cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vascular volume and blood-brain barrier permeability measured by dynamic contrast enhanced MRI in hippocampus and cerebellum of patients with MCI and normal controls.

Purpose To measure the cerebrovascular volume and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability indices in hippocampus and cerebellum of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), and compare to that of normal controls. Materials and Methods A total of 11 MCI subjects and 11 healthy elderly controls participated in this prospective study. DCE-MRI was performed to measure the contrast enhancement kinetics. The early enhancement percentage (at 50 seconds after injection) was defined as the vascular volume index, and the ratio between the four to five–minute enhancement relative to the 50-second enhancement was defined as the BBB permeability index. Results The enhancement kinetics measured from hippocampus of MCI individuals demonstrated a lower magnitude and slower decay than healthy controls, suggesting that they had a smaller vascular volume (significant in the right side; P <0.001) and a higher BBB permeability (not reaching significance level). The vascular volume index was significantly correlated with naming ability (P 0.05). Conclusion These results suggest that changes in cerebrovasculature may occur in hippocampus of MCI. DCE-MRI may provide a noninvasive means to measure the subtle BBB leakage associated with the cerebrovascular pathology commonly found in Alzheimer's disease. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Rapid communication: early potency outcomes with cautery-free neurovascular bundle preservation with robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Purpose: To report short-term potency outcomes with a cautery-free technique (CFT) to preserve the neurovascular bundles (NVB) during robotic laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). Patients and Methods: All men were <66 years of age and had a Sexual Health Inventory in Men (SHIM) score of 22 to 25. They underwent unilateral or bilateral dissections. Group 1 (N = 23), the study group, had preservation of the NVB with CFT. Group 2 (N = 36) had traditional dissection using bipolar cautery. Data were collected prospectively via validated questionnaires. Potency was defined as an erection adequate for vaginal penetration. Results: At 3 months, 10 patients (43%) in the CFT group reported potency versus just 3 (8.3%) in the bipolar-cautery group (P = 0.003). Additionally, only 2 (18%) of those having CFT reported zero penile fullness compared with 15 (68%) in the bipolar-cautery group (P = 0.01). Conclusions: The technique of controlling the vascular pedicle of the prostate and dissecting the NVB without caut...
Impaired Attentional Disengagement in Older Adults With Useful Field of View Decline

Objectives. Typical measures of the useful field of view (UFOV) involve many components of attention. The objective of the current research was to examine the attentional operations that might underlie declines in the UFOV. Method and Results. We used 2 basic attention tasks to characterize the profile of visual attention in UFOV-impaired and -unimpaired observers. Our results suggested that declines in the UFOV result from a deficit in attentional disengagement, not a decrease in attentional breadth or scope. Discussion. The results suggested that UFOV decline in normal aging can be associated with a specific attentional operation, namely attentional disengagement. These results suggest that the underlying cause of UFOV decline may not be a restriction in the breadth or scope of attention. Because the UFOV is a reliable predictor of driving safety, our results point to attentional components that are critical for the visual behavior of older adults.
Comparative Analysis of Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes in Lymph Nodes and Peripheral Blood of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Rhesus Monkeys

Most studies of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) have been confined to the evaluation of these effector cells in the peripheral blood. What has not been clear is the extent to which CTL activity in the blood actually reflects this effector cell function in the lymph nodes, the major sites of HIV-1 replication. To determine the concordance between CTL activity in lymph nodes and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), CTL specific for simian immunodeficiency virus of macaques (SIVmac) have been characterized in lymph nodes of infected, genetically selected rhesus monkeys by using both Gag peptide-specific functional CTL assays and tetrameric peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule complex staining techniques. In studies of six chronically SIVmac-infected rhesus monkeys, Gag epitope-specific functional lytic activity and specific tetrameric peptide-MHC class I staining were readily demonstrated in lymph node T lymphocytes. Although the numbers of tetramer-binding cells in some animals differed from those documented in their PBL, the numbers of tetramer-binding cells from these two different compartments were not statistically different. Phenotypic characterization of the tetramer-binding CD8+ lymph node T lymphocytes of the infected monkeys demonstrated a high level of expression of the activation-associated adhesion molecules CD11a and CD49d, the Fas molecule CD95, and MHC class II-DR. These studies documented a low expression of the naive T-cell marker CD45RA and the adhesion molecule CD62L. This phenotypic profile of the tetramer-binding lymph node CD8+ T cells was similar to that of tetramer-binding CD8+ T cells from PBL. These observations suggest that characterization of AIDS virus-specific CTL activity by sampling of cells in the peripheral blood should provide a reasonable estimation of CTL in an individual’s secondary lymphoid tissue.
Taolin Zn–Pb–fluorite deposit, People’s Republic of China: an example of some problems in fluid inclusion research on mineral deposits

