Showing papers by "Saint Francis University published in 2005"

Ethnic differences in coronary calcification: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Abstract: Background— There is substantial evidence that coronary calcification, a marker for the presence and quantity of coronary atherosclerosis, is higher in US whites than blacks; however, there have been no large population-based studies comparing coronary calcification among US ethnic groups. Methods and Results— Using computed tomography, we measured coronary calcification in 6814 white, black, Hispanic, and Chinese men and women aged 45 to 84 years with no clinical cardiovascular disease who participated in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). The prevalence of coronary calcification (Agatston score >0) in these 4 ethnic groups was 70.4%, 52.1%, 56.5%, and 59.2%, respectively, in men (P<0.001) and 44.6%, 36.5%, 34.9%, and 41.9%, respectively, (P<0.001) in women. After adjustment for age, education, lipids, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, treatment for hypercholesterolemia, gender, and scanning center, compared with whites, the relative risks for having coronary calcification ...

Mechanisms of glucocorticoid action in bone

Abstract: Glucocorticoids induce rapid bone loss and increase the risk for osteoporotic fractures. The mechanisms include a phase of increased bone resorption, probably a result of the increased expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-k-B ligand and colony stimulating factor-1, followed-up by a decrease in bone formation. This effect is central to the actions of glucocorticoids in bone and it is secondary to the loss of bone forming cells, caused by an inhibition of cell differentiation and an increase in the apoptosis of mature osteoblasts and osteocytes. Glucocorticoids also inhibit the function of mature osteoblasts and suppress the synthesis of insulin-like growth factor-I, an agent that enhances bone formation. Glucocorticoids alter the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor axis in cartilage and, as a consequence, suppress linear growth.

Skeletal overexpression of gremlin impairs bone formation and causes osteopenia.

Abstract: Skeletal cells synthesize bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and BMP antagonists. Gremlin, a BMP antagonist, is expressed in osteoblasts and opposes BMP effects on osteoblastic differentiation and function in vitro. However, its effects in vivo are not known. To investigate the actions of gremlin on bone remodeling in vivo, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing gremlin under the control of the osteocalcin promoter. Gremlin transgenics exhibited bone fractures and reduced bone mineral density by 20–30%, compared with controls. Static and dynamic histomorphometry of femurs revealed that gremlin overexpression caused reduced trabecular bone volume and the appearance of woven bone. Polarized light microscopy revealed disorganized collagen bundles at the endosteal cortical surface. Gremlin transgenic mice displayed a 70% decrease in the number of osteoblasts/trabecular area and reduced mineral apposition and bone formation rates. In vivo bromodeoxyuridine labeling and marrow stromal cell cultures demonst...

Impact of Surface Immobilization and Solution Ionic Strength on the Formal Potential of Immobilized Cytochrome c

Abstract: Four different self-assembled monolayer (SAM) electrode systems were examined electrochemically in order to better understand surface charge effects on the redox thermodynamics of immobilized horse heart cytochrome c (cyt c). Neutralization of protein surface charge upon adsorption on anionic COOH-terminated SAMs was found to cause substantial changes in the formal potential, as determined by cyclic voltammetry. For cyt c immobilized on negatively charged surfaces, the formal potential shifted to more negative values as the ionic strength was decreased, which is opposite to the trend displayed by solution cyt c. In contrast, immobilization to uncharged interfaces resulted in an ionic strength dependence for cyt c that is similar to its solution behavior. The results provide insight into the importance of surface charge on the formal potential of cyt c.

Doppler tissue imaging for the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function: a systematic approach for the sonographer.

Abstract: Therefore, this article will: (1)discuss the potential role for DTI in the assessmentof diastolic function combined with standard trans-mitral Doppler recordings; (2) review prior studiesof DTI in the estimation of LV filling pressures; (3)highlight technical issues associated with DTI; and(4) propose a systematic approach for the sonogra-pher to obtain accurate and reproducible Dopplertissue tracings.

Substance involvement and the trajectory of criminal offending in young male.

