INFRARED AND RAMAN SPECTROSCOPIC STUDY OF ION PAIRING OF STRONTIUM(II) AND BARIUM(II) BY THIOCYANATES IN LIQUID AMMONIA

Infrared and Raman spectroscopy techniques have been used to study the ionic interactions of strontium(II) and barium(II) with thiocyanate ion in liquid ammonia. A number of bands were observed in both n (CN) and n (CS) regions of infrared and Raman spectra and these were assigned to 1:1 contact ion pair, [M2+----NCS]+; band (B) to a triple-ion, SCN---- M2+----NCS; band (C) to solvent-shared ion pair, [(NH3)xM2+¬ NH3----NCS]+; band (D) to a ";free"; thiocyanate anion SCN- and band (E) to an upper stage transition arising from the excitation of a linear species already in a vibrational level above the ground state. (Received September 28, 2001; revised April 10, 2002) Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2002, 16(1), 65-72

Paleomagnetic Results from the Snake River Plain: Contribution to the Time-Averaged Field Global Database

This study presents paleomagnetic results from the Snake River Plain (SRP) in southern Idaho as a contribution to the time-averaged field global database. Paleomagnetic samples were measured from 26 sites, 23 of which ( 13 normal, 10 reverse) yielded site mean directions meeting our criteria for acceptable paleomagnetic data. Flow ages (on 21 sites) range from 5 ka to 5.6 Ma on the basis of Ar-40/Ar-39 dating methods. The age and polarity for the 21 dated sites are consistent with the Geomagnetic Reversal Time Scale except for a single reversely magnetized site dated at 0.39 Ma. This is apparently the first documented excursion associated with a period of low paleointensity detected in both sedimentary and igneous records. Combining the new data from the SRP with data published from the northwest United States between the latitudes of 40degrees and 50degreesN, there are 183 sites in all that meet minimum acceptability criteria for legacy and new data. The overall mean direction of 173 normally magnetized sites has a declination of 2.3degrees, inclination of 61.4degrees, a Fisher concentration parameter (kappa) of 58, and a radius of 95% confidence (alpha(95)) of 1.4degrees. Reverse sites have a mean direction of 182.4degrees declination, -58.6degrees inclination, kappa of 50, and alpha(95) of 6.9degrees. Normal and reversed mean directions are antipodal and indistinguishable from a geocentric axial dipole field at the 95% confidence level. Virtual geomagnetic pole dispersion was found to be circularly symmetric, while the directional data were elongate north-south. An updated and corrected database for the northwestern U. S. region has been contributed to the Magnetics Information Consortium (MagIC) database at http://earthref.org

The association between neuroticism and self-reported common somatic symptoms in a population cohort

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypotheses that (1) neuroticism is associated with self-reported somatic symptoms; (2) this association is especially found with regard to psychosomatic symptoms; and (3) it is not solemnly explained by somatic reflections of psychological distress. METHODS: We studied the cross-sectional association between neuroticism (as measured by EPQ-RSS-N), psychological distress (as measured by GHQ-12 sum score), and the occurrence of 22 common somatic symptoms by linear and logistic regression analyses in a population cohort of 6894 participants. RESULTS: Neuroticism is more strongly associated with the total number of somatic symptoms reported (beta=.32) than GHQ-12 sum score (beta=.15) and well-established risk markers such as gender (beta=.11) and age (beta=.04). Neuroticism was associated with all symptoms in individual logistic regressions controlled for age, gender, and psychological distress. Neuroticism is significantly more strongly related to psychosomatic symptoms (beta=.36) than to infectious/allergic symptoms (beta=.28). CONCLUSION: In a large, population-based cohort, we confirmed that neuroticism is associated with self-reported somatic symptoms. The associations were not attributable to somatic reflections of psychological distress associated with neuroticism and were relatively strong with respect to psychosomatic symptoms. Future studies should include both objective and subjective measures of health to study the mechanisms that connect neuroticism and ill health

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in the Acute Care Surgery Model: Risk Factors for Complications

Background: The Acute Care Surgery (ACS) model developed during the last decade fuses critical care, trauma, and emergency general surgery. ACS teams commonly perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for acute biliary disease. This study reviewed LCs performed by an ACS service focusing on risk factors for complications in the emergent setting. Methods: All patients who underwent LC on an ACS service during a 26-month period were identified. Demographic, perioperative, and complication data were collected and analyzed with Fisher\u27s exact test, χ 2 test, and Mann-Whitney U Test. Results: During the study period, 547 patients (70.2% female, mean age 46.1±18.1, mean body mass index 32.4±7.8 kg/m 2 ) had LC performed for various acute indications. Mean surgery time was 77.9±50.2 minutes, and 5.7% of cases were performed after hours. Rate of conversion to open procedure was 6%. Complications seen included minor bile leaks (3.8%), infection (3.8%), retained gallstones (1.1%), organ injury (1.1%), major duct injury (0.9%), and postoperative bleeding (0.9%). Statistical analysis demonstrated significant relationships between conversion, length of surgery, age, gender, and intraoperative cholangiogram with various complications. No significant relationships were detected between complications and BMI, pregnancy, attending experience, and time of operation. Discussion: Although several statistically significant relationships were identified between several risk factors and complications, these findings have limited clinical significance. Factors including attending years in practice and time of the operation were not associated with increased complications. ACS services are capable of performing a high volume of LCs for emergent indications with low complication and conversion rates.-Level of evidence:IV. Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared

Enhancement of the replication of HCV replicons of genotypes 1-4 by manipulation of CpG and UpA dinucleotide frequencies and use of cell lines expressing SECL14L2 - application for antiviral resistance testing

Treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) has improved greatly through the use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). However, their effectiveness and potential for drug resistance development in non-genotype 1 variants of HCV remain relatively unexplored, as in vitro assays to assess drug susceptibility are poorly developed and unsuited for a transient-transfection format. In the current study, we have evaluated the effects of dinucleotide frequency changes in the replicon and the use of a SEC14L2-expressing cell line on the replication of HCVs of different genotypes and evaluated the resulting assay formats for measurements of susceptibility to the DAA sofosbuvir. Removal of CpG and UpA dinucleotides from the luciferase gene used in HCV replicons of genotype 1b (Con1) and genotype 2a (JFH-1) achieved between 10- and 100-fold enhancement of replication over that of the wild type posttransfection. Removal of CpG and UpA dinucleotides in the neomycin gene or deletion of the whole gene in replicons of genotype 3a (S52) and genotype 4a (ED43) enhanced replication, but phenotypic effects on altering luciferase gene composition were minimal. A further 10-fold replication enhancement of replicons from all four genotypes was achieved by using a transgenic Huh7.5 cell line expressing SECL14L2, whose expression showed a dose-dependent effect on HCV replication that was reversible by small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of gene expression. By combining these strategies, the 100- to 1,000-fold enhancement of replication allowed the susceptibility of all four genotypes to the RNA polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir to be robustly determined in a transient-transfection assay format. These methods of replication enhancement provide new tools for monitoring the susceptibility and resistance of a wide range of HCV genotypes to DAAs

Improved well-being and decreased disease burden after 1-year use of flash glucose monitoring (FLARE-NL4)

Introduction: The FreeStyle Libre is a flash glucose monitoring (FSL-FGM) system. Compared with finger-prick based self-monitoring of blood glucose, FSL-FGM may provide benefits in terms of improved glycemic control and decreased disease burden. Methods: Prospective nationwide registry. Participants with diabetes mellitus (DM) used the FSL-FGM system for a period of 12 months. End points included changes in HbA1c, hypoglycemia, health-related quality of life (12-Item Short Form Health Surveyv2 (SF-12v2) and 3-level version of EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D-3L)), a specifically developed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) questionnaire, diabetes-related hospital admission rate and work absenteeism. Measurements were performed at baseline, and after 6 months and 12 months. Results: 1365 persons (55% male) were included. Mean age was 46 (16) years, 77% of participants had type 1 DM, 16% type 2 DM and 7% other forms. HbA1c decreased from 64 (95%CI 63 to 65) mmol/mol to 60 (95%CI 60 to 61) mmol/mol with a difference of -4 (95% CI -6 to 3) mmol/mol. Persons with a baseline HbA1c >70 mmol/mol had the most profound HbA1c decrease: -9 (95% CI -12 to to 5) mmol/mol. EQ-5D tariff (0.03 (95%CI 0.01 to 0.05)), EQ-VAS (4.4 (95%CI 2.1 to 6.7)) and SF-12v2 mental component score (3.3 (95%CI 2.1 to 4.4)) improved. For most, PROMs improved. Work absenteeism rate (/6 months) and diabetes-related hospital admission rate (/year) decreased significantly, from 18.5% to 7.7% and 13.7% to 2.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Real world data demonstrate that use of FSL-FGM results in improved well-being and decreased disease burden, as well as improvement of glycemic control

Effects of urinary cortisol levels and resting heart rate on the risk for fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events

AbstractBackground and aimsHigher cortisol levels are associated with cardiovascular mortality in the elderly. It is unclear whether this association also exists in a general population of younger adults and for non-fatal cardiovascular events. Likewise, resting heart rate is associated with cardiovascular mortality, but fewer studies have also considered non-fatal events. The goal of this study was to investigate whether twenty-four-hour urinary cortisol (24-h UFC) levels and resting heart rate (RHR) predict major adverse fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events (MACE) in the general population.MethodsWe used data from a subcohort of the PREVEND study, a prospective general population based cohort study with a follow-up of 6.4 years for 24-h UFC and 10.6 years for RHR. Participants were 3432 adults (mean age 49 years, range 28–75). 24-h UFC was collected and measured by liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry. RHR was measured at baseline in a supine position for 10 min with the Dinamap XL Model 9300. Information about cardiovascular events and mortality was obtained from the Dutch national registry of hospital discharge diagnoses and the municipal register respectively.Results24-h UFC did not significantly increase the hazard of MACE (hazard ratio = 0.999, 95% confidence interval = 0.993–1.006, p = 0.814). RHR increased the risk for MACE with 17% per 10 extra heart beats per minute (hazard ratio = 1.016, 95% confidence interval = 1.001–1.031, p = 0.036) after adjustment for conventional risk factors.ConclusionsIn contrast to 24-h UFC, RHR is a risk marker for MACE in the general population