The large Taolin zinc–lead–fluorite deposit in the People’s Republic of China was discovered 28 years ago, but whether its genetic affiliation is Mississippi Valley-type, epithermal, or mesothermal has remained uncertain. Both the ore and gangue (cherty to coarse quartz, plus barite, chlorite and calcite) occur as open space filling in a major fault zone between granite and metasedimentary rocks. Following barren, pre-ore quartz, three stages of ore are recognized by Wang (1978) and Wang et al. 1981. Our studies on 400 fluid inclusions, from all 4 stages, show homogenization temperatures of 120–200°C (av. =160) and salinities of 0 to 14wt% equiv. NaCl (av. 7.7). These results differ greatly from some previously published sulphur isotopic temperatures (221–344°C), and data for five inclusions that are more saline (9.0–17.7 wt% equiv. NaCl) and much hotter (up to 345°C). This study provides good examples of a variety of problems that are encountered in the application of fluid inclusion data to mineral deposit research in general. These problems include mine sampling, inclusion sampling, inclusion measurement, changes in inclusions after trapping, disagreement with other data, genetic affiliation of the deposit, and possible application of the results to exploration.
Intravascular ultrasound‐guided cutting balloon angioplasty for renal artery stent restenosis

Renal artery stenting is the procedure of choice for treating atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis; it improves the acute results of percutaneous balloon angioplasty and has a better long-term outcome, particularly a reduced risk of restenosis. However, the treatment of renal artery stent restenosis is not well established and it is challenging because of limited therapeutic options. A novel technique of treating renal artery stent restenosis using cutting balloon angioplasty guided by intravascular ultrasound is presented.
Quercus cerris extracts limit Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation

Ethnopharmacological relevance Quercus cerris L., Fagaceae has been used in traditional Mediterranean medicine for numerous purposes, including anti-infective therapies for diarrhea and wound care.
Geologic Evolution of the Beartooth Mountains, Montana and Wyoming. Part 4. Relationship Between Precambrian and Laramide Structures in the Line Creek Area

The Line Creek area is at the eastern margin of the Beartooth Mountain block, Montana and Wyoming. The range front here changes in trend from due north to N. 45° E. The Precambrian rocks of the range were uplifted and thrust toward the Bighorn basin during Laramide time, over-turning Paleozoic and later strata. The sedimentary rocks at Line Creek were folded about steep, nonparallel axes. The Precambrian rocks include migmatites, granitic gneisses, metasedimentary rock, and ultra-mafic and mafic intrusions. The Archean history is one of sedimentation, folding, igneous intrusion, metamorphism, and granitization which ended 2750 million years ago. All rocks were later intruded by felsic Laramide porphyry. In the core of the range the crystalline rocks preserve open folds trending north to N. 20° E. Small-scale structures show that during granitization at Line Creek a large synform developed, the axis of which trends N. 45° E. The division of the map area into three subareas within which fabric directions are consistent results from the analysis of the penetrative fabric. The three subareas are: a north-central subarea of north-northeast-trending folds; a central subarea of northeast-trending folds which includes the Line Creek synform; and a southeast area of mainlv east-trending folds. Most folds plunge west to southwest at shallow angles. A causal relationship between the northeast-trending folds and the boundary fault is implied by the proximity and parallelism of the two. The northeast-trending Laramide boundary fault follows trends established during the granitization episode. In Precambrian and overturned Paleozoic rocks steep fractures parallel the trends of the range core and also Precambrian dikes. Fractures at the range front indicate that after their formation gravity spreading was not an important process. Planar shear zones dip westward at moderate angles and southeastward at steep angles. They lie in a position predicted by a theory of vertical uplift. Steep folds in the overturned sedimentary rocks bordering the range have resulted from Laramide thrusting of the two oblique-trending boundary fault segments. An area of northeast-southwest compression occurs where the segments join. Horizontal slip took place along the N. 45° E.-trending segment of the frontal thrust during the last stages of Laramide uplift when a large east-west tear fault developed at the northeast corner of the Beartooth Range. This slippage caused stretching along the mountain front and formed two gaps in the sedimentary palisades that mantle the range.
Lipoprotein receptor-related protein-6 protects the brain from ischemic injury.

