pubMedId
stringlengths 5
1.75k
| title
stringlengths 1
2.03k
⌀ | abstract
stringlengths 1
15.7k
⌀ |
|---|---|---|
20702004 | FDG uptake in brown adipose tissue-a brief report on brown fat with FDG uptake mechanisms and quantitative analysis using dual-time-point FDG PET/CT. | Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a potential source of false-positive findings on [(18)F] FDG PET. In this report, we have discussed the (18)F-FDG uptake mechanisms in BAT and have aimed to determine if dual time point PET imaging helps to differentiate BAT from malignant lesions. |
20702009 | Face value: an exploration of the psychological impact of orthognathic surgery. | We explored the experiences of a group of participants with craniofacial conditions before, during, and after orthognathic surgery. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed, and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, and purposive sampling focused on a homogenous group was selected. Participants described unpleasant experiences related to their appearance, the difficulties they had in adjusting to facial changes as a result of surgery, and the differences these changes had made to their body image. The superordinate themes identified after interpretive phenomenological analysis were: self-awareness of facial appearance; attitudes of others and facial appearance; treatment issues; impact of surgery; and support and coping. The accounts provide information about living with an unusual appearance, medical aspects of facial operations over time, changes in body image before, during, and after operation, and the effects of support and coping styles on resilience. |
20702010 | Born after infant loss: the experiences of subsequent children. | to gain an in-depth understanding of subsequent children's experiences of being born into and raised in a family following an infant death. |
20702011 | A comparison of two stomatal conductance models for ozone flux modelling using data from two Brassica species. | In this study we tested pared a multiplicative stomatal model and a coupled semi-empirical stomatal-photosynthesis model in their ability to predict stomatal conductance to ozone (gst) using leaf-level data from oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck). For oilseed rape, the multiplicative model and the coupled model were able to explain 72% and 73% of the observed gst variance, respectively. For broccoli, the models were able to explain 53% and 51% of the observed gst variance, respectively. These results support the coupled semi-empirical stomatal-photosynthesis model as a valid alternative to the multiplicative stomatal model for O3 flux modelling, in terms of predictive performance. |
20702012 | Soil acidity reconstruction based on tree ring information of a dominant species Abies fabri in the subalpine forest ecosystems in southwest China. | To assess the suitability of dendrochemistry as an indicator of soil acidification, soil chemistry and tree ring information of Abies fabri were measured at two distinct sites (severe acid deposition site-Emei Mountain and clean site-Gongga Mountain) of the subalpine forest ecosystems of western Sichuan, southwest China. The actual soil acidity (pH) was significantly correlated with some of the recent xylem cation (Ca, Mg, Mn, Al, Sr and Ba) concentrations and their molar ratios. Xylem Ca/Mg and Ca/Mn of A. fabri were ultimately selected to reconstruct the historical changes of soil pH in Emei Mountain and Gongga Mountain, respectively. The validity of those rebuild was also verified to a certain extent. We conclude that xylem cation molar ratios of A. fabri were superior to the single cation concentrations in soil acidity rebuild at the study sites due to normalizing for concentration fluctuations. |
20702013 | Lean healthcare: rhetoric, ritual and resistance. | This paper presents an ethnographic account of the implementation of Lean service redesign methodologies in one UK NHS hospital operating department. It is suggested that this popular management 'technology', with its emphasis on creating value streams and reducing waste, has the potential to transform the social organisation of healthcare work. The paper locates Lean healthcare within wider debates related to the standardisation of clinical practice, the re-configuration of occupational boundaries and the stratification of munities. Drawing on the 'technologies-in-practice' perspective the study is attentive to the interaction of both the intent to transform work and the response of clinicians to this intent as an ongoing and situated social practice. In developing this analysis this article explores three dimensions of social practice to consider the way Lean is interpreted and articulated (rhetoric), enacted in social practice (ritual), and experienced in the context of prevailing lines of power (resistance). Through these interlinked analytical lenses the paper suggests the interaction of Lean and clinical practice remains contingent and open to negotiation. In particular, Lean follows in a line of service improvements that bring to the fore tensions between clinicians and service leaders around the social organisation of healthcare work. The paper concludes that Lean might not be the easy remedy for making both efficiency and effectiveness improvements in healthcare. |
20702014 | Niche players in health policy: medical specialty societies in Congress 1969-2002. | Scholars mentators alike have long used 'organized medicine' as shorthand for the American Medical Association (AMA). However, organized medicine has increasingly shown signs of fragmentation into specialty societies over the last two decades. While the AMA remains the largest association of physicians, and wields a great deal of influence in political circles, its use as a proxy for organized medicine may warrant reevaluation due to the changing political organization of medicine. We developed a unique database of specialty medical society appearances before all mittees bining records from Lexis-Nexis Congressional and the Policy Agendas database. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the participation of specialty societies mittee and by hearing type. The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) was used to measure whether specialty societies develop niche roles with mittees, and the Chi-Square Goodness of Fit test was used to study the distribution of specialty society testimonies in health hearings more formally. We found that although the AMA participates in Congressional hearings at a higher rate than any other individual medical specialty society, it accounts for a decreasing percentage of all specialty society appearances over time. In addition, specialty societies have developed niche and monopoly roles in health policymaking as well as relationships with particular mittees over time. We conclude that the increasing participation of specialty medical societies in the policymaking process is important because medical societies do not testify solely to promote the economic self-interest of their members. Specialization in medicine has segmented lobbying roles, such that specialty societies have a different focus than the AMA. Thus, 'organized medicine' and the AMA are no longer synonymous. |
20702016 | Accidental hypothermia: rewarming treatments, complications and outcomes from one university medical centre. | Accidental hypothermia (AH) is plex and life threatening condition. Knowledge about epidemiology, rewarming plications and e is limited. This study was initiated to obtain data on causes, rewarming treatments plications. |
20702017 | Press coverage of hormone replacement therapy and menopause. | To evaluate the information reported by Italian press articles about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and menopause, in terms pleteness, clarity of language and transparency. |
20702018 | Different injection sites of radionuclide for sentinel lymph node detection in breast cancer: single institution experience. | The sentinel node is defined as the first lymph node in a regional basin that receives lymph flow from the primary tumor. There is still a controversy over deep versus superficial injection administration in the breast. |
20702019 | Oligomenorrhoea in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus: relationship to glycaemic control. | To investigate oligomenorrhoea in adolescents with type 1 diabetes and the possible relationship with glycaemic control. |
20702020 | Norwegian farmers ceasing certified organic production: characteristics and reasons. | This article examines the characteristics of and reasons for Norwegian farmers' ceasing or planning to cease certified organic production. We gathered cross-sectional survey data in late 2007 from organic farmers deregistering between January 2004 and September 2007 (n=220), and similar data from a random sample of farmers with certified organic management in 2006 (n=407). Of the respondents deregistering by November 2007, 17% had quit farming altogether, 61% now farmed conventionally, and 21% were still farming by organic principles, but without certification. Nearly one in four organic farmers in 2007 indicated that they planned to cease certification within the next 5-10 years. From the two survey samples, we categorised farmers who expect to be deregistered in 5-10 years into three groups: conventional practices (n=139), continuing to farm using organic principles (uncertified organic deregistrants, n=105), and stopped farming (n=33). Of the numerous differences among these groups, two were most striking: the superior sales of uncertified organic deregistrants through consumer-direct marketing and the lowest shares of organic land among conventional deregistrants. We summarised a large number of reasons for deregistering into five factors through factor analysis: economics, regulations, knowledge-exchange, production, and market access. Items relating to economics and regulations were the primary reasons offered for opting out. The regression analysis showed that the various factors were associated with several explanatory variables. Regulations, for example, figured more highly among livestock farmers than crop farmers. The economic factor strongly reflected just a few years of organic management. Policy mendations for reducing the number of dropouts are to focus on economics, environmental attitudes, and the regulatory issues surrounding certified organic production. |
20702021 | Ectomycorrhizal fungi as an alternative to the use of chemical fertilisers in nursery production of Pinus pinaster. | Addition of fertilisers is mon practice in nursery production of conifer seedlings. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi can be an alternative to the use of chemical fertilisers in the nursery production of Pinus pinaster. A greenhouse nursery experiment was conducted by inoculating seedlings obtained from seeds of P. pinaster plus trees with a range patible ECM fungi: (1) Thelephora terrestris, (2) Rhizopogon vulgaris, (3) a mixture of Pisolithus tinctorius and Scleroderma citrinum, and (4) a mixture of Suillus bovinus, Laccaria laccata and Lactarius deterrimus, using forest soil as substrate. Plant development was assessed at two levels of N-P-K fertiliser (0 or 600 mg/seedling). Inoculation with a mixture of mycelium from S. bovinus, L. laccata and L. deterrimus and with a mixture of spores of P. tinctorius and S. citrinum improved plant growth and nutrition, without the need of fertiliser. Results indicate that selected ECM fungi can be a beneficial biotechnological tool in nursery production of P. pinaster. |
20702022 | Application of membrane bioreactor technology for wastewater treatment and reuse in the Mediterranean region: focusing on removal efficiency of non-conventional pollutants. | The Mediterranean Region is a semi-arid area whose land is facing serious erosion, causing adverse impacts on agriculture. To improve the water availability, researchers have proposed the reclamation and reuse of treated wastewater. In this paper, we report the main findings of 10 years of research on the efficiencies of a conventional activated sludge process and a submerged membrane bioreactor, with particular emphasis on the removal of non-conventional pollutants. The studies showed that the membrane bioreactor produced a virtually solids-free, high-quality permeate: most nutrients, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants were removed, and in particular, dioxins, furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls were typically present at concentrations below the detection limit. Moreover, the total coliforms count decreased by 4-5 log and Escherichia coli was absent from the membrane bioreactor permeate. These bined with the continuing reduction of the capital and operating costs for this approach, suggest that membrane bioreactors are an increasingly cost-effective technology to produce treated effluents that are suitable for reuse. |
