"Time Variable Earth Gravity Field Models From the First Spaceborne Laser Ranging Interferometer"

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO), launched May 22, 2018 and collecting science data since June 2018, is extending the 15-year data record of Earth mass change established by its predecessor GRACE mission (2002-2017). The GRACE-FO satellites carry onboard a novel technology demonstration instrument for intersatellite ranging, the Laser Ranging Interferometer (LRI), in addition to the microwave interferometer (MWI) carried on GRACE. The LRI has out-performed its in-orbit performance requirements both in terms of accuracy as well as the duration of tracking. Here, we compare and validate LRI-based gravity solutions for January 2019 to September 2020 against the MWI solutions. The comparison between the two sets of gravity solutions shows great similarities in general and nearly perfect consistency at a large hydrologic basin spatial scale (100,000 km² and above), commonly viewed as the spatial resolution established by GRACE. The comparison in the spectral domain shows differences at the higher degrees of the spectrum, with lower error in the zonal and near zonal terms for the LRI solutions. We conclude that the LRI observations can be used to recover time-varying gravity signals to at least the level of accuracy established by the MWI-based solutions. This is a promising finding, especially when considering the benefits of using the LRI over the MWI, such as the great stability of the instrument and the low occurrence of instrument reboot events.

Pharmacokinetics of Single-dose Subcutaneous Meloxicam Injections in Black-tailed Prairie Dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus)

This study evaluated the pharmacokinetic profile of a single dose of meloxicam (1.0 mg/kg) administered subcutaneously (n = 6) or intravenously (n = 2) to black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). Blood was collected immediately before (time 0) and at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after drug administration. Plasma meloxicam concentrations were quantified with HPLC-mass spectrometry, and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed. The peak plasma concentrations, time to peak plasma concentration, and terminal half-life of meloxicam after subcutaneous administration (median [minimum-maximum]) were 4.30 (3.00-4.89) μg/mL, 2.00 (0.62-4.00) h, and 11.88 (7.35-18.64) h, respectively. Plasma concentrations of meloxicam for prairie dogs in the present study showed high absorption and slow elimination after drug administration. The results of this study suggest that a 1.0-mg/kg SC dose of meloxicam administered every 24 h might be excessive for prairie dogs, although the ideal therapeutic dose in terms of safety and efficacy is unknown in this species.

Integrating self-management and exercise for people living with arthritis

The Program for Arthritis Control through Education and Exercise, PACE-Ex™, is an arthritis self-management program incorporating principles and practice of self-management, goal setting and warm water exercise. The purpose of this program review is to examine the impact of PACE-Ex on participants' self-efficacy for condition management, self-management behaviors, goal achievement levels and self-reported disability, pain and health status. A retrospective review was conducted on participants who completed PACE-Ex from 1998 to 2006. A total of 347 participants completed 24 PACE-Ex programs [mean age 69.9 (±12.2) years, living with arthritis mean of 14.1 (±13.2) years]. Participants showed statistically significant improvements in their self-efficacy to manage their condition (Program for Rheumatic Independent Self-Management Questionnaire) (P < 0.001) and performance of self-management behaviors (Self-Management Behavior Questionnaire) (P < 0.01). Self-reported health status, disability and pain levels improved post-program (P < 0.01) despite reporting statistically significant increase in the total swollen and tender joint counts (Health Assessment Questionnaire) (P < 0.05). Sixty-eight percent of participants achieved or exceeded their long-term goal as measured by Goal Attainment Scaling. These findings remain to be proven with a more rigorous method yet they suggest that PACE-Ex is a promising intervention that supports healthy living for individuals with arthritis.

Assessing Analytical Variability of Measurement of Vitamin A in Corn-Soy Blend

Two multilaboratory investigations were conducted by SUSTAIN to assess variability in the measurement of vitamin A, the marker used to verify levels of vitamin premix addition to enriched/fortified food aid products, including the widely distributed corn-soy blend (CSB). CSB specifications identify AACC Approved Method 86-06 or equivalent methods for vitamin A analysis, however there is no requirement to demonstrate equivalency. CSB samples with known and blinded levels of vitamin A and a reference standard were analyzed by 16 laboratories using their respective methods. Calculated coefficients of variation across all laboratories and methods for unknown samples and reference standard were 35 and 7.1, respectively, suggesting the largest source of variation is the vitamin extraction procedure. Laboratories generally overestimated low levels and underestimated high levels of vitamin A within the range of 6000 and 16 000 IU/lb. Only two laboratories demonstrated excellent internal precision (300 IU vitamin A/lb) and reported values within 95 confidence interval for all blinded samples. Results of this study have implications both for quality control in food aid products (due to the use of vitamin A as a marker) and for regulatory oversight of vitamin A content in commercial food products.

