Sample records for alb anoplophora glabripennis

  1. Ultrastructure and histology of antennae of Anoplophora glabripennis

    Treesearch

    Kathleen S. Shields

    2003-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), known in the U.S. as Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), is a recently introduced pest of considerable economic importance and eradication efforts are under way in New York and Illinois.

  2. Activity patterns of adult Anoplophora glabripennis in China

    Treesearch

    D. R. Lance; B. Wang; Z. Xu; V. C. Mastro; J. A. Francese; J. Li; Y. Luo

    2003-01-01

    Activity patterns of adult Asian longhorned beetles (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) were monitored in a shelterbelt of Populus and Ulmus spp. in Ningxia A. R., P. R. of China. Trees were searched daily at each of four time periods (0800-1100, 1100-1300, 1400-1600, and 1700-1900 hours) on each of 18...

  3. Effects of host species and population density on Anoplophora glabripennis flight propensity

    Treesearch

    Joseph A. Francese; David R. Lance; Baode Wang; Zhichun Xu; Alan J. Sawyer; Victor C. Mastro

    2007-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is a pest of hardwoods in its native range of China. While the host range of this pest has been studied extensively, its mechanisms for host selection are still unknown. Our goal was to study the factors influencing movement and orientation of adult ALB...

  4. Evaluation of insecticides for controlling the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis - a synthesis presentation

    Treesearch

    Baode Wang; Ruitong Gao; Win H. McLane; David M. Cowan; Victor C. Mastro; Richard C. Reardon; Therese M. Poland; Robert A. Haack

    2003-01-01

    Since 1998, we have evaluated different insecticides as well as various application methods for the control of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis. Evaluations have been conducted by two separate cooperative projects in China, one between USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Otis Laboratory, USDA Forest Service...

  5. Development of SCAR Markers for the DNA-Based Detection of the Asian Long-Horned Beetle; Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky)

    Treesearch

    Damodar R. Kethidi; David B. Roden; Tim R. Ladd; Peter J. Krell; Arthur Ratnakaran; Qili Feng

    2003-01-01

    DNA markers were identified for the molecular detection of the Asian long-horned beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Mot.), based on sequence charaterized amplified regions (SCARS) derived from random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fragments. A 2,740-bp DNA fragment that was present only in ALB and not in other Cerambycids was identified after...

  6. The impacts of feeding in a resistant tree on the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) and its gut microbiota

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB; Anoplophora glabripennis) is an invasive, wood-boring beetle capable of thriving in the heartwood of a broad range of angiospermous trees. Here, it faces a number of nutritional and digestive challenges, including the presence of highly recalcitrant lignocellulose a...

  7. Flight propensty of Anoplophora glabripennis, an Asian longhorned beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

    Treesearch

    J. A. Francese; B. Wang; D. R. Lance; Z. Xu; S. Zong; Y. Luo; A. J. Sawyer; V. C. Mastro

    2003-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) (Motschulsky), is a recently introduced pest of hardwoods. Research to study its flight behavior was conducted in the field in Ningxia Autonomous Region, Peoples' Republic of China. To study the flight propensity of A. glabripennis, adult beetles were observed in population...

  8. Virulence of entomopathogenic hypocrealean fungi infecting Anoplophora glabripennis

    Treesearch

    Thomas Dubois; Jennifer Lund; Leah S. Bauer; Ann E. Hajek

    2008-01-01

    Twenty isolates of four species of entomopathogenic hypocrealean fungi (Beauveria bassiana, Beauveria brongniartii, Isaria farinosa, and Metarhizium anisopliae) were found to be pathogenic to adults of the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis. Survival times for 50% of the beetles tested (ST

  9. Evaluation of vacuum technology to kill larvae of the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), and the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), in wood

    Treesearch

    Zhangjing Chen; Marshall S. White; Melody A. Keena; Therese M. Poland; Erin L. Clark

    2008-01-01

    The potential for using vacuum technology to kill larvae of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), and emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), in solid-wood packing materials (SWPM) and other wood products was assessed. Current...

  10. Sex-specific trail pheromone mediates complex mate finding behavior in Anoplophora glabripennis

    Treesearch

    Kelli Hoover; Melody Keena; Maya Nehme; Shifa Wang; Peter Meng; Aijun Zhang

    2014-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis (Motsch.) is a polyphagous member of the Cerambycidae, and is considered, worldwide, to be one of the most serious quarantine pests of deciduous trees. We isolated four chemicals from the trail of A. glabripennis virgin and mated females that were not present in trails of mature males. These compounds were...

  11. Biological control of Anoplohora glabripennis Motsch.: a synthesis of current research programs

    Treesearch

    Michael T. Smith; Zhong-qi Yang; Franck Herard; Roger Fuester; Leah Bauer; Leellen Solter; Melody Keena; Vince D' Amico

    2003-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky (Asian longhorned beetle) (ALB) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Lamiini), is among a group of high-risk exotic woodborers native to Asia, specifically China and Korea (Nowak et al. 2001). In China, A. glabripennis is considered one of the most important forest pests, having been reported...

  12. Effects of Temperature on Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Adult Survival, Reproduction, and Egg Hatch

    Treesearch

    Melody A. Keena

    2006-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a recently introduced non-native invasive species in North America that has the potential to destroy several tree species in urban and forest habitats. Adult survival, reproduction, and egg hatch of A. glabripennis from two populations (Ravenswood, Chicago, IL, and Bayside, Queens, NY) were evaluated...

  13. New associations between the Asian pests Anoplophora spp. and local parasitoids, in Italy (2005)

    Treesearch

    Franck Herard; Mariangela Ciampitti; Matteo Maspero; Christian Cocquempot; Gerard Delvare; Jamie Lopez; Mario Colombo

    2007-01-01

    The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), and the citrus longhorned beetle (CLB) Anoplophora chinensis (Forster) (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) have been accidentally introduced in a few urban sites in North America and Europe where they are considered as serious threats to urban and natural forests, and...

  14. Reproductive Behaviors of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the Laboratory

    Treesearch

    M.A. Keena; V. Sánchez

    2018-01-01

    The reproductive behaviors of individual pairs of Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)—all combinations of three populations and three different ages—were observed in glass jars in the laboratory on Acer saccharum Marshall (Sapindales: Sapindaceae) host material. The virgin female occasionally made...

  15. Reproductive behaviors of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the laboratory

    Treesearch

    Melody A. Keena; Vicente Sanchez

    2007-01-01

    There is a critical need for information on the reproductive behavior of Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) to provide the biological basis for predicting population dynamics, especially as the population size declines due to eradication efforts. To document the reproductive behaviors (both mating and oviposition) five males each from the Chicago...

  16. Effects of temperature on Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) larvae and pupae

    Treesearch

    M.A. Keena; P.M. Moore

    2010-01-01

    Developmental thresholds, degree-days for development, larval weights, and head capsule widths for each larval instar and the pupal stage of Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) were studied at eight constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40ºC) for two source populations (Ravenswood, Chicago, IL [...

  17. Laboratory Evaluation of the Toxicity of Systemic Insecticides for Control of Anoplophora glabripennis and Plectrodera scalator (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

    Treesearch

    Therese M. Poland; Robert A. Haack; Toby R. Petrice; Deborah L. Miller; Leah S. Bauer

    2006-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is one of the most serious nonnative invasive forest insects discovered in North America in recent years. A. glabripennis is regulated by federal quarantines in the United States and Canada and is the subject of eradication programs that involve locating, cutting,...

  18. Host preference and host colonization of the Asian long-horned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera Cerambycidae), in Southern Europe.

    PubMed

    Faccoli, M; Favaro, R

    2016-06-01

    The Asian long-horned beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), is a highly polyphagous invasive pest with a broad range of host species, but showing relevant differences between infestation areas. Host preference and host colonization (female fecundity, egg and larval survival) were assessed in a population in Northern Italy by choice and no-choice experiments conducted in both field and laboratory conditions. During 5 years of field observations, ALB was found to infest seven genera of trees: Acer, Aesculus, Betula, Populus, Prunus, Salix and Ulmus. However, Acer, Betula, Ulmus and Salix resulted to be the preferred hosts corresponding to 97.5% (1112) of the 1140 infested trees. In both laboratory and field trials carried out on these four host genera, no-choice experiments recorded the highest host colonization of A. glabripennis on Acer trees, with the highest number of laid eggs and the lowest egg and larval mortality. Ulmus and Salix showed a lower number of laid eggs during laboratory choice test, but egg and larval mortality had mean values similar to Acer. On the contrary, despite the high number of Betula trees felled during the eradication plan carried out in the infestation area, this tree species showed the lowest beetle suitability in terms of number of laid eggs and insect survival. An overestimation of the number of infested Betula occurring during the tree survey may explain the discordance between high number of infested Betula and low beetle suitability. Instead, the large number of infested Acer recorded in the field was probably due to the high abundance of these trees occurring in parks and gardens within the infestation area and to the low adult dispersal of A. glabripennis. Overall, results from this study confirm that host species affects both beetle colonization and breeding performance. The study shows ALB host preference and host suitability varying between tree species, suggesting an ALB acceptance even of sub-optimal hosts.

  19. Sensory aspects of trail-following behaviors in the Asian longhorned beetle, anoplophora glabripennis

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Anoplophora glabripennis has a complex suite of mate-finding behaviors, the functions of which are not entirely understood. These behaviors are elicited by a number of factors, including visual and chemical cues. Chemical cues include a male-produced volatile semiochemical acting as a long-range sex...

  20. Effects of temperature on the life history parameters of Anoplophora Glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

    Treesearch

    Melody A. Keena; Paul M. Moore; Steve M. Ulanecki

    2003-01-01

    There is a critical need for information on the basic biology of the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), to provide the biological basis for predicting developmental phenology in order to optimize the timing of exclusion and eradication treatments and to predict attack rates under different environmental conditions. In...

  1. Sensory aspects of trail-following behaviors in the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis

    Treesearch

    Fern Graves; Thomas C. Baker; Aijun Zhang; Melody Keena; Kelli Hoover

    2016-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis has a complex suite of mate-finding behaviors, the functions of which are not entirely understood. These behaviors are elicited by a number of factors, including visual and chemical cues. Chemical cues include a maleproduced volatile semiochemical acting as a long-range sex pheromone, a femaleproduced cuticular hydrocarbon...

  2. Synergistic effect of dual imidacloprid-Metarhizium anisopliae applications against Asian longhorned beetles (Anoplophora glabripennis)

    Treesearch

    Todd A. Ugine; Calum W. Russell; Ann E. Hajek

    2011-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), a longhorned beetle species native to Asia, has been introduced into several North American and European cities. Currently, eradication and preventive measures are limited to identifying and destroying infested trees and protecting uninfested trees with trunk or soil-injections of the...

  3. Contrasting diets reveal metabolic plasticity in the tree-killing beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mason, Charles J.; Scully, Erin D.; Geib, Scott M.; Hoover, Kelli

    2016-09-01

    Wood-feeding insects encounter challenging diets containing low protein quantities, recalcitrant carbohydrate sources, and plant defensive compounds. The Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) is a wood-feeding insect that attacks and kills a diversity of hardwood tree species. We compared gene expression of midguts collected from larvae feeding in a preferred tree, sugar maple, to those consuming a nutrient-rich artificial diet, to identify genes putatively involved in host plant utilization. Anoplophora glabripennis larvae exhibited differential expression of ~3600 genes in response to different diets. Genes with predicted capacity for plant and microbial carbohydrate usage, detoxification, nutrient recycling, and immune-related genes relevant for facilitating interactions with microbial symbionts were upregulated in wood-feeding larvae compared to larvae feeding in artificial diet. Upregulation of genes involved in protein degradation and synthesis was also observed, suggesting that proteins incur more rapid turnover in insects consuming wood. Additionally, wood-feeding individuals exhibited elevated expression of several mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase genes, suggesting increased aerobic respiration compared to diet-fed larvae. These results indicate that A. glabripennis modulates digestive and basal gene expression when larvae are feeding in a nutrient-poor, yet suitable host plant compared to a tractable and nutrient-rich diet that is free of plant defensive compounds.

  4. Starvation and imidacloprid exposure influence immune response by Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) to a fungal pathogen

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    In several insect systems, fungal entomopathogens synergize with neonicotinoid insecticides which results in accelerated host death. Using the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), an invasive woodborer inadvertently introduced into North America and Europe, we investigate...

  5. Field Evaluations of Systemic Insecticides for Control of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in China

    Treesearch

    Therese M. Poland; Robert A. Haack; Toby R. Petrice; Deborah L. Miller; Leah S. Bauer; Ruitong Gao

    2006-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), a pest native to China and Korea, was discovered in North America in 1996. Currently, the only reliable strategy available for eradication and control is to cut and chip all infested trees. We evaluated various doses of the systemic insecticides azadirachtin, emamectin benzoate,...

  6. Anoplophora glabripennis within-tree distribution, seasonal development, and host suitability in China and Chicago

    Treesearch

    Robert A. Haack; Leah S. Bauer; Rui-Tong Gao; Joseph J. McCarthy; Deborah L. Miller; Toby R. Petrice; Therese M. Poland

    2006-01-01

    Established populations of the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), were first reported in the United States in New York in 1996, Illinois in 1998, and New Jersey in 2002. A federal quarantine and an eradication program were implemented in 1997, involving tree surveys and removal of infested...

  7. Tracking Movements of Individual Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Adults: Application of Harmonic Radar

    Treesearch

    David W. Williams; Guohong Li; Ruitong Gao

    2004-01-01

    Movements of 55 Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) adults were monitored on 200 willow trees, Salix babylonica L., at a site appx. 80 km southeast of Beijing, China, for 9-14 d in an individual mark-recapture study using harmonic radar. The average movement distance was appx. 14 m, with many beetles not moving at all and others moving >90 m. The rate of movement...

  8. Potential effect of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) on urban trees in the United States

    Treesearch

    David J. Nowak; Judith E. Pasek; Ronaldo A. Sequeira; Daniel E. Crane; Victor C. Mastro

    2001-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky, a wood borer native to Asia, was recently found in New York City and Chicago. In an attempt to eradicate these beetle populations, thousands of infested city trees have been removed. Field data from nine U.S. cities and national tree cover data were used to estimate the potential effects of A....

  9. Evaluating the virulence and longevity of non-woven fiber bands impregnated with Metarhizium anisopliae against the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

    Treesearch

    Ryan P. Shanley; Melody Keena; Micheal M. Wheeler; Jarrod Leland; Ann E. Hajek

    2009-01-01

    Fiber bands impregnated with entomopathogenic fungi (=fungal bands) provide an effective method for controlling the invasive Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). In this study we investigated the effective longevity of fungal bands for use against A. glabripennis, using...

  10. Distribution and Abundance of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Natural Acer Stands in South Korea

    Treesearch

    David W. Williams; Hai-Poong Lee; Kwon Kim

    2004-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Asian longhorned beetle) was found attacking street trees in New York City and Chicago in the 1990s, after its accidental introduction from East Asia, and is currently the subject of a major eradication campaign by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The borer has been a destructive outbreak pest in poplar plantations in China...

  11. Development and evaluation of a trapping system for Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the United States

    Treesearch

    M.E. Nehme; R.T. Trotter; M.A. Keena; C. McFarland; J. Coop; H.M. Hull-Sanders; P. Meng; C.M. De Moraes; M.C. Mescher; K. Hoover

    2014-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), commonly known as the Asian longhorned beetle, is an invasive wood-boring pest that infests a number of hardwood species and causes considerable economic losses in North America, several countries in Europe, and in its native range in Asia. The success of eradication efforts may...

  12. Within gut physiochemical variation does not correspond to distinct resident fungal and bacterial communities in the tree-killing xylophage, Anolophora glabripennis

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Insect guts harbor diverse microbial assemblages that can be influenced by multiple factors, including gut physiology and interactions by the host with its environment. The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB; Anoplophora glabripennis) is an invasive tree–killing insect, which harbors a diverse consortium ...

  13. Records of unsuccessful attack by Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) on broadleaf trees of questionable suitability in Ontario

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Discovery of the non-native Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Ontario, Canada, in 2003 led to the implementation of an eradication program. The plan consisted of removing all infested trees and all trees within 400 m of an infested tree belonging to a genus consider...

  14. Distribution and abundance of Anoplophora glabripennis in stands of its native host in South Korea and China

    Treesearch

    David W. Williams; Hai-Poong Lee

    2003-01-01

    Following up on our discovery in 2000 that Acer mono is a native host of Anoplophora glabripennis, we spent eight weeks searching for the beetle in natural forest stands in South Korea and China. We wanted to assess the distribution and abundance of beetles in closed forest stands of native hosts.

  15. Effects of pheromone and plant volatile release rates and ratios on trapping Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in China

    Treesearch

    P.S. Meng; R.T. Trotter; M.A. Keena; T.C. Baker; S. Yan; E.G. Schwartzberg; K. Hoover

    2014-01-01

    Native to China and Korea, the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is a polyphagous wood-boring pest for which a trapping system would greatly benefit eradication and management programs in both the introduced and native ranges. Over two field seasons, a total of 160 flight intercept panel traps...

  16. Genome Sequence of Fusarium Isolate MYA-4552 from the Midgut of Anoplophora glabripennis, an Invasive, Wood-Boring Beetle.

    PubMed

    Herr, Joshua R; Scully, Erin D; Geib, Scott M; Hoover, Kelli; Carlson, John E; Geiser, David M

    2016-07-21

    The Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) is a clade of environmentally ubiquitous fungi that includes plant, animal, and insect associates. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the undescribed species FSSC 6 (isolate MYA-4552), housed in the gut of the wood-boring cerambycid beetle Anoplophora glabripennis. Copyright © 2016 Herr et al.

  17. Oviposition Preference and Larval Performance of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Four Eastern North American Hardwood Tree Species

    Treesearch

    W. D. Morewood; P. R. Neiner; J. R. McNeil; J. C. Sellmer; K. Hoover

    2003-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky ) is an invasive wood-boring cerambycid beetle that kills hardwood trees. The host range of this species is unusually broad but is not well defined in the available literature and may include tree species that have not been reported as hosts because they have not previously been exposed to the beetle. We...

  18. Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) fecundity and longevity under laboratory conditions: comparison of populations from New York and Illinois on Acer saccharum

    Treesearch

    M.A. Keena

    2002-01-01

    Reproductive traits and longevity of Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) from the Ravenswood, Chicago, IL, and Bayside, Queens, NY, populations were compared for first-generation adults that emerged from cut infested wood and for second-generation adults that were reared on artifcial diet.

  19. Antennal transcriptome analysis of the Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis

    PubMed Central

    Hu, Ping; Wang, Jingzhen; Cui, Mingming; Tao, Jing; Luo, Youqing

    2016-01-01

    Olfactory proteins form the basis of insect olfactory recognition, which is crucial for host identification, mating, and oviposition. Using transcriptome analysis of Anoplophora glabripennis antenna, we identified 42 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 12 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 14 pheromone-degrading enzymes (PDEs), 1 odorant-degrading enzymes (ODE), 37 odorant receptors (ORs), 11 gustatory receptors (GRs), 2 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), and 4 ionotropic receptor (IR). All CSPs and PBPs were expressed in antennae, confirming the authenticity of the transcriptome data. CSP expression profiles showed that AglaCSP3, AglaCSP6, and AglaCSP12 were expressed preferentially in maxillary palps and AglaCSP7 and AglaCSP9 were strongly expressed in antennae. The vast majority of CSPs were highly expressed in multiple chemosensory tissues, suggesting their participation in olfactory recognition in almost all olfactory tissues. Intriguingly, the PBP AglaPBP2 was preferentially expressed in antenna, indicating that it is the main protein involved in efficient and sensitive pheromone recognition. Phylogenetic analysis of olfactory proteins indicated AglaGR1 may detect CO2. This study establishes a foundation for determining the chemoreception molecular mechanisms of A. glabripennis, which would provide a new perspective for controlling pest populations, especially those of borers. PMID:27222053

  20. Development of the teneral adult Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): time to initiate and completely bore out of maple wood

    Treesearch

    V. Sanchez; M.A. Keena

    2013-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) is an introduced invasive pest with the potential to devastate hardwood forests in North America. Using artificial pupal chambers, we documented the time required by teneral adults at three temperatures (20, 25, and 30°C), 60-80% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h to initiate boring after eclosion...

  1. Sex-specific trail pheromone mediates complex mate finding behavior in Anoplophora glabripennis.

    PubMed

    Hoover, Kelli; Keena, Melody; Nehme, Maya; Wang, Shifa; Meng, Peter; Zhang, Aijun

    2014-02-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis (Motsch.) is a polyphagous member of the Cerambycidae, and is considered, worldwide, to be one of the most serious quarantine pests of deciduous trees. We isolated four chemicals from the trail of A. glabripennis virgin and mated females that were not present in trails of mature males. These compounds were identified as 2-methyldocosane and (Z)-9-tricosene (major components), as well as (Z)-9-pentacosene and (Z)-7-pentacosene (minor components); every trail wash sample contained all four chemical components, although the amounts and ratios changed with age of the female. Males responded to the full pheromone blend, regardless of mating status, but virgin females chose the control over the pheromone, suggesting that they may use it as a spacing pheromone to avoid intraspecific competition and maximize resources. Virgin, but not mated, males also chose the major pheromone components in the absence of the minor components, over the control. Taken together, these results indicate that all four chemicals are components of the trail pheromone. The timing of production of the ratios of the pheromone blend components that produced positive responses from males coincided with the timing of sexual maturation of the female.

  2. Genome of the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis), a globally significant invasive species, reveals key functional and evolutionary innovations at the beetle-plant interface

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis; AGLAB) is a globally significant invasive species capable of inflicting severe feeding damage on many important orchard, ornamental and forest trees. Genome sequencing, annotation, gene expression assays, and functional and comparative genomic s...

  3. Description of an establishment event by the invasive Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) in a suburban landscape in the northeastern United States

    Treesearch

    Helen Hull-Sanders; Eugene Pepper; Kevin Davis; Robert Talbot Trotter, III; Daniel Doucet

    2017-01-01

    The establishment of non-native species is commonly described as occurring in three phases: arrival, establishment, and dispersal. Both arrival and dispersal by the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky), a xylophagous Cerambycid native to China and the Korean peninsula, has been documented for multiple locations in both...

  4. Lethal Effects of Lambda-Cyhalothrin and Demand® CS on Asian Longhorned Beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): Implications for Population Suppression, Tree Protection, Eradication and Containment

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    We evaluated the 24h contact toxicity of lambda-cyhalothrin for adult Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky, using topical application. Results showed that beetles are sensitive to lambda-cyhalothrin: the LD50 and LD90 were 0.13639 and 0.78461µg/beetle, respectively. Residual...

  5. Tree colonization by the Asian longhorn beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): effect of habitat and tree suitability.

    PubMed

    Faccoli, Massimo; Favaro, Riccardo; Concheri, Giuseppe; Squartini, Andrea; Battisti, Andrea

    2016-04-01

    Tree colonization and feeding activity of the invasive wood-borer Asian longhorn beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), an Asian pest introduced into North America and Europe, was studied in a newly invaded area in Italy. The hypothesis being tested was that the reproductive success of the insect depend on habitat type and tree suitability. Adult beetles were caged on branches of host and nonhost species, in both urban and forest habitats. Two months later, number and size of feeding patches on plant tissues, eggs laid, and surviving larvae were assessed. Bark concentration of C and N was also measured from the same trees. Results indicated that the mean area of plant tissues consumed by adult feeding was significantly larger on trees growing in forest than in urban habitat, although within the same habitat there were no differences between susceptible and nonsusceptible trees. ALB tree colonization, in terms of number of eggs laid and young larvae survival, was not affected by habitat while it was higher on susceptible trees. Although trees growing in forests had a lower nitrogen concentration, they allowed colonization rates similar to those of trees growing in the urban habitat. Hence, the amount of carbon and nitrogen did not fully explain tree suitability or habitat selection. We suggest compensatory feeding as a potential mechanism that might explain this peculiar situation, as supported by a more intensive feeding activity recorded on trees in the forest. Suitability of different trees may be due to other factors, such as secondary chemical compounds. © 2014 Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

  6. Asian Longhorned Beetle: Renewed threat to north-eastern USA and implications worldwide

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB; ANOPLOPHORA GLABRIPENNIS Motschulsky) is a serious invasive pest of urban forests in North America and Europe, with infestations in New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Toronto, Canada, Germany, Austria, Italy and France. In July 2008 a new ALB infestation was discovere...

  7. RNA interference in the Asian Longhorned Beetle:Identification of Key RNAi Genes and Reference Genes for RT-qPCR

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis, is a serious invasive forest pest in several countries including the United States, Canada, and Europe. RNA interference (RNAi)technology is being developed as a novel method for pest management. Here, we identified the ALB core RNAi genes in...

  8. Functional genomics and microbiome profiling of the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) reveal insights into the digestive physiology and nutritional ecology of wood feeding beetles.

    PubMed

    Scully, Erin D; Geib, Scott M; Carlson, John E; Tien, Ming; McKenna, Duane; Hoover, Kelli

    2014-12-12

    Wood-feeding beetles harbor an ecologically rich and taxonomically diverse assemblage of gut microbes that appear to promote survival in woody tissue, which is devoid of nitrogen and essential nutrients. Nevertheless, the contributions of these apparent symbionts to digestive physiology and nutritional ecology remain uncharacterized in most beetle lineages. Through parallel transcriptome profiling of beetle- and microbial- derived mRNAs, we demonstrate that the midgut microbiome of the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), a member of the beetle family Cerambycidae, is enriched in biosynthetic pathways for the synthesis of essential amino acids, vitamins, and sterols. Consequently, the midgut microbiome of A. glabripennis can provide essential nutrients that the beetle cannot obtain from its woody diet or synthesize itself. The beetle gut microbiota also produce their own suite of transcripts that can enhance lignin degradation, degrade hemicellulose, and ferment xylose and wood sugars. An abundance of cellulases from several glycoside hydrolase families are expressed endogenously by A. glabripennis, as well as transcripts that allow the beetle to convert microbe-synthesized essential amino acids into non-essential amino acids. A. glabripennis and its gut microbes likely collaborate to digest carbohydrates and convert released sugars and amino acid intermediates into essential nutrients otherwise lacking from their woody host plants. The nutritional provisioning capabilities of the A. glabripennis gut microbiome may contribute to the beetles' unusually broad host range. The presence of some of the same microbes in the guts of other Cerambycidae and other wood-feeding beetles suggests that partnerships with microbes may be a facilitator of evolutionary radiations in beetles, as in certain other groups of insects, allowing access to novel food sources through enhanced nutritional provisioning.

  9. Impacts of chipping on surrogates for the longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in logs.

    PubMed

    Wang, B; Mastro, V C; McLane, W H

    2000-12-01

    As part of the eradication program for recent introductions of the longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) in the United States, wood from infested trees is chipped and incinerated. Two tests were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of chipping wood from infested trees on the survival of the beetle. In the first test, plastic worms were used as surrogates for larvae of the beetle. Plastic worms of different sizes were placed in holes drilled in logs of sugar maple, Acer saccharum Marsh. In a second test, in addition to plastic worms, we used different instars and pupae of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae); larvae of the beetle Phyllophaga annina Lewis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae); and larvae of an unidentified weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Although chipping did not result in an obvious damage to all plastic worms, it did kill all larvae and pupae of insects placed in holes of maple logs. The overall recovery rate (percent recovered) for the plastic worms was 96% in the first (1997) test, and 71 and 98% for 10 and 40 mm long plastic worms in the second (1998) test, respectively. Logistic regression analysis of the data from the first experiment indicates that larger worms receive more severe damage. Size of logs did not have a significant effect on the level of damage received by plastic worms. All recovered insects were severely damaged after chipping logs and we could not determine recovery rates. Results of the two tests indicate that chipping wood from infested trees without incineration of the resulting chips provides a highly effective method for destroying wood inhabiting insect pests such as A. glabripennis. The elimination of incineration saves considerable resources while effectively eliminating risks associated with movements of wood containing living wood-boring insects.

  10. Effects of temperature on Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) larvae and pupae.

    PubMed

    Keena, M A; Moore, P M

    2010-08-01

    Developmental thresholds, degree-days for development, larval weights, and head capsule widths for each larval instar and the pupal stage of Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) were studied at eight constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40°C) for two source populations (Ravenswood, Chicago, IL [IL], and Bayside, Queens, NY [NY]). The estimated lower threshold temperature for development of instars 1-5 and the pupal stage was near 10°C and was near 12°C for the higher instars. Developmental rate was less temperature sensitive for instars 5-9 compared with instars 1-4. Development for all but the first instar was inhibited at constant temperatures >30°C, and all instars failed to develop at 40°C. Although the two source populations had similar responses to temperature, IL larvae were heavier than those from NY. Temperature and its influence on larval weight had profound impacts on whether a larva proceeded to pupation. Based on the temperature effects detailed here, larval development and pupation should be possible in most of the continental United States where suitable hosts are available. These data can be used to develop a degree-day model to estimate beetle phenology; however, at least 2°C should be added to air temperatures to adjust for the mediation of temperature by the wood. These data provide a basis for predicting the potential geographical range of this species and for developing phenological models to predict the timing of immature stages, both of which are important for management programs.

  11. Monitoring Asian longhorned beetles in Massachusetts

    Treesearch

    Maya Nehme; Melody Keena; Aijun Zhang; Alan Sawyer; Kelli. Hoover

    2011-01-01

    An operationally effective trap to monitor the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis or ALB) has been a goal of the ALB eradication program since the first beetle was found in New York in 1996. Ground surveying is only ~20 percent effective at identifying infested trees and, although tree climbing is more effective, it is also...

  12. First field trials with fungi against Anoplophora glabripennis

    Treesearch

    Thomas Dubois; Ann Hajek; Hu Jiafu; Zengzhi Li

    2003-01-01

    We have been evaluating the use of entomopathogenic fungi against A. glabripennis; so far, 20 strains have been isolated belonging to three species, 14 strains have been tested in the laboratory, five strains have been evaluated in caged field trials and two strains have been tested in the open field.

  13. Asian longhorned beetle, over the river and through the woods: habitat-dependent population spread

    Treesearch

    Alan J. Sawyer; William S. Panagakos; Audra E. Horner; Kevin J. Freeman

    2011-01-01

    The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is an introduced pest of hardwood trees in North America. This paper addresses population spread in open landscapes and wooded areas, with emphasis on recent findings from Staten Island, NY, and Worcester, MA.

  14. Seasonal abundance and development of the Asian longhorned beetle and natural enemy prevalence in different forest types in China

    Treesearch

    Houping Liu; Leah S. Bauer; Tonghai Zhao; Ruitong Gao; Therese M. Poland

    2016-01-01

    Seasonal abundance and population development of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), and prevalence of its natural enemies were studied on Hankow willow (Salix matsudana Koidz.) at an urban forest site (Anci) and a rural forest site (Tangerli) in Hebei province...

  15. Predictors of mortality for juvenile trees in a residential urban-to-rural cohort in Worcester, MA

    Treesearch

    Arthur Elmes; John Rogan; Lara A. Roman; Christopher A. Williams; Samuel J. Ratick; David J. Nowak; Deborah G. Martin

    2018-01-01

    This paper explores predictors of juvenile tree mortality in a newly planted cohort in Worcester, MA, following an episode of large-scale tree removal necessitated by an Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis, ALB) eradication program. Trees are increasingly seen as important providers of ecosystem services for urban areas, including:...

  16. Noncontact ultrasound detection of exotic insects in wood packing materials

    Treesearch

    Mary R. Fleming; Dinesh K. Agrawal; Mahesh C. Bhardwaj; Leah S. Bauer; John J. Janowiak; Jeffrey E. Shield; Kelli Hoover; Rustum Roy

    2005-01-01

    Nondestructive methods for detection of wood-boring insects such as the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) inside solid wood packing materials is a valuable tool in the fight to exclude exotic insects from attacking a nation?s timber resources. Nondestructive, non-contact, ultrasound was investigated as...

  17. Synthesis report on rearing Asian longhorned beetle

    Treesearch

    Melody A. Keena; Ann E. Hajek; Thomas L. M. Dubois; David R. Lance

    2003-01-01

    Since not all research on Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (ALB) can be conducted in China or at North American sites where it is being eradicated, the ability to mass rear the Asian longhorned beetle is critical to rapid progress on research necessary for exclusion, detection, and eradication of this serious pest.

  18. Starvation and Imidacloprid Exposure Influence Immune Response by Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) to a Fungal Pathogen.

    PubMed

    Fisher, Joanna J; Castrillo, Louela A; Donzelli, Bruno G G; Hajek, Ann E

    2017-08-01

    In several insect systems, fungal entomopathogens synergize with neonicotinoid insecticides which results in accelerated host death. Using the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), an invasive woodborer inadvertently introduced into North America and Europe, we investigated potential mechanisms in the synergy between the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum Petch and the insecticide imidacloprid. A potential mechanism underlying this synergy could be imidacloprid's ability to prevent feeding shortly after administration. We investigated whether starvation would have an impact similar to imidacloprid exposure on the mortality of fungal-inoculated beetles. Using real-time PCR to quantify fungal load in inoculated beetles, we determined how starvation and pesticide exposure impacted beetles' ability to tolerate or resist a fungal infection. The effect of starvation and pesticide exposure on the encapsulation and melanization immune responses of the beetles was also quantified. Starvation had a similar impact on the survival of M. brunneum-inoculated beetles compared to imidacloprid exposure. The synergy, however, was not completely due to starvation, as imidacloprid reduced the beetles' melanotic encapsulation response and capsule area, while starvation did not significantly reduce these immune responses. Our results suggest that there are multiple interacting mechanisms involved in the synergy between M. brunneum and imidacloprid. © The Authors 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  19. Infestation dynamics of the Asian longhorned beetle in the United States

    Treesearch

    Alan Sawyer

    2007-01-01

    The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is an exotic pest of Asian origin, first discovered in North America (Brooklyn, NY) in 1996. That infestation has now spread to Queens, Manhattan and Long Island, NY and Jersey City, NJ. Based on DNA profiles (Carter et al. 2005) and other evidence, independent...

  20. Mapping of the Asian longhorned beetle's time to maturity and risk to invasion at contiguous United States extent

    Treesearch

    Alexander P. Kappel; R. Talbot Trotter; Melody A. Keena; John Rogan; Christopher A. Williams

    2017-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis, the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB), is an invasive species of high economic and ecological relevance given the potential it has to cause tree damage, and sometimes mortality, in the United States. Because this pest is introduced by transport in wood-packing products from Asia, ongoing trade activities pose continuous risk...

  1. Proteomic Analysis of Fusarium solani Isolated from the Asian Longhorned Beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis

    PubMed Central

    Scully, Erin D.; Hoover, Kelli; Carlson, John; Tien, Ming; Geib, Scott M.

    2012-01-01

    Wood is a highly intractable food source, yet many insects successfully colonize and thrive in this challenging niche. Overcoming the lignin barrier of wood is a key challenge in nutrient acquisition, but full depolymerization of intact lignin polymers has only been conclusively demonstrated in fungi and is not known to occur by enzymes produced by insects or bacteria. Previous research validated that lignocellulose and hemicellulose degradation occur within the gut of the wood boring insect, Anoplophora glabripennis (Asian longhorned beetle), and that a fungal species, Fusarium solani (ATCC MYA 4552), is consistently associated with the larval stage. While the nature of this relationship is unresolved, we sought to assess this fungal isolate's ability to degrade lignocellulose and cell wall polysaccharides and to extract nutrients from woody tissue. This gut-derived fungal isolate was inoculated onto a wood-based substrate and shotgun proteomics using Multidimensional Protein Identification Technology (MudPIT) was employed to identify 400 expressed proteins. Through this approach, we detected proteins responsible for plant cell wall polysaccharide degradation, including proteins belonging to 28 glycosyl hydrolase families and several cutinases, esterases, lipases, pectate lyases, and polysaccharide deacetylases. Proteinases with broad substrate specificities and ureases were observed, indicating that this isolate has the capability to digest plant cell wall proteins and recycle nitrogenous waste under periods of nutrient limitation. Additionally, several laccases, peroxidases, and enzymes involved in extracellular hydrogen peroxide production previously implicated in lignin depolymerization were detected. In vitro biochemical assays were conducted to corroborate MudPIT results and confirmed that cellulases, glycosyl hydrolases, xylanases, laccases, and Mn- independent peroxidases were active in culture; however, lignin- and Mn- dependent peroxidase activities were

  2. Bacterial and fungal midgut community dynamics and transfer between mother and brood in the Aisan longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabipennis), an invasive xylophage

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Microbial symbionts play pivotal roles in the ecology and physiology of insects feeding in woody plants. Both eukaryotic and bacterial members occur in these systems where they facilitate digestive and nutrition provisioning. The larval gut of the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) i...

