bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perinatal Mortality from Rh(D) Hemolytic Disease in Finland, 1975—1984
Authors: Eklund Jarl , Nevanlinna H. R.
Published: December 2009

Analysis of 41 deaths from Rh(D) hemolytic disease (HDN) in Finland in the past 10 years revealed that 17 occurred in mothers immunized before anti‐D IgG was available and three in mothers immunized by blood transfusion in earlier years. Nine deaths were related to loopholes in the anti‐D program and could presumably have been prevented by ensuring that all eligible Rh‐negative women received anti‐D IgG after delivery and abortion. Six deaths were due to immunization during a first pregnancy after the 28th week and three to maternal immunization despite anti‐D IgG. Immunization from these sources can only be reduced by anti‐D IgG injected antenatally as well as postnatally, though the complete eradication of HDN seems to be beyond our grasp.

Giving anti‐D IgG to Rh‐negative women after the birth of a Rh‐positive infant or after an abortion has been common practice in Finland, the former since 1969 and the latter since 1971. Although anti‐D prophylaxis has been very effective in reducing the incidence of Rh(D) hemolytic disease, new cases continue to occur. Since the prophylaxis fails to prevent perinatal mortality, we decided to discover how the mothers whose infants died from HDN had become immunized in the past 10 years.
A Clinical Comparison in Finland of Two Oral Contraceptives Containing 0.150 mg Desogestrel in Combination with 0.020 mg Or 0.030 mg Ethinylestradiol
Authors: Tuimala Risto , Saranen Martti , Alapiessa Unto
Published: December 2009

The results of two open Finnish multicenter studies on the effects of two oral contraceptive combinations containing 0.150 mg desogestrel+0.030 mg ethinylestradiol (EE) and 0.150 mg desogestrel+0.020 mg EE respectively were comparatively evaluated, paying particular attention to efficacy, cycle control and tolerance. The two trials were carried out by 20 independent investigators and comprised a total of 270 women, 91 of whom used the 0.150/0.030 mg desogestrel/EE combination for a total of 964 cycles in one trial and 179 the 0.150/0.020 mg desogestrel/EE combination for a total of 2096 cycles in the other trial. In addition the ovulation inhibiting effect of the combination with 0.020 mg EE (based on serum levels of LH, progesterone and 17β‐estradiol) was studied in 5 healthy fertile women. No pregnancies occurred in this study. Both combinations showed a good cycle control and were well tolerated. There were no marked differences between the two preparations with respect to bleeding patterns, body weight, side effects, or drug related drop‐outs. The good efficacy of the lowest estrogen‐dose combination was substantiated by the results of the hormone determinations: all 5 volunteers displayed an anovulatory treatment cycle. It is concluded that despite its lower estrogen content, the clinical use of the 0.150/0.020 mg desogestrel/EE combination is as good as that of the 0.150/0.030 mg desogestrel/EE combination.
German Trial of an Oral Contraceptive Containing 0.150 mg Desogestrel Plus 0.020 mg Ethinylestradiol
Authors: Nevinny‐Stickel J.
Published: December 2009

Abstract. A multicenter trial was carried out by 13 independent German investigators to evaluate a new oral contraceptive combination containing 0.150 mg desogestrel+0.020 mg ethinylestradiol, paying particular attention to cycle control and efficacy. This German trial, being part of a larger European open multicenter study in 12 countries, comprised 235 women and a total of 5758 cycles. Despite the very low estrogen dose, this combination showed a good cycle control. The frequencies of absence of withdrawal bleeding and the occurrence of irregular bleeding, which were already low during the initial treatment cycles, gradually decreased over the subsequent cycles. In most women the amount and duration of withdrawal bleeding were similar to or slightly less than those of the menstrual bleeding before treatment. The combination showed a good contraceptive efficacy. 3 pregnancies (all 3 patient failures) occurred (in the larger European study comprising 1684 women and 25970 cycles, no other patient failures than these 3 German cases occurred; in addition there was one tablet failure). The preparation was well tolerated. There were no serious side effects and the frequency of minor subjective complaints was very low.
Effects of antibiotic-impregnated external ventricular drains on bacterial culture results: an in vitro analysis
Authors: Stevens E. Andrew , Palavecino Elizabeth , Sherertz Robert J. , Shihabi Zakariya , Couture Daniel E.
Published: December 2009

Object

Treatment of ventriculoperitoneal shunt infections frequently requires placement of an external ventricular drain (EVD). Surveillance specimens obtained from antibiotic-impregnated (AI) EVDs may be less likely to demonstrate bacterial growth, potentially resulting in undertreatment of an infection. The purpose of this study was to assess whether AI EVDs had any significant effect on bacterial culture results compared with nonantibiotic-impregnated (NAI) EVDs.

Methods

In vitro assays were performed using AI EVDs containing minocycline and rifampin (VentriClear II, Medtronic) and NAI EVD controls (Bioglide, Medtronic). The presence of antibiotics was evaluated via capillary electrophoresis of sterile saline drawn from AI and NAI EVDs after predefined incubation intervals. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by evaluating zones of inhibition created by the catheter aspirates on plates inoculated with a quality control strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis (American Type Culture Collection strain 12228). To determine the effects of cultures drawn through AI compared with NAI EVDs, the quality control strain was then incubated within 4 new AI and 4 new NAI EVDs for predefined intervals before being plated on culture media. Spread and streak plate culture results from each type of catheter were compared at each time interval.