Assessing analytical variability of measurement of vitamin A in corn-soy blend

Two multilaboratory investigations were conducted by SUSTAIN to assess variability in the measurement of vitamin A, the marker used to verify levels of vitamin premix addition to enriched/fortified food aid products, including the widely distributed corn-soy blend (CSB). CSB specifications identify AACC Approved Method 86-06 or equivalent methods for vitamin A analysis, however there is no requirement to demonstrate equivalency. CSB samples with known and blinded levels of vitamin A and a reference standard were analyzed by 16 laboratories using their respective methods. Calculated coefficients of variation across all laboratories and methods for unknown samples and reference standard were 35 and 7.1%, respectively, suggesting the largest source of variation is the vitamin extraction procedure. Laboratories generally overestimated low levels and underestimated high levels of vitamin A within the range of 6000 and 16 000 IU/lb. Only two laboratories demonstrated excellent internal precision (+/- 300 IU vitamin A/lb) and reported values within 95% confidence interval for all blinded samples. Results of this study have implications both for quality control in food aid products (due to the use of vitamin A as a marker) and for regulatory oversight of vitamin A content in commercial food products.

Serum fluoride concentrations, biochemical and histopathological changes associated with prolonged sevoflurane anaesthesia in horses

The volatile anaesthetic sevoflurane is degraded to fluoride (F-) and a vinyl ether (Compound A), which have the potential to harm kidney and liver. Whether renal and hepatic injuries can occur in horses is unknown. Cardiopulmonary, biochemical and histopathological changes were studied in six healthy thoroughbred horses undergoing 18 h of low-flow sevoflurane anaesthesia. Serum F- concentrations were measured and clinical laboratory tests performed to assess hepatic and renal function before and during anaesthesia. Necropsy specimens of kidney and liver were harvested for microscopic examination and compared to pre-experimental needle biopsies. Cardiopulmonary parameters were maintained at clinically acceptable levels throughout anaesthesia. Immediately after initiation of sevoflurane inhalation, serum F- levels began to rise, reaching an ongoing 38-45 micromol 1(-1) plateau at 8 h of anaesthesia. Serum biochemical analysis revealed only mild increases in glucose and creatinine kinase and a decrease in total calcium. Beyond 10 h of anaesthesia mild, time-related changes in urine included increased volume, glucosuria and enzymuria. Histological examination revealed mild microscopic changes in the kidney involving mainly the distal tubule, but no remarkable alterations in liver tissue. These results indicate that horses can be maintained in a systemically healthy state during unusually prolonged sevoflurane anaesthesia with minimal risk of hepatocellular damage from this anaesthetic. Furthermore, changes in renal function and morphology observed after sevoflurane inhalation are judged minimal and appear to be clinically irrelevant; they may be the result of anaesthetic duration, physiological stressors, sevoflurane (or its degradation products) or other unkown factors associated with these animals and study conditions.

Pulmonary (99m)Tc-DTPA aerosol clearance and survival in usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)

BACKGROUND

Clearance of inhaled technetium 99m-labelled diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid ((99m)Tc-DTPA) from the lungs is a potential indicator of disease progression in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

METHODS

We prospectively analysed the usefulness of this technique for predicting survival in 106 non-smoking patients with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern IPF diagnosed by high resolution CT (HRCT) scanning or histological examination (M/F 65/41, mean (SD) age 61 (11) years). DTPA clearance was analysed according to both mono-exponential and bi-exponential models. Half times for the fast (t(0.5)F) and slow (t(0.5)S) components of clearance, the percentage contribution of the fast component (fF), and half time for mono-exponential approximation to the early part of the clearance curve (t(0.5)) were calculated.