  3. Pourable Artificial Diet for Rearing Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and Methods to Optimize Larval Survival and Synchronize Development

    Treesearch

    M.A. Keena

    2005-01-01

    Aiaoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is a recently introduced non-native invasive species in the United States that has the potential to destroy several tree species in urban and forest habitats. The ability to rear A. glabripennis in quarantine is critical to rapid progress on techniques for the...

  4. Contrasting diets reveal the metabolic plasticity of the tree-killing beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae)

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Wood-feeding insects encounter challenging diets with low quantities of protein, recalcitrant sources of carbohydrates, and high levels of defensive compounds. These insects have multiple, complementary mechanisms to contend with these digestive challenges. The Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora g...

  5. Methods to Evaluate Host Tree Suitability to the Asian Long horned Beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis

    Treesearch

    Scott W. Ludwig; Laura Lazarus; Deborah G. McCullough; Kelli Hoover; Silvia Montero; James C. Sellmer

    2002-01-01

    Two procedures were evaluated for assessing tree susceptibility to Anaplophora glabripennis. In the first procedure, adult beetles were caged with a section of sugar maple, northern red oak, white oak, honeylocust, eastern cottonwood, sycamore or tulip poplar wood Results showed that females laid viable eggs on sugar maple, red oak, white oak and...

  6. Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) Anoplophora gabripennis: advancements in the eradication program

    Treesearch

    Christine Markham; Joe Gittleman; Tom Denholm; Clint McFarland

    2011-01-01

    Current detections of Asian longhorned beetle (ALB): August 1996--Brooklyn, NY, later detected on Long Island and in other parts of New York City; July 1998--Chicago, IL; October 2002--Jersey City, NJ; August 2004--Carteret, NJ; August 2008--Worcester, MA. Declared eradication of ALB infestations: April 2008--Chicago, IL, and Jersey City, NJ. Currently regulated for...

  7. Genome of the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), a globally significant invasive species, reveals key functional and evolutionary innovations at the beetle-plant interface.

    PubMed

    McKenna, Duane D; Scully, Erin D; Pauchet, Yannick; Hoover, Kelli; Kirsch, Roy; Geib, Scott M; Mitchell, Robert F; Waterhouse, Robert M; Ahn, Seung-Joon; Arsala, Deanna; Benoit, Joshua B; Blackmon, Heath; Bledsoe, Tiffany; Bowsher, Julia H; Busch, André; Calla, Bernarda; Chao, Hsu; Childers, Anna K; Childers, Christopher; Clarke, Dave J; Cohen, Lorna; Demuth, Jeffery P; Dinh, Huyen; Doddapaneni, HarshaVardhan; Dolan, Amanda; Duan, Jian J; Dugan, Shannon; Friedrich, Markus; Glastad, Karl M; Goodisman, Michael A D; Haddad, Stephanie; Han, Yi; Hughes, Daniel S T; Ioannidis, Panagiotis; Johnston, J Spencer; Jones, Jeffery W; Kuhn, Leslie A; Lance, David R; Lee, Chien-Yueh; Lee, Sandra L; Lin, Han; Lynch, Jeremy A; Moczek, Armin P; Murali, Shwetha C; Muzny, Donna M; Nelson, David R; Palli, Subba R; Panfilio, Kristen A; Pers, Dan; Poelchau, Monica F; Quan, Honghu; Qu, Jiaxin; Ray, Ann M; Rinehart, Joseph P; Robertson, Hugh M; Roehrdanz, Richard; Rosendale, Andrew J; Shin, Seunggwan; Silva, Christian; Torson, Alex S; Jentzsch, Iris M Vargas; Werren, John H; Worley, Kim C; Yocum, George; Zdobnov, Evgeny M; Gibbs, Richard A; Richards, Stephen

    2016-11-11

    Relatively little is known about the genomic basis and evolution of wood-feeding in beetles. We undertook genome sequencing and annotation, gene expression assays, studies of plant cell wall degrading enzymes, and other functional and comparative studies of the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, a globally significant invasive species capable of inflicting severe feeding damage on many important tree species. Complementary studies of genes encoding enzymes involved in digestion of woody plant tissues or detoxification of plant allelochemicals were undertaken with the genomes of 14 additional insects, including the newly sequenced emerald ash borer and bull-headed dung beetle. The Asian longhorned beetle genome encodes a uniquely diverse arsenal of enzymes that can degrade the main polysaccharide networks in plant cell walls, detoxify plant allelochemicals, and otherwise facilitate feeding on woody plants. It has the metabolic plasticity needed to feed on diverse plant species, contributing to its highly invasive nature. Large expansions of chemosensory genes involved in the reception of pheromones and plant kairomones are consistent with the complexity of chemical cues it uses to find host plants and mates. Amplification and functional divergence of genes associated with specialized feeding on plants, including genes originally obtained via horizontal gene transfer from fungi and bacteria, contributed to the addition, expansion, and enhancement of the metabolic repertoire of the Asian longhorned beetle, certain other phytophagous beetles, and to a lesser degree, other phytophagous insects. Our results thus begin to establish a genomic basis for the evolutionary success of beetles on plants.

  8. Description of an establishment event by the invasive Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) in a suburban landscape in the northeastern United States

    PubMed Central

    Pepper, Eugene; Davis, Kevin; Trotter, Robert Talbot

    2017-01-01

    The establishment of non-native species is commonly described as occurring in three phases: arrival, establishment, and dispersal. Both arrival and dispersal by the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky), a xylophagous Cerambycid native to China and the Korean peninsula, has been documented for multiple locations in both North America and Europe, however the transitional phase, establishment, is not well understood for this species due to the need to rapidly remove populations to prevent dispersal and assist eradication, and the evident variation in the behavior of populations. Here we describe the dynamics of an establishment event for the Asian longhorned beetle in a small, isolated population within the regulated quarantine zone near Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. These data were collected during an opportunity afforded by logistical limits on the Cooperative Asian Longhorned Beetle Eradication Program administered by state, federal, and local government partners. Seventy-one infested red maple (Acer rubrum) trees and 456 interspersed un-infested trees were surveyed in an isolated, recently established population within a ~0.29 ha stand in a suburban wetland conservation area in which nearly 90% of the trees were host species, and nearly 80% were Acer rubrum. Tree-ring analyses show that within this establishing population, Asian longhorned beetles initially infested one or two A. rubrum, before moving through the stand to infest additional A. rubrum based not on distance or direction, but on tree size, with infestation biased towards trees with larger trunk diameters. Survey data from the larger landscape suggest this population may have generated long-distance dispersers (~1400 m), and that these dispersal events occurred before the originally infested host trees were fully exploited by the beetle. The distribution and intensity of damage documented in this population suggest dispersal here may have been spatially more rapid and diffuse

  9. Chapter 10. Use of entomopathogens against invasive wood boring beetles in North America

    Treesearch

    Ann E. Hajek; Leah S. Bauer

    2009-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis and Agrilus planipennis are wood-boring beetles introduced from China to North America that are capable of killing healthy trees; A. glabripennis is polyphagous but attacks on maples (Acer spp.) are of major concern in North America, and A. planipennis...

  10. Molecular genetic pathway analysis of Asian longhorned beetle

    Treesearch

    Evan Braswell

    2011-01-01

    The Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, is a destructive pest of hardwood trees. Historically, A. glabripennis was geographically restricted within China and Korea and not of economic importance. However, as a result of massive reforestation programs designed to combat desertification, the species emerged as a pest...

  11. Biological Activity of Bacillus thuringiensis and Associated Toxins against the Asian Longhorned Beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

    Treesearch

    Vincent D' amico; John D. Podgwaite; Sara Duke; Sara Duke

    2004-01-01

    Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner var. tenebrionis and B. thuringiensis toxins were assayed against larval and adult Asian longhorned beetles, Anoplophora glabripennis (A. glabripennis). Preliminary in vitro assays showed some toxins to be active on whole midgut preparations in voltage clamp assays and in assays on brush border membrane vesicles formed from midgut...

  12. Genetic analysis of Asian longhorned beetle populations from Chicago, New York, and China using the RAPD technique

    Treesearch

    James M. Slavicek; Patricia De Graff

    2003-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis samples were collected in the Ravenswood area of Chicago, near the Mt. Zion cemetery in Queens, New York (provided by Leah Bauer) and the Gansu Province in northwest China (provided by Leah Bauer).

  13. Influence of temperature on the reproductive and developmental biology of Ontsira mellipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): Implications for biological control of the Asian Longhorned Beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Ontsira mellipes Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a North American parasitoid that develops on the invasive pest, Anoplophora glabripennis (Moltschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) under laboratory conditions, and is currently being considered as a potential new-association biocontrol agent. In ...

  14. Sampling seasons for exotic woodboring insects: how long is long enough?

    Treesearch

    Kathleen J.R. Johnson; James R. LaBonte; Alan D. Mudge; Karl A. Puls

    2003-01-01

    Several injurious exotic woodboring insects (EWBI) have recently been introduced into North America, such as the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschuslsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), the brown spruce longhorned beetle, Tetropium fuscum (F.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), and the pine shoot beetle, ...

  15. 7 CFR 301.51-1 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DOMESTIC QUARANTINE NOTICES Asian Longhorned Beetle § 301.51-1 Definitions... Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. Asian longhorned beetle. The insect known as Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) in any stage of development...

  16. 7 CFR 301.51-1 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DOMESTIC QUARANTINE NOTICES Asian Longhorned Beetle § 301.51-1 Definitions... Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. Asian longhorned beetle. The insect known as Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) in any stage of development...

  17. 7 CFR 301.51-1 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DOMESTIC QUARANTINE NOTICES Asian Longhorned Beetle § 301.51-1 Definitions... Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. Asian longhorned beetle. The insect known as Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) in any stage of development...

  18. 7 CFR 301.51-1 - Definitions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DOMESTIC QUARANTINE NOTICES Asian Longhorned Beetle § 301.51-1 Definitions... Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. Asian longhorned beetle. The insect known as Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) in any stage of development...

  19. Assessment of the risk of introduction of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in municipal solid waste from the quarantine area of New York City to landfills outside of the quarantine area: a pathway analysis of the risk of spread and establishment.

    PubMed

    Auclair, Allan N D; Fowler, G; Hennessey, M K; Hogue, A T; Keena, M; Lance, D R; McDowell, R M; Oryang, D O; Sawyer, A J

    2005-02-01

    The risk associated with spread of Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), from infested areas in New York City to the wide array of landfills across the eastern United States contracted by the city since 1997 was unknown, but of great concern. Landfills, some as far as South Carolina, Virginia, and Ohio, occupied forest types and climates at high risk of Asian longhorned beetle establishment. The city proposed a separate waste wood collection known as the "311 System;" this was estimated to cost federal and state agencies $6.1 to $9.1 million per year, including the cost of processing and disposal of the wood. Pathway analysis was used to quantify the probability that Asian longhorned beetle present in wood waste collected at curbside would survive transport, compaction, and burial to form a mated pair. The study found that in seven alternate management scenarios, risks with most pathways are very low, especially given existing mitigations. Mitigations included chemical control, removal of infested trees, and burial of wood waste in managed landfills that involved multiple-layering, compaction, and capping of dumped waste with a 15-cm soil cover at the end of each day. Although the risk of business-as-usual collection and disposal practices was virtually nil, any changes of policy or practice such as illegal dumping or disposal at a single landfill increased the risk many thousandfold. By rigorously maintaining and monitoring existing mitigations, it was estimated that taxpayers would save $75 to $122 million dollars over the next decade.

  20. Exotic bark- and wood-boring Coleoptera in the United States: recent establishments and interceptions

    Treesearch

    Robert A. Haack

    2006-01-01

    Summary data are given for the 25 new species of exotic bark- and wood-boring Coleoptera first reported in the continental United States between 1985 and 2005, including 2 Buprestidae (Agrilus planipennis and Agrilus prionurus), 5 Cerambycidae (Anoplophora glabripennis, Callidiellum rufipenne, Phoracantha recurva, Sybra...

  1. Potential new associations of North American parasitoids with the invasive Asian longhorned beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) for biological control

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), is a polyphagous wood-boring insect native to Asia. Since it invaded North America in the 1990s, the beetle has been continuously targeted by quarantines and eradication programs in the United States and Canada. In the present st...

  2. Performance of Asian longhorned beetle among tree species

    Treesearch

    Kelli Hoover; Scott Ludwig; James Sellmer; Deborah McCullough; Laura Lazarus

    2003-01-01

    Two procedures were evaluated for assessing susceptibility of a variety of tree species to Anoplophora glabripennis. In the first procedure, adult beetles were caged with a section of sugar maple, northern red oak, white oak, honeylocust, eastern cottonwood, sycamore or tulip poplar wood and allowed to oviposit.

  3. A variable-instar climate-driven individual beetle-based phenology model for the invasive Asian longhorned beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

    Treesearch

    R. Talbot Trotter, III; Melody A. Keena

    2016-01-01

    Efforts to manage and eradicate invasive species can benefit from an improved understanding of the physiology, biology, and behavior of the target species, and ongoing efforts to eradicate the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky) highlight the roles this information may play. Here, we present a climate-driven phenology...

  4. Beyond the Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer

    Treesearch

    Robert K. Lawrence

    2006-01-01

    The Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) and emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) are exotic forest insects that have had severe impacts on host tree species where they have become established in North America in recent years. Several other exotic forest arthropods have also appeared recently in North America, but...

  5. Asian longhorned beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), an introduced pest of maple and other hardwood trees in North America and Europe

    Treesearch

    P.S. Meng; K. Hoover; M.A. Keena

    2015-01-01

    The Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), threatens urban and forest hardwood trees both where introduced and in parts of its native range. Native to Asia, this beetle has hitchhiked several times in infested wood packaging used in international trade, and has established breeding populations in five U.S. states, Canada,...

  6. Variation in Inspection Efficacy by Member States of Wood Packaging Material Entering the European Union

    Treesearch

    Dominic Eyre; Roy Macarthur; Robert A Haack; Yi Lu; Hannes Krehan

    2018-01-01

    The use of wood packaging materials (WPMs) in international trade is recognized as a pathway for the movement of invasive pests and as the origin of most introductions of Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Europe and North America. Following several pest interceptions on WPM associated with...

  7. Effects of host wood moisture on the life cycle development of the Asian longhorned beetle

    Treesearch

    Alexandra N. Whitney; Melody A. Keena

    2011-01-01

    The Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, is an alien invasive species recently introduced to the United States in larval form within solid wood packing material from China. Larvae develop within the xylem of apparently healthy trees. In the U.S., the species has been found infesting 21 species of hardwoods, across 12 genera, with maple...

  8. Host tree resistance against the polyphagous

    Treesearch

    W. D. Morewood; K. Hoover; P. R. Neiner; J.R. McNeil; J. C. Sellmer

    2004-01-01

    Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiini) is an invasive wood-boring beetle with an unusually broad host range and a proven ability to increase its host range as it colonizes new areas and encounters new tree species. The beetle is native to eastern Asia and has become an invasive pest in North America and Europe,...

  9. A safety rule approach to surveillance and eradication of biological invasions

    PubMed Central

    Haight, Robert G.; Koch, Frank H.; Venette, Robert; Studens, Kala; Fournier, Ronald E.; Swystun, Tom; Turgeon, Jean J.

    2017-01-01

    Uncertainty about future spread of invasive organisms hinders planning of effective response measures. We present a two-stage scenario optimization model that accounts for uncertainty about the spread of an invader, and determines survey and eradication strategies that minimize the expected program cost subject to a safety rule for eradication success. The safety rule includes a risk standard for the desired probability of eradication in each invasion scenario. Because the risk standard may not be attainable in every scenario, the safety rule defines a minimum proportion of scenarios with successful eradication. We apply the model to the problem of allocating resources to survey and eradicate the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB, Anoplophora glabripennis) after its discovery in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada. We use historical data on ALB spread to generate a set of plausible invasion scenarios that characterizes the uncertainty of the beetle’s extent. We use these scenarios in the model to find survey and tree removal strategies that minimize the expected program cost while satisfying the safety rule. We also identify strategies that reduce the risk of very high program costs. Our results reveal two alternative strategies: (i) delimiting surveys and subsequent tree removal based on the surveys' outcomes, or (ii) preventive host tree removal without referring to delimiting surveys. The second strategy is more likely to meet the stated objectives when the capacity to detect an invader is low or the aspirations to eradicate it are high. Our results provide practical guidelines to identify the best management strategy given aspirational targets for eradication and spending. PMID:28759584

  10. Combustion synthesis of AlB2-Al2O3 composite powders with AlB2 nanowire structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Pan; Xiao, Guoqing; Ding, Donghai; Ren, Yun; Yang, Shoulei; Lv, Lihua; Hou, Xing

    2018-05-01

    Using of Al and B2O3 powders as starting materials, and Mg-Al alloy as additives, AlB2-Al2O3 composite powders with AlB2 nanowire structures were successfully fabricated via combustion synthesis method in Ar atmosphere at a pressure of 1.5 MPa. The effect of different amount of Mg-Al alloy on the phase compositions and morphology of the combustion products was investigated. The results revealed that AlB2 and Al2O3 increased, whereas Al decreased with the content of Mg-Al alloy increasing. The impurities MgAl2O4 and AlB12 would exist in the sample with adding of 18 wt% Mg-Al alloy. Interestingly, FESEM/TEM/EDS results showed that AlB2 nanowires were observed in the products when the content of Mg-Al alloy is 6 wt% and 12 wt%. The more AlB2 nanowires can be found as the content of Mg-Al alloy increased. And the yield of AlB2 nanowires with the diameter of about 200 nanometers (nm) and the length up to several tens of micrometers (μm) in the combustion product is highest when the content of Mg-Al alloy is 12 wt%. The vapor, such as Mg-Al (g), B2O2 (g), AlO (g) and Al2O (g), produced during the process of combustion synthesis, reacted with each other to yield AlB2 nanowires by vapor-solid (VS) mechanism and the corresponding model was also proposed.

  11. Lignin degradation in wood-feeding insects.

    PubMed

    Geib, Scott M; Filley, Timothy R; Hatcher, Patrick G; Hoover, Kelli; Carlson, John E; Jimenez-Gasco, Maria del Mar; Nakagawa-Izumi, Akiko; Sleighter, Rachel L; Tien, Ming

    2008-09-02

    The aromatic polymer lignin protects plants from most forms of microbial attack. Despite the fact that a significant fraction of all lignocellulose degraded passes through arthropod guts, the fate of lignin in these systems is not known. Using tetramethylammonium hydroxide thermochemolysis, we show lignin degradation by two insect species, the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) and the Pacific dampwood termite (Zootermopsis angusticollis). In both the beetle and termite, significant levels of propyl side-chain oxidation (depolymerization) and demethylation of ring methoxyl groups is detected; for the termite, ring hydroxylation is also observed. In addition, culture-independent fungal gut community analysis of A. glabripennis identified a single species of fungus in the Fusarium solani/Nectria haematococca species complex. This is a soft-rot fungus that may be contributing to wood degradation. These results transform our understanding of lignin degradation by wood-feeding insects.

  12. Research on Anoplophora glabripennis in the United States

    Treesearch

    Robert A. Haack

    2003-01-01

    In the mid-1990s it was estimated that more than 400 exotic (non-native) forest insects had already become established in the United States (HAACK and BYLER, 1993; MATTSON et al., 1994; NIEMELA and MATTSON, 1996). This number has continued to grow with new exotics discovered annually in the United States (HAACK, 2002; HAACK and POLAND, 2001; HAACK et al., 2002). One...

  13. Life History, Reproductive Biology, and Larval Development of Ontsira mellipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a Newly Associated Parasitoid of the Invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

    PubMed

    Golec, Julian R; Duan, Jian J; Aparicio, Ellen; Hough-Goldstein, Judith

    2016-08-01

    The invasive Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), is a destructive xylophagous forest pest species originating from Asia. Several endemic North American hymenopteran (Braconidae) species in the mid-Atlantic region were capable of attacking and reproducing on A. glabripennis larvae in laboratory bioassays. Ontsira mellipes Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) has been continually reared on A. glabripennis larvae at USDA-ARS BIIRU since 2010, and has been identified as a potential new-association biocontrol agent. Two experiments were conducted to investigate parasitism, paralysis, reproductive biology, larval development, and longevity of adult O. mellipes In the first experiment, pairs of adult parasitoids were given single A. glabripennis larvae every 2 d (along with honey and water) over their lifetimes, while in the second experiment individual parasitoids were observed daily from egg to adult, and adults were subsequently starved. Adults in the first experiment parasitized ∼21% of beetle larvae presented to them throughout their life, and paralysis of larvae occurred 1-2 d after oviposition. More than half of the individual pairs parasitized A. glabripennis larvae, with each female producing around 26 offspring throughout her life. In the second experiment, median development time of O. mellipes from egg to adult was about 3 wk, with five larval instars. Adult O. mellipes that were provided with host larvae, honey, and water lived 9 d longer than host-deprived and starved adults. These findings indicate that mass-rearing procedures for O. mellipes may be developed using the new association host for development of effective biocontrol programs against A. glabripennis. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America 2016. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the United States.

  14. Structural, optical, and thermal properties of MAX-phase Cr2AlB2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Xiao-Hong; Cui, Hong-Ling; Zhang, Rui-Zhou

    2018-04-01

    First-principles calculations of the structural, optical, and thermal properties of Cr2AlB2 are performed using the pseudopotential plane-wave method within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Calculation of the elastic constant and phonon dispersion indicates that Cr2AlB2 is mechanically and thermodynamically stable. Analysis of the band structure and density of states indicates that Cr2AlB2 is metallic. The thermal properties under increasing temperature and pressure are investigated using the quasi-harmonic Debye model. The results show that anharmonic effects on Cr2AlB2 are important at low temperature and high pressure. The calculated equilibrium primitive cell volume is 95.91 Å3 at T = 300 K, P = 0 GPa. The ability of Cr2AlB2 to resist volume changes becomes weaker with increasing temperature and stronger with increasing pressure. Analysis of optical properties of Cr2AlB2 shows that the static dielectric function of Cr2AlB2 is 53.1, and the refractive index n 0 is 7.3. If the incident light has a frequency exceeding 16.09 eV, which is the plasma frequency of Cr2AlB2, Cr2AlB2 changes from metallic to dielectric material.

  15. Effect of AlB2 on the P-threshold in Al-Si alloy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Yuying; Liu, Xiangfa

    2018-06-01

    The nucleation of primary Si in Al-Si alloys has been investigated in this work. It was found that there was a threshold concentration of P, below which AlP can not heterogeneous nucleate primary Si in Al-12 wt%Si alloy. AlB2 can not nucleate primary Si directly, but the presence of AlB2 may assist the nucleation of AlP leading to the nucleation of primary Si particles. In addition, with addition of AlB2, the nucleation efficiency of AlP can be improved in Al-18 wt%Si alloy. The orientation relationship between AlB2 and AlP has been calculated, and the adsorption model for AlB2 and AlP was proposed in this work.

  16. Assessing the Impact of Asian Longhorned Beetle in Worcester, MA: Thermal Effects, Community Responses, and Future Vulnerability

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Elmes, Arthur Francis Marett

    Urban environments experience air, water, noise, and heat pollution as a consequence of their composition, structure, and function. These adverse environmental conditions, which have direct and indirect effects on human health and ecological stability, can be mitigated or partially offset by healthy and extensive urban forests. Additionally, urban trees provide a number of cultural, aesthetic, and property value benefits. However, to provide maximum ecosystem service benefits, an urban forest must be carefully planned and maintained, so that average tree lifespan is maximized and ecological vulnerability is minimized. Maximal urban forest resilience is best achieved via taxonomic and age-diversity, such that no one genus or age-cohort dominates. This diversity enhances overall urban forest resilience, which in turn facilitates maximum ecosystem service provision. The Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB, Anoplophora glabripennis) infestation in Worcester, MA represents a case example of taxonomic monoculture vulnerability, but also an excellent opportunity to reinvest and diversify the urban forest. As a result of the ALB infestation, which was first documented in 2008, approximately 35,000 host trees were removed from residential and public property, substantially reducing urban tree canopy coverage and uncovering impervious surfaces. Chapter two quantifies this Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) loss, and shows that in loss areas Land Surface Temperature (LST) increases range from 1 - 6° C. The research investigates multi-scale effects of this relationship, particularly in the hard-hit Burncoat and Greendale neighborhoods of Worcester, MA. In response to the large quantity of UTC loss suffered due to ALB, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the City of Worcester, and the Worcester Tree Initiative (WTI) have together planted over 30,000 trees, primarily via tree giveaway programs to local residents. Chapter three assesses the effectiveness of this

  17. First principle study of UHTC ternary diboride, Cr2AlB2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rastogi, Anugya; Rajpoot, Priyanka; Verma, U. P.

    2018-04-01

    In this paper ab-initio study of the structural, electronic and optical properties of ternary metal boride Cr2AlB2 using full potential linear augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method based on the density functional theory (DFT). The study of structural properties shows that Cr2AlB2 is metallic in nature and have orthorhombic crystal structure. The optical properties show that it possess anisotropic behavior, which have wide applications in electricity production through concentration of solar power (CSP) technology. To the best of our knowledge, theoretical study of the optical properties of Cr2AlB2 is reported for the first time.

  18. Antimicrobial and plant growth-promoting properties of the cacao endophyte Bacillus subtilis ALB629.

    PubMed

    Falcäo, L L; Silva-Werneck, J O; Vilarinho, B R; da Silva, J P; Pomella, A W V; Marcellino, L H

    2014-06-01

    To investigate the effects of the endophyte Bacillus subtilisALB629 on the growth of cacao seedlings at early developmental stage and to evaluate its antimicrobial properties. Germinating cacao seeds were inoculated with ALB629, and seedlings growth was evaluated 30 days later. Significant increase (P < 0·05) was observed in the root system (up to 30%), leaf area (14%) and stem height (7·6%). ALB629 colonized the entire plant, prevailing over indigenous micro-organisms. In addition, it was tested in vitro, by pairing assays, and showed antagonistic effect against the phytopathogenic fungi Moniliophthora perniciosa, Colletotrichum sp. and C. gossypii. When tested in cacao-grafting procedure in the field, ALB629 increased the grafting success rate (24%), indicating its protective effect. In addition, this Bacillus secretes an antagonist compound, as shown by the antifungal activity of the cell-free culture. Bacillus subtilisALB629 promotes cacao root growth, besides promoting growth of the aerial part of cacao seedlings. It has antimicrobial properties and produces an antifungal compound. ALB629 presented beneficial characteristics for cacao cultivation, being a good biological control agent candidate. Furthermore, it is a potential source of antifungal compound with potential for commercial exploitation. © 2014 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

  19. Impact of Seed Exudates on Growth and Biofilm Formation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ALB629 in Common Bean

    PubMed Central

    Martins, Samuel J.; Medeiros, Flávio H. V.; Lakshmanan, Venkatachalam; Bais, Harsh P.

    2018-01-01

    We aimed to unravel the events which favor the seed-rhizobacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain ALB629 (hereafter ALB629) interaction and which may interfere with the rhizobacterium colonization and growth on the spermosphere of common bean. Seed exudates from common bean were tested in vitro for ALB629 biofilm formation and bacterial growth. Furthermore, the performance of ALB629 on plant-related variables under drought stress was checked. Seed exudates (1 and 5% v/v) increased ALB629 biofilm formation. Additionally, the colony forming units for ALB629 increased both in culture and on the bean seed surface. The bean seed exudates up-regulated biofilm operons in ALB629 TasA and EpsD by ca. two and sixfold, respectively. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-coupled with MS showed that malic acid is present as a major organic acid component in the seed exudates. Seeds treated with ALB629 and amended with malic acid resulted in seedlings with a higher bacterial concentration, induced plant drought tolerance, and promoted plant growth. We showed that seed exudates promote growth of ALB629 and malic acid was identified as a major organic acid component in the bean seed exudates. Our results also show that supplementation of ALB629 induced drought tolerance and growth in plants. The research pertaining to the biological significance of seed exudates in plant–microbe interaction is unexplored field and our work shows the importance of seed exudates in priming both growth and tolerance against abiotic stress. PMID:29375501

  20. A Variable-Instar Climate-Driven Individual Beetle-Based Phenology Model for the Invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

    PubMed

    Trotter, R Talbot; Keena, Melody A

    2016-12-01

    Efforts to manage and eradicate invasive species can benefit from an improved understanding of the physiology, biology, and behavior of the target species, and ongoing efforts to eradicate the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky) highlight the roles this information may play. Here, we present a climate-driven phenology model for A. glabripennis that provides simulated life-tables for populations of individual beetles under variable climatic conditions that takes into account the variable number of instars beetles may undergo as larvae. Phenology parameters in the model are based on a synthesis of published data and studies of A. glabripennis, and the model output was evaluated using a laboratory-reared population maintained under varying temperatures mimicking those typical of Central Park in New York City. The model was stable under variations in population size, simulation length, and the Julian dates used to initiate individual beetles within the population. Comparison of model results with previously published field-based phenology studies in native and invasive populations indicates both this new phenology model, and the previously published heating-degree-day model show good agreement in the prediction of the beginning of the flight season for adults. However, the phenology model described here avoids underpredicting the cumulative emergence of adults through the season, in addition to providing tables of life stages and estimations of voltinism for local populations. This information can play a key role in evaluating risk by predicting the potential for population growth, and may facilitate the optimization of management and eradication efforts. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America 2016. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US.

  1. A Computer Model of Insect Traps in a Landscape

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Manoukis, Nicholas C.; Hall, Brian; Geib, Scott M.

    2014-11-01

    Attractant-based trap networks are important elements of invasive insect detection, pest control, and basic research programs. We present a landscape-level, spatially explicit model of trap networks, focused on detection, that incorporates variable attractiveness of traps and a movement model for insect dispersion. We describe the model and validate its behavior using field trap data on networks targeting two species, Ceratitis capitata and Anoplophora glabripennis. Our model will assist efforts to optimize trap networks by 1) introducing an accessible and realistic mathematical characterization of the operation of a single trap that lends itself easily to parametrization via field experiments and 2) allowing direct quantification and comparison of sensitivity between trap networks. Results from the two case studies indicate that the relationship between number of traps and their spatial distribution and capture probability under the model is qualitatively dependent on the attractiveness of the traps, a result with important practical consequences.

  2. Susceptibility of Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motchulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) to entomopathogenic nematodes

    Treesearch

    Declan J. Fallon; Leellen F. Solter; Melody Keena; Michael McManus; James R. Cate; Lawrence M. Hanks

    2004-01-01

    Isolates of Steinernema feltiae SN from France, Steinernema glaseri NJ from New Jersey, Steinernema riobrave TX from Texas, Steinernema carpocapsaeSal from Indiana, S. carpocapsae All from Georgia, and Heterorhabditis marelata IN from Indiana...

  3. Electronic structure and magnetic properties in T 2 AlB 2 ( T = Fe, Mn, Cr, Co, and Ni) and their alloys

    DOE PAGES

    Ke, Liqin; Harmon, Bruce N.; Kramer, Matthew J.

    2017-03-20

    In this study, the electronic structure and intrinsic magnetic properties of Fe 2AlB 2-related compounds and their alloys have been investigated using density functional theory. For Fe 2AlB 2, the crystallographic a axis is the easiest axis, which agrees with experiments. The magnetic ground state of Mn 2AlB 2 is found to be ferromagnetic in the basal ab plane, but antiferromagnetic along the c axis. All 3d dopings considered decrease the magnetization and Curie temperature in Fe 2AlB 2. Electron doping with Co or Ni has a stronger effect on the decreasing of Curie temperature in Fe 2AlB 2 thanmore » hole doping with Mn or Cr. However, a larger amount of Mn doping on Fe 2AlB 2 promotes the ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic transition. A very anisotropic magnetoelastic effect is found in Fe 2AlB 2: the magnetization has a much stronger dependence on the lattice parameter c than on a or b, which is explained by electronic-structure features near the Fermi level. Dopings of other elements on B and Al sites are also discussed.« less

  4. Theoretical study of the BeLi, BeNa, MgLi, MgNa, and AlBe molecules and their negative ions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bauschlicher, Charles W., Jr.; Langhoff, Stephen R.; Partridge, Harry

    1992-01-01

    The alkaline earth-alkali diatomics are found to have weak bonds, because the diffuse alkali valence s orbitals cannot form a bond of sufficient strength to pay the promotion energy of the alkaline-earth atoms. This leads to van der Waals bonding in the neutrals as well as the negative ions. In fact, the negative ions have larger binding energies than the neutrals as a result of the much larger polarizability of the negative ion. The binding energy of AlBe is significantly larger than the Be-alkali molecules, due to a covalent contribution to the bonding. The binding energy in AlBe(-) is considerably larger than AlBe; the binding energy of the X 3Sigma(-) state of AlBe(-) is computed to be 1.36 eV, as compared with 0.57 eV for the X 2Pi state of AlBe.

  5. Braden scale (ALB) for assessing pressure ulcer risk in hospital patients: A validity and reliability study.

    PubMed

    Chen, Hong-Lin; Cao, Ying-Juan; Zhang, Wei; Wang, Jing; Huai, Bao-Sha

    2017-02-01

    The inter-rater reliability of Braden Scale is not so good. We modified the Braden(ALB) scale by defining nutrition subscale based on serum albumin, then assessed it's the validity and reliability in hospital patients. We designed a retrospective study for validity analysis, and a prospective study for reliability analysis. Receiver operating curve (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the predictive validity. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to investigate the inter-rater reliability. Two thousand five hundred twenty-five patients were included for validity analysis, 76 patients (3.0%) developed pressure ulcer. Positive correlation was found between serum albumin and nutrition score in Braden scale (Spearman's coefficient 0.2203, P<0.0001). The AUCs for Braden scale and Braden(ALB) scale predicting pressure ulcer risk were 0.813 (95% CI 0.797-0.828; P<0.0001), and 0.859 (95% CI 0.845-0.872; P<0.0001), respectively. The Braden(ALB) scale was even more valid than the Braden scale (z=1.860, P=0.0628). In different age subgroups, the Braden(ALB) scale seems also more valid than the original Braden scale, but no statistically significant differences were found (P>0.05). The inter-rater reliability study showed the ICC-value for nutrition increased 45.9%, and increased 4.3% for total score. The Braden(ALB) scale has similar validity compared with the original Braden scale for in hospital patients. However, the inter-rater reliability was significantly increased. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. EAG response and behavioral orientation of Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae) to synthetic host-associated volatiles

    PubMed Central

    Schütz, Stefan

    2017-01-01

    Dastarcus helophoroides Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae) is an effective predatory beetle of larvae and pupae of several cerambycid beetles including Monochamus alternatus and Anoplophora glabripennis. Electroantennography (EAG) and a dynamic two-choice olfactometer were respectively used to measure the antennal and behavioral responses of both sexes to selected volatile compounds. Female and male D. helophoroides exhibited similar EAG and behavioral responses. Significant dose-dependent EAG responses in both sexes were elicited by nonanal, octanal, cis-3-hexenol, 3-carene, (R)-(+)-α-pinene, (S)-(-)-α-pinene, (R)-(+)-limonene and (S)-(-)-limonene. Female and male beetles were repelled at high concentration by cis-3-hexenol and (S)-(-)-limonene, respectively. Both sexes of D. helophoroides were significantly attracted to nonanal, cis-3-hexenol, 3-carene and (R)-(+)-limonene even at low concentrations. These compounds might be used either individually or in mixtures for developing biological control methods to attract this predatory beetle into forest stands threatened by cerambycid beetles. PMID:29267391

  7. Influence of Temperature on the Reproductive and Developmental Biology of Ontsira mellipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): Implications for Biological Control of the Asian Longhorned Beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

    PubMed

    Golec, Julian R; Duan, Jian J; Hough-Goldstein, Judith

    2017-08-01

    Ontsira mellipes Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a North American parasitoid species that develops on the invasive pest, Anoplophora glabripennis (Moltschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), under laboratory conditions and is currently being considered as a potential new-association biocontrol agent. To develop mass-rearing protocols and field-release strategies for this parasitoid, information on its reproductive biology in relation to temperature is needed. We determined the effect of temperature (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C) on development, survivorship, and sex ratio, and its effect on the longevity, fecundity, and host attack rates (parasitism) of adults. Developmental time for parasitoid eggs to pupae decreased from 26.7 d to 6.1 d as temperature increased from 10 °C to 30 °C. While no pupae eclosed as adults at 10 °C, time of adult emergence from pupae decreased from 39.7 d to 12.2 d as temperature increased from 15 °C to 30 °C. Based on estimated lower development temperature threshold (11.1 °C), the degree-days required for one generation was estimated at 342.9. When female parasitoids were provided with host larvae, parasitism occurred at all temperatures and was maximized at 25 °C. Additionally, increasing temperatures significantly reduced the preoviposition period and longevity of female O. mellipes. In addition, combining these results with temperature data from areas in the United States currently infested with A. glabripennis, we estimated that O. mellipes can complete 1.2-3.7 generations per year. Findings from this study may be considered for the future development of effective mass rearing and augmentative release strategies of O. mellipes for biological control of A. glabripennis. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America 2017. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US.