Abstract: The current study investigated the influence of substance involvement on the trajectory of delinquency. Data were from 625 Buffalo, NY males aged 16-19, interviewed three times at 18-month intervals. Hierarchical linear models were fit separately for respondents with increasing and declining delinquency. In the increasing group, aIcohol involvment was associated with a higher starting point (intercept), and alcohol dependence and drug consequences were associated with a faster increase. In the declining group, alcohol dependence and drug consequences were associated with a higher starting point, and frequency of drug use was associated with a slower decline. Alcohol involvement is important in the early delinquent career whereas illicit drug use delays maturing out of delinquency. In a further analysis, substance involvement variables were time-varying covariates in the within-subjects model and controls in the between-subjects model. Respondents' alcohol and other drug use varied across time in sync with their criminal offending.

The epidemiology of partialandrogen deficiency in aging men (PADAM).

Abstract: The quest for eternal youth has been prevalent in civilised societies in many cultures for many centuries. Preventing or deferring the disabilities and morbidities associated with aging through judicious pharmacotherapy has become a particularly relevant healthcare target with the rapid and relentless global demographic shift towards an increasingly elderly population in the 21th century. Aging men commonly loose muscle, become frail, have impaired sexual and cognitive functions, low mood, develop osteopenia and/or osteoporosis with increased risk for fractures and gain visceral fat which predisposes to diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and ischemic heart disease. These alterations in body function are reminiscent of states of androgen deficiency in younger patients. Indeed, aging is associated with a progressive age-related but variable decline in sex hormones. This condition has been named partial androgen deficiency in aging men (PADAM) and consists in a gradual decline in sex hormone levels over years resulting in physical and psychological changes as depression, impotence, decreased sex drive, loss of muscle tone or strength and lethargy. In this review we have tried to give a real identity to PADAM and quantify its entitiy, using the power of the epidemiology.

Long-term experience providing antiretroviral drugs in a fee-for-service HIV clinic in Uganda: evidence of extended virologic and CD4+ cell count responses.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the long-term experience of providing antiretroviral (ARV) therapy including CD4+ cell count and virologic response at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya Uganda. Methods: The HIV clinic established in 1998 is a fee-for-service model where patients pay for ARVs. The care of patients who started ARVs from August 1 1998 until October 31 2000 was evaluated through December 31 2002. Data were collected at the HIV clinic on standardized clinical forms. These patients had free CD4+ cell count and viral load testing performed at times determined by the physician. All persons who had =1 CD4+ cell count or viral load done =90 days after starting therapy were evaluated. Results: Three hundred twenty-one patients (49% women 66% ARV na‹ve median age = 38 years median CD4+ cell count = 79 cells/mm(3) and median viral load = 249489 copies/mL) attended the HIV clinic. Two hundred sixty-three (82%) patients returned at least once after the initial visit of whom 54 (21%) had an interruption in therapy for >1 year. One hundred thirty-five patients were in care 2002 69 were known to have died (9 of whom died in 2002) and 68 were lost to follow-up. The probability of remaining alive and in care at 1 year was 0.56 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50-0.61) 0.46 (95% CI: 0.41-0.51) at 2 years 0.40 (95% CI: 0.34-0.45) at 3 years and 0.35 (95% CI: 0.29-0.41) at 4 years. In an on-treatment analysis the median CD4+ cell count increase during year 1 was +55 cells/mm(3) +112 cells/mm(3) during year 2 +142 cells/mm(3) during year 3 and +131 cells/mm3 during 4. The median log viral load change from baseline during year 1 was -1.4 copies/mL -1.32 copies/mL during year 2 -1.9 copies/mL during year 3 and -1.51 copies/mL during year 4. Conclusions: This fee-for-service HIV clinic providing ARV treatment has successfully operated and managed patients for more than 4 years. Those who survived and remained on therapy derived long-term virologic and immunologic responses to ARV drugs in a manner similar to that observed in industrialized countries. Strategies to reduce the financial burden and other barriers to uninterrupted care as well as incentives to increase such practice models should be further explored in the African context. (authors)

Clinical use of a commercial Monte Carlo treatment planning system for electron beams.

