Abilities of pulse pressure variations and stroke volume variations to predict fluid responsiveness in prone position during scoliosis surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pulse pressure variation (PPV) and stroke volume variation (SVV) are robust indicators of fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated supine patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of PPV and SVV to predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients in the prone position (PP) during scoliosis surgery. METHODS: Thirty subjects were studied after the induction of anaesthesia in the supine position [before and after volume expansion (VE) with 500 ml of hetastarch 6%] and in PP (immediately after PP and before and after VE). PPV, SVV, cardiac output (CO), and static compliance of the respiratory system were recorded at each interval. Subjects were defined as responders (Rs) to VE if CO increased > or =15%. RESULTS: Three subjects were excluded. In the supine position, 16 subjects were Rs. PPV and SVV before VE were correlated with VE-induced changes in CO (r(2)=0.64, P<0.0001 and r(2)=0.56, P<0.0001, respectively). Fluid responsiveness was predicted by PPV >11% (sensitivity=88%, specificity=82%) and by SVV >9% (sensitivity=88%, specificity=91%). PP induced an increase in PPV and SVV (P<0.0001) and a decrease in the static compliance of the respiratory system (P<0.0001). In PP, 17 patients were Rs. PPV and SVV before VE were correlated with VE-induced changes in CO (r(2)=0.59, P<0.0001 and r(2)=0.55, P<0.0005, respectively). Fluid responsiveness was predicted in PP by PPV >15% (sensitivity=100%, specificity=80%) and by SVV >14% (sensitivity=94%, specificity=80%). CONCLUSIONS: PP induces a significant increase in PPV and SVV but does not alter their abilities to predict fluid responsiveness.

Resources for genetic management and genomics research on non-human primates at the National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs).

The National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs) established Working Groups (WGs) for developing resources and mechanisms to facilitate collaborations among non-human primate (NHP) researchers. Here we report the progress of the Genome Banking and the Genetics and Genomics WGs in developing resources to advance the exchange, analysis and comparison of NHP genetic and genomic data across the NPRCs. The Genome Banking WG has established a National NHP DNA bank comprising 1250 DNA samples from unrelated animals and family trios from the 10 NHP species housed within the NPRC system. The Genetics and Genomics WG is developing SNP arrays that will provide a uniform, highly informative, efficient and low-cost method for rhesus and long-tailed macaque genotyping across the eight NPRCs. This WG is also establishing a Biomedical Informatics Research Network-based portal for shared bioinformatics resources including vital statistics, genotype and population data and information on the National NHP DNA bank.

Poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) amphiphilic block copolymeric nanospheres. II. Thermo-responsive drug release behaviors.

Amphiphilic block copolymers composed of relatively hydrophilic PEO-PPO-PEO block copolymer (Pluronic) and poly (epsilon-caprolactone) with hydrophobic character were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone in the presence of PEO-PPO-PEO block copolymer using stannous octoate as a catalyst. Pluronic/PCL block copolymeric nanospheres with core-shell structure were prepared by dialysis method. They showed the average diameter of 116-196 nm depending on the type of copolymer. All the nanosphere samples exhibited a narrow size distribution. The critical micelle concentrations of Pluronic/PCL amphiphilic block copolymers determined by fluorescence spectroscopy were lower than that of the common low molecular weight surfactant. Their core-shell structure was confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Pluronic/PCL block copolymeric nanospheres exhibited the reversible change of size depending on the temperature. Release behaviors of indomethacin from Pluronic/PCL block copolymeric nanospheres also showed temperature dependence and a sustained release pattern. In addition, cytotoxicity test using an MTT assay method revealed that these indomethacin-loaded Pluronic/PCL nanospheres could remarkably reduce the cell damage compared with the unloaded free indomethacin.

Survival and reproduction in the first two years following a large-scale primate colony move and social reorganization.