  8. Association between plasma BPDE‐Alb adduct concentrations and DNA damage of peripheral blood lymphocytes among coke oven workers

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Hong; Chen, Weihong; Zheng, Hongyan; Guo, Liang; Liang, Huashan; Yang, Xiaobo; Bai, Yun; Sun, Jianya; Su, Yougong; Chen, Yongwen; Yuan, Jing; Bi, Yongyi; Wei, Qingyi; Wu, Tangchun

    2007-01-01

    Objectives Coke oven emissions (COE) containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can induce both benzo[a]pyrene‐r‐7, t‐8, t‐9,c‐10‐tetrahydotetrol‐albumin (BPDE‐Alb) adducts and DNA damage. However, the relation between these biomarkers for early biological effects is not well documented in coke oven workers. Methods In this study, the authors recruited 207 male workers exposed to COE and 102 controls not exposed to COE in the same steel plant in northern China. They measured BPDE‐Alb adduct concentrations in plasma with reverse‐phase high performance liquid chromatography and DNA damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes with alkaline comet assay. Results The results showed that the median concentration of BPDE‐Alb adducts in the exposed group (34.36 fmol/mg albumin) was significantly higher than that in the control group (21.90 fmol/mg albumin, p = 0.012). The mean Olive tail moment (Olive TM) of DNA damage in the exposed and control groups were 1.20 and 0.63, respectively (p = 0.000). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio (OR) for BPDE‐Alb adduct and Olive TM associated with the exposure were 1.72 (95% CI 1.06 to 2.81) and 1.96 (95% CI 1.20 to 3.19), respectively. These results show significant correlations between the concentrations of BPDE‐Alb adduct and Olive TM levels in exposed group (r = 0.235, p = 0.001) but not in control group (r = 0.093, p = 0.353). Conclusion The results suggest that occupational exposure to COE may induce both BPDE–Alb adducts and DNA damage in the lymphocytes of coke oven workers and that these two markers are useful for monitoring exposure to COE in the workplace. PMID:17449561

  9. Airland Battlefield Environment (ALBE) Tactical Decision Aid (TDA) Demonstration Program,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-11-12

    Management System (DBMS) software, GKS graphics libraries, and user interface software. These components of the ATB system software architecture will be... knowlede base ano auqent the decision mak:n• process by providing infocr-mation useful in the formulation and execution of battlefield strategies...Topographic Laboratories as an Engineer. Ms. Capps is managing the software development of the AirLand Battlefield Environment (ALBE) geographic

  10. The United States Experience with the Exotic Cerambycid Anoplophora glabripennis: Detection, Quarantine, and Control

    Treesearch

    Robert A. Haack; Therese M. Poland; Rui-Tong Gao

    2000-01-01

    It is estimated that there are at least 4500 exotic (non-indigenous) organisms currently established in the United States(US) (US Congress 1993) and possibly as many as 50,000 (Pimentel et al. 2000). Of the many exotic organisms now in the US, more than 400 are insects that feed on trees and shrubs.(Haack and Byler 1993, Mattson et al. 1994, Niemela and Mattson 1996)....

  11. Applying the Power of Reticular Chemistry to Finding the Missing alb-MOF Platform Based on the (6,12)-Coordinated Edge-Transitive Net.

    PubMed

    Chen, Zhijie; Weseliński, Łukasz J; Adil, Karim; Belmabkhout, Youssef; Shkurenko, Aleksander; Jiang, Hao; Bhatt, Prashant M; Guillerm, Vincent; Dauzon, Emilie; Xue, Dong-Xu; O'Keeffe, Michael; Eddaoudi, Mohamed

    2017-03-01

    Highly connected and edge-transitive nets are of prime importance in crystal chemistry and are regarded as ideal blueprints for the rational design and construction of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). We report the design and synthesis of highly connected MOFs based on reticulation of the sole two edge-transitive nets with a vertex figure as double six-membered-ring (d6R) building unit, namely the (4,12)-coordinated shp net (square and hexagonal-prism) and the (6,12)-coordinated alb net (aluminum diboride, hexagonal-prism and trigonal-prism). Decidedly, the combination of our recently isolated 12-connected (12-c) rare-earth (RE) nonanuclear [RE 9 (μ 3 -OH) 12 (μ 3 -O) 2 (O 2 C-) 12 ] carboxylate-based cluster, points of extension matching the 12 vertices of hexagonal-prism d6R, with 4-connected (4-c) square porphyrinic tetracarboxylate ligand led to the formation of the targeted RE-shp-MOF. This is the first time that RE-MOFs based on 12-c molecular building blocks (MBBs), d6R building units, have been deliberately targeted and successfully isolated, paving the way for the long-awaited (6,12)-c MOF with alb topology. Indeed, combination of a custom-designed hexacarboxylate ligand with RE salts led to the formation of the first related alb-MOF, RE-alb-MOF. Intuitively, we successfully transplanted the alb topology to another chemical system and constructed the first indium-based alb-MOF, In-alb-MOF, by employing trinuclear [In 3 (μ 3 -O)(O 2 C-) 6 ] as the requisite 6-connected trigonal-prism and purposely made a dodecacarboxylate ligand as a compatible 12-c MBB. Prominently, the dodecacarboxylate ligand was employed to transplant shp topology into copper-based MOFs by employing the copper paddlewheel [Cu 2 (O 2 C-) 4 ] as the complementary square building unit, affording the first Cu-shp-MOF. We revealed that highly connected edge-transitive nets such shp and alb are ideal for topological transplantation and deliberate construction of related MOFs based on

  12. Psychometric properties of the Albanian version of the Orofacial Esthetic Scale: OES-ALB.

    PubMed

    Bimbashi, Venera; Čelebić, Asja; Staka, Gloria; Hoxha, Flurije; Peršić, Sanja; Petričević, Nikola

    2015-08-26

    The aim was to adapt the Orofacial Esthetic Scale (OES) and to test psychometric properties of the Albanian language version in the cultural environment of the Republic of Kosovo. The OES questionnaire was translated from the original English version according to the accepted techniques. The reliability (internal consistency), and validity (construct, convergent and discriminative) were tested in 169 subjects, test-retest in 61 dental students (DS), and responsiveness in 51 prosthodontic patients with treatment needs (PPTN). The corrected item correlation coefficients of OES-ALB ranged from 0.686 to 0.909. The inter-item correlation coefficient ranged between 0.572 and 0.919. The Cronbach's alpha was 0.961 and IIC 0.758. Test- retest was confirmed by good ICCs and by no significant differences of the OES scores through the period of 14 days without any orofacial changes (p > 0.05). Construct validity was proved by the presence of one-factor composition that assumed 79.079% of the variance. Convergent validity showed significant correlation between one general question about satisfaction with orofacial esthetics and the OES summary score, as well as between the sum of the 3 OHIP-ALB49 questions related to orofacial aesthetics and the OES summary score. Discriminative validity was confirmed with statistically significant differences between DS, prosthodontic patients without treatment need and PPTN (p < 0.01). Responsiveness was confirmed by a significant increase of OES scores after PPTN patients received new fixed partial or removable dentures (P < 0.001). The results proved excellent psychometric properties of the OES-ALB questionnaire in the Republic of Kosovo.

  13. Host plant affects the sexual attractiveness of the female white-spotted longicorn beetle, Anoplophora malasiaca.

    PubMed

    Yasui, Hiroe; Fujiwara-Tsujii, Nao

    2016-07-14

    Anoplophora malasiaca (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a serious pest that destroys various landscape and crop trees in Japan. We evaluated the precopulatory responses of three different A. malasiaca populations collected from mandarin orange, willow and blueberry trees. Most of the males accepted mates from within the same host plant population as well as females from the willow and blueberry populations. However, significant number of males from the blueberry and willow populations rejected females from the mandarin orange population immediately after touching them with their antennae. Because all three of the female populations produced contact sex pheromones on their elytra, the females of the mandarin orange population were predicted to possess extra chemicals that repelled the males of the other two populations. β-Elemene was identified as a key component that was only found in mandarin orange-fed females and induced a rejection response in willow-fed males. Our results represent the first example of a female-acquired repellent against conspecific males of different host plant populations, indicating that the host plant greatly affects the female's sexual attractiveness.

  14. Orientation of an Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, towards objects of different shapes and colors

    Treesearch

    Baode Wang; David R. Lance; Joseph A. Francese; Zhichun Xu; Fengyong Jia; Youqing Luo; Victor C. Mastro

    2003-01-01

    Silhouettes of different colors, shapes and sizes made of bamboo frames covered with cloth, paired in different color sets, were placed equidistantly around the perimeter of a circle with a 7.5 m radius, in an open area.

  15. Ethanol affects hepatitis C pathogenesis: humanized SCID Alb-uPA mouse model.

    PubMed

    Osna, Natalia A; Kharbanda, Kusum K; Sun, Yimin; Simpson, Ronda L; Poluektova, Larisa E; Ganesan, Murali; Wisecarver, James L; Mercer, David F

    2014-07-18

    Alcohol consumption exacerbates the course of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection, worsens outcomes and contributes to the development of chronic infection that exhibits low anti-viral treatment efficiency. The lack of suitable in vivo models makes HCV-ethanol studies very difficult. Here, we examine whether chimeric SCID Alb-uPA mice transplanted with human hepatocytes and infected with HCV develop worsening pathology when fed ethanol. After 5 weeks of feeding, such mice fed chow+water (control) or chow+20% ethanol in water (EtOH) diets mice developed oxidative stress, decreased proteasome activity and increased steatosis. Importantly, HCV(+) mice in the control group cleared HCV RNA after 5 weeks, while the infection persisted in EtOH-fed mice at the same or even higher levels compared with pre-feeding HCV RNA. We conclude that in chimeric SCID Alb-uPA mice, EtOH exposure causes the complex biochemical and histological changes typical for alcoholic liver injury. In addition, ethanol feeding delays the clearance of HCV RNA thereby generating persistent infection and promoting liver injury. Overall, this model is appropriate for conducting HCV-ethanol studies. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  16. Electrochemical Behavior of Al-B4C Metal Matrix Composites in NaCl Solution

    PubMed Central

    Han, Yu-Mei; Chen, X.-Grant

    2015-01-01

    Aluminum based metal matrix composites (MMCs) have received considerable attention in the automotive, aerospace and nuclear industries. One of the main challenges using Al-based MMCs is the influence of the reinforcement particles on the corrosion resistance. In the present study, the corrosion behavior of Al-B4C MMCs in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution were investigated using potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. Results indicated that the corrosion resistance of the composites decreased when increasing the B4C volume fraction. Al-B4C composite was susceptible to pitting corrosion and two types of pits were observed on the composite surface. The corrosion mechanism of the composite in the NaCl solution was primarily controlled by oxygen diffusion in the solution. In addition, the galvanic couples that formed between Al matrix and B4C particles could also be responsible for the lower corrosion resistance of the composites. PMID:28793574

  17. Quantifying dispersal of the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis, Coleoptera) with incomplete data and behavioral knowledge

    Treesearch

    R. Talbot Trotter; Helen M. Hull-Sanders

    2015-01-01

    Eradication programs for invasive species can benefit from tools that delineate infestations and identify patterns of spread to guide eradication priorities and activities. However, identifying these patterns in cryptic organisms such the Asian longhorned beetle can be complicated by the sometimes conflicting needs of rapid eradication and research. Here, we describe...

  18. Synthesis and statistical modelling of dry sliding wear of Al 8011/6 vol.% AlB2 in situ composite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumar, Narendra; Singh, Sandeep Kumar; Gautam, Gaurav; Padap, Aditya Kumar; Mohan, Anita; Mohan, Sunil

    2017-10-01

    The present study has used response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD) for modelling, using wear parameters to predict the wear performance of an Al 8011/6.0 vol.% AlB2 composite. The effect of applied load and sliding velocity was studied at five levels for a fixed sliding distance. To understand wear behaviour, sliding wear tests were planned according to CCD and performed on a pin-on-disc apparatus at ambient temperature. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to show the relative significance of the parameters. A second-order regression model was developed to predict the wear loss and to establish the relationships between wear parameters. Response surface and contour plots were drawn to analyse the wear results. Worn surfaces were examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to interpret the operative wear mechanisms. Validation tests results show good agreement between experimental and predicted data. As an initial step of this study, AlB2 particles were reinforced in Al 8011 alloy by an in situ technique to synthesise an Al 8011/6.0 vol.% AlB2 composite. During synthesis an in situ reaction takes place between molten alloy and inorganic salt KBF4 at 850 °C, which leads to the formation of AlB2 particles. The composite was analysed by x-ray diffractometer (XRD) to detect the phases present, while optical and scanning electron microscopy (OM & SEM) were carried out to ascertain morphology and particle distribution. Hardness was evaluated by a Vickers hardness testing machine.

  19. Multiband electronic transport in α-Yb 1₋xSr x AlB 4 [ x = 0, 0.19(3)] single crystals

    DOE PAGES

    Ryu, Hyejin; Abeykoon, Milinda; Bozin, Emil; ...

    2016-08-19

    Here we report on the evidence for the multiband electronic transport in α- YbAlB 4 and α-Yb 0.81(2)Sr 0.19(3)AlB 4. Multiband transport reveals itself below 10 K in both compounds via Hall effect measurements, whereas anisotropic magnetic ground state sets in below 3 K in α-Yb 0.81(2)Sr 0.19(3)AlB 4. Our results show that Sr 2+ substitution enhances conductivity, but does not change the quasiparticle mass of bands induced by heavy fermion hybridization.

  20. Natural enemies of Saperda spp. (Col.: Cerambycidae, Lamiinae) in Europe, envisioned as potential agents in biological control of Anoplophora spp. in Europe and the U.S.A.

    Treesearch

    Franck Herard; Christian Cocquempot; Olivier Simonot

    2003-01-01

    Project Objectives/Approach. Our rationale is founded on the evaluation of possible new associations between the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) and natural enemies of European cerambycids that have similarities with ALB in terms of taxonomy, host-plants, and behavior. Our first objective is to search, among the biocoenoses associated with selected European cerambycids,...

  1. The thermal expansion and thermophysical properties of an aluminum and Al/B4C composite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gladkovsky, S. V.; Kamantsev, I. S.; Kuteneva, S. V.; Veselova, V. E.; Ryzhkov, M. A.

    2017-12-01

    The paper presents results of experimental studies of the thermal expansion and thermophysical properties of an Al/B4C composite with a boron carbide content of 20 wt% and technically pure aluminum in the temperature range from 100 to 600°C to evaluate the possible use of this composite as a neutron-protective material in the nuclear industry.

  2. Antiviral Activity of Bay 41-4109 on Hepatitis B Virus in Humanized Alb-uPA/SCID Mice

    PubMed Central

    Brezillon, Nicolas; Brunelle, Marie-Noëlle; Massinet, Hélène; Giang, Eric; Lamant, Céline; DaSilva, Lucie; Berissi, Sophie; Belghiti, Jacques; Hannoun, Laurent; Puerstinger, Gherard; Wimmer, Eva; Neyts, Johan; Hantz, Olivier; Soussan, Patrick; Morosan, Serban; Kremsdorf, Dina

    2011-01-01

    Current treatments for HBV chronic carriers using interferon alpha or nucleoside analogues are not effective in all patients and may induce the emergence of HBV resistant strains. Bay 41-4109, a member of the heteroaryldihydropyrimidine family, inhibits HBV replication by destabilizing capsid assembly. The aim of this study was to determine the antiviral effect of Bay 41-4109 in a mouse model with humanized liver and the spread of active HBV. Antiviral assays of Bay 41-4109 on HepG2.2.15 cells constitutively expressing HBV, displayed an IC50 of about 202 nM with no cell toxicity. Alb-uPA/SCID mice were transplanted with human hepatocytes and infected with HBV. Ten days post-infection, the mice were treated with Bay 41-4109 for five days. During the 30 days of follow-up, the HBV load was evaluated by quantitative PCR. At the end of treatment, decreased HBV viremia of about 1 log(10) copies/ml was observed. By contrast, increased HBV viremia of about 0.5 log(10) copies/ml was measured in the control group. Five days after the end of treatment, a rebound of HBV viremia occurred in the treated group. Furthermore, 15 days after treatment discontinuation, a similar expression of the viral capsid was evidenced in liver biopsies. Our findings demonstrate that Bay 41-4109 displayed antiviral properties against HBV in humanized Alb-uPA/SCID mice and confirm the usefulness of Alb-uPA/SCID mice for the evaluation of pharmaceutical compounds. The administration of Bay 41-4109 may constitute a new strategy for the treatment of patients in escape from standard antiviral therapy. PMID:22162746

  3. [Endoparasitic infections in sheep from the Swabian Alb].

    PubMed

    Rehbein, S; Visser, M; Winter, R

    1998-11-01

    The endoparasite fauna of 59 slaughtered sheep (30 lambs, 29 ewes) from the Swabian Alb, Germany, was examined. One species of trematodes, 3 species of cestodes, 29 species of nematodes (23 species of gastro-intestinal and 6 species of lung nematodes), 1 species of arthropodes and 1 species of protozoa were recorded. All animals were infected with Dicrocoelium dentriticum as well as gastro-intestinal and lung nematodes, 45.8% with Moniezia spp., 15.3% with Cysticercus tenuicollis, 55.9% with Oestrus ovis and 11.9% with Sarcocystis gigantea. The most important gastro-intestinal nematodes were Ostertagia circumcincta and Cooperia curticei, which were recorded in all sheep, Ostertagia trifurcata and Chabertia ovine (98.3% each), Oesophagostumum venulosum (96.6%), Nematodirus filicollis (81.4% each), Ostertagia pinnata (78.0%), Trichuris ovis and Trichostrongylus colubriformis (76.3% each). The ewes harboured more abomasal and small intestinal nematodes (1819 and 3702) than the lambs (695 and 1730), which haboured more large intestinal nematodes (177) than those (56). The most often recorded lungworms were Cystocaulus ocreatus (74.6%) and Muellerius capillaris (72.9%), followed by Neostrongylus linearis (57.6%), Dictyocaulus filaria (50.8%), Protostrongylus brevispiculum (37.3%) and Protostrongylus rufescens (28.8%). The ewes carried higher lungworm burdens than the lambs.

  4. Genome sequence of Fusarium isolate MYA-4552 from the midgut of Anoplophora glabripennis, an invasive, wood-boring beetle

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC) is a clade of environmentally ubiquitous fungi that includes plant, animal and insect associates. Here we report the draft genome sequence of the undescribed species FSSC 6 (isolate MYA-4552), housed in the gut of the wood-boring cerambycid beetle Anoplopho...

  5. Using SDS-PAGE gel fingerprinting to identify soft-bodied wood-boring insect larvae to species.

    PubMed

    O'Neill, Mark A; Denos, Mia; Reed, Daniel

    2018-03-01

    This paper describes the progress that we have made in assessing the feasibility of 'fingerprinting' using imaged SDS-PAGE gels of haemolymph proteins, to identify soft-bodied wood-boring insect larvae such as the Asian longhorn beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motscholsky, 1853) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Because of stringent import restrictions and difficulty in obtaining licences to work with these organisms, we opted to work with four species of scarab beetle, Mecynorhina polyphemus (Fabricius, 1781), Pachnoda sinuata (Fabricius, 1775), Eucidella shiratica (Csiki, 1909) and Eucidella shultzeorum (Kolbe, 1906) which have near identical larval morphologies. We show that this technology when combined with an advanced pattern matching system (Digital Automated Identification SYstem - DAISY) can classify soft-bodied insect larvae that are almost identical morphologically to species at a level of accuracy is in excess of 98%. The study also indicates that the technology copes well with noisy data and small training sets. The experience gained in undertaking this study gives us confidence that we will be able to develop a field deployable system in the medium term. We believe that as a high-throughput identification tool, this technology is superior to competitor technologies (e.g. fingerprinting of imaged DNA gels) in terms of speed, cost and ease of use; and therefore, is suitable for low-cost deployment in the field. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

  6. Long-term decline of the populations of Fucales (Cystoseira spp. and Sargassum spp.) in the Albères coast (France, North-western Mediterranean).

    PubMed

    Thibaut, Thierry; Pinedo, Susana; Torras, Xavier; Ballesteros, Enric

    2005-12-01

    Only five of fourteen species of Fucales reported at the end of the XIXth century are currently present in the Albères Coast (France, NW Mediterranean). According to historical data there has been a steady decrease of all the populations since the 1940s. Seven taxa now extinct (Cystoseira crinita, Cystoseira barbata, Cystoseira foeniculacea f. tenuiramosa, Cystoseira spinosa, Cystoseira spinosa var. compressa, Sargassum hornschuchii and Sargassum vulgare) were considered frequent and some of them were the dominant and engineering species in several phytobenthic assemblages. Moreover, only one of the five species left, shows no signs of regression (Cystoseira compressa), two are considered as rare (Cystoseira caespitosa, Cystoseira zosteroides), and one is very rare (Cystoseira elegans). Cystoseira mediterranea, a species that was reported to make a continuous belt along the shores of the Albères coast, has almost disappeared from some areas. Overgrazing by sea urchins, outcompetition by mussels, habitat destruction, scientific research sampling and, probably, human trampling and chemical pollution are to be blamed for the decline of populations thriving in shallow waters. Deep-water species have been affected by an increase in water turbidity and, probably, chemical pollution and direct plant destruction attributed to net fishing. If degradation of the environmental conditions continues, the remaining Cystoseira species will face a most unwelcome prospect. Even after the removal of the causes that led to its die-off, natural restoration of extinct species seems not to be possible because the decline has also affected populations from nearby areas and zygotes are unable to disperse over long distances. Urgent management actions have to be designed in order to improve the current situation of the populations of Fucales in the Albères coast.

  7. The effect of time postexposure and sex on the horizontal transmission of Metarhizium brunneum conidia between Asian longhorned beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) mates.

    PubMed

    Ugine, Todd A; Peters, Kenlyn E; Gardescu, Sana; Hajek, Ann E

    2014-12-01

    A study using Metarhizium brunneum Petch fungal bands designed to improve delivery of conidia to adult Asian longhorned beetles, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), was conducted to determine how a time delay between exposure to infective conidia and pairing of male and female beetles would affect the ability to successfully transfer lethal doses of conidia to a mate. We measured conidial load at the time of mate pairing (0, 4, 24, 48 h postexposure) and assessed its effect on beetle mortality. Conidial load per beetle decreased across the four sampling times, and there was no effect of beetle sex on conidial load. At all time periods postexposure, beetles that climbed across fungal bands carried enough conidia that at least some of their indirectly exposed mates died of mycosis. For indirectly exposed beetles, mortality decreased significantly as the time delay increased from 0 to 48 h, and this was independent of beetle sex. Median survival time was only 11.5 d for females indirectly exposed immediately after their mate had been exposed, but >3 wk when there was a 48-h delay before pairing. Generally, beetles exposed directly to fungal bands died faster than their indirectly exposed mates. In contrast to the pattern seen for indirectly exposed beetles, beetles exposed directly to fungal bands showed no change in survival times with a delay between exposure and pairing. Median survival times of exposed females and males were generally similar, at 10.5-12.5 d.

  8. Effect of low temperature regression and aging on structure and properties of Al-B electric round rods

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yan, Jun; Lei, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Xiaoyan; Zhang, Junjie

    2018-04-01

    The effects of pre-aging temperature (125°C, 135°C, 145°C) and regression time (5min 25min) on Al-B electric round rod were studied by tensile strength test, conductivity test, XRD and SEM. The results showed that the tensile strength of the alloy first increased and then decreased, while the electrical conductivity decreased first and then increased after re-aging treatment. When the regression and re-aging process is 145 °C × 4h+200 °C × 5min+145 °C × 4h, the comprehensive properties of the sample are better, the tensile strength is 78MPa and the conductivity is 63.1% IACS.

  9. Monoterpenes from Larval Frass of Two Cerambycids as Chemical Cues for a Parasitoid, Dastarcus helophoroides

    PubMed Central

    Wei, Jian-Rong; Lu, Xi-Ping; Jiang, Li

    2013-01-01

    Anopiophora glabripennis (Motsch.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a destructive woodborer, attacking many species of deciduous hardwood trees. Apriona swainsoni (Hope) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a woodborer of Sophora japonica L. (Angiospermae: Fabaceae). Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae) is an important natural enemy of both Cerambycid species in China. Kairomones for two populations of D. helophoroides that parasitize A. glabripennis and A. swainsoni respectively were studied. Based on identification and quantification of volatiles from larval frass produced by A. glabripennis and A. swainsoni, monoterpenes were selected to test their kairomonal activity to both populations of D. helophoroides adults using a Y-tube olfactometer. The results indicated that (S)-(-)-limonene served as a kairomone for the population of D. helophoroides parasitized A. glabripennis. α-pinene, (IR)-(+)-αpinene and (+)-β-pinene were attractive to the population of D. helophoroides parasitized A. swainsoni. The results provide information about the co-evolution of D. helophoroides, its host, and host-food trees. PMID:23906184

  10. Superconductivity of ternary silicide with the AlB(2)-type structure Sr(Ga(0.37),Si(0.63))(2).

    PubMed

    Imai, M; Abe, E; Ye, J; Nishida, K; Kimura, T; Honma, K; Abe, H; Kitazawa, H

    2001-08-13

    A ternary silicide Sr(Ga(0.37),Si(0.63))(2) was synthesized by a floating zone method. Electron diffraction and powder x-ray diffraction measurements indicate that the silicide has the AlB(2)-type structure with the lattice constants of a = 4.1427(6) A and c = 4.7998(9) A, where Si and Ga atoms are arranged in a chemically disordered honeycomb lattice and Sr atoms are inercalated between them. The silicide is isostructural with the high-temperature superconductor MgB(2) reported recently. Electrical resistivity and dc magnetization measurements revealed that it is a type-II superconductor with onset temperature of 3.5 K.

  11. [Doctor Albéric Pont (1870-1960). Dental surgeon, doctor and creator of the center of maxillo-facial surgery of Lyon in 1914].

    PubMed

    Riaud, Xavier

    2008-01-01

    As Stomatologist and Dental Surgeon Albéric Pont founded with six other Dental Surgeons the School of Dentistry in Lyons which he ran for a long time. When he enlisted in the French Army in 1914 he soon became aware of the extent of facial damage that occurred among the injured soldiers. His subsequent decision was to create and run a Centre for maxillofacial surgery in Lyons. He died in 1960 and left a significant scientific work as well as technical elements of surgery, dental index and devices which still bear his name.

  12. SINMAP Modeling of an active landslide area in the Swabian Alb

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Terhorst, Birgit; Jaeger, Daniel

    2015-04-01

    Landslides are a common hazard in German low mountain areas such as the Swabian Alb. As areas of former landslides are highly prone to secondary movements, this study aims to assess the susceptibility for landslide hazard around Mössingen-Öschingen, a region consistently affected by landslides during the last decades. Based on the history and development of mass movements and a detailed geomorphological map, slope stability was calculated using SINMAP (Stability Index Mapping). SINMAP (Pack et al., 1998; Tarboton, 1997) is based on the "infinite slope stability model" by Hammond et al. (1992) and Montgomery and Dietrich (1994) describing the ratio of slope stabilizing factors (e.g. cohesion) and slope destabilizing factors (e.g. gravitation) on a slip surface parallel to the slope. Most input parameters are determined by the relief and therefore, can be calculated from a digital terrain model (DTM, resolution 5 m). Based on the local morphology and geology, a total of 10 'calibration regions', each with similar hydrogeological characteristics, were defined. Further input parameters were: Shear strength via friction angle (Phi), cohesion (C) and hydraulic conductivity (T/R). The data was obtained from soil mechanical assessments and field/laboratory analyses. As a result, a specific stability index is calculated, describing the susceptibility of a slope movement. In a first step, the 'topographic wetness index' (derived from catchment area, slope gradient and hydraulic conductivity) was calculated. Results show several preferred (natural) drainage channels with generally higher water saturations in morphological depressions. Several of them can be linked to the location of damaged houses in the settlement area on the lower slope. The SINMAP calculation clearly revealed the impermeable Callovian clay layers as most prone to slope movements. A comparison of the susceptibility map with slide masses which were mapped during a field survey showed generally good

  13. What Students and Researchers in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Should Know about PUS and STS: A Look at Fages and Albe's Viewpoint on Social Issues in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Master's Degrees

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pouliot, Chantal

    2015-01-01

    In this paper, in order to pursue the conversation begun by Fages and Albe ("Cult Stud Sci Educ" 2014), I highlight three conceptual contributions that could be made by familiarizing nanoscience and nanotechnology researchers and engineers with the work being carried out in science and technology studies and public understanding of…

  14. Preparation of silicon target material by adding Al-B master alloy in directional solidification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Pengting; Wang, Kai; Ren, Shiqiang; Jiang, Dachuan; Tan, Yi

    2017-03-01

    The silicon target material was prepared by adding Al-6B master alloy in directional solidification. The microstructure was characterized and the resistivity was studied in this work. The results showed that the purity of the silicon target material was more than 99.999% (5N). The resistivity was ranges from 0.002 to 0.030 Ω·cm along the ingot height. It was revealed that the particles of AlB2 in Al-6B master alloy would react spontaneously and generate clusters of [B] and [Al] in molten silicon at 1723 K. After directional solidification, the content of B and Al were increasing gradually with the increase of solidified fraction. The measured values of B were in good agreement with the curve of the Scheil equation below 80% of the ingot height. The mean concentration of B was about 17.20 ppmw and the mean concentration of Al was about 8.07 ppmw after directional solidification. The measured values of Al were fitting well with the curve of values which the effective segregation coefficient was 0.00378. It was observed that B co-doped Al in directional solidification polysilicon could regulate resistivity mutually. This work provides the theoretical basis and technical support for industrial production of the silicon target material.

  15. Assessing Flight Potential of the Invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) With Computerized Flight Mills.

    PubMed

    Lopez, Vanessa M; Hoddle, Mark S; Francese, Joseph A; Lance, David R; Ray, Ann M

    2017-06-01

    The Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae), is an invasive woodborer that poses a serious threat to urban and natural landscapes. In North America, this beetle is a quarantine pest, and populations are subject to eradication efforts that consist of the identification, removal, and destruction of infested host material, and removal or prophylactic treatment of high-risk host plant species. To enhance Asian longhorned beetle eradication protocols in landscapes with extensive host availability, we assessed the dispersal potential of male and female adults of varying age, mating, and nutritional status using computerized flight mills. In total, 162 individuals were tethered to computerized flight mills for a 24-h trial period to collect information on total distance flown, flight times and velocities, and number and duration of flight bouts. Adult Asian longhorned beetles (in all treatments) flew an average of 2,272 m within a 24-h period, but are capable of flying up to 13,667 m (8.5 miles). Nutrition and age had the greatest impacts on flight, with Asian longhorned beetle adults >5 d of age that had fed having greater overall flight performance than any other group. However, mating status, sex, and body size (pre-flight weight and elytron length) had a minimal effect on flight performance. This information will be useful for refining quarantine zones surrounding areas of infestation, and for providing greater specificity as to the risk the Asian longhorned beetle poses within invaded regions. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America 2017. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US.

  16. Genetic Population Structure of Dastarcus helophoroides (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae) From Different Long-Horned Beetle Hosts Based on Complete Sequences of Mitochondrial COI.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Zhengqing; Chang, Yong; Li, Menglou

    2017-06-01

    Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae) is an important natural enemy of long-horned beetles in China, Japan, and Korea. In this study, the genetic sequence of cytochrome oxidase subunit Ι was used to investigate the genetics and relationships within and among D. helophoroides populations collected from five different geographic locations. We used principal component analysis, heatmap, and Venn diagram results to determine the relationship between haplotypes and populations. In total, 26 haplotypes with 51 nucleotide polymorphic sites were defined, and low genetic diversity was found among the different populations. Significant genetic variations were observed mainly within populations, and no correlation was found between genetic distribution and geographical distance. Low pairwise fixation index values (-0.01424 to 0.04896) and high gene flows show that there was high gene exchange between populations. The codistributed haplotype DH01 was suggested to be the most ancestral haplotype, and other haplotypes were thought to have evolved from it through several mutations. In four of the populations, both common haplotypes (DH01, DH03, and DH22) and unique haplotypes were found. Low genetic diversity among different populations is related to a relatively high flight capacity, host movement, and human-aided dispersal of D. helophoroides. The high gene exchange and typically weak population genetic structure among five populations, especially among populations of Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), Monochamus alternatus (Hope), and Massicus raddei (Blessig), may suggest that these populations cross naturally in the field. © The Authors 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  17. Friction Stir Welding of Al-B4C Composite Fabricated by Accumulative Roll Bonding: Evaluation of Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moradi Faradonbeh, Alireza; Shamanian, Morteza; Edris, Hossein; Paidar, Moslem; Bozkurt, Yahya

    2018-02-01

    In this investigation, friction stir welding (FSW) of Al-B4C composite fabricated by 10 cycles accumulative roll bonding was conducted. In order to investigate the influences of pin geometry on microstructure and mechanical properties, four different pin geometries (cylindrical, square, triangular and hexagonal) were selected. It was found that FSW parameters had a major effect on the fragmentation and distribution of reinforcement particles in stir zone. When the tool travel speed was increased, the distribution of B4C particles was become gradually uniform in the aluminum matrix. The effect of tool rotational speed on the peak temperature was determined to be greater than the tool travel speed. The attained data of tensile properties and microhardness tests showed that the tool travel speed had bilateral effect on the tensile strength. The maximum tensile joint efficiency was obtained as 238% for FSWed of Al-2%B4C composite to annealed base Al sheet.