20702024 | Integrated emergy, energy and economic evaluation of rice and vegetable production systems in alluvial paddy fields: implications for agricultural policy in China. | China is the largest rice producing and consuming country in the world, but rice production has given way to the production of vegetables during the past twenty years. The government has been trying to stop this land-use conversion and increase the area in rice-vegetable rotation. Important questions that must be answered to determine what strategy is best for society are, "What is the reason behind this conversion?"; "Which system is more productive and which is more sustainable?"; and "How can economic policy be used to adjust the pattern of farmland use to attain sustainable development?" To answer these questions, bined evaluation of these agricultural production systems was done using emergy, energy and economic methods. An economic analysis clearly showed that the reason for this conversion was simply that the economic output/input ratio and the benefit density of the vegetable production system were greater than that of rice. However, both energy and emergy evaluations showed that long-term rice was the best choice for sustainable development, followed by rotation systems. The current price of rice is lower than the em-value of rice produced from the long-term rice system, but higher than that of rice produced from the rotation system. Scenario analysis showed that if the government increases the price of rice to the em-value of rice produced from the long-term rice system, US$0.4/kg, and takes the value of soil organic matter into account, the economic output/input ratios of both the rice and rotation systems will be higher than that of the vegetable system. The three methods, energy, emergy and economics, are different plementary, each revealing a different aspect of the same system. bined use shows not only the reasons behind a system's current state or condition, but also the way to adjust these systems to move toward more sustainable states. |
20702023 | Data model for the collaboration between land administration systems and agricultural land parcel identification systems. | The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union (EU) has dramatically changed after 1992, and from then on the CAP focused on the management of direct e subsidies instead of production-based subsidies. For this focus, Member States (MS) are expected to establish Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS), including a Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) as the spatial part of IACS. Different MS have chosen different solutions for their LPIS. Currently, some MS based their IACS/LPIS on data from their Land Administration Systems (LAS), and many others use purpose built special systems for their IACS/LPIS. The issue with these different IACS/LPIS is that they do not have standardized structures; rather, each represents a unique design in each MS, both in the case of LAS based or special systems. In this study, we aim at designing a core data model for those IACS/LPIS based on LAS. For this purpose, we make use of the ongoing standardization initiatives for LAS (Land Administration Domain Model: LADM) and IACS/LPIS (LPIS Core Model: LCM). The data model we propose in this study implies the collaboration between LADM and LCM and includes some extensions. Some basic issues with the collaboration model are discussed within this study: registration of farmers, land use rights and farming limitations, geometry/topology, temporal data management etc. For further explanation of the model structure, sample instance level diagrams illustrating some typical situations are also included. |
20702025 | Watershed-scale assessment of arsenic and metal contamination in the surface soils surrounding Miyun Reservoir, Beijing, China. | Concentrations of As and selected metals were determined in surface soils of the Miyun Reservoir watershed of Beijing, China. The degree to which concentrations of As and metals exceeded the corresponding background concentration of soils was: Cr>Cu>Zn>As>Ni with no apparent anthropogenic contamination with Cd and Pb. Based on the results of bination of multivariate statistics and geostatistical analysis, greater concentrations of Cr and Ni in soils were determined to be primarily from iron ore mining near where the Chaohe River enters the northeast portion of the reservoir. Agricultural activities were responsible for the observed elevated concentrations of Cu and Zn in soils. Relatively great concentrations of As were found in soils near the upstream regions of the Baihe River in Chicheng County where small gold mining activities have taken place. The greatest potential for adverse effects of Cr and Cu occurred along the eastern shore of Miyun Reservoir. |
20702026 | Using expert opinion to prioritize impacts of climate change on sea turtles' nesting grounds. | Managers and conservationists often need to prioritize which impacts from climate change to deal with from a long list of threats. However, data which parison of the relative impact from climatic threats for decision-making is often unavailable. This is the case for the management of sea turtles in the face of climate change. The terrestrial life stages of sea turtles can be negatively impacted by various climatic processes, such as sea level rise, altered cyclonic activity, and increased sand temperatures. However, no study has systematically investigated the relative impact of each of these climatic processes, making it challenging for managers to prioritize their decisions and resources. To address this we offer a systematic method for eliciting expert knowledge to estimate the relative impact of climatic processes on sea turtles' terrestrial reproductive phase. For this we used as an example the world's largest population of green sea turtles and asked 22 scientists and managers to answer a paper based survey with a series of parison matrices pared the anticipated impacts from each climatic process. Both scientists and managers agreed that increased sand temperature will likely cause the most threat to the reproductive output of the nGBR green turtle population followed by sea level rise, then altered cyclonic activity. The methodology used proved useful to determine the relative impact of the selected climatic processes on sea turtles' reproductive output and provided valuable information for decision-making. Thus, the methodological approach can potentially be applied to other species and ecosystems of management concern. |
20702027 | Comparing forest fragmentation and its drivers in China and the USA with Globcover v2.2. | Forest loss and fragmentation are of major concern to the munity, in large part because they impact so many important environmental processes. The main objective of this study was to assess the differences in forest fragmentation patterns and drivers between China and the conterminous United States (USA). Using the latest 300-m resolution global land cover product, Globcover v2.2, parative analysis of forest fragmentation patterns and drivers was made. The fragmentation patterns were characterized by using a forest fragmentation model built on the sliding window analysis technique in association with landscape indices. Results showed that China's forests were substantially more fragmented than those of the USA. This was evidenced by a large difference in the amount of interior forest area share, with China having 48% interior forest versus the 66% for the USA. China's forest fragmentation was primarily attributed to anthropogenic disturbances, driven particularly by agricultural expansion from an increasing and large population, as well as poor forest management practices. In contrast, USA forests were principally fragmented by natural land cover types. However, USA urban sprawl contributed more to forest fragmentation than in China. This is closely tied to the USA's economy, lifestyle and institutional processes. Fragmentation maps were generated from this study, which provide valuable insights and implications regarding habitat planning for rare and endangered species. Such maps enable development of strategic plans for sustainable forest management by identifying areas with high amounts of human-induced fragmentation, which improve risk assessments and enable better targeting for protection and remediation efforts. Because forest fragmentation is a plex process that is highly related to political, institutional, economic and philosophical arenas, both nations need to take effective prehensive measures to mitigate the negative effects of forest loss and fragmentation on the existing forest ecosystems. |
20702029 | Intra-abdominal fire due to insufflating oxygen instead of carbon dioxide during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: case report and literature review. | We report the first case of bustion involving the plastic covering of monopolar scissors secondary to use of incorrect gas (oxygen [O(2)] instead of carbon dioxide [CO(2)]) during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). The insufflating system was connected to a provisional O(2) gate into the operating theater. A patient underwent RALP and extended pelvic lymph node dissection for localized prostate cancer, according to standard technique. Approximately 1.5 h after the start of surgery, flames arose from the scissor tips during monopolar coagulation. After extinguishing the fire, we promptly withdrew and changed instruments before recognizing and resolving the cause of the incident. The procedure was carried out without patient injury, and the postoperative period was uneventful. |
20702030 | Robotic laparoendoscopic single-site radical prostatectomy: technique and early outcomes. | Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery is challenging. To help e current technical and ergonomic limitations, the da Vinci robotic platform can be applied to LESS. |
20702031 | Reconstruction of skull base defects in sphenoid wing dysplasia associated with neurofibromatosis I with titanium mesh. | Sphenoid wing dysplasia occurs in 3-7% of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The typical radiological features are partial plete absence of the greater wing of the sphenoid. This condition is slowly progressive and may result in temporal lobe herniation into the orbital cavity, producing pulsating exophthalmos and gross facial deformity. Thus, reconstruction of the orbit is important for both cosmetic and functional reasons. Traditional surgical treatment of sphenoid dysplasia involves split bone grafting and repair of the anterior skull base defect. However, several reports have plications of graft resorption and recurrence of proptosis and pulsating exopthalmos. In this case series, we present two patients suffering from pulsating exophthalmos due to sphenoid dysplasia. Radiological and MRI studies demonstrated orbital enlargement plete absence of the greater wing of the sphenoid. Surgical management of these patients involved dural defect repair, and the use of titanium mesh in conjunction with bone graft to act as a barrier between the orbit and the middle cranial fossa. The mesh was fixed by fine screws. Proptosis improved markedly post-operatively and resolved within a few weeks. Ocular pulsation subsided and remained quiescent with at least 1-year follow-up. |
20702032 | Blood pressure management in acute intracerebral haemorrhage guidelines are poorly implemented in clinical practice. | Optimal management of blood pressure (BP) in spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is controversial. We assessed adherence to BP guidelines and its management in ICH in a tertiary Canadian Stroke Centre. |
20702033 | Tumor microenvironment modifications induced by soluble VEGF receptor expression in a rat liver metastasis model. | Vascular endothelial growth factor is a potent pro-angiogenic growth factor which is also known to alter tumor microenvironment by inhibiting dendritic cell differentiation and promoting accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. In the present study, we analyzed the modifications induced by intratumoral expression of sFLT-1, a soluble VEGF receptor, in a rat metastatic colon carcinoma model. We generated colon cancer cell lines stably expressing sFLT-1 or a mock construct. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured with conditioned medium from sFLT-1-expressing tumor cells exhibit a significantly decreased survival, demonstrating the functionality of the secreted sFLT-1. Invivo, sFLT-1 expression induced a 30% decrease in microvessel density in 15-day old experimental liver metastasis from colon carcinoma. Tumor growth was inhibited by 63% and 52% in left and right liver lobes respectively within 25days. In these tumors, sFLT-1 expression was associated with a decreased myeloid cell infiltration and a modification in the expression of several cytokines/chemokines. Altogether, these results suggest that VEGF trapping by sFLT-1 intratumoral expression results in reduced vascularization, tumor growth inhibition and modification of immune tumor microenvironment. |
