Neurologic complications and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities are common in AIDS. We found that a substantial number of AIDS patients with neurologic involvement had oligoclonal IgG bands in ...CSF and sera by IEF. Using an IEF-Ag overlay technique, anti-gp120 antibody activity was demonstrated more frequently than anti-p24 antibody activity. These antibody activities exhibited restricted heterogeneity of their IEF pattern; this restriction may contribute to the relatively low titers of neutralizing antibody found in AIDS sera. None of the CSF and serum oligoclonal bands showed anti-HIV antibody activity, suggesting that they are directed against opportunistic agents or result from immunodysregulation.
A HPLC method with photometric detection has been developed for the rapid assay of ranitidine hydrochloride in dosage forms and samples from tablet dissolution testing. This method also separates ...ranitidine from its related compound ranitidine S-oxide. Analyses were carried out on a Microsorb-MV C18 column, with a (1:1) mixture of methanol-0.01 M Na
2
HPO
4
(pH 7.0) as the mobile phase, and detection at 320 nm. At a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, typical retention times for ranitidine and its S-oxide compound were 3.50 min and 1.95 min, respectively. Detector responses were linearly related to on column concentrations of ranitidine and ranitidine S-oxide in the ranges 0.035-9.000 μq and 0.005-0.320 μg, respectively. Recoveries of ranitidine from spiked synthetic formulations simulating tablets, injections and syrups ranged from 99.7 ± 0.5% to 100.5 ± 0.5% of the added amount (n = 2). For assay purposes, tablets were extracted into or liquid samples (injections, syrups) were quantitatively diluted with methanol-water (1:1), and the solutions were injected onto the column. Samples from tablet dissolution tests required no preliminary preparation. Assay values by the proposed method were found to agree closely with those obtained using methods in the USP XXII.
Presymptomatic DNA-testing for Huntington's disease has made it possible to predict whether or not at-risk individuals are gene-carriers with a reliability of about 98%. In our retrospective study of ...18 tested individuals, most of the newly identified carriers function apparently well. They use avoidance and repression of affect as psychological defense strategies. However, 8 out of 9 non-carriers do not experience the expected relief about their test results. They experience survivor guilt and emotional numbness and find it difficult to cope with the effects of the test results on the family system. The partners of gene-carriers are at risk of becoming emotionally isolated by putting aside their own feelings for fear of seeming self-centered. Appreciation of these effects on tested individuals is important and professional support is needed to prevent post-traumatic stress disorders. Whatever the test result may be, the working through process may take years rather than months. These findings have important implications for patient care and necessitate an extended period of observation after presymptomatic testing.
It is well established that such student precollege cognitive measures as high school GPA and test scores (ACT, SAT) have a certain predictive value in student retention. While research is replete ...with evidence of the value of student advising in a college's retention strategy, there is a gap in the literature on the impact of using noncognitive survey information by advisors to better target student deficiencies. The primary goal of this study was to explore the relationship between retention and exposure to noncognitive risk factor information for students and advisors. One thousand fifty-four freshmen students enrolled in a first-year experience (FYE) course at Dixie State College were given the Student Strengths Inventory (SSI) survey that measures six different noncognitive risk factor variables. By using a regression discontinuity design, students were initially divided into two sample groups using an index score generated by combining the high school GPA and ACT (or equivalent) test score. Students who fell below the cutoff point were further subdivided by random sampling into three groups: (a) students who received their survey results with no further action, (b) students selected for general advisement, and (c) students selected for targeted advisement using the survey results. When comparing the retention rates from fall semester 2009 to fall semester 2010, the retention rates varied as predicted by the researcher; however, these differences in retention could not be attributed to the usage of the survey with one exception: when the treatment group was filtered only to include first-generation students, usage of the survey results was statistically significant in contributing to a 62% retention rate, the highest of any of the sample groups studied.
Background. Traditionally, physiotherapy practical skills have been assessed by a method that relies on the subjective interpretation of competency by the examiner and lacks the formative benefits of ...assessment. Objective. To describe and compare student performance and satisfaction and examiner satisfaction with regard to the Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) and traditional mark sheets during the practical skills assessment. Method. Students and examiners taking part in the second-year physiotherapy practical skills test were invited to participate by completing a series of questionnaires. Performance of techniques was marked using both the OSPE and traditional mark sheets. Results. Sixty-seven students and nine examiners participated in the study. Students scored an average of 4.6% (SD ± 16.4) better when using the traditional mark sheet. Nonetheless, students and examiners expressed a preference for the OSPE mark sheet. Conclusion. The OSPE mark sheet allows for increased objectivity, as the specific micro-skills are clearly listed and appropriately weighted. This resulted in increased satisfaction, but a decrease in marks obtained. By assessing the effect of implementation of the OSPE method on performance and satisfaction, change in the current situation can be monitored.
A pedigree is reported in which adult autosomal dominant ALS with complete penetrance manifested in 18 individuals through 6 generations. The clinical and neuropathological details are analysed of 13 ...and 5 persons, respectively, from the 2nd generation onward. Onset was between the ages 19 and 46; duration of disease averaged 1.7 years. The clinical symptoms were predominantly those of initial shoulder girdle and ultimate partial bulbar muscle involvement. Neuropathological findings included, next to classical features, degeneration of various spinal tracts (as revealed most clearly with the Häggqvist procedure) and Purkinje cells loss. As accurate clinicopathological screening and the use of more than just routine staining methods indicate, presently available MND/ALS classifications accommodate actual data insufficiently.
PDF