  18. Synthesis, structure and research on quasi-aromaticity of a new organically templated aluminoborate: [NH0.5C4H4NH0.5][AlB12O14(OH)12

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hu, HengBin; Chen, XiangYi; Deng, Song; Cai, Feng; Sun, YanQiong; Chen, YiPing

    2012-02-01

    By employing hydrothermal method, we identify a new organically templated aluminoborate [NH0.5C4H4NH0.5][AlB12O14(OH)12] which is structurally determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction and characterized by simulated and experimental IR, 2D IR COS (two-dimensional infrared correlation spectroscopy), NICS (nucleus-independent chemical shifts) and Mulliken charges calculations. Although the cluster anions [AlB12O14(OH)12]- is identical to the counterpart of compound reported by Lin et al. at 2008, we firstly bring up its quasi-aromaticity, discuss and confirm it by NICS, Mulliken charges calculations and magnetic-induced 2D IR COS, and conclude that three isolated and non-coplanar four-center six-electron π bonds of cluster could cooperate and interact with each other to form a closed conjugated large π orbital system, endowing the cluster anions with quasi-aromaticity. Thus, a one-dimensional chain is constructed by π-π stacked interaction between quasi-aromatic clusters and aromatic pyrazine along [1 0¯ 1] direction. The title compound crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 18.397(4), b = 12.0670(16), c = 11.075(2) Å, α = 90.00, β = 116.483(11), γ = 90.00°, Z = 4, V = 2200.6(7) Å, R = 0.0442 and wR = 0.1128 for 2689 observed reflections.

  19. Functional genomics and microbiome profiling of the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) reveal insights into the digestive physiology and nutritional ecology of wood feeding beetles

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The gut microbial communities associated with xylophagous beetles are taxonomically rich and predominately comprised of taxa that are poised to promote survival in woody tissue, which is devoid of nitrogen and essential nutrients. However, the contributions of gut microbes to digestive physiology a...

  20. A tracer test to determine a hydraulic connection between the Lauchert and Danube karst catchments (Swabian Alb, Germany)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Knöll, Paul; Scheytt, Traugott

    2018-03-01

    A dye tracer experiment was conducted between the rivers Lauchert and Danube near Sigmaringen (Swabian Alb, southern Germany). After a flood event in the River Lauchert, it was suspected that flood water infiltrated into the karst system and drained towards springs in the Danube Valley. A potential connection of the two rivers is provided by the margin of a tectonic graben crossing the valleys. The aim of the tracer experiment was to gain insight into the dominant groundwater flow direction as well as to study a possible preferential connection between the Lauchert surface catchment area and springs in the Danube Valley. After introducing sodium-fluorescein into the unsaturated zone, six springs in the Danube Valley and the River Lauchert itself were observed. Tracer breakthrough at three springs showed that these springs are fed by groundwater originating in the Lauchert surface catchment. Adjacent springs were not affected by the experiment, indicating a rather sharp divide between separate spring catchments. Analyses of tracer breakthrough curves suggest that springs with a tracer occurrence are fed by the same conduit system. It was possible to show that spring catchments in Sigmaringen reach significantly into the Lauchert surface catchment. As a consequence, a drinking-water supplier has changed its supply strategy. The results also help to explain significant differences between flood damage in the central and lower courses of the River Lauchert.

  1. f-electron dependence of the physical properties of REAlB4; an AlB2-type analogous "tiling" compound

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mori, T.; Kudou, K.; Shishido, T.; Okada, S.

    2011-04-01

    α-HoAlB4 and α-ErAlB4 were synthesized, and their magnetic properties and specific heat investigated in comparison with other known rare-earth analogs. Recent developments in rare-earth aluminoboride compounds with two-dimensional boron layers have attracted interest due to the heavy fermion superconductivity in β-YbAlB4, multiple anomalies manifesting below the Néel temperatures in α-TmAlB4 attributed to intrinsic building defects, and field stable state in Tm2 AlB6. Strikingly, α-HoAlB4 and α-ErAlB4 were discovered to exhibit superparamagnetic or spin glass behavior in contrast to the magnetic ordering or nonordering observed for the other rare-earth element compounds. The magnetic field dependence of the irreversibility was consistent with the de Almeida Thouless (AT) line versus the quadratic suppression typically observed for antiferromagnetic systems. The specific heat exhibited behavior indicative of a multilevel Schottky anomaly and four states of the 5 I8 Hund's rule multiplet of Ho3+ are indicated to lie below 20 K. While building defects are not evident, it is indicated that disorder is strong in α-HoAlB4 and α-ErAlB4 and possible ferromagnetic interactions can be giving rise to frustration.

  2. What students and researchers in nanoscience and nanotechnology should know about PUS and STS: a look at Fages and Albe's viewpoint on social issues in nanoscience and nanotechnology Master's degrees

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pouliot, Chantal

    2015-06-01

    In this paper, in order to pursue the conversation begun by Fages and Albe (Cult Stud Sci Educ 2014), I highlight three conceptual contributions that could be made by familiarizing nanoscience and nanotechnology researchers and engineers with the work being carried out in science and technology studies and public understanding of science. First, it would allow them to become acquainted with less naive conceptualizations of the capacities of citizens. Second, it would help them to consider the nature and role of scientific expertise from richer, more nuanced and less stereotypical conceptual angles. Third and lastly, it would allow future researchers and engineers to become familiar with different models of interaction between citizens, scientists and decision.

  3. A Cyanobacterial Chlorophyll Synthase-HliD Complex Associates with the Ycf39 Protein and the YidC/Alb3 Insertase[W][OPEN

    PubMed Central

    Chidgey, Jack W.; Linhartová, Markéta; Komenda, Josef; Jackson, Philip J.; Dickman, Mark J.; Canniffe, Daniel P.; Koník, Peter; Pilný, Jan; Hunter, C. Neil; Sobotka, Roman

    2014-01-01

    Macromolecular membrane assemblies of chlorophyll-protein complexes efficiently harvest and trap light energy for photosynthesis. To investigate the delivery of chlorophylls to the newly synthesized photosystem apoproteins, a terminal enzyme of chlorophyll biosynthesis, chlorophyll synthase (ChlG), was tagged in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803 (Synechocystis) and used as bait in pull-down experiments. We retrieved an enzymatically active complex comprising ChlG and the high-light-inducible protein HliD, which associates with the Ycf39 protein, a putative assembly factor for photosystem II, and with the YidC/Alb3 insertase. 2D electrophoresis and immunoblotting also provided evidence for the presence of SecY and ribosome subunits. The isolated complex contained chlorophyll, chlorophyllide, and carotenoid pigments. Deletion of hliD elevated the level of the ChlG substrate, chlorophyllide, more than 6-fold; HliD is apparently required for assembly of FLAG-ChlG into larger complexes with other proteins such as Ycf39. These data reveal a link between chlorophyll biosynthesis and the Sec/YidC-dependent cotranslational insertion of nascent photosystem polypeptides into membranes. We expect that this close physical linkage coordinates the arrival of pigments and nascent apoproteins to produce photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes with minimal risk of accumulating phototoxic unbound chlorophylls. PMID:24681617

  4. Host-Specific Response to HCV Infection in the Chimeric SCID-beige/Alb-uPA Mouse Model: Role of the Innate Antiviral Immune Response

    PubMed Central

    Thompson, Jill C; Smith, Maria W; Yeh, Matthew M; Proll, Sean; Zhu, Lin-Fu; Gao, T. J; Kneteman, Norman M; Tyrrell, D. Lorne; Katze, Michael G

    2006-01-01

    The severe combined immunodeficiency disorder (SCID)-beige/albumin (Alb)-urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) mouse containing a human-mouse chimeric liver is currently the only small animal model capable of supporting hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This model was utilized to characterize the host transcriptional response to HCV infection. The purpose of these studies was to investigate the genetic component of the host response to HCV infection and also to distinguish virus-induced gene expression changes from adaptive HCV-specific immune-mediated effects. Gene expression profiles from HCV-infected mice were also compared to those from HCV-infected patients. Analyses of the gene expression data demonstrate that host factors regulate the response to HCV infection, including the nature of the innate antiviral immune response. They also indicate that HCV mediates gene expression changes, including regulation of lipid metabolism genes, which have the potential to be directly cytopathic, indicating that liver pathology may not be exclusively mediated by HCV-specific adaptive immune responses. This effect appears to be inversely related to the activation of the innate antiviral immune response. In summary, the nature of the initial interferon response to HCV infection may determine the extent of viral-mediated effects on host gene expression. PMID:16789836

  5. A GIS-based susceptibility map for landslides at the Franconian Alb, Germany

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jaeger, Daniel; Wilde, Martina; Lorenz, Michael; Terhorst, Birgit; Neuhäuser, Bettina; Damm, Bodo; Bemm, Stefan

    2014-05-01

    In general, slopes of cuesta scarps like the Franconian Alb are highly prone to slide activity due to susceptible geological and geomorphological conditions. The geological setting with alternating permeable and non-permeable bedrock results in the characteristic cuesta landforms of almost flat backslopes and steeper front slopes. Furthermore, this bipartite structure leads to a strong disposition for mass movements. The slopes of the study area near the town of Ebermannstadt are affected by different types of mass movements, such as topples, slides, lateral spreads and flows, either in single or in combined occurrence. In the years 1625, 1957, 1961 and 1979, four large landslides took place in the area of Ebermannstadt, reaching close to the town limits and causing major destructions to traffic facilities. In the study area, slopes are covered by debris and slide masses, thus they are prone to remobilization and further mass movements. In order to assess hazardous areas, a GIS-based susceptibility modelling was generated for the study area. The susceptibtibility modeling was processed with the slope stability model SINMAP (Stability Index Mapping), developed by TARBOTON (1997) and PACK et al. (1999). As SINMAP was particularly designed to model shallow translational slides, it should be well designed for describing the conditions of the study area in a sufficient way. SINMAP is based on the "infinite slope stability model" by HAMMONT et al. (1992) and MONTGOMERY & DIETRICH (1994), which focuses on the relation of stabilizing (cohesiveness, friction angle) and destabilizing (gravitation) factors on a plain surface. By adding a slope gradient, as well as soil mechanical and climatical data, indices of slope stabilities are calculated. For a more detailed modeling of the slope conditions, SINMAP computes different "calibration regions", which merge similar parameters of soil, land-use, vegetation, and geology. Due to the fact that vegetation, land-use, and soils only

  6. Accidental introduction into Italy and establishment of Aprostocetus fukutai (Hym.: Eulophidae) in citrus longhorned beetle infestations

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Citrus longhorned beetle, Anoplophora chinensis (CLB), was accidentally introduced from Asia into 11 European countries, putting at risk a wide range of broadleaf trees. It was eradicated in 9 countries, but Italy still has residual populations. The gregarious egg parasitoid Aprostocetus fukutai, wh...

  7. Microbial control of Asian longhorned beetles - what are fungal bands?

    Treesearch

    Ann E. Hajek; Thomas Dubois; Jennifer Lund; Ryan Shanley; Leah Bauer; Michael Smith; Peng Fan; Huang Bo; Hu Jiafu; Zengzhi Li

    2007-01-01

    In Japan, the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria brongniartii is grown in nonwoven fiber bands that are placed around trunks of orchard trees for control of numerous cerambycid pests, including Anoplophora chinensis (= A. malasiaca). The Japanese company producing bands, Nitto Denko in Osaka, markets bands...

  8. The translational inhibitor cycloheximide represses growth factor depletion-induced apoptosis in an alb-SV40T transgenic rat liver cell line.

    PubMed

    Bulera, S J; Sattler, C A; Pitot, H C

    1996-06-01

    A transgenic rat line carrying the alb-SV40A transgene has been described by this laboratory. Several cell lines have been established from the livers of two of these rats. One of these cell lines, L37, exhibits a large nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio and a well-differentiated cytoplasm containing numerous organelles. When L37 cells are placed into culture medium lacking necessary growth factors, cellular proliferation continues for 48 hours after medium change. Subsequent to the initial 48 hours, cells begin to shrink and lose contact with adjacent cells, eventually sloughing off the culture plate surface, with most cell deaths occurring between 48 and 96 hours after medium change. Microscopic examination of sloughing cells indicates they possess highly convoluted and blebbed plasma membranes, a morphological characteristic of apoptosis. Ultrastructural studies demonstrate the ubiquitous presence of apoptotic bodies. When DNA isolated from growth factor-depleted cells is resolved on agarose gels, DNA fragmentation ladders are observed at times of maximum apoptotic change. Quantitative analysis of L37 cells between 48 and 96 hours after the removal of the culture medium shows that 59% +/- 2% of the cells undergo apoptosis. When cycloheximide, puromycin, or actinomycin D is added to the L37 cultures, only cycloheximide is able to repress apoptosis, indicating that the mechanism of apoptosis in the L37 liver-derived cell line requires a cycloheximide-sensitive translational event. The extremely high rate of apoptosis, together with the maintenance of hepatocellular characteristics, indicates the usefulness of this cell line as a model in which to study the mechanisms of hepatocellular apoptosis.

  9. Bacteria associated with larvae and adults of the Asian longhorned beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

    Treesearch

    John D. Podgwaite; Vincent D' Amico; Roger T. Zerillo; Heidi Schoenfeldt

    2013-01-01

    Bacteria representing several genera were isolated from integument and alimentary tracts of live Asian longhorned beetle, Anaplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), larvae and adults. Insects examined were from infested tree branches collected from sites in New York and Illinois. Staphylococcus sciuri (Kloos) was the most common...

  10. 75 FR 75157 - Importation of Wood Packaging Material From Canada

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-02

    ... glabripennis), European woodwasp (Sirex noctilio), the fungus Ophiostoma tetropii, and vascular wilt... Canadian manufacturers of pallets, which may affect importers and final consumers of goods transported on... affect domestic consumers and thus would not have a measurable impact on the flow of trade. The proposed...

  11. A theoretical investigation of mixing thermodynamics, age-hardening potential, and electronic structure of ternary M11–xM2xB2 alloys with AlB2 type structure

    PubMed Central

    Alling, B.; Högberg, H.; Armiento, R.; Rosen, J.; Hultman, L.

    2015-01-01

    Transition metal diborides are ceramic materials with potential applications as hard protective thin films and electrical contact materials. We investigate the possibility to obtain age hardening through isostructural clustering, including spinodal decomposition, or ordering-induced precipitation in ternary diboride alloys. By means of first-principles mixing thermodynamics calculations, 45 ternary M11–xM2xB2 alloys comprising MiB2 (Mi = Mg, Al, Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta) with AlB2 type structure are studied. In particular Al1–xTixB2 is found to be of interest for coherent isostructural decomposition with a strong driving force for phase separation, while having almost concentration independent a and c lattice parameters. The results are explained by revealing the nature of the electronic structure in these alloys, and in particular, the origin of the pseudogap at EF in TiB2, ZrB2, and HfB2. PMID:25970763

  12. New taxa, new records and notes on Coleoxestia Aurivillius, 1912 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae).

    PubMed

    Galileo, Maria Helena M; Santos-Silva, Antonio

    2016-07-05

    The following new records are reported: Coleoxestia julietae Galileo & Martins, 2006 (new department record in Bolivia; Peru, new country record); C. spinipennis spinipennis (Audinet-Serville, 1834) (Bolivia, new country record; French Guiana, new country record); C. nitida (Bates, 1872) (Bolivia, new country record); C. anthracina Martins & Monné, 2005 (Bolivia, new country record); C. glabripennis (Bates, 1870) (Peru, new country record; French Guiana, new country record); C. pubicornis (Gounelle, 1909) (Peru, new country record); C. rubromaculata (Gounelle, 1909) (Peru, new country record; French Guiana, new country record); C. rufosemivittata Tippmann, 1960 (Peru, new country record); C. illex (Gounelle, 1909) (Bolivia, new country record). Color pattern variation is reported for the first time in C. julietae and C. glabripennis (Bates, 1870). Presence of lateral spine on prothorax of Coleoxestia is reported for the first time in C. rufosemivittata Tippmann, 1960 and C. nitida. The male of C. spinifemorata Fragoso, 1993 is described. Two new species are described: C. weemsi from Trinidad and Tobago; C. bettellaorum from Bolivia.

  13. An Experimental Investigation of Effects of Fluxes (Na3AlF6 and K2TiF6), Element Alloys (Mg), and Composite Powders ((Al + TiC)CP and (Al + B4C)CP) on Distribution of Particles and Phases in Al-B4C and Al-TiC Composites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mazaheri, Younes; Emadi, Rahmatollah; Meratian, Mahmood; Zarchi, Mehdi Karimi

    2017-04-01

    The wettability, incorporation, and gravity segregation of TiC and B4C particles into molten aluminum are important problems in the production of Al-TiC and Al-B4C composites by the casting techniques. In order to solve these problems, different methods consisting of adding the Na3AlF6 and K2TiF6 fluxes and Mg (as the alloying element) into the molten aluminum and injection of the (Al + TiC)CP and (Al + B4C)CP composite powders instead of B4C and TiC particles are evaluated. In this work, the conditions of sample preparation, such as particle addition temperature, stirring speed, and stirring time, are determined after many studies and tests. Microstructural characterizations of samples are investigated by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffractometry. The results show better distribution and incorporation of TiCp and B4Cp in aluminum matrix when the fluxes are used, as well as EDS analysis of the interface between the matrix and reinforcement-strengthened formation of the different phases such as Al4C3 in the Al-TiC composites and Al3BC, TiB2 in the Al-B4C composites.

  14. The Asian Longhorned Beetle: National and International Research Efforts

    Treesearch

    Robert A. Haack; Therese M. Poland; Toby Patrice; Matt Gennrich

    2000-01-01

    Established populations of the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabeipennis, were first discovered in New York City in 1996 and then in Chicago in 1998. Because of the limited number and size of infestations discovered in 1996, the US Department of Agriculmre (USDA) initiated an eradication program that requires cutting and chipping of all...

  15. Multiple episodes of dolomitization and dolomite recrystallization during shallow burial in Upper Jurassic shelf carbonates: eastern Swabian Alb, southern Germany

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reinhold, C.

    1998-10-01

    The Upper Jurassic of the eastern Swabian Alb is composed of oolitic platform sands with associated microbe-siliceous sponge mounds at the platform margins. They are surrounded by argillaceous or calcareous mudstones and marl-limestone alternations, deposited in adjacent marl basins. Partial to complete dolomitization is predominantly confined to the mound facies. Six types of dolomite, as well as one type of ankerite, document a complex diagenetic history during shallow burial with multiple episodes of dolomite formation and recrystallization. The earliest massive matrix dolomitization is Ca-rich, has slightly depleted oxygen isotope values relative to Late Jurassic seawater, and carbon isotopic values in equilibrium with Late Jurassic seawater. This initial massive matrix dolomitization occurred during latest Jurassic to earliest Cretaceous and is related to pressure dissolution during very shallow burial at temperatures of at least 50°C. Hydrologic conditions and mass-balance calculations indicate that burial compaction provided sufficient fluids for dolomitization. Mg is derived from negligibly modified seawater, that was expelled from the adjacent off-reef strata into the mound facies. Position of the mounds along the platform margins controlled the distribution of the shallow-burial dolomite. Covariant trends between textural modification, increasing stoichiometry, partial changes in trace element content (Mn, Fe, Sr) and depletion in stable isotopes as well as distinctive CL pattern illustrate two recrystallization phases of the precursor matrix dolomite during further burial at elevated temperatures. Strong Sr enrichment of the second phase of recrystallized dolomite is ascribed to Sr-rich meteoric waters descending from overlying aragonite-bearing reef limestones or evaporite-bearing peritidal carbonates. Late-stage coarsely crystalline dolomite cements occur as vug and fracture fillings and formed during burial. Ankerite, associated with sulphide and

  16. Albumin and magnetic resonance imaging-liver volume to identify hepatitis B-related cirrhosis and esophageal varices

    PubMed Central

    Li, Hang; Chen, Tian-Wu; Li, Zhen-Lin; Zhang, Xiao-Ming; Li, Cheng-Jun; Chen, Xiao-Li; Chen, Guang-Wen; Hu, Jia-Ni; Ye, Yong-Quan

    2015-01-01

    AIM: To investigate whether liver lobe volume and albumin (ALB) could predict the presence and severity of liver cirrhosis, and esophageal varices. METHODS: Seventy-one cirrhotic patients with hepatitis B and 21 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. All the participants underwent abdominal enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to measure each liver lobe volume, and biochemical workup for testing ALB and Child-Pugh class. All cirrhotic patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to show the presence of cirrhotic esophageal varices. Right liver lobe volume (RV), left medial liver lobe volume (LMV), left lateral liver lobe volume (LLV), and caudate lobe volume (CV) were measured using enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. The ratios of RV to ALB (RV/ALB), LMV to ALB (LMV/ALB), LLV to ALB (LLV/ALB) and CV to ALB (CV/ALB) were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed to determine whether and how the combination of liver lobe volume measured using magnetic resonance imaging and albumin could predict the presence and severity of liver cirrhosis, and the presence of esophageal varices. RESULTS: RV, LMV, LLV and CV decreased (r = -0.51-0.373; all P < 0.05), while RV/ALB increased (r = 0.424; P < 0.05), with the progress of Child-Pugh class of liver cirrhosis. RV, LMV, CV, LLV/ALB and CV/ALB could identify presence of liver cirrhosis; LLV and LMV could distinguish Child-Pugh class A from B; RV, LMV, LLV, CV, RV/ALB and LLV/ALB could distinguish class A from C; RV and LLV/ALB could differentiate B from C; and RV, RV/ALB and CV/ALB could identify presence of esophageal varices (all P < 0.05). Among these parameters, CV/ALB could best identify the presence of liver cirrhosis, with an area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.860, a sensitivity of 82.0% and a specificity of 83.0%. LLV could best distinguish class A from B, with an AUC of 0.761, a sensitivity of 74.4% and a specificity of 73.1%. RV could best distinguish class A from C

  17. Modified high-affinity binding of Ni2+, Ca2+ and Zn2+ to natural mutants of human serum albumin and proalbumin.

    PubMed

    Kragh-Hansen, U; Brennan, S O; Minchiotti, L; Galliano, M

    1994-07-01

    High-affinity binding of radioactive Ni2+, Ca2+ and Zn2+ to six genetic albumin variants and to normal albumin isolated from the same heterozygote carriers was studied by equilibrium dialysis at pH 7.4. The three cations bind differently to albumin. Ni2+ binds to a site in the N-terminal region of the protein which is partially blocked by the presence of a propeptide as in proalbumin (proAlb) Varese (Arg-2-->His), proAlb Christchurch (Arg-1-->Gln) and proAlb Blenheim (Asp1-->Val) and by the presence of only an extra Arg residue (Arg-1) as in Arg-Alb and albumin (Alb) Redhill. The association constants are decreased by more than one order of magnitude in these cases, suggesting biological consequences for the ligand. The additional structural changes in Alb Redhill have no effect on Ni2+ binding. Finally, the modification of Alb Blenheim (Asp1-->Val) reduces the binding constant to 50%. Ca2+ binding is decreased to about 60-80% by the presence of a propeptide and the mutation Asp1-->Val. Arg-1 alone does not affect binding, whereas Alb Redhill binds Ca2+ more strongly than the normal protein (125%). In contrast with binding of Ni2+ and Ca2+, albumin shows heterogeneity with regard to binding of Zn2+, i.e. the number of high-affinity sites was calculated to be, on average, 0.43. The binding constant for Zn2+ is increased to 125% in the case of proAlb Varese, decreased to 50-60% for proAlb Christchurch and Alb Redhill but is normal for proAlb Blenheim, Alb Blenheim and Arg-Alb. The effects of the mutations on binding of Ca2+ and Zn2+ indicate that primary binding, when operative, is to as yet unidentified sites in domain I of the albumin molecule.

  18. The Insect Pathogen Serratia marcescens Db10 Uses a Hybrid Non-Ribosomal Peptide Synthetase-Polyketide Synthase to Produce the Antibiotic Althiomycin

    PubMed Central

    Challis, Gregory L.; Stanley-Wall, Nicola R.; Coulthurst, Sarah J.

    2012-01-01

    There is a continuing need to discover new bioactive natural products, such as antibiotics, in genetically-amenable micro-organisms. We observed that the enteric insect pathogen, Serratia marcescens Db10, produced a diffusible compound that inhibited the growth of Bacillis subtilis and Staphyloccocus aureus. Mapping the genetic locus required for this activity revealed a putative natural product biosynthetic gene cluster, further defined to a six-gene operon named alb1–alb6. Bioinformatic analysis of the proteins encoded by alb1–6 predicted a hybrid non-ribosomal peptide synthetase-polyketide synthase (NRPS-PKS) assembly line (Alb4/5/6), tailoring enzymes (Alb2/3) and an export/resistance protein (Alb1), and suggested that the machinery assembled althiomycin or a related molecule. Althiomycin is a ribosome-inhibiting antibiotic whose biosynthetic machinery had been elusive for decades. Chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses confirmed that wild type S. marcescens produced althiomycin and that production was eliminated on disruption of the alb gene cluster. Construction of mutants with in-frame deletions of specific alb genes demonstrated that Alb2–Alb5 were essential for althiomycin production, whereas Alb6 was required for maximal production of the antibiotic. A phosphopantetheinyl transferase enzyme required for althiomycin biosynthesis was also identified. Expression of Alb1, a predicted major facilitator superfamily efflux pump, conferred althiomycin resistance on another, sensitive, strain of S. marcescens. This is the first report of althiomycin production outside of the Myxobacteria or Streptomyces and paves the way for future exploitation of the biosynthetic machinery, since S. marcescens represents a convenient and tractable producing organism. PMID:23028578

  19. Prognostic impact of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio on the overall survival of patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancers receiving palliative chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Koh, Young W.; Lee, Hyun W.

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Recent studies have indicated that the C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin (CRP/Alb) ratio is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with various carcinomas. However, no studies have explored the association between the ratio of CRP/Alb and clinical outcome of inoperable patients with nonsmall cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). We examined the prognostic impact of CRP/Alb ratio on 165 stage IV NSCLC receiving palliative chemotherapy. The optimal cutoff level of CRP/Alb ratio was set at 0.195. The median follow-up time was 9 months (range, 1–74 months). On univariate analysis, high CRP/Alb ratio (≥0.195) was correlated (P < .001) with poorer overall survival (OS). Subgroup analysis of adenocarcinoma showed that CRP/Alb ratio was significantly (P < .001) associated with OS. Multivariate analysis showed that CRP/Alb ratio was an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio: 2.227, P = .001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the CRP/Alb ratio had a significant (P = .001) prognostic impact on adenocarcinoma patients receiving platinum chemotherapy. Elevated CRP/Alb ratio was significantly associated with male gender (P = .002) and smoking history (P = .009). The results of this study suggest that the CRP/Alb ratio might be used as a simple, inexpensive, and independent prognostic factor for OS of patients with advanced lung adenocarcinomas receiving platinum chemotherapy. PMID:28489774

  20. The biological activity of ABA-1-like protein from Ascaris lumbricoides.

    PubMed

    Muto, R; Imai, S; Tezuka, H; Furuhashi, Y; Fujita, K

    2001-09-01

    The elevation of non-specific IgE (total IgE) in Ascaris infection can be seen one week after infection, and reaches a peak after approximately two weeks. It has been reported that ABA-1 protein is the main constituent in the pseudocoelomic fluid of Ascaris suum. To investigate the effect of the ABA-1-like protein from Ascaris lumbricoides (ALB), the cDNA was cloned by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, using original primers based on the consensus sequences of ABA-1 and TBA-1, that is an ABA-1-like protein from Toxocara canis. The clone was sequenced, we constructed the recombinant polyprotein of ALB (rALB14 and rALB7) based on the ALB sequence, and rALB was administrated to BALB/c mice. Fourteen days after inoculation with rALB14 which is the full length of ALB, the elevation of total IgE which we supposed to contain non-specific IgE was observed, and the results were as we expected. Furthermore, in an in-vitro experiment, we confirmed that the spleen cells proliferated when stimulated by rALB14 and concanavalin A. Therefore, the whole conformation of ALB is considered to be involved in the elevation of non-specific IgE, and is involved in the activation of T cells.

  1. Overestimation of Albumin Measured by Bromocresol Green vs Bromocresol Purple Method: Influence of Acute-Phase Globulins.

    PubMed

    Garcia Moreira, Vanessa; Beridze Vaktangova, Nana; Martinez Gago, Maria Dolores; Laborda Gonzalez, Belen; Garcia Alonso, Sara; Fernandez Rodriguez, Eloy

    2018-05-22

    Usually serum albumin is measured with dye-binding assay as bromocresol green (BCG) and bromocresol purple (BCP) methods. The aim of this paper was to examine the differences in albumin measurements between the Advia2400 BCG method (AlbBCG), Dimension RxL BCP (AlbBCP) and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). Albumin concentrations from 165 serum samples were analysed using AlbBCG, AlbBCP and CZE. CZE was employed to estimate different serum protein fractions. Influence of globulins on albumin concentration discrepancies between methods was estimated as well as the impact of the albumin method on aCa concentrations. Medcalc was employed for statistical analysis, setting a value of P < 0.05 as significant. Correlation of AlbBCG and AlbBCP was r = 0.948 (p < 0.0001), but mean difference was large. Bland-Altman plots showed greater bias at lower albumin concentrations. AlbBCG were positively biased versus CZE (3.54 g/L). There was good agreement between CZE and ALbBCP (< 1 g/L). The AlbBCG assay bias shows a good correlation with alpha-1-globulin concentrations (r = 0.758); moderate and weak correlations were observed with CRP (r = 0.729) and alpha-2-globulin (r = 0.585); we found no correlation with beta-globulin (r = 0.120) or gamma-globulin (r = -0.303). Mean aCa based on AlbBCG and AlbBCP methods were 2.34 ± 0.15 mmol/L and 2.46 ± 0.16 mmol/L (p < 0.01), with a mean BCG-BCP difference of -0.12. Albumin results from the BCP and BCG methods may result in unacceptable differences and clinical confusion, especially at lower albumin concentrations. Serum acute phase proteins contribute to overestimating the albumin concentration using AlbBCG.

  2. Protein Adsorption to Titanium and Zirconia Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance Method

    PubMed Central

    Kusakawa, You

    2017-01-01

    Protein adsorption onto titanium (Ti) or zirconia (ZrO2) was evaluated using a 27 MHz quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). As proteins, fibronectin (Fn), a cell adhesive protein, and albumin (Alb), a cell adhesion-inhibiting protein, were evaluated. The Ti and ZrO2 sensors for QCM were characterized by atomic force microscopy and electron probe microanalysis observation, measurement of contact angle against water, and surface roughness. The amounts of Fn and Alb adsorbed onto the Ti and ZrO2 sensors and apparent reaction rate were obtained using QCM measurements. Ti sensor showed greater adsorption of Fn and Alb than the ZrO2 sensor. In addition, amount of Fn adsorbed onto the Ti or ZrO2 sensors was higher than that of Alb. The surface roughness and hydrophilicity of Ti or ZrO2 may influence the adsorption of Fn or Alb. With regard to the adsorption rate, Alb adsorbed more rapidly than Fn onto Ti. Comparing Ti and ZrO2, Alb adsorption rate to Ti was faster than that to ZrO2. Fn adsorption will be effective for cell activities, but Alb adsorption will not. QCM method could simulate in vivo Fn and Alb adsorption to Ti or ZrO2. PMID:28246591

  3. Preclinical Development of Novel PSMA-Targeting Radioligands: Modulation of Albumin-Binding Properties To Improve Prostate Cancer Therapy.

    PubMed

    Umbricht, Christoph A; Benešová, Martina; Schibli, Roger; Müller, Cristina

    2018-06-04

    The treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) remains challenging with current treatment options. The development of more effective therapies is, therefore, urgently needed. Targeted radionuclide therapy with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting ligands has revealed promising clinical results. In an effort to optimize this concept, it was the aim of this study to design and investigate PSMA ligands comprising different types of albumin binders. PSMA-ALB-53 and PSMA-ALB-56 were designed by combining the glutamate-urea-based PSMA-binding entity, a DOTA chelator and an albumin binder based on the 4-( p-iodophenyl)-moiety or p-(tolyl)-moiety. The compounds were labeled with 177 Lu (50 MBq/nmol) resulting in radioligands of high radiochemical purity (≥98%). Both radioligands were stable (≥98%) over 24 h in the presence of l-ascorbic acid. The uptake into PSMA-positive PC-3 PIP tumor cells in vitro was in the same range (54-58%) for both radioligands; however, 177 Lu-PSMA-ALB-53 showed a 15-fold enhanced binding to human plasma proteins. Biodistribution studies performed in PC-3 PIP/flu tumor-bearing mice revealed high tumor uptake of 177 Lu-PSMA-ALB-53 and 177 Lu-PSMA-ALB-56, respectively, demonstrated by equal areas under the curves (AUCs) for both radioligands. The increased retention of 177 Lu-PSMA-ALB-53 in the blood resulted in almost 5-fold lower tumor-to-blood AUC ratios when compared to 177 Lu-PSMA-ALB-56. Kidney clearance of 177 Lu-PSMA-ALB-56 was faster, and hence, the tumor-to-kidney AUC ratio was 3-fold higher than in the case of 177 Lu-PSMA-ALB-53. Due to the more favorable tissue distribution profile, 177 Lu-PSMA-ALB-56 was selected for a preclinical therapy study in PC-3 PIP tumor-bearing mice. The tumor growth delay after application of 177 Lu-PSMA-ALB-56 and 177 Lu-PSMA-617 applied at the same activities (2 or 5 MBq per mouse) revealed better antitumor effects in the case of 177 Lu-PSMA-ALB-56. As a

  4. Particles in a karstic spring, Swabian Alb: Physicochemical and hydraulic effects during a snow melt event.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schiperski, Ferry; Zirlewagen, Johannes; Hillebrand, Olav; Scheytt, Traugott; Licha, Tobias

    2013-04-01

    The studied karst spring 'Gallusquelle' is located on the Swabian Alb in Southwest Germany. The catchment area of the 'Gallusquelle' measures about 45 km². An average annual discharge of 0.5 m³/s serves drinking water to about 40,000 people via a waterworks. The study is part of the research project 'AGRO' (www.projekt-agro.de). The main objective of the project 'AGRO' is to develop a tool for the process-based risk management of micropollutants and pathogens in rural karst aquifers on catchment scale. As particle related transport could play an important role for micropollutants and pathogens, the characterization of particles in the spring water is one focus of this work. Furthermore we will attempt to correlate physicochemical parameters with the characteristics of particles in the spring water in order to enhance the knowledge of the transport mechanisms within the karst aquifer. For the measurement of the particle concentration and the particle size distribution the CIS 1 (GALAI) was used. The system works in a range of 0.5 to 150 µm with a resolution of at least 0.5 µm. The measurement is based on time-of-transition method using a laser beam. The turbidity was measured with an ULTRATURB PLUS (DR.LANGE) and a Fluorometer (GGUN-FL30, ALBILLIA), both working with scattering light method. To verify these measurements we used a portable turbidimeter (2100P IS PORTABLE TURBIDIMETER, HACH) working with the ratio of the signals from the scattered and the transmitted light. Temperature and electrical conductivity where also measured with the GGUN-FL30, whereby the electrical conductivity was verified with a portable multimeter (HQ 40D, HACH). Discharge, pH, water hardness, anion- and cation concentration, total organic carbon (TOC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were also determined. To characterize the particles, the spring water was filtered onsite and the filter cake was analyzed in the laboratory. For SEM (scanning electron microscopy) including EDAX

  5. Biomonitoring Human Albumin Adducts: The Past, the Present, and the Future

    PubMed Central

    2016-01-01

    Serum albumin (Alb) is the most abundant protein in blood plasma. Alb reacts with many carcinogens and/or their electrophilic metabolites. Studies conducted over 20 years ago showed that Alb forms adducts with the human carcinogens aflatoxin B1 and benzene, which were successfully used as biomarkers in molecular epidemiology studies designed to address the role of these chemicals in cancer risk. Alb forms adducts with many therapeutic drugs or their reactive metabolites such as β-lactam antibiotics, acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, chemotherapeutic agents, and antiretroviral therapy drugs. The identification and characterization of the adduct structures formed with Alb have served to understand the generation of reactive metabolites and to predict idiosyncratic drug reactions and toxicities. The reaction of candidate drugs with Alb is now exploited as part of the battery of screening tools to assess the potential toxicities of drugs. The use of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) enabled the identification and quantification of multiple types of Alb xenobiotic adducts in animals and humans during the past three decades. In this perspective, we highlight the history of Alb as a target protein for adduction to environmental and dietary genotoxicants, pesticides, and herbicides, common classes of medicinal drugs, and endogenous electrophiles, and the emerging analytical mass spectrometry technologies to identify Alb-toxicant adducts in humans. PMID:27989119

  6. [Serum non-esterified fatty acids to albumin ratio increased significantly in children with nephrotic syndrome].