Background and Purpose—Loss-of-function mutations of the lipoprotein receptor–related protein-6 (LRP6), a coreceptor in the Wingless-related integration site-β−catenin prosurvival pathway, have been implicated in myocardial ischemia and neurodegeneration. However, it remains to be established whether LRP6 is also involved in ischemic brain injury. We used LRP6+/− mice to examine the role of this receptor in the mechanisms of focal cerebral ischemia. Methods—Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Motor deficits and infarct volume were assessed 3 days later. Glycogen-synthase-kinase-3β (GSK-3β) phosphorylation was examined by Western blotting with phosphospecific antibodies, and the mitochondrial membrane potential changes induced by Ca2+ were also assessed. Results—LRP6+/− mice have larger stroke and more severe motor deficits, effects that were independent of intraischemic cerebral blood flow, vascular factors, or cytosolic β-catenin levels. Rather, LRP6 ...
USING OPPORTUNISTIC GREEN MACROALGAE AS INDICATORS OF NITROGEN SUPPLY AND SOURCES TO ESTUARIES

Nutrient inputs to estuaries are increasing worldwide, and anthropogenic contributions are increasingly complex and difficult to distinguish. Measurement of integrated effects of salinity and nutrient changes simultaneously can help ascertain whether N sources of similar magnitude and stable isotope (515N) signatures are river dominated. We used Enter omorpha spp., an opportunistic macroalga, to obtain integrated measures of salinity, nutrient supply, and nutrient source in estuaries. We outplanted cultured algae in the field along spatial gradients within three southern California estuaries for 24 hours in wet and dry seasons. Tissue was analyzed for potassium (K+) to measure osmoregulatory changes, total nitrogen to examine changes in nutrient supply, and 815N to assess nutrient sources. Discrete measures of water salinity correlated with tissue K+ content; however, there was significant variability in the relationship, suggesting that the algae were subject to considerable variation in salinity over a tidal cycle. Tissue total N was not always related to snapshot measures of water column dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), suggesting that integrated measures may be better at capturing the temporal and spatial complexity of nutrient availability. The combination of tissue K+, total N, and 515N measures revealed that inflowing rivers delivered N from watershed sources to Mugu Lagoon and Carpinteria Salt Marsh, while both the inflowing river and a mid estuary source were important sources of high 515N N in Upper Newport Bay. These experiments revealed complex patterns of supply and sources of N and demonstrate the usefulness of macroalgal indicators over water sampling to detect these patterns.
Programming language challenges in systems codes: why systems programmers still use C, and what to do about it

There have been major advances in programming languages over the last 20 years. Given this, it seems appropriate to ask why systems programmers continue to largely ignore these languages. What are the deficiencies in the eyes of the systems programmers? How have the efforts of the programming language community been misdirected (from their perspective)? What can/should the PL community do address this?As someone whose research straddles these areas, I was asked to give a talk at this year's PLOS workshop. What follows are my thoughts on this subject, which may or not represent those of other systems programmers.
Fluorescent Probes for Hydrogen Sulfide Detection

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important signaling molecule with potent cytoprotective actions. Current results strongly suggest that modulation of H2S levels could have potential therapeutic values for a number of disease states, but its exact mechanisms of action are still unclear. A number of fundamental issues must be addressed to advance our understanding of the biology and clinical potential of H2S in the future. It is important, therefore, to understand the chemistry and properties of H2S and to appreciate the limitation and errors that may be generated when measuring H2S in biological samples. In the past several years a number of fluorescent probes for H2S detection have been developed. These probes are based on H2S-mediated reactions and are useful research tools. Herein, we provide an overview of current progress in this field. The development and properties of representative probes are discussed.
Effect of phorbol myristate acetate on cerebral blood flow in normal and neutrophil-depleted rats.

Recent evidence suggests a possible role for leukocytes in ischemic brain injury. This study examined the effect of activation of endogenous circulating leukocytes on cerebral blood flow in normal and neutrophil-depleted rats. Leukocytes were activated by rapid injection of either 50 micrograms/kg phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, a protein kinase C activator, or an equimolar amount of the chemotactic peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, into the right carotid artery. Control rats received an equal volume of dimethyl sulfoxide in saline vehicle. H2-clearance cerebral blood flow was measured in each of the three groups and in vinblastine-treated, neutrophil-depleted rats after carotid artery injection of phorbol. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate dramatically decreased circulating leukocyte and platelet counts from 5 to 120 minutes after infusion and decreased regional cerebral blood flow in the ipsilateral parietal cortex from a baseline of 119 +/- 14 mL.min-1.100 g-1 (mean +/- SEM) to 49 +/- 5 mL.min-1.100 g-1 at 30 minutes (P .05 versus baseline) by 90 to 120 minutes. The early phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced decrease in cerebral blood flow may be due to the effects of protein kinase C activation on vascular smooth muscle or on platelet aggregation, whereas the persistent decrease in cerebral blood flow appears to be mediated in part by neutrophil activation.
Power Conversion with a Stirling Cycle for Venus Surface Mission