RESULTS

The patients had substantially faster t(0.5) (mean 23.9 (9.6) minutes) than normal values (>45 minutes). Thirty seven patients (35%) died during follow up (median 15 months). Univariate Cox regression analysis identified significant predictors of survival as age, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)), forced vital capacity (FVC), total lung capacity (TLC), % predicted TLC, carbon monoxide transfer factor (TLCO), % predicted TLCO, arterial oxygen tension (PaO(2)), oxygen saturation, t(0.5)F, and HRCT fibrosis score. Multiple stepwise Cox regression analysis identified t(0.5)F (p=0.03, hazard ratio 0.747, 95% CI 0.578 to 0.964), % predicted TLC (p=0.02, hazard ratio 0.976, 95% CI 0.956 to 0.995), % predicted TLCO (p=0.003, hazard ratio 0.960, 95% CI 0.935 to 0.986), and age (p=0.003, hazard ratio 1.062, 95% CI 1.021 to 1.104) as independent predictors of survival.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that (99m)Tc-DTPA clearance t(0.5)F measurement may predict survival in patients with UIP pattern IPF.

Elastic constants of an aluminum-alumina unidirectional composite

The five independent second-order elastic constants of a transversely isotropic aluminum/alumina fiber composite have been measured for the first time using a resonant ultrasound spectroscopy technique. These data were used to deduce the elastic constants and engineering moduli for off-axis loading conditions.

Cloning and expression of bovine neutrophil beta-defensins. Biosynthetic profile during neutrophilic maturation and localization of mature peptide to novel cytoplasmic dense granules

beta-Defensins are microbicidal peptides implicated in host defense functions of phagocytic leukocytes and certain surface epithelial cells. Here we investigated the genetic structures and cellular expression of BNBD-4, -12, and -13, three prototypic bovine neutrophil beta-defensins. Characterization of the corresponding cDNAs indicated that BNBD-4 (41 residues) derives from a 63-amino acid prepropeptide and that BNBD-12 (38 residues) and BNBD-13 (42 residues) derive from a common 60-amino acid precursor (BNBD-12/13). The peptides were found to be encoded by two-exon genes that are closely related to bovine epithelial beta-defensin genes. BNBD-4 and BNBD-12/13 mRNAs were most abundant in bone marrow, but were expressed differentially in certain non-myeloid tissues. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that BNBD-4 synthesis is completed early in myelopoiesis. BNBD-12 was localized exclusively to the novel dense granules, organelles that also contain precursors of cathelicidins, antimicrobial peptides that undergo proteolytic processing during phagocytosis. In contrast to cathelicidins, Western blot analyses revealed that mature beta-defensins are the predominant organellar form in myeloid cells. Stimulation of neutrophils with phorbol myristate acetate induced secretion of BNBD-12, indicating that it is co-secreted with pro-cathelicidins. The exocytosis of BNBD-12 by activated neutrophils reveals different mobilization pathways for myeloid alpha- and beta-defensins.

Steroid withdrawal in kidney transplant recipients: is it a safe option?

The long-term side effects of lifelong steroid immunosuppression are well documented, therefore, steroid withdrawal (SW) if safe would clearly be of benefit. From 1987-1996, 470 kidney transplants were performed at our institution. During this time period, steroid withdrawal was offered to a select group of patients (n = 43) who were at least 1 year post transplant (27.6 +/- 12.0 months, 15-64 months), had stable graft function and had experienced only mild episodes of rejection in the postoperative period. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Twenty-five patients were male and 18 were female. The mean age at time of transplantation was 42.4 +/- 14.1 years (17-65 years). There were 28 cadaveric renal transplants (CRT), 10 living related kidney transplants (LRT) and 5 simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplants (SPK). Maintenance immunosuppression in all patients consisted of CSA 3-5 mg/kg, and AZA 1-2 mg/kg. Twenty-nine patients (67%) have remained off steroids with good renal function for 13-59 months (38.3 +/- 11.0). Steroids were restarted in 14/43 (32%) patients 1-36 months post SW (13.3 +/- 11.0 months). Eight of these 14 patients had a rise in creatinine and biopsy proven rejection, 5 of whom responded to reinstitution of steroid immunosuppression, and have stable renal function (CR = 2.0 +/- 0.4) 41-53 months (45 +/- 4.0 months) post SW. Three (7%) patients lost their allograft. One was a SPK recipient who retained good pancreatic function and subsequently received a successful 2nd kidney transplant. The other 2 patients died awaiting retransplantation. Steroids were recommenced in 6/14 patients who did not develop rejection for inability to tolerate CSA/AZA (2), anxiety (2) or recurrent disease (2). In the majority of our patients, (93%) SW did not result in immunologic graft loss. A graft loss of 7% (3) is not significantly different from the expected graft loss in a kidney transplant recipient population over a time period of 9 years. Therefore, we feel that with careful monitoring steroid withdrawal can be safely accomplished in select patients.