    PubMed

    Fan, Chun-Li; Wu, Jia; Bu, Xiao-Min; Wan, Shu-Jun; Guo, Peng-Tao; Ma, Yan-Juan; Wang, Jun-Jun

    2016-10-20

    To analyze serum levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and albumin (ALB) in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) and investigate the clinical significance of altered serum NEFA to ALB ratio in children with NS in acute and remission phases. Serum levels of NEFA and ALB were measured in 55 NS children in acute phase, in 33 NS children in remission and in 122 healthy control children, and the ratio of NEFA to ALB was calculated. The other lipid/lipoprotein and renal function parameters were also analyzed in these children. Compared with the healthy control children, children with NS had a significantly decreased serum ALB level (t=11.152, P<0.001) and a significantly increased NEFA to ALB ratio (t=4.991, P<0.001). Compared with NS children in remission, those in acute phase showed a significantly decreased ALB (Z=7.822, P<0.001) and an increased NEFA to ALB ratio (t=4.991, P<0.001). In all the NS children, NEFA to ALB ratio was positively correlated with the levels of TC (r=0.564, P<0.001), TG (r=0.444, P<0.001), LDL-C (r=0.625, P<0.001), urea (r=0.437, P<0.001), creatinine (r=0.278, P=0.013), and uric acid (r=0.397, P<0.001), while negatively correlated with the level of total protein (r=-0.461, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that NEFA to ALB ratio was independently associated with serum urea levels (β=0.703, P=0.001; adjusted R 2 =0.494) after adjustment of other related factors. Serum NEFA to ALB ratio is significantly increased in NS children in close association with impaired kidney function, and may function as a novel parameter for assessing the development of NS.

  7. Particles and Zinc on the Absorbed Impact Energy of Gravity Cast Aluminum Matrix Composites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Corchado, Marcos; Reyes, Fernando; Suárez, Oscar Marcelo

    2014-06-01

    The effect of different amounts of boron, in the form of AlB2 particles, as well as zinc concentration in a gravity cast Al-B-Zn composite, was studied and related to the absorbed energy upon fracture during Charpy impact experiments. In addition, the authors correlated the composite Brinell hardness with the quantitative assessment of brittle and ductile fracture areas of the Charpy fractured specimens and found that increasing AlB2 particle concentration resulted in a reduction of absorbed impact energy. Although larger zinc levels produced somewhat similar results, the AlB2 effect was prevalent. The energy absorption upon impact reached a maximum when no particles were present; conversely, the lowest amount of absorbed energy corresponded to a composite with a composition of 15 wt.% Zn and 8% in volume of AlB2, i.e., the highest concentration of AlB2 and zinc studied. Raising the amount of AlB2 as well as zinc, as expected, resulted in higher Brinell hardness. A statistical analysis allowed studying of the particle size distribution, whereas values for crack tip opening displacement were subsequently calculated for the range of particle sizes found and the corresponding AlB2 particle volume percent. Higher porosity values were measured for larger AlB2 volume percent. Finally, analyses of fracture surfaces corroborated that brittle fracture was favored in composites with higher amounts of AlB2 and zinc.

  8. Temporal Variation and Association of Aflatoxin B1 Albumin-Adduct Levels with Socio-Economic and Food Consumption Factors in HIV Positive Adults

    PubMed Central

    Jolly, Pauline E.; Akinyemiju, Tomi F.; Jha, Megha; Aban, Inmaculada; Gonzalez-Falero, Andrea; Joseph, Dnika

    2015-01-01

    The association between aflatoxin exposure and alteration in immune responses observed in humans suggest that aflatoxin could suppress the immune system and work synergistically with HIV to increase disease severity and progression to AIDS. No longitudinal study has been conducted to assess exposure to aflatoxin (AF) among HIV positive individuals. We examined temporal variation in AFB1 albumin adducts (AF-ALB) in HIV positive Ghanaians, and assessed the association with socioeconomic and food consumption factors. We collected socioeconomic and food consumption data for 307 HIV positive antiretroviral naive adults and examined AF-ALB levels at recruitment (baseline) and at six (follow-up 1) and 12 (follow-up 2) months post-recruitment, by age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES) and food consumption patterns. Generalized linear models were used to examine the influence of socioeconomic and food consumption factors on changes in AF-ALB levels over the study period, adjusting for other covariates. AF-ALB levels (pg/mg albumin) were lower at baseline (mean AF-ALB: 14.9, SD: 15.9), higher at six months (mean AF-ALB: 23.3, SD: 26.6), and lower at 12 months (mean AF-ALB: 15.3, SD: 15.4). Participants with the lowest SES had the highest AF-ALB levels at baseline and follow up-2 compared with those with higher SES. Participants who bought less than 20% of their food and who stored maize for less than two months had lower AF-ALB levels. In the adjusted models, there was a statistically significant association between follow up time and season (dry or rainy season) on AF-ALB levels over time (p = 0.04). Asymptomatic HIV-positive Ghanaians had high plasma AF-ALB levels that varied according to season, socioeconomic status, and food consumption patterns. Steps need to be taken to ensure the safety and security of the food supply for the population, but in particular for the most vulnerable groups such as HIV positive people. PMID:26633502

  9. Carbamylated albumin is one of the target antigens of anti-carbamylated protein antibodies.

    PubMed

    Nakabo, Shuichiro; Hashimoto, Motomu; Ito, Shinji; Furu, Moritoshi; Ito, Hiromu; Fujii, Takao; Yoshifuji, Hajime; Imura, Yoshitaka; Nakashima, Ran; Murakami, Kosaku; Kuramoto, Nobuo; Tanaka, Masao; Satoh, Junko; Ishigami, Akihito; Morita, Satoshi; Mimori, Tsuneyo; Ohmura, Koichiro

    2017-07-01

    Anti-carbamylated protein (anti-CarP) antibodies are detected in RA patients. Fetal calf serum is used as an antigen source in anti-CarP ELISA, and the precise target antigens have not been found. We aimed to identify the target antigens of anti-CarP antibodies. Western blotting of anti-CarP antibodies was conducted. Anti-carbamylated human albumin (CarALB) antibody was detected by in-house ELISA for 493 RA patients and 144 healthy controls (HCs). An inhibition ELISA of anti-CarP antibodies by CarALB and citrullinated albumin (citALB) was performed using eight RA patients' sera. Serum CarALB was detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC/MS/MS), and the serum MPO concentration was measured by ELISA. We focused on carbamylated albumin because it corresponded to the size of the thickest band detected by western blotting of anti-CarP antibodies. Anti-CarALB antibody was detected in 31.4% of RA patients, and the correlation of the titres between anti-CarALB and anti-CarP was much closer than that between anti-citALB and anti-CCP antibodies (ρ = 0.59 and ρ = 0.16, respectively). The inhibition ELISA showed that anti-CarP antibodies were inhibited by CarALB, but not by citALB. CarALB was detected in sera from RA patients by LC/MS/MS. The serum MPO concentration was correlated with disease activity and was higher in RA patients with anti-CarALB antibody than in those without. We found that carbamylated albumin is a novel target antigen of anti-CarP antibodies, and it is the first reported target antigen that has not been reported as the target of ACPA. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

  10. Hematocrit and plasma albumin levels difference may be a potential biomarker to discriminate preeclampsia and eclampsia in patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

    PubMed

    Dai, Dong-Mei; Cao, Jing; Yang, Hong-Mei; Sun, Hai-Mei; Su, Yu; Chen, Yuan-Yuan; Fang, Xiao; Xu, Wang-Bin

    2017-01-01

    We evaluated whether alterations of hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit (HCT), serum albumin level (ALB), and the difference of HCT and ALB can be used in the diagnosis of preeclampsia and eclampsia in patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). A total of 509 individuals were recruited and divided into 4 groups: Group 1, 170 healthy non-pregnant women; Group 2, 125 normal pregnant women; Group 3, 105 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational and chronic hypertension; Group 4, 109 pregnant women diagnosed as having preeclampsia and eclampsia. Data of HB, HCT, ALB, globulin (GLB) were collected at the time of a prenatal examination during the third trimester. Alterations in the HCT and the ALB levels in these groups were significantly different. Group 4 had a higher mean HCT-ALB value (P<0.01), but lower ALB and GLB values compared with the other three groups. We used Groups 2 and 3 as the respective reference to draw the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of HCT-ALB in Group 4, and found that the threshold values of maximum index corresponding were 12.95 and 12.65 (sensitivity>57.0%, specificity>98.9%), respectively. The value of HCT-ALB>12.65 might be used as a potential biomarker for the auxiliary diagnosis of preeclampsia and eclampsia in HDP. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Data management with a landslide inventory of the Franconian Alb (Germany) using a spatial database and GIS tools

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bemm, Stefan; Sandmeier, Christine; Wilde, Martina; Jaeger, Daniel; Schwindt, Daniel; Terhorst, Birgit

    2014-05-01

    The area of the Swabian-Franconian cuesta landscape (Southern Germany) is highly prone to landslides. This was apparent in the late spring of 2013, when numerous landslides occurred as a consequence of heavy and long-lasting rainfalls. The specific climatic situation caused numerous damages with serious impact on settlements and infrastructure. Knowledge on spatial distribution of landslides, processes and characteristics are important to evaluate the potential risk that can occur from mass movements in those areas. In the frame of two projects about 400 landslides were mapped and detailed data sets were compiled during years 2011 to 2014 at the Franconian Alb. The studies are related to the project "Slope stability and hazard zones in the northern Bavarian cuesta" (DFG, German Research Foundation) as well as to the LfU (The Bavarian Environment Agency) within the project "Georisks and climate change - hazard indication map Jura". The central goal of the present study is to create a spatial database for landslides. The database should contain all fundamental parameters to characterize the mass movements and should provide the potential for secure data storage and data management, as well as statistical evaluations. The spatial database was created with PostgreSQL, an object-relational database management system and PostGIS, a spatial database extender for PostgreSQL, which provides the possibility to store spatial and geographic objects and to connect to several GIS applications, like GRASS GIS, SAGA GIS, QGIS and GDAL, a geospatial library (Obe et al. 2011). Database access for querying, importing, and exporting spatial and non-spatial data is ensured by using GUI or non-GUI connections. The database allows the use of procedural languages for writing advanced functions in the R, Python or Perl programming languages. It is possible to work directly with the (spatial) data entirety of the database in R. The inventory of the database includes (amongst others

  12. Reduction of carbamylated albumin by extended hemodialysis

    PubMed Central

    PERL, Jeffrey; KALIM, Sahir; WALD, Ron; GOLDSTEIN, Marc B.; YAN, Andrew T.; NOORI, Nazanin; KIAII, Mercedeh; WENGER, Julia; CHAN, Christopher; THADHANI, Ravi I.; KARUMANCHI, S. ANANTH; BERG, Anders H.

    2017-01-01

    Introduction Among conventional hemodialysis (CHD) patients, carbamylated serum albumin (C-Alb) correlates with urea and amino acid deficiencies and is associated with mortality. We postulated that reduction of C-Alb by intensive HD may correlate with improvements in protein metabolism and cardiac function. Methods One-year observational study of in-center nocturnal extended hemodialysis (EHD) patients and CHD control subjects. Thirty-three patients receiving 4-hour CHD who converted to 8-hour EHD were enrolled, along with 20 controls on CHD. Serum C-Alb, biochemistries, and cardiac MRI parameters were measured before and after 12 months of EHD. Findings EHD was associated with reduction of C-Alb (average EHD change −3.20mmol/mol [95% CI −4.23, −2.17] compared to +0.21 [95% CI −1.11, 1.54] change in CHD controls, P<0.001). EHD was also associated with increases in average essential amino acids (in standardized units) compared to CHD (+0.38 [0.08, 0.68 95%CI]) vs. −0.12 [−0.50, 0.27, 95% CI], P=0.047). Subjects who reduced C-Alb more than 25% were found to have reduced left ventricular mass, increased urea reduction ratio, and increased serum albumin compared to nonresponders, and % change in C-Alb significantly correlated with % change in left ventricular mass. Discussion EHD was associated with reduction of C-Alb as compared to CHD, and reduction of C-Alb by EHD correlates with reduction of urea. Additional studies are needed to test whether reduction of C-Alb by EHD also correlates with improved clinical outcomes. PMID:27329430

  13. Reduction of carbamylated albumin by extended hemodialysis.

    PubMed

    Perl, Jeffrey; Kalim, Sahir; Wald, Ron; Goldstein, Marc B; Yan, Andrew T; Noori, Nazanin; Kiaii, Mercedeh; Wenger, Julia; Chan, Christopher; Thadhani, Ravi I; Karumanchi, S Ananth; Berg, Anders H

    2016-10-01

    Introduction Among conventional hemodialysis (CHD) patients, carbamylated serum albumin (C-Alb) correlates with urea and amino acid deficiencies and is associated with mortality. We postulated that reduction of C-Alb by intensive HD may correlate with improvements in protein metabolism and cardiac function. Methods One-year observational study of in-center nocturnal extended hemodialysis (EHD) patients and CHD control subjects. Thirty-three patients receiving 4-hour CHD who converted to 8-hour EHD were enrolled, along with 20 controls on CHD. Serum C-Alb, biochemistries, and cardiac MRI parameters were measured before and after 12 months of EHD. Findings EHD was associated with reduction of C-Alb (average EHD change -3.20 mmol/mol [95% CI -4.23, -2.17] compared to +0.21 [95% CI -1.11, 1.54] change in CHD controls, P < 0.001). EHD was also associated with increases in average essential amino acids (in standardized units) compared to CHD (+0.38 [0.08, 0.68 95%CI]) vs. -0.12 [-0.50, 0.27, 95% CI], P = 0.047). Subjects who reduced C-Alb more than 25% were found to have reduced left ventricular mass, increased urea reduction ratio, and increased serum albumin compared to nonresponders, and % change in C-Alb significantly correlated with % change in left ventricular mass. Discussion EHD was associated with reduction of C-Alb as compared to CHD, and reduction of C-Alb by EHD correlates with reduction of urea. Additional studies are needed to test whether reduction of C-Alb by EHD also correlates with improved clinical outcomes. © 2016 International Society for Hemodialysis.

  14. Homocysteinemia control by cysteine in cerebral vascular patients after methionine loading test: evidences in physiological and pathological conditions in cerebro-vascular and multiple sclerosis patients.

    PubMed

    Ulivelli, Monica; Priora, Raffaella; Di Giuseppe, Danila; Coppo, Lucia; Summa, Domenico; Margaritis, Antonios; Frosali, Simona; Bartalini, Sabina; Martini, Giuseppe; Cerase, Alfonso; Di Simplicio, Paolo

    2016-06-01

    The toxicity risk of hyperhomocysteinemia is prevented through thiol drug administration which reduces plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations by activating thiol exchange reactions. Assuming that cysteine (Cys) is a homocysteinemia regulator, the hypothesis was verified in healthy and pathological individuals after the methionine loading test (MLT). The plasma variations of redox species of Cys, Hcy, cysteinylglycine, glutathione and albumin (reduced, HS-ALB, and at mixed disulfide, XSS-ALB) were compared in patients with cerebral small vessels disease (CSVD) (n = 11), multiple sclerosis (MS) (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 11) at 2-4-6 h after MLT. In MLT-treated subjects, the activation of thiol exchange reactions provoked significant changes over time in redox species concentrations of Cys, Hcy, and albumin. Significant differences between controls and pathological groups were also observed. In non-methionine-treated subjects, total Cys concentrations, tHcy and thiol-protein mixed disulfides (CSS-ALB, HSS-ALB) of CSVD patients were higher than controls. After MLT, all groups displayed significant cystine (CSSC) increases and CSS-ALB decreases, that in pathological groups were significantly higher than controls. These data would confirm the Cys regulatory role on the homocysteinemia; they also explain that the Cys-Hcy mixed disulfide excretion is an important point of hyperhomocysteinemia control. Moreover, in all groups after MLT, significant increases in albumin concentrations, named total albumin (tALB) and measured as sum of HS-ALB (spectrophometric), and XSS-ALB (assayed at HPLC) were observed. tALB increases, more pronounced in healthy than in the pathological subjects, could indicate alterations of albumin equilibria between plasma and other extracellular spaces, whose toxicological consequences deserve further studies.

  15. Tomicus and anoplophora genetics: Important research needs

    Treesearch

    Robert A. Haack; Therese M. Poland; Jian Wu; Hui Ye

    1999-01-01

    This proceeding contains contributions from each author or group of authors who presented their current research at the bark beetle genetics workshop held 17-18 July 1998 on the campus of the University of Wisconsin in Madison, wisconsin, USA. This was the second meeting on this subject; the first was held in 1992. The subject of bark beete genetics is of growing,...

  16. Chemiluminescence analysis of antioxidant capacity for serum albumin isolated from healthy or uremic volunteers.

    PubMed

    Huang, Chih-Yang; Liou, Show-Yih; Kuo, Wei-Wen; Wu, Hsi-Chin; Chang, Yen-Lin; Chen, Tung-Sheng

    2016-12-01

    Regular hemodialysis treatment induces an elevation in oxidative stress in patients with end-stage renal failure, resulting in oxidative damage of the most abundant serum protein, albumin. Oxidation of serum albumin causes depletion of albumin reactive thiols, leading to oxidative modification of serum albumin. The aim of this study was to screen the antioxidant capacity of albumins isolated from uremic patients (HD-ALB) or healthy volunteers (N-ALB). From high-performance liquid chromatography spectra, we observed that one uremic solute binds to HD-ALB via the formation of disulfide bonds between HD-ALB and the uremic solute. Furthermore, we found using chemiluminescent analysis that the antioxidant capacities for N-ALB to scavenge reactive oxygen species including singlet oxygen, hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide were higher than HD-ALB. Our results suggest that protein-bound uremic solute binds to albumin via formation of disulfide bonds, resulting in the depletion of albumin reactive thiols. The depletion of albumin reactive thiols leads to a reduced antioxidant capacity of HD-ALB, implying postmodification of albumin. This situation may reduce the antioxidant capacity of albumin and increase oxidative stress, resulting in increase in complications related to oxidative damage in uremic patients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  17. [Clinical Significance of Urinary Microalbumin to Creatinine Ratio in Physical Examinations].

    PubMed

    Guo, Qin; Luo, Wei; Yin, Dai-shu; Jia, Cheng-yao

    2016-01-01

    To-determine the association between urinary microalbumin to creatinine ratio (mALB/Cr) and metabolic indicators in people undergoing physical examinations. A total of 4 184 people who took physical examinations in West China Hospital, Sichuan University from November 2013 to October 2014 participated in this study. We measured their body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), waistline, hipline, Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), urinary mALB/Cr, serum glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) , high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr) , uric acid (UA), cystatin C (Cys-C), glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and homocysteine (Hcy). (1) The participants had a median (interquartile range) mALB/Cr of 5.7 (3.1-11.8) mg/g: 5.4 (3.0-11.3) mg/g for males and 6.3 (3.6-13.2) mg/g for females (P < 0.05). (2) About 10.95% participants (10.96% for males and 10.90% for females) had a mALB/Cr ≥ 30 mg/g. (3) mALB/Cr increased with age. (4) BMI, SBP, DBP, waistline, WHR, GLU, HDL-C, TG, SCr, BUN, UA, eGFR and Cys-C were associated the distribution of participants (P < 0.05) across the three groups of mALB/Cr: normal (< 30 mg/g), microalbuminuria (30-300 mg/g) , and proteinuria (> 300 mg/g). (5) Logistic regression demonstrated that age, SBP, WHR, GLU, TG and eGFR were significant predictors of albuminuria. A high level of abnormal/positive mALB/Cr was found in people undergoing physical examinations. Increased age, SBP, WHR, GLU, TG and decreased eGFR are major risk factors of abnormal mALB/Cr. mALB/Cr should be monitored, especially in the elderly and those with high-metabolic-syndrome.

  18. Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of butanol extract from Arctium Lappa L.

    PubMed

    Sohn, Eun-Hwa; Jang, Seon-A; Joo, Haemi; Park, Sulkyoung; Kang, Se-Chan; Lee, Chul-Hoon; Kim, Sun-Young

    2011-02-08

    Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, allergic inflammatory skin disease that is accompanied by markedly increased levels of inflammatory cells, including eosinophils, mast cells, and T cells. Arctium lappa L. is a traditional medicine in Asia. This study examined whether a butanol extract of A. lappa (ALBE) had previously unreported anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory effects. This study examined the effect of ALBE on the release of β-hexosaminidase in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells. We also evaluated the ConA-induced expression of IL-4, IL-5, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and nuclear factor (NF)-κB using RT-PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA in mouse splenocytes after ALBE treatment. We observed significant inhibition of β-hexosaminidase release in RBL-2H3 cells and suppressed mRNA expression and protein secretion of IL-4 and IL-5 induced by ConA-treated primary murine splenocytes after ALBE treatment. Additionally, ALBE (100 μg/mL) suppressed not only the transcriptional activation of NF-κB, but also the phosphorylation of MAPKs in ConA-treated primary splenocytes. These results suggest that ALBE inhibits the expression of IL-4 and IL-5 by downregulating MAPKs and NF-κB activation in ConA-treated splenocytes and supports the hypothesis that ALBE may have beneficial effects in the treatment of allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis.

  19. Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of butanol extract from Arctium Lappa L

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, allergic inflammatory skin disease that is accompanied by markedly increased levels of inflammatory cells, including eosinophils, mast cells, and T cells. Arctium lappa L. is a traditional medicine in Asia. This study examined whether a butanol extract of A. lappa (ALBE) had previously unreported anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory effects. Methods This study examined the effect of ALBE on the release of β-hexosaminidase in antigen-stimulated-RBL-2H3 cells. We also evaluated the ConA-induced expression of IL-4, IL-5, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and nuclear factor (NF)-κB using RT-PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA in mouse splenocytes after ALBE treatment. Results We observed significant inhibition of β-hexosaminidase release in RBL-2H3 cells and suppressed mRNA expression and protein secretion of IL-4 and IL-5 induced by ConA-treated primary murine splenocytes after ALBE treatment. Additionally, ALBE (100 μg/mL) suppressed not only the transcriptional activation of NF-κB, but also the phosphorylation of MAPKs in ConA-treated primary splenocytes. Conclusions These results suggest that ALBE inhibits the expression of IL-4 and IL-5 by downregulating MAPKs and NF-κB activation in ConA-treated splenocytes and supports the hypothesis that ALBE may have beneficial effects in the treatment of allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis. PMID:21303540

  20. Investigation of the cumulative body burden of estrogen-3,4-quinone in breast cancer patients and controls using albumin adducts as biomarkers.

    PubMed

    Lin, Che; Chen, Dar-Ren; Hsieh, Wei-Chung; Yu, Wen-Fa; Lin, Ching-Chiuan; Ko, Mao-Huei; Juan, Chang-Hsin; Tsuang, Ben-Jei; Lin, Po-Hsiung

    2013-04-26

    Both 17β-estradiol-2,3-quinone (E2-2,3-Q) and 17β-estradiol-3,4-quinone (E2-3,4-Q) are reactive metabolites of estrogen. Elevation of E2-3,4-Q to E2-2,3-Q ratio is thought to be an important indicator of estrogen-induced carcinogenesis. Our current study compared the cumulative body burden of these estrogen quinones in serum samples taken from Taiwanese women with breast cancer (n=152) vs healthy controls (n=75) by using albumin (Alb) adducts as biomarkers. Results clearly demonstrated the presence of cysteinyl adducts of E2-2,3-Q-4-S-Alb and E2-3,4-Q-2-S-Alb in all study population at levels ranging from 61.7-1330 to 66.6-1,590 pmol/g, respectively. Correlation coefficient between E2-2,3-Q-4-S-Alb and E2-3,4-Q-2-S-Alb was 0.610 for controls and 0.767 for breast cancer patients (p<0.001). We also noticed that in premenopausal subjects with body mass index (BMI) less than 27, background levels of E2-3,4-Q-2-S-Alb was inversely proportional to BMI with about 25% increase in E2-3,4-Q-2-S-Alb per 5 kg/m(2) decrease in BMI (p<0.001). In addition, we confirmed that mean levels of E2-3,4-Q-2-S-Alb in breast cancer patients were ∼5-fold greater than in those of controls (p<0.001). Overall, this evidence suggests that disparity in estrogen disposition and the subsequent elevation of cumulative body burden of E2-3,4-Q may play a role in the development of breast cancer. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Albumin as marker for susceptibility to metal ions in metal-on-metal hip prosthesis patients.

    PubMed

    Facchin, F; Catalani, S; Bianconi, E; Pasquale, D De; Stea, S; Toni, A; Canaider, S; Beraudi, A

    2017-04-01

    Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip prostheses are known to release chromium and cobalt (Co), which negatively affect the health status, leading to prosthesis explant. Albumin (ALB) is the main serum protein-binding divalent transition metals. Its binding capacity can be affected by gene mutations or modification of the protein N-terminal region, giving the ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA). This study evaluated ALB, at gene and protein level, as marker of individual susceptibility to Co in MoM patients, to understand whether it could be responsible for the different management of this ion. Co was measured in whole blood, serum and urine of 40 MoM patients. A mutational screening of ALB was performed to detect links between mutations and metal binding. Finally, serum concentration of total ALB and IMA were measured. Serum total ALB concentration was in the normal range for all patients. None of the subjects presented mutations in the investigated gene. Whole blood, serum and urine Co did not correlate with serum total ALB or IMA, although IMA was above the normal limit in most subjects. The individual susceptibility is very important for patients' health status. Despite the limited results of this study, we provide indications on possible future investigations on the toxicological response to Co.

  2. Comparison of Doxycycline, Minocycline, Doxycycline plus Albendazole and Albendazole Alone in Their Efficacy against Onchocerciasis in a Randomized, Open-Label, Pilot Trial

    PubMed Central

    Batsa, Linda; Ayisi-Boateng, Nana Kwame; Osei-Mensah, Jubin; Mubarik, Yusif; Konadu, Peter; Ricchiuto, Arcangelo; Fimmers, Rolf; Arriens, Sandra; Dubben, Bettina; Ford, Louise; Taylor, Mark; Hoerauf, Achim

    2017-01-01

    The search for new macrofilaricidal drugs against onchocerciasis that can be administered in shorter regimens than required for doxycycline (DOX, 200mg/d given for 4–6 weeks), identified minocycline (MIN) with superior efficacy to DOX. Further reduction in the treatment regimen may be achieved with co-administration with standard anti-filarial drugs. Therefore a randomized, open-label, pilot trial was carried out in an area in Ghana endemic for onchocerciasis, comprising 5 different regimens: the standard regimen DOX 200mg/d for 4 weeks (DOX 4w, N = 33), the experimental regimens MIN 200mg/d for 3 weeks (MIN 3w; N = 30), DOX 200mg/d for 3 weeks plus albendazole (ALB) 800mg/d for 3 days (DOX 3w + ALB 3d, N = 32), DOX 200mg/d for 3 weeks (DOX 3w, N = 31) and ALB 800mg for 3 days (ALB 3d, N = 30). Out of 158 randomized participants, 116 (74.4%) were present for the follow-up at 6 months of whom 99 participants (63.5%) followed the treatment per protocol and underwent surgery. Histological analysis of the adult worms in the extirpated nodules revealed absence of Wolbachia in 98.8% (DOX 4w), 81.4% (DOX 3w + ALB 3d), 72.7% (MIN 3w), 64.1% (DOX 3w) and 35.2% (ALB 3d) of the female worms. All 4 treatment regimens showed superiority to ALB 3d (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.008, respectively), which was confirmed by real-time PCR. Additionally, DOX 4w showed superiority to all other treatment arms. Furthermore DOX 4w and DOX 3w + ALB 3d showed a higher amount of female worms with degenerated embryogenesis compared to ALB 3d (p = 0.028, p = 0.042, respectively). These results confirm earlier studies that DOX 4w is sufficient for Wolbachia depletion and the desired parasitological effects. The data further suggest that there is an additive effect of ALB (3 days) on top of that of DOX alone, and that MIN shows a trend for stronger potency than DOX. These latter two results are preliminary and need confirmation in a fully randomized controlled phase 2 trial. Trial

  3. Investigation of novel superparamagnetic Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4@albumen nanoparticles for controlled delivery of anticancer drug

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qasim, Mohd; Asghar, Khushnuma; Dharmapuri, Gangappa; Das, D.

    2017-09-01

    In the present work, multifunctional Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4@albumen (NZF@Alb) and doxorubicin-loaded Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4@albumen (NZF@Alb-Dox) core-shell nanoparticles have been prepared by a green and simple method using inexpensive chicken egg albumen and have been characterized for different physiochemical properties. The structural, morphological, thermal, and magnetic properties of the prepared nanoparticles have been investigated by an x-ray diffractometer, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transformed infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometer techniques. Superparamagnetic Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles (NZF NPs) with the mean size ˜20 nm were coated with albumen matrix by an ultrasonication process. Inverse fast Fourier transform-assisted HRTEM micrographs and FTIR analysis revealed the coating of amorphous albumen on crystalline NZF NPs. NZF@Alb and NZF@Alb-Dox NPs have the mean size (D50) of ˜100 nm, good stability, and magnetic controllability. Magnetic measurements (field (H)-dependent magnetization (M)) show all samples to be super-paramagnetic in nature. Biocompatibilities of the NZF and NZF@Alb NPs were confirmed by in vitro 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against RAW 264.7 cells. NZF@Alb NPs have been found to be more biocompatible than bare NZF. In Vitro Dox release behavior from NZF@Alb-Dox NPs has been studied at pH 7.4 and 5, and a sustained and pH-dependent drug release profile were observed. In vitro cytotoxicity or anticancer activity of the blank NZF@Alb NPs, free Dox, and NZF@Alb-Dox NPs against HeLa cells (cancer cell line) were also examined by MTT assay. The obtained results suggest that this scalable egg-albumen-based magnetic nanoformulation is suitable for targeted drug delivery applications. Thus, the present study could be extremely useful for the advancement of albumin-based nanocarrier design and

  4. Temperature alters Plasmodium blocking by Wolbachia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Murdock, Courtney C.; Blanford, Simon; Hughes, Grant L.; Rasgon, Jason L.; Thomas, Matthew B.

    2014-02-01

    Very recently, the Asian malaria vector (Anopheles stephensi) was stably transinfected with the wAlbB strain of Wolbachia, inducing refractoriness to the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. However, conditions in the field can differ substantially from those in the laboratory. We use the rodent malaria P. yoelii, and somatically transinfected An. stephensi as a model system to investigate whether the transmission blocking potential of wAlbB is likely to be robust across different thermal environments. wAlbB reduced malaria parasite prevalence and oocyst intensity at 28°C. At 24°C there was no effect on prevalence but a marked increase in oocyst intensity. At 20°C, wAlbB had no effect on prevalence or intensity. Additionally, we identified a novel effect of wAlbB that resulted in reduced sporozoite development across temperatures, counterbalancing the oocyst enhancement at 24°C. Our results demonstrate complex effects of temperature on the Wolbachia-malaria interaction, and suggest the impacts of transinfection might vary across diverse environments.

  5. Photothermal treatment of liver cancer with albumin-conjugated gold nanoparticles initiates Golgi Apparatus-ER dysfunction and caspase-3 apoptotic pathway activation by selective targeting of Gp60 receptor.

    PubMed

    Mocan, Lucian; Matea, Cristian; Tabaran, Flaviu A; Mosteanu, Ofelia; Pop, Teodora; Mocan, Teodora; Iancu, Cornel

    2015-01-01

    We present a method of enhanced laser thermal ablation of HepG2 cells based on a simple gold nanoparticle (GNP) carrier system such as serum albumin (Alb), and demonstrate its selective therapeutic efficacy compared with normal hepatocyte cells. HepG2 or hepatocytes were treated with Alb-GNPs at various concentrations and various incubation times, and further irradiated using a 2 W, 808 nm laser. Darkfield microscopy and immunochemical staining was used to demonstrate the selective internalization of Alb-GNPs inside the HepG2 cells via Gp60 receptors targeting. The postirradiation apoptotic rate of HepG2 cells treated with Alb-GNPs ranged from 25.8% (for 5 μg/mL) to 48.2% (for 50 μg/mL) at 60 seconds, while at 30 minutes the necrotic rate increased from 35.7% (5 μg/mL) to 52.3% (50 μg/mL), P-value <0.001. Significantly lower necrotic rates were obtained when human hepatocytes were treated with Alb-GNPs in a similar manner. We also showed by means of immunocytochemistry that photothermal treatment of Alb-conjugated GNPs in liver cancer initiates Golgi apparatus-endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction with consequent caspase-3 apoptotic pathway activation and cellular apoptosis. The presented results may become a new method of treating cancer cells by selective therapeutic vectors using nanolocalized thermal ablation by laser heating.

  6. Procalcitonin and albumin as prognostic biomarkers in elderly patients with a risk of bacterial infection.

    PubMed

    Higashikawa, Toshihiro; Okuro, Masashi; Ishigami, Keiichirou; Mae, Kunihiro; Sangen, Ryusho; Mizuno, Takurou; Usuda, Daisuke; Saito, Atushi; Kasamaki, Yuji; Fukuda, Akihiro; Saito, Hitoshi; Morimoto, Shigeto; Kanda, Tsugiyasu

    2018-01-01

    Aim This study was performed to investigate serum procalcitonin (PCT) and albumin (Alb) as prognostic biomarkers in elderly patients at risk of bacterial infection. Methods Serum PCT was measured in 270 hospitalized patients (mean age, 77.4 years) with suspected bacterial infection. The PCT-negative (<0.5 ng/mL) and PCT-positive (≥0.5 ng/mL) groups comprised 155 and 115 patients, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed with various clinical laboratory test values as independent variables and PCT positivity/negativity as the dependent variable. Results C-reactive protein (CRP) was the only independent variable significantly associated with PCT positivity/negativity. In the survival analysis, the 30-day in-hospital death rate was significantly higher in the PCT-positive than -negative group. Within the Alb-positive group (>2.5 g/dL), no significant difference in survival was observed between the PCT-positive and -negative groups. However, within the Alb-negative group (≤2.5 g/dL), the survival rate was significantly lower in the PCT-positive than -negative group. PCT was strongly associated with CRP and Alb, and having both PCT positivity and Alb negativity was a prognostic factor for elderly people at risk of bacterial infection. Conclusions Combined measurement of PCT with Alb is expected to be a valuable tool to assess prognosis in elderly people at risk of bacterial infection.