The light-filtering characteristic of the dense, mostly-CO2 atmosphere of Venus, combined with the high atmospheric cloud cover, relegates the surface mission use of photovoltaic power systems and beckons for the independence and reliability of a nuclear-powered energy source. A multi-faceted Venus mission study was completed at NASA GRC in December of 2003 that resulted in the preliminary design of a helium- charged, kinematic Stirling converter, which is powered by nuclear, General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) modules. The kinematic, Stirling power converter is configured to drive an electronics and sensor cooler in addition to a generator for electrical power. This paper briefly describes the design process and also describes and summarizes key features of the Stirling power converter preliminary design concept. With an estimated total efficiency of 23.4%, the power converter drives the electronics and sensor cooler, and also produces 100 watts of electricity. The converter rejects waste heat at a hot sink temperature of 500 C.
Fire history, woodland structure, and mortality in a Piñon-juniper woodland in the Colorado National Monument.

ABSTRACT The Colorado National Monument (COLM), on the northeastern edge of the Uncompahgre Plateau, supports a persistent Pinon (Pinus edulis Engelm.) — juniper (Juniperus osteosperma (Torr.) Little) woodland, which has not been disturbed by large stand-replacing fires since modern fire records began. We examined the fire history of large (> 100 ha) stand-replacing fires, documented tree population structures, and characterized tree density, quadratic mean diameter (QMD), relative composition, and cumulative mortality using 431 -0.1-haplots distributed over 1600 ha of the Monument. We found no evidence of large stand-replacing fires (charred wood or truncated stand structures) in the study area. Stand ages inferred from size structures suggest that large stand-replacing fires have been absent for possibly a millennia. Tree population structures show a more stable stand structure for juniper; Pinon pine population structures show a more recent and sustained regeneration pulse. Cumulative mortality of Pino...
National trends in venous disease

Background The national burden of venous disease and use of ultrasound (US) in the outpatient and emergency department (ED) settings has not been well described. The objective of this study is to describe venous disease in the outpatient and ED settings nationally as well as to characterize the use of US for diagnosis of venous disease, including phlebitis. Methods Data from the 1997 to 2006 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) were compiled, and complex sampling methods were used to describe the number of outpatient and ED visits for adults given a diagnosis of venous disease or phlebitis by ICD-9 coding. Logistic regression analysis with calculated odds ratios are used to examined patient visit characteristics and use of US. Results During the 10 years studied, an office or ED visit for venous disease occurred over 46 million times, for an average of 4.6 million visits per year, with this rate increasing from 4.03 million to 5.71 million per year (odds ratio [OR] 1.01, confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.01). The majority of these patients were seen by specialists, such as surgeons or cardiologists, but a significant number were also seen by primary care providers (PCP). There were 2 million office visits (PCP and specialists) on average per year with no significant increase. There were approximately 236,000 ED visits for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on average per year, which showed a small increase (OR 1.01, CI 1.00-1.01). Visits for DVT and phlebitis were as likely to be seen by PCPs as ED physicians. Non-DVT venous disease is much more likely to be seen by a surgeon (OR 4.88, CI 3.53-6.74) than a PCP. DVT is much less likely to be diagnosed by a specialist (OR 0.27, CI 0.18-0.29) than a PCP. Insurance status and geographic region were not associated with DVT or non-DVT venous disease diagnosis. Conclusions Nationally, a significant and growing number of patients with venous disease are being seen in the outpatient setting by PCPs and specialists. A significant number of patients with DVT are being seen in the outpatient setting, but without a trend away from care in the ED over the 10-year study period. Additionally, the majority of patients with DVT diagnosis do not seem to be getting ultrasounds at the same visit. Many of these patients are being seen by PCPs who may require additional training and infrastructure for appropriate patient care.
Systematic Neighborhood Observations at High Spatial Resolution: Methodology and Assessment of Potential Benefits

There is a growing body of public health research documenting how characteristics of neighborhoods are associated with differences in the health status of residents. However, little is known about how the spatial resolution of neighborhood observational data or community audits affects the identification of neighborhood differences in health. We developed a systematic neighborhood observation instrument for collecting data at very high spatial resolution (we observe each parcel independently) and used it to collect data in a low-income minority neighborhood in Dallas, TX. In addition, we collected data on the health status of individuals residing in this neighborhood. We then assessed the inter-rater reliability of the instrument and compared the costs and benefits of using data at this high spatial resolution. Our instrument provides a reliable and cost-effect method for collecting neighborhood observational data at high spatial resolution, which then allows researchers to explore the impact of varying geographic aggregations. Furthermore, these data facilitate a demonstration of the predictive accuracy of self-reported health status. We find that ordered logit models of health status using observational data at different spatial resolution produce different results. This implies a need to analyze the variation in correlative relationships at different geographic resolutions when there is no solid theoretical rational for choosing a particular resolution. We argue that neighborhood data at high spatial resolution greatly facilitates the evaluation of alternative geographic specifications in studies of neighborhood and health.
Control of start codon choice on a plant viral RNA encoding overlapping genes.

