No abstract

The proteins in human parotid saliva have been separated by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis into 20 or more well resolved species. The Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB) R-250 and silver staining procedures have been modified to overcome the problems encountered with staining of proline-rich proteins. By means of the CBB R-250 procedure which stains proline-rich proteins pink-violet, immunoblotting, concanavalin A binding, periodate-Schiff staining and zinc binding, all of the major proteins have been characterised. Substantial individual-to-individual differences were observed in the protein patterns formed. Comparison of parotid, submandibular, and whole saliva from a single individual indicated that fewer proline-rich proteins are expressed in submandibular saliva than in parotid, but whole saliva contains much lower levels than either duct secretion. The results will form a useful base for future research into the functions of salivary proteins.

1-7 days). The median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 28.5 (range 6-36). Six patients presented with septic shock, lactic acidosis, acute kidney injury and respiratory failure, necessitating ICU care; five of thesepatients eventually died. All patients received empirical antibiotics, including third-generation cephalosporins,

Aim of the Study?The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with mortality in infants referred for the surgical treatment of advanced necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Methods?Retrospective review of all infants with confirmed (Bell stage II or III) NEC treated in our unit during the past 8 years (January 2002 to December 2010). Data for survivors and nonsurvivors were compared using Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's exact test and are reported as median (range). Results?Of the 205 infants with NEC, 35 (17%) were medically managed; 170 (83%) had surgery; 66 (32%) infants died; all had received surgery. Survivors and nonsurvivors were comparable for gestational age, birth weight, and gender distribution. Overall mortality was 32%, the highest mortality was in infants with pan-intestinal disease (86%) but remained significant in those with less severe disease (multifocal 39%; focal disease 21%). The commonest cause of mortality was multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and nearly half of the nonsurvivors had care withdrawn. Conclusion?Despite improvement in neonatal care, overall mortality (32%) for advanced NEC has not changed in 10 years. Mortality is significant even with minimal bowel involvement.

With the advent of highly contagious diseases that pose a major occupational hazard to HCWs, the use of the PAPR has become more acceptable in clinical practice.