Results

Capillary electrophoresis showed that more minocycline than rifampin was eluted from the AI EVDs. Sterile saline samples incubated within the AI EVDs demonstrated zones of growth inhibition when placed on plates of S. epidermidis at all time intervals tested. No zones of inhibition were noted on NAI EVD control plates. When a standardized inoculum of S. epidermidis was drawn through AI and NAI EVDs, antimicrobial effects were observed after incubation in the AI EVD group only. Colony counting demonstrated that significantly fewer colonies resulted from samples drawn through AI compared with NAI EVDs at the multiple time intervals. Similarly, streak plating yielded a statistically significant number of false-negative results from AI compared with NAI EVDs at 2 time intervals.

Conclusions

The findings in the current study indicate that the risk of a false-negative culture result may be increased when a CSF sample is drawn through an AI catheter. In the management of a known shunt infection, a false-negative result from an EVD culture specimen may lead to an inappropriately short duration of antibiotic therapy. These data have significant clinical implications, particularly given the widespread use of AI drains and the current high rates of shunt reinfection after EVD use worldwide.
Memory outcome after temporal lobe epilepsy surgery: corticoamygdalohippocampectomy versus selective amygdalohippocampectomy
Authors: Tanriverdi Taner , Dudley Roy William Roland , Hasan Alya , Jishi Ahmed Al , Hinai Qasim Al , Poulin Nicole , M.Ed.  , Colnat-Coulbois Sophie , Olivier André
Published: December 2009

Object

The aim of this study was to compare IQ and memory outcomes at the 1-year follow-up in patients with medically refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) due to hippocampal sclerosis. All patients were treated using a corticoamygdalohippocampectomy (CAH) or a selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SelAH).

Methods

The data of 256 patients who underwent surgery for MTLE were retrospectively evaluated. One hundred twenty-three patients underwent a CAH (63 [right side] and 60 [left side]), and 133 underwent an SelAH (61 [right side] and 72 [left side]). A comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was assessed before and 1 year after surgery, and the results were compared between the surgical procedures. Furthermore, seizure outcome was compared using the Engel classification scheme.

Results

At 1-year follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference between the surgical approaches with respect to seizure outcome. Overall, IQ scores showed improvement, but verbal IQ decreased after left SelAH. Verbal memory impairment was seen after left-sided resections especially in cases of SelAH, and nonverbal memory decreased after right-sided resection, especially for CAH. Left-sided resections produced some improvement in nonverbal memory. Older age at surgery, longer duration of seizures, greater seizure frequency before surgery, and poor seizure control after surgery were associated with poorer memory.

Conclusions

Both CAH and SelAH can lead to several cognitive impairments depending on the side of the surgery. The authors suggest that the optimal type of surgical approach should be decided on a case-by-case basis.
A partially ossified solid and cystic Rathke cleft cyst
Authors: Ogawa Yoshikazu , Tominaga Teiji
Published: December 2009

A Rathke cleft cyst is considered to arise from the remnants of the Rathke pouch, and it consists of single cuboidal or columnar epithelium including cilia and goblet cells, which secrete mucus into the cyst. Magnetic resonance imaging characteristically shows a thin membranous cystic wall that enhances with Gd, and homogeneous intensity of the content suggesting fluid collection. Cases with an irregularly thickened and/or calcified cyst wall, presumably due to chronic inflammation of the wall, are rare.

A 21-year-old woman presented with an extremely rare case of a solid and cystic Rathke cleft cyst with partial ossification, manifesting as bitemporal hemianopia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a massive solid sellar lesion extending upward and compressing the optic chiasm and floor of the third ventricle. Transsphenoidal surgery was performed, resulting in total removal of the lesion and immediate recovery of visual function. Postoperative histological examination disclosed that the major part of the lesion consisted of various phases of clotting and granulation with significant fibrosis. Mature bone formation and abundant cholesterin clefts were also seen. Single cuboidal epithelium including goblet cells and cilia was found along this granulation, and the diagnosis was a Rathke cleft cyst. An ossified Rathke cleft cyst is extremely rare, and a solid Rathke cleft cyst has not before been reported. This case illustrates the extremely long and complex nature of this disease.
Prostaglandin Gel: An Alternative to Caesarean Section in the Management of Post-dated Pregnancies with Unfavorable Cervices.
Authors: Chaudhury Shipra , Khanam Merina
Published: December 2009

Fifty cases of post-maturity with unfavorable cervices were chosen to deliver the fetuses by theapplication of intracervical prostaglandin (PG) gel as an alternative to Caesarean section. Thestudy was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rajshahi MedicalCollege and Hospital. Rajshahi during the period from January 2001 to November 2002. Patientswith [representations, premature rupture of membrane and history of previous two uterineCaesarean sections were excluded from this study. Gel was inserted above the cervical canaland re-administered every 6-8 hours interval for a period of 24 hours where necessary.Successful vaginal delivery was achieved in 98% of cases with adequate cervical ripening. Reinsertionof the gel was needed in only 8 cases. Oxytocin was used along with PG gel forinitiation and augmentation of labour pain. Caesarean section was needed only in 1 patient andremaining all patients delivered within 24 hours of the onset of induction of this procedure.doi: 10.3329/taj.v15i2.3906TAJ December 2002; Vol.15(2): 53-55
Evaluation of Renal Functional Status Using Probe Renogram Technique and USG
Authors: Ahasan MM , Ahmed Fariduddin , Shah Kabir Uz Zaman , Khanama MN , Badrudozza SM
Published: December 2009