The signals that control initiation of translation in plants are not well understood. To dissect some of these signals, we used a plant viral mRNA on which protein synthesis initiates at two out-of-frame start codons. On the large subgenomic RNA (sgRNA1) of barley yellow dwarf virus-PAV serotype, the coat protein (CP) and overlapping 17K open reading frames (ORFs) are translated beginning at the first and second AUG codons, respectively. The roles of bases at positions -3 and +4 relative to the AUG codons in efficiency of translation initiation were investigated by translation of sgRNA1 mutants in a cell-free extract and by expression of a reporter gene from mutant sgRNA1 leaders in protoplasts. The effects of mutations that disrupted and restored secondary structure encompassing the CP AUG independently of, and in combination with, changes to bases -3 and +4 were also examined. Partial digestion of the 59 end of the sgRNA1 leader with structure-sensitive nucleases gave products that were consistent with the predicted secondary structure. Secondary structure had an overall inhibitory effect on translation of both ORFs. In general, the "Kozak rules" of start codon preference predominate in determining start codon choice. Unexpectedly, for a given CP AUG sequence context, changes that decreased initiation at the downstream 17K AUG also reduced initiation at the CP AUG. To explain this observation, we propose a new model in which pausing of the ribosome at the second AUG allows increased initiation at the first AUG. This detailed analysis of the roles of primary and secondary structure in controlling translation initiation should be of value for understanding expression of any plant gene and in the design of artificial constructs.
Hypoxia sensitization of hepatocytes to neutrophil elastase-mediated cell death depends on MAPKs and HIF-1α

The liver is sensitive to pathological conditions associated with tissue hypoxia (Hx) and the presence of activated neutrophils that secrete the serine protease elastase (EL). We demonstrated previ...
Sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium leak and cardiac arrhythmias

Ventricular arrhythmias deteriorating into sudden cardiac death are a major cause of mortality worldwide. The recent linkage of a genetic form of cardiac arrhythmia to mutations in the gene encoding RyR2 (ryanodine receptor 2) has uncovered an important role of this SR (sarcoplasmic reticulum) calcium release channel in triggering arrhythmias. Mutant RyR2 channels give rise to spontaneous release of calcium (Ca(2+)) from the SR during diastole, which enhances the probability of ventricular arrhythmias. Several molecular mechanisms have been proposed to explain the gain-of-function phenotype observed in mutant RyR2 channels. Despite considerable differences between the models discussed in the present review, each predicts spontaneous diastolic Ca(2+) leak from the SR due to incomplete closure of the RyR2 channel. Enhanced SR Ca(2+) leak is also observed in common structural diseases of the heart, such as heart failure. In heart failure, defective channel regulation in the absence of inherited mutations may also increase SR Ca(2+) leak and initiate cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore inhibition of diastolic Ca(2+) leak through SR Ca(2+) release channels has emerged as a new and promising therapeutic target for cardiac arrhythmias.
Exposure and Emissions Monitoring during Carbon Nanofiber Production—Part I: Elemental Carbon and Iron–Soot Aerosols

Production of carbon nanofibers and nanotubes (CNFs/CNTs) and their composite products is increasing globally. High volume production may increase the exposure risks for workers who handle these materials. Though health effects data for CNFs/CNTs are limited, some studies raise serious health concerns. Given the uncertainty about their potential hazards, there is an immediate need for toxicity data and field studies to assess exposure to CNFs/CNTs. An extensive study was conducted at a facility that manufactures and processes CNFs. Filter, sorbent, cascade impactor, bulk, and microscopy samples, combined with direct-reading instruments, provided complementary information on air contaminants. Samples were analyzed for organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC), metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), with EC as a measure of CNFs. Transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy also was applied. Fine/ultrafine iron-rich soot, PAHs, and carbon monoxide were production byproducts. Direct-reading instrument results were reported previously [Evans DE et al. (Aerosol monitoring during carbon nanofiber production: mobile direct-reading sampling. Ann Occup Hyg 2010;54:514‐31.)] Results for time-integrated samples are reported as companion papers in this Issue. OC and EC, metals, and microscopy results are reported here, in Part I, while results for PAHs are reported in Part II [Birch ME. (Exposure and Emissions Monitoring during Carbon Nanofiber Production—Part II: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. Ann. Occup. Hyg 2011; 55: 1037‐47.)]. Respirable EC area concentrations inside the facility were about 6‐68 times higher than outdoors, while personal breathing zone samples were up to 170 times higher.
Divergent T-cell cytokine profiles induced by dendritic cells from different tissues.

