Quantitation of membrane glycoprotein IIIa on intact human platelets using the monoclonal antibody, AP-3

A murine monoclonal antibody specific for glycoprotein (GP)IIIa was prepared by immunization with a GPIIb- and GPIIIa-enriched Triton X-114 extract of platelet membranes. This antibody, designated AP-3, was shown by indirect immunoprecipitation to react solely with GPIIIa derived from either P1A1-positive or -negative individuals. The epitope on GPIIIa recognized by AP-3 is expressed on dissociated GPIIIa as well as on Ca+2-dependent complexes of GPIIb and GPIIIa, as shown by crossed immunoelectrophoresis in the presence or absence of EDTA. A previously described monoclonal antibody specific for the GPIIb/IIIa complex (AP- 2) inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP, thrombin, collagen, or arachidonic acid (Pidard et al, J Biol Chem 258:12582-12586, 1983). In contrast, AP-3 had no effect on aggregation induced by any of these reagents, a finding similar to that previously reported for the GPIIb- specific monoclonal antibody, Tab (McEver et al, J Clin Invest 66:1311- 1318, 1980). At saturation, 40,200 AP-3 molecules were bound per platelet, a value similar to that obtained for AP-2 or Tab. Thus, data derived using AP-3 indicate that significant amounts of free GPIIIa are not present, thereby supporting the hypothesis that GPIIb and GPIIIa exist complexed in a 1:1 stoichiometry in the plasma membrane of intact, nonactivated platelets.     

The effect of recombinant GM-CSF on the recovery of monkeys transplanted with autologous bone marrow

The regulatory function of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) on granulocyte production in vivo was evaluated in an autologous bone marrow transplantation model using rhesus monkeys. Monkeys were exposed to 9.0 Gy total body irradiation and then transplanted with 5.0 x 10(7) low-density bone marrow cells/kg. Alzet miniosmotic pumps were subcutaneously implanted to deliver rhGM-CSF at a rate of 50,400 U/kg/d. Minipumps, containing either rhGM-CSF or saline, were implanted between zero and five days after transplantation for seven days. Kinetic recoveries of peripheral blood cells after either saline or rhGM-CSF treatment were compared. Treatment with rhGM-CSF accelerated the recovery of neutrophils. Neutrophils in rhGM-CSF-treated animals recovered to 80% (3.4 x 10(3)/mm3) pre-irradiation control levels by day 20, in comparison with only 33% (0.9 x 10(3)/mm3) recovery for saline control monkeys. In addition, the recovery of neutrophils was enhanced over that of the controls, reaching 140% v 70% on day 30. Another prominent feature of rhGM-CSF-treated monkeys was the accelerated recovery of platelets, reaching near 50% normal levels by day 24 in comparison with 20% of normal levels for controls. The infusion of rhGM-CSF was shown to be an effective regulator of early hematopoietic regeneration, leading to the accelerated recovery of both neutrophils and platelets and then providing a consistent sustained increase of neutrophils even in the absence of rhGM-CSF.     

The broad-spectrum antiemetic effects ETI-385 result from stimulation of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1D receptors

In the present study, we describe how a nonstoichiometric ratio of the isomers of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (DPAT) produce a broad-spectrum of antiemetic effects in cats and shrews. Determination of the receptor profile of the isomers and testing them separately in cats revealed superior antiemetic effects but severe defensive behavior with the R isomer compared with the S isomer. Differing ratios yielded the best results with the 1:8 (R–S) ratio producing a drug more potent than DPAT and with negligible defensive behavior side effects. Studies with selective 5-HT1D ligands led to the conclusion that this site contributes antiemetic efficacy but is not related to defensive behavior, which is most likely a consequence of 5-HT7 receptor activation. ETI-385 was effective in preventing emetic responses to provocative motion, drugs acting at the chemical trigger zone and cisplatin in both cats and shrews. The results support a clinical trial of this drug for antiemetic effects.     

Practice does not make perfect in a modified sustained attention to response task

In the current investigation, we examined the changes in performance, task-related thoughts (TRT), and task-unrelated thoughts (TUT) over four sessions of a modified sustained attention to response task (SART). Eighteen participants completed a clockwise manual selection SART (Head and Helton in Conscious Cogn 22:913–919, 2013) and a conscious thought questionnaire once a week for four weeks. Response times and errors of commission oscillated over sessions in line with a motor strategy interpretation of the SART. As participants became faster in the task, they made more commission errors. The conscious thought questionnaire failed to show a relationship between errors of commission and TRT and TUT on the SART at either a between-subject or within-subject level of analysis. Commission errors in the SART may be better measures of executive motor control and response strategy than perceptual decoupling.     

