Shortening peel-away sheaths prior to dialysis line insertion--potential decrease of patient risk.

Placement of tunnelled dialysis lines is effective using ultrasoundand fluoroscopic guidance [1] and has a higher success ratethan ‘blind’ insertion [2]. After the ultrasound guided access into a neck vein, wires andcatheters are guided in to a suitable position in the     

Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase stimulates ERK signaling pathway and enhances IL- 8 production by alveolar epithelial cells in culture

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Bacterial products as well as the host airway inflammatory responses contribute to the pathogenesis of Pseudomonas infections. We sought to determine if Pseudomonas elastase (PE) induces mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity in association with interleukin-8 (IL-8) production by alveolar epithelial cells. METHODS: We utilized Western blot analysis to detect phosphorylation of signaling intermediates and ELISA was used to measure IL-8 production. RESULTS: We found that PE induces phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated (ERK1/2) proteins of the MAPK pathway in A549 epithelial cells. Similar results were obtained using primary cultures of rabbit alveolar type II epithelial cells. PE also enhanced IL-8 production, which was abolished in the presence of the ERK activation inhibitor U0126. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that PE activates the ERK1/2 arm of the MAPK pathway and that activation of this pathway results in enhanced IL-8 production. The results demonstrate that PE may augment pulmonary inflammation via cellular signaling that regulates expression of IL-8.     

Neuroprotective effect of nimesulide, a preferential COX-2 inhibitor, against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced chemical kindling and associated biochemical parameters in mice

Brain cyclooxygenases (COX), the rate-limiting enzyme in prostaglandin synthesis, is rapidly and transiently induced by convulsions in hippocampal and cortical neurons. Previous studies have explored the protective effect of naproxen (non-selective COX-inhibitor) or rofecoxib (selective COX-2 inhibitor) against chemical kindling in mice. With this background, the present study was designed to explore the possible effect of nimesulide (a preferential COX-2 inhibitor) against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced kindling epilepsy in mice. To induce kindling, PTZ was injected in a subconvulsive dose (40 mg/kg, i.p.) every other day for 15 days. Nimesulide (2.5 or 5 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered each day 45 min before either PTZ or vehicle challenge. The intensity of kindling was assessed immediately after PTZ administration according to a prevalidated scoring scale. On 16th day i.e. 24 h after the last dose of PTZ, animals were sacrificed and various biochemical parameters were assessed in the whole brain. Compared with normal control group, PTZ-kindled mice had significantly higher levels of malondialdehyde, nitrite, myeloperoxidase but had lower levels of reduced glutathione in the whole brain homogenate. Chronic treatment with nimesulide (2.5 or 5 mg/kg, p.o.) for 15 days showed significant decrease in kindling score and could play a role in controlling the accompanying biochemical alterations due to PTZ. These results suggested that nimesulide, a preferential COX-2 inhibitor offered neuroprotection against PTZ-induced kindling in mice.     

Idiopathic neonatal pleural effusion

We present two cases of neonatal pleural effusion, a relatively rare condition, most commonly due to chylothorax. One had bilateral hypoplastic lungs and the other suffered birth asphyxia. Both died before any treatment could be initiated.     

Occular loiasis in a Zambian woman

Asymptomatic infection with Loa loa, an eye worm, is reported in a 32-year old Zambian woman. The patient revealed up to 28% eosinophilia but microfileraemia was not noticed. One gravid female parasite 56 X 0.56 mm, extracted from lower lid of left eye of the patient, is described. Treatment with diethylcarbamazine (DEC) extended over three weeks was successful against another parasite in tissues.     

Robust fixed‐order H2 controller for micro air vehicle—design and validation

Design and real‐time validation of a robust fixed‐order H₂ optimal controller for micro aerial vehicle, named Sarika‐2, is presented. Strengthened discrete optimal projection equations, which approximate the first‐order necessary optimality condition, are used for the controller design. Effect of low‐frequency gust disturbance and high‐frequency sensor noise is alleviated through the output sensitivity and control sensitivity minimization. The novelty of this paper is that a single robust H₂ controller, which is designed at the central operating point, ensures simultaneous stabilization of the radio‐controlled aircraft over the entire cruise speed range of 16–26 m/s. The controller is implemented on a digital‐signal‐processor‐based flight computer, and subsequently, it is validated through the real‐time hardware‐in‐loop‐simulation. The responses obtained from the hardware‐in‐loop‐simulation compares well with those obtained from the off‐line simulation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.