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Open heart surgery in Europe 1993.

Since 1990 the Institute of Cardiac Survey has compiled data on open heart surgery. In 1993 247,943 operations were performed. Subsets have been performed as follows: 61.9%: 153,670 of the operations were on the coronaries (CABG), 22.8%: 56,574 for valve replacement, 9.7%: 24,174 for congenital lesions, 2.5%: 6,308 other operations, 1.9%: 4,689 aortic aneurysms, 1.0%: 2,528 for heart replacement. 1993 was the first year that the data for direct surgery on the aorta (ascending, descending) in dissection or aneurysm were collected effectively. This subset was 1.9%, e.g. 4,689, of the total number. The increasing rate of open heart surgery in Europe was 8.3%, whereby the highest increasing rate could be observed in CABG.

Aortic Dissection↗

A common open representation of mass spectrometry data and its application to proteomics research.

A broad range of mass spectrometers are used in mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics research. Each type of instrument possesses a unique design, data system and performance specifications, resulting in strengths and weaknesses for different types of experiments. Unfortunately, the native binary data formats produced by each type of mass spectrometer also differ and are usually proprietary. The diverse, nontransparent nature of the data structure complicates the integration of new instruments into preexisting infrastructure, impedes the analysis, exchange, comparison and publication of results from different experiments and laboratories, and prevents the bioinformatics community from accessing data sets required for software development. Here, we introduce the 'mzXML' format, an open, generic XML (extensible markup language) representation of MS data. We have also developed an accompanying suite of supporting programs. We expect that this format will facilitate data management, interpretation and dissemination in proteomics research.

Database Management Systems↗

Effect of N-bromoacetamide on single sodium channel currents in excised membrane patches.

We have studied the effect of N-bromoacetamide (NBA) on the behavior of single sodium channel currents in excised patches of rat myotube membrane at 10 degree C. Inward sodium currents were activated by voltage steps from holding potentials of about -100 mV to test potentials of -40 mV. The cytoplasmic-face solution was isotonic CsF. Application of NBA or pronase to the cytoplasmic face of the membrane irreversibly removed sodium channel inactivation, as determined by averaged single-channel records. Teh lifetime of the open channel at -40 mV was increased about 10-fold by NBA treatment without affecting the amplitude of single-channel currents. A binomial analysis was used both before and after treatment to determine the number of channels within the excised patch. NBA was shown to have little effect on activation kinetics, as determined by an examination of both the rising phase of averaged currents and measurements f the delay between the start of the pulse and the first channel opening. Our data support a kinetic model of sodium channel activation in which the rate constant leading back from the open state to the last closed state is slower than expected from a strict Hodgkin-Huxley model. The data also suggest that the normal open-channel lifetime is primarily determined by the inactivation process in the voltage range we have examined.

Acetamides↗

Determining the frequency of open windows in residences: a pilot study in Durham, North Carolina during varying temperature conditions.

Air pollution exposures in the residential microenvironment can be significantly affected by air exchange rate (AER). A number of studies have shown that AER in residences is significantly affected by the number and location of open windows and doors. A pilot study was conducted in Durham, North Carolina, to determine whether useful data on open windows and doors could be acquired through a visual survey. The study consisted of 72 2-h survey sessions conducted between October 24, 2001 and March 13, 2003. During the first hour of each session, a technician selected a set of corner residences in one of 48 census tracts and completed a survey form and meteorological measurements for each residence. During the second hour, the technician revisited each residence surveyed during the first hour. The resulting database included data on 2200 "residential visits" (1100 residences times two visits per residence). The technician observed one or more open windows during 20.0 percent of the residential visits. One or more open doors were observed during 13.4 percent of the residential visits; 28.2 percent of the residential visits were associated with at least one open window or door. A series of stepwise linear regression analyses were performed on the data to identify factors associated with open windows and doors. Results of these analyses indicated that the likelihood of one or more windows being opened tended to increase under the following conditions: occupancy at time of visit; session during April, May, or June; high population or housing density; window air conditioning (AC) units; absence of AC; large number of doors; and wind speed above 2 mph. The likelihood of open doors tended to increase under the following conditions: occupancy at time of visit; residence within city limits; session during April, May, or June; detached one-story residence; large number of doors; high housing density; school out; and residence within 10 m of road. Transition probabilities (closed to open and open to closed) were determined for windows and doors by time of day.

Air Conditioning↗

Use of medication data to validate an association in community-based symptom prevalence studies.

