SPECT gallium scanning for lymphoma and infection

Thirty gallium scans, using currently acceptable dosage levels (5-6 mCi) and a conventional rotating gamma camera, were performed on 20 patients with lymphoma or infection. Compared to planar scans, SPECT increased sensitivity and lesion detection from 48% to 89% in lymphoma, and from 50% to 80% in infection. The predictive value of a negative site was 81% in lymphoma and 67% in infection. Gallium utility is markedly increased by SPECT imaging. A normal gallium SPECT scan is highly accurate in ruling out disease.     

Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis of human CYP51 inhibitors.

CYP51 fulfills an essential requirement for all cells, by catalyzing three sequential mono-oxidations within the cholesterol biosynthesis cascade. Inhibition of fungal CYP51 is used as a therapy for treating fungal infections, whereas inhibition of human CYP51 has been considered as a pharmacological approach to treat dyslipidemia and some forms of cancer. To predict the interaction of inhibitors with the active site of human CYP51, a three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship model was constructed. This pharmacophore model of the common structural features of CYP51 inhibitors was built using the program Catalyst from multiple inhibitors (n = 26) of recombinant human CYP51-mediated lanosterol 14alpha-demethylation. The pharmacophore, which consisted of one hydrophobe, one hydrogen bond acceptor, and two ring aromatic features, demonstrated a high correlation between observed and predicted IC(50) values (r = 0.92). Validation of this pharmacophore was performed by predicting the IC(50) of a test set of commercially available (n = 19) and CP-320626-related (n = 48) CYP51 inhibitors. Using predictions below 10 microM as a cutoff indicative of active inhibitors, 16 of 19 commercially available inhibitors (84%) and 38 of 48 CP-320626-related inhibitors (79.2%) were predicted correctly. To better understand how inhibitors fit into the enzyme, potent CYP51 inhibitors were used to build a Cerius(2) receptor surface model representing the volume of the active site. This study has demonstrated the potential for ligand-based computational pharmacophore modeling of human CYP51 and enables a high-throughput screening system for drug discovery and data base mining.     

A cluster of bacterial genes for anaerobic benzene ring biodegradation

A reductive benzoate pathway is the central conduit for the anaerobic biodegradation of aromatic pollutants and lignin monomers. Benzene ring reduction requires a large input of energy and this metabolic capability has, so far, been reported only in bacteria. To determine the molecular basis for this environmentally important process, we cloned and analyzed genes required for the anaerobic degradation of benzoate and related compounds from the phototrophic bacterium, Rhodopseudomonas palustris. A cluster of 24 genes was identified that includes twelve genes likely to be involved in anaerobic benzoate degradation and additional genes that convert the related compounds 4-hydroxybenzoate and cyclohexanecarboxylate to benzoyl-CoA. Genes encoding benzoyl-CoA reductase, a novel enzyme able to overcome the resonance stability of the aromatic ring, were identified by directed mutagenesis. The gene encoding the ring-cleavage enzyme, 2-ketocyclohexanecarboxyl-CoA hydrolase, was identified by assaying the enzymatic activity of the protein expressed in Escherichia coli. Physiological data and DNA sequence analyses indicate that the benzoate pathway consists of unusual enzymes for ring reduction and cleavage interposed among enzymes homologous to those catalyzing fatty acid degradation. The cloned genes should be useful as probes to identify benzoate degradation genes from other metabolically distinct groups of anaerobic bacteria, such as denitrifying bacteria and sulfate-reducing bacteria.     

Immunogenicity study of low-dose administration of hepatitis B virus vaccine in newborn infants: A cost reduction trial

Different doses of hepatitis B virus vaccine—prepared by Korea Green Cross Corporation, were given to healthy infants born to HBsAg-negative mothers at birth, 1 and 6 months of age. A dose of 2 μg was administered intradermally in Group A and, in the three other groups, the vaccine was given intramuscularly (i.m.). An adequate follow-up observation was possible for 9 months after birth in 22, 25, 23 and 21 infants in Groups A, B, C and D, respecvely.
Group C (5 μg, i.m.) produced seroconversion most rapidly, showing the highest rate (96%) at 9 months of age. The lowest seroconversion rate (5%) was found at the age of 1 month in Group A subjects, but the rate increased to 91% after a booster dose was given at 6 months of age.
While it can be concluded that a 5 μg i.m. dose of vaccine at 0, 1 and 6 months of age is optimum for the immunization of infants in efficacy and economy, a 2 μg intradermal dose can also be considered as an immunogenic and economical regimen, though the immune response is slower and a special technique is required for immunization.     