Retransplantation of patients with severe posttransplant hepatitis B in the first allograft

BACKGROUND

The outcome of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTX) in patients retransplanted for severe hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the first allograft has been poor due to high rates of HBV reinfection and even more aggressive disease in the second graft. Recent data suggest that hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIg) given after transplantation can be successful in delaying or preventing HBV reinfection in patients transplanted for chronic hepatitis B cirrhosis. We report the successful retransplantation of patients who developed recurrent or de novo hepatitis B after OLTXY.

METHODS

Using similar HBIg regimens, two centers retransplanted seven patients after they developed recurrent or de novo hepatitis B in the first allograft. At retransplantation all seven patients were HBs antigen (Ag) positive; four patients were positive for HBeAg and HBV DNA by immunoblot assay, two patients were negative for HBeAg and HBV DNA, and one patient was positive for HBV DNA and negative for HBeAg. All patients were either HDV Ag or anti-HDV negative. One patient was anti-HCV positive. All patients received HBIg infusions after retransplantation to maintain serum anti-HBs levels >500 IU/L indefinitely.

RESULTS

After retransplantation, six of seven patients are alive (86%): all are without evidence of HBV recurrence with serum negative for HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBV DNA by immunoblot assay. Liver biopsies are normal on routine studies with immunohistochemical stains for HBcAg and HBsAg also being negative. Mean follow-up of these six patients is 40.1 months (range 21-63 months). One patient (14%) developed HBV reinfection 7 months after his second transplant, in spite of maintaining target anti-HBs levels. He maintained stable liver function with minimal evidence of clinical hepatitis B, but died 8 months later from an unrelated stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that patients with recurrent or de novo hepatitis B after OLTX can be successfully retransplanted using aggressive immunoprophylaxis to prevent HBV reinfection. The failure of HBIg therapy in one patient underscores the need for other effective adjunctive anti-HBV modalities.

Bilateral sensorineural deafness and hydrocephalus due to foramen of Monro obstruction in sibs: a newly described autosomal recessive disorder

We identified a Canadian-Mennonite family in which a brother and sister have hydrocephalus due to obstruction at the foramen of Monro and profound bilateral sensorineural deafness. This appears to be a unique combination of anomalies and, to our knowledge, has not been reported previously. Both parents and a brother are phenotypically normal. The parents are second cousins. Thus, on the basis of consanguinity, affected sibs of both sexes, and in the absence of evidence for intrauterine infections or other adverse perinatal events, this syndrome is likely inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion.

Predictive value of intraoperative biopsies and liver function tests for preservation injury in orthotopic liver transplantation