Renal disorder is one of the most common problems in Bangladesh. Probe renogram is a verysensitive, specific, non-invasive and cost-effective procedure for the evaluation of renalfunction. Ultrasonography gives good anatomical information. It is cheap, non-time consumingand non-invasive procedure that requires no extra-preparation for studying kidneys. Combinedrenogram and USG were found to be very useful techniques for the evaluation of kidney'sfunctions. Biochemical parameters do not reflect the appropriate functional status of individualkidneys. Probe-renogram could reveal precisely the renal differential function. Retrospectively129 patients were studied, of which 80 (62.02%) were male and 49 (37.98%) were female, agebetween 8-78 years had come at the NMC, Rajshahi during the period of April 2000 to July 2001for radionuclide renography. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the response ofcombined renogram and USG for preliminary screening of renal disorders in patients beforegoing to other high cost and invasive investigations. Renal obstructions were found in 42 (LK-2Gand RK-16) cases and functional impairment of varying degrees was in 55 patients. Results werecorrelated well with clinical findings and other available diagnostic parameters.doi: 10.3329/taj.v15i2.3907TAJ December 2002; Vol.15(2):56-58
Clinical Pattern of Neck Pain among the Patients Attending in the Department of Physical Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheik Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka
Authors: Shakoor MA , Hasan Suzon Al , Mian M Anwarul Huq , Khan S Zaman , Moyeenuzzaman M , Islam MQ
Published: December 2009

A study was conducted in the Department of Physical Medicine, BSMMU, during the period ofJune 1996 to March 1997 to find out the clinical patterns of neck pain and their causes. A totalof 6476 patients attended the department of which 1360 (21.01%) patients presented with neckpain. Male and female ratio was 1:0.83. Highest number of patients was in the 40-49 years agegroup (41.44%). In respect to occupation, table workers constituted the majority (26.08%). Mostof the patients (79.64) were diagnosed as cervical spondylosis. By these findings we canconclude that the cervical spondylosis is the commonest pattern of presentation of neck pain inthe Department of Physical Medicine, BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh.doi: 10.3329/taj.v15i2.3912TAJ December 2002; Vol.15(2): 74-77
Current Clinical Profile of Enteric Fever in a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Kabir Shahriar , Azhar MA , Ekram ARM Saifuddin , Islam Quazi Tarikul , Ahmed Iftekhar
Published: December 2009

This study was designed to assess the current of clinical presentations, complications andprognosis of enteric fever cases in Bangladeshi population and also to assess the antimicrobialsensitivity of the causative organisms. A total of 65 patients, with either fever of any durationwith positive blood culture for Salmonella, of fever of more than a week with strong clinicalevidence of enteric fever along with single Widal titre TO >160 of AO >160 or BO> 160, wereselected from indoor medical wards of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital from August 2000 toMay 2001. Blood culture with sensitivity pattern, Widal tests and relevant investigations weredone in all patients. Majority (87.70%) of the patients presented on the second or third week oftheir illness. Other clinical profiles of the patients were comparable to different studies done inour country and in abroad. Common complications were pneumonia, meningitis and typhoidpsychosis. Isolated salmonellae from blood culture were 100% sensitive to Ciprofloxacin andPefloxacin. Two out of sixty five patients (3.07%) expired due to complications.doi: 10.3329/taj.v15i2.3914TAJ December 2002; Vol.15(2): 81-83
Inserted Needle in the Abdominal Wall
Authors: Rahman Md Khalliur , Sarker AK , Islam MB , Shahid SMA , Haq SMM , Khan SR
Published: December 2009

A 20 year old housewife presented with multiple needles in her abdominal wall as revealed byradiological examination. She had unrelated symptoms but the needles were more or less silentfor months except one group caused foreign body granuloma formation. Exploration andremoval of four of these needles were done under general anaesthesia. Deliberately insertedneedles in the abdominal wall are very unusual, which is not yet reported to our knowledge.doi: 10.3329/taj.v15i2.3916TAJ December 2002; Vol.15(2): 87-89
Close Comminuted Fracture in the Shaft of Femur: Managed by Open Reduction and Internal Fixation with Broad Dynamic Compression Plate (DCP) Without Stripping of Periosteum
Authors: Islam Md Nazrul , Hasan Suzon Al
Published: December 2009

Management of close comminuted fracture in the shaft of femur in adult is a difficult task. Herewe report a case who was managed by open reduction and internal fixation with broad dynamiccompression plate without stripping of Periosteum.doi: 10.3329/taj.v15i2.3919TAJ December 2002; Vol.15(2): 96-97
Childhood Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma-A Brief Review
Authors: Begum SMK Nahar , Khan RI , Uddin Dayem
Published: December 2009

doi: 10.3329/taj.v15i2.3921TAJ December 2002; Vol.15(2): 103-107
Meningeal Irritation : A Review
Authors: Hassan AM Shafiqul , Ekram ARM Saifuddin , Rahman Syed Wahidur , Ashar MA , Muhammad Quazi Deen
Published: December 2009