20702034 | Processing-structure-property relationships of Bi2WO6 nanostructures as visible-light-driven photocatalyst. | QDS modified Bi(2)WO(6) (BWO) nanostructures were processed by calcination at different temperatures. A strong correlation was found among the processing, structure and properties of the samples. With increasing calcination temperature from 200°C to 500°C, the crystallinity increased and the BWO QDS gradually disappeared from the nanostructures. Both surface area and band gap of the samples decreased. The light absorption of the samples became lower for the long-wavelength range, panied by a red shift of the absorption edge. The photocatalytic activity of the samples decreased after calcination at higher temperature. petitive relations between crystallinity and surface area in affecting photocatalytic activity were discussed. The role of BWO QDS that played in enhancement of photocatalytic activity was also revealed by studying structure and property evolution of the calcined samples. |
20702035 | Optimization of biodemulsifier production from Alcaligenes sp. S-XJ-1 and its application in breaking crude oil emulsion. | A biodemulsifier-producing strain of Alcaligenes sp. S-XJ-1, isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil of the Karamay Oilfield, exhibited excellent demulsifying ability. The application of this biodemulsifier significantly improved the quality of separated pared with the chemical demulsifier, polyether, which clearly indicates that it has potential applications in the crude oil extraction industry. To optimize its biosynthesis, the impacts of carbon sources, nitrogen sources and pH were studied in detail. Paraffin, a hydrophobic carbon source, favored the synthesis of this cell wall associated biodemulsifier. The nitrogen source ammonium citrate stimulated the production and demulsifying performance of the biodemulsifier. An alkaline environment (pH 9.5) of the initial culture medium favored the strain's growth and improved its demulsifying ability. The results showed paraffin, ammonium citrate and pH had significant effects on the production of the biodemulsifier. These three variables were further investigated using a response surface methodology based on a posite design to optimize the biodemulsifier yield. The optimal yield conditions were found at a paraffin concentration of 4.01%, an ammonium citrate concentration of 8.08 g/L and a pH of 9.35. Under optimal conditions, the biodemulsifier yield from Alcaligenes sp. S-XJ-1 was increased to 3.42 g/L. |
20702036 | Occurrence, temporal evolution and risk assessment of pharmaceutically active compounds in Doñana Park (Spain). | Doñana National Park (Southern Spain) is one of the most emblematic protected areas in Europe and is included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. A 1-year monitoring study was carried out to investigate the presence of 16 pounds belonging to seven therapeutic groups in wastewater discharges, rivers and streams affecting Doñana Park. Fourteen pharmaceuticals were detected in effluent wastewater at concentration levels up to 26.8 μg L(-1) and thirteen were detected in surface water at concentration levels up to 4.55 μg L(-1). Ibuprofen was pound at the highest concentration levels. An increase of the concentration levels in surface water was observed in summer months due to the reduction of the flow rates of the rivers. Nevertheless, risk quotient values estimated in surface water were lower than one so no toxicological effect is suspected to occur. The highest average risk quotients were obtained for ibuprofen (risk quotient 0.67±0.28), gemfibrozil (risk quotient 0.52±0.33), propranolol (0.13±0.06) and naproxen (0.10±0.09). Nevertheless, in summer months, risk quotient values up to 9.3 and 10.7 were estimated for the pounds 17α-ethinylestradiol and 17β-estradiol. |
20702037 | A new statistical framework for parameter subset selection and optimal parameter estimation in the activated sludge model. | A new model-calibration method has been proposed to solve the problems associated with parameter subset selection and parameter estimation of the activated sludge model (ASM). We propose the use of a statistical methodology for reasonable parameter selection and parameter estimation that consists of sensitivity analysis, similarity measures, hierarchical clustering and response surface methods (RSM). The introduction of effluent quality index (EQI) can reduce all of the outputs of the ASM model into one factor. The EQI was used to calculate a sensitivity matrix. Then, the hierarchical clustering algorithm was used for parameter subset selection. This selection was based on a similarity measure using the sensitivity matrix and was used to reduce the number of model parameters by selecting only one parameter per cluster group (parameter subset selection step). Lastly, a RSM analysis was conducted in order to determine the optimal parameter values. This study was conducted in order to develop a new statistical framework that can greatly reduce putational effort required to find the optimal solution by reducing the number of parameters. The experimental results indicated that the calibrated model can improve the prediction quality of the ASM model and the efficiency of the modeling. |
20702038 | Defluoridation from aqueous solution by lanthanum hydroxide. | This research was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of lanthanum hydroxide for fluoride removal from aqueous solutions. A batch sorption experiments were conducted to study the influence of various factors such as pH, presence peting anions, contact time, initial fluoride concentration and temperature on the sorption of fluoride on lanthanum hydroxide. The optimum fluoride removal was observed in the pH(eq)≤7.5. The presence peting anions showed no adverse effect on fluoride removal. The equilibrium data reasonably fitted the Langmuir isotherm model, and the maximum monolayer sorption capacity was found to be 242.2 mg/g at pH(eq)≤7.5 and 24.8 mg/g at pH(eq)>10.0. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model described well the kinetic data, and resulted in the activation energy of 53.4-68.8 kJ/mol. It was suggested that the overall rate of fluoride sorption is likely to be controlled by the chemical process. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° indicated that the nature of fluoride sorption is spontaneous and endothermic. The used lanthanum hydroxide could be regenerated by washing with NaOH solution. Results from this study demonstrate the potential usability of lanthanum hydroxide as a good fluoride selective sorbent. |
20702039 | Kinetic analysis and modeling of oleate and ethanol stimulated uranium (VI) bio-reduction in contaminated sediments under sulfate reduction conditions. | Microcosm tests with uranium contaminated sediments were performed to explore the feasibility of using oleate as a slow-release electron donor for U(VI) reduction parison to ethanol. Oleate degradation proceeded more slowly than ethanol with acetate produced as an intermediate for both electron donors under a range of initial sulfate concentrations. A kinetic microbial reduction model was developed and implemented to describe pare the reduction of sulfate and U(VI) with oleate or ethanol. The reaction path model considers detailed oleate/ethanol degradation and the production and consumption of intermediates, acetate and hydrogen. Although significant assumptions are made, the model tracked the major trend of sulfate and U(VI) reduction and describes the successive production and consumption of acetate, concurrent with microbial reduction of aqueous sulfate and U(VI) species. The model results imply that the overall rate of U(VI) bioreduction is influenced by both the degradation rate of organic substrates and consumption rate of intermediate products. |
20702040 | Mechanisms of decoherence in electron microscopy. | The understanding and where possible the minimisation of decoherence mechanisms in electron microscopy were first studied in plasmon loss, diffraction contrast images but are of even more acute relevance in high resolution TEM phase contrast imaging and electron holography. With the development of phase retrieval techniques they merit further attention particularly when their effect cannot be eliminated by currently available energy filters. The roles of electronic excitation, thermal diffuse scattering, transition radiation and bremsstrahlung are examined here not only in the specimen but also in the electron optical column. Terahertz-range aloof beam electronic excitation appears to account satisfactorily for recent observations of decoherence in electron holography. An apparent low frequency divergence can emerge for the calculated classical bremsstrahlung event probability but can be ignored for photon wavelengths exceeding the required coherence distance or path lengths in the equipment. Most bremsstrahlung event probabilities are negligibly important except possibly in large-angle bending magnets or mandolin systems. A more reliable procedure for subtracting thermal diffuse scattering from diffraction pattern intensities is proposed. |
20702041 | A new model for investigating the flexural vibration of an atomic force microscope cantilever. | A new model for the flexural vibration of an atomic force microscope cantilever is proposed, and a closed-form expression is derived. The effects of angle, damping and tip moment of inertia on the resonant frequency were analysed. Because the tip is not exactly located at one end of the cantilever, the cantilever is modelled as two beams. The results show that the frequency first increases with increase in angle and then decreases to a constant value for high values of the angle. Moreover, the damping is increased at lower contact positions. The tip moment of inertia is also sensitive to the resonant frequency at small values for the odd modes and large values for the even modes. |
20702042 | In vitro isolation and identification of the first Neospora caninum isolate from European bison (Bison bonasus bonasus L.). | Peripheral blood from European bison (Bison bonasus bonasus L.) living in Białowieża Forest, north-east Poland, were investigated for the presence of antibodies to Neospora caninum and isolation of parasite. Out of 23 animals three of them showed a strong positive response to N. caninum (13%). The white blood cells from two positive and two negative bison were loaded on monolayer Vero cells culture. The first viable tachyzoites were detected only in positive samples at days 60 and 70 after incubation. For the purpose of the identification the isolates, tachyzoites were evaluated by PCR and sequence analysis of fragment of the Nc-5 region. The sequences of N. caninum-specific Nc5 region were found to be identical to those of other N. caninum isolates found in the public database. The isolate was subsequently named NC-PolBb1 and NC-PolBb2. This is the first record of in vitro isolation of N. caninum from naturally infected European bison (Bison bonasus bonasus L.) and the first isolate obtained from the peripheral blood. |
20702043 | Determinants of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor. | Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) belongs to the neurotrophin family of growth factors and affects the survival and plasticity of neurons in the adult central nervous system. The high correlation between cortical and serum BDNF levels has led to many human studies on BDNF levels in various populations, however knowledge about determinants that influence BDNF is lacking. |
20702044 | Spontaneous remission of cancer: steady and aggressive malignant growth faced with hypoxia or hypoglycemia. | A sudden disappearance of cancer and all its signs and symptoms and markers without any medical intervention is considered as a spontaneous remission of cancer. In the past reports of spontaneous remission of cancer was dismissed as a misdiagnosis. Today, with so many bonafide reports of spontaneous remission of cancer (pathology, blood test, radio imaging, etc.) its existence is accepted by the munity without any recognized beneficial medical explanation. |
20702046 | Flupirtine may stop the progressive course of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. | Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive devastating disease. Along with the slow measles virus infection, apoptotic cell death has shown to be one of the major mechanisms at the pathogenesis. Volume reduction in frontotemporal cortex has seen in patients at early stages of disease. At present, there is no effective treatment pletely cure SSPE. Oral isoprinosine and intrathecal or intraventricular alpha-interferon are anti viral therapies with limited success. Flupirtine is an anti apoptotic agent which has been used with limited success in Alzheimer disease, prion diseases and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis which is a inherited disease of apoptosis related genes. Therefore, we hypothesize that flupirtine bination of antiviral therapy may halt the progressive course of the disease. |