Women's opinion on the use and offer of ovarian reserve testing: A First step towards a wide ranged social discussion

Objective.?To determine the opinion among three groups of women (sub-fertile women, fertile women and female medical students), concerning the use of ovarian reserve tests to determine the chance of an assisted reproductive techniques' (ART) induced pregnancy or a spontaneous pregnancy.

Design.?Prospective study using questionnaires in three groups of women: patients visiting the out patient infertility clinic at the Academic Medical Centre Groningen, women who had delivered at least two children and female medical students.

Results.?The response rate varied from 63% (female medical students) to 56% (fertile women with children) and 48% (sub-fertile women). The greater part of women of all three groups found it was up to the women themselves to decide whether or not to start fertility treatment, even though the ovarian reserve test indicated little chance of success. 71% of the sub-fertile women stated that any chance justified fertility treatment. None of the three groups of women were very enthusiastic about the use of these tests for family planning.

Conclusions.?Based on results of ovarian reserve tests women could decide not to partake of a - generally demanding - fertility treatment. The outcome of the study, however, does not support this: even low chances of success are found acceptable. The ability to determine the individual ovarian reserve makes this test also a suitable device for family planning. The discussion whether these new possibilities will be useful for reproductive science will greatly depend on women's attitude towards this issue.     

Laminectomy and fusion versus laminoplasty for the treatment of degenerative cervical myelopathy: results from the AOSpine North America and International prospective multicenter studies

Background Context

It remains unclear whether cervical laminoplasty (LP) offers advantages over cervical laminectomy and fusion (LF) in patients undergoing posterior decompression for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM).

Influence of the limited interchange rule on injury rates in sub-elite Rugby league players

This study investigated the incidence of injury in sub-elite Rugby League players before and after the introduction of the limited interchange rule. The incidence of injury was prospectively studied in one sub-elite Rugby League club over three competitive seasons. Two seasons were played under the unlimited interchange rule, while the third season was played under the limited interchange rule. Players participated in 91 matches under the unlimited interchange rule and 44 matches under the limited interchange rule. Injury was defined as any pain, disability or injury that occurred as a result of a competition game that caused the player to miss a subsequent game. The relative risk (RR) of injury significantly decreased (RR = 0.70 [0.65 to 0.75], P<0.05) following the introduction of the limited interchange rule, with the incidence of injury decreasing from 72.5 (58.2 to 86.8) per 1000 playing hr under the unlimited interchange rule to 51.0 (33.8 to 68.1) per 1000 playing hr under the limited interchange rule. The risk of sustaining thigh and calf injuries (RR= 0.27 [0.12 to 0.59], P < 0.05), muscular strains (RR= 0.23 10.17 to 0.31]., P<0.05), and high intensity running injuries (RR= 0.16 [0.04 to 0.691, P<0.05) was significantly reduced following the introduction of the limited interchange rule. These findings demonstrate that the risk of injury in sub-elite Rugby League players is significantly reduced following the introduction of the limited interchange rule. The reduced injury risk may reflect a fatigue-induced reduction in match speed and impact forces associated with physical collisions and tackles.     

Impact of electronic health records on nurses' productivity

As the use of electronic health records increases, it becomes necessary to address their global impact on nurses' productivity in hospitals. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the impact of electronic health records on nurses' productivity and to examine whether the impacts are moderated through case-mix index or adjusted patient-days. Two sources of data were linked and analyzed for years 2007 and 2008: the American Hospital Association survey and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data. Almost two-thirds of the respondent hospitals in both years (63.9% in 2007 and 68.4% in 2008) had a high electronic health record index (≥5). Hospitals with higher penetration of electronic health records had more RNs employed (coefficient=0.234, P=.002) compared with hospitals with low penetration of electronic health records, even when controlling for adjusted patient-day volumes. This difference decreased for hospitals with higher case-mix index values. The study findings fail to suggest any financial savings or superior productivity in nurses due to usage of electronic health records.     

Biomechanics of the sensor-tissue interface-effects of motion, pressure, and design on sensor performance and foreign body response-part II: examples and application

This article is the second part of a two-part review in which we explore the biomechanics of the sensor-tissue interface as an important aspect of continuous glucose sensor biocompatibility. Part I, featured in this issue of Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, describes a theoretical framework of how biomechanical factors such as motion and pressure (typically micromotion and micropressure) affect tissue physiology around a sensor and in turn, impact sensor performance. Here in Part II, a literature review is presented that summarizes examples of motion or pressure affecting sensor performance. Data are presented that show how both acute and chronic forces can impact continuous glucose monitor signals. Also presented are potential strategies for countering the ill effects of motion and pressure on glucose sensors. Improved engineering and optimized chemical biocompatibility have advanced sensor design and function, but we believe that mechanical biocompatibility, a rarely considered factor, must also be optimized in order to achieve an accurate, long-term, implantable sensor.