Factors promoting diabetes self-care among low-income, minority pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively identify factors promoting healthy self-management of gestational and type 2 diabetes mellitus among underserved pregnant women. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-nine in-depth, semi-structured interviews were performed over the course of pregnancy for 10 women with diabetes. Interviews on factors promoting diabetes self-management used cognitive load theory to frame questions. Qualitative analysis of longitudinal interview data applied grounded theory techniques to generate themes. RESULT: Half this cohort of minority, low-income, public aid-supported women had type 2 diabetes. Four themes, comprised of both internal self-driven motivators and external sources of support, were identified. These themes were: (1) disease familiarity and diabetes self-efficacy; (2) external motivation (for health of fetus and responsibilities to older children); (3) supportive social and physical environment; and (4) self-regulatory behavior, including goal responsiveness and long-term goal-setting. CONCLUSION: Low-income women used multiple internal and external resources to promote health during a pregnancy complicated by diabetes. Successful behavior modification and achievement of diabetes care goals require leveraging these resources.

Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of red blood cells from Göttingen minipig following whole-body vapor exposure to VX.

A method to detect fluoride ion generated O-ethyl methylphosphonofluoridate (VX-G) in Göttingen minipig red blood cells (RBC) following whole-body exposure to VX vapor utilizing a gas chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer (GC-MS-MS) has been developed. Dose-response curves for VX exposure were generated after applying the fluoride ion reactivation assay to the RBC fraction of serially collected whole blood samples that were taken after whole-body exposures that varied in both duration and concentration. GC-MS-MS analysis of minipig RBC samples following 180-min exposures at two different concentrations was a more precise indicator for severity of exposure than the analysis of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition for the same samples. AChE enzyme activity recovered faster than indicated by the apparent elimination rate of VX-G. GC-MS-MS analyses of RBC samples following VX exposure demonstrate this technique has both adequate sensitivity and specificity to indicate the severity of exposure.

Effects of whole-body VX vapor exposure on lethality in rats.

Male and female rats were whole-body exposed to VX vapor in a 1000-L single-pass exposure chamber. Estimated exposure dosages producing lethal (LCT50) effects in 50% of exposed male and female rats were established for 10, 60, and 240 min exposure durations. A potency comparison with GB and GF shows that VX becomes increasingly more potent than these G agents with increasing exposure duration. VX is approximately 4-30 times more potent than GB and 5-15 times more potent than GF. Gender differences in the estimated median dosages were not significant at the 10, 60, and 240 min exposure durations. An empirical toxic load model was developed and the toxic load exponent for lethality (n) in the equation Cn x T = k was determined to be n = 0.92. The VX-G regeneration assay was successfully used as a biomarker for the presence of VX in the blood plasma and RBC fractions of the blood 24 h postexposure.

Quantitation of fluoride ion released sarin in red blood cell samples by gas chromatography-chemical ionization mass spectrometry using isotope dilution and large-volume injection.

A new method for measuring fluoride ion released isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate (sarin, GB) in the red blood cell fraction was developed that utilizes an autoinjector, a large-volume injector port (LVI), positive ion ammonia chemical ionization detection in the SIM mode, and a deuterated stable isotope internal standard. This method was applied to red blood cell (RBC) and plasma ethyl acetate extracts from spiked human and animal whole blood samples and from whole blood of minipigs, guinea pigs, and rats exposed by whole-body sarin inhalation. Evidence of nerve agent exposure was detected in plasma and red blood cells at low levels of exposure. The linear method range of quantitation was 10-1000 pg on-column with a detection limit of approximately 2-pg on-column. In the course of method development, several conditions were optimized for the LVI, including type of injector insert, injection volume, initial temperature, pressure, and flow rate. RBC fractions had advantages over the plasma with respect to assessing nerve agent exposure using the fluoride ion method especially in samples with low serum butyrylcholinesterase activity.