  7. Ratio of C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Predicts Muscle Mass in Adult Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Yu-Tong; Wu, Pei-Yu; Chen, Hsi-Hsien; Chen, Tso-Hsiao; Hsu, Yung-Ho

    2016-01-01

    Recent studies have indicated that the ratio of C-reactive protein to albumin (CRP–Alb ratio) is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with disease. We examined the predictive value of this ratio in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). In this cross-sectional study, 91 eligible adult HD patients were analyzed, and the correlation between the CRP–Alb ratio and skeletal muscle mass normalized for body weight (SMM/wt; estimated using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer) was investigated. The mean age of the study participants was 54.9 ± 6.6 years (ranging from 27 to 64 years); 43 (47.2%) were men. The mean values for the SMM/wt were 39.1% ± 5.4%. The CRP–Alb ratio was found to be negatively correlated with SMM/wt (r = −0.33, P = 0.002) and creatinine (r = −0.20, P = 0.056). All the univariate significant and nonsignificant relevant covariates were selected for multivariable stepwise regression analysis. We determined that the homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance and CRP–Alb ratio were independent risk determinants for SMM/wt (βHOMA-IR = −0.18 and βCRP–Alb ratio = −3.84, adjusted R2 = 0.32). This study indicated that the CRP–Alb ratio may help clinicians in predicting muscle mass in adult patients undergoing HD. PMID:27768746

  8. Assessment of depth and turbidity with airborne Lidar bathymetry and multiband satellite imagery in shallow water bodies of the Alaskan North Slope

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Saylam, Kutalmis; Brown, Rebecca A.; Hupp, John R.

    2017-06-01

    Airborne Lidar bathymetry (ALB) is an effective and a rapidly advancing technology for mapping and characterizing shallow coastal water zones as well as inland fresh-water basins such as rivers and lakes. The ability of light beams to detect and traverse shallow water columns has provided valuable information about unmapped and often poorly understood coastal and inland water bodies of the world. Estimating ALB survey results at varying water clarity and depth conditions is essential for realizing project expectations and preparing budgets accordingly. In remote locations of the world where in situ water clarity measurements are not feasible or possible, using multiband satellite imagery can be an effective tool for estimating and addressing such considerations. For this purpose, we studied and classified reflected electromagnetic energy from selected water bodies acquired by RapidEye sensor and then correlated findings with ALB survey results. This study was focused not on accurately measuring depth from optical bathymetry but rather on using multiband satellite imagery to quickly predict ALB survey results and identify potentially turbid water bodies with limited depth penetration. For this study, we constructed an in-house algorithm to confirm ALB survey findings using bathymetric waveform information. The study findings are expected to contribute to the ongoing understanding of forecasting ALB survey expectations in unknown and varying water conditions, especially in remote and inaccessible parts of the world.

  9. Response to Thermal Exposure of Ball-Milled Aluminum-Borax Powder Blends

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Birol, Yucel

    2013-04-01

    Aluminum-borax powder mixtures were ball milled and heated above 873 K (600 °C) to produce Al-B master alloys. Ball-milled powder blends reveal interpenetrating layers of deformed aluminum and borax grains that are increasingly refined with increasing milling time. Thermal exposure of the ball-milled powder blends facilitates a series of thermite reactions between these layers. Borax, dehydrated during heating, is reduced by Al, and B thus generated reacts with excess Al to produce AlB2 particles dispersed across the aluminum grains starting at 873 K (600 °C). AlB2 particles start to form along the interface of the aluminum and borax layers. Once nucleated, these particles grow readily to become hexagonal-shaped crystals that traverse the aluminum grains with increasing temperatures as evidenced by the increase in the size as well as in the number of the AlB2 particles. Ball milling for 1 hour suffices to achieve a thermite reaction between borax and aluminum. Ball milling further does not impact the response of the powder blend to thermal exposure. The nucleation-reaction sites are multiplied, however, with increasing milling time and thus insure a higher number of smaller AlB2 particles. The size of the AlB2 platelets may be adjusted with the ball milling time.

  10. Socio-demographic determinants of aflatoxin B1-lysine adduct levels among pregnant women in Kumasi, Ghana.

    PubMed

    Shuaib, F M B; Jolly, P E; Ehiri, J E; Ellis, W O; Yatich, N J; Funkhouser, E; Person, S D; Williams, J H; Qian, G; Wang, J-S

    2012-12-01

    Aflatoxins are fungal metabolites that contaminate staple food crops in many developing countries. Although studies have linked these toxins to adverse birth outcomes and poor infant development, no study has investigated the socio-demographic and economic determinants of aflatoxin levels among pregnant women living in sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 785 pregnant women in Kumasi. Aflatoxin B1 lysine adduct levels (AF-ALB) were determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Analysis of variance was used to determine mean log AF-ALB levels and significance of differences in these levels according to socio-demographic variables. Logistic regression was used to identify independent associations of socio-demographics with having AF-ALB levels (≥ 11.34 pg/mg; upper quartile). AF-ALB levels ranged from 0.44 pg/mg to 268.73 pg/mg albumin with a median level of 5.0 pg/mg. Bivariate analyses indicates that mean ln AF-ALB as well as the percent of women having high AF-ALB levels (≥ 11.34 pg/mg; upper quartile) were inversely associated with indices of higher socioeconomic status: higher education and income, being employed and having a flush toilet. Higher income, being employed, having one child (verses no children) and having a flush toilet (verses no toilet facilities) were each independently associated with a 30-40% reduced odds of high AF-ALB levels. Additional research is needed to investigate how socio-demographic and economic factors interact to influence aflatoxin ingestion by individuals in regions with high aflatoxin crop contamination. This knowledge can be used to formulate and implement policies that will reduce exposure of women and their unborn children to these toxins.

  11. Docosahexaenoic acid complexed to albumin provides neuroprotection after experimental stroke in aged rats.

    PubMed

    Eady, Tiffany N; Khoutorova, Larissa; Obenaus, Andre; Mohd-Yusof, Alena; Bazan, Nicolas G; Belayev, Ludmila

    2014-02-01

    Recently we have shown that docosahexaenoic acid complexed to albumin (DHA-Alb) is neuroprotective after experimental stroke in young rats. The purpose of this study was to determine whether treatment with DHA-Alb would be protective in aged rats after focal cerebral ischemia. Isoflurane/nitrous oxide-anesthetized normothermic (brain temperature 36-36.5°C) Sprague-Dawley aged rats (18-months old) received 2h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) by poly-l-lysine-coated intraluminal suture. The neurological status was evaluated during occlusion (60min) and on days 1, 2, 3 and 7 after MCAo; a grading scale of 0-12 was employed. DHA (5mg/kg), Alb (0.63g/kg), DHA-Alb (5mg/kg+0.63g/kg) or saline was administered i.v. 3h after onset of stroke (n=8-10 per group). Ex vivo T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) of the brains was conducted on an 11.7T MRI on day 7 and 3D reconstructions were generated. Infarct volumes and number of GFAP (reactive astrocytes), ED-1 (activated microglia/microphages), NeuN (neurons)-positive cells and SMI-71 (positive vessels) were counted in the cortex and striatum at the level of the central lesion. Physiological variables were entirely comparable between groups. Animals treated with DHA-Alb showed significantly improved neurological scores compared to vehicle rats; 33% improvement on day 1; 39% on day 2; 41% on day 3; and 45% on day 7. Total and cortical lesion volumes computed from T2WI were significantly reduced by DHA-Alb treatment (62 and 69%, respectively). In addition, treatment with DHA-Alb reduced cortical and total brain infarction while promoting cell survival. We conclude that DHA-Alb therapy is highly neuroprotective in aged rats following focal cerebral ischemia and has potential for the effective treatment of ischemic stroke in aged individuals. © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. In vivo and in vitro binding of fatty acids to genetic variants of human serum albumin.

    PubMed

    Kragh-Hansen, U; Nielsen, H; Pedersen, A O

    1995-01-01

    The effect of genetic variation on the fatty-acid binding properties of human serum albumin was studied by two methods involving the use of sequenced albumin variants isolated from bisalbuminaemic persons. First, the amount of total fatty acid and of several individuals fatty acids bound to eighteen different variants and to their normal counterpart (Alb A) were determined by a gas-chromatographic micromethod. Pronounced effects on total fatty acid binding were found for the glycosylated variants Alb Redhill (modified in domain II) and Alb Casebrook (domain III) in which cases a 1.7- and 8.6-fold increment, respectively, was found. By contrast, Alb Malm0 (glycosylated in domain I) carried the same amount of fatty acid as Alb A. The fatty acid loads on three chain-termination variants were normal. Finally, eight albumins with single amino-acid substitutions bound normal amounts of fatty acid, whereas one bound increased (1.7-fold) and three albumins bound diminished amounts (0.5-0.6-fold). Information on nineteen individual fatty acids was also obtained. It was possible, based on the type of changes in their relative amounts, to group the fatty acids as follows: (a) = C6:0 - C14:0, (b) = C15:0 - C18:0, (c) = C16:1 - C18:1, and (d) a group composed of essential and conditionally essential fatty acids. For nine variants, in most cases modified in domain III, large changes in one or more of these groups were observed. The changes were not related to any changes in total fatty acid load. Second, the binding of laurate, as a representative of the group (a) fatty acids, to delipidated albumin preparations was studied at pH 7.4 by a kinetic dialysis technique. The first stoichiometric association constant for binding to Alb Redhill (0.7-fold) and Alb Casebrook (0.6-fold) was diminished as compared with binding to their corresponding Alb A, whereas binding to one chain-termination variant and three single amino-acid substitutions were all unaffected by the mutation.

  13. Clinical implications of six inflammatory biomarkers as prognostic indicators in Ewing sarcoma

    PubMed Central

    Li, Yong-Jiang; Yang, Xi; Zhang, Wen-Biao; Yi, Cheng; Wang, Feng; Li, Ping

    2017-01-01

    Cancer-related systemic inflammation responses have been correlated with cancer development and progression. The prognostic significance of several inflammatory indicators, including neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CRP/Alb ratio), lymphocyte–monocyte ratio (LMR), and neutrophil–platelet score (NPS), were found to be correlated with prognosis in several cancers. However, the prognostic role of these inflammatory biomarkers in Ewing sarcoma has not been evaluated. This study enrolled 122 Ewing patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was generated to determine optimal cutoff values; areas under the curves (AUCs) were assessed to show the discriminatory ability of the biomarkers; Kaplan–Meier analysis was conducted to plot the survival curves; and Cox multivariate survival analysis was performed to identify independent prognostic factors. The optimal cutoff values of CRP/Alb ratio, NLR, PLR, and LMR were 0.225, 2.38, 131, and 4.41, respectively. CRP/Alb ratio had a significantly larger AUC than NLR, PLR, LMR, and NPS. Higher levels of CRP/Alb ratio (hazard ratio [HR] 2.41, P=0.005), GPS (HR 2.27, P=0.006), NLR (HR 2.07, P=0.013), and PLR (HR 1.85, P=0.032) were significantly correlated with poor prognosis. As the biomarkers had internal correlations, only the CRP/Alb ratio was involved in the multivariate Cox analysis and remained an independent prognostic indicator. The study demonstrated that CRP/Alb ratio, GPS, and NLR were effective prognostic indicators for patients with Ewing sarcoma, and the CRP/Alb ratio was the most robust prognostic indicator with a discriminatory ability superior to that of the other indicators; however, PLR, LMR, and NPS may not be suitable as prognostic indicators in Ewing sarcoma. PMID:29033609

  14. Broadband acoustic focusing by Airy-like beams based on acoustic metasurfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Di-Chao; Zhu, Xing-Feng; Wei, Qi; Wu, Da-Jian; Liu, Xiao-Jun

    2018-01-01

    An acoustic metasurface (AM) composed of space-coiling subunits is proposed to generate acoustic Airy-like beams (ALBs) by manipulating the transmitted acoustic phase. The self-accelerating, self-healing, and non-diffracting features of ALBs are demonstrated using finite element simulations. We further employ two symmetrical AMs to realize two symmetrical ALBs, resulting in highly efficient acoustic focusing. At the working frequency, the focal intensity can reach roughly 20 times that of the incident wave. It is found that the highly efficient acoustic focusing can circumvent obstacles in the propagating path and can be maintained in a broad frequency bandwidth. In addition, simply changing the separation between the two AMs can modulate the focal length of the proposed AM lens. ALBs generated by AMs and the corresponding AM lens may benefit applications in medical ultrasound imaging, biomedical therapy, and particle trapping and manipulation.

  15. Albinterferon Alfa-2b was not inferior to pegylated interferon-α in a randomized trial of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1.

    PubMed

    Zeuzem, Stefan; Sulkowski, Mark S; Lawitz, Eric J; Rustgi, Vinod K; Rodriguez-Torres, Maribel; Bacon, Bruce R; Grigorescu, Mircea; Tice, Alan D; Lurie, Yoav; Cianciara, Janusz; Muir, Andrew J; Cronin, Patrick W; Pulkstenis, Erik; Subramanian, G Mani; McHutchison, John G

    2010-10-01

    The current standard of care for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 is once-weekly pegylated interferon-α (Peg-IFNα) plus daily ribavirin for 48 weeks. We evaluated the efficacy/safety of albinterferon alfa-2b (albIFN), a novel, long-acting, genetic fusion polypeptide of albumin and IFNα-2b. In the phase 3 ACHIEVE-1 trial, 1331 patients were assigned equally to 3 open-label, 48-week treatment groups: Peg-IFNα-2a 180 μg every week, or albIFN 900 or 1200 μg every 2 weeks administered subcutaneously, with weight-based oral ribavirin 1000-1200 mg/day. During the study, the data monitoring committee recommended dose modification for all patients receiving albIFN 1200 μg to 900 μg because of increased pulmonary adverse events (AEs) in the 1200-μg arms of both ACHIEVE studies. Main outcome measure was sustained virologic response (SVR; undetectable serum HCV RNA at week 72). Intention-to-treat SVR rates were 51.0% (225/441), 48.2% (213/442), and 47.3% (208/440) with Peg-IFNα-2a, and albIFN 900 and 1200 μg, respectively. The primary objective of showing noninferiority of albIFN 900 μg (P < .001) and 1200 μg (P = .003) vs Peg-IFNα-2a for SVR was achieved. Multivariate modeling indicated consistency of treatment effect across subgroups. Serious/severe AE rates were 23.1%, 24.0%, 28.2%; treatment discontinuation rates because of AEs were 4.1%, 10.4%, 10.0%; discontinuation rates because of respiratory AEs were 0%, 0.9%, 1.6%; with Peg-IFNα-2a, and albIFN 900 and 1200 μg, respectively. Hematologic abnormality rates were comparable across the Peg-IFNα-2a and albIFN 900-μg groups. albIFN 900 μg every 2 weeks showed comparable efficacy, with similar serious/severe AE rates, although with a higher discontinuation rate, vs Peg-IFNα-2a in patients with chronic HCV genotype 1. Copyright © 2010 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Albumin as a "Trojan Horse" for polymeric nanoconjugate transendothelial transport across tumor vasculatures for improved cancer targeting.

    PubMed

    Yin, Qian; Tang, Li; Cai, Kaimin; Yang, Xujuan; Yin, Lichen; Zhang, Yanfeng; Dobrucki, Lawrence W; Helferich, William G; Fan, Timothy M; Cheng, Jianjun

    2018-05-01

    Although polymeric nanoconjugates (NCs) hold great promise for the treatment of cancer patients, their clinical utility has been hindered by the lack of efficient delivery of therapeutics to targeted tumor sites. Here, we describe an albumin-functionalized polymeric NC (Alb-NC) capable of crossing the endothelium barrier through a caveolae-mediated transcytosis pathway to better target cancer. The Alb-NC is prepared by nanoprecipitation of doxorubicin (Doxo) conjugates of poly(phenyl O-carboxyanhydrides) bearing aromatic albumin-binding domains followed by subsequent surface decoration of albumin. The administration of Alb-NCs into mice bearing MCF-7 human breast cancer xenografts with limited tumor vascular permeability resulted in markedly increased tumor accumulation and anti-tumor efficacy compared to their conventional counterpart PEGylated NCs (PEG-NCs). The Alb-NC provides a simple, low-cost and broadly applicable strategy to improve the cancer targeting efficiency and therapeutic effectiveness of polymeric nanomedicine.

  17. Albumin contributes to kidney disease progression in Alport syndrome.

    PubMed

    Jarad, George; Knutsen, Russell H; Mecham, Robert P; Miner, Jeffrey H

    2016-07-01

    Alport syndrome is a familial kidney disease caused by defects in the collagen type IV network of the glomerular basement membrane. Lack of collagen-α3α4α5(IV) changes the glomerular basement membrane morphologically and functionally, rendering it leaky to albumin and other plasma proteins. Filtered albumin has been suggested to be a cause of the glomerular and tubular injuries observed at advanced stages of Alport syndrome. To directly investigate the role that albumin plays in the progression of disease in Alport syndrome, we generated albumin knockout (Alb(-/-)) mice to use as a tool for removing albuminuria as a component of kidney disease. Mice lacking albumin were healthy and indistinguishable from control littermates, although they developed hypertriglyceridemia. Dyslipidemia was observed in Alb(+/-) mice, which displayed half the normal plasma albumin concentration. Alb mutant mice were bred to collagen-α3(IV) knockout (Col4a3(-/-)) mice, which are a model for human Alport syndrome. Lack of circulating and filtered albumin in Col4a3(-/-);Alb(-/-) mice resulted in dramatically improved kidney disease outcomes, as these mice lived 64% longer than did Col4a3(-/-);Alb(+/+) and Col4a3(-/-);Alb(+/-) mice, despite similar blood pressures and serum triglyceride levels. Further investigations showed that the absence of albumin correlated with reduced transforming growth factor-β1 signaling as well as reduced tubulointerstitial, glomerular, and podocyte pathology. We conclude that filtered albumin is injurious to kidney cells in Alport syndrome and perhaps in other proteinuric kidney diseases, including diabetic nephropathy. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

  18. Cellular Responses Modulated by FGF-2 Adsorbed on Albumin/Heparin Layer-by-Layer Assemblies.

    PubMed

    Kumorek, Marta; Kubies, Dana; Filová, Elena; Houska, Milan; Kasoju, Naresh; Mázl Chánová, Eliška; Matějka, Roman; Krýslová, Markéta; Bačáková, Lucie; Rypáček, František

    2015-01-01

    In a typical cell culture system, growth factors immobilized on the cell culture surfaces can serve as a reservoir of bio-signaling molecules, without the need to supplement them additionally into the culture medium. In this paper, we report on the fabrication of albumin/heparin (Alb/Hep) assemblies for controlled binding of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). The surfaces were constructed by layer-by-layer adsorption of polyelectrolytes albumin and heparin and were subsequently stabilized by covalent crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. An analysis of the surface morphology by atomic force microscopy showed that two Alb/Hep bilayers are required to cover the surface of substrate. The formation of the Alb/Hep assemblies was monitored by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR), the infrared multiinternal reflection spectroscopy (FTIR MIRS) and UV/VIS spectroscopy. The adsorption of FGF-2 on the cross-linked Alb/Hep was followed by SPR. The results revealed that FGF-2 binds to the Alb/Hep assembly in a dose and time-dependent manner up to the surface concentration of 120 ng/cm(2). The bioactivity of the adsorbed FGF-2 was assessed in experiments in vitro, using calf pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (CPAE). CPAE cells could attach and proliferate on Alb/Hep surfaces. The adsorbed FGF-2 was bioactive and stimulated both the proliferation and the differentiation of CPAE cells. The improvement was more pronounced at a lower FGF-2 surface concentration (30 ng/cm(2)) than on surfaces with a higher concentration of FGF-2 (120 ng/cm(2)).

  19. Cellular Responses Modulated by FGF-2 Adsorbed on Albumin/Heparin Layer-by-Layer Assemblies

    PubMed Central

    Kumorek, Marta; Kubies, Dana; Filová, Elena; Houska, Milan; Kasoju, Naresh; Mázl Chánová, Eliška; Matějka, Roman; Krýslová, Markéta; Bačáková, Lucie; Rypáček, František

    2015-01-01

    In a typical cell culture system, growth factors immobilized on the cell culture surfaces can serve as a reservoir of bio-signaling molecules, without the need to supplement them additionally into the culture medium. In this paper, we report on the fabrication of albumin/heparin (Alb/Hep) assemblies for controlled binding of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). The surfaces were constructed by layer-by-layer adsorption of polyelectrolytes albumin and heparin and were subsequently stabilized by covalent crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. An analysis of the surface morphology by atomic force microscopy showed that two Alb/Hep bilayers are required to cover the surface of substrate. The formation of the Alb/Hep assemblies was monitored by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR), the infrared multiinternal reflection spectroscopy (FTIR MIRS) and UV/VIS spectroscopy. The adsorption of FGF-2 on the cross-linked Alb/Hep was followed by SPR. The results revealed that FGF-2 binds to the Alb/Hep assembly in a dose and time-dependent manner up to the surface concentration of 120 ng/cm2. The bioactivity of the adsorbed FGF-2 was assessed in experiments in vitro, using calf pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (CPAE). CPAE cells could attach and proliferate on Alb/Hep surfaces. The adsorbed FGF-2 was bioactive and stimulated both the proliferation and the differentiation of CPAE cells. The improvement was more pronounced at a lower FGF-2 surface concentration (30 ng/cm2) than on surfaces with a higher concentration of FGF-2 (120 ng/cm2). PMID:25945799

  20. The Impact of Two Semiannual Treatments with Albendazole Alone on Lymphatic Filariasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections: A Community-Based Study in the Republic of Congo

    PubMed Central

    Pion, Sébastien D. S.; Chesnais, Cédric B.; Bopda, Jean; Louya, Frédéric; Fischer, Peter U.; Majewski, Andrew C.; Weil, Gary J.; Boussinesq, Michel; Missamou, François

    2015-01-01

    Implementation of mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin plus albendazole (ALB) for lymphatic filariasis (LF) has been delayed in central Africa because of the risk of serious adverse events in subjects with high Loa loa microfilaremia. We conducted a community trial to assess the impact of semiannual MDA with ALB (400 mg) alone on LF and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in the Republic of Congo. Evaluation at 12 months showed that ALB MDA had not significantly reduced Wuchereria bancrofti antigenemia or microfilaria (mf) rates in the community (from 17.3% to 16.6% and from 5.3% to 4.2%, respectively). However, the geometric mean mf count in mf-positive subjects was reduced from 202.2 to 80.9 mf/mL (60% reduction, P = 0.01). The effect of ALB was impressive in 38 subjects who were mf-positive at baseline and retested at 12 months: 37% had total mf clearance, and individual mf densities were reduced by 73.0%. MDA also dramatically reduced the hookworm infection rate in the community from 6.5% to 0.6% (91% reduction), with less impressive effects on Ascaris and Trichuris. These preliminary results suggest that semiannual community MDA with ALB is a promising strategy for controlling LF and STH in areas with coendemic loiasis. PMID:25758650

  1. Present situation of Anoplophora malasiaca Thomson occurring in Italy

    Treesearch

    Matteo Maspero; Eugenio Gervasini; Mario Colombo; Lidia Limonta

    2003-01-01

    The enormous increase in the international trade of goods and plants has also increased the probability that pests and pathogens can spread from their native habitats to new countries throughout the world.

  2. Biochemical polymorphisms in Spanish Avileña-Negra Iberica cattle.

    PubMed

    Arranz, J J; Bayón, Y; Medjugorac, I; Primitivo, F

    1994-01-12

    Thirteen biochemical blood polymorphisms were analysed in a population of 149 Spanish Avileña-Negra Ibérica cattle. The study revealed variation at the following nine loci: HBB, CA, NP, CP, AMY1, ALB, GC, TF and PTF2. The following systems were monomorphic: CAT, DIA1, MDH1 and ME1. Using polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis, a slow, migrating pair of bands was found in the GC protein system. This pattern is probably controlled by the GC(C) allele, described in only a few cases in cattle. Furthermore, starch-gel electrophoresis allowed the detection of a variant with intermediate mobility between the ALB(A) and the ALB(B) alleles at the albumin locus. A variant with a similar electrophoretic pattern has occasionally been reported in cattle. However, utilizing IEF under denaturing conditions, such a variant could not be differentiated from the ALB(A) allele and thus its significance is not clear. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Biochemischer Polymorphismus in spanischen Avileña-Negra Iberica Rindern Insgesamt 13 biochemische Systeme wurden in einer Population von 149 spanischen Avilena-Negra-Iberika-Rindern hinsichtlich Polymorphismus analysiert. Es zeigten sich Varianten bei folgenden Loci: HBB, CA, NP, CP, AMY1, ANB, GC, TF und BTF2, während CAT, DEA, MDH1 und ME1 monomorph sind. Bei stärke Gel-Elektrophorese wurde im Albumin-Locus eine Variante mit intermediärer Mobilität zwischen ALB(A) und ÄLB(B) Allel entdeckt. Eine solche Variante wurde bisher nur sehr selten bei Rindern beobachtet. Darüber hinaus wurde bei Polyacrylamid-Gel-Elektrophorese ein langsam wanderndes Paar von Bändern im GC-Proteinsystem gefunden. Dieses Muster ist wahrscheinlich von dem selten vorkommenden GC(C) -Allel verursacht. RESUMEN: Se analizaron trece polimorfismos bioquímicos sanguíneos en una población de 149 animales de la raza Avileña-Negra Ibérica de ganado vacuno. El estudio reveló la existencia de variación en los nueve loci siguientes: HBB, CA, NP, CP, AMY1, ALB, GC, TF y PTF2

  3. A field survey for Wolbchia and phage WO infections of Aedes albopictus in Guangzhou City, China.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Dongjing; Zhan, Ximei; Wu, Xiansheng; Yang, Xiao; Liang, Gehao; Zheng, Zhantu; Li, Zhuoya; Wu, Yu; Zheng, Xiaoying

    2014-01-01

    Wolbachia are maternal endosymbiotic bacterium, which infect a diverse range of arthropods, ranging from 20 to 76% in nature. They are capable of inducing a wide range of reproductive abnormalities to their hosts, such as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), which has been proposed to be used as a tool to modify mosquitoes that are resistant to the development of pathogen, as an alternative vector control strategy. Here, we evaluated the prevalence of Wolbachia and phage WO infections in the field population of Aedes albopictus in Guangzhou City via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using the Wolbachia specific Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) and phage WO orf7 gene primers. Based on the results of PCR and phylogeny analysis, we found that A. albopictus in Guangzhou City were infected with two Wolbachia strains, wAlbA and wAlbB. Phage WO, the virus-infected Wolbachia, was also detected in A. albopictus. One hundred and ten female individuals were screened via PCR, with 109 super-infected with Wolbachia and one sample single-infected with wAlbB strain. And 104 of 113 male individuals were both infected with wAlbA and wAlbB, and nine male samples were found to be infected with wAlbA strain only. The infection rates of phage WO in female and male individuals were 82.73 and 46.02%, respectively. These results showed that the natural Wolbachia and phage WO infections in A. albopictus population in Guangzhou were at a higher frequency at present, indicating that Wolbachia appear to be a better candidate nature resource for biological control insect vectors to reduce vector-borne diseases.

  4. The chloroplast min system functions differentially in two specific nongreen plastids in Arabidopsis thaliana.

    PubMed

    Wang, Peng; Zhang, Jie; Su, Jianbin; Wang, Peng; Liu, Jun; Liu, Bing; Feng, Dongru; Wang, Jinfa; Wang, Hongbin

    2013-01-01

    The nongreen plastids, such as etioplasts, chromoplasts, etc., as well as chloroplasts, are all derived from proplastids in the meristem. To date, the Min system members in plants have been identified as regulators of FtsZ-ring placement, which are essential for the symmetrical division of chloroplasts. However, the regulation of FtsZ-ring placement in nongreen plastids is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the division site placement of nongreen plastids by examining the etioplasts as representative in Arabidopsis Min system mutants. Surprisingly, the shape and number of etioplasts in cotyledons of arc3, arc11 and mcd1 mutants were similar to that observed in wild-type plants, whereas arc12 and parc6 mutants exhibited enlarged etioplasts that were reduced in number. In order to examine nongreen plastids in true leaves, we silenced the ALB3 gene in these Min system mutant backgrounds to produce immature chloroplasts without the thylakoidal network using virus induced gene silencing (VIGS). Interestingly, consistent with our observations in etioplasts, enlarged and fewer nongreen plastids were only detected in leaves of parc6 (VIGS-ALB3) and arc12 (VIGS-ALB3) plants. Further, the FtsZ-ring assembled properly at the midpoint in nongreen plastids of arc3, arc11 and mcd1 (VIGS-ALB3) plants, but organized into multiple rings in parc6 (VIGS-ALB3) and presented fragmented filaments in arc12 (VIGS-ALB3) plants, suggesting that division site placement in nongreen plastids requires fewer components of the plant Min system. Taken together, these results suggest that division site placement in nongreen plastids is different from that in chloroplasts.

  5. The Chloroplast Min System Functions Differentially in Two Specific Nongreen Plastids in Arabidopsis thaliana

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Peng; Zhang, Jie; Su, Jianbin; Wang, Peng; Liu, Jun; Liu, Bing; Feng, Dongru; Wang, Jinfa; Wang, Hongbin

    2013-01-01

    The nongreen plastids, such as etioplasts, chromoplasts, etc., as well as chloroplasts, are all derived from proplastids in the meristem. To date, the Min system members in plants have been identified as regulators of FtsZ-ring placement, which are essential for the symmetrical division of chloroplasts. However, the regulation of FtsZ-ring placement in nongreen plastids is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the division site placement of nongreen plastids by examining the etioplasts as representative in Arabidopsis Min system mutants. Surprisingly, the shape and number of etioplasts in cotyledons of arc3, arc11 and mcd1 mutants were similar to that observed in wild-type plants, whereas arc12 and parc6 mutants exhibited enlarged etioplasts that were reduced in number. In order to examine nongreen plastids in true leaves, we silenced the ALB3 gene in these Min system mutant backgrounds to produce immature chloroplasts without the thylakoidal network using virus induced gene silencing (VIGS). Interestingly, consistent with our observations in etioplasts, enlarged and fewer nongreen plastids were only detected in leaves of parc6 (VIGS-ALB3) and arc12 (VIGS-ALB3) plants. Further, the FtsZ-ring assembled properly at the midpoint in nongreen plastids of arc3, arc11 and mcd1 (VIGS-ALB3) plants, but organized into multiple rings in parc6 (VIGS-ALB3) and presented fragmented filaments in arc12 (VIGS-ALB3) plants, suggesting that division site placement in nongreen plastids requires fewer components of the plant Min system. Taken together, these results suggest that division site placement in nongreen plastids is different from that in chloroplasts. PMID:23936263

  6. Screening for Host Plant Resistance to Azalea Lace Bug

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Azalea Lace bug (ALB) are a major pest of azaleas in the southeast. Adults and nymphs cause visible damage on the upper leaf surface. Host plant resistance to ALB provides “built-in” plant protection and allows for reduced dependency on pesticide applications for both growers and consumers. We have...

  7. "Built-In" Plant Protection: Screening Azalea Cultivars for Resistance to the Azalea Lace Bug, Stephanitis pyrioides

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Azalea Lace bug (ALB) are a major pest of azaleas in the southeast. Adults and nymphs cause visible damage on the upper leaf surface. Host plant resistance to ALB provides “built-in” plant protection and allows for reduced dependency on pesticide applications for both growers and consumers. We have...

  8. Investigation into the morphology and structure of magnetic bentonite nanocomposites with their catalytic activity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wan, Dong; Wang, Guanghua; Li, Wenbing; Wei, Xiaobi

    2017-08-01

    Al pillared bentonite-Fe3O4 nanocomposites (Fe3O4/Al-B) with controllable Fe3O4 particle sizes and loadings were synthesized by a simple in situ oxidation-precipitation method. The obtained samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, XPS, VSM and N2 sorption. These results suggested that Fe3O4 was chemically anchored to the bentonite sheets via Fe-O-Si bonds, resulting in the formation of secondary pore structure. Three types of structure of Fe3O4/Al-B nanocomposites were proposed at different Fe3O4 loadings, varying from 40 to 80 wt%. The catalytic activity of the Fe3O4/Al-B nanocomposites was investigated in the heterogeneous Fenton-like oxidation of rhodamine B (RhB). The 50 nm Fe3O4/Al-B nanocomposite showed enhanced degradation of RhB over the control catalyst, benefited from its greater surface area and pore volume. The highest catalytic activity was found to be at Fe3O4 loading of 60 wt%, which was attributed to the synergistic effects between both increased surface area and formed Fe-O-Si bonds. These findings offer a better understanding on structural and morphological relationships of Fe3O4/Al-B nanocomposites with their heterogeneous Fenton-like catalytic activity.

  9. The impact of two semiannual treatments with albendazole alone on lymphatic filariasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections: a community-based study in the Republic of Congo.

    PubMed

    Pion, Sébastien D S; Chesnais, Cédric B; Bopda, Jean; Louya, Frédéric; Fischer, Peter U; Majewski, Andrew C; Weil, Gary J; Boussinesq, Michel; Missamou, François

    2015-05-01

    Implementation of mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin plus albendazole (ALB) for lymphatic filariasis (LF) has been delayed in central Africa because of the risk of serious adverse events in subjects with high Loa loa microfilaremia. We conducted a community trial to assess the impact of semiannual MDA with ALB (400 mg) alone on LF and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in the Republic of Congo. Evaluation at 12 months showed that ALB MDA had not significantly reduced Wuchereria bancrofti antigenemia or microfilaria (mf) rates in the community (from 17.3% to 16.6% and from 5.3% to 4.2%, respectively). However, the geometric mean mf count in mf-positive subjects was reduced from 202.2 to 80.9 mf/mL (60% reduction, P = 0.01). The effect of ALB was impressive in 38 subjects who were mf-positive at baseline and retested at 12 months: 37% had total mf clearance, and individual mf densities were reduced by 73.0%. MDA also dramatically reduced the hookworm infection rate in the community from 6.5% to 0.6% (91% reduction), with less impressive effects on Ascaris and Trichuris. These preliminary results suggest that semiannual community MDA with ALB is a promising strategy for controlling LF and STH in areas with coendemic loiasis. © The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

  10. Bone mineral metabolism parameters and urinary albumin excretion in a representative US population sample.

    PubMed

    Ellam, Timothy; Fotheringham, James; Wilkie, Martin E; Francis, Sheila E; Chico, Timothy J A

    2014-01-01

    Even within accepted normal ranges, higher serum phosphorus, dietary phosphorus density, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are independent predictors of cardiovascular mortality. Lower serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) also predicts adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We hypothesized that vascular dysfunction accompanying subtle disturbances of these bone metabolism parameters would result in associations with increased low grade albuminuria. We examined participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1999-2010 (N = 19,383) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m² and without severe albuminuria (urine albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR) <300 mg/g). Albuminuria was quantified as ACR and fractional albumin excretion (FE(alb)). Increasing quintiles of dietary phosphorus density, serum phosphorus and ALP were not associated with higher ACR or FE(alb). The lowest versus highest quintile of 25(OH)D was associated with greater albuminuria, but not after adjustment for other covariates including cardiovascular risk factors. An association between the highest versus lowest quintile of bone-specific ALP and greater ACR persisted after covariate adjustment, but was not accompanied by an independent association with FE(alb). Increasing quintiles of PTH demonstrated associations with both higher ACR and FE(alb) that were not abolished by adjusting for covariates including age, gender, race, body mass index, diabetes, blood pressure, history of cardiovascular disease, smoking, eGFR, 25(OH)D, season of measurement, lipids, hemoglobin and C-reactive protein. Adjusted increases in ACR and FE(alb) associated with the highest versus lowest quintile of PTH were 19% (95% confidence interval 7-28% p<0.001) and 17% (8-31% p = 0.001) respectively. In this population, of the bone mineral parameters associated with cardiovascular outcomes, only PTH is independently associated with ACR and FE(alb).

  11. Efficacy, Safety, and Pharmacokinetics of Coadministered Diethylcarbamazine, Albendazole, and Ivermectin for Treatment of Bancroftian Filariasis.

