Drug mode of action (MOA) of novel compounds has been predicted using phenotypic features or, more recently, comparing side effect similarities. Attempts to use gene expression data in mammalian ...systems have so far met limited success. Here, we built a drug similarity network starting from a public reference dataset containing genome-wide gene expression profiles (GEPs) following treatments with more than a thousand compounds. In this network, drugs sharing a subset of molecular targets are connected by an edge or lie in the same community. Our approach is based on a novel similarity distance between two compounds. The distance is computed by combining GEPs via an original rank-aggregation method, followed by a gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to compute similarity between pair of drugs. The network is obtained by considering each compound as a node, and adding an edge between two compounds if their similarity distance is below a given significance threshold. We show that, despite the complexity and the variety of the experimental conditions, our approach is able to identify similarities in drug mode of action from GEPs. Our approach can also be used for the identification of the MOA of new compounds.
Background. Many novel techniques have been described for “minimally invasive” congenital cardiac operations to achieve an improved cosmetic result. There is little information on incorporation of ...such techniques into fast-track congenital heart operations.
Methods. We have developed an approach to fast-track congenital heart operations, which includes a cosmetic approach for repair of congenital heart defects without sacrificing adequate exposure or requiring specialized equipment, along with a simple approach to intraoperative anesthetic management that allows extubation in the operating room. The heart is exposed through a short midline skin incision and a full median sternotomy. The conventional technique of cannulation is performed. Between October 1997 and January 1999, 88 patients were operated on with this method. Cardiac anomalies included simple and complex ostium secundum atrial septal defect, sinus venous atrial septal defect, partial atrioventricular septal defect, simple and complex ventricular septal defect, and bicuspid aortic valve stenosis.
Results. There were no operative or late deaths. The majority of patients were extubated in the operating room or within 2 hours of operation. No patient underwent reoperation and the mean length of hospital stay was 3.9 days. Sternal instability or wound infection were not observed.
Conclusions. We believe that our approach to fast-track congenital heart operation is safe and effective. The surgical technique provides good exposure and has excellent cosmetic results. Moreover, it is easy to learn and, if necessary, the surgeon can quickly gain direct access to the heart. The anesthetic management facilitates early tracheal extubation and a shorter duration of postoperative stay.
Hyperglycaemia in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)is common, and is an independent predictor of mortality and morbidity in patients both with and without diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycaemia ...may be a marker of pre-existing diabetes or glucose intolerance or may also represent a transient stress response mediated through the autonomic nervous system with release of adrenal corticosteroids and catecholamines. Several evidences suggest that an intensive control of hyperglycaemia results in a significant improvement of the adverse outcomes in the short and long term. In fact, an intensive metabolic treatment can counteract the negative effects of hyperglycaemia. However, the main difficulty to intensive glucose control in patients with ACS remains hypoglycaemia that is associated with an increased risk of mortality and myocardial re-infarction. No definitive data are available about the beneficial effects of insulin intensive treatment. Therefore, randomized multicenter clinical trials will be needed to definitively establish whether intensive glucose control will reduce the associated increased mortality rate and higher rates of complications in hospitalized ACS patients with hyperglycaemia.
Issue Title: Part I: Sediment-Water Interaction 13 Part II: Salt Ecosystems Section Increased discharges of organic matter from different sources in Morales Stream, one of the main tributaries of the ...Matanza-Riachuelo River, caused not only an increase in its primary production but also drastic changes in the composition of its sediments, thus favoring eutrophication processes. An in situ study was carried out in order to assess the effects of an organic point source contamination (from intensive cattle rearing) on the sediments of Morales Stream. Surface water and sediment samples were analysed to determine the chemical characteristics of the water-sediment system. The amounts and forms of sediment phosphorus were determined using the `EDTA method' (Golterman, 1996) at two sites of the stream having different nutrient loads. The increase in the organic load of Morales Stream waters influences the dynamics of sediment P, producing two main effects: (1) an increase in the organic matter amount of the sediment that leads to an increase in the amount of P associated to organic fractions, which may be released by bacterial activity under anoxic conditions; and (2) a decrease in the concentration of P in the fraction bound to iron. Morales Stream sediments may act as a potential source of P, which can release this nutrient to water under the reducing conditions originated by uncontrolled discharges of organic residues to this water body.PUBLICATION ABSTRACT
Background. The Shelhigh No-React pulmonic valve conduit is a new porcine conduit that is glutaraldehyde-treated and detoxified using a proprietary heparin process. In our institution it has been ...implanted in 25 patients. The aim of this present contribution is to evaluate the short-term follow-up after its implantation.
Methods. From November 1997 to August 1999, 25 patients (mean age, 20.2 years; range, 0.6 to 28.3 years) were operated on using this conduit. Seventeen patients underwent a Ross procedure for aortic valve disease, with the conduits implanted in anatomic position; 6 patients underwent right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction; 2 patients underwent the Rastelli operation. The follow-up was complete. Preoperative and postoperative two-dimensional echocardiography data were collected.
Results. There were two non–conduit-related deaths. Two conduits needed to be exchanged because of an increase in the gradient. Overall, all patients were improved in terms of New York Heart Association class. Comparison of preoperative and postoperative two-dimensional echocardiography gradient showed significant improvement. At the 30-month follow-up, no calcification was seen on the explanted conduits or on the two-dimensional echocardiography, although many of the patients are children.
Conclusions. The Shelhigh conduits seem to be an alternative to homograft especially in infants. These experiences are preliminary, and longer follow-up is required.
Set in the context of a statewide research university system, this study attempted to improve our understanding of cognitive skills development among international students. Specifically, this study ...examined how the patterns and predictors of cognitive skills development among this population differ from their domestic counterparts. The study utilized data from the 2010 University of California Undergraduate Experience Survey (UCUES). This study identified unique patterns in both cognitive skills development and college experiences among international students. Findings also suggest that some college experiences, such as research engagement with faculty and satisfaction with advising, can possibly facilitate greater gains in cognitive skills among international students. The study discusses the theoretical and practical implications of the findings.
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