Cases of meningeal irritation are prevalent worldwide and much Infectious and non-infectiousaetiology exist for this condition. Sub-arachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), central nervous systemsarcoidosis(neuro-sarcoidosis) . systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), drugs and chemicals arethe non-infectious causes of meningeal irritation. But much is focused on infectious causesbecause infection of the central nervous system (CMS) is a medical emergency. The clinicalconstellation of fever, headache and neck-stiffness is diagnostic of meningitis. Other clinicalfindings like Kernig's sign, Brudzinski's sign and extensor plantar responses support thediagnosis of meningitis and / or meningo-encephalitis. The clinical onset of sudden severeheadache, vomiting and unconsciousness is diagnostic of SAH. Neck rigidity, positive Kernig'ssign and sub-hyaloid haemorrhage on fundoscopic examination support the diagnosis.However, diagnosis of meningitis and its treatment is very much important and critical inparticular. A patient presenting with fever and unconsciousness with no substantial pre-existingillness eg. HTN, DM, endocrinopathy and.' or history of traveling from a malarial epidemic areashould be differentially considered meningo-encephalitis for once at least.doi: 10.3329/taj.v15i2.3922TAJ December 2002; Vol.15(2): 108-114
Robots are Leaping from the Factory into the Operating Theatre
Authors: Haque MM
Published: December 2009

doi: 10.3329/taj.v16i1.3891TAJ June 2003; Vol.16(1)
Clinicopathological Study of Intestinal Tuberculosis & its Management
Authors: Islam MB , Rahman MK , Islam MK , Haq SM Mahmudul
Published: December 2009

Intestinal tuberculosis is still a common abdominal problems in developing countries like us.Sixty cases of intestinal tuberculosis admitted in the surgical wards of Mymensingh MedicalCollege Hospital over 2 years with different presentations have been studied here. All of themunder went through surgical procedures for their management. The age range of the patientswas 13 to 55 years and most commonly involved age group was 20-40 years. Male to femaleratio was 1:1.4. 60% of the patients were in low socio-economic group and 20% of the patientshad got the positive history of contact. 60% of the patients presented with chronic intestinalobstruction. The most commonly involved site was lleocaecal region in 51.6% of the patients.Right hemicolectomy with ileotransverse anastomosis was performed commonly 63.3% of thepatients but limited resection and stricturoplasty are also safe and effective procedures.doi: 10.3329/taj.v16i1.3899TAJ June 2003; Vol.16(1): 24-27
Biological Risk Factors of Low Birth Weight in Rural Rajshahi
Authors: Ullah MA , Haque MJ , Hafez MA , Khanam Merina
Published: December 2009

This prospective type of study was conducted in nine rural upazilas of Rajshahi district with a viewto find out the biological risk factors of low birth weight (LBW). The calculated minimum requiredsample size was 748. A total 900 pregnant mothers in 3rd trimester were selected by two stagecluster sampling technique for follow up. Data were collected for 822 singleton live birthsuccessfully and analyzed. Maternal weight < 50 kgs at 3rd trimester, birth interval < 2 years andfemale sex of the new born were identified as the important risk factors of LBW in rural communityof Rajshahi district. Sex of the newborns is genetically determined, but maternal weight < 50kgsin third trimester and birth space < 2 years can prevented by measures like proper antenatal care,health & nutritional education, effective family planning services etc.doi: 10.3329/taj.v16i2.3881TAJ December 2003; Vol.16(2): 50-53
Radioiodine Treatment of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer at CNMU, Rajshahi
Authors: Ahasan MM , Ahmed FU , Bodrudozza SM , Hasan SMK , Khanam MN
Published: December 2009

A retrospective study has been conducted on 19 patients who attended at CNMU, Rajshahi withdifferentiated thyroid cancer, treated with radioiodine for ablation of residual tissue afterthyroidectomy. The patients included in this study were between 06 to 70 years of age, the meanage being about 36 years. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the response of theradioiodine therapy in patient with differentiated thyroid cancer after surgery. The incidence ofpapillary, follicular and mixed variety was found in approximately 69%, 26% and 5% casesrespectively. Result showed that the incidence of thyroid cancer were found more,approximately 58% in the age group 21-40 years. Results also showed that papillary carcinomainvolved approximately 23% in male and 77% in female. It was also found that approximately89% patients were treated successfully by single dose of radioiodine.doi: 10.3329/taj.v16i2.3882TAJ December 2003; Vol.16(2): 54-57
Best Probability Density Function for Random Sampled Data
Authors: Jacobs Donald  J.
Published: December 2009

The maximum entropy method is a theoretically sound approach to construct an analytical form for the probability density function (pdf) given a sample of random events. In practice, numerical methods employed to determine the appropriate Lagrange multipliers associated with a set of moments are generally unstable in the presence of noise due to limited sampling. A robust method is presented that always returns the best pdf, where tradeoff in smoothing a highly varying function due to noise can be controlled. An unconventional adaptive simulated annealing technique, called funnel diffusion, determines expansion coefficients for Chebyshev polynomials in the exponential function.
Deadly Partners: Interdependence of Alcohol and Trauma in the Clinical Setting
Authors: Hayman Amanda V. , Crandall Marie L.
Published: December 2009