Discrimination of conspecific sex and reproductive condition using chemical cues in axolotls ( Ambystoma mexicanum).

Chemosensory cues play an important role in the daily lives of salamanders, mediating foraging, conspecific recognition, and territorial advertising. We investigated the behavioral effects of conspecific whole-body odorants in axolotls, Ambystoma mexicanum, a salamander species that is fully aquatic. We found that males increased general activity when exposed to female odorants, but that activity levels in females were not affected by conspecific odorants. Although males showed no difference in courtship displays across testing conditions, females performed courtship displays only in response to male odorants. We also found that electro-olfactogram responses from the olfactory and vomeronasal epithelia were larger in response to whole-body odorants from the opposite sex than from the same sex. In males, odorants from gravid and recently spawned females evoked different electro-olfactogram responses at some locations in the olfactory and vomeronasal epithelia; in general, however, few consistent differences between the olfactory and vomeronasal epithelia were observed. Finally, post hoc analyses indicate that experience with opposite-sex conspecifics affects some behavioral and electrophysiological responses. Overall, our data indicate that chemical cues from conspecifics affect general activity and courtship behavior in axolotls, and that both the olfactory and vomeronasal systems may be involved in discriminating the sex and reproductive condition of conspecifics.

A systematic approach to the validation of process control parameters for monoclonal antibody production in fed-batch culture of a murine myeloma.

A systematic approach to the validation of control ranges of control parameters for a cell culture process producing a monoclonal antibody is described. Specifically, the structure and functional activity of a monoclonal IgG1 antibody produced at the outer limits of numerical ranges of fed-batch culture control parameters such as pH and temperature were examined, with the aim of providing assurance that antibody produced under varying culture conditions was of consistent quality based on a carefully defined set of specifications. An experimental design was created using a half-fractional factorial design for fed-batch culture incorporating half of the thirty two possible combinations of five selected control parameters at high and low levels. Statistical analysis of all data gathered from the study allowed an assessment of the effects of the process control parameters at either high or low outer limits on fed-batch culture response variables such as growth rate and specific antibody productivity. Measured values for the responses of growth rate and specific antibody productivity throughout this study ranged from 0.22-0.44 d(-1) and 6.4-32 microg monoclonal antibody/10(6) cells/d respectively. Analytical characterisation of monoclonal antibody purified from each fed-batch culture considered the purity, structure and biological activity of the glycoprotein. All antibody preparations were identical to each other and to the current antibody reference standard or control. Glycosylation analysis of certain samples from the study demonstrated that the distribution of glycoforms of the antibody was not affected by the varying process control conditions of the fed-batch cultures.

Stability of Lisinopril Syrup (2 mg/mL) Extemporaneously Compounded from Tablets.

The stability of lisinopril syrup (2 mg/mL) extemporaneously compounded from tablets was investigated. Zestril tablets (Lot CSC201, Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, Wilmington, Del) were crushed, dissolved in water, filtered, and diluted with syrup NF to a final nominal concentration of 2 mg/mL. The solution was then equally divided among amber-colored prescription bottles and was stored at 5 deg C and 23 deg C. During the 30-day study period, samples were extracted by means of a water:methanol mix, and the concentration of lisinopril was determined by a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography assay procedure. Stability was also determined by pH measurements annd visual inspection for color or clarity change. Over the 30-day study period, the percentage of the inital lisinopril concentration remained between 99.42% +/- 0.19% and 95.68% +/- 1.5% for the 5 deg C samples and 98.83% +/- 0.46% and 96.48% +/- 0.62% for the 23 deg C samples.

Fosphenytoin y-site stability studies with Lorazepam and midazolam hydrochloride.