(Macaca nemestrina) and baboon (Papio cynocephalus, Papio anubis, and hybrids) breeding colonies from the Primate Field Station (PFS) (Medical Lake, WA) to the Tulane Regional Primate Research Center (Covington, LA). Colony records on all 598 pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) and 157 baboons (P. c. anubis) shipped to the Tulane Primate Center from the PFS breeding colony were used for analysis of species, sex, age, origin, current status, and the number of animals born at Tulane and their status. To provide comparative statistics, colony records on all 1,002 macaques and 258 baboons alive on 1 January 1991 at the Field Station were retrieved in the same manner as the Tulane data. Overall survival rates of macaques in the months following the move (71.7%) were similar to those associated with the Arashiyama West colony move from Japan to Texas. In our colony, significantly lower survival following the move was seen only in older (10 years+) macaques, while survival in other age groups was slightly lower than in the comparison year of 1991 at the Primate Field Station. Captive-bred macaques exhibited higher survival than wild-caught animals. Infant survival at Tulane was not significantly different than in pre-move years. Baboons fared well in the move, with no significant differences in mortality or reproduction when compared with the 1991 Medical Lake baboon colony.

Demographic analysis of the washington regional primate research center pigtailed macaque colony, 1967-1996.

This work presents the results of a demographic analysis of 30 years of breeding records from the University of Washington's recently closed Primate Field Station at Medical Lake, Washington. Summaries of population growth, age-specific fertility and mortality rates, first-year survival, and seasonality of reproduction are presented, as well as an analysis of survival by decade. In addition, we present data on interbirth intervals in this population. In general, pigtailed macaques represent a typical Old World monkey pattern of age-specific fertility and mortality, with a few minor exceptions. We suggest that pigtailed macaques are most similar to rhesus and Barbary macaques, and that Japanese and bonnet macaques differ somewhat in their demographics.

Poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (Pluronic)/poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) amphiphilic block copolymeric nanospheres. I. Preparation and characterization.

Amphiphilic block copolymers based on PEO-PPO-PEO block copolymer (Pluronic) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) were synthesized by bulk polymerization. The structural analysis of Pluronic/PCL block copolymer was carried out using FT-IR, 1H NMR, GPC, WAXD, DSC and TGA measurements. To prepare copolymeric nanospheres with a micellar structure, Pluronic/PCL amphiphilic block copolymers were dialyzed against water. The size and size distribution of Pluronic/PCL block copolymeric nanospheres were examined by dynamic light scattering measurement. They showed an average diameter of 116 to 196 nm depending on the type of copolymer. All the nanosphere samples exhibited a narrow size distribution. The critical micelle concentrations of Pluronic/PCL amphiphilic block copolymers determined by fluorescence spectroscopy were lower than that of common low molecular weight surfactants. We confirmed the formation of stable copolymeric nanospheres through the solution behavior of amphiphilic block copolymer in selective solvents.

Social housing and pregnancy outcome in captive pigtailed macaques.

We present a retrospective analysis of 30 years of breeding records from a colony of pigtailed macaques at the University of Washington's Regional Primate Research Center, specifically examining the effects on pregnancy outcome of sire presence, presence of other pregnant females, group stability, overall group size, and dam age and parity. Data on 2,040 pregnancies (1,890 live births) of socially housed pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) were obtained from the Washington Regional Primate Research Center's animal colony records from 1967 to 1996. Our results suggest that the presence of the sire and other pregnant females, fewer moves, and lower parity increases the probability of a viable birth. In viable and nonviable births, gestation length was positively related to contact with the sire and other pregnant females, number of moves, and dam age. Once the effect of gestational age was taken into account, birthweight increased with increasing parity and decreased with dam age. Clinical treatment of the dam decreased as sire presence and group size increased and number of moves decreased. The length of treatment was dependent on the number of moves experienced by the dam, with more moves associated with longer treatments. Sire presence was the single most important factor in nearly all measures of reproductive outcome.