A chemical spill from an oil refinery in Texas City, Texas, exposed the community to more than 40,000 lbs (18,144 kg) of highly toxic and corrosive hydrofluoric acid. A symptom prevalence study indicated an association between symptom reports, most notably breathing symptoms, and hydrofluoric acid exposure. Although verification of self-reported symptoms by checking medical records or performing clinical tests is theoretically possible, it is not a feasible alternative in dealing with an entire community. Open-ended data on medication use collected in the prevalence study were coded by organ system and analyzed by cross-classification techniques and log linear models. Results showed that the reported use of medication for hydrofluoric acid-related problems was associated with the exposure; medication use for problems unrelated to hydrofluoric acid exposure was uniform across the exposure categories. Moreover, medication use was significantly associated with the severity of breathing-related problems for each exposure category. Medication use, however, may have been under-reported because it seems difficult to conjure up the names of medications that were not taken or medications not taken recently may not be recalled. Nonetheless, open-ended medication data may be a useful surrogate approach to validating an association between an exposure and health outcomes.

Air Pollutants↗

Open versus closed halo rings: comparison of fixation strengths.

STUDY DESIGN AND OBJECTIVE: A mechanical skull model was used to compare axial loads to failure for three marketed and one experimental halo ring. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Open-back halo rings have become increasingly popular; however, to the authors' best knowledge the literature provides no comparison of the fixation strength of an open-back halo versus the traditional closed design. METHODS: A model biomechanically similar to a human skull was used to compare the axial force necessary to distract each of four halo rings to failure. Three clinically used halo rings were compared: a closed titanium ring, an open titanium ring, and an open graphite ring. One additional open titanium halo ring was constructed with an angular profile; this ring was compared with the clinically used halos. RESULTS: The mean force to failure for the closed titanium ring significantly exceeded that for the open rings (P < 0.005). No significant differences were noted among the open halo rings. DISCUSSION: The data obtained by use of this biomechanical model show that the closed halo ring provides distraction strength greater than that of the open rings, suggesting a more rigid system with the closed device. Use of an angular halo did not improve fixation strength in the open ring device. These findings may support use of a closed halo ring in cervical spine traction and immobilization, if this greater strength is shown to be sufficiently clinically important to offset any disadvantages of a closed ring.

Bone Nails↗

An early gene of the Chlorella virus PBCV-1 encodes a functional aspartate transcarbamylase.

PBCV-1 belongs to a family of large viruses that replicate in the exsymbiont green algae Chlorella strain NC64A. The viral, 330-kb DNA genome encodes a relatively large number of functionally active proteins including restriction and modification enzymes, DNA polymerase, glycosylation, and cell wall degrading enzymes. Sequencing of the viral DNA, now in progress, revealed many major open reading frames (ORF), which resemble known genes in sequence data bases and which have not previously been found in viral genomes. Here we report on the identification and characterization of one such gene, aspartate transcarbamylase (ATCase), an enzyme that catalyzes the committing step in the de novo biosynthetic pathway of pyrimidines. The cloned gene is highly homologous to a variety of plant ATCases and includes the typical ATCase catalytic motif. When cloned into the pGEX-2T expression vector, a fusion protein with ATCase activity could be demonstrated and distinguished from the host ATCase activity. The viral enzyme is expressed early and transiently in the infection. To our knowledge, this is the first virus known to encode and express its own de novo nucleotide precursors' synthetic enzymes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Somatic treatment of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents.

The currently available data from randomized, controlled trials and a considerable amount of open clinical data suggest that adolescent-onset bipolar disorder probably responds to the same agents as adult-onset bipolar disorder. Research examining psychopharmacologic treatment approaches in the early-onset bipolar disorder is limited, however. Methodologic problems include small sample sizes, lack of comparison groups, retrospective designs,and lack of standardized measures. In addition, sometimes no clear differentiation is made between mania and bipolar disorder, the latter term being used broadly in the literature. Often the studies show that symptoms improve because of treatment, but the functioning of the patients does not improve significantly. More research is clearly needed in all aspects of this disorder but especially in examining the efficacy of various types of treatment, its longitudinal course, and diagnostic issues. The indications for, and the overall duration of, long-term maintenance therapy need further study.Many adolescents and children with bipolar disorder do not respond to any of the first-line pharmacologic treatments; therefore, studies with novel agents should be extended to patients in this age range. Furthermore, physicians will probably continue to use combination therapies when confronted by either lack of efficacy or delayed onset of efficacy with a single agent. Thus, such resultant drug-drug interactions also should also be systematically studied [97].

Adolescent↗

Somatic treatment of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents.