Trauma is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 1 to 45. Over a third of all fatal motor vehicle collisions and nearly eighty percent of completed suicides involve alcohol. Alcohol can be both a cause of traumatic injury as well as a confounding factor in the diagnosis and treatment of the injured patient. Fortunately, brief interventions after alcohol-related traumatic events have been shown to decrease both trauma recidivism and long-term alcohol use. This review will address the epidemiology of alcohol-related trauma, the influence of alcohol on mortality and other outcomes, and the role of prevention in alcohol-related trauma, within the confines of the clinical setting.
(2E)-3-(3-Methoxy-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-2-propenal
Authors: Kleizienė Neringa , Arbačiauskienė Eglė , Holzer Wolfgang , Šačkus Algirdas
Published: December 2009

The palladium-catalyzed reaction of 4-bromo-3-methoxy-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole with acrolein diethyl acetal gives the title compound in good yield. Detailed spectroscopic data (1H NMR, 13C NMR, 15N NMR, IR, MS) are presented.
Antimalarial Activity of Ultra-Short Peptides
Authors: Pérez-Picaso Lemuel , Velasco-Bejarano Benjamín , Aguilar-Guadarrama A. Berenice , Argotte-Ramos Rocío , Rios María Yolanda
Published: December 2009

Ultra-short peptides 1-9 were designed and synthesized with phenylalanine, ornithine and proline amino acid residues and their effect on antimalarial activity was analyzed. On the basis of the IC50 data for these compounds, the effects of nature, polarity, and amino acid sequence on Plasmodium berghei schizont cultures were analyzed too. Tetrapeptides Phe-Orn-Phe-Orn (4) and Lys-Phe-Phe-Orn (5) showed a very important activity with IC50 values of 3.31 and 2.57 μM, respectively. These two tetrapeptides are candidates for subsequent in vivo assays and SARS investigations.
Traceability of Plant Diet Contents in Raw Cow Milk Samples
Authors: Ponzoni Elena , Mastromauro Francesco , Gianì Silvia , Breviario Diego
Published: December 2009

The use of molecular marker in the dairy sector is gaining large acceptance as a reliable diagnostic approach for food authenticity and traceability. Using a PCR approach, the rbcL marker, a chloroplast-based gene, was selected to amplify plant DNA fragments in raw cow milk samples collected from stock farms or bought on the Italian market. rbcL-specific DNA fragments could be found in total milk, as well as in the skimmed and the cream fractions. When the PCR amplified fragments were sent to sequence, the nucleotide composition of the chromatogram reflected the multiple contents of the polyphytic diet.
Use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning Technology for Long Term High Precision Deformation Monitoring
Authors: Vezočnik Rok , Ambrožič Tomaž , Sterle Oskar , Bilban Gregor , Pfeifer Norbert , Stopar Bojan
Published: December 2009

The paper presents a new methodology for high precision monitoring of deformations with a long term perspective using terrestrial laser scanning technology. In order to solve the problem of a stable reference system and to assure the high quality of possible position changes of point clouds, scanning is integrated with two complementary surveying techniques, i.e., high quality static GNSS positioning and precise tacheometry. The case study object where the proposed methodology was tested is a high pressure underground pipeline situated in an area which is geologically unstable.
Mutation Rates and Intrinsic Fidelity of Retroviral Reverse Transcriptases
Authors: Menéndez-Arias Luis
Published: December 2009

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that replicate through a DNA intermediate, in a process catalyzed by the viral reverse transcriptase (RT). Although cellular polymerases and host factors contribute to retroviral mutagenesis, the RT errors play a major role in retroviral mutation. RT mutations that affect the accuracy of the viral polymerase have been identified by in vitro analysis of the fidelity of DNA synthesis, by using enzymological (gel-based) and genetic assays (e.g., M13mp2 lacZ forward mutation assays). For several amino acid substitutions, these observations have been confirmed in cell culture using viral vectors. This review provides an update on studies leading to the identification of the major components of the fidelity center in retroviral RTs.
Serum Levels of Surface Large Envelope Proteins: Prognostic Markers for Hepatitis B e Antigen-Negative Patients with Adefovir Dipivoxil Treatment
Authors: Fan Xiao , Fang Dong , Bin Du , Xueyong Li , Jun Cheng , Hongshan Wei
Published: December 2009

Background

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the prognostic role of pretreatment serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface large envelope protein (LHBs) levels in the curative effects after 48-week adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) treatment.

Methods

A total of 128 patients received ADV once daily for 48 weeks. Serum levels of LHBs were detected by ELISA. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to analyse HBV genotype and HBV DNA copies in serum. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the optimal cutoff value of pretreatment LHBs for predicting the curative effects of ADV treatment.

Results

After ADV treatment for 48 weeks, viral response and partial response were 31.4% (16/51) and 29.4% (15/51), respectively, in patients from the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive group; viral response and partial response were 39.7% (27/68) and 39.7% (27/68), respectively, in patients from the HBeAg-negative group. HBeAg-negative patients with high serum levels of LHBs had low response rates to antiviral therapy. ROC curve analysis showed that HBeAg-negative patients with serum LHBs levels ≥3.889 μg/ml at baseline predicted non-response to antiviral therapy. The sensitivity was 42.5% and specificity was 92.86%. Among a total of 19 patients with high serum levels of LHBs (≥3.889 μg/ml) at baseline, only 2 (11%) patients responded to antiviral therapy. There was no correlation observed between HBV genotype and effects of ADV treatment.