20702047 | The study of pediatric catatonia supports a home of its own for catatonia in DSM-5. | The study of pediatric catatonia has not received much attention. During the last few years, progress has been made in delineating this syndrome in children and adolescents across a wide range of disorders. Catatonia is a potentially life-threatening but treatable syndrome that also occurs in children and adolescents with autistic, developmental, and tic disorders, and in its idiopathic form. In many of these cases, catatonia cannot be accounted for by an associated psychotic, affective, or medical disorder. These findings are imminently relevant for classification where catatonia is currently restricted to sections of the psychotic, affective, or medical disorders. Catatonia should always be the primary diagnosis in children, adolescents, and adults, as specific treatments for catatonia, i.e., benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy, lower risk of worsening catatonia or precipitating Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome when antipsychotic medications are used as first-line or sole treatment. The creation of a separate diagnostic class for catatonia is the safest approach to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome in patients of all ages and the best approach to promote research. |
20702048 | Regulation of NK-cell function by mucins via antigen-presenting cells. | Decidual antigen-presenting cells including dendritic cells (DCs) and CD14(+) macrophages, as mediators of the first encounter with fetal antigens, appear to be critically involved in the initiation of primary immune response by regulating innate- and adaptive immunity. Interleukin-15, produced by them, permits the proliferation and differentiation of CD3(-)CD16(-)CD94(+)NKG2A(+)CD56(+bright) decidual NK cells that identify trophoblast cells. These cells are able to kill them after Th1 cytokine overstimulation and by increasing the release of preformed cytotoxic mediators. Thus, the local microenvironment is a potent modulator of antigen-presenting cell functions. Tumor associated glycoprotein-72 (TAG-72) and mucine 1 (MUC-1) are glycoproteins secreted by uterine epithelial cells. Our hypothesis is that TAG-72 and MUC-1 are the natural ligands for carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) of endocytic mannose receptor (MR or CD206) and DC-specific ICAM non-integrin (DC-SIGN or CD209) expressed on decidual CD14(+) macrophages and CD1a(+) DCs. They might be able to condition antigen-presenting cells to produce distinct profiles of cyto/chemokines with consequential reduction in NK-cell numbers and cytotoxic potential leading to insufficient control over trophoblast growth. This hypothesis could explain the disappearance of MUC-1 beneath the attached embryo during the process of successful implantation when tight regulation of trophoblast invasion is needed. As IL-15 is the earliest and the most important factor in NK-cell proliferation, differentiation, and maturation, we expected primarily an increase of IL-15 expression in antigen-presenting cells itant with the disappearance of mucins and the enhancement in NK cells numbers and of cytotoxic potential after their close contact with early pregnancy decidual antigen-presenting cells. If our hypothesis is correct, it would contribute to the understanding of the role of mucins in the redirection of immune response via antigen-presenting cells and could help explain the mechanism of IL-15 regulation at the maternal-fetal interface of normal, ectopic-, and pathological pregnancies with effects on NK-cell proliferation, cytolytic mediator expression, and regulation of trophoblast growth control. |
20702049 | Opioid maintenance patients with QTc prolongation: congenital long QT syndrome mutation may be a contributing risk factor. | This study investigates opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) patients found to have corrected QT (QTc) interval above 500 ms, with particular focus on past medical history, genetic testing and cardiac investigations. |
20702050 | Multiple invasions of O1 FMDV serotype into Israel revealed by genetic analysis of VP1 genes of Israeli's isolates from 1989 to 2007. | Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), one of the most dangerous viruses affecting cloven-hoofed prises seven serotypes that do not mutually cross-protect, with a total of about 80 subtypes. The Middle East is an FMD-endemic region, with repeated FMD outbreaks and In spite of pulsory vaccination policy in Israel, outbreaks occur repeatedly. In order pare the Israeli isolates, plete viral VP1 genes of representative viruses isolated during the major outbreaks from 1989 to 2007 were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis, which showed that each outbreak was initiated by introduction of a new virus lineage and not by endemic and resident viruses. The differences between the nucleotide sequences of the viruses from the various outbreaks were too big to fit a model of outbreaks caused by endemic virus. Based on this approach, it was revealed that the 2002 outbreak was originated by viruses that circulated in the Arabian peninsula in 1997-1998. |
20702051 | Molecular pathology and age estimation. | Over the course of our lifetime a stochastic process leads to gradual alterations of biomolecules on the molecular level, a process that is called ageing. Important changes are observed on the DNA-level as well as on the protein level and are the cause and/or consequence of our 'molecular clock', influenced by genetic as well as environmental parameters. These alterations on the molecular level may aid in forensic medicine to estimate the age of a living person, a dead body or even skeletal remains for identification purposes. Four such important alterations have e the focus of molecular age estimation in the munity over the last two decades. The age-dependent accumulation of the 4977bp deletion of mitochondrial DNA and the attrition of telomeres along with ageing are two important processes at the DNA-level. Among a variety of protein alterations, the racemisation of aspartic acid and advanced glycation endproducs have already been tested for forensic applications. At the moment the racemisation of aspartic acid represents the pinnacle of molecular age estimation for three reasons: an excellent standardization of sampling and methods, an evaluation of different variables in many published studies and highest accuracy of results. The three other mentioned alterations often lack standardized procedures, published data are sparse and often have the character of pilot studies. Nevertheless it is important to evaluate molecular methods for their suitability in forensic age estimation, because supplementary methods will help to extend and refine accuracy and reliability of such estimates. |
20702052 | Effects of low-dose hydrochlorothiazide on urolithiasis and bone metabolism in severely disabled individuals: a pilot study. | To clarify the effects of hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) on calcium metabolism in subjects with severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID), we examined four patients (16-48years old) with a history of urolithiasis and/or bone fracture and increased urinary calcium/creatinine ratio (U-Ca/Cr). U-Ca/Cr, blood markers of bone turnover, and bone-mineral density (BMD) were measured before and after administration of low-dose HCT (0.25-0.5mg/kg/day). Three months after the initiation of HCT, U-Ca/Cr decreased in all patients, but this effect was less evident at 9-18months. Bone-turnover marker of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase also showed a tendency to decrease, but BMD remained unchanged during the follow-up period. In SMID patients, HCT is beneficial for the treatment of hypercalciuria but its effects can be transient in certain cases. HCT may also ameliorate the increase in bone turnover, but its effects on the prevention of bone fractures remain uncertain. Hyponatremia is the most frequent and significant adverse effect of HCT, for which a close observation is mandatory in HCT application for patients with SMID. |
20702053 | Microsporidiosis: epidemiology, clinical data and therapy. | Microsporidiosis is an emerging and opportunistic infection in AIDS patients, organ transplant recipients, children, travelers, contact lens wearers and the elderly. It is associated with a wide range of clinical syndromes of microsporidiosis in humans. The disease is caused by microsporidia, obligate intracellular microorganisms that were recently reclassified from protozoa to fungi. The 14 species of microsporidia currently known to infect humans, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis, are the mon causes of human infections and are associated with diarrhea and systemic disease. Species of microsporidia infecting humans have been identified in water sources as well as in wild, domestic and food-producing farm animals, raising concerns of water-borne, food-borne and zoonotic transmission. Various molecules have been tested for treating microsporidiosis in humans with variable success. Albendazole is effective against Encephalitozoon species such us Encephalitozoon intestinalis but not against Enterocytozoon bieneusi. This species has shown excellent clinical therapeutic response to direct action with fumagillin, but this drug is toxic when administered systematically to mammals. Its analog, TNP 470, could be promising alternative. Further work is necessary to identify other drugs, which are both effective and devoid of adverse effects. |
20702054 | Chromatographic analysis of local anesthetics in biological samples. | This paper reviews gas and liquid chromatographic methods for screening, identification and quantification of local anesthetics and/or their metabolites in biological samples. Basic information about sample preparation, separation, detection, and quantification of each procedure is summarised. The pros and cons of the various procedures are critically discussed. |
20702055 | "I wish I'd told them": a qualitative study examining the unmet psychosexual needs of prostate cancer patients during follow-up after treatment. | To gain insight into patients' experiences of follow-up care after treatment for prostate cancer and identify unmet psychosexual needs. |
20702056 | Comparing the use of evidence and culture in targeted colorectal cancer communication for African Americans. | This study examined the effects (affective reactions, cognitive reactions and processing, perceived benefits and barriers and intent to screen) of targeted peripheral+evidential (PE) and peripheral+evidential+socio-cultural (PE+SC) colorectal munications. |
20702058 | Effect of a group-based rehabilitation programme on glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes patients: the Copenhagen Type 2 Diabetes Rehabilitation Project. | pare the effectiveness of a group-based rehabilitation programme with an individual counselling programme at improving glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk factors among patients with type 2 diabetes. |
20702059 | The "two-week wait" referral pathway allows prompt treatment but does not improve outcome for patients with oesophago-gastric cancer. | The Two Week Wait Referral Service (2WW) has been implemented as a means of fast-tracking patients with suspected upper gastrointestinal cancers for endoscopy. Whether or not it impacts on the e of these patients is unclear. The aim of this study was pare the e of patients referred through 2WW with that of patients with oesophago-gastric cancer identified through alternate referral pathways (routine, emergency). |
20702062 | Effects of vocal training on singing and speaking voice characteristics in vocally healthy adults and children based on choral and nonchoral data. | This prospective cross-sectional study examines the effects of voice training on vocal capabilities in vocally healthy age and gender differentiated groups measured by voice range profile (VRP) and speech range profile (SRP). |
20702063 | Feasibility of pulmonary valve imaging using three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. | The pulmonary valve (PV) is rarely visualized in short axis with conventional two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Thus, the true incidence of abnormal PV morphology in patients undergoing TTE is unknown. This study sought to evaluate the feasibility of using three-dimensional echocardiography in the morphologic assessment of the PV in short-axis. |
20702064 | Current concepts in mitral valve prolapse--diagnosis and management. | Although mitral valve prolapse as a disease entity has been recognized for over 50 years, its precise definition has been elusive. Initial reports based the diagnosis on auscultatory findings (late systolic click - murmur), with left ventricular angiography as a confirmative test. Echocardiography, first the M-mode, and subsequently the two-dimensional, became the dominant diagnostic modality. However, the early reports did not distinguish between billowing valve and flail valve. The advent of surgical repair techniques provided a different perspective; the surgical definition of mitral valve prolapse is often different from that of cardiologists. Intraoperative echocardiography gained wide acceptance necessitating mon language to describe precise terminology of the leaflet anatomy and definition of valve prolapse. The present report proposes a terminology and definitions of valve prolapse with relevance to surgical mitral valve repair. The addition of real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography now provides highly accurate localization of lesions and the multi segment assessment of valve pathology. The etiologic considerations and surgical repair techniques with the role of echo - surgery team in improved patient e are described. |
