One-month Time Period Research Articles

Kinetics of Neutrophils in Mice Exposed to Radiation and/or Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Treatment

Astronauts have the potential to develop the hematopoietic syndrome as a result of exposure to radiation from a solar particle event (SPE) during exploration class missions. This syndrome is characterized by a reduction in the number of circulating blood cells (cytopenias). In the present study the effects of SPE-like proton and γ radiation on the kinetics of circulating neutrophils were evaluated during a one-month time period using mice as a model system. The results revealed that exposure to a 2 Gy dose of either SPE-like proton or γ radiation significantly decreased the number of circulating neutrophils, with two nadirs observed on day 4 and day 16 postirradiation. Low circulating neutrophil count (neutropenia) is particularly important because it can increase the risk of astronauts developing infections, which can compromise the success of the mission. Thus, two granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs), filgrastim and pegfilgrastim were evaluated as countermeasures for this endpoint. Both forms of G-CSF significantly increased neutrophil counts in irradiated mice, however, the effect of pegfilgrastim was more potent and lasted longer than filgrastim. Using the expression of CD11b, CD18 and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as markers of neutrophil activation, it was determined that the neutrophils in the irradiated mice treated with pegfilgrastim were physiologically active. Thus, these results suggest that pegfilgrastim could be a potential countermeasure for the reduced number of circulating neutrophils in irradiated animals.

AB0184 Applying the conrew score to camera -trial ii data

BackgroundIn the two-year Computer Assisted Management in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis-trial II (CAMERA-II)(1), patients with early rheumatoid arthritis were randomized to a methotrexate (MTX-) based tight control strategy with either additionally...

The New French Law on International Arbitration

French international arbitration law achieved a higher pro-arbitration level with the new Decree No. 2011-48 of January 13, 2011. The new provisions come into force after May 1, 2011. This is the first comprehensive reform of French international arbitration law since the adoption of the pre-existing legal framework of 1981. French case law, which provided a well-structured basis for this decree, proposed numerous pragmatic solutions to problems encountered in international arbitration. This new decree codifies previous significant French case law while also providing novelties, innovations such as the possibility for the parties to waive by express agreement the annulment of the award any time they choose; the one-month time period after notification of the award to request annulment; the enforceability of the award notwithstanding an action to set aside or an appeal against an enforcement order.

Factors influencing shopping habits among low‐income families during a one‐month period of time

ObjectiveTo evaluate changes in shopping behaviors among low‐income families over a one‐month period of time.MethodsTwo researchers conducted thirteen 90‐minute focus groups among low‐income adults who had at least one child less than 18 years in their household (n=72). Transcripts were coded independently by two researchers, with any differences reconciled.ResultsShopping habits among low‐income families changed throughout the month and were impacted by use of food assistance programs, food prices, and shopping logistics. Participants reported purchasing more varied foods at the beginning of the month versus more starch‐based foods at the end of the month. To overcome economic barriers, participants used numerous strategies including weekly or monthly menu planning, price matching, and bulk buying.ConclusionsLow‐income families make strategic decisions based on economic circumstances and other factors, including participation in food assistance programs, or the timing of the month, in order to stretch food expenditures. Our results suggest limited economics throughout the month may hinder families’ ability to consume a varied, nutrient‐rich diet, which may impact future health status.This research study was internally funded by Brigham Young University.

Les limites de lèchocardiographie d’effort préopératoire avec dobutamine dans l’identification d’une sténose du tronc de l’artère coronaire gauche : observation de deux cas et brève revue

Using case illustrations, to elucidate factors which increase the likelihood of false negative preoperative dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) studies in patients with severe left main coronary artery stenosis, and to provide criteria which must be met in order to ensure the accurate interpretation of these tests. Two patients presented for elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair within a one-month period of time. Both patients had DSE as part of their preoperative assessment, which were interpreted as normal. Nevertheless, both suffered major coronary events in the perioperative period, and both proved to have severe left main coronary artery stenosis on postoperative angiography. A narrative review is presented based on a selection of the current literature, and local experience with the technique. Some pitfalls in the interpretation of these tests are presented, along with modalities to increase their sensitivity and specificity. DSE is an important and useful modality in the preoperative cardiac evaluation of patients who are unable to exercise. However the reliable interpretation of the test depends on an understanding of the limitations of the procedure.