Conclusions

HBeAg-negative patients with high serum levels of LHBs (≥3.889 μg/ml) at baseline should not be recommended to receive ADV treatment.
Evaluation of minority populations of HIV type-1 with K103N and M184V drug resistance mutations among children in Argentina
Authors: Vignoles Moira , Barboni Graciela , Agosti María R , Quarleri Jorge , García Mariel K , Ayala Silvia González , Salomón Horacio
Published: December 2009

Background

The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of minority populations of viruses carrying mutations K103N and M184V in drug-naive HIV type-1 (HIV-1)-infected children, and to further evaluate their effect on the selection of drug-resistant viruses within highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Methods

Newly diagnosed vertically HIV-1-infected children were evaluated. The HIV-1 pol gene was sequenced for subtyping and antiretroviral drug resistance analysis. Standard genotypic sequencing and sequence-selective real-time PCR (SPCR) to quantify minority viral populations were used.

Results

From December 2004 to July 2006, we included 35 children who were studied at baseline and during their first HAART regimen (follow-up median time 29.4 months). Of them, 82.9% were infected with intersubtype B/F recombinant variants. At baseline, all children had a drug-susceptible viral population that was studied by bulk sequencing. SPCR showed that 4 children had between 2–10% of M184V, 11 had <0.7%, 18 had no detectable mutation and 2 could not be amplified. No K103N minority populations were found. Once under HAART, children who had 2–10% of M184V at baseline further selected it in percentages >20% in less time than those with 0.1–0.6% or without minority populations ( P=0.01).

Conclusions

It was shown that having 2–10% of M184V at baseline enhanced its selection in high percentages in a short time after HAART initiation. Further research regarding the presence of minority quasispecies before initiation of HAART in large paediatric populations should be undertaken to evaluate their clinical effect during HAART.
What Is Strep Throat?
Authors: Rayborn Cari H. , Jackson Christopher D. , Summers Nathan A.
Published: May 2024

This JAMA Patient Page describes strep throat, its signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and potential complications.
My Digital Refuge
Authors: Wexler Anna
Published: May 2024

In this narrative medicine essay, a medical ethicist discusses the complexity of juggling the interests of members in online forums dedicated to rare diseases after being blocked upon disclosing her affiliation with a medical school, thus barring her from the support and information she needed to manage her daughter’s rare disease.
Acute Corneal Edema in a Middle-Aged Patient
Authors: Tran Jennifer A. , Kaufman Aaron R. , Ciolino Joseph B.
Published: May 2024

A middle-aged patient who had bilateral penetrating keratoplasty 20 years ago for keratoconus presented with pain and blurriness of the right eye for 2 days. Despite prompt corticosteroid therapy, they had no vision improvement and reported occasional pain. What would you do next?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo After Use of Handheld Massage Gun
Authors: Elisha David , Nazarian Ronen
Published: May 2024

This report describes 2 cases of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo symptoms in middle-aged patients who experienced onset after using a handheld massage gun.
Tuning the Topography of Non‐Wetting Surfaces to Reduce Short‐Term Microbial Contamination Within Hospitals
Authors: van den Berg Desmond , Asker Dalal , Kim Jungchul , Kim Ho‐Young , Aizenberg Joanna , Hatton Benjamin
Published: May 2024

Microbial contamination of hospital surfaces is a major contributor to infectious disease transmission. This work demonstrates that superhydrophobic (Cassie‐Baxter) micro post topographies can significantly reduce cell attachment compared to flat controls. For ordered micro post arrays (post diameters 0.3 to 150 µm), the attachment of four pathogens (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans) from discrete contaminant droplets upon short‐term contact (15 s to 30 min) are assessed. There is a 3‐4‐log decrease in microbial attachment when reducing the micro posts diameters from 150 to 0.3 µm for all strains, with large posts (>20 µm) exhibiting similar attachment rates to flat controls. The critical, maximum feature size to prevent attachment can be tuned depending on the ratio of the cell size to post diameter. Two potential mechanisms are discussed for this size effect. First, application of the random sequential adsorption model shows that this relative post/cell size effect may be due to a reduced probability of attachment, which is theorized to be the dominant mechanism. Alternatively, a physical model is suggested for bacterial cell “pull‐off” due to surface tension forces during droplet dewetting. This work may be important for the design of non‐wetting antimicrobial surfaces within healthcare environments.
Intra‐Articular Injection of Nanomaterials for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: From Lubrication Function Restoration to Cell and Gene Therapy
Authors: Yang Yinuo , Zhang Hongyu
Published: May 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent joint disease affecting many people globally, presents significant challenge in current treatments, which often only manage symptoms without halting disease progression. This review illuminates novel approaches in OA therapy, focusing mainly on intra‐articular injection of nanomaterials. The innovative materials, designed to either mimic or augment natural joint lubrication, show promise in restoring joint biomechanics and alleviating pain. The review delves into an array of biomimetic lubricants, including polymer brush, nanocomposite hydrogel, and nanoparticles, underscoring their roles in anti‐inflammation, targeting, cartilage repair, and drug delivery. Furthermore, the potential of mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into chondrocytes, coupled with the delivery of these cells and their exosomes via nanomaterials, has promoted cell therapy avenues for OA. The review also highlights the function of non‐coding RNAs such as miRNA, siRNA, circRNA, lncRNA, and antisense oligonucleotides in impeding OA progression, with nanomaterials facilitating their delivery, thus facilitating advanced therapeutic possibilities including immune evasion and bone cell proliferation. Overall, this review encapsulates the evolution of nanomaterials in OA treatment from material to cell, and ultimately to gene therapy, forecasting a future where nanomaterials evolve toward integrated, personalized diagnostics and therapeutics for OA.
Tunable Solid‐State Properties and Anisotropic Charge Mobility in Hydrogen‐Bonded Diketopyrrolopyrrole Polymers via Automated Device Fabrication and Characterization
Authors: Nyayachavadi Audithya , Wang Chengshi , Vriza Aikaterini , Wang Yunfei , Ma Guorong , Mooney Madison , Mason Gage T. , Hu Anita , Liu Yuzi , Gu Xiaodan , Chan Henry , Xu Jie , Rondeau‐Gagné Simon
Published: May 2024