20702060 | Comparison of VO2 maximum obtained from 20 m shuttle run and cycle ergometer in children with and without developmental coordination disorder. | Oxygen consumption at peak physical exertion (VO(2) maximum) is the most widely used indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness. The purpose of this study was pare two protocols for its estimation, cycle ergometer testing and the 20 m shuttle run, among children with and without probable developmental coordination disorder (pDCD). The shuttle run test was conducted during regular school hours, usually in the gymnasium. Children were then invited to a lab plete the cycle ergometer protocol. Children were categorized as possible cases of DCD using the Movement-ABC-2. The analysis was performed using cut-points at both the 5th (n=38) and 15th (n=51) percentiles. The average age of children in the study was 12 years (SD=0.5). Children with pDCD had poorer VO(2) maximum pared to typically developing children based on both the shuttle run and the cycle ergometer. The correlation between tests is in the moderate to high range (r=0.71, p<0.001); 0.78 for girls, and 0.73 for boys. The overall difference in correlations between typically developing children and children with pDCD based on the 15th percentile was 0.12 (p=0.27). For children with pDCD based on the 5th percentile however, the difference between groups was larger (difference in r=0.25), and was statistically significant (p=0.02). In multivariate analyses, there was no difference in the effect of the shuttle run results in predicting VO(2) maximum obtained through the cycle ergometer test for children with pared to those without the condition. Regardless of the test, the patterns of association between children with pDCD and typically developing children were the same reinforcing the findings of previous field-based reports. Moderate to good correlations, at the 15th percentile cut-point, between tests suggests that the shuttle run test is a reliable substitute in this population when lab based assessments of VO(2) maximum are not feasible. |
20702061 | Development of a preschool developmental assessment scale for assessment of developmental disabilities. | The aim of this paper was to describe the development of the cognitive domain of the Preschool Developmental Assessment Scale (PDAS) for assessment of preschool children with developmental disabilities. The initial version of the cognitive domain consisted of 87 items. They were administered to 324 preschool children, including 240 children from preschools and 84 children with developmental disabilities. Initial Rasch analysis results indicated that the fit statistics of 42 of the items were outside the acceptable range. Based on the fit statistics and considering the overall structure of the scale, the revised version consisted of 40 items and this version conformed to the Rasch expectations. The revised 40-item scale could differentiate between children with typical development and children with developmental disabilities. It could also differentiate between children from different age groups. The internal consistency estimate (KR-20) was .93. The cognitive domain of the PDAS is considered a promising developmental assessment tool for assessment of developmental disabilities. |
20702067 | Evidence of female-specific glial deficits in the hippocampus in a mouse model of prenatal stress. | Prenatal stress (PS) has been associated with an increased incidence of numerous neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and autism. To determine the effects of PS on hippocampal-dependent behaviour hippocampal morphology, we examined behavioural responses and hippocampal cytoarchitecture of a maternal restraint stress paradigm of PS in C57BL6 mice. Female offspring only showed a reduction in hippocampal glial count in the pyramidal layer following PS. Additionally, only PS females showed increased depressive-like behaviour with cognitive deficits predominantly in female offspring pared to males. This data provides evidence for functional female-specific glial deficits within the hippocampus as a consequence of PS. |
20702068 | Efficacy and safety of second-generation antipsychotics in children and adolescents with psychotic and bipolar spectrum disorders: comprehensive review of prospective head-to-head and placebo-controlled comparisons. | To review data on efficacy and safety of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) in children and adolescents with psychotic and bipolar spectrum disorders. |
20702069 | Autobiographical memories of anger in violent and non-violent individuals: a script-driven imagery study. | Numerous studies have implicated frontal lobe dysfunction in anger-related impulsive violent behavior; however, few studies have looked at frontal activity during angry states in violent individuals. Using PET and a script-driven imagery paradigm, we report on autobiographical memories of angry vs. neutral memories in violent patients and psychiatric matched controls. Relative to recall of neutral memories, recall of anger-laden memories was associated with an activation of frontal regions among control subjects but not violent subjects. Violent subjects demonstrated relatively greater activations in the left amygdala, pontine, and cerebellar pared to control subjects. |
20702071 | Structural and functional imaging approaches in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: does the temporal lobe play a key role? | Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by widespread structural and functional abnormalities in the brain. We applied different structural imaging techniques such as voxel-based morphometry (VBM), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and magnetization transfer imaging (MTI) to study anatomical differences between boys with ADHD and healthy controls, as well as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) together with ponent analysis (ICA) to detect functional alterations. 14 boys with ADHD and 12 controls were included in our study. Results of DTI showed the expected differences in frontal and cerebellar white matter. VBM and MTI indicated group differences in the temporal lobe. Applying ICA to fMRI data, we extracted ponents; two positively correlated to our working memory paradigm and two negatively correlated. ponents included activation in frontal and parietal regions. ponents showed activation in anterior and posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus and temporal regions, and were interpreted as forming part of the default mode network. Group differences in the inferior temporal lobe were detected. Applying different techniques, we found differences between boys with ADHD and controls mainly located in the temporal lobe. Therefore, we postulate that research on ADHD should broaden its scope by including the temporal lobe as a potentially important locus of abnormalities in ADHD. |
20702070 | The role of hippocampus dysfunction in deficient memory encoding and positive symptoms in schizophrenia. | Declarative memory disturbances, known to substantially contribute to cognitive impairment in schizophrenia, have previously been attributed to prefrontal as well as hippocampal dysfunction. |
20702072 | PDMS-based porous particles as support beds for cell immobilization: bacterial biofilm formation as a function of porosity and polymer composition. | The objective of this work is to test the performance of new synthetic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based bed particles acting as carriers for bacteria biofilms. The particles obtained have a highly interconnected porous structure which offers a large surface adsorption area to the bacteria. In addition, PDMS materials can be cross-linked by copolymerization with other polymers. In the present work we have chosen two hydrophilic polymers: xanthan gum polysaccharide and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). This position helps to modulate the interfacial hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance at the particle surface level and the roughness topology and pore size distribution, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Biofilm formation of a consortium isolated from a tannery effluent enriched in Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB), and pure Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (AF) strains were assayed in three different bed particles synthesized with pure PDMS, PDMS-xanthan gum and PDMS-TEOS hybrids. Bacterial viability assays using confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy indicate that inclusion of hydrophilic groups on particle's surface significantly improves both cell adhesion and viability. |
20702073 | The influence of NaCl on hydrophobicity of selected, pharmacologically active bile acids expressed with chromatographic retention index and critical micellar concentration. | Many of bile acids' (BA) physiological properties, as receptor binding, activation of ionic channels, binding to blood proteins, etc. are due to their hydrophobicity. On the other hand, hydrophobicity determines BAs' physico-chemical characteristics as micelle forming and adsorption (surface activity). However, BA hydrophobicity is not determined solely by their structure. position, especially the concentration of electrolytes has influence on BA hydrophobicity. Thus, the objective of this work was to examine the effect of NaCl on hydrophobicity of selected bile acids. This influence is specified with the retention factor k (reversed phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RPHPLC)) and critical micellar concentration (CMC) determined by non-invasive NMR method. The value of lnk elevates with the increase in mobile phase NaCl concentration i.e. Deltalnk/Deltac(NaCl) depends on the number of water molecules not stabilised by hydrogen bonds in bile acid hydration sheath. For bile acids that contain hydroxyl groups (except those with beta equatorial hydroxyl groups) the value of |DeltalnCMC/Deltac(NaCl)| rises with the increase in the number of non-stabilized water molecules in their hydration sheath. Even though oxo derivatives of cholic acid have similar chromatographic parameters they behave differently when es to CMC. In fact with the introduction of oxo groups the value of its |DeltalnCMC/Deltac(NaCl)| elevates but it results in a decrease in the number of non-stabilized water molecules i.e. hydrophobicity falls. Different behaviour of oxo derivatives implicate that, besides "hydrophobic interactions" in their micelles, there are also hydrogen bonds i.e. fiord effect exists. |
20702074 | Thermal behavior of magnetically modalized poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-chitosan based nanohydrogel. | Poly(NIPAAm)-CS based nanohydrogels (NHGs) and iron oxide (Fe(3)O(4)) magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated magnetic nanohydrogels (MNHGs) were synthesized by free radical polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) at 60 degrees C in presence of chitosan (CS) in different feed ratios. The polymerization of NIPAAm and the presence of CS as well as Fe(3)O(4) in hydrogels were confirmed from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. (13)C solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra clearly revealed the grafting of CS into poly(NIPAAm). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images showed the formation of spherical shaped NHGs of different sizes ranging from 50 nm to 200 nm depending upon the feed ratios of CS and NIPAAm, which was further supported by mean hydrodynamic diameter measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). It has been observed that CS not only served as a cross linker during polymerization but also plays a critical role in controlling the growth of NHG and enhancement in lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The encapsulation of Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles (10-12 nm) into NHGs ( approximately 200 nm) was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and further corroborated with magnetic force microscopy (MFM) image. The LCST of poly(NIPAAm) was found to increase with increasing weight ratio of CS to NIPAAm. Furthermore, the encapsulation of iron oxide nanoparticles into hydrogels also caused an increment in LCST. Specifically, temperature optimized NHG and MNHG were fabricated having LCST close to 42 degrees C (hyperthermia temperature). The MNHG shows optimal magnetization, good specific absorption rate (under external AC magnetic field) and excellent patibility with L929 cell lines, which may find potential applications in hyperthermia treatment of cancer and targeted drug delivery. |
20702075 | Spinal surgery for palliation in malignant spinal cord compression. | Malignant spinal pression is an important neuro-oncological emergency, the management of which has been changing throughout the last 30 years. We hereby attempt to present an overview of this pathological entity with general management concepts, paying special attention to the palliative surgical treatments available, the decision-making process and the new emerging treatment modalities. |