Quantification of cytokine mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using branched DNA (bDNA) technology

Changes in the patterns of cytokine expression are thought to be of central importance in human infectious and inflammatory diseases. As such, there is a need for precise, reproducible assays for quantification of cytokine mRNA that are amenable to routine use in a clinical setting. In this report, we describe the design and performance of a branched DNA (bDNA) assay for the direct quantification of multiple cytokine mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Oligonucleotide target probe sets were designed for several human cytokines, including TNF α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN γ. The bDNA assay yielded highly reproducible quantification of cytokine mRNAs, exhibited a broad linear dynamic range of over 3-log 10, and showed a sensitivity sufficient to measure at least 3000 molecules. The potential clinical utility of the bDNA assay was explored by measuring cytokine mRNA levels in PBMCs from healthy and immunocompromised individuals. Cytokine expression levels in PBMCs from healthy blood donors were found to remain relatively stable over a one-month period of time. Elevated levels of IFN γ mRNA were detected in PBMCs from HIV-1 seropositive individuals, but no differences in mean levels of TNF α or IL-6 mRNA were detected between seropositive and seronegative individuals. By providing a reproducible method for quantification of low abundance transcripts in clinical specimens, the bDNA assay may be useful for studies addressing the role of cytokine expression in disease.

Weight Consideration in the Use of Cerrobend Beam Blocks

The technique of using customized field blocking to protect sensitive normal tissue during megavoltage radiation treatment is common practice in modern radiation therapy. The introduction of CT-based treatment planning has revolutionized customized field shaping. We carried out a prospective evaluation of 54 cerrobend blocks during a one-month time period. The goals of this study were to analyze the specific block patterns and correlate these with field size, block weight, and field setup. Factors contributing to excessively large and heavy cerrobend blocks defined as ≥ 20 lbs. were identified. Twenty-two percent of blocks were found to be excessively large and one-third of these were a consequence of planning decisions. A review of these situations suggests that alternative methods would have avoided the excessive weight. Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of large and heavy cerrobend blocks. These blocks were therefore analyzed in terms of tray sag and tray break-point. Our data suggest that within this clinical range of block weight, neither tray sag nor tray break-point are of significant concern.

Meiofauna abundance on the Gulf of Mexico continental shelf affected by hypoxia

Meiofauna were sampled in shallow (8–13 m) continental shelf waters off the coast of Louisiana at three stations on 13 dates from June 1985 to August 1986. Total meiofauna abundances ranged from 525 to 3406 individuals per 10 cm 2 with a mean of 1810 individuals per 10 cm 2. Peak abundances occurred in late spring and early summer while seasonal lows occurred during late summer and winter. The three predominant taxa were Nematoda (91.8%), Copepoda (3.2%) and Kinorhyncha (2.5%). The meiobenthic copepod assemblage displayed low diversity and was dominated by three epibenthic species which together comprised 87% of the copepod fauna. Hypoxic conditions (dissolved oxygen <2mg l −1) developed seasonally on this shelf as a result of water column density stratification and eutrophication during late spring and summer. Abundances of all taxa declined during the summers of both years apparently in response to hypoxic conditions. Copepods were most dramatically affected, dropping from springtime peak abundances (several hundred per 10 cm 2) to virtually zero in a one-month period of time. Copepod density declines were spatially correlated with the onset of hypoxia, as inshore stations developed hypoxia later and underwent declines later. Densities remained low after the return of normal oxygen conditions, rising in the spring of the following year. The effect on nematodes and kinorhynchs was not as dramatic. A single collection of meiofauna from July 1983 in nearby normoxic Terrebonne Bay at similar water depths reveals a high density and diversity of copepods, further suggesting the sensitivity of copepods to hypoxia.

Documenting workload to better integrate clinical and distributive services

Use of workload and work-flow documentation in two pharmacy satellites to evaluate pharmacists' productivity is described. Workload was evaluated during 14 consecutive days in May 1983 and 7 consecutive days in May 1984. All pharmacists and technicians working in the satellites recorded times for their activities on a form that listed every possible activity; interruptions such as answering the telephone, responding to walking requests, replacing stock, and lunches and break times were also recorded. Concurrently, the clinical coordinator observed and evaluated work performed for four-hour time blocks at least once each day. Analysis of workload and work-flow information identified problems with scheduling, priorities, interruptions, and pharmacists' knowledge of clinical pharmacy practice. Based on these observations, the following changes were implemented: pharmacists were scheduled to work either inside or outside the satellites for two-week or one-month time periods, priorities were assigned to certain tasks performed inside or outside the satellites, job assignments were made based on the pharmacist's capabilities and the needs of the patient-care areas, a form for documenting potential problem orders was created, and pharmacists were evaluated monthly and given one-on-one instruction by the clinical coordinator. Documentation of time use identified problems and led to changes in assignments that better integrated clinical, educational, and distributive responsibilities for the purpose of providing more efficient and effective services.