The treatment of status epilepticus may require in certain situations the concurrent administration of lorazepam or midazolam with fosphenytoin. Simulated Y-site fosphenytoin/lorazepam and fosphenytoin/midazolam hydrochloride admixtures, respectively, in 0.9% sodium chloride injection were analyzed using a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Each drug was analyzed for stability by HPLC from three simulated Y-site samples over an eight-hour period. The HPLC assay results indicate that both fosphenytoin and lorazepam are stable together at a Y site over an eight-hour period. In addition, there was neither a change in sample clarity nor a change in pH over the same period. The results indicate that, when medically necessary, fosphenytoin and lorazepam in 0.9% sodium chloride injection can be administered via the same intravenous (IV) line. Midazolam free base was precipitated upon admixture of midazolam hydrochloride and fosphenytoin solutions. Therefore, midazolam hydrochloride and fosphenytoin should not be given via the same IV line.

Stability of Dobutamine Hydrochloride 4mg/mL in 5% Dextrose Injection at 5 and 23 deg C.

The stability of dobutamine hydrochloride 4 mg/mL in 5% dextrose injection has been studied using a stability-indicating, high-performance liquid chromatography assay method. The admixture injections were stable for 30 days at 5 and 23 deg C. Concentrations ranged between 98.5% and 102.6% for the room-temperature samples, and 99.6% and 101.8% for the refrigerated samples, of the initial mean concentrations. The standard curves demonstrated linearity (r2>.999). Variations within and between days were less than 3%. None of the samples appeared to form a visible precipitate or changed in color or clarity and the pH of the samples remained between 3.5 and 3.7.

The resolution of the neutral N-linked oligosaccharides of IgG by high pH anion-exchange chromatography.

The introduction of high pH anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) has represented a major development in the qualitative analysis of glycoprotein derived oligosaccharides. When coupled with pulsed amperometric detection, the technique permits the detection of picomole quantities of heterogeneous mixtures of oligosaccharide without the need for derivatisation. The applications of HPAEC have generally been limited to the analysis of sialylated oligosaccharides, however, it is now possible to analyse heterogenous mixtures of neutral oligosaccharides with the latest systems. We have used such a system to separate completely a panel of seven commercially available neutral N-linked oligosaccharides and found the influence of monosaccharide substitution on elution position to be identical to that for sialylated structures. A standard monosialylated N-linked oligosaccharide was modified by sequential digestion with specific exoglycosidases to produce a monogalactosylated, diantennary oligosaccharide which is commercially unavailable. This standard's elution position was confirmed by HPAEC. The technique was applied to the identification of neutral N-linked oligosaccharides released from human immunoglobulin G using the enzyme peptide-N-glycosidase F.

An investigation of documentation submitted by university students to verify their learning disabilities.

To become eligible for support services at the postsecondary level, students with learning disabilities (LD) must submit documentation to verify the existence of a specific LD. The documentation submitted over a 5-year period by 415 students to a large public research university that offers a comprehensive program for students with LD was examined. An analysis of the documentation indicates that serious problems exist in the type and quality of evaluation reports. Problems include flaws in the comprehensiveness of the assessments, and the use of questionable instruments for this population. Recommendations for establishing guidelines for acceptable documentation are offered.

Characterization of Nonmicrobiological Paper Mill Deposits by Simultaneous TG-IR-MS.

The problem of deposits and their identification is one of the most persistent ones facing paper mills. Materials other than fibers accumulate in closed water circulation systems and may appear as impurities in pulp and paper or can contaminate wires and felts or build up deposits at various points in the mills. Traditionally, chromatographic and spectroscopic methods have been employed in the analysis of deposits and other pulp and paper process impurities. Simultaneous thermogravimetry-infrared-mass spectrometric (TG-IR-MS) analysis is a relatively new technique which, when applied to the analysis of mill deposits, provides a rapid means of identifying the source of these contaminants.

Operationalizing a definition of learning disabilities.

Past, present, and future concerns regarding the definition of learning disabilities (LD) are documented. Research on efforts to clarify the LD label is discussed, with a focus on the questionable utility of the discrepancy model. Finally, an approach to operationalizing the NJCLD definition of LD is presented and applied.