20702076 | Predictive factors for evaluation of response to fluticasone propionate/salmeterol combination in severe COPD. | The predictive factors for treatment response in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are unknown. We investigated predictive factors for response to fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FSC) in severe COPD patients. |
20702077 | Kinetochore assembly: if you build it, they will come. | Accurate chromosome segregation requires the interaction of chromosomes with the microtubules from the mitotic spindle. This interaction is mediated by the macro-molecular plex, which assembles only at the centromeric region of each chromosome. However, how this site is specified and how assembly of the kinetochore structure is regulated in coordination with cell cycle progression remains unclear. Recent studies have begun to shed light on the mechanisms underlying assembly of plex structure. |
20702078 | An overview of metals recovery from thermal power plant solid wastes. | Thermal power plants (TPPs) that burn fossil fuels emit several pollutants linked to the environmental problems of acid rain, urban ozone, and the possibility of global climate change. As coal is burned in a power plant, its bustible mineral content is partitioned into bottom ash, which remains in the furnace, and fly ash, which rises with flue gases. Two other by-products of bustion air-pollution control technologies are flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastes and bustion (FBC) wastes. This paper analyzed and summarized the generation, characteristics and application of TPP solid wastes and discussed the potential effects of such solid wastes on the environment. On this basis, a review of a number of methods for recovery of metals from TPP solid wastes was made. They usually contain a quantity of valuable metals and they are actually a secondary resource of metals. By applying mineral processing technologies and hydrometallurgical and biohydrometallurgical processes, it is possible to recover metals such as Al, Ga, Ge, Ca, Cd, Fe, Hg, Mg, Na, Ni, Pb, Ra, Th, V, Zn, etc., from TPP solid wastes. Recovery of metals from such wastes and its utilization are important not only for saving metal resources, but also for protecting the environment. |
20702079 | Development of a novel antioxidant assay technique based on G-quadruplex DNAzyme. | Study on antioxidants' radical scavenging processes and antioxidant capabilities is important for understanding the protective role of antioxidants against oxidative damages associated with some chronic diseases and food degradation. Traditional methods to monitor the radical scavenging by antioxidant require expensive instrument and sophisticated synthesis process. Herein, we report a novel, simple, colorimetric DNAzyme-based method to detect radical-scavenging capacity of antioxidant. In this new strategy, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) mimicking DNAzyme catalyzes the oxidation of ABTS2- (2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) by H2O2 to generate blue/green ABTS.- radical, which can be scavenged by antioxidants resulting in color change. The typical kinetic curve of antioxidant-inhibited generation of ABTS.- shows distinct biphasic pattern, involving a lag phase (stage I) and a linear increase phase (stage II). kt value, the product of lag time (t) and the slope of the curve in stage II (k), was used as the parameter for antioxidant capacity determination. This DNAzyme-based antioxidant assay has been effectively used to quantitatively detect the concentrations of antioxidants and evaluate the antioxidant capabilities of a variety of antioxidants and some real samples. Compared with traditional antioxidant assays, this method is thermostable, pH stable, and time-saving, which presents a promising platform for antioxidant assay. |
20702080 | Development of a (PQQ)-GDH-anode based on MWCNT-modified gold and its application in a glucose/O2-biofuel cell. | In this study a biofuel cell anode is developed on the basis of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). binant pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) dependent glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) is covalently coupled to a PQQ-layer which is adsorbed onto thiol-modified MWCNTs at a gold electrode. In the presence of glucose a catalytic current starts at a potential of -80 mV vs. Ag/AgCl, 1M KCl. Under substrate saturation current densities of 170-200 μA/cm2 can be achieved. The operation is based on mediated electron transfer of the enzyme. This (PQQ)-GDH-MWCNT-electrode bined with a MWCNT-modified electrode to which bilirubin oxidase (BOD) is covalently coupled. The resulting membrane-free biofuel cell has an open cell potential of 600 mV and can achieve a power density in the range of 23 μW/cm2. |
20702081 | Programming cells: towards an automated 'Genetic Compiler'. | One of the visions of synthetic biology is to be able to program cells using a language that is similar to that used to puters or robotics. For large genetic programs, keeping track of the DNA on the level of nucleotides es tedious and error prone, requiring a new generation puter-aided design (CAD) software. To push the size of projects, it is important to abstract the designer from the process of part selection and optimization. The vision is to specify genetic programs in a higher-level language, which a piler could automatically convert into a DNA sequence. Steps towards this goal include: defining the semantics of the higher-level language, algorithms to select and assemble parts, and biophysical methods to link DNA sequence to function. These will be coupled to graphic design interfaces and simulation packages to aid in the prediction of program dynamics, optimize genes, and scan projects for errors. |
20702082 | Non-invasive mechanical ventilation with spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. | We present the successful use of perioperative non-invasive mechanical ventilation in a morbidly obese pregnant woman with bronchial asthma, severe preeclampsia and pulmonary edema undergoing an emergency cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia. bination of non-invasive mechanical ventilation with neuraxial anesthesia may be of value in selected parturients with acute or chronic respiratory insufficiency requiring surgery. |
20702083 | Self-reported post-discharge symptoms following obstetric neuraxial blockade. | Economic pressures are leading to earlier hospital discharge following delivery, plications of obstetric neuraxial block may e apparent. Our aim was to estimate the incidence of symptoms presenting post-discharge at a single tertiary obstetric centre. |
20702085 | Chromatin remodeling in heart development. | Heart development is plex process that relies on networks of interacting transcription factors. Mutations in genes encoding some of these transcription factors result in many inherited congenital heart defects and point to the importance of these networks. Chromatin plexes are intimately associated with these transcriptional networks, adding an additional layer plexity and fine-tuning to the regulation of heart development. Understanding these relationships will be crucial to understand fundamental concepts in tissue-specific gene regulation in organogenesis, in unraveling the mechanisms of congenital heart disease, as well as providing new avenues for reprogramming new cardiomyocytes for heart repair. |
20702087 | Novel biodegradable polymeric flocculant based on polyacrylamide-grafted tamarind kernel polysaccharide. | Novel biodegradable polymeric flocculants were produced by conventional redox grafting, microwave-initiated and microwave-assisted grafting of acrylamide to tamarind kernel polysaccharide (TKP). The graft copolymers were characterized by etry, elemental analysis, molecular weight determination using SLS analysis, and NMR spectroscopy. The flocculation efficiency of the grafting products in kaolin suspension, municipal sewage wastewater and textile industry wastewater was primarily dependent on the length of the grafted polyacrylamide chain. The flocculant obtained by microwave-assisted grafting method was superior to TKP and mercial flocculant (Rishfloc 226 LV) in flocculation tests. |
20702088 | Environmentally benign periphyton bioreactors for controlling cyanobacterial growth. | Microporous suspended bioreactors immobilized with periphytons were submerged between sediments and overlying water to control phosphorus release and cyanobacterial (Microcystis aeruginosa) growth. The results showed that the periphyton mainly consisted of bacteria and diatoms. The application of periphyton bioreactor decreased the levels of exchange phosphorus (Exch-P) in sediments from 1.69 to 0.49 mg g(-1) and total phosphorus (TP) from 0.75 to 0.30 mg L(-1). The significant reduction of the total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) content was not only beneficial for the decrease of the cyanobacterial growth, but also stimulates the periphyton to produce natural cyanobacterial inhibitors such as gallic acid and ethyl-2-methylacetoacetate. These synergistic effects led to the growth inhabitation of M. aeruginosa when the initial concentrations of M. aeruginosa were less than 119.3 microg L(-1). This study provides an environmentally-friendly and publically acceptable method of controlling bacterial blooms pared to traditional addition of chemicals. |
20702089 | Factors influencing cellulosome activity in consolidated bioprocessing of cellulosic ethanol. | The cellulosome, a multi-subunit plex catalyzing cellulose degradation in cellulolytic Clostridium thermocellum, plays a crucial role in Consolidated Bioprocessing (CBP) of lignocellulose into ethanol. Here, activity of cellulosome was tested under varying concentrations of pounds derived from lignocellulose pretreatment and fermentation. We found that, firstly, the cellulolytic activity of cellulosome was actually promoted by formate, acetate and lactate; secondly, cellulosome was tolerant up to 5mM furfural, 50mM p-hydroxybenzoic acid and 1mM catechol. Furthermore, the cellulosome exhibited higher ethanol tolerance and thermostability mercialized fungal (Trichoderma reesei) cellulase. To probe the implication of these unique enzyme-features, C. thermocellum JYT01 was cultured under conditions optimal for cellulosome activity. This CBP system yielded 491 mM ethanol, the highest level reported thus far for C. thermocellum monocultures. These findings demonstrate the potential advantages of bacterial cellulosome, and provide a novel strategy for design, selection and optimization of the cellulosome-ethanologen partnership. |
20702090 | Biodiesel production from tung (Vernicia montana) oil and its blending properties in different fatty acid compositions. | The feasibility of biodiesel production from tung (Vernicia montana) oil was investigated with respect to the transesterification yield and biodiesel properties. Tung oil has poor oxidation stability due to the instability of the conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds in the alpha-elaeostearic acid. The methyl elaeostearate is the ponent (82.2 wt.%) of the tung oil biodiesel. The tung oil biodiesel has the low cold filter plugging point of -11 degrees C, ester content of 94.9 wt.%, and oxidation stability (110 degrees C) of 0.3h. Moreover, the tung oil biodiesel exhibits the high density of 903 kg/m(3)at 15 degrees C, kinematic viscosity of 7.84 mm(2)/s at 40 degrees C, and iodine value of 161.1g I(2)/100g. The properties of the tung oil biodiesel can be improved by blending with canola and palm oil biodiesels to satisfy the biodiesel specifications. In addition, multiple linear correlations between biodiesel properties and its methyl position were established. |
20702091 | Effect of pH on nutrient dynamics and electricity production using microbial fuel cells. | The aim of this work was to study the effect of pH on electricity production and contaminant dynamics using microbial fuel cells (MFCs). To investigate these effects, an air-cathode MFC was used to treat urban wastewater by adjusting the pH between 6 and 10. The short-term tests showed that the highest power production (0.66 W.m(-3)) was at pH 9.5. The MFC operation in continuous control mode for 30 days and at the optimal pH improved the performance of the cell relative to power generation to 1.8 W.m(-3). Organic matter removal (77% of influent COD) and physical ammonium loss were directly influenced by pH and followed the same behavior as the power generation. At a pH higher than the optimal one, anodic bacteria were affected, and power generation ceased. However, biological nitrogen processes and phosphorus dynamics were independent of the exoelectrogenic bacteria. |