Abstract: In 2002 we fully implemented clinically a commercial Monte Carlo based treatment planning system for electron beams. The software, developed by MDS Nordion (presently Nucletron), is based on Kawrakow's VMC++ algorithm. The Monte Carlo module is integrated with our Theraplan Plustrade mark treatment planning system. An extensive commissioning process preceded clinical implementation of this software. Using a single virtual 'machine' for each electron beam energy, we can now calculate very accurately the dose distributions and the number of MU for any arbitrary field shape and SSD. This new treatment planning capability has significantly impacted our clinical practice. Since we are more confident of the actual dose delivered to a patient, we now calculate accurate three-dimensional (3D) dose distributions for a greater variety of techniques and anatomical sites than we have in the past. We use the Monte Carlo module to calculate dose for head and neck, breast, chest wall and abdominal treatments with electron beams applied either solo or in conjunction with photons. In some cases patient treatment decisions have been changed, as compared to how such patients would have been treated in the past. In this paper, we present the planning procedure and some clinical examples.

Enzymes responsible for chlorate reduction by Pseudomonas sp. are different from those used for perchlorate reduction by Azospira sp.

Abstract: Pseudomonas sp. PDA is an unusual bacterium due to its ability to respire using chlorate under aerobic conditions. The chlorate reductase produced by PDA was shown to be intrinsically different from the enzyme responsible for chlorate and perchlorate [(per)chlorate] reduction produced by Azospira sp. KJ based on subunit composition and other enzyme properties. The perchlorate reductase from strain KJ appeared to have two subunits (100 and 40 kDa) while the chlorate reductase from PDA had three subunits (60, 48, and 27 kDa). N-terminal amino acid sequencing of the 100 kDa protein from strain KJ showed a 77% similarity with the perchlorate reductase alpha subunit from another perchlorate-respiring bacterium, Dechloromonas agitata, while the N-terminus amino acid sequence of the 60 kDa protein from strain PDA did not show a similarity to previously isolated chlorate or perchlorate reductases.

Variation of fetal nasal bone length in second-trimester fetuses according to race and ethnicity.

Abstract: Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of race and ethnicity on the expected nasal bone length (NBL) based on biparietal diameter (BPD) measured in second-trimester fetuses. Methods. We searched our ultrasound, obstetric, and cytogenetic databases for all second-trimester fetuses with measured NBLs. Fetuses with Down syndrome were identified and excluded from the analysis. Linear regression curves were generated for NBL by BPD according to race and ethnicity. Categories used were African American, Hispanic, Asian, and white. Analysis of variance was used to compare mean variation of observed from expected NBL by BPD according to race and ethnicity. Results. There were 717 fetuses with NBL-by-BPD pairs who were available for analysis in our population, including 139 African American, 58 Hispanic, 22 Asian, and 498 white fetuses. Nasal bone length was highly correlated with BPD for each race (P <.001). Mean variances of observed from expected NBL by BPD were statistically different according to race or ethnicity (P =.0092). Conclusions. Race and ethnicity significantly affect the mean regression line of expected NBL by BPD among fetuses in the second trimester. Genetic sonographic norms, therefore, appear to require race-and ethnicity-specific formulas for NBL.

Assisting older adults to communicate their postoperative pain.

Abstract: An intervention assisting older adults to communicate their pain was tested in a posttest-only experiment. Thirty-eight preoperative older adults were randomly assigned to a communication group watching a videotape about communicating and managing postoperative pain or a comparison group watching a videotape about managing postoperative pain only. Pain was measured on Postoperative Days 1 and 2, and 1 and 7 days after hospital discharge by a data collector blind to the condition. The communication group reported greater pain relief and less pain interference on Postoperative Day 1. The comparison group reported greater pain relief on Postoperative Day 2 after attaining a pain interference level similar to the pain communication group. The pain communication intervention had modest effects for reducing pain interference with activities on Postoperative Day 1. Greater pain relief might be achieved when older adults and their health care providers are more knowledgeable about both pain communication and pain...