    PubMed

    Thomsen, Edward K; Sanuku, Nelly; Baea, Manasseh; Satofan, Samson; Maki, Elit; Lombore, Bart; Schmidt, Mark S; Siba, Peter M; Weil, Gary J; Kazura, James W; Fleckenstein, Lawrence L; King, Christopher L

    2016-02-01

    Available treatments for lymphatic filariasis (LF) are limited in their longterm clearance of microfilaria from the blood. The safety and efficacy of a single-dose triple-drug therapy of the antifilarial drugs diethylcarbamazine (DEC), ivermectin (IVM), and albendazole (ALB) for LF are unknown. We performed a pilot study to test the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of single-dose DEC, IVM, and ALB in Wuchereria bancrofti-infected Papua New Guineans. Adults were randomized into 2 treatment arms, DEC 6 mg/kg + ALB 400 mg (N = 12) or DEC 6 mg/kg + ALB 400 mg + IVM 200 μg/kg (N = 12), and monitored for microfilaria, parasite antigenemia, adverse events (AEs), and serum drug levels. Triple-drug therapy induced >2-log reductions in microfilaria levels at 36 and 168 hours after treatment compared with approximately 1-log reduction with 2 drugs. All 12 individuals who received 3 drugs were microfilaria negative 1 year after treatment, whereas 11 of 12 individuals in the 2-drug regimen were microfilaria positive. In 6 participants followed 2 years after treatment, those who received 3 drugs remained microfilaria negative. AEs, particularly fever, myalgias, pruritus, and proteinuria/hematuria, occurred in 83% vs 50% of those receiving triple-drug compared to 2-drug treatment respectively (P = .021); all resolved within 7 days after treatment. No serious AEs were observed in either group. There was no significant effect of IVM on DEC or ALB drug levels. Triple-drug therapy is safe and more effective than DEC + ALB for Bancroftian filariasis and has the potential to accelerate elimination of lymphatic filariasis. NCT01975441. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail journals.permissions@oup.com.

  12. High-affinity binding of laurate to naturally occurring mutants of human serum albumin and proalbumin.

    PubMed

    Kragh-Hansen, U; Pedersen, A O; Galliano, M; Minchiotti, L; Brennan, S O; Tárnoky, A L; Franco, M H; Salzano, F M

    1996-12-15

    Binding of laurate (n-dodecanoate) to genetic variants of albumin or its proprotein and to normal albumin isolated from the same heterozygous carriers was studied by a kinetic dialysis technique at physiological pH. The first stoichiometric association constant for binding to proalbumin Lille (Arg-2-->His) and albumin (Alb) Roma (Glu321-->Lys) was increased to 126% and 136% respectively compared with that for binding to normal albumin, whereas the constant for Alb Maku (Lys541-->Glu) was decreased to 80%. In contrast, normal laurate-binding properties were found for as many as nine other albumin variants with single amino acid substitutions. Because the net charges of all these mutants were different from that of normal albumin, the results suggest that the examples of modified laurate binding are not caused by long-range electrostatic effects. Rather, the three positions mentioned are located close to different binding sites for the fatty acid anion. The most pronounced effect was observed for the glycosylated Alb Casebrook, the binding constant of which was decreased to 20%. Binding to the glycosylated Alb Redhill was also decreased, but to a smaller extent (68%). These decreases in binding are caused by partial or total blocking of the high-affinity site by the oligosaccharides, by the negative charges of the oligosaccharides, and/or by conformational changes induced by these bulky moieties. Laurate binding to two chain-termination mutants (Alb Catania and Alb Venezia) was normal, indicating that the C-terminus of albumin is not important for binding. By using different preparations of normal albumin as controls in the binding experiments, it was also possible to compare the effect of various methods for isolation and defatting on laurate binding.

  13. Asian Longhorned Beetle - A New Introduction, Pest Alert

    Treesearch

    USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry, Northeastern Area; Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

    2008-01-01

    The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) has been discovered attacking trees in the United States. Tunneling by beetle larvae girdles tree stems and branches. Repeated attacks lead to dieback of the tree crown and, eventually, death of the tree. ALB probably traveled to the United States inside solid wood packing material from China. The beetle has been intercepted at ports...

  14. Enhancing Docetaxel Delivery to Multidrug-Resistant Cancer Cells with Albumin-Coated Nanocrystals.

    PubMed

    Gad, Sheryhan F; Park, Joonyoung; Park, Ji Eun; Fetih, Gihan N; Tous, Sozan S; Lee, Wooin; Yeo, Yoon

    2018-01-29

    Intravenous delivery of poorly water-soluble anticancer drugs such as docetaxel (DTX) is challenging due to the low bioavailability and the toxicity related to solubilizing excipients. Colloidal nanoparticles are used as alternative carriers, but low drug loading capacity and circulation instability limit their clinical translation. To address these challenges, DTX nanocrystals (NCs) were prepared using Pluronic F127 as an intermediate stabilizer and albumin as a functional surface modifier, which were previously found to be effective in producing small and stable NCs. We hypothesize that the albumin-coated DTX NCs (DTX-F-alb) will remain stable in serum-containing medium so as to effectively leverage the enhanced permeability and retention effect. In addition, the surface-bound albumin, in its native form, may contribute to cellular transport of NCs through interactions with albumin-binding proteins such as secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC). DTX-F-alb NCs showed sheet-like structure with an average length, width, and thickness of 284 ± 96, 173 ± 56, and 40 ± 8 nm and remained stable in 50% serum solution at a concentration greater than 10 μg/mL. Cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of DTX-F-alb and unformulated (free) DTX were compared on three cell lines with different levels of SPARC expression and DTX sensitivity. While the uptake of free DTX was highly dependent on DTX sensitivity, DTX-F-alb treatment resulted in relatively consistent cellular levels of DTX. Free DTX was more efficient in entering drug-sensitive B16F10 and SKOV-3 cells than DTX-F-alb, with consistent cytotoxic effects. In contrast, multidrug-resistant NCI/ADR-RES cells took up DTX-F-alb more than free DTX with time and responded better to the former. This difference was reduced by SPARC knockdown. The high SPARC expression level of NCI/ADR-RES cells, the known affinity of albumin for SPARC, and the opposing effect of SPARC knockdown support that DTX-F-alb have exploited the

  15. Protein Carbamylation in Peritoneal Dialysis and the Effect of Low Glucose Plus Amino Acid Solutions.

    PubMed

    Trottier, Caitlin; Perl, Jeffrey; Freeman, Megan; Thadhani, Ravi; Berg, Anders; Kalim, Sahir

    2018-01-01

    Protein carbamylation is a post-translational urea-driven protein modification associated with mortality. Free amino acids (AAs) competitively inhibit protein carbamylation and parenteral AA therapy reduces carbamylation in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) yields differences in urea clearance and AA balance compared with HD, but the influence of PD and intraperitoneal AA solutions on carbamylation is unclear. Thus, we first measured carbamylated albumin (C-Alb; a marker of carbamylation load) in 100 diabetic HD patients frequency-matched by age, sex, and race to 98 diabetic PD subjects from the IMPENDIA trial, which originally compared the metabolic effects of low-glucose PD solutions (incorporating icodextrin and AAs) to a control group (dextrose-only solutions). We then determined the effects of the AA-enriched PD solutions by measuring the 6-month change in C-Alb within the IMPENDIA cohort by treatment allocation (48 treated vs 50 controls). Peritoneal dialysis patients, when compared with HD patients, had higher baseline urea and higher C-Alb. Among IMPENDIA participants, there was no difference in C-Alb change in either arm, but treated subjects showed a trend towards increased carbamylation. Treated subjects also demonstrated an increase in urea, possibly explaining the carbamylation trend. In summary, carbamylation levels in PD patients appeared higher than in matched HD patients. A regimen of AA and low-glucose PD solutions did not reduce C-Alb in IMPENDIA subjects. Copyright © 2018 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.

  16. Analyses of cardiac blood cells and serum proteins with regard to cause of death in forensic autopsy cases.

    PubMed

    Quan, Li; Ishikawa, Takaki; Michiue, Tomomi; Li, Dong-Ri; Zhao, Dong; Yoshida, Chiemi; Chen, Jian-Hua; Komatsu, Ayumi; Azuma, Yoko; Sakoda, Shigeki; Zhu, Bao-Li; Maeda, Hitoshi

    2009-04-01

    To investigate hematological and serum protein profiles of cadaveric heart blood with regard to the cause of death, serial forensic autopsy cases (n=308, >18 years of age, within 48 h postmortem) were examined. Red blood cells (Rbc), hemoglobin (Hb), platelets (Plt), white blood cells (Wbc), total protein (TP) and albumin (Alb) were examined in bilateral cardiac blood. Blood cell counts, collected after turning the bodies at autopsy, approximated to the clinical values. Postmortem changes were not significant for these markers. In non-head blunt injury cases, Rbc counts, Hb, TP and Alb levels in bilateral cardiac blood were lower in subacute deaths (survival time, 1-12 h) than in acute deaths (survival time <1 h). Wbc counts of left cardiac blood were significantly higher for non-head injury than for head injury in subacute deaths. In fire fatality cases, Plt count was markedly higher with an automated hematology analyzer than by using a blood smear test, suggesting Rbc fragmentation caused by deep burns, while increases in Wbc count and decreases in Alb levels were seen for subacute deaths. For asphyxiation, Rbc count, Hb, TP and Alb levels in bilateral cardiac blood were higher than other groups, and TP and Alb levels in the right cardiac blood were higher for hanging than for strangulation. These findings suggest that analyses of blood cells and proteins are useful for investigating the cause of death.

  17. Impacts of cattle grazing on spatio-temporal variability of soil moisture and above-ground live plant biomass in mixed grasslands

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Virk, Ravinder

    Areas with relatively high spatial heterogeneity generally have more biodiversity than spatially homogeneous areas due to increased potential habitat. Management practices such as controlled grazing also affect the biodiversity in grasslands, but the nature of this impact is not well understood. Therefore this thesis studies the impacts of variation in grazing on soil moisture and biomass heterogeneity. These are not only important in terms of management of protected grasslands, but also for designing an effective grazing system from a livestock management point of view. This research is a part of the cattle grazing experiment underway in Grasslands National Park (GNP) of Canada since 2006, as part of the adaptive management process for restoring ecological integrity of the northern mixed-grass prairie region. An experimental approach using field measurements and remote sensing (Landsat) was combined with modelling (CENTURY) to examine and predict the impacts of grazing intensity on the spatial heterogeneity and patterns of above-ground live plant biomass (ALB) in experimental pastures in a mixed grassland ecosystem. The field-based research quantified the temporal patterns and spatial variability in both soil moisture (SM) and ALB, and the influence of local intra-seasonal weather variability and slope location on the spatio-temporal variability of SM and ALB at field plot scales. Significant impacts of intra-seasonal weather variability, slope position and grazing pressure on SM and ALB across a range of scales (plot and local (within pasture)) were found. Grazing intensity significantly affected the ALB even after controlling for the effect of slope position. Satellite-based analysis extended the scale of interest to full pastures and the surrounding region to assess the effects of grazing intensity on the spatio-temporal pattern of ALB in mixed grasslands. Overall, low to moderate grazing intensity showed increase in ALB heterogeneity whereas no change in ALB

  18. Assessing tree care professionals' awareness and knowledge about the Asian Longhorned Beetle

    Treesearch

    Jason M. Hathaway; Cem M. Basman; Susan C. Barro

    2003-01-01

    The level of knowledge and awareness possessed by tree care professionals about the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) is critical for the successful detection and eradication of this pest. A small sample of tree care professionals was surveyed about the ALB (from within the City of Chicago) in the summer of 2001. Results indicate that only 35 percent of survey respondents...

  19. Interaction Between U-Mo Alloys and Alloys Al-Be

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nikitin, S. N.; Tarasov, B. A.; Shornikov, D. P.

    The main objective of the work is the experimental determination of the effect of doping on the kinetics of the interaction of beryllium, aluminum and uranium-molybdenum alloy dispersed in the nuclear fuel. It is shown that an increase in the content of Be in Al leads to a linear decrease in the rate of interaction of the alloy with uranium-molybdenum alloy. Besides AlBe-alloys have higher thermal and mechanical properties than other matrix alloys such as AlSi.

  20. The study on clinical value of the detection about serum and Unconjugated Bilirubin in diagnosis of neonatal jaundice.

    PubMed

    Wang, Guangzhou; Wang, Jiefei; Huang, Nannan; Yu, Fengqin

    2016-01-01

    In this paper, the clinical value of the detection about serum and unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) in neonatal jaundice was studied to found an effective and rapid method for diagnose of neonatal jaundice. ALB (Serum Albumin), total serum bilirubin (TSB) and UCB were detected by ELISA method among the 100 cases with neonatal jaundice selected for the study. The values of ALB, UCB and TSB in moderate jaundice patients were (42.83±3.87) g/L, (287.35±44.38) μm/L, (304.16±43.40) μm/L, respectively; as for the severe jaundice patients, the values were (38.41±4.82) g/L, (354.38±48.75) μm/L, (375.20±47.51) μm/L. The results showed significant differences with the p< 0.05 between moderate and severe jaundice patients. The level of ALB, UCB, TSB in hemolytic jaundice, obstructive jaundice and jaundice caused by other infections also had significant differences, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The detection of ALB and UCB provides a useful method for the diagnosis and assessment of neonatal jaundice.

  1. Field calibration and validation of remote-sensing surveys

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Pe'eri, Shachak; McLeod, Andy; Lavoie, Paul; Ackerman, Seth D.; Gardner, James; Parrish, Christopher

    2013-01-01

    The Optical Collection Suite (OCS) is a ground-truth sampling system designed to perform in situ measurements that help calibrate and validate optical remote-sensing and swath-sonar surveys for mapping and monitoring coastal ecosystems and ocean planning. The OCS system enables researchers to collect underwater imagery with real-time feedback, measure the spectral response, and quantify the water clarity with simple and relatively inexpensive instruments that can be hand-deployed from a small vessel. This article reviews the design and performance of the system, based on operational and logistical considerations, as well as the data requirements to support a number of coastal science and management projects. The OCS system has been operational since 2009 and has been used in several ground-truth missions that overlapped with airborne lidar bathymetry (ALB), hyperspectral imagery (HSI), and swath-sonar bathymetric surveys in the Gulf of Maine, southwest Alaska, and the US Virgin Islands (USVI). Research projects that have used the system include a comparison of backscatter intensity derived from acoustic (multibeam/interferometric sonars) versus active optical (ALB) sensors, ALB bottom detection, and seafloor characterization using HSI and ALB.

  2. Activation of the Nrf2-ARE Pathway in Hepatocytes Protects Against Steatosis in Nutritionally Induced Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Lung-Yi; Köhler, Ulrike A.; Zhang, Li; Roenneburg, Drew; Werner, Sabine; Johnson, Jeffrey A.; Foley, David P.

    2014-01-01

    Oxidative stress is implicated in the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The Nrf2-antioxidant response element pathway protects cells from oxidative stress. Studies have shown that global Nrf2 deficiency hastens the progression of NASH. The purpose of this study was to determine whether long-term hepatocyte-specific activation of Nrf2 mitigates NASH progression. Transgenic mice expressing a constitutively active Nrf2 construct in hepatocytes (AlbCre+/caNrf2+) and littermate controls were generated. These mice were fed standard or methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet, a diet used to induce NASH development in rodents. After 28 days of MCD dietary feeding, mice developed significant increases in steatosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and HSC activation compared with those mice on standard diet. AlbCre+/caNrf2+ animals had significantly decreased serum transaminases and reduced steatosis when compared with the AlbCre+/caNrf2− animals. This significant reduction in steatosis was associated with increased expression of genes involved in triglyceride export (MTTP) and β-oxidation (CPT2). However, there were no differences in the increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and HSC activation from MCD diet administration between the AlbCre+/caNrf2− and AlbCre+/caNrf2+ animals. We conclude that hepatocyte-specific activation of Nrf2-mediated gene expression decreased hepatocellular damage and steatosis in a dietary model of NASH. However, hepatocyte-specific induction of Nrf2-mediated gene expression alone is insufficient to mitigate inflammation, oxidative stress, and HSC activation in this nutritional NASH model. PMID:25294219

  3. Questioning collectives and agencies: a commentary on curricular choices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arnold, Jenny

    2015-06-01

    This commentary explores theoretical alternatives for viewing the problem identified by Volny Fages and Virginie Albe in their article entitled Social issues in nanoscience and nanotechnology Master's degrees: The socio-political stakes of curricular choices. An approach to social research is suggested that would render visible the associations maintaining the states of affairs depicted by Fages and Albe. In their research, Fages and Albe identified conceptions of the relationship between scientific endeavour and social concerns to be at the root of "choices" made by coordinators of Masters programs in nano science and technology in universities selected for their study. Albe and Fages, insiders in the sense that they take responsibility for a particular program within one such course, convey their belief that, "future scientists need to identify, accept and take on board the social responsibilities linked to their own practice of science, and to work collectively for a more democratic division of power regarding socio-technical choices". However, many of the Master's programs reviewed in their research were reported as providing limited opportunities for their students to critically engage with social aspects of scientific work. This commentary questions the notion of "choices" used in their research and proposes Actor-Network Theory as a theoretical framework open to the existence of various human and non-human agencies at work when a "choice" is made. The aim of the commentary is to further Fages and Albe's agenda by calling for understanding and ultimately a reassembling of the state of affairs in a way that would be acceptable to those invested.

  4. Optical Aptamer Probes of Fluorescent Imaging to Rapid Monitoring of Circulating Tumor Cell

    PubMed Central

    Hwang, Ji Yeon; Kim, Sang Tae; Han, Ho-Seong; Kim, Kyunggon; Han, Jin Soo

    2016-01-01

    Fluorescence detecting of exogenous EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) or muc1 (mucin1) expression correlated to cancer metastasis using nanoparticles provides pivotal information on CTC (circulating tumor cell) occurrence in a noninvasive tool. In this study, we study a new skill to detect extracellular EpCAM/muc1 using quantum dot-based aptamer beacon (QD-EpCAM/muc1 ALB (aptamer linker beacon). The QD-EpCAM/muc1 ALB was designed using QDs (quantum dots) and probe. The EpCAM/muc1-targeting aptamer contains a Ep-CAM/muc1 binding sequence and BHQ1 (black hole quencher 1) or BHQ2 (black hole quencher2). In the absence of target EpCAM/muc1, the QD-EpCAM/muc1 ALB forms a partial duplex loop-like aptamer beacon and remained in quenched state because the BHQ1/2 quenches the fluorescence signal-on of the QD-EpCAM/muc1 ALB. The binding of EpCAM/muc1 of CTC to the EpCAM/muc1 binding aptamer sequence of the EpCAM/muc1-targeting oligonucleotide triggered the dissociation of the BHQ1/2 quencher and subsequent signal-on of a green/red fluorescence signal. Furthermore, acute inflammation was stimulated by trigger such as caerulein in vivo, which resulted in increased fluorescent signal of the cy5.5-EpCAM/muc1 ALB during cancer metastasis due to exogenous expression of EpCAM/muc1 in Panc02-implanted mouse model. PMID:27886058

  5. NMDA receptors mediate lasting increases in anxiety-like behavior produced by the stress of predator exposure--implications for anxiety associated with posttraumatic stress disorder.

    PubMed

    Adamec, R E; Burton, P; Shallow, T; Budgell, J

    It has been proposed that NMDA-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) of limbic system circuits controlling defensive behavior underlies stressor-induced lasting increases in anxiety-like behavior (ALB). Findings in cats given the stress-inducing beta-carboline, FG-7142, support this hypothesis. An animal model of lasting affective change following traumatic stress has recently been developed. In this model, lasting increases in anxiety-like behavior (ALB) assessed in the elevated plus maze are produced by a single 5-min exposure of a rat to a cat. Rats become more anxious in the plus maze for up to 3 weeks after the exposure. The present study demonstrates that blockade of NMDA receptors in rats with MK-801, AP7, or CPP, given 30 min prior to exposure to a cat, prevents the increase in ALB assessed 1 week later. MK-801 or AP7, given 30 min after exposure to a cat, do not prevent the increase in ALB seen 1 week later, however. MK-801, but not CPP or AP7, promotes approaches to cats during exposure. This "fearlessness" may reflect some anxiolytic action of MK-801. Approach to cats following injection of MK-801 was eliminated by prior injection of Prazosin. Prazosin did not interfere with the block of increases in ALB following cat exposure, however. These findings are consistent with the view that NMDA receptors are involved in initiation, but not maintenance of neural changes mediating lasting increases in anxiety following severe stress. The significance of these findings for PTSD are discussed.

  6. Be on the lookout for Asian longhorned beetles

    Treesearch

    Therese M. Poland; Robert A. Haack; Dennis A. Haugen; Ian M. Wilson

    2001-01-01

    In New York City and Chicago, ALB is most often found in maples (Acer spp.), reflecting both a preferences for maples as well as the fact that maples are the most common urban trees in both cities. In the United States and China, the ALB also attacks a wide range of other deciduous trees including birches (Betula spp.), elms (Ulmus spp.), poplars (Populus spp.), and...

  7. Modification of immune function through exposure to dietary aflatoxin in Gambian children.

    PubMed

    Turner, Paul C; Moore, Sophie E; Hall, Andrew J; Prentice, Andrew M; Wild, Christopher P

    2003-02-01

    Aflatoxins are immunotoxins that frequently contaminate staple foods in The Gambia and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in high exposure throughout life. Impaired infant immune system development may be a key predictor of mortality from infectious disease. In this study we aimed to determine the effect of dietary aflatoxin exposure on a number of immune parameters in Gambian children. A cohort of 472 Gambian children 6-9 years of age was recruited. Serum aflatoxin-albumin (AF-alb) adducts were analyzed to provide a measure of exposure. Immune parameters included secretory IgA (sIgA) in saliva, cell-mediated immunity (CMI), determined using the CMI multitest where test antigens are applied to the skin, and antibody responses to both rabies and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines. Birth weight, current anthropometry, and micronutrient status were also recorded. AF-alb adducts were detected in 93% of the children (geometric mean level 22.3 pg/mg; range 5-456 pg/mg). AF-alb level was strongly influenced by month of sampling. In a multivariable analysis, sIgA was markedly lower in children with detectable AF-alb compared with those with nondetectable levels [50.4 micro g/mg protein (95% confidence interval [CI] 48.0-52.8) and 70.2 micro g/mg protein (95% CI 61.1-79.2), respectively; p < 0.0001]. Antibody response to one of four pneumococcal serotypes, but not rabies vaccine, was weakly associated with higher levels of AF-alb. There was no association between CMI responses to test antigens and AF-alb. These data confirm that children in rural Gambia are frequently exposed to high levels of aflatoxin. The study provides evidence that sIgA in saliva may be reduced because of dietary levels of aflatoxin exposure. Given the high burden of infection-related mortality in West Africa, further investigation of the immune effects of aflatoxin exposure in children is merited.

  8. Comparison between the amino acid, fatty acid, mineral and nutritional quality of raw, germinated and fermented African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) flour.

    PubMed

    Ijarotimi, Oluwole Steve; Keshinro, Oluremi Olufunke

    2012-04-02

    The most popular form of utilization of African locust bean (ALB) is in its traditional fermentation food condiment (iru/dawadawa), which adds protein to a protein-poor diet and also as medicine. In view of the nutritive values of ALB, the present study therefore aimed at investigating the effect of germination and fermentation on the nutritional quality of ALB flour. The ALB was obtained from a local market in Akure, Nigeria. The seeds were divided into three portions, and treated as raw African locust bean (RALB), germinated African locust bean (GALB) and fermented African locust bean (FALB) respectively. Each of the samples was milled, sieved and analysed for chemical, functional properties and nutritional qualities using standard methods. Some most important results of the chemical analysis were as follows: protein content range between 33.64 ±0.41 - 41.49 ±1.89 g/100 g, while the energy value was between 442.79 ±2.32 - 457.20 ±2.15 kcal. The P/Ca and Na/K ratio of the RALB were higher than other fl our samples respectively. Total essential amino acid was between 29.960-27.514 mg/100 g. Protein efficiency ratio (PER) was between 1.78-1.87; essential amino acid index 31.43-34.75%; while biological values were 22.56-26.18%. The dominant fatty acid (FA) composition of the samples was linoleic with 33.687%, 31.578% and 28.7% for RALB, GALB and FALB respectively; while the least was lauric acid. The polyunsaturated/saturated FA ratio ranges between 0.589-0.718. The antinutrient concentration of fermented flour sample was significantly reduced than other food samples. The present study investigated the effect of germination and fermentation on the nutritional quality of ALB flour. The finding showed that fermentation technique significantly reduced antinutrient concentration and also improved the nutrient composition, particularly amino acid profile of ALB flour.

  9. Molecular characterization and experimental host range of an isolate of Wissadula golden mosaic St. Thomas virus.

    PubMed

    Collins, A M; Mujaddad-ur-Rehman, Malik; Brown, J K; Reddy, C; Wang, A; Fondong, V; Roye, M E

    2009-12-01

    Partial genome segments of a begomovirus were previously amplified from Wissadula amplissima exhibiting yellow-mosaic and leaf-curl symptoms in the parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica and this isolate assigned to a tentative begomovirus species, Wissadula golden mosaic St. Thomas virus. To clone the complete genome of this isolate of Wissadula golden mosaic St. Thomas virus, abutting primers were designed to PCR amplify its full-length DNA-A and DNA-B components. Sequence analysis of the complete begomovirus genome obtained, confirmed that it belongs to a distinct begomovirus species and this isolate was named Wissadula golden mosaic St. Thomas virus-[Jamaica:Albion:2005] (WGMSTV-[JM:Alb:05]). The genome of WGMSTV-[JM:Alb:05] is organized similar to that of other bipartite Western Hemisphere begomoviruses. Phylogenetic analyses placed the genome components of WGMSTV-[JM:Alb:05] in the Abutilon mosaic virus clade and showed that the DNA-A component is most closely related to four begomovirus species from Cuba, Tobacco leaf curl Cuba virus, Tobacco leaf rugose virus, Tobacco mottle leaf curl virus, and Tomato yellow distortion leaf virus. The putative Rep-binding-site motif in the common region of WGMSTV-[JM:Alb:05] was observed to be identical to that of Chino del tomate virus-Tomato [Mexico:Sinaloa:1983], Sida yellow mosaic Yucatan virus-[Mexico:Yucatan:2005], and Tomato leaf curl Sinaloa virus-[Nicaragua:Santa Lucia], suggesting that WGMSTV-[JM:Alb:05] is capable of forming viable pseudo-recombinants with these begomoviruses, but not with other members of the Abutilon mosaic virus clade. Biolistic inoculation of test plant species with partial dimers of the WGMSTV-[JM:Alb:05] DNA-A and DNA-B components showed that the virus was infectious to Nicotiana benthamiana and W. amplissima and the cultivated species Phaseolus vulgaris (kidney bean) and Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato). Infected W. amplissima plants developed symptoms similar to symptoms observed under field

  10. Aflatoxin levels, plasma vitamins A and E concentrations, and their association with HIV and hepatitis B virus infections in Ghanaians: a cross-sectional study

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Micronutrient deficiencies occur commonly in people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Since aflatoxin exposure also results in reduced levels of several micronutrients, HIV and aflatoxin may work synergistically to increase micronutrient deficiencies. However, there has been no report on the association between aflatoxin exposure and micronutrient deficiencies in HIV-infected people. We measured aflatoxin B1 albumin (AF-ALB) adduct levels and vitamins A and E concentrations in the plasma of HIV-positive and HIV-negative Ghanaians and examined the association of vitamins A and E with HIV status, aflatoxin levels and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in which participants completed a demographic survey and gave a 20 mL blood sample for analysis of AF-ALB levels, vitamins A and E concentrations, CD4 counts, HIV viral load and HBV infection. Results HIV-infected participants had significantly higher AF-ALB levels (median for HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants was 0.93 and 0.80 pmol/mg albumin, respectively; p <0.01) and significantly lower levels of vitamin A (-16.94 μg/dL; p <0.0001) and vitamin E (-0.22 mg/dL; p <0.001). For the total study group, higher AF-ALB was associated with significantly lower vitamin A (-4.83 μg/dL for every 0.1 pmol/mg increase in AF-ALB). HBV-infected people had significantly lower vitamin A (-5.66 μg/dL; p = 0.01). Vitamins A and E levels were inversely associated with HIV viral load (p = 0.02 for each), and low vitamin E was associated with lower CD4 counts (p = 0.004). Conclusions Our finding of the significant decrease in vitamin A associated with AF-ALB suggests that aflatoxin exposure significantly compromises the micronutrient status of people who are already facing overwhelming health problems, including HIV infection. PMID:22078415

  11. Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL Cooperatively Maintain Integrity of Hepatocytes in Developing and Adult Murine Liver

    PubMed Central

    Hikita, Hayato; Takehara, Tetsuo; Shimizu, Satoshi; Kodama, Takahiro; Li, Wei; Miyagi, Takuya; Hosui, Atsushi; Ishida, Hisashi; Ohkawa, Kazuyoshi; Kanto, Tatsuya; Hiramatsu, Naoki; Yin, Xiao-Ming; Hennighausen, Lothar; Tatsumi, Tomohide; Hayashi, Norio

    2013-01-01

    Anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family, including Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, Bcl-w and Bfl-1, inhibit the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 are constitutively expressed in the liver. Although previous research established Bcl-xL as a critical apoptosis antagonist in differentiated hepatocytes, the significance of Mcl-1 in the liver, especially in conjunction with Bcl-xL, has not been clear. To examine this question, we generated hepatocyte-specific Mcl-1– deficient mice by crossing mcl-1flox/flox mice and AlbCre mice and further crossed them with bcl-xflox/flox mice, giving Mcl-1/Bcl-xL– deficient mice. The mcl-1flox/flox AlbCre mice showed spontaneous apoptosis of hepatocytes after birth, as evidenced by elevated levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and caspase-3/7 activity and an increased number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated 2′-deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells in the liver; these phenotypes were very close to those previously found in hepatocyte-specific Bcl-xL– deficient mice. Although mcl-1flox/+ AlbCre mice did not display apoptosis, their susceptibility to Fas-mediated liver injury significantly increased. Further crossing of Mcl-1 mice with Bcl-xL mice showed that bcl-xflox/+ mcl-1flox/+ AlbCre mice also showed spontaneous hepatocyte apoptosis similar to Bcl-xL– deficient or Mcl-1– deficient mice. In contrast, bcl-xflox/flox mcl-1flox/+ AlbCre, bcl-xflox/+ mcl-1flox/flox AlbCre, and bcl-xflox/flox mcl-1flox/flox AlbCre mice displayed a decreased number of hepatocytes and a reduced volume of the liver on day 18.5 of embryogenesis and rapidly died within 1 day after birth, developing hepatic failure evidenced by increased levels of blood ammonia and bilirubin. Conclusion: Mcl-1 is critical for blocking apoptosis in adult liver and, in the absence of Bcl-xL, is essential for normal liver development. Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL are two major anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family

  12. Properties of boride-added powder metallurgy magnesium alloys

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tanaka, Atsushi; Yoshimura, Syota; Fujima, Takuya; Takagi, Ken-ichi

    2009-06-01

    Magnesium alloys with metallic borides, magnesium diboride (MgB2) or aluminum diboride (AlB2), were investigated regarding their mechanical properties, transverse rupture strength (TRS) and micro Vickers hardness (HV). The alloys were made from pure Mg, Al and B powders by mechanical alloying and hot pressing to have boride content of between 2.0 and 20 vol%. The alloy with AlB2 exhibited an obvious improvement of HV around a boride content of 6 vol% though the other alloy, with MgB2, did not. TRS showed moderate maxima around the same boride content region for the both alloys. X-ray diffraction measurements indicated an intermetallic compound, Mg17Al12, formed in the alloy with AlB2, which was consistent with its higher hardness.

  13. An overview comparing results from two decades of monitoring for pesticides in the Nation’s streams and rivers, 1992-2001 and 2002-2011

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Stone, Wesley W.; Gilliom, Robert J.; Martin, Jeffrey D.

    2014-01-01

    This report provides an overview of the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment program and National Stream Quality Accounting Network findings for pesticide occurrence in U.S. streams and rivers during 2002–11 and compares them to findings for the previous decade (1992–2001). In addition, pesticide stream concentrations were compared to Human Health Benchmarks (HHBs) and chronic Aquatic Life Benchmarks (ALBs). The comparisons between the decades were intended to be simple and descriptive. Trends over time are being evaluated separately in a series of studies involving rigorous trend analysis. During both decades, one or more pesticides or pesticide degradates were detected more than 90 percent of the time in streams across all types of land uses. For individual pesticides during 2002–11, atrazine (and degradate, deethylatrazine), carbaryl, fipronil (and degradates), metolachlor, prometon, and simazine were detected in streams more than 50 percent of the time. In contrast, alachlor, chlorpyrifos, cyanazine, diazinon, EPTC, Dacthal, and tebuthiuron were detected less frequently in streams during the second decade than during the first decade. During 2002–11, only one stream had an annual mean pesticide concentration that exceeded an HHB. In contrast, 17 percent of agriculture land-use streams and one mixed land-use stream had annual mean pesticide concentrations that exceeded HHBs during 1992–2001. The difference between the first and second decades in terms of percent of streams exceeding HHBs was attributed to regulatory changes. During 2002–11, nearly two-thirds of agriculture land-use streams and nearly one-half of mixed land-use streams exceeded chronic ALBs. For urban land use, 90 percent of the streams exceeded a chronic ALB. Fipronil, metolachlor, malathion, cis-permethrin, and dichlorvos exceeded chronic ALBs for more than 10 percent of the streams. For agriculture and mixed land-use streams, the overall percent of streams that

  14. [Results of therapeutics strategy of protein-energy wasting in chronic hemodialysis: a prospective study during 12 months].

    PubMed

    Mpio, Ignace; Cleaud, Christine; Arkouche, Walid; Laville, Maurice

    2015-04-01

    Undernutrition (UN) in chronic hemodialysis (CHD) is a recurrent complication and constitutes a major public health problem. This work aims to evaluate the effects of our nutritional strategy (NS) developed among malnourished patients (pts) in CHD. This is a prospective observational study conducted for 12 months (M) in a cohort of 132 pts in CHD including 49 women, mean age 66 ± 16 years and the dialysis vintage 72 ± 74 months. This NS is based on the action of a multidisciplinary team; it provides for moderate UN pts one first phase of an optimization of protein and energy intake in the daily meals; then depending on the clinical course a second phase of oral supplementation at home. For severe UN pts, the optimization of daily meals and the oral supplements at home are reinforced with perdialytic oral supplementation. This modality was also prescribed for moderate UN pts with poor compliance at home. In case of loss of appetite, anorexia, gastrointestinal intolerance or inadequate oral intakes the relay is made by the intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IPN). Methods consist in the evaluation of the serum albumin (ALB), CRP, normalized PCR (nPCR), and Kt/V ratio of urea at baseline (day (D) 0) and at endpoint (M12). The ALB was measured by immunoturbidimetry. Three nutritional profiles were defined, severe UN if ALB ≤ 35 g/L, moderate UN if 35 <ALB <38 g/L, no UN if ALB ≥ 38 g/L. The therapeutic goal is to obtain a target ALB ≥ 38 g/L, protein intake exceeding 1g/kg/d and energy intake exceeding 35 Kcal/kg/d. The criteria of effectiveness are obtaining the ALB defined target, changes in numbers of pts in 3 nutritional profiles and mortality rate on 1 year. We observe a significant improvement in all nutritional indicators at M12. The numbers of pts with severe UN and moderate UN decreased (P < 0,05), respectively from 32 to 14% and from 27 to 18% (D0 versus M12). The UN frequency has been reduced about 50% (P < 0,05) lowering from 59 to 32%. The

  15. Spatial-attention and emotional evocation: line bisection performance and visual art emotional evocation.

    PubMed

    Drago, Valeria; Finney, Glen R; Foster, Paul S; Amengual, Alejandra; Jeong, Yong; Mizuno, Tomoiuki; Crucian, Gregory P; Heilman, Kenneth M

    2008-03-01

    Lesion studies demonstrate that the right temporal-parietal region (RTP) is important for mediating spatial attention. The RTP is also involved in emotional experiences that can be evoked by art. Normal people vary in their ability to allocate spatial attention, thus, people who can better allocate attention might also be more influenced by the emotional messages of the paintings (evocative impact). Seventeen healthy participants bisected an unlabeled 100mm line and their performance on this task was used to create two groups, individuals who were more (mALB) and less accurate (lALB). These participants also judged 10 paintings on five qualities, Evocative Impact, Aesthetics, Novelty, Technique, and Closure by marking a 100mm line from 1 (low degree) to 10 (high degree). An ANOVA indicated differences in accuracy on the line bisection (LB) between the two groups. Additional ANOVAs, using the quality ratings as the dependent measure, revealed that the mALB group scored the Evocative Impact greater than the lALB group. These results suggest that the differences in attentional bias between the two groups, as indicated by their LB performance, might influence their evocative impact or reactions and also be a 'barometer' of other RTP functions, including emotional processing.