Behavioral measurement of temperament in male nursery-raised infant macaques and baboons.

We define temperament as an individual's set of characteristic behavioral responses to novel or challenging stimuli. This study adapted a temperament scale used with rhesus macaques by Schneider and colleagues [American Journal of Primatology 25:137-155, 1991] for use with male pigtailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina, n = 7), longtailed macaque (M. fascicularis, n = 3), and baboon infants (Papio cynocephalus anubis, n = 4). Subjects were evaluated twice weekly for the first 5 months of age during routine removal from their cages for weighing. Behavioral measures were based on the subject's interactions with a familiar human caretaker and included predominant state before capture, response to capture, contact latency, resistance to tester's hold, degree of clinging, attention to environment, defecation/urination, consolability, facial expression, vocalizations, and irritability. Species differences indicated that baboons were more active than macaques in establishing or terminating contact with the tester. Temperament scores decreased over time for the variables Response to Capture and Contact Latency, indicating that as they grew older, subjects became less reactive and more bold in their interactions with the tester. Temperament scores changed slowly with age, with greater change occurring at younger ages. The retention of variability in reactivity between and within species may be advantageous for primates, reflecting the flexibility necessary to survive in a changing environment.

Fetal, infant, and maternal toxicity of zidovudine (azidothymidine) administered throughout pregnancy in Macaca nemestrina.

The toxicity of azidothymidine (AZT) was studied in monkey dams and fetuses that were exposed to the drug over the entire gestational period. Fourteen virus-free female macaques (Macaca nemestrina) were randomly assigned to AZT or control groups. AZT animals received the drug through a gastric catheter at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg every 4 hours, which produced plasma concentrations similar to those in humans taking 500 to 600 mg/day of AZT. Control animals received water placebo, also through gastric catheter. Some animals participated in both groups. All females were mated with the same male; 41 matings produced 20 pregnancies, of which 16 were carried to term (9 in AZT females; 7 in control females). The AZT animals developed an asymptomatic macrocytic anemia, but hematologic parameters returned to normal when AZT was discontinued. Total leukocyte count decreased during pregnancy and was further affected by AZT administration. AZT-exposed infants were mildly anemic at birth. AZT caused deficits in growth, rooting and snouting reflexes, and the ability to fixate and follow near stimuli visually, but the deficits disappeared over time. These data indicate that early exposure to AZT in utero should have no irreversible adverse effects on the fetus.

Multiple-spell, discrete-time survival analysis of developmental data: object concept in pigtailed macaques.

To measure cognitive development in 123 pigtailed macaques, we calculated medians and quartiles for the milestones of classical (Piagetian) object concept development (plain reach, partial-hide, full-hide, and A-not-B) in both 2-dimensional (screen) and 3-dimensional (well) tasks. Using multiple-spell, discrete-time survival analysis, we examined the influence of 4 independent variables (starting age, sex, birth weight, and task) on the probability of completing the milestones on any given test. The significant predictors for completion of the well sequence were birth weight and task. The best predictors for completion of the screen sequence were birth weight, number of test sessions, and interaction between birth weight and task. Birth weight had a greater predictive relationship in the earlier stages. This analysis provided information that cannot be obtained with traditional parametric methods.

beta-Agarase from Pseudomonas sp. W7: purification of the recombinant enzyme from Escherichia coli and the effects of salt on its activity.

The recombinant plasmid (pJAI), harbouring the agarase gene (pjaA) of Pseudomonas sp. W7, was introduced and expressed in Escherichia coli JM83. The agarase was purified using a combination of acetone precipitation and anion-exchange, gel-filtration and affinity chromatographies, with overall yield of 10% from the culture supernatant of E. coli JM83 (pJAI). The purified agarase migrated as a single band (molecular mass 59 kDa) on SDS/PAGE and was found to be beta-agarase, which could hydrolyse the beta-1,4 linkage of agarose to yield neoagarotetraose as the main product. Optimal enzyme activity was at pH 7.8 and the temperature optimum spanned the broad range 20-40 degrees C. The recombinant agarase was halophilic, maximum activity being exhibited at 0.9 M NaCl. This halophilic property could improve the production of neoagaro-oligosaccharides available in a marine environment.