The currently available data from randomized, controlled trials and a considerable amount of open clinical data suggest that adolescent-onset bipolar disorder probably responds to the same agents as adult-onset bipolar disorder. Research examining psychopharmacologic treatment approaches in the early-onset bipolar disorder is limited, however. Methodologic problems include small sample sizes, lack of comparison groups, retrospective designs, and lack of standardized measures. In addition, sometimes no clear differentiation is made between mania and bipolar disorder, the latter term being used broadly in the literature. Often the studies show that symptoms improve because of treatment, but the functioning of the patients does not improve significantly. More research is clearly needed in all aspects of this disorder but especially in examining the efficacy of various types of treatment, its longitudinal course, and diagnostic issues. The indications for, and the overall duration of, long-term maintenance therapy need further study. Many adolescents and children with bipolar disorder do not respond to any of the first-line pharmacologic treatments; therefore, studies with novel agents should be extended to patients in this age range. Furthermore, physicians will probably continue to use combination therapies when confronted by either lack of efficacy or delayed onset of efficacy with a single agent. Thus, such resultant drug-drug interactions also should also be systematically studied [97].

Adolescent↗

Effects of isoflurane on acetylcholine receptor channels. 1. Single-channel currents.

We studied the effects of the volatile general anesthetic isoflurane on single acetylcholine (ACh) receptor channels from clonal BC3H-1 cells. Excised patches were exposed to concentrations of isoflurane ranging from 0.18% to 4.0%, in the presence of 200 nM ACh. Isoflurane transformed channel behavior from isolated openings into bursts of brief openings. The channel open time decreased monotonically with the concentration of isoflurane; the mean open time was half of control at 0.4% isoflurane. The duration of bursts also decreased in the presence of isoflurane. The duration of brief closures within bursts was 300-400 musec at concentrations above 0.3% isoflurane. The number of openings per burst increased moderately with isoflurane but did not exceed 3. The frequency of bursts increased with the concentration of isoflurane. The apparent single-channel conductance decreased to 75% of control at 4% isoflurane. These results are discussed in terms of models of channel block. The concentration dependence of the open time, the gap duration, and the conductance are consistent with a sequential open-channel blocking mechanism in which most but not all blocking events were resolved. A model that assumes that isoflurane "blocks" both open and closed channels was then considered. This model is consistent not only with the open time data but also with the burst duration and number of openings per burst. These results indicate that isoflurane has effects on closed as well as open ACh receptor channels.

Animals↗

Efficacy of stimulants in adult ADHD.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature regarding the efficacy of stimulants to treat attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. DATA SOURCES: The relevant pharmaceutical manufacturers were contacted, and searches of MEDLINE (1966-December 2002) and the reference sections of each article obtained were performed using the key search terms: adult ADHD, stimulants, methylphenidate, amphetamines, and pemoline. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All English-language original studies identified from the data sources were evaluated and all information deemed relevant was included in the review. DATA SYNTHESIS: Studies involving methylphenidate, amphetamines, and pemoline were identified. There was evidence for the efficacy of amphetamines from 5 studies (4 controlled, 1 open). Methylphenidate data from 6 controlled trials were conflicting. Three studies indicated efficacy; 2 studies failed to show efficacy, possibly due to methodologic reasons; and the results from 1 study were conflicting. The limited data from 1 controlled and 1 open study indicated that pemoline may be less effective than methylphenidate and amphetamines. CONCLUSIONS: While the current limited data indicate that stimulants may be effective in adult ADHD, more data are required to confirm long-term efficacy.

Adult↗

Mitochondrial DNA mutations cause resistance to opening of the permeability transition pore.

The age-related accumulation of mitochondrial DNA mutations has the potential to impair organ function and contribute to disease. In support of this hypothesis, accelerated mitochondrial mutagenesis is pathogenic in the mouse heart, and there is an increase in myocyte apoptosis. The current study sought to identify functional alterations in cell death signaling via mitochondria. Of particular interest is the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, opening of which can initiate cell death, while pore inhibition is protective. Here, we show that mitochondria from transgenic mice that develop mitochondrial DNA mutations have a marked inhibition of calcium-induced pore opening. Temporally, inhibited pore opening coincides with disease. Pore inhibition also correlates with an increase in Bcl-2 protein integrated into the mitochondrial membrane. We hypothesized that pore inhibition was mediated by mitochondrial Bcl-2. To test this hypothesis, we treated isolated mitochondria with Bcl-2 antagonistic peptides (derived from the BH3 domain of Bax or Bid). These peptides released the inhibition to pore opening. The data are consistent with a Bcl-2-mediated inhibition of pore opening. Thus, mitochondrial DNA mutations induce an adaptive-protective response in the heart that inhibits opening of the mitochondrial permeability pore.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Hand assisted laparoscopic bilateral nephroureterectomy in 1 session without repositioning patients is facilitated by alternating inflation cuffs.