Eighty liver allografts were studied to determine the predictive value of intraoperative biopsies and postoperative liver function tests for the development of preservation injury (PI). Peak transaminase (aspartate transaminase [AST] and alanine transaminase [ALT]) and prothrombin time (PT) values achieved by each patient during postoperative days (POD) 1 through 7 were determined. PI in day 0 preperfusion biopsies (0Pre) (obtained immediately before implantation) and postperfusion biopsies (0Post) (obtained immediately after revascularization) was categorized by histological criteria as present or absent. PI in biopsies taken during POD 2 through 14 was histologically graded as either moderate-to-severe, mild, or absent. Of the 80 allografts, 8 were omitted because of primary nonfunction or postoperative complications. 0Pre and 0Post biopsies were available on 25 of 72 (35%) and 69 of 72 (96%) allografts, respectively. Only 2 (8%) of the 0Pre biopsies showed histological PI compared with 48 (70%) of the 0Post biopsies. Fifty-nine patients were biopsied between POD 2 through 14. Of these, 15, 28, and 16 patients developed moderate-to-severe, mild, or no evidence of PI, respectively. The presence of PI in the 0Post biopsy strongly correlated with the development of PI during POD 2 through 14 (P < .0005). Peak AST and ALT values in patients with moderate-to-severe PI on POD 2 through 14 were significantly elevated compared with those patients with either mild (P = .01 and .03) or no PI (P = .02 and .006). Because of extensive overlap in AST and ALT values between the three groups, however, transaminase values were not useful in predicting the presence or absence of PI in the individual case. The development of PI during POD 2 through 14 correlated with advanced donor age (P = .06) but was unassociated with 0Pre biopsy findings, cold ischemia time, or peak PT values. We conclude that the 0Post biopsy is a valuable tool for the prediction of subsequent PI in the early postoperative period. In contrast, 0Pre biopsy findings and peak AST and ALT values are not useful in the assessment of PI.

Liver transplantation for hepatitis B cirrhosis: clinical sequela of passive immunization

Aggressive administration of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIg) has been shown to prevent hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection of the allograft; however, the clinical sequela of such therapy has not been previously described. We reviewed our experience with high dose, intravenous infusion of an intramuscular HBIg preparation to assess the effectiveness and complications of such therapy. Thirty three orthotopic liver transplants (OLTx) were performed in 32 patients with chronic HBV cirrhosis at the University of Virginia between March 1990 and June 1995. Twenty-nine of 32 (91%) patients remain free of HBV recurrence (defined by undetectable serum HBsAg and HBV-DNA) after a mean of 21 months (2-54 months), with one patient requiring retransplantation. Three (10%) patients died of non-HBV causes (two vascular events, one infectious event). Twenty episodes of acute cellular rejection were treated in 18 patients (two had two episodes). Sixteen rejections occurred within 18 d of transplant, 19 by day 120, and one late rejection occurred at 18 months owing to medication non-compliance. Eighteen patients had at least one documented infection. Six patients were treated for CMV infection (five empirically). Eight patients were treated for HSV infections (seven mild herpetic labialis and one herpetic keratitis). Four patients had documented fungal infection (one mucormycosis pneumonia and three minor superficial mucosal infections). With the exception of one necrotizing pneumonia, 11 bacterial infections were successfully treated with conventional antimicrobial agents. No patient developed post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder. Symptoms associated with HBIg infusion were intermittent but frequent and consisted of myalgias, predominantly back pain (90%), headache (20%) and flushing (5%). No patient experienced anaphylaxis, fever, rash, arthritis or hypotension. Despite the potential for mercury toxicity and HCV transmission in the HBIg formulations currently available in the United States, serum mercury levels remained below standards for industrial exposure (60 micrograms/ml), and only one individual developed post-transplant HCV infection after receiving multiple units of unscreened blood prior to 1991.

SUMMARY

High-dose HBIg prevented HBV infection of the allograft in 29 of 32 patients transplanted for HBV cirrhosis with three non-HBV associated deaths. The intravenous infusion of HBIg was frequently associated with minor side effects that were safely tolerated by patients. The risk of HCV transmission and mercury toxicity are minimal, but support the need for a new intravenous formulation of HBIg. HBIg therapy successfully decreased post-OLTx HBV recurrence with no clinical events associated with immunosuppression. Patients did non experience allergic or infusion-related complications that altered or terminated therapy. Manufacturing modifications of HBIg may allow for improved patient tolerance and decreased risks.

Accuracy and significance of pretransplant liver volume measured by magnetic resonance imaging

Measurement of liver volume in patients with advanced liver disease is used to gauge the appropriate size of donor organs and may have prognostic value. We sought to determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in measuring liver volume in 19 adult patients under consideration for liver transplantation. We also correlated the liver volume determination to the clinical severity of disease. Liver volume was measured at MRI by averaging the calculated volumes from coronal and transverse breath-hold T1-weighted images. These results were compared to the explanted liver volume measured by fluid displacement and the explant mass. The correlation coefficient for MRI liver volume and the explant displacement volume was 0.90. The mean liver volume for Child-Pugh class AB by MRI was 1986 +/- 568 mL (1002-2470 mL) compared to 1433 +/- 379 mL (540-1889 mL) in Child-Pugh class C patients (p = .02). We conclude that MRI offers an anatomically accurate means of determining adult liver volume in vivo. Lower mean liver volumes were observed in Child-Pugh class C patients. In addition to its ability to provide tumor screening and vascular assessment, MRI is able to provide accurate determinations of liver volume in patients undergoing liver transplant evaluations.