Parental MHC antigen sharing and pregnancy wastage in captive pigtailed macaques.

Among some human populations, immunogenetic similarity between mates is associated with increased risk of pregnancy loss. To investigate the relationship between histocompatibility and reproductive performance in non-human primates, 128 pigtailed macaque couples were classified as 'reproductively successful' or 'unsuccessful' according to previous breeding performance. These couples were arranged into 64 triads composed of individual females, and a 'successful' and 'unsuccessful' mate. Individuals were typed for class I MHC antigens using a microcytotoxicity technique and species-specific alloantisera. Matched-pair analysis revealed that significantly more 'unsuccessful' couples shared MnLA-A antigens than did the matched 'successful' couples. Conditional matched-pair logistic regression analysis further revealed that parental sharing of MnLA-A antigens is an even more significant predictor of pregnancy wastage than is advanced maternal age. In our study population, sharing of MnLA-A antigens predicted 72% of pregnancy loss among 'unsuccessful' couples (P < 0.009). Identification of histocompatibility-associated factors influencing pregnancy success could have profound clinical implications for chronic spontaneous abortion, intra-uterine growth retardation and birth defects in humans. Among captive primates, identification of MHC or MHC-linked genes affecting reproductive outcome could lead to more efficient colony management strategies as well as development of a model for understanding human immunologically-mediated reproductive failure.

The intraorbital arrangement of the anterior and posterior ethmoidal foramina.

This study, instigated by surgical observations, and mainly carried out on the dry bone, attempts to analyse both the depth and variability of the anterior and posterior ethmoidal foramina through which pass the ethmoidal aa. The surgical implications of this study relate not only to ligation of the ethmoidal aa. in certain cases of epistaxis, their embolisation and the endonasal microsurgery of the ethmoid, but also to the surgery of the anterior cranial fossa. The study is based on 200 anatomic observations.

Fetal toxicity of zidovudine (azidothymidine) in Macaca nemestrina: preliminary observations.

The objective of this study was to determine the dam, fetal, and infant toxicity of zidovudine (AZT) administered to pigtailed macaques during pregnancy. Pregnant macaques were administered AZT (1.5 mg/kg/dose every 4 h) or water via gastric catheter throughout pregnancy. AZT concentration and hematological changes were monitored in the dam, and fetal growth was monitored via ultrasound. Infant hematocrit was assessed at birth, and the neurological, perceptual, and motor development of the offspring were assessed for 9 to 10 months. Twelve pregnancies were brought to term. Mean plasma concentrations of AZT were comparable to those in human studies. Hemoglobin dropped significantly in pregnant dams and remained low, whereas platelets increased during treatment but returned to normal before the end of the study. There were no significant differences in any ultrasound measure of fetal growth, and AZT-exposed infants exhibited little behavioral delay or impairment. We predict no significant toxic effects of prenatal AZT exposure at this dosage in humans.

Cognitive impairment among the elderly in a Korean rural community.

Cognitive function among the elderly aged 65 or older was studied in a rural community of Korea. The prevalence rates of cognitive impairment were significantly higher in females (64%) than in males (33%). Sex differences of prevalence of both mild impairment (25% in males vs 45% in females) and severe (8% in males vs 19% in females) reached statistically significant levels. The prevalence of severe impairment increased with age, and the age-related increase was steeper after 80 in males and after 75 in females. The prevalence of mild impairment, on the other hand, did not increase so prominently with aging. From this point of view, it could be assumed that severe cognitive impairment may be highly related to real dementia, and that the elderly with mild impairment may consist of heterogenous groups associated with cognitive dysfunction of mild degree.