  16. Airborne Laser Hydrography II

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Philpot, W.; Wozencraft, J.

    2016-02-01

    In 1985, Dr. Gary Guenther assembled the text, "Airborne Laser Hydrography" which quickly became a heavily used manual and guide for any and all scientists and engineers involved with airborne lidar bathymetry (ALB). It was a remarkable book that captured a snapshot of the state of the art of ALB and included historical developments, theoretical and modeling efforts as well as design characteristics and constraints, ending with accuracy assessment and a discussion of design tradeoffs. Known familiarly as the "Blue Book" it served the community remarkably well for many years. At 30 years of age, it is still a valued reference, but unavoidably dated in a field that has developed rapidly and nonstop over the intervening years. It is time for an update. The new text is attempt by the ALB community to update and expand upon Guenther's text. Like the original, Blue Book II reviews the historical developments in ALB, extending them into the 21st century, considers basic environmental water optical properties, theoretical developments, data processing and performance evaluation. All have progressed dramatically in the past 30 years. This paper presents an outline of the new book, a description of the contents, with emphasis on the theoretical models of the lidar waveform and its propagation through, and interaction with the water.

  17. Injectable gentamicin-loaded thermo-responsive hyaluronic acid derivative prevents infection in a rabbit model.

    PubMed

    Ter Boo, Gert-Jan A; Arens, Daniel; Metsemakers, Willem-Jan; Zeiter, Stephan; Richards, R Geoff; Grijpma, Dirk W; Eglin, David; Moriarty, T Fintan

    2016-10-01

    Despite the use of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis, the surgical fixation of open fractures with osteosynthesis implants is associated with high infection rates. Antibiotic-loaded biomaterials (ALBs) are increasingly used in implant surgeries across medical specialties to deliver high concentrations of antibiotics to the surgical site and reduce the risk of implant-associated infection. ALBs which are either less or not restricted in terms of spatial distribution and which may be applied throughout complex wounds could offer improved protection against infection in open fracture care. A thermo-responsive hyaluronic acid derivative (hyaluronic acid-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (HApN)) was prepared by a direct amidation reaction between the tetrabutyl ammonium (TBA) salt of hyaluronic acid and amine-terminated poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pN). The degree of grafting, and gelation properties of this gel were characterized, and the composition was loaded with gentamicin. The rheological- and release properties of this gentamicin-loaded HApN composition were tested in vitro and its efficacy in preventing infection was tested in a rabbit model of osteosynthesis contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus. The gentamicin-loaded HApN composition was able to prevent bacterial colonization of the implant site as shown by quantitative bacteriology. This finding was supported by histopathological evaluation of the humeri samples where no bacteria were found in the stained sections. In conclusion, this gentamicin-loaded HApN hydrogel effectively prevents infection in a complex wound, simulating a contaminated fracture treated with plating osteosynthesis. Fracture fixation after trauma is associated with high infection rates. Antibiotic loaded biomaterials (ALBs) can provide high local concentrations without systemic side effects. However, the currently available ALBs have limited accessibility to contaminated tissues in open fractures because of predetermined shape. Thus, a novel

  18. Exendin-4 and GLP-1 decreases induced expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and RAGE in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Dorecka, Mariola; Siemianowicz, Krzysztof; Francuz, Tomasz; Garczorz, Wojciech; Chyra, Agnieszka; Klych, Agnieszka; Romaniuk, Wanda

    2013-01-01

    Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) take part in the development of diabetic retinopathy. Hyperglycemia triggers an inflammatory response in the retina. These mechanisms may lead to an enhanced expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) in human retinal pigment epithelium (HRPE). Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) functions as an incretin hormone with antidiabetogenic properties. GLP-1 also possesses vasoprotective properties. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of glycated albumin (GlyAlb; 100; 500 and 1000 mg/l) and pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-α (2.5 and 10 ng/ml), on expression of RAGE, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 and to evaluate the influence of GLP-1 (100 nM) and its analogue, exendin-4 (10 nM), on the expression of RAGE, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in stimulated HRPE. TNF-α increased RAGE expression in HRPE cells. The addition of GlyAlb (500 and 1000 mg/l) resulted in a decrease of RAGE expression. Both TNF-α and GlyAlb increased the secretion of both adhesion molecules. In cells co-treated with GLP-1 or exendin-4 both incretins decreased RAGE expression in TNF-α treated cells, and in GlyAlb group. The ICAM-1 expression was lowered by exendin-4 and GLP-1 in cells stimulated by TNF-α and GlyAlb. The similar results were obtained for VCAM-1. All observed alterations were statistically significant. The obtained results indicate that both GLP-1 and exendin-4 by decreasing the expression of RAGE in HRPE can make these cells more resistant to circulating AGEs, and decreased expression of circulating VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, can be the result of anti-inflammatory properties of incretins and decreased expression of RAGE.

  19. Aflatoxin B1 albumin adducts in plasma and aflatoxin M1 in urine are associated with plasma concentrations of vitamins A and E

    PubMed Central

    Obuseh, Francis A.; Jolly, Pauline E.; Jiang, Yi; Shuaib, Faisal M. B.; Waterbor, John; Ellis, William O.; Piyathilake, Chandrika J.; Desmond, Renee A.; Afriyie-Gyawu, Evans; Phillips, Timothy D.

    2011-01-01

    Background Although aflatoxin exposure has been shown to be associated with micronutrient deficiency in animals, there are few investigations on the effects of aflatoxin exposure on micronutrient metabolism in humans. Objective To examine the relationship between aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) albumin adducts (AF-ALB) in plasma and the aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) metabolite in urine and plasma concentrations of retinol (vitamin A) and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) in Ghanaians. Methods A cross-sectional study of 147 adult participants was conducted. Blood and urine samples were tested for aflatoxin and vitamins A and E levels. Results Multivariable analysis showed that participants with high AF-ALB (≥ 0.80 pmol/mg albumin) had increased odds of having vitamin A deficiency compared to those with lower AF-ALB [Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.61; CI = 1.03 – 6.58; p=0.04]. Participants with high AF-ALB also showed increased odds of having vitamin E deficiency but this was not statistically significant (OR = 2.4; CI = 0.96–6.05; p = 0.06). Conversely, those with higher AFM1 values had a statistically nonsignificant reduced odds of having vitamin A deficiency (OR = 0.31; CI = 1.15–0.09; p=0.05) and statistically significant reduced odds of having vitamin E deficiency (OR = 0.31; CI = 0.10 – 0.97; p = 0.04). Participants with high AF-ALB or high AFM1 (≥ 437.95 pg/dL creatinine) were almost 6 times more likely to be hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg)- positive (OR = 5.88; CI = 1.71–20.14; p = 0.005) and (OR = 5.84; CI = 1.15–29.54; p = 0.03) respectively. Conclusions These data indicate that aflatoxin may modify plasma micronutrient status. Thus, preventing aflatoxin exposure may greatly reduce vitamins A and E deficiencies. PMID:21792816

  20. Use of the Vettest 8008 and refractometry for determination of total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations in feline effusions.

    PubMed

    Papasouliotis, Kostas; Murphy, Kate; Dodkin, Steve; Torrance, Andy G

    2002-01-01

    Pleural and peritoneal effusion is a common clinical finding in feline practice. Determination of fluid albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLOB) concentrations in addition to total protein (TP) concentration can be helpful in diagnosing or ruling out certain diseases in cats, especially feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The objective of this study was to compare effusion TP, ALB, and GLOB results obtained by a refractometer and a bench-top dry chemistry analyzer with those results obtained by a reference method. Twenty-six pleural and 14 peritoneal effusion samples were analyzed from 40 cats with various diseases. TP and ALB concentrations were determined by a reference automated wet chemistry analyzer (Kone Specific, Kone Instruments, Espoo, Finland), a bench-top dry chemistry analyzer (Vettest 8008, IDEXX Laboratories Ltd, Chalfont St Peter, UK), and a refractometer (Atago SPR-T2, Atago Co, Tokyo, Japan). GLOB, albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio, and globulins as a percentage of total proteins (GLOB%) were calculated. Results were analyzed by paired t tests, difference plots, and Deming s regression analysis. Correlation coefficients (r) for TP with Vettest versus Kone and refractometer versus Kone methods were.97 and.94, respectively. GLOB and GLOB% values were significantly higher and A/G ratios were significantly lower with Vettest versus Kone methods. Correlation coefficients for ALB, GLOB, GLOB% and A/G ratio with Vettest versus Kone methods were.86,.93,.82, and.73, respectively. Although correlation with other methods was good, the refractometer underestimated TP concentrations in 3 samples. The refractometer is an acceptable method for determination of TP concentration in feline effusions. The Vettest 8008 also is an acceptable method for the determination of TP and ALB concentrations, however, calculated A/G ratios obtained with the Vettest are unacceptable.

  1. Transversal inducing differentiation of human amniotic epithelial cells into hepatocyte-like cells.

    PubMed

    Luo, Hongwu; Huang, Xiangjun; Huang, Feizhou; Liu, Xunyang

    2011-06-01

    To evaluate the in vitro differentiation of human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs ) into hepatocyte-like cells. Combined approach of dexamethasone, HGF, IGF and other cytokines were used to induce the differentiation of hAECs into hepatocyte-like cells. The induction lasted 2 weeks. During the induction, the expression of albumin ALB, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, IGFR, c-met and key functional genes related to liver cells as well as transcription factors HNF3, HNF4 and C/EBPa were monitored by RT-PCR. Time dependent changes of the surface marker colony ALB, AFP and CK18 were analyzed by cell flow cytometry. After the 2 week induction, the expressions of liver hepatocyte-like cell functional genes such as albumin, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, c-met, and transcription factors such as HNF3, HNF4, C/EBPa and HNF1 were observed. Six days after the induction, hAECs mainly were stained AFP+, and the positive rate was (15.1 ± 2.1)%. While 10 days after the induction, part of the hAECs showed AFP+/ALB+ (6.5 ± 1.4)%; and on 14th day, hAECs only showed ALB+, and the rate was (13.9 ± 2.3)%. ALB+ cell increase indicated a gradual functional maturation from the hAECs to hepatocyte-like cells. Similaritly, the number of CK18+ cells in the whole population was also increased: On 10th day, the rate was (16.1 ± 1.2)%; on 14th day, that was (21.3 ± 4.6)%, which proved the above hypothesis of the trandifferentiation. By extending the induction time, the expression of functional genes increased gradually, and a maturing process of hAECs was detected by cell surface markers. The differentiation of hAECs induced in vitro has the characteristics of hepatocyte-like cells.

  2. Colloid normalizes resuscitation ratio in pediatric burns.

    PubMed

    Faraklas, Iris; Lam, Uyen; Cochran, Amalia; Stoddard, Gregory; Saffle, Jeffrey

    2011-01-01

    Fluid resuscitation of burned children is challenging because of their small size and intolerance to over- or underresuscitation. Our American Burn Association-verified regional burn center has used colloid "rescue" as part of our pediatric resuscitation protocol. With Institutional Review Board approval, the authors reviewed children with ≥15% TBSA burns admitted from January 1, 2004, to May 1, 2009. Resuscitation was based on the Parkland formula, which was adjusted to maintain urine output. Patients requiring progressive increases in crystalloid were placed on a colloid protocol. Results were expressed as an hourly resuscitation ratio (I/O ratio) of fluid infusion (ml/kg/%TBSA/hr) to urine output (ml/kg/hr). We reviewed 53 patients; 29 completed resuscitation using crystalloid alone (lactated Ringer's solution [LR]), and 24 received colloid supplementation albumin (ALB). Groups were comparable in age, gender, weight, and time from injury to admission. ALB patients had more inhalation injuries and larger total and full-thickness burns. LR patients maintained a median I/O of 0.17 (range, 0.08-0.31), whereas ALB patients demonstrated escalating ratios until the institution of albumin produced a precipitous return of I/O comparable with that of the LR group. Hospital stay was lower for LR patients than ALB patients (0.59 vs 1.06 days/%TBSA, P = .033). Twelve patients required extremity or torso escharotomy, but this did not differ between groups. There were no decompressive laparotomies. The median resuscitation volume for ALB group was greater than LR group (9.7 vs 6.2 ml/kg/%TBSA, P = .004). Measuring hourly I/O is a helpful means of evaluating fluid demands during burn shock resuscitation. The addition of colloid restores normal I/O in pediatric patients.

  3. Genetic characteristic of swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) from Pampangan, South Sumatra based on blood protein profile

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Windusari, Yuanita; Hanum, Laila; Wahyudi, Rizki

    2017-11-01

    Swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is an endemic species and one of the genetic wealth of South Sumatra with a distribution area in the district of Pampangan (OganIlir and OganOganIlir). Suspected inbreeding causes decreased phenotypic properties. Inbreeding among various swamp buffalo is certainly not only lower the qualities but also genotypes and phenotypes. It is of interest to determine kinship variants swamp buffaloes from Pampangan through the analysis of a blood protein profile. Blood protein profile of four variants swamps buffalo was studied by using five electrophoresis system i.e. pre-albumin (Palb), albumin (Alb), ceruloplasmin (Cp), transferrin (Tf) and transferrin post (Ptf). In this paper, it is obtained that there was no significant differences among the four variants of the buffaloes were used as a sample. Prealbumin has two alleles (Palb1 and Palb2), albumin has three alleles (Alba, AlbB, AlbC), ceruloplasmin has one allele (BPA), post-transferrin has one allele (PTFA) with an allele frequency 1.0000 at any time transferrin has two alleles (TFA and TFB) with the allele frequency of 0.7500 and 1.0000. Characteristics prealbumin (Palb), albumin (Alb), ceruloplasmin (Cp), and post-transferrin (P-tf) is monomorphic, while transferrin is polymorphic average heterozygosity values all loci (H) 0.1286. Based on average heterozygosity, the swamp buffalo (Bubalusbubalis) from Pampangan has low genetic variation and closest genetic relationship.

  4. Molecular diagnosis of analbuminemia: a new case caused by a nonsense mutation in the albumin gene.

    PubMed

    Dagnino, Monica; Caridi, Gianluca; Haenni, Ueli; Duss, Adrian; Aregger, Fabienne; Campagnoli, Monica; Galliano, Monica; Minchiotti, Lorenzo

    2011-01-01

    Analbuminemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder manifested by the absence, or severe reduction, of circulating serum albumin (ALB). We report here a new case diagnosed in a 45 years old man of Southwestern Asian origin, living in Switzerland, on the basis of his low ALB concentration (0.9 g/L) in the absence of renal or gastrointestinal protein loss, or liver dysfunction. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by a mutational analysis of the albumin (ALB) gene, carried out by single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP), heteroduplex analysis (HA), and DNA sequencing. This screening of the ALB gene revealed that the proband is homozygous for two mutations: the insertion of a T in a stretch of eight Ts spanning positions c.1289 + 23-c.1289 + 30 of intron 10 and a c.802 G > T transversion in exon 7. Whereas the presence of an additional T in the poly-T tract has no direct deleterious effect, the latter nonsense mutation changes the codon GAA for Glu244 to the stop codon TAA, resulting in a premature termination of the polypeptide chain. The putative protein product would have a length of only 243 amino acid residues instead of the normal 585 found in the mature serum albumin, but no evidence for the presence in serum of such a truncated polypeptide chain could be obtained by two dimensional electrophoresis and western blotting analysis.

  5. Understanding mechanism of in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture of sheep embryoes through in silico analysis.

    PubMed

    Sreenivas, Dulam; Kaladhar, Dowluru Svgk; Samy, A Palni; Kumar, R Sangeeth

    2012-01-01

    Protein interations are presently required to understand the mechanisms of in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture of sheep embryoes through in silico analysis. The present work has been conducted on TCM-199 supplemented with epidermal growth factor (EGF), fetal bovine serum (FBS) or wheat peptones The maturation rate of oocyte was significantly higher in the FBS supplemented group when compared with BSA and wheat peptone supplemented groups. The in silico protein interaction studies has shown that the proteins EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), CCK (cholecystokinin)- a peptide hormone, Alb - a serum albumin, ESR- estrogen receptor 1, TGFA- transforming growth factor, STAT- signal transducer and FN1- fibronectin 1 has direct interaction and produces cell growth in in vitro culture. Alb is directly activates EGF and promotes MAPK3 that mediates diverse biological functions such as cell growth, adhesion and proliferation. Alb may also involve in stress response signalling and may be in cell cycle control.

  6. Spectroscopic and spectrofluorimetric studies on the interaction of albendazole and trimethoprim with iodine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ganesh, K.; Elango, K. P.

    Raman, UV-vis, FT-IR, and fluorescence spectral techniques were employed to investigate the mechanism of interaction of albendazole (ALB) and trimethoprim (TMP) drugs with iodine. Interactions of ALB and TMP with iodine yields triiodide ion and its formation was confirmed by electronic and Raman spectra. The peaks appeared in Raman spectra of the isolated products are at around 145, 113 and 82 cm-1 are assigned to νas(I-I), νs(I-I) and δ(I3-) respectively, confirmed the presence of I3- ion. Formation constant (K), molar extinction coefficient (ɛ) and thermodynamic properties ΔH#, ΔS# and ΔG# were determined and discussed. Fluorescence quenching studies indicated that the interaction between the ALB, TMP with iodine are spontaneous and the TMP-iodine interaction is found to be stronger than that the other system. Solvent variation studies indicated that the binding constant increased with an increase in polarity of the medium.

  7. Oncogenic Role of SND1 in Development and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

    PubMed Central

    Jariwala, Nidhi; Rajasekaran, Devaraja; Mendoza, Rachel G.; Shen, Xue-Ning; Siddiq, Ayesha; Akiel, Maaged A.; Robertson, Chadia L.; Subler, Mark A.; Windle, Jolene J.; Fisher, Paul B.; Sanyal, Arun J.; Sarkar, Devanand

    2017-01-01

    SND1, a subunit of the miRNA regulatory complex RISC, has been implicated as an oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we show that hepatocyte-specific SND1 transgenic mice (Alb/SND1 mice) develop spontaneous HCC with partial penetrance and exhibit more highly aggressive HCC induced by chemical carcinogenesis. Livers from Alb/SND1 mice exhibited a relative increase in inflammatory markers and spheroid-generating tumor initiating cells (TIC). Mechanistic investigations defined roles for Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways in promoting TIC formation in Alb/SND1 mice. In human xenograft models of subcutaneous or orthotopic HCC, administration of the selective SND1 inhibitor 3′, 5′-deoxythymidine bisphosphate (pdTp) inhibited tumor formation without effects on body weight or liver function. Our work establishes an oncogenic role for SND1 in promoting TIC formation, and highlights pdTp as a highly selective SND1 inhibitor as a candidate therapeutic lead to treat advanced HCC. PMID:28428278

  8. Examination of commercially available copper oxide wire particles in combination with albendazole for control of gastrointestinal nematodes in lambs.

    PubMed

    Burke, J M; Miller, J E; Terrill, T H; Smyth, E; Acharya, M

    2016-01-15

    Control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) remains a critical issue due to the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance. The objective of the experiment was to determine the efficacy of copper oxide wire particles (COWP) from three commercial sources and a combination of COWP and albendazole to control GIN and/or Haemonchus contortus in lambs. Naturally infected Katahdin lambs in early June 2014 and 2015 were randomly assigned to receive no COWP (CON; n=9 and 12) or 2g COWP in a gel capsule as Copasure(®) (COP; n=4 and 17; Animax Ltd.), copper oxide-wire form (AUS; n=7 in 2014 only; Pharmplex), Ultracruz™ (ULT; n=8 and 15; Santa Cruz Animal Health™), no COWP and albendazole (CON+alb; n=10 in 2015 only; 15mg/kg BW; Valbazen(®); Zoetis Animal Health), or COWP+alb (n=7 and 11; in 2014, lambs were administered alb on day 3). Lambs grazed grass pastures as a group and were supplemented with 227g/lamb daily of a commercial grain mix (15% crude protein) and the same amount of alfalfa pellets. Feces were collected on days 0 (day of COWP treatment), 7, and 14 for determination of fecal egg counts (FEC). Pooled (2014) or pooled treatment group feces were cultured on days 0, 7, and 14 (2015 only) to determine GIN genera. Data were analyzed using repeated measures in a mixed model, and FEC were log transformed. The predominant GIN on day 0 was H. contortus (87%) in 2014, and there was a mixed population in 2015. The mean FEC was reduced by day 7 in AUS and ULT lambs (treatment×day, P=0.001), and all of the COWP products were similar. By day 14, the AUS FEC were lower than the CON and COP groups. When examining the combination of COWP and synthetic anthelmintic, the FEC of COWP+alb were reduced to nearly 0eggs/g (back-transformed) and lower than the other groups (treatment×day, P=0.001). The percentage of H. contortus in cultured feces was reduced to a greater extent in the COWP than CON or CON+alb groups of lambs. In a mixed GIN population, the COWP products appeared to

  9. Prognostic value of inflammation-based markers in patients with pancreatic cancer administered gemcitabine and erlotinib.

    PubMed

    Lee, Jae Min; Lee, Hong Sik; Hyun, Jong Jin; Choi, Hyuk Soon; Kim, Eun Sun; Keum, Bora; Seo, Yeon Seok; Jeen, Yoon Tae; Chun, Hoon Jai; Um, Soon Ho; Kim, Chang Duck

    2016-07-15

    To evaluate the value of systemic inflammation-based markers as prognostic factors for advanced pancreatic cancer (PC). Data from 82 patients who underwent combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine and erlotinib for PC from 2011 to 2014 were collected retrospectively. Data that included the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and the C-reactive protein (CRP)-to-albumin (CRP/Alb) ratio were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier curves, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to identify the prognostic factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The univariate analysis demonstrated the prognostic value of the NLR (P = 0.049) and the CRP/Alb ratio (P = 0.047) in relation to PFS, and a positive relationship between an increase in inflammation-based markers and a poor prognosis in relation to OS. The multivariate analysis determined that an increased NLR (hazard ratio = 2.76, 95%CI: 1.33-5.75, P = 0.007) is an independent prognostic factor for poor OS. There was no association between the PLR and the patients' prognoses in those who had received chemotherapy that comprised gemcitabine and erlotinib in combination. The Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test determined significantly worse outcomes in relation to PFS and OS in patients with an NLR > 5 or a CRP/Alb ratio > 5. Systemic inflammation-based markers, including increases in the NLR and the CRP/Alb ratio, may be useful for predicting PC prognoses.

  10. Molecular Diagnosis of Analbuminemia: A New Case Caused by a Nonsense Mutation in the Albumin Gene

    PubMed Central

    Dagnino, Monica; Caridi, Gianluca; Haenni, Ueli; Duss, Adrian; Aregger, Fabienne; Campagnoli, Monica; Galliano, Monica; Minchiotti, Lorenzo

    2011-01-01

    Analbuminemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder manifested by the absence, or severe reduction, of circulating serum albumin (ALB). We report here a new case diagnosed in a 45 years old man of Southwestern Asian origin, living in Switzerland, on the basis of his low ALB concentration (0.9 g/L) in the absence of renal or gastrointestinal protein loss, or liver dysfunction. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed by a mutational analysis of the albumin (ALB) gene, carried out by single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP), heteroduplex analysis (HA), and DNA sequencing. This screening of the ALB gene revealed that the proband is homozygous for two mutations: the insertion of a T in a stretch of eight Ts spanning positions c.1289 + 23–c.1289 + 30 of intron 10 and a c.802 G > T transversion in exon 7. Whereas the presence of an additional T in the poly-T tract has no direct deleterious effect, the latter nonsense mutation changes the codon GAA for Glu244 to the stop codon TAA, resulting in a premature termination of the polypeptide chain. The putative protein product would have a length of only 243 amino acid residues instead of the normal 585 found in the mature serum albumin, but no evidence for the presence in serum of such a truncated polypeptide chain could be obtained by two dimensional electrophoresis and western blotting analysis. PMID:22174600

  11. Combining the Sterile Insect Technique with the Incompatible Insect Technique: I-Impact of Wolbachia Infection on the Fitness of Triple- and Double-Infected Strains of Aedes albopictus

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Dongjing; Zheng, Xiaoying; Xi, Zhiyong; Bourtzis, Kostas; Gilles, Jeremie R. L.

    2015-01-01

    The mosquito species Aedes albopictus is a major vector of the human diseases dengue and chikungunya. Due to the lack of efficient and sustainable methods to control this mosquito species, there is an increasing interest in developing and applying the sterile insect technique (SIT) and the incompatible insect technique (IIT), separately or in combination, as population suppression approaches. Ae. albopictus is naturally double-infected with two Wolbachia strains, wAlbA and wAlbB. A new triple Wolbachia-infected strain (i.e., a strain infected with wAlbA, wAlbB, and wPip), known as HC and expressing strong cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) in appropriate matings, was recently developed. In the present study, we compared several fitness traits of three Ae. albopictus strains (triple-infected, double-infected and uninfected), all of which were of the same genetic background (“Guangzhou City, China”) and were reared under the same conditions. Investigation of egg-hatching rate, survival of pupae and adults, sex ratio, duration of larval stages (development time from L1 to pupation), time to emergence (development time from L1 to adult emergence), wing length, female fecundity and adult longevity indicated that the presence of Wolbachia had only a minimal effect on host fitness. Based on this evidence, the HC strain is currently under consideration for mass rearing and application in a combined SIT-IIT strategy to control natural populations of Ae. albopictus in mainland China. PMID:25849812

  12. [In Process Citation].

    PubMed

    Santos, Carla Adriana; Fonseca, Jorge; Carolino, Elisabete; Lopes, Teresa; Sousa Guerreiro, António

    2016-03-25

    Introducción y objetivos: el cobre (Cu) es un oligoelemento muy estudiado, pero poco se sabe de su evolución en los pacientes alimentados por gastrostomía endoscópica (GEP). Pretendemos evaluar la evolución del Cu sérico desde la gastrostomía hasta 12 semanas después de la intervención en estos pacientes alimentados con preparaciones domésticas.  Métodos: realizamos un estudio observacional prospectivo para evaluar el Cu sérico, la albúmina, la transferrina y el índice de masa corporal (IMC) en el momento de la GEP, tras 4 semanas y 12 semanas después de la intervención. Los datos incluyen edad, género, NRS 2002 y enfermedad subyacente: cánceres de cabeza y cuello (CCC) y disfagia neurológica (DN). Después de la intervención, estos pacientes fueron alimentados conpreparaciones domésticas. Resultados: 146 enfermos (89 hombres), entre 21-95 años: CCC-56, DN-90. Valores de Cu entre 42-160 μg/dl (normal: 70-140 μg/dl); normales 89% (n = 130); bajos 11% (n = 16), albúmina baja: 53% (n = 77), transferrina baja: 65% (n = 94), IMC bajo: 53% (n = 78). Después de 4 semanas: valores normales de Cu en 93% y bajos en 7%, albúmina baja en 34%, transferrina baja en 52%. Tras 12 semanas: valores normales de Cu en 95% y bajos en 5%, albúmina baja en 25%, transferrina baja en 32%. No encontramos diferencias significativas en el Cusérico cuando se compara edad, género, enfermedad subyacente, IMC, albúmina y transferrina. Conclusiones: la mayoría de los enfermos presentan Cu sérico normal en el momento de la gastrostomía. Para los enfermos con Cu sérico bajo antes del procedimiento, la alimentación con preparaciones domésticas parece suficiente para su normalización progresiva.

  13. Albumin-to-fibrinogen ratio as a promising biomarker to predict clinical outcome of non-small cell lung cancer individuals.

    PubMed

    Li, Shu-Qi; Jiang, Yu-Huan; Lin, Jin; Zhang, Jing; Sun, Fan; Gao, Qiu-Fang; Zhang, Lei; Chen, Qing-Gen; Wang, Xiao-Zhong; Ying, Hou-Qun

    2018-04-01

    Chronic inflammation is one of the critical causes to promote the initiation and metastasis of solid malignancies including lung cancer (LC). Here, we aimed to investigate the prognostic roles of albumin (Alb)-to-fibrinogen (Fib) ratio (AFR), Fib and Alb in LC and to establish a novel effective nomogram combined with AFR. Four hundred twelve LC patients diagnosed between February 2005 and December 2014 were recruited in this prospective study. The prognostic roles of AFR, Fib, Alb, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) were identified by X-tile software, Kaplan-Meier curve, Cox regression model, and time-dependent ROC. Pretreatment high circulating Fib, low AFR, and Alb were significantly associated with increased risk of death for LC patients, especially for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in all stages. The area under curves (AUCs) of AFR, Fib, and NLR were higher than them within Alb and PLR for predicting the survival of NSCLC patients. Moreover, we found that clinical outcome of high AFR patient with chemo-radiotherapy was superior to low AFR patient; overall survival rate of stage II-III NSCLC patients undergoing chemo-radiotherapy was significantly lower than the surgical patients with treatment of adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy(P = 0.001) in low AFR subgroup. On the contrary, clinical outcome of the patients receiving chemo-radiotherapy was the same to the patients undergoing surgery and adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (P = 0.405) in high AFR subgroup. In addition, c-index of predicted nomogram including AFR (0.717) for NSCLC patients with treatment of chemo-radiotherapy was higher than that without AFR (0.707). Our findings demonstrated that circulating pretreatment AFR might be a potential biomarker to predict clinical efficacy of surgical resection and adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy and be a prognostic biomarker for NSCLC individuals. © 2018 The Authors. Cancer Medicine

  14. Prognostic Value of Hypoalbuminemia After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (from the Japanese Multicenter OCEAN-TAVI Registry).

    PubMed

    Yamamoto, Masanori; Shimura, Tetsuro; Kano, Seiji; Kagase, Ai; Kodama, Atsuko; Sago, Mitsuru; Tsunaki, Tatsuya; Koyama, Yutaka; Tada, Norio; Yamanaka, Futoshi; Naganuma, Toru; Araki, Motoharu; Shirai, Shinichi; Watanabe, Yusuke; Hayashida, Kentaro

    2017-03-01

    Hypoalbuminemia, a frailty criterion, belongs to a group of co-morbidities not captured as a traditional risk factor. We assessed its prognostic value in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The study included 1,215 consecutive patients from the Optimized Catheter Valvular Intervention -TAVI Japanese multicenter registry. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as serum albumin level <3.5 g/dl. Baseline characteristics, procedural outcomes, and all-cause, cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality rates after TAVI were compared between patients with albumin level <3.5 g/dl (hypo[h]-ALB group, n = 284) and those with albumin level >3.5 g/dl (nonhypo[nh]-ALB group, n = 931). Several baseline characteristics differed significantly between both groups, including age (85.1 ± 5.1 vs 84.2 ± 4.9 years, p = 0.012), ejection fraction (58.5 ± 14.3% vs 62.9 ± 12.4%, p <0.001), baseline kidney function, or liver disease. The 30-day mortality rate in all patients showed significant differences between the 2 groups (3.9% vs 1.3%, p = 0.005). During a mean follow-up of 330 days, cumulative all-cause, cardiovascular, and noncardiovascular mortality rates were significantly higher in the hALB group than in the nhALB group (log-rank test, p <0.001, p = 0.0021, and p <0.001, respectively). The groups were also analyzed using a propensity matching model for adjusting the baseline differences. The analysis revealed that the poorer prognosis of the hALB group in terms of cumulative all-cause and noncardiovascular mortality was retained (p = 0.038, and p = 0.0068, respectively); however, differences in cardiovascular mortality rates in the 2 groups were attenuated (p = 0.93). In conclusion, hypoalbuminemia was associated with poor prognosis, highlighted by the increase in noncardiovascular mortality. Baseline albumin level could be a useful marker for risk stratification before TAVI. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Effect of aminoguanidine and albendazole on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity in T. spiralis-infected mice muscles.

    PubMed

    Zeromski, Jan; Boczoń, Krystyna; Wandurska-Nowak, Elzbieta; Mozer-Lisewska, Iwona

    2005-01-01

    The aim of this study was to provide evidence for the expression of iNOS in the cells of inflammatory infiltrates around larvae in skeletal muscles of T. spiralis infected mice. The BALB/c mice (n = 8) divided into subgroups, received either aminoguanidine (AMG)--a specific iNOS inhibitor or albendazole (ALB)--an antiparasitic drug of choice in trichinellosis treatment. Control animals (n = 2 in each subgroup) were either uninfected and treated or uninfected and untreated. Frozen sections of hind leg muscles from mice sacrificed at various time intervals after infection were cut and subjected to immunohistochemistry, using monoclonal anti-iNOS antibody. The ALB-treated mice revealed stronger iNOS staining in the infiltrating cells around larvae than the infected and untreated animals. On the contrary, in the AMG-treated animals, the infiltrating cells did not show any specific iNOS reaction. These data confirm the specificity of iNOS staining in the cellular infiltrates around T. spiralis larvae and shed some light on the role of nitric oxide during ALB treatment in experimental trichinellosis.

  16. The bacterium Wolbachia exploits host innate immunity to establish a symbiotic relationship with the dengue vector mosquito Aedes aegypti.

    PubMed

    Pan, Xiaoling; Pike, Andrew; Joshi, Deepak; Bian, Guowu; McFadden, Michael J; Lu, Peng; Liang, Xiao; Zhang, Fengrui; Raikhel, Alexander S; Xi, Zhiyong

    2018-01-01

    A host's immune system plays a central role in shaping the composition of the microbiota and, in return, resident microbes influence immune responses. Symbiotic associations of the maternally transmitted bacterium Wolbachia occur with a wide range of arthropods. It is, however, absent from the dengue and Zika vector mosquito Aedes aegypti in nature. When Wolbachia is artificially forced to form symbiosis with this new mosquito host, it boosts the basal immune response and enhances the mosquito's resistance to pathogens, including dengue, Zika virus and malaria parasites. The mechanisms involved in establishing a symbiotic relationship between Wolbachia and A. aegypti, and the long-term outcomes of this interaction, are not well understood. Here, we have demonstrated that both the immune deficiency (IMD) and Toll pathways are activated by the Wolbachia strain wAlbB upon its introduction into A. aegypti. Silencing the Toll and IMD pathways via RNA interference reduces the wAlbB load. Notably, wAlbB induces peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP)-LE expression in the carcass of A. aegypti, and its silencing results in a reduction of symbiont load. Using transgenic mosquitoes with stage-specific induction of the IMD and Toll pathways, we have shown that elevated wAlbB infection in these mosquitoes is maintained via maternal transmission. These results indicate that host innate immunity is utilized to establish and promote host-microbial symbiosis. Our results will facilitate a long-term projection of the stability of the Wolbachia-A. aegypti mosquito system that is being developed to control dengue and Zika virus transmission to humans.

  17. Aflatoxin exposure in utero causes growth faltering in Gambian infants.

    PubMed

    Turner, Paul C; Collinson, Andrew C; Cheung, Yin Bun; Gong, Yunyun; Hall, Andrew J; Prentice, Andrew M; Wild, Christopher P

    2007-10-01

    Growth faltering in West African children has previously been associated with dietary exposure to aflatoxins, particularly upon weaning. However, in animal studies in utero exposure to low levels of aflatoxin also results in growth faltering. This study investigated the effect of in utero aflatoxin exposure on infant growth in the first year of life in The