An investigation of total and 35S-labeled mucopolysaccharides in intestinal wall kidney of cattle, sheep and swine

Mucopolysaccharides (MPS) occur in the ground substance of connective tissue and have been isolated and identified from many diverse types of tissue. Because MPS have recently been shown to be associated with numerous physiological and pathological processes, interest has tremendously increased in their metabolic synthesis, functions and degradation. As MPS have the ability to bind water and cations, they are essential for the maintenance of an extracellular homeostatic environment. Regulation of water reabsorption in the kidney, lubricant for joints, regulation of cell permeability and involvement in the calcification processes of bone formation are other metabolic processes in which MPS have been demonstrated to participate. Abnormal MPS tissue concentrations and/or excretory patterns have been reported for individuals exhibiting atherosclerosis, gastric ulcers, arthritis, Marfan\u27s disease and Hurler\u27s syndrome. Previous studies by Bell et al. (1964) which revealed that yearling cattle absorb and excrete 99Mo very differently from growing swine cultivated our interest in MPS. Because of the strong electro negative charge due to active sulfate and carboxyl radicals which exist on the acid-MPS molecule, it was speculated that they could facilitate absorption, excretion and reabsorption of cations such as molybdenum] and, thus, be involved in the mechanisms responsible for dissimilarity in utilization of radioactive Mo among species. Research by Boström (1952) strongly justifies the utilization of 35S isotopic labeling techniques to investigate chondroitin sulfuric acid metabolism in vivo. His results indicated clearly that 35S retained by rats was firmly incorporated by articular cartilage as a part of the chondroitin sulfate structure and that the greatest rate of labeled SO4= fixation occurred in tissue most rapidly synthesizing MPS. The principle objective of this investigation was to establish and compare the concentration of total and sulfated MPS in intestine and kidney of cattle, sheep and swine. In order to accomplish the primary goal, it was necessary to determine; (1) accurate hexosamine, protein, mineral and sulfur analysis procedures; (2) a reliable method for tissue homogenization; (3) a procedure for separation and isolation of MPS from protein; (1;) an estimation of MPS biosynthesis rate; and (3) plasma SO4= and 35S levels

Protecting the Faithful from Their Faith: A Proposal for Snake-Handling in West Virginia

In the hills of Appalachia sing the hymns of the faithful, preaching a belief in the handling of snakes to prove loyalty to God. In West Virginia, persons may take up poisonous reptiles and pass them amidst crowds in the name of religion without legal restraints. While other states prohibit snake- handling in the name of safety, West Virginia law remains void on the issue. This Article introduces the practice of snake-handling and examines the risks posed by taking up poisonous animals whose bite may cause serious injury or death. This Article then suggests how the West Virginia law may temper the threat of this vehemently dangerous practice, despite its strong religious underpinnings

Cognitive behavioral therapy for the management of multiple sclerosis–related pain: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Pain is a common and often debilitating symptom among persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Besides interfering with daily functioning, pain in MS is associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety. While cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for pain has been found to be an effective treatment in other populations, there has been a dearth of research in PwMS. METHODS: PwMS with at least moderate pain severity (N = 20) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: CBT plus standard care (CBT/SC) or MS-related education plus standard care (ED/SC), each of which met for 12 sessions. Changes in pain severity, pain interference, and depressive symptom severity from baseline to the 15 week follow-up were assessed using a 2×2 factorial design. Participants also rated their satisfaction with their treatment and accomplishment of personally meaningful behavioral goals. RESULTS: Both treatment groups rated their treatment satisfaction as very high and their behavioral goals as largely met, although only the CBT/SC group's mean goal accomplishment ratings represented significant improvement. While there were no significant differences between groups post-treatment on the three primary outcomes, there was an overall improvement over time for pain severity, pain interference, and depressive symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS: CBT or education-based programs may be helpful adjunctive treatments for PwMS experiencing pain.Accepted manuscrip

Packet Communication Within Data Flow Computers

This study examines the operation and organization of three data flow computer systems, the systems from MIT, the University of Manchester, and Texas Instruments Inc. Each of the three systems is described in an idealized configuration; then the idealized systems are analyzed. Expected packet throughput within different modules of each system, and of the systems themselves, is derived. The maximum throughput expected of the idealized systems are compared with present day systems, in order to check the validity of the throughput analysis. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of each of the three data flow systems are discussed.Computing and Information Science

Analgesic prescribing trends in a national sample of older veterans with osteoarthritis: 2012-2017

Few investigations examine patterns of opioid and nonopioid analgesic prescribing and concurrent pain intensity ratings before and after institution of safer prescribing programs such as the October 2013 Veterans Health Administration system-wide Opioid Safety Initiative (OSI) implementation. We conducted a quasi-experimental pre–post observational study of all older U.S. veterans (≥50 years old) with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. All associated outpatient analgesic prescriptions and outpatient pain intensity ratings from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016, were analyzed with segmented regression of interrupted time series. Standardized monthly rates for each analgesic class (total, opioid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, acetaminophen, and other study analgesics) were analyzed with segmented negative binomial regression models with overall slope, step, and slope change. Similarly, segmented linear regression was used to analyze pain intensity ratings and percentage of those reporting pain. All models were additionally adjusted for age, sex, and race. Before OSI implementation, total analgesic prescriptions showed a steady rise, abruptly decreasing to a flat trajectory after OSI implementation. This trend was primarily due to a decrease in opioid prescribing after OSI. Total prescribing after OSI implementation was partially compensated by continuing increased prescribing of other study analgesics as well as a significant rise in acetaminophen prescriptions (post-OSI). No changes in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescribing were seen. A small rise in the percentage of those reporting pain but not mean pain intensity ratings continued over the study period with no changes associated with OSI. Changes in analgesic prescribing trends were not paralleled by changes in reported pain intensity for older veterans with osteoarthritis