Dendritic cells (DC) were originally described by Steinman and Cohn in 1973. 1, 2 Their methods of splenic DC isolation have involved the flotation of murine spleen (SP) cells on dense bovine serum albumin (BSA) gradients and differential glass or plastic adherence of SP cells. Nonadherent Peyer’s patch (PP) DC were isolated in our laboratory by Spalding and coworkers in 1983. 3 These methods employed flotation of PP cells on dense BSA gradients, clustering of DC within the buoyant PP population with periodate-modified SP T cells, dissociation of clusters, and final BSA flotation of enriched PP DC.
Impact of disease-modifying therapies on brain and spinal cord atrophy in multiple sclerosis

Brain and spinal cord atrophy occur early in the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) and continue throughout this lifelong illness, resulting in substantial parenchymal tissue loss at later disease stages. Treatments that slow or prevent atrophy may reduce disability progression in the long term. Disease-modifying agents (DMAs) such as interferon [.beta]-1b (IFN[.beta]-1b), IFN[.beta]-1a, and glatiramer acetate inhibit inflammatory events believed to initiate and perpetuate the disease process. DMAs have been shown to inhibit aspects of MS related to brain inflammation such as relapses and gadolinium-enhanced lesions. Because brain inflammation has been linked to irreversible brain tissue injury, DMAs should be effective in reducing the rate of brain atrophy progression. Weekly IFN[.beta]-1a (Avonex or Rebif) has been shown to slow the rate of brain atrophy; a large study of a frequent injection regimen with IFN[.beta]-1a (Rebif) showed continued atrophy progression despite IFN[.beta]-1a at a rate similar to placebo-treated patients. It is not clear why weekly treatment regimens with lower total doses of IFN[.beta]-1a would show beneficial effects on brain atrophy compared with frequent injections with larger weekly doses. This article reviews results of clinical trials that have examined the effects of DMAs on brain and spinal cord atrophy in patients with MS. Some of these agents have demonstrated positive effects in well-controlled studies, suggesting that anti-inflammatory therapy can delay or prevent the emergence of irreversible central nervous system pathology.
Addressing a Persistent Policy Problem: The Elk Hunt in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

ABSTRACTThe elk reduction program (elk hunt) in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, has been controversial since its inception in 1950. We interviewed 35 stakeholders and surveyed literature to understand participant perspectives in relation to ongoing conflict. Stakeholders held conflicting perspectives, problem definitions, and value orientations. Hunt opponents felt their interests were not reflected in decision making, while hunt proponents were dissatisfied with federal agency management. Agency officials focused on technical aspects of elk management (e.g., overpopulation, objectives) and did not address conflict driven by underlying value dynamics. Decisions made by the agencies (National Park Service, Wyoming Game and Fish Department) through the institution of wildlife management failed to integrate diverse interests. As a result, many nonagency participants felt disrespected by current decision-making arrangements. The long-term controversy has caused a persistent policy problem. We offer recomm...
Effect of freezing heparinized plasma on the activated partial thromboplastin time.

Prior freezing was found to shorten significantly the activated partial thromboplastin times of heparinized plasmas. This shortening was not attributable to release of platelet factor 4 by freeze-damaged residual platelets in these plasmas. Some differences attributable to type of reagent were observed in activated partial thromboplastin times performed on fresh and frozen heparinized plasmas using three different reagents. Possible influences of types and concentration of activators on these differences were explored.
Solvent-Free Fabrication of Ferromagnetic Fe3O4 Octahedra

The controlled thermolysis of a presynthesized single precursor, Fe3(CH3COO)6(OH)2CH3COO, in a closed reactor at 700 °C in an inert atmosphere produced ferromagnetic Fe3O4 octahedra without using solvent or catalyst. The octahedral shape with the 6−10 μm diameter of Fe3O4 is realized using field emission scanning electron microscope, and the composition, with an attached energy dispersive X-ray analyzer. The single-crystalline face-centered cubic structure of Fe3O4 octahedra is analyzed by X-ray diffraction measurements, further supported by Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The thermogravimetric analysis measured the amount of carbon present on the Fe3O4 octahedra surfaces. The vibrating magnetometer corroborated ferromagnetic behavior of Fe3O4 octahedra with 150 Oe coercive force, 48 emu/g saturation magnetization, and 5 emu/g remnent magnetization.
A guided ultrasonic imaging approach in isotropic plate structures using edge reflections

