of disease, the C6 EIA could be incorporated into a two-EIA strategy, replacing the need for Western blot confirmation with a simpler, more cost-effective two-EIA strategy. Western blot confirmation would be reserved for those patients with discordant EIA results and whose clinical picture is more complex.

Insect succession and decomposition of wildlife carcasses during fall and winter in Louisiana

Fourteen fresh animal carcasses were monitored throughout decomposition in a mixed flatwood forest in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA, from 5 October to 7 December 1999 (fall) and from 18 January to 30 March 2000 (winter). Species composition and residency patterns of necrophilous insects were documented for four animal species per seasonal experiment: one Louisiana black bear (threatened species), two white-tailed deer, two alligators, and two swine (experimental reference). Results suggested variation in species composition associated with temperature (fall versus winter conditions) and carcass type. In total, 89 species from 39 families and three classes were manually collected from the seven fall carcasses. Ninety-five species from 38 families and three classes were collected at the seven winter carcasses. Overall arthropod diversity was greatest for fall deer and winter swine carrion. Fall alligator carcasses were associated with fewer taxa than the three mammal species during both seasons. The hairy maggot blow fly, Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), was the dominant species of the fall study, impacting developmental rates and overall carrion community structure. The winter study was characterized by prolonged carcass decomposition and reduced insect activity due to fluctuating ambient temperatures.

Spring succession of necrophilous insects on wildlife carcasses in Louisiana

Seven fresh animal carcasses were monitored throughout decomposition in a mixed flatwood forest in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA from 1 April to 1 July 1999. Succession patterns of necrophilous insects were documented for the following: one Louisiana black bear (threatened species), two white-tailed deer, two alligators, and two swine as the experimental reference. Our results suggest variation in the species composition of necrophilous insects among animal carcass types. A total of 93 arthropod species, from 46 families and three classes, were manually collected from the seven carcasses. Only 19 insect species were collected on all four animal types and were represented by eight families: Coleoptera: Histeridae, Nitidulidae, Silphidae, Staphylinidae; Diptera: Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Piophilidae, Sepsidae. Eleven of the 46 families were not collected at either alligator site but were observed at bear, deer, and swine carrion: Coleoptera: Cleridae, Dermestidae, Geotrupidae, Scarabaeidae; Diptera: Micropezidae, Sarcophagidae, Syrphidae; Hymenoptera: Apidae; Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae; and Odonata: Libellulidae. Residency and succession patterns of necrophilous insects are presented for each animal type with particular emphasis on selected fly (Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Piophilidae, Stratiomyidae) and beetle species (Cleridae, Dermestidae, Histeridae, Nitidulidae, Silphidae, Staphylinidae).

Activation of a Carbon-Oxygen Bond of Benzofuran by Precoordination of Manganese to the Carbocyclic Ring: A Model for Hydrodeoxygenation

Stable unsaturated heterocycles such as benzofuran are difficult to remove from petroleum by conventional catalytic hydrotreating. However, in a model system, coordination of Mn(CO)(3)(+) to the aromatic ring of benzofuran activates the C-O bond towards insertion of [Pt(PPh(3))(2)] [Eq. (1)]. The insertion is preceded by precoordination to the furan C=C bond; thus, the 2,3-dihydro analogue of 1, which lacks this double bond, does not undergo insertion of the Pt moiety.

Timely detection of colorectal cancer in the elderly. Implications of the aging process

Increased age is a risk factor for colorectal cancer; however, there is a lack of literature that focuses on the early detection of colorectal cancer in the elderly. The nursing process provides the conceptual basis for this article, which discusses normal bowel function, aging changes in the bowel, and colorectal cancer. A nursing care plan for alterations in bowel elimination/constipation is presented as a model.

Partial hydatidiform moles: a review

The current study was undertaken in an effort to identify the clinical characteristics and natural history of partial moles. Three cases recently managed at Tripler Army Medical Center and 52 cases collected from the medical literature were reviewed. The mean age of the women at diagnosis was 25.6 years. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 23.8 weeks. The most common presenting symptom was vaginal bleeding in 69 per cent of women. Although triploidy was the most frequent karyotype (68 per cent), normal 46,XY or XX karyotypes were present, and phenotypically normal infants were delivered of mothers with a coexisting molar pregnancy. Malignant trophoblastic disease occurred in 14.5 per cent of the women. All of them achieved remission with adjuvant therapy. Partial moles are considered a less virulent form of molar pregnancy. The clinical characteristics and natural history are not entirely dissimilar from the complete mole. Malignant sequelae can occur after the evacuation of a partial mole. These women should be followed with serial serum beta-HCG.

Ouabain and low extracellular potassium inhibit PTH secretion from bovine parathyroid cells by a mechanism that does not involve increases in the cytosolic calcium concentration

We have previously found that high extracellular calcium (Ca++) concentrations inhibit PTH release in association with a threefold to fourfold rise in cytosolic Ca++ concentration. Recent data have also shown that low extracellular potassium (K+) concentration or ouabain also inhibits PTH release to an extent comparable to that seen with high Ca++ and produce a marked rise in the intracellular sodium (Na+) content. These results suggested that low K+ and ouabain might modulate PTH release through increases in cytosolic Ca++ related to alterations in Na+-Ca++-exchange. In the present studies, we have examined further the mechanism(s) by which inhibition of the Na+-K+-ATPase regulates PTH release. Exposure of cells loaded with the Ca++-sensitive dye QUIN-2 to low K+ produced a 10% to 17% increase in cytosolic Ca++ at 0.5 to 1.0 mmol/L extracellular Ca++, which was statistically significant only at 0.75 mmol/L Ca++. In contrast, low K+ caused a statistically significant decrease in cytosolic Ca++ at 1.5 to 2 mmol/L Ca++, while ouabain lowered cytosolic Ca++ significantly by 23% to 46% at all Ca++ concentrations examined (0.5 to 2 mmol/L). Low K+ or ouabain had no effect on cellular levels of ATP or GTP or intracellular pH measured using the pH-sensitive dye BCECF [2', 7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein]. The inhibition of secretion by low K+ or ouabain, unlike that due to high extracellular Ca++, was not reversed by TPA (12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate), an activator of protein kinase C. Low K+ did produce a modest (30% to 40%) lowering of agonist-stimulated but not basal cAMP content.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Extracellular calcium potentiates the inhibitory effects of magnesium on parathyroid function in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells

We studied the relative potencies of extracellular calcium and magnesium in inhibiting PTH release and dopamine-stimulated cAMP accumulation in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells. At 1.0 mmol/L calcium, PTH release was half-maximally suppressed by 1.8 mmol/L magnesium. At calcium concentrations in the subphysiologic range (less than or equal to 100 mumol), on the other hand, magnesium was markedly less potent as an inhibitor of these parameters. With 1.0 mmol/L EGTA and no added calcium (free calcium less than 10(-8) mol/L), half-maximal inhibition of PTH release accumulation occurred at 10 to 15 mmol/L magnesium. Extracellular calcium also markedly potentiated the inhibitory effects of extracellular magnesium on dopamine-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation. Low magnesium concentrations (less than 1 mmol/L), on the other hand, had little effect on the sensitivity of parathyroid cells to calcium. These results do not fit a model in which calcium and magnesium independently and additively inhibit PTH release in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells. Instead, they demonstrate that the inhibition of PTH release and agonist-stimulated cAMP accumulation by magnesium are critically dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium but not vice versa. These data suggest that extracellular calcium may play an important role in the mechanism(s) by which extracellular magnesium modulates parathyroid function, perhaps through a magnesium-induced uptake of extracellular calcium.

Extracellular calcium is not necessary for acute, low calcium- or dopamine-stimulated PTH secretion in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells

Although elevated extracellular calcium concentrations inhibit PTH release, little is known about the necessity of extracellular calcium for the secretory process in this cell type. In the studies reported here, we examined the effects of low extracellular calcium concentrations on basal and agonist-stimulated immunoreactive PTH (iPTH) release in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells. There was a difference of 15% or less in the rate of iPTH release from cells exposed for 30-60 minutes to calcium concentrations varying from less than 10(-8) mol/L to 1 mmol/L. Low calcium concentrations likewise had no effect on dopamine-stimulated iPTH secretion. We employed high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to demonstrate directly that EGTA did not alter the degradation of PTH in the medium and that the release of intact PTH was stimulated slightly by very low extracellular calcium concentrations. Like iPTH release, both the basal and dopamine-stimulated cAMP content in parathyroid cells were unchanged by extracellular calcium concentrations as low as 10(-8) mol/L. Following exposure of cells to EGTA for two or more hours, there was a 50% to 60% inhibition of iPTH secretion. This reduction in secretory rate was not reversible, however, by the readdition of 0.1-1.0 mmol/L calcium for one hour. These results demonstrate that the secretion of PTH differs from that of many other exocytotic systems not only in that hormonal release is inhibited at high extracellular calcium concentrations but also in that extracellular calcium is not needed for acute hormonal release.

Synthesis of 4,5-dimethoxykynuramine and its in vivo conversion to 6,7-dimethoxy-4-quinolinol

4,5-Dimethoxykynuramine was synthesized in a three-step sequence originating with veratrole. Indirect evidence indicates that the drug was converted in vivo to the hypotensive agent 6,7-dimethoxy-4-quinolinol by the action of monoamine oxidase.

A dicentric no. 15 chromosome with two satellite regions

A case of an inherited chromosome no. 15 with two centromeres and two satellite regions is described and its origin postulated. The chromosome appears to have no clinical significance.

A case of partial trisomy 15

A girl with mental retardation but few distinctive physical abnormalities is described. Chromosome analysis revealed an extra small acrocentric chromosome with both long and short arms satellited which was identified as a deleted chromosome No. 15. The origin of this chromosome is discussed and the clinical findings compared with those of previously reported cases of partial trisomy 15.

Catalysis by hydrogen halides in the gas phase. IX. Tertiary butyl ether and hydrogen bromide

The hydrogen bromide catalysed decomposition of t-butyl ethyl ether takes place at 263-337�. Two major reactions occur, one producing isobutene by kinetics first order in each reactant, and the other isobutane by kinetics first order in the ether and zero order in hydrogen bromide. The latter is extensively inhibited by cyclohexene and is a radical chain reaction; the former is not inhibited and is presumably molecular, and on this basis its properties form a smooth sequence with those of other similar hydrogen halide catalysed decompositions.

Catalysis by hydrogen halides in the gas phase. X. Tertiary butyl methyl ether and hydrogen chloride

The decomposition of t-butyl methyl ether catalysed by hydrogen chloride takes place at 337-428�. It is first order in each reactant and the rate is not affected by increase in surface area or inhibitor. The rate equation is: K2 = 1012.46exp(-32100/RT) (sec-l ml mole-l) The reaction is believed to be molecular and its properties are in accord with those of other such catalysed decompositions.

Catalysis by hydrogen halides in the gas phase. XI. Tertiary butyl ethyl ether and hydrogen chloride

Hydrogen chloride catalyses the decomposition of t-butyl ethyl ether at 320-428�. Isobutene is quantitatively the product and the kinetic form is first order in the ether and in hydrogen chloride. The Arrhenius equation:��������� k, = 1012'16exp( -30,60O/RT) (sec-l ml mole-=) is followed. The mechanism of the reaction seems similar to those of other hydrogen halide catalysed decompositions of ethers and alcohols.