Quantitative breath-hold monitoring of myocardial gadolinium enhancement using inversion recovery TrueFISP.

Abstract: The purpose of this work was to develop and evaluate the accuracy of a breath-hold IR-TrueFISP acquisition capable of monitoring gadolinium (Gd) concentrations through T1 measurements in the left ventricular blood pool and segments of the myocardium over an extended duration. Measurements using a phantom were performed to assess the accuracy of the technique. Accurate T1 measurements in the expected range after contrast agent administration were obtained with several theoretical formulations. Accurate T1 values before the administration of the contrast agent were obtained only when the incomplete recovery of magnetization during the delay time (TD) between imaging segments was incorporated into the observed signal intensity calculations. T1 measurements over a 1-hr time period were performed in four subjects with known myocardial infarctions. In this small study, Gd differences between recent and old myocardial infarctions were observed. Magn Reson Med 53:367–371, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Overexpression of Twisted Gastrulation Inhibits Bone Morphogenetic Protein Action and Prevents Osteoblast Cell Differentiation in Vitro

Abstract: Twisted gastrulation (Tsg) is a secreted glycoprotein that binds bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and BMP-4 and can display both BMP agonist and antagonist functions. Tsg acts as a BMP agonist in chondrocytes, but its expression and actions on the differentiation of cells of the osteoblastic lineage are not known. We investigated the effects of Tsg overexpression by transducing murine ST-2 stromal and MC3T3 cells with a retroviral vector where Tsg is under control of the cytomegalovirus promoter and compared them to cells transduced with the parental vector alone. ST-2 cells were cultured in osteoblastic differentiating conditions in the presence or absence of BMP-2. Tsg overexpression precluded the appearance of mineralized nodules induced by BMP-2, led to a delay in the expression of osteoblastic gene markers, and decreased the responsiveness of ST-2 differentiating cells to PTH. BMP-2 induced the phosphorylation of signaling mothers against decapentaplegic-1/5/8, but not ERK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38. ST-2 cells overexpressing Tsg displayed an inhibition of BMP/signaling mother against decapentaplegic signaling. Tsg action was specific to BMP, because Tsg overexpression did not affect TGF-or Wnt/-catenin signaling pathways. Tsg also opposed MC3T3 cell differentiation and the expression of a mature osteoblast phenotype. In conclusion, Tsg overexpression inhibits BMP action in stromal and preosteoblastic cellsand,accordingly,arreststheirdifferentiationtowardthe osteoblastic pathway. (Endocrinology 146: 3875–3882, 2005)

Frequency of echogenic intracardiac focus by race/ethnicity in euploid fetuses

Abstract: Objective. To determine the frequency of echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF) by race/ethnicity.Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis from January 1996 through June 2003. We reviewed all initial sonograms from 14 to 23 weeks gestation in singleton pregnancies. Mothers on admission for delivery provided race/ethnicity.Results. There were 8207 ultrasounds and deliveries that met study criteria. There were 4636 (56.5%) Caucasian, 2087 (25.4%) African-American, 1261 (15.4%) Hispanic and 223 (2.7 %) Asian subjects. There were 347 (4.2%) EIF detected. The frequency by race/ethnicity varied significantly (p < 0.0001).Conclusions. This large, population-based study showed that fetuses born to Asian mothers were significantly more likely to have an EIF. This racial difference should be taken into account when counseling patients about the potential for Down syndrome.