This paper presents an imaging technique to locate damage in plate-like structures by permanently attached piezoelectric transducers (PZT) capable to generate and receive guided ultrasonic waves. The technique is based on a model capable of predicting envelope of scattered waves. Correlations between the estimated scattered waves and experimental data are used for image reconstruction. The approach is validated on an aluminum plate and results are compared with two common imaging algorithms, that is, Delay and Sum (DS) and Minimum Variance (MV). Damage is simulated by placing two magnets on sides of the plate. It is shown that the inclusion of Lamb wave reflections improves the localization accuracy while making use of fewer number of sensors possible.
Two detection methods applied and compared in the screening of Salmonella

[Objective] To compare the positivity rate between the routine method and the new method in Salmonella screen. [Methods] To evaluate the sensitivity obtained by using SF broth and WS and that by using SBG broth and CAS from fecal swab specimens of employees. [Results] By examination of 6676 specimens,the positivity rate of SF broth and WS was 0. 24% ,while that of the SBG broth and CAS was 1. 03% . [Conclusion] The positivity rate of SBG broth and CAS was much higher than that of SF broth and WS. The colony morphology of Salmonella is easier to recognize in CAS. And the method of SBG broth and CAS is easier to apply.
The epidemic analysis of hand foot and mouth disease in Pingshan Shijiazhuang in 2012

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease in Pingshan,Shijiazhuang,and provide scientific evidence for the disease control. Methods Analysis the epidemic data of hand foot and mouth disease in Pingshan,2012. Results There were totally 1947 cases of hand foot and month disease in Pingshan county,2012,the average incidence of hand foot and mouth disease was 396. 70 / lakh,one severe case,no death case. The incidence of males was higher than that of females. The incidence got higher in March to July; there are altogether 1882 cases which took up 96. 66% of the whole year incidence. Children being outside child care settings took up 89. 99%; next is the children in the nursery which had 167 cases and took up 8. 58%; the clustered cases in village was 118 which took up 92. 19%; the clustered cases in nursery or school was 10 which took up 7. 81%. According to the results of laboratory test, CoxA16 virus took up 81. 07%; EV 71 virus took up 15. 53%; and other enteric viruses took up 3. 4%. Conclusions The incidence of hand foot and mouth disease in Pingshan of 2012 was higher than that in 2011,we should strengthen monitor and warning system,strengthen the work in prevention and control for the key seasons( March- July,especially April to June),and key population( children under 5 years old,especially infants under 3 years old). Prevent and control the clustered cases in nursery and school,to avoid the aggregation epidemic happening.
Advances in prevention and treatment of viral bronchiolitis

Acute viral bronchiolitis is a common disease of the lower respiratory tract in infants.Researches have revealed that it is closely related to respiratory illnesses with wheezing and asthma.It has been a clinical focus to prevent and treat bronchiolitis for a long time.A lot of therapy were clinically practiced but the efficacy was mostly uncertain.The research progress of prevention and treatment of bronchiolitis were reviewed.
Molecular Detection and Characterization of Hepatitis B Virus

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most widespread infectious diseases in the world. Serological evidence suggests that up to one-third of the global population has been infected, with current estimates of up to 240 million chronic infections worldwide and more than 780,000 HBV-related deaths annually (http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs204/en/). Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, enhanced blood screening strategies, and new therapeutics, the burden of chronic HBV infection (CHB), including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), continues to affect populations worldwide, especially in the developing world (1, 2).
Chapter 12 Nonfluorescent Immunolocalization of Antigens in Mitotic Sea Urchin Blastomeres

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the rationale, methodology, and some results of applying peroxidase–anti-peroxidase (PAP) staining for immunolocalization of antigens in early sea urchin blastomeres. Sea urchin eggs and early embryos have proved to be a useful system for biochemical and cytological analysis of the processes of cell division and embryonic development. The large volumes of gametes routinely obtained produce sufficient quantities of rapidly and synchronously dividing embryos for stage specific isolation, biochemical analysis, and immunolocalization of cellular proteins. The chapter considers this system to investigate the role of cytoskeletal motors, particularly the kinesin superfamily of MT-based motors, in dividing sea urchin blastomeres. Immunoperoxidase staining of sea urchin embryos with a tertiary PAP system avoids a number of the problems associated with immunofluorescence. The peroxidase reaction produces a colored product that is resistant to photobleaching. This stain is visible by simple bright-field illumination, thus decreasing background by avoiding cell autofluorescence and increasing specific information by utilizing a greater depth of field. The detection of a weak signal is also enhanced by tertiary labeling—using three sequential antibody probes, each of which geometrically increases specific signal, and a final signal amplification produced by a controllable, chromogenic, and enzymatic reaction to generate the desired degree of staining instead of relying on the amount of fluorescent stain conjugated to an antibody.
The health of women with cerebral palsy.

