SEM1(86-107) is a 22-residue peptide corresponding to residues 86-107 in the semenogelin I protein. SEM1(86-107) is an abundant component of freshly liquefied semen and forms amyloid fibrils capable of enhancing HIV infection. To probe the factors affecting fibril formation and gain a better understanding of how differences in pH between semen and vaginal fluid affect fibril stability, this stu...

The first tetrapod fossil from the Rewan Formation of the Galilee Basin, central Queensland, Australia, is identified as Lydekkerina huxleyi, a stereospondyl found elsewhere only in the Lystrosaurus Assemblage Zone of South Africa. Apomorphies shared with L. huxleyi are: anterior palatal vacuity with anterodorsal projections from its posterior margin; ventral surface of skull roof with series o...

Early bacterial pulmonary infections within 2 weeks after lung transplantation were studied in 29 patients undergoing surgery between December 1989 and May 1992. Suspected pulmonary infections occurred in 11 patients (38 percent). The most common bacterial organisms isolated were Klebsiella pneumoniae (45 percent; 5/11), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (36 percent; 4/11), Escherichia coli (27 percent; 3...

The aim of the study was to assess the factors and reasons responsible for failed appointments among female patients attending a dental school clinic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the College of Dentistry in Riyadh city on 200 patients who failed to keep their appointments at least one time. The data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire through a telephone int...

A new type of research, termed meta-analysis, attempts to analyze and combine the results of previous reports. We found 86 meta-analyses of reports of randomized controlled trials in the English-language literature. We evaluated the quality of these meta-analyses, using a scoring method that considered 23 items in six major areas--study design, combinability, control of bias, statistical analys...

Background: During the analyses of adverse events, a commonly described risk factor is the sharing of patient information. Objective: The objective for this project was to better understand and improve the postoperative handoff process for children with heart disease. Methods: The existing handoff process was evaluated and improved using Six Sigma methodology and medical simulation training. Ti...

The optimal antibiotic dosage in serious chest infections is not established and commonly used regimens may well be excessive. We have compared the efficacy of a low dose of cefotaxime (2 g every 12 h) with a more usual dose (2 g every 8 h) in a prospective, randomized study of the treatment of chest infections in the seriously ill. Fifty intensive care unit patients received either regimen for...

Small intestinal perforation is an infrequent but often fatal complication of a variety of disorders. Treatment of 76 adults with nontraumatic perforation occurring during a 21 year period was reviewed. The majority of perforations were due to mechanical causes, malignancy, and Crohn's disease. An abdominal mass (53 percent, p less than 0.05) and fever (81 percent, p less than 0.01) were most f...