20702092 | Lanostane triterpenes from Ganoderma lucidum suppress the adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells through down-regulation of SREBP-1c. | Several lanostane triterpenes [butyl ganoderate A (1), butyl ganoderate B (2), butyl lucidenate N (3), and butyl lucidenate A (4)] bearing a butyl ester side chain from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum exhibited considerable inhibitory effects on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. The inhibitory mechanism of 1 and 3 on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells was investigated; we found that the mRNA and protein expression levels of SREBP-1c were reduced by treatment with 1 and 3 versus the untreated control. pounds 1 and 3 suppressed the mRNA expression levels of FAS and ACC. These results demonstrate that inhibition of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells by treatment with 1 and 3 may be mediated in part through down-regulation of the adipogenic transcription factor SREBP-1c and its target genes, such as FAS and ACC. |
20702093 | [17(20)E]- and [17(20)Z]-pregna-5,17(20)-dien-21-oylamides. Facile synthesis and primary evaluation for cancer cells proliferation. | Reaction of 17alpha-bromo-21-iodo-3beta-acetoxypregn-5-en-20-one with ammonia, primary, and secondary amines is simple and convenient method for preparation of [17(20)E]- and [17(20)Z]-pregna-5,17(20)-dien-21-oylamides. Synthesis and characteristics of 12 related amides are presented. Primary testing on cells proliferation indicated differing effects of pounds on androgen insensitive MCF-7 cells and androgen sensitive LNCaP cells. |
20702094 | Role of the premotor cortex in leg selection and anticipatory postural adjustments associated with a rapid stepping task in patients with stroke. | The premotor cortex (PMC) plays an important role in selecting and preparing for movement. This study investigates how stroke-induced PMC lesions affect stepping leg selection and anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) preparation. Fifteen hemi-paretic patients (eight with PMC lesions (PMC(Lesion)) and seven PMC spared (PMC(Spared))) and eight age- and sex-matched healthy adults participated in the study. The subjects performed rapid forward stepping with the right or left leg under simple and choice reaction time conditions. The percentage of trials in which the subject showed the correct initial vertical ground reaction force pattern before lift-off of the stepping leg indicated the accuracy in selecting the designated stepping leg. The latency of bilateral contractions in the tibialis anterior (TA) and the reaction time (RT) of the stepping leg represented the time needed to prepare for stepping-related APAs and stepping movement, respectively. All three groups demonstrated a similar rate of accuracy of the stepping leg selection under both conditions. However, in both conditions, the PMC(Lesion) group exhibited a longer RT and TA contraction latency of the affected leg than the healthy and PMC(Spared) groups. The PMC(Lesion) group also presented a longer TA contraction latency of the unaffected leg than the healthy group in both conditions. These results suggest that the PMC is involved in APAs associated with leg stepping movement and that a PMC lesion in one hemisphere impairs APAs of both the contralateral and ipsilateral legs during stepping. |
20702095 | Combined endoscopic endonasal and posterior cervical approach to a clival chordoma. | Chordomas in the clival-cervical region present challenges to the neurosurgical team due to their encroaching nature, proximity to critical neurovascular structures and often large size due to late presentation. This report illustrates the utility of a staged approach when confronted with such a pervasive tumour. We describe the bination of two approaches, the endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal plus posterior cervical approaches, in the surgical management of a clival chordoma extending inferiorly to C3 in an 18-year-old male. |
20702096 | Synthesis and in vitro antitumor activity of new 4,5-dihydropyrazole derivatives. | A series of 3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydropyrazole regioisomers, and their 1-acetylated derivatives, bearing a 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl bined with a variety of substituted phenyl rings, was synthesized and evaluated for antitumor activity. Results of the in vitro assay against a non-small cell lung carcinoma cell line (NCI-H460) showed pounds to be endowed with cytotoxicity in micromolar to sub-micromolar range, depending on substitution pattern and position of aryl rings on 4,5-dihydropyrazole core. Potent and selective activity was also observed in the NCI 60 human cancer cell line panel. 5-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)pyrazolines 31 and 39 were found to possess potent antiproliferative activity against SR and MDA-MB-435, with GI(50) inhibitory values in nanomolar range. Structure-activity relationships revealed that introduction of a (hydroxy)acetyl group at N-1 of inactive 5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)pyrazolines, results in a clear in vitro activating effect. Compound 31 (IC(50)=5.16 microM) showed inhibition of tubulin parable to that of CA-4 (IC(50)=4.92 microM). |
20702098 | Measurement of 60Co high gamma dose using gamma activation of 115 In and 111 Cd foils. | Cobalt-60 gamma irradiation facilities are used in many industrial and medical applications. Gamma activation technique of (115)In and (111)Cd foils was used in this work to assess the performance of ethanol-chlorobenzene gamma dosimeter at high dose range of (60)Co irradiation facility. Dose mapping was also performed using (115)In foils. These measurements are required to control the irradiation quality and to validate dose calculations. |
20702097 | Genitalic morphology and copulatory mechanism of the scorpionfly Panorpa jilinensis (Mecoptera: Panorpidae). | Specific genitalic morphology reflects vital sexual functions in insects and examination of genitalic structures is important in understanding copulatory mechanisms. The morphology of male and female genitalia was investigated in the scorpionfly Panorpa jilinensis using light and scanning electron microscopy. The male genitalia are located between the epandrium and hypandrium of the ninth abdominal segment. The prises a broad basal stalk and two long hypovalvae. The gonopods are two-segmented, each consisting of a basal gonocoxite and a distal gonostylus. The parameres are Y-shaped, with a basal stalk and two apical branches (ventral and dorsal parameres), each of which terminates into a flattened lobe. The aedeagus bears a pair of well-developed ventral and a pair of small dorsal valves with the phallotrema situated centrally. In the female genitalia, the subgenital plate is emarginated in a V-shape at the distal end and seems to be paired in the origin, with the gonopore (the opening of mon oviduct) at its base. The genital plate posed of a plate, two long posterior arms, and a long broad axis, the ventral groove of which bears the spermathecal duct. The copulatory pore (the spermathecal opening) is situated medially at the posterior end of the genital plate. Based on the morphology of the male and female genitalia and mating behaviour observations, the copulatory mechanism of P. jilinensis is briefly discussed. |
20702099 | Effective atomic number of composite materials for Compton effect in the gamma ray region 280-1115 keV. | In this paper, we report the effective atomic number, Z(eff), posite materials for Compton effect in the gamma ray region 280-1115 keV based on the theoretically obtained Klein-Nishina scattering cross sections in the angular range 50-100° as well as experimentally measured differential incoherent (Compton) scattering cross sections of posite materials at three scattering angles of 60°, 80°, and 100°. The Z(eff) values so obtained were found to be both angle and energy independent in the region of interest so that it could be concluded that it is possible to represent posite materials by a mean atomic number in this region as suggested in earlier reports recently. |
20702101 | Storage time of allogeneic red blood cells is associated with risk of severe postoperative infection after coronary artery bypass grafting. | The storage time of allogeneic red blood cells (RBCs) has been linked with the risk of severe postoperative infections following cardiac surgery. However, existing data are sparse and inconsistent. We therefore examined the association between the age of transfused RBCs and development of severe postoperative infection following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in a large population-based cohort study. |
20702104 | Peripheral T-cell lymphoma--not otherwise specified. | Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) does correspond to a heterogeneous group of nodal and extranodal mature T-cell lymphomas, with a low prevalence in Western countries. PTCL-NOS accounts for about 25% of all PTCL, which represent over 15% of all lymphomas. In the lymph node, PTCL-NOS shows paracortical or diffuse infiltrates with effacement of the normal architecture, with a broad cytological spectrum and a frequently observed inflammatory background. Some morphological variants include: lymphoepithelioid or Lennert's type, T-zone, and follicular. PTCL-NOS is characterized by an aberrant T-cell phenotype, with frequent loss of CD5 and CD7. A CD4+/CD8- phenotype predominates in nodal cases. CD4/CD8 +/+ or -/- is at times seen, as is CD8, CD56 and cytotoxic granule expression. Ki-67 rate is typically high. TCR β-chain is usually expressed; TCR genes are most often clonally rearranged. PTCL-NOS typically occurs in adults (median age 55-60 years), with a higher prevalence in males. It presents more often as disseminated disease, occasionally with eosinophilia, pruritis or hemophagocytic syndrome. Patients often have B symptoms, generalized lymphadenopathy, bone marrow infiltration, and extranodal involvement, with high or high-intermediate IPI score in 50-70% of cases. Prognosis is poor, with a 5-year OS of 20-30%. Some variables, like ST2(L), CXCR5, CXCR3, EBV infection, cytotoxic granule expression, high proliferative index, NF-κB expression, were proposed as prognostic indicators, but the IPI score, and its variant called PIT, remains the most effective prognostic factor. Patients with PTCL-NOS should be treated with anthracycline-containing chemotherapy, followed by radiotherapy in cases of stage I-II disease. This strategy is associated with an overall response rate higher than 60%, but the 5-year overall survival is only 20-30%. Upfront high-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous or allogeneic SCT is an investigational approach, with a 4-year overall survival of about 40%. Patients with chemosensitive relapse respond favorably to high-dose chemotherapy and ASCT, with long-term survival rates of 35-45%. Graft-versus-lymphoma effect following allogeneic SCT has been observed; and reduced intensity conditioning emerges as an attractive strategy for frail patients. Most patients with PTCL-NOS are enrolled in prospective trials to explore new approaches, and new agents, like gemcitabine, alemtuzumab and pralatrexate, are being investigated. |
20702100 | Changes in apolar metabolites during in vitro organogenesis of Pancratium maritimum. | Calli, shoot-clumps and regenerated plants were initiated from young fruits of Pancratium maritimum L. Their genetic stability was monitored by flow cytometry before chemical studies. Apolar metabolites (alkaloids extracted at pH > 7, free fatty acids and fatty alcohols, sterols etc.) were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by GC-MS. The results clearly demonstrated that alkaloid synthesis in P. maritimum is closely related with tissue differentiation. The highest amounts of alkaloids and presence of homolycorine and tazettine pounds (end products of the biosynthetic pathway of the Amaryllidaceae alkaloids) were found in highly differentiated tissues. Galanthamine accumulated in the leaves of plantlets. The amount of hordenine, a protoalkaloid, is related with the ability of tissues to synthesize alkaloids. Saturated fatty acids were found in considerably higher levels in undifferentiated callus cultures and partially differentiated shoot-clumps than in regenerated plants. Mono- and dienoic fatty acids were found at higher levels in non-photosynthesizing tissues - calli, and in vitro and intact bulbs, while α-linolenic acid (trienoic acid) was found in higher amounts in the photosynthesizing leaves of shoot-clumps and regenerated plants than in bulbs and calli. Fatty alcohols were found mainly in leaves, while sterols tended to accumulate in photosynthesizing and undifferentiated tissues. |
20702105 | Antiangiogenic strategies in breast cancer management. | Angiogenesis is considered one of the key mechanisms of tumour growth and survival. Therefore it represents an ideal pharmaceutical target. Many antiangiogenic agents have been developed so far in several solid tumours and also in breast cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEFG) is the main target and both monoclonal antibodies and small molecules belonging to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors directed against VEGF(R) have been developed. Some other therapeutic approaches have shown to exert some antiangiogenic activity, such as hormonal agents, metronomic chemotherapy, bisphosphonates and others. In this paper we provide an introduction of the current data supporting the angiogenesis in breast cancer and a review of the most relevant antiagiogenic therapies which have been investigated so far. |