Over the past 10 years, there has been interest in describing the health and functional status of persons with CP. More recently, information specific to women with CP has become available. From these studies a better appreciation of the affect a lifelong primary disability such as CP has on an individual's life has developed. An understanding of aging with a disability, secondary conditions, associated conditions, comorbidities, and health have promoted a health and wellness agenda for women and men with CP. Women with CP are generally healthy. There appears to be no significant risk for any specific comorbiditv from CP. Women may note a modest change in function over time that may represent issues of aging, but there should be no dramatic loss of function. Any loss of function must be evaluated further for cause, and cannot be attributed to aging alone. Common secondary conditions and health issues include pain and musculoskeletal issues, bladder and bowel problems, poor dental hygiene, and possibly gastroesophageal reflux. Osteoporosis at all ages from limited mobility (secondary osteoporosis) likely is common, but only recently has bone densitometry been used for more routine evaluations; consequently, no data are available in women with CP regarding this. All health issues should be evaluated and appropriate intervention prescribed. There appear to be no significant reproductive health issues for women with CF. Women should engage in all decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment. Women with CP likely participate in some healthy behaviors. However implementing health promotion programs requires some understanding of health behavior theories and models. It may not be enough to modify existing programs for accessibility (e.g., transportation, cost. environment). Engagement in health promotion programs by women with CP must take into account individual perceptions and values, social networks, a sense of personal control, and a readiness to change attitude toward changing lifestyles.
Competition in health care

Market conditions, including the number of sellers, type of product sold, barriers to entry, and consumer information, determine the level of competition in a market. This level of competition can range from perfectly competitive to purely monopolistic. The U.S. health-care system is characterized by varying degrees of competition and is generally more competitive compared to the health-care systems of other advanced economies. We explore the role of competition in the four major sectors of the health-care industry: physicians, hospitals, insurers, and pharmaceutical companies.
"I don't want to grow up, I'm a [Gen X, Y, Me] kid": Increasing maturity fears across the decades.

The current studies examined the hypothesis that maturity fears are increasing among undergraduate men and women from the United States over time. Study 1 used a time-lag method to assess generational effects of maturity fears among a large sample (n = 3291) of undergraduate men and women assessed in 1982, 1992, 2002, and 2012. Results revealed that both men and women reported significantly higher rates of maturity fears across time. Study 2 replicated these findings, and used a more restricted time frame to more closely examine the rate of change. Undergraduate women (n = 673) were assessed in 2001, 2003, 2009, and 2012. Maturity fears were again found to increase from 2001 to 2012. Recent cohorts of emerging adults seem more reluctant to mature than previous cohorts. Many contributing factors may be at play, including challenging economic times, social pressures to remain youthful, and/or internal fears of assuming increased responsibility.
An individualized protocol is more accurate than a standard protocol for assessing exercise capacity after heart transplantation.

Background : Subjective improvement and normalization of exercise tolerance are reported by most of patients after heart transplantation. However, objective measurements often do not confirm the subjective improvement. This disparate observation may be related to the methods used to test exercise tolerance. We postulated that an individualized, more gradual exercise protocol might allow a more accurate assessment of exercise tolerance than standard protocols for patients with transplanted, denervated hearts. Methods : Eleven stable heart recipients exercised on a treadmill using two different protocols. Protocol A was a standard Naughton's protocol, and protocol B was an individualized Naughton's protocol, in which the slope of the treadmill was increased only after a steady state in heart rate and oxygen consumption had been achieved and maintained for 30 seconds. Results : Patients exercised longer and reached a higher workload with protocol B than with protocol A. Time to anaerobic threshold was significantly prolonged by protocol B. Minute ventilation and oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold were significantly higher with protocol B than with protocol A. At peak exercise, heart rate, oxygen consumption, oxygen pulse, and minute ventilation were similar with the two protocols and exceeded 75% of the predicted corresponding maximal values for a normal, matched population. Conclusions : The use of an individualized, gradual exercise protocol for heart transplant recipients detected a significantly better submaximal exercise capacity than a standard protocol, which is more consistent with the subjective improvement in functional capacity in this population.
Testing a Social Cognitive Model of Workplace Sexual Identity Management

Lent and Brown proposed a social cognitive career self-management process model that extended prior social cognitive career theory (SCCT) content models to explain the conditions under which people will engage in career management behaviors (e.g., career exploration). We tested the SCCT self-management model in the context of workplace sexual identity management. The model hypothesizes that engagement in sexual identity management strategies in the workplace is facilitated by strong sexual identity management self-efficacy beliefs and positive outcome expectations for engaging in sexual identity management behaviors. The model also posits that additional person and contextual variables will influence engagement in sexual identity management behaviors directly as well as indirectly via self-efficacy beliefs and outcome expectations. Using a sample of 152 sexual minority participants drawn from community Internet mailing lists, partial and full mediation models of workplace sexual identity disclosure were t...