PURPOSE: Transitional cell carcinoma is common and often multifocal in patients with uremia. We report a novel approach of simultaneous laparoscopic bilateral nephroureterectomy without the need to reposition patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients with uremia and organ confined transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract underwent simultaneous laparoscopic bilateral nephroureterectomy. Inflatable cuffs of an air tourniquet device were placed beneath each side of the back. Alternatively inflating the cuffs and rotating the operation table facilitated position changes during surgery. The incision for the hand assisted device during laparoscopy was also used for resecting the distal ureters in an open manner. Data were compared with those on 7 patients treated with simultaneous open bilateral nephroureterectomy. RESULTS: All laparoscopic bilateral nephroureterectomies were accomplished successfully without complications except for heart failure and atlectasis in a patient with a history of myocardial ischemia. Mean blood loss (218 versus 457 ml.), parenteral narcotic requirement (25 versus 60 mg. morphine equivalent), solid food oral intake (39 versus 83 hours), postoperative hospital stay (9 versus 14 days) and convalescence to normal nonstrenuous activity (3.5 versus 5.4 weeks) were superior in the laparoscopic bilateral nephroureterectomy group. Mean operative time was about 5 hours in each group. CONCLUSION: Our data show that laparoscopic bilateral nephroureterectomy facilitated by inflatable cuffs can be performed at 1 stage with a clear operative field and no repositioning problems.

Adult↗

An e-science environment for service crystallography--from submission to dissemination.

The U.K. National Crystallography Service (NCS) has developed a prototype e-science infrastructure for the provision of a small molecule crystallography service from sample receipt to results dissemination. This paper outlines the two strands of this service, which (a) enable a user to contribute in the conduction of an experiment and (b) provide an effective route for the archival and dissemination of the arising results. Access to use the NCS facilities and expertise and a mechanism to submit samples is granted through a secure Grid infrastructure, which seamlessly provides instantaneous feedback and the ability to remotely monitor and guide diffraction experiments and stage the diffraction data to a securely accessible location. Publication of all the data and results generated during the course of the experiment, from processed data to analyzed structures, is then enabled by means of an open access data repository. The repository publishes its content through established digital libraries' protocols, which enable harvester and aggregator services to make the data searchable and accessible.

Crystallography, X-Ray↗

Molecular characterization of type E Clostridium botulinum and comparison to other types of Clostridium botulinum.

Determination of nucleotide sequence upstream to the neurotoxin binding protein (NBP) gene of type E Clostridium botulinum has revealed an open reading frame whose stop codon is only 18 bp apart from the start codon of the NBP gene. Amino acid sequence derived from the corresponding nucleotide sequence suggested the existence of the open reading frame as a 47.8 kDa protein (P-48). Protein data bank search revealed that the 47.8 kDa protein has 80% sequence identity to P-47 of type F C. botulinum. The gene organization of type E. Clostridium botulinum was predicted and compared to other types of C. botulinum. In type E C. botulinum, genes for the P-48, the neurotoxin binding protein and the neurotoxin form an operon which was similar to that of type F C. botulinum. However, type E C. botulinum has a P-18 gene instead of P-21 gene observed in type F C. botulinum, both located upstream to their respective P-48/P-47 gene.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Security of healthcare information systems based on the CORBA middleware.

The development of healthcare systems in accordance to the "Shared Care" paradigm results in co-operative health information systems across the boundaries of organisational, technological, and policy domains. Increasingly, these distributed and heterogeneous systems are based on middleware approaches, such as CORBA. Regarding the sensitivity of personal and medical data, such open, distributed, and heterogeneous health information systems demand a high level of data protection and data security, both with respect to patient information and with respect to users. The security concepts and measures available and additionally needed in health information systems based on CORBA architecture are described in this paper. The proposed security solution is also open to other middleware approaches, such as DHE or HL7.

Computer Communication Networks↗

CORBA security services for health information systems.

The structure of healthcare systems in developed countries is changing to 'shared care', enforced by economic constraints and caused by a change in the basic conditions of care. That development results in co-operative health information systems across the boundaries of organisational, technological, and policy domains. Increasingly, these distributed and, as far as their domains are concerned, heterogeneous systems are based on middleware approaches, such as CORBA. Regarding the sensitivity of personal and medical data, such open, distributed, and heterogeneous health information systems require a high level of data protection and data security, both with respect to patient information and with respect to users. This paper, relying on experience gained through our activities in CORBAmed, describes the possibilities the CORBA middleware provides to achieve application and communication security. On the background of the overall CORBA architecture, it outlines the different security services previewed in the adopted CORBA specifications which are discussed in the context of the security requirements of healthcare information systems. Security services required in the healthcare domain but not available at the moment are mentioned. A solution is proposed, which on the one hand allows to make use of the available CORBA security services and additional ones, on the other hand remains open to other middleware approaches, such as DHE or HL7.

Computer Communication Networks↗