The optoelectronic properties of semiconducting polymers and device performance rely on a delicate interplay of design and processing conditions. However, screening and optimizing the relationships between these parameters for reliably fabricating organic electronics can be an arduous task requiring significant time and resources. To overcome this challenge, Polybot is developed—a robotic platform within a self‐driving lab that can efficiently produce organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) from various semiconducting polymers via high‐throughput blade coating deposition. Polybot not only handles the fabrication process but also can conduct characterization tests on the devices and autonomously analyze the data gathered, thus facilitating the rapid acquisition of data on a large scale. This work leverages the capabilities of this platform to investigate the fabrication of OFETs using hydrogen bonding‐containing semiconducting polymers. Through high‐throughput fabrication and characterization, various data trends are analyzed, and large extents of anisotropic charge mobility are observed in devices. The materials are thoroughly characterized to understand the role of processing conditions in solid state and electronic properties of these organic semiconductors. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of automated fabrication and characterization platforms in uncovering novel structure–property relationships, facilitating refinement of rational chemical design, and processing conditions, ultimately leading to new semiconducting materials.
Tough, Waterproofing, and Sustainable Bio‐Adhesive Inspired by the Dragonfly Wing
Authors: Zhou Ying , Luo Jing , Jing Qiumei , Ge Shengbo , Chen Sherry , Guo Zhanhu , Li Jianzhang , Liu Zixiao , He Ping , He Ximin , Xu Ben Bin
Published: May 2024

The development of multifunctional bio‐adhesive plays a critical role in achieving a sustainable society, where the intrinsic sensitivity to water and poor dynamics severely bottlenecks its scale‐up application. Inspired by the microstructure of dragonfly wings, a strong and tough adhesive with excellent reprocessability is designed and developed by creating a dynamic network consisting of a lignin polyurea (LPU) framework with soybean protein (SP). The LPU framework act as the rigid nervures to slow crack propagation and transfer stress, while the SP dissipate the strain energy through the interplay from the graded hydrogen and imine bonds generated between LPU and SP. The bio‐adhesive achieves significant enhancements in fracture toughness and water resistance by ≈7 and 23 folds, respectively, compared with SP. Furthermore, the capacity for diffusion and restoration of dynamic network endows the adhesive with superior reprocessability, enabling recycled particleboard to achieve high retention of modules (over 80%). This sustainable bio‐adhesive approach offers a promising eco‐friendly alternative to the conventional petrochemical adhesive.
Targeting HIF‐1α with Specific DNA Yokes for Effective Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wu Bing , Liu Danqing , Chen Yue , Xu Yanfang , Fu Lengxi , Lin Zhenyu , Wu Gui , Huang Fei
Published: May 2024

Hypoxia, a ubiquitous hallmark in cancer, underscores the significance of targeting HIF‐1α, the principal transcriptional factor of hypoxic responses, for effective cancer therapy. Herein, DNA yokes, a novel class of DNA nanomaterials harboring specific HIF‐1α binding sequences (hypoxia response elements, HREs), are introduced as nanopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment. Comprising a basal tetrahedral DNA nanostructure and four HRE‐bearing overhanging chains, DNA yokes exhibit exceptional stability and prolonged intracellular retention. The investigation reveals their capacity to bind HIF‐1α, thereby disrupting its interaction with the downstream genomic DNAs and impeding transcriptional activity. Moreover, DNA yokes facilitate HIF‐1α degradation via the ubiquitination pathway, thereby sequestering it from downstream targets and ultimately promoting its degradation. In addition, DNA yokes attenuate cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion under hypoxic conditions, while also displaying preferential accumulation within tumors, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. This study pioneers a novel approach to cancer therapy through the development of DNA‐based drugs characterized by high stability and low toxicity to normal cells, positioning DNA yokes as promising candidates for cancer treatment.
Efficient Large‐Area (81 cm2) Ternary Copper Halides Light‐Emitting Diodes with External Quantum Efficiency Exceeding 13% via Host‐Guest Strategy
Authors: Lin Shuailing , Ma Zhuangzhuang , Ji Xinzhen , Zhou Qicong , Chu Weihong , Zhang Jibin , Liu Ying , Han Yanbing , Lian Linyuan , Jia Mochen , Chen Xu , Wu Di , Li Xinjian , Zhang Yu , Shan Chongxin , Shi Zhifeng
Published: May 2024