Need for reduction of cyclosporin dosage in renal transplant patients with hypertriglyceridemia but not hypercholesterolemia

Currently there is a paucity of data regarding the influence of high serum triglyceride levels on cyclosporin A (CyA) levels and dosing. We therefore undertook a retrospective study to determine the relationship of serum lipid levels to CyA levels and CyA dosages. Renal transplant patients at a 0.5-to-3-year post-transplant stage, with a stable CyA dosage, who were not on medications that affect CyA metabolism or renal function, were entered into the study. The CyA dosage was adjusted by clinicians to maintain whole blood. 12-h CyA trough levels between 200 and 250 ng/ml (monoclonal TDX method, which measures the parent compound). Forty-four patients qualified for the study. The data clearly indicated that high cholesterol levels (> 300 mg/dl and with normal triglyceride levels) did not influence the CyA levels or the dosages. Conversely, high triglyceride levels ( > 500 mg/dl) significantly reduced the amount of CyA required. A decreased clearance of CyA in the presence of hypertriglyceridemia led to high CyA levels in some patients. Reducing the CyA dosage to achieve levels between 200 and 250 ng/ml improved renal allograft function and decreased other side effects attributed to CyA toxicity. These studies indicate that high triglyceride levels, but not high cholesterol levels, increase CyA levels, which can lead to CyA toxicity.

Hyperacute renal allograft rejection from anti-HLA class 1 antibody to B cells--antibody detection by two color FCXM was possible only after using pronase-digested donor lymphocytes

We present a report of a transplant recipient who lost her renal allograft from hyperacute rejection. This was secondary to a weak IgG anti-HLA class I antibody that was only reactive to donor B lymphocytes. This antibody was not detected in her pretransplant serum by the conventional complement-dependent cytotoxicity assays using donor blood lymphocytes. Pretransplant sera were analyzed retrospectively by two-color flow cytometric crossmatching (FCXM). It was difficult to determine if the recipient's serum contained an IgG antibody specific for HLA on donor B cells since IgG from control AB sera and pretransplant sera bound equally well to CD19 B cells. However, when donor lymphocytes were pretreated with pronase to digest the membrane receptor for Fc domain of IgG (Fc gamma R) on non-T-cells, control IgG in AB serum did not bind to B cells and, hence, it was easy to detect binding of IgG (in pretransplant sera) to HLA on B cells. This case underscores the importance of identifying weak anti-HLA class I antibodies reactive only to B cells. Moreover, it shows that the currently used two-color FCXM lacks the specificity to detect such antibodies.

The use of pronase-digested human leukocytes to improve specificity of the flow cytometric crossmatch

Two-color fluorescence cytometry (FCXM) has recently been introduced to improve the detection of anti-HLA antibodies that react to donor cells, especially in recipients receiving kidney allografts. Although this assay system is highly sensitive, it lacks specificity. Between 70% and 90% of potential kidney recipients with a positive FCXM would have been denied transplant if such an assay had been used alone to detect antidonor antibodies. Lack of specificity is principally due to normal or irrelevant IgG in aggregates or immune complexes binding to Fc gamma R receptors on lymphocytes including B cells and a significant subset of T cells. To circumvent this problem, we digested Fc gamma R receptors on lymphocytes with pronase. We present data demonstrating that pronase digestion of lymphocytes does not alter HLA antigenicity. In addition, pronased lymphocytes allow one to use either single- or two-color FCXM. With single-color FCXM, one can quantitate antibody reactivity to lymphocytes via a cursor (on the fluorescence histogram) that separates lymphocytes that do not bind to antibodies. We present data demonstrating that this modification renders FCXM highly sensitive and specific. In addition, one can discriminate between IgG and IgM antibodies that react to lymphocytes.