An experimental Study of the Los Angeles County Repeat Offender Prevention Program: its implementation and evaluation

Abstract: Research Summary: The Los Angeles County Repeat Offender Prevention Program (ROPP) was designed to improve school performance and prevent reoffending among the enrolled juvenile offenders through a milieu of social services. It was a 3-year pilot project established as part of a statewide juvenile correctional program funded by the California State Legislature, which commenced in 1999 and ended in 2001. A true experimental design was employed, and a total of 327 first-time juvenile probationers were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. At the end of the project, 204 subjects (106 in the treatment group and 98 in the control group) had a successful program termination. The data show that subjects in the treatment group were more likely to have better school performance than those in the control group. In the first 6-month period after program enrollment, they were also less likely to have new criminal offenses than their counterparts in the control group; however, no significant effect was found in any additional 6-month periods. Both groups were not significantly different in their probation technical violations. Policy Implications: The study results suggest that intensive supervision and coordinated team efforts in providing probation services can markedly improve juvenile offenders' school-related performances and prevent new criminal offenses at the starting period. However, such an intervention model is unlikely to produce consistent and cost-effective justice system effects in the long run. Juveniles who fit the high-risk profiles do not necessarily become chronic offenders; future correctional interventions need to focus not only on individual level factors but also on the social context that gave rise to their problem behaviors in the first place. KEYWORDS: Juvenile justice; Language: en

Overexpression of IGF-binding protein 5 alters mineral and matrix properties in mouse femora: an infrared imaging study.

Abstract: The anabolic effects of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are modulated by a family of IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). Among the six known IGFBPs, IGFBP-5 is considered to play a role in bone formation. To investigate the effects of IGFBP-5 on bone mineral and matrix properties, femurs from transgenic mice overexpressing IGFBP-5 under the control of the osteocalcin promoter were evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Imaging (FTIRI). Analyses were done at the time of maximal osteocalcin expression (5 weeks). The spectroscopic parameters monitored were mineral-to-matrix ratio (indicative of the relative amount of mineral present), mineral crystallinity (index of the mineral crystal size and perfection) and collagen maturity (reflecting the ratio of non-reducible and reducible collagen cross-links). Multiple fields were selected for each femur, ranging from epiphysis to diaphysis. Previously, we showed that these transgenic mice display decreased osteoblastic function and osteopenia. In the present work, FTIRI showed that transgenic mice as compared to wild types have a different pattern of bone mineralization and matrix maturation. Specifically, cortical bone, primary spongiosa, and secondary ossification centers had lower values for mineral-to-matrix ratio and collagen maturity. Differences were not statistically significant in all cases although the trends were consistent. The mineral crystallinity did not vary significantly between the two groups, implying that the crystal maturation of mineral was not affected by IGFBP-5 overexpression. This study demonstrates that femurs from transgenic mice over expressing IGFBP-5 under the control of the osteocalcin promoter have modest alterations in mineral and matrix distribution, consistent with a role of IGF in osteoblast maturation.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 suppresses collagenase-3 promoter activity in osteoblasts through a runt domain factor 2 binding site.

Abstract: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) superfamily of growth factors, which include bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), have multiple effects in osteoblasts. In this study, we examined the regulation of collagenase-3 promoter activity by BMP-2 in osteoblast-enriched (Ob) cells from fetal rat calvariae. BMP-2 suppressed the activity of a -2 kb collagenase-3 promoter/luciferase recombinant in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The BMP-2 effect on the collagenase-3 promoter was further tested in several collagenase-3 promoter deletion constructs and it was narrowed down to a -148 to -94 nucleotide segment of the promoter containing a runt domain factor 2 (Runx2) site at nucleotide -132 to -126. The effect of BMP-2 was obliterated in a collagenase-3 promoter/luciferase construct containing a mutated Runx2 (mRunx2) sequence indicating that the Runx2 site mediates the BMP-2 response. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays, using nuclear extracts from control and BMP-2-treated Ob cells, indicated that the Runx2 protein is a component of the specific DNA-protein complex formed on the Runx2 site and that the BMP-2 effect may be associated with minor protein modifications rather than major changes in the composition of specific proteins interacting with the Runx2 site. We confirmed that other members of the TGFbeta family can down-regulate the collagenase-3 promoter by showing that TGFbeta1 also suppresses the promoter activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that BMP-2 and TGFbeta1 suppress collagenase-3 promoter activity in osteoblasts and establishes a link between BMP-2 action and collagenase-3 expression via Runx2, a major regulator of osteoblast formation and function.