Ternary copper (Cu) halides are promising candidates for replacing toxic lead halides in the field of perovskite light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) toward practical applications. However, the electroluminescent performance of Cu halide‐based LEDs remains a great challenge due to the presence of serious nonradiative recombination and inefficient charge transport in Cu halide emitters. Here, the rational design of host‐guest [dppb]2Cu2I2 (dppb denotes 1,2‐bis[diphenylphosphino]benzene) emitters and its utility in fabricating efficient Cu halide‐based green LEDs that show a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 13.39% are reported. The host‐guest [dppb]2Cu2I2 emitters with mCP (1,3‐bis(N‐carbazolyl)benzene) host demonstrate a significant improvement of carrier radiative recombination efficiency, with the photoluminescence quantum yield increased by nearly ten times, which is rooted in the efficient energy transfer and type‐I energy level alignment between [dppb]2Cu2I2 and mCP. Moreover, the charge‐transporting mCP host can raise the carrier mobility of [dppb]2Cu2I2 films, thereby enhancing the charge transport and recombination. More importantly, this strategy enables a large‐area prototype LED with a record‐breaking area up to 81 cm2, along with a decent EQE of 10.02% and uniform luminance. It is believed these results represent an encouraging stepping stone to bring Cu halide‐based LEDs from the laboratory toward commercial lighting and display panels.
Solar‐Driven Conversion of CO2 to C2 Products by the 3d Transition Metal Intercalates of Layered Lead Iodides
Authors: Yin Jinlin , Li Dongyang , Sun Chen , Jiang Yilin , Li Yukong , Fei Honghan
Published: May 2024

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction to high‐value‐added C2+ products presents significant challenges, which is attributed to the slow kinetics of multi‐e− CO2 photoreduction and the high thermodynamic barrier for C–C coupling. Incorporating redox‐active Co2+/Ni2+ cations into lead halide photocatalysts has high potentials to improve carrier transport and introduce charge polarized bimetallic sites, addressing the kinetic and thermodynamic issues, respectively. In this study, a coordination‐driven synthetic strategy is developed to introduce 3d transition metals into the interlamellar region of layered organolead iodides with atomic precision. The resultant bimetallic halide hybrids exhibit selective photoreduction of CO2 to C2H5OH using H2O vapor at the evolution rates of 24.9–31.4 µmol g−1 h−1 and high selectivity of 89.5–93.6%, while pristine layered lead iodide yields only C1 products. Band structure calculations and photoluminescence studies indicate that the interlayer Co2+/Ni2+ species greatly contribute to the frontier orbitals and enhance exciton dissociation into free carriers, facilitating carrier transport between adjacent lead iodide layers. In addition, Bader charge distribution calculations and in situ experimental spectroscopic studies reveal that the asymmetric Ni–O–Pb bimetallic catalytic sites exhibit intrinsic charge polarization, promoting C–C coupling and leading to the formation of the key *OC–CHO intermediate.
Tailor‐Made Doses of Pharmaceuticals by Tunable Modular Design: A Case Study on Tapering Antidepressant Medication
Authors: Ahola Ilari , Raijada Dhara , Cornett Claus , Bøtker Johan , Rantanen Jukka , Genina Natalja
Published: May 2024

An abrupt cessation of antidepressant medication can be challenging due to the appearance of withdrawal symptoms. A slow hyperbolic tapering of an antidepressant, such as citalopram hydrobromide (CHB), can mitigate the withdrawal syndrome. However, there are no viable dosage forms on the market to implement the tapering scheme. A solution using a tunable modular design (TMD) approach to produce flexible and accurate doses of CHB is proposed. This design consists of two parts: 1) a module with a fixed amount of preloaded CHB in a freeze‐dried polymer matrix, and 2) fine‐tuning the CHB dose by inkjet printing. A noncontact food‐grade printer, used for the first time for printing pharmaceuticals, is modified to allow for accurate printing of the highly concentrated CHB ink on the porous CHB‐free or CHB‐preloaded modules. The produced modules with submilligram precision are bench‐marked with commercially available CHB tablets that are manually divided. The TMD covers the entire range of doses needed for the tapering (0.5–23.8 mg). The greatest variance is 13% and 88% when comparing the TMD and self‐tapering, respectively. Self‐tapering is proven inaccurate and showcases the need for the TMD to make available accurate and personalized doses to wean off treatment with CHB.
Thermally Stable 3D‐Metamaterial Designs with Advanced Hyperbolic Dispersion Manipulation and Magnetic Anisotropy
Authors: Song Jiawei , Zhang Di , Moceri Matteo , Dou Hongyi , Zhang Xinghang , Wang Haiyan
Published: May 2024

Hybrid metamaterials (HMs) have attracted significant research interests owing to their unique optical properties and their ability to manipulate light‐matter interaction in a novel and controlled fashion beyond what any single material offers. Especially 3D HMs are of great interest due to their potential to provide advanced and precise control of such light‐matter interaction in nanoscale. In this study, a set of 3D HM nanocomposite films are designed by integrating three phases, i.e., vertically aligned CoFe2 nanosheets within the matrix of TiN/TaN multilayers. By increasing the number of TiN/TaN multilayers from 2 to 19, a high degree of tunability in optical property has been demonstrated, including well‐tailored optical permittivity, and tunable hyperbolic dispersion from Type‐II to Type‐I. Ferromagnetic CoFe2 nanosheets introduces novel magnetic responses, such as magnetic anisotropy and enhanced coercivity. Furthermore, in situ heating X‐ray diffraction (XRD) suggests good thermal stability of the 3D nanocomposite films up to the measured temperature of 600 °C. This three‐phase 3D nanocomposite design offers more flexibility in HM designs, multifunctionalities, and phase stability, compared with the typical two‐phase HMs toward future metamaterials by design.