20702107 | Applicability of bacterial endotoxins test to various blood products by the use of endotoxin-specific lysates. | Endotoxin contamination is a serious threat to the safety of parenteral drugs, and the rabbit pyrogen test has played a crucial role in controlling this contamination. Although the highly sensitive endotoxin test has replaced the pyrogen test for various pharmaceuticals, the pyrogen test is still implemented as the control test for most blood products in Japan. We examined the applicability of the endotoxin test to blood products for reliable detection and quantification of endotoxin. Nineteen types of blood products were tested for interfering factors based on spike/recovery of endotoxin by using 2 types of endotoxin-specific lysate reagents for photometric techniques. Interfering effects on the endotoxin test by the products could be eliminated by diluting from 1/2 to 1/16, with the exception of antithrombin III. However, conventional lysate reagents that also react with non-pyrogenic substances, such as (1-3)-β-D-glucan, produced results that were not relevant to endotoxin content or pyrogenicity. Our results showed that the endotoxin test would be applicable to most blood products if used with appropriate endotoxin-specific lysate reagents. |
20702106 | Evidence that metyrapone in the presence of inflammation modulates cytokine mRNA expression. | Metyrapone (MT) has been used clinically to decrease glucocorticoid levels in human and animal studies. However, the potential effects of MT in the presence of inflammation are poorly understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the administration of MT on the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the presence of inflammation induced by the well-established model of ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. |
20702108 | Meeting report on protein particles and immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins: filling in the gaps in risk evaluation and mitigation. | This meeting was successful in achieving its main goals: (1) summarize currently available information on the origin, detection, quantification and characterization of sub-visible particulates in protein products, available information on their clinical importance, and potential strategies for evaluating and mitigating risk to product quality, and (2) munication among academic, industry, and regulatory scientists to define the capabilities of current analytical methods, to promote the development of improved methods, and to stimulate investigations into the impact of large protein aggregates on immunogenicity. There was a general consensus that a considerable amount of interesting scientific information was presented and many stimulating conversations were begun. It is clear that this aspect of protein characterization is in its initial stages. As the development of these new methods progress, it is hoped that they will shed light on the role of protein particulates on product quality, safety, and efficacy. A topic which seemed appropriate for short term follow up was to hold further discussions concerning the development and preparation of one or more standard preparations of protein particulates. This would be generally useful to parison of results among different studies, methods, and laboratories, and to foster further development of mon understanding among laboratories and health authorities which is essential to making further progress in this emerging field. |
20702109 | Assessment of allergen sensitization in a general population-based survey (European Community Respiratory Health Survey I). | Exposed to mon environment, the IgE-mediated immune response differs, for instance, among sensitized subjects, some of them reacting toward one allergen (monosensitized) whereas others are sensitized to a wide array of allergens (polysensitized). However, a better phenotypic characterization is needed for epidemiologic studies. Using the data collected during the ECRHS I (European Community Respiratory Health Survey), several assessments of skin prick tests and serum-specific IgE to identify mono- and polysensitized patients pared. |
20702110 | Gestational weight gain and birth outcome in relation to prepregnancy body mass index and ethnicity. | The obesity epidemic raises concerns about the impact of excessive and insufficient weight gain during pregnancy. |
20702111 | Effect of knee joint cooling on the electromyographic activity of lower extremity muscles during a plyometric exercise. | During sporting events, injured athletes often return petition after icing because of the reduction in pain. Although some controversy exists, several studies suggest that cryotherapy causes a decrease in muscle activity, which may lead to a higher risk of injury upon return to play. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 20-min knee joint cryotherapy application on the electromyographic activity of leg muscles during a single-leg drop jump in twenty healthy subjects, randomly assigned to an experimental and a control group. After the pre-tests, a crushed-ice bag was applied to the knee joint of the experimental group subjects for 20 min, while the control group subjects rested for 20 min. All subjects were retested immediately after this period and retested again after another 20 min of rest. Average electromyographic activity and ground contact time were calculated for the pre- and post-test sessions. Decreases in electromyographic activity of the lower extremity musculature were found in pre-activation, eccentric (braking), and concentric (push-off) phases immediately after the icing, and after 20 min of rest. The results lend support to the suggestion that cryotherapy during sporting events may place the individuals in a vulnerable position. |
20702112 | How should we normalize electromyograms obtained from healthy participants? What we have learned from over 25 years of research. | Electromyograms (EMGs) need to be normalized parisons are sought between trials when electrodes are reapplied, as well as between different muscles and individuals. The methods used to normalize EMGs recorded from healthy individuals have been appraised for more than a quarter of a century. Eight methods were identified and reviewed based on criteria relating to their ability to facilitate parison of EMGs. Such criteria included the magnitude and pattern of the normalized EMG, reliability, and inter-individual variability. If the aim is to reduce inter-individual variability, then the peak or mean EMG from the task under investigation should be used as the normalization reference value. However, the ability of such normalization methods to parisons of EMGs is questionable. EMGs from MVCs can be as reliable as those from submaximal contractions, and do not appear to be affected by contraction mode or joint kinematics, particularly for the elbow flexors. Thus, the EMG from an isometric MVC is endorsed as a normalization reference value. Alternatively the EMG from a dynamic MVC can be used, although it is recognized that neither method is guaranteed to be able to reveal how active a muscle is in relation to its maximal activation capacity. |
20702113 | Computed tomography perfusion imaging in spectacular shrinking deficit. | Spectacular shrinking deficit (SSD) is characterized by abrupt onset of a major hemispheric stroke syndrome, followed by dramatic and rapid improvement. We retrospectively identified patients with SSD diagnosed at our institution between December 1, 2007, and June 30, 2009. We puted tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging to determine perfusion defect as a measure of initial ischemic penumbra, and magnetic resonance imaging diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to determine the final infarct core. Among the 472 consecutive ischemic stroke patients, 126 (27%) presented with major hemispheric ischemic stroke syndrome, defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (NIHSS) ≥8 in the territory of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) or internal carotid artery (ICA). Out of these patients, we identified 8 SSD patients with available CTP data. In these 8 patients, the mean time to dramatic recovery was 3.4 hours (range, 0.75-7 hours), and the mean time from onset to CTP was 12.7 hours (range, 3-30 hours). All 8 patients had perfusion abnormalities in portions of the MCA territory (partial MCA territory in 5 patients plete MCA territory in 3 patients). The mean time from onset to MRI DWI was 15.5 hours (range, 7.9-34 hours). Restricted diffusion was present in all patients in the corresponding MCA distribution. Vascular imaging revealed MCA occlusion in 2 patients. Cervical vascular imaging revealed carotid occlusion in 2 patients and high-grade carotid stenosis in 2 patients. The stroke mechanisms were cardioembolism in 2 patients, large artery in 4 patients, and unknown in 2 patients. Four patients had repeat CTP imaging available that demonstrated eventual resolution of the perfusion defect. SSD is associated with a "shrinking" clinical syndrome and a "shrinking" perfusion pattern on CTP that lags behind clinical recovery. CTP imaging corroborates that a larger territory is at risk in SSD and contributes to better understanding of SSD. |
20702115 | Middle cerebral artery infarct following multiple bee stings. | Neurologic events following bee stings are very rare. We report a 59-year-old man who became drowsy with slurred speech following multiple bee stings. In the hospital, he was found to have left-sided hemplegia, seventh cranial nerve palsy, and left conjugate gaze palsy. Further investigation revealed dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and a middle cerebral artery territory infarct. His limb weakness and speech improved before his discharge from the hospital. |
20702117 | Progress in perioperative medicine: focus on statins. | Beyond cholesterol reduction, statins have multiple beneficial influences on vascular endothelial function, atherosclerotic plaque stability, inflammation, and thrombosis. These favorable pleiotropic effects may be the basis for their perioperative risk reduction in cardiothoracic and vascular procedures. The published evidence suggests that statins offer significant e benefits throughout perioperative practice. Because statin therapy significantly reduces the perioperative risk for patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures, they already are mended in published guidelines. Beyond cardiac risk reduction, statin therapy also may protect the brain and the kidney in the perioperative setting, both in cardiac and vascular surgery. The pleiotropic effects of statins also appear to have therapeutic roles in the progression of valve disease, sepsis, and venous thrombosis. Further trials are required to provide data to drive their safe prehensive perioperative application for optimal patient e both in the short term and the long term. Because there are multiple randomized trials currently in progress throughout perioperative medicine, it is very likely that the indications for statins will be expanded significantly. |
20702114 | Renin-angiotensin system blockade safely reduces blood pressure in patients with minor ischemic stroke during the acute phase. | The ACCESS (Acute Candesartan Cilexetil Therapy in Stroke Survivors) study found that administration of candesartan in the acute phase of stroke confers a long-term benefit in patients who have sustained acute ischemic stroke. This treatment did not significantly reduce blood pressure (BP) during the acute phase, however. We assessed the short-term safety of reducing BP with renin-angiotensin system blockade in hypertensive patients who sustained acute ischemic stroke. Our randomized pared the effects of 14 days of oral candesartan (4 mg/day), perindopril (4 mg/day), or conventional therapy (topical nitrate only when systolic BP (SBP) was ≥220 mm Hg or diastolic BP (DBP) was ≥120 mm Hg) administered to hypertensive patients within 72 hours of the onset of minor ischemic stroke. We assessed neurologic symptoms using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and the modified Rankin Scale within 72 hours of stroke onset before and after drug therapy. A total of 40 pleted the protocol. Therapy with candesartan and perindopril reduced SBP/DBP values by 23/11 mm Hg (SBP, P<.01; DBP, P=.07) and 14/0 mm Hg (SBP, P=.07), pared with conventional treatment. Neurologic symptoms worsened in 2 patients who received perindopril, which has no statistical significance, despite the BP reduction in patients given candesartan or perindopril. Our findings indicate that low doses of candesartan or perindopril safely reduce SBP in hypertensive patients with acute ischemic stroke. |
20702121 | Motor function in children with cryptogenic localization related epilepsy. | In CLRE specific learning difficulties and motor problems may occur. The aim of this study is to examine whether CLRE or the panying specific learning difficulties are associated with the occurring problems in motor function. |