Full clinical recovery after topical acyclovir treatment of Epstein-Barr virus associated cutaneous B-cell lymphoma in patient with mycosis fungoides.

Abstract: Primary cutaneous T- and B-cell lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of diseases with varied clinical presentations and prognosis. The use of new molecular, histological, and clinical criteria has improved their recognition. Cutaneous B-cell and T-cell lymphomas are seldom found together in the same patient. Here we report a rare case of mycosis fungoides variant of a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) which later developed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated cutaneous B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. The patient initially presented with generalized erythroderma, extensive plaques, and axillary lymphadenopathy. Histopathology and immunophenotyping of her tumor from the right breast nodule revealed a T-cell lymphoma consistent with mycosis fungoides. She was initially treated with pentostatin, followed by topical mechlorethamine and topical steroids. After progression of her mycosis fungoides with worsening diffuse skin lesions on this regimen, her treatments were changed to oral bexarotene with an initial partial response followed by stable disease. Three years from her initial presentation, she developed ulcerated cauliflower-like nodules on her forehead. Biopsy of these lesions revealed EBV-positive large- and medium-sized pleomorphic B-cells consistent with EBV-driven B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. She was treated with topical acyclovir cream on the involved skin areas while continuing with oral bexarotene for mycosis fungoides. Skin lesions gradually diminished and totally disappeared after four weeks of topical acyclovir treatment. Bexarotene treatment was continued for another year until the mycosis fungoides progressed and became wide spread causing her death four and a half years after the initial diagnosis. The coexistence of two cutaneous non-Hodgkin lymphomas of different lineage in the same patient and the complete clinical response of EBV-related B-cell cutaneous component to topical acyclovir makes this rare case particularly interesting.

Genetically characterized positive control cell lines derived from residual clinical blood samples.

Abstract: Background: Positive control materials for clinical diagnostic molecular genetic testing are in critically short supply. High-quality DNA that closely resembles DNA isolated from patient specimens can be obtained from Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)–transformed peripheral blood lymphocyte cell lines. Here we report the development of a process to ( a ) recover residual blood samples with clinically important mutations detected during routine medical care, ( b ) select samples likely to provide viable lymphocytes for EBV transformation, ( c ) establish stable cell lines and confirm the reported mutation(s), and ( d ) validate the cell lines for use as positive controls in clinical molecular genetic testing applications. Methods: A network of 32 genetic testing laboratories was established to obtain anonymous, residual clinical samples for transformation and to validate resulting cell lines for use as positive controls. Three panel meetings with experts in molecular genetic testing were held to evaluate results and formulate a process that could function in the context of current common practices in molecular diagnostic testing. Results: Thirteen laboratories submitted a total of 113 residual clinical blood samples with mutations for 14 genetic disorders. Forty-one EBV-transformed cell lines were established. Thirty-five individual point and deletion mutations were shown to be stable after 20 population doublings in culture. Thirty-three cell lines were characterized for specific mutations and validated for use as positive controls in clinical diagnostic applications. Conclusions: A process for producing and validating positive control cell lines from residual clinical blood samples has been developed. Sustainable implementation of the process could help alleviate the current shortage of positive control materials.

The OH• + CH3SH reaction: Support for an addition‐elimination mechanism from ab initio calculations

Abstract: Several intermediates for the CH(3)SH + OH(*) --> CH(3)S(*) + H(2)O reaction were identified using MP2(full) 6-311+g(2df,p) ab initio calculations. An adduct, CH(3)S(H)OH(*), I, with electronic energy 13.63 kJ mol(-1) lower than the reactants, and a transition state, II(double dagger), located 5.14 kJ mol(-1) above I, are identified as the entrance channel for an addition-elimination reaction mechanism. After adding zero-point and thermal energies, DeltaH(r,298) ( degrees )(reactants --> I) = -4.85 kJ mol(-1) and DeltaH(298) (double dagger)(I --> II(double dagger)) = +0.10 kJ mol(-1), which indicates that the potential energy surface is broad and flat near the transition state. The calculated imaginary vibrational frequency of the transition state, 62i cm(-1), is also consistent with an addition-elimination mechanism. These calculations are consistent with experimental observations of the OH(*) + CH(3)SH reaction that favored an addition-elimination mechanism rather than direct hydrogen atom abstraction. An alternative reaction, CH(3)SH + OH(*) --> CH(3)SOH + H(*), with DeltaH(r,298) ( degrees ) = +56.94 kJ mol(-1) was also studied, leading to a determination of DeltaH(f,298) ( degrees )(CH(3)SOH) = -149.8 kJ mol(-1).