N-{4-[(4-Methyl­phen­yl)sulfamo­yl]phen­yl}acetamide

The title mol­ecule, C15H16N2O3S, has a twisted U-shaped conformation. The twist occurs in the central C—S(=O)2N(H)—C unit with the C—S—N—C torsion angle being −58.38 (14)°. The benzene rings lie to the same side of the mol­ecule and form a dihedral angle of 67.03 (10)°. The crystal packing features N—H⋯O hydrogen bonding, which leads to supra­molecular chains with a tubular topology along the b axis. Intra­molecular C—H⋯O inter­actions are also observed

Two-year use of flash glucose monitoring is associated with sustained improvement of glycemic control and quality of life (FLARE-NL-6)

INTRODUCTION: The FreeStyle Libre (FSL) is a flash glucose monitoring (FGM) system. The Flash Monitor Register in the Netherlands (FLARE-NL-4) study previously demonstrated the positive effects of FSL-FGM use during 1 year on glycemic control, quality of life and disease burden among persons with diabetes mellitus (DM). The present follow-up study assesses the effects of FSL-FGM after 2 years. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients included in the FLARE-NL-4 study who continued FSL-FGM during the 1-year study period were invited to participate (n=687). Data were collected using questionnaires (the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-12(v2)) and the EuroQol 5-Dimension 3-Level (EQ-5D-3L) for quality of life), including self-reported hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). RESULTS: A total of 342 patients agreed to participate: mean age 48.0 (±15.6) years, 52% men and 79.5% with type 1 DM. HbA1c decreased from 60.7 (95% CI 59.1 to 62.3) mmol/mol before use of FSL-FGM to 57.3 (95% CI 55.8 to 58.8) mmol/mol after 1 year and 57.8 (95% CI 56.0 to 59.5) mmol/mol after 2 years. At the end of the 2-year follow-up period, 260 (76%) persons were still using the FSL-FGM and 82 (24%) had stopped. The main reason for stopping FSL-FGM was financial constraints (55%). Concerning the whole 2-year period, there was a significant decrease in HbA1c among persons who continued use of FSL-FGM (−3.5 mmol/mol, 95% CI −6.4 to –0.7), while HbA1c was unaltered compared with baseline among persons who stopped FSL-FGM (−2.4 mmol/mol, 95% CI −7.5 to 2.7): difference between groups 2.2 (95% CI −1.3 to 5.8) mmol/mol. After 2 years, persons who continued use of FSL-FGM had higher SF-12 mental component score and higher EQ-5D Dutch tariff score and felt less often anxious or depressed compared with persons who discontinued FSL-FGM. CONCLUSIONS: Although the considerable number of non-responders limits generalizability, this study suggests that persons who continue to use FSL-FGM for 2 years may experience sustained improvement in glycemic control and quality of life

Performance of the Eversense versus the Free Style Libre Flash glucose monitor during exercise and normal daily activities in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Introduction Accurate blood glucose measurements are important in persons with diabetes during normal daily activities (NDA), even more so during exercise. We aimed to investigate the performance of fluorescence sensor-based and glucose oxidase-based interstitial glucose measurement during (intensive) exercise and NDA. Research design and methods Prospective, observational study in 23 persons with type 1 diabetes when mountain biking for 6 days, followed by 6 days of NDA. Readings of the Eversense (fluorescence-based continuous glucose monitoring (CGM); subcutaneously implanted) and of the Free Style Libre (FSL; glucose oxidase-based flash glucose monitoring (FGM); transcutaneously placed) were compared with capillary glucose levels (Free Style Libre Precision NeoPro strip (FSLCstrip)). Results Mean average differences (MAD) and mean average relative differences (MARD) were significantly different when comparing exercise with NDA (reference FSLCstrip); Eversense MAD 25±19 vs 17±6 mg/dL (p<0.001); MARD 17±6 vs 13%±6% (p<0.01) and FSL MAD 32±17 vs 18±8 mg/dL (p<0.01); MARD 20±7 vs 12%±5% (p<0.001). When analyzing the data according to the Integrated Continuous Glucose Monitoring Approvals (class II-510(K) guidelines), the overall performance of interstitial glucose readings within 20% of the FSLCstrip during exercise compared with NDA was 69% vs 81% for the Eversense and 59% vs 83% for the FSL, respectively. Within 15% of the FSLCstrip was 59% vs 70% for the Eversense and 46% vs 71% for the FSL. Conclusions During exercise, both fluorescence and glucose oxidase-based interstitial glucose measurements (using Eversense and FSL sensors) were less accurate compared with measurements during NDA. Even when acknowledging the beneficial effects of CGM or FGM, users should be aware of the risk of diminished accuracy of interstitial glucose readings during (intensive) exercise