Family history of alcoholism, youthful antisocial behavior and problem drinking among DWI offenders

This study assessed the impact of family history of alcoholism and antisocial behavior on problem drinking among male first-time DWI offenders. A sample of 123 men in DWI classes were assessed on demographic factors, antisocial behavior and family history of alcoholism. Also, measures of current and past drinking problems were assessed, including scales of perceived ability to control consumption, degree of physical dependence, occurrence of alcohol-related problems and preoccupation with alcohol. The results indicated that while family history of alcohol and antisocial behavior were not significantly related to quantity/frequency of alcohol consumption or alcohol-related problems, family history was related to drink duration. Main effects of family history and antisocial behavior were found for preoccupation with alcohol and physical dependence. There was a significant interaction with respect to perceived ability to control drinking. Results are discussed with regard to the implication that family history of alcoholism and antisocial behavior may influence the development of important precursors to alcoholism.     

Developing a Documentation System That Works

A documentation system that facilitates accurate and complete recording is needed by every obstetric/neonatal nursing service. Developing an individualized system is a major undertaking. However, specific steps can be taken to ease the process. These steps are described, beginning with the assessment phase and concluding with evaluation.     

44Sacral extracorporeal magnetic stimulation is an effective treatment for pelvic floor dyssynergia; Comparative study with biofeedback therapy

Background: Recent development of extracorporeal magnetic stimulation (ECMS) which uses current‐changing magnetic fields allows the induction of electrical stimulation in the desired deep tissue. Recent study showed the sacral nerve stimulation reduces corticoanal excitability that may play a functional role in anal continence mechanisms. Preliminary study shows that ECMS of sacral nerve can modify pelvic floor function and expel rectal balloon in patients with pelvic floor dyssynergia (PFD). Aims: To evaluate the effect of ECMS compared with biofeedback therapy (BF) in patients with PFD. Methods and Materials: Thirty‐eight patients who fulfilled Rome II criteria for PFD by colon transit time and anorectal function tests, were randomly treated with 8 sessions of ECMS (2/weeks; n = 19) at prone position or BF (2/weeks; n = 19) at sitting position. Stimulation parameters were set at 50–80% of maximum intensity, 10 and 50 Hz frequency, 3 s burst length with 3 and 6 s off using arm‐typed stimulator (BioCom‐1000, Mcube Co., Korea). Symptom scores for constipation with/without anorectal function test were repeatedly measured after each treatment. Response was defined as 50% or more decreased symptom score after treatment (partial response: 30–50%, poor: <30%). Results: Fifteen patients (age 49.1 ± 13.4 years, mean ± SD; 4 men) completed 8 session of BF and 14 patients (54.5 ± 17.6 years, 3 men) completed 8 session of ECMS. Four patients of BF group discontinued treatment due to unsatisfactory therapeutic effect (n = 1) and withdrew consent (n = 3) and 5 patients of ECMS group discontinued treatment because of same reasons (n = 1, 4). Total symptom scores were significantly decreased after treatment of 8 session in both treatment groups (13.4 ± 6.6 vs. 4.3 ± 4.0 for BF, p = 0.009; 14.9 ± 5.6 vs. 3.4 ± 4.0 for ECMS, p < 0.001). Bowel movements per week were also significantly increased after treatment in both groups (median 2 vs. 7 for BF, p = 0.035; median 2 vs. 7 for ECMS, p = 0.008). Thirteen out of 15 patients showed response in BF group and 12 out of 14 showed good response in ECMS group. No adverse effects in both groups. Conclusions: ECMS is as effective as BF for the treatment of PFD. Long‐term effect of ECMS for the patients with pelvic floor dyssynergia need to be evaluated in the near future.