Home-based management of children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the source of medical advice to parents and treatment administered at home for children admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis.

METHODOLOGY

A questionnaire was completed by the parents of 231 children admitted during a 12 month period.

RESULTS

The majority of children had seen their family doctor or an after-hours doctor prior to admission. Clear fluids were used for two-thirds but an oral rehydration solution (ORS) was used in only one-third of children. Medications were used for half, including antibiotics (19%), antidiarrhoeals (9%), antiemetics (7%) and paracetamol (27%). Inpatient assessment suggested that the majority of children had no or mild dehydration.

CONCLUSIONS

Appropriate oral rehydration is underutilized and medications are overprescribed for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis. Family doctors continue to be the major source of advice for parents. Increased use of ORS at home may reduce hospitalization rates but attempts to change these practices should be directed at parents and family doctors.

The functional and psychological outcomes of juvenile chronic arthritis in young adulthood

The functional and psychological outcome of 43 patients with polyarticular juvenile arthritis was assessed in order to evaluate the impact of disease on their quality of life. Mean disease duration was 19.7 yr (range 10-39 yr), mean age 26.7 yr (range 18-54 yr) with sex ratio 1:3 (male:female). Severe disability was present in 8% of systemic onset, 34% of RF negative (Rh-P), 38% of RF positive (Rh+P) and 86% of extended pauci-articular (ExP) juvenile arthritics-this last high percentage was due to ocular impairment. The Rh+P had more hip (100% of the group) and knee prostheses (31%) compared with Rh-P (77 and 11% respectively). The Rh+P and ExP groups were the most disabled with the highest proportions of patients with currently active disease (85 and 71% respectively). Psychological testing showed that 21% of the patients were clinically depressed and the rate increased (P = 0.06) with the degree of disability. The proportion of patients demonstrating an anxious preoccupation with their disease increased (P = 0.002) with the degree of disability. Despite this, 66% of patients were employed and 38% felt that their arthritis had no effect on their ability to form relationships.

Active-phase labor arrest: a randomized trial of chorioamnion management

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether leaving the membranes intact in active-phase arrest would affect the cesarean delivery rate or the incidence of maternal morbidity secondary to infection.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized trial of healthy, spontaneously laboring women at term with an intact chorioamnion and active-phase arrest (defined as 1 cm or less of cervical change over 2 hours in the active phase of labor). Patients were assigned to either oxytocin augmentation with intact chorioamnion or oxytocin augmentation with amniotomy and internal monitoring of the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions.

RESULTS

The intact group (n = 58) and the amniotomy group (n = 60) were similar with respect to maternal age, race, parity, labor epidural usage, gestational age, cervical dilatation at randomization, number of vaginal examinations, and infant birth weight. Four patients in the intact group and five in the amniotomy group underwent cesarean delivery (P = 1.0). No patient in the intact group and three in the amniotomy group were diagnosed with chorioamnionitis (P = .24). Endometritis did not occur in the intact group, whereas four cases occurred in the amniotomy group (P = .12). There were no cases of maternal infection in the intact group, versus seven in the amniotomy group (P = .01). The interval between randomization and vaginal delivery was 44 minutes longer in the intact group than in the amniotomy group (P = .11).

CONCLUSION

In women with active-phase arrest of labor and intact membranes, oxytocin augmentation with elective amniotomy and internal monitoring increases maternal infectious morbidity.

The impact of alcohol and other drugs on the child welfare system

The Child Welfare League of America surveyed its member agencies on the impact of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) on the delivery of child welfare services. It discovered that the impact is profound and adversely affects the system by compounding problems, such as personnel shortages and shortages in the availability of foster homes, which existed before AOD was identified as a major social problem. Research is needed that more accurately describes the number and characteristics of children and families who enter the child welfare system, that contributes to improved screening and assessment, and that explicates the systemic changes and stresses that result from the impact of alcohol and other drug abuse.

