ABSTRACT
The commercially available copolymer of 10 mol% acrylic acid and polyethylene is easily formed into a nonfluorescing, non-polynucleotide-adsorbing film. The film has surface carboxylate functions whose concentration can be increased by heating to 80 degrees C in 30% NaOH. The carboxylate groups will react at pH approximately 7 with commercially available, oligo-DNA, 2-8 ng/microl, that has been synthesized with a C(12)-alkylamino tail on the 5'-end. The reaction is mediated with water-soluble carbodiimide reagent and is assumed to result in a primary amide bond between the polymer film and the modified oligo-DNA. The tethered oligo-DNA retains its hybridization activity, and its surface concentration is sufficient to permit qualitative, labelless detection of hybridized target by fluorescence after brief staining with ethidium bromide. The film is used to detect Shiga-like toxin gene II (SLT-II) from Escherichia coli O157:H7 after asymmetric, capillary, PCR amplification, and a 4-h hybridization. Captured target may be removed from the film using distilled water, after which the film can be used again without noticeable loss of activity. The method provides relatively rapid detection of PCR amplimers without having to use molecular labels, or surface-fouling agents.
Subject(s)
Acrylates/chemistry , Bacterial Toxins/genetics , Ethyldimethylaminopropyl Carbodiimide/chemistry , Polyethylene/chemistry , Escherichia coli/genetics , Ethidium , Fluorescence , Genes, Bacterial , Nucleic Acid Hybridization/methods , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Polymers/chemistry , Shiga Toxin 2 , Sodium Hydroxide , Templates, GeneticABSTRACT
Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled protocol, we evaluated the efficacy of nebulized albuterol in the treatment of infants aged 0 to 24 months who presented to the emergency department with wheezing. Twenty-five infants were randomly assigned to receive two identical treatments of either nebulized albuterol (0.15 mg/kg) or placebo (saline). Assessment after each treatment included a wheeze and retraction score, respiratory and heart rates, and pulse oximetry. After two treatments, there was a significant improvement in the wheeze scores (P less than 0.05) and total scores (P less than 0.05) of the albuterol group compared with the placebo group. After one treatment, there was an initial decrease in oxygen saturation in the albuterol group, which improved after the second treatment. There were no significant differences between the two groups in heart rate or respiratory rate. This study supports the use of nebulized albuterol in the treatment of wheezing infants in the emergency department.
Subject(s)
Albuterol/pharmacology , Respiratory Sounds/drug effects , Albuterol/therapeutic use , Double-Blind Method , Emergency Service, Hospital , Female , Heart Rate/drug effects , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Nebulizers and Vaporizers , Oximetry , Respiration/drug effectsABSTRACT
The diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess is often delayed until the onset of rapidly deteriorating neurologic function. To illustrate the variability of presenting symptoms with this disease, two contrasting cases are presented. The pathogenesis of the disorder, bacterial etiologies, diagnostic modalities, and treatment alternatives are discussed.
Subject(s)
Abscess/microbiology , Spinal Diseases/microbiology , Staphylococcal Infections , Abscess/diagnosis , Abscess/therapy , Child , Child, Preschool , Epidural Space , Female , Humans , Laminectomy , Male , Prognosis , Spinal Diseases/diagnosis , Spinal Diseases/therapy , Staphylococcal Infections/diagnosis , Staphylococcal Infections/therapyABSTRACT
Three patients had unmeasurable serum creatinine concentrations using a colorimetric method while receiving high doses of furosemide. The present study shows that enzymatic methods of measuring the serum creatinine concentration should be used in patients receiving high doses of furosemide.
Subject(s)
Creatinine/blood , Furosemide/administration & dosage , Blood Chemical Analysis/methods , Child, Preschool , Colorimetry , Female , Furosemide/pharmacology , Humans , Infant , Infusions, Intravenous , Male , Respiratory Distress Syndrome/drug therapyABSTRACT
The combination of chin trauma and bleeding from the ear should alert the physician to the possibility of a mandibular fracture. Not all hemotympanums represent basilar skull fractures, especially when they occur in association with chin trauma. Diagnosis of mandibular condylar fractures or temporomandibular joint disruptions can be very difficult. A high index of suspicion and a proper choice of imaging modalities are necessary to ensure a timely diagnosis.