Bulimia: an empirical analysis of psychodynamic theory.

This study examined two aspects of psychodynamic theory concerning bulimia nervosa, that bulimic patients ascribe to a traditionally feminine sex-role and that bulimic women have difficulty differentiating emotional from visceral sensations. 18 bulimic and 18 control women were administered the Bem Sex-role Inventory and the Eating Disorder Inventory. Contrary to dynamic theory, bulimic women were not more likely classified as traditionally feminine than control subjects; however, significantly more controls than bulimic women were classified as androgynous. Analysis of scores on the Eating Disorder Inventory's Interoceptive Awareness scale indicated a significant difference between bulimic persons and controls, providing strong support for the hypothesis that bulimic women have a difficult time differentiating emotional from visceral sensations.

Undergraduate admission policies, practices, and procedures for applicants with learning disabilities.

This study examined (a) the academic and nonacademic criteria used by admission personnel to determine the eligibility of undergraduate applicants with learning disabilities, (b) agreement of criteria used by institutions of varying competitiveness, and (c) the frequency with which admission personnel conduct validity studies on these criteria. A nonrandom sample consisting of 66 state universities and colleges in the Northeast was surveyed. The results suggest that the academic and nonacademic criteria employed are similar to those employed for applicants without learning disabilities, the criteria used by different types of institutions differ significantly, and admission personnel do not conduct validity studies. Further clarification and validation of admission criteria appears warranted.

Promoting access, accommodations, and independence for college students with learning disabilities.

This article focuses on the four primary issues that directly affect service delivery to students with learning disabilities in postsecondary settings, including (a) How are high school and post-secondary settings different? (b) How are eligibility and access determined? (c) How are reasonable accommodations determined? and (d) How can the independence level of college students with learning disabilities be fostered? Each of these issues will be discussed within the context of the student's transition from high school, where Public Law 94-142 is in effect, to college, where Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 applies.

Multispectral identiftcation of alkyl and chloroalkyl phosphates from an industrial effluent.

Multispectral techniques (gas chromatography combined with low and high resolution electron-impact mass spectrometry, low and high resolution chemical ionization mass spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) were used to identify 13 alkyl and chloroalkyl phosphates in a water sample taken from the effluent of a plant that manufactures fire-retardant chemicals. Of the 13 phosphates identified, only 4 were located in hbrary mass spectral data bases; thus, techniques other than conventional low resolution electron-impact mass spectrometry with data base matching were required. Several of the Identified phosphates are commonly used ftre retardants; however, three exhibited chemical structures different from those of the commercially manufactured fire retardants and the reactants used in their synthesis.

Competencies of postsecondary education personnel serving students with learning disabilities.

This paper presents the results of a survey designed to identify the needed competencies of both administrative and direct service personnel in directing and implementing postsecondary support programs for students with learning disabilities. Data were collected from a national sample of 299 practitioners. In addition to information about respondent characteristics, results include ratings for all items on the survey. Competency areas perceived as most desired by learning specialists were assessment skills, cognitive interventions, and instructional skills, while administrative personnel rated management/leadership skills as most desired. Implications for professional development activities are addressed. The need for strengthening linkages between secondary and postsecondary personnel to foster effective transition planning for students with learning disabilities is also explored.

Willingness to apply understood ethical principles.

Recent research suggests a discrepancy between understanding vs. implementation of ethical principles. The present study investigated the relationship between decisions with regard to what "should" vs. what "would" be done in a variety of ethical conflict situations. Additionally, this research examined the influence of the degree of closeness of the respondent to the identified person-of-reference in each conflict scenario. The results strongly supported the conclusion that while professional clinicians are capable of recognizing conduct that falls below accepted ethical standards, they are less willing to follow through with required action. Restrictiveness of conflict resolution was related to both person-of-reference group and to specific ethical situation. The results are discussed in terms of attribution theory and actor-observer effects.