Approaches to rehabilitation of patients with ventilatory insufficiency

Multi-disciplinary rehabilitation programmes are popular in Europe and North America in the management of patients with chronic respiratory disease. Patients experience an increase in exercise tolerance, a decrease in dyspnoea and spend fewer days in hospital after completing the programme. Criteria for admission often include a well motivated nonsmoking patient with severe but stable disease of the ventilatory system. Although most patients have chronic airflow limitation, we have received a number of referrals concerning patients with non-obstructive ventilatory insufficiency, particularly thoracic restrictive disease and neuromuscular disease. Such patients frequently have hypercapnic respiratory failure, easily aggravated by increased activity or respiratory tract infection. Therefore, they cannot engage in a supervised exercise training programme unless we can stabilize their clinical state. We consider elective mechanical ventilatory support a valuable tool in their rehabilitation. Such support is often required only at night. By preventing the sleep-related alterations in arterial blood gases the clinical course of the disease is stabilized, functional level is increased and patients are then protected from episodes of acute respiratory failure which may be life-threatening.

Cellular fatty acid composition of Campylobacter pylori from primates and ferrets compared with those of other campylobacters

The cellular fatty acid profiles of newly described campylobacters were determined on a polar, capillary column. Six isolates of the gastric spiral organism, Campylobacter pylori subsp. mustelae, from ferrets from Australia, England, and the United States were all found to have a similar fatty acid profile which was different from that of C. pylori from humans; C. pylori subsp. mustelae did not have 3-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid (3-OH C18:0) and had much less tetradecanoic acid (C14:0) and much more hexadecanoic acid (C16:0). Inasmuch as Lambert et al. (M.A. Lambert, C.M. Patton, T.J. Barrett, and C.W. Moss, J. Clin. Microbiol. 25:706-713, 1987) have proposed that campylobacters can be grouped by cellular fatty acid composition, we propose this organism should be in a new gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) group, group J. Seven isolates of gastric spiral organisms from macaque monkeys and baboons, including three from Macaca nemestrina, and one isolate from a pig were found to have fatty acid profiles very similar to that of C. pylori; but a second type of organism (type B) from M. nemestrina had a unique profile without 19-carbon cyclopropane fatty acid (C19:0 cyc) but with 3-hydroxy tetradecanoic acid (OH C14:0), which is not present in other gastric spiral bacteria. We propose that this organism (nemestrina type B) should be in a new GLC group, group K. The cellular fatty acid profile of seven isolates of C. jejuni subsp. doylei was found to be similar to that for C. jejuni, but with possibly significant differences in that the former did not have 3-OH C14:0 but did have 3-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid (3-OH C16:0) and had more C14:0 than did C. jejuni. Two strains of urease-positive thermophilic campylobacters were found to have a profile similar to that of "C. cinaedi" and thus should be included with them in GLC group D. We confirm that C. sputorum has a unique cellular fatty acid composition and suggest that it should be in a new group, group H.

Sensitivity of Campylobacter pylori to colloidal bismuth subcitrate

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Triamcinolone into the knee joint in juvenile chronic arthritis

Sixty children aged less than 10 years with pauci-articular onset juvenile chronic arthritis and knee joint involvement received local injections with triamcinolone hexacetonide into the knee (total 83 knees). One year after injection, 77% of knees were excellent with no soft tissue swelling, no deformity and full range of movement, or good with slight swelling or deformity, but functioning well. Eleven knees which had relapsed within one year improved after a second injection and 2 after a third. Complications were limited to small areas of subcutaneous tissue atrophy in 2 patients. Intra-articular injection of long-acting steroids is a useful means of controlling disease activity in the knee joints of young children with pauci-articular juvenile chronic arthritis.

A comparison of teicoplanin and cefuroxime as prophylaxis for orthopaedic implant surgery: a preliminary report

The relative merits of different antibiotic regimens for prophylaxis in orthopaedic implant surgery are difficult to evaluate because of the low frequency of infection. Factors other than infection prevention may influence choice. We have compared 400 mg teicoplanin given intravenously on induction of anaesthesia with three perioperative injections of cefuroxime, in 146 patients undergoing total hip or total knee replacement. These interim results suggest that cefuroxime selects for increased extraintestinal carriage of faecal streptococci and teicoplanin for Proteus species. There were no significant differences between the regimen in the acquisition of coagulase-negative staphylococci or Clostridium difficile, post-operative diarrhoea, wound healing or wound infection. Both regimens were equally safe.