Hyperparathyroidism but a negative sestamibi scan: a clinical dilemma.

Abstract: Background The outcomes of patients with biochemically confirmed hyperparathyroidism but a negative Tc-99 Sestamibi scan are unclear. We examined the outcomes and quality of life of patients having surgery and those who had medical therapy. Methods Patients having a diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism with confirmed elevated calcium and parathormone levels, yet negative sestamibi scans were identified. The RAND SF-36 Health Survey was administered via mail to these patients. The patient’s charts were then reviewed to verify treatments and to determine outcomes. Results Ninety-five patients fitting the criteria were identified. Twenty patients completed all aspects of the study. Ten of the respondents had undergone parathyroidectomy, and 10 had not. The surgical patients scored more favorably in all 8 of the measured parameters than patients treated medically. The differences in 3 domains, physical functioning, pain, and social functioning, were statistically significant. Conclusions Our findings suggest that surgical therapy confers a better quality of life and is superior to medical therapy in the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism, even in patients having a negative sestamibi scan.

Characterization of Publicly Available Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines for Disease-Associated Mutations in 11 Genes

Abstract: Clinical genetic testing laboratories offer tests for >800 conditions (1) and need both positive and negative genetic control materials for proficiency evaluation, quality control, and test development/validation. Few such materials are available(2)(3)(4)(5). Genetic material, generally DNA, can be purified from Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-transformed lymphocyte cell lines. The resulting preparations closely resemble DNA purified from patient samples and often are appropriate controls for clinical genetic testing applications. The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Human Genetic Cell Repository(6) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Aging Cell Repository(7) house thousands of EBV-transformed cell lines, but mutations have been described in only ∼600 of these. We screened 13 cell lines from the NIGMS Repository for medically important mutations in 11 different genes: CFTR , F5 , F2 , MTHFR , HFE , GJB2 (connexin 26), FMR1 (fragile X), HBA1/HBA2 (α-thalassemia), FGFR3 , HD , and HbS/HbC. Six of the cell lines had previously been shown to carry 1 or more mutations in at least one of these genes, and 7 were derived from apparently healthy individuals with no known mutations. Some cell lines were subsequently developed for use as clinically validated positive controls for molecular genetic testing or were used as negative control materials [see accompanying article by Bernacki et al (8), in this issue]. DNA was extracted according to the Puregene protocol (Gentra Systems, Inc.). Selected mutations were analyzed by standard molecular diagnostic techniques at the Duke Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory and/or at other CLIA-certified clinical testing facilities where indicated. The 11 diseases characterized, the specific mutations analyzed, and the general methods used are listed below. The OMIM numbers (9) are listed in Table 1⇓ . #### Cystic Fibrosis (CFTR; ABCC7). Four tests were used to analyze the CFTR gene: the Roche Linear Array CF-31 (Roche …

Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids (R.O.C.K.): The Program and Its Evaluation.

Abstract: The Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids (R.O.C.K.) program was designed as a service-learning project for students at Saint Francis University to serve the local communities by organizing chemistry activities in high schools. It was initiated in 1995 and has involved a large number of Saint Francis University students and local high school students. This article presents an evaluation of the R.O.C.K. program and discussion of its findings. The evaluation was conducted using multiple evaluation designs to assess the impact of the program on high school students' interest in science and Saint Francis students' learning process and their views on service-learning. The results indicate that program was effective and had positive impact on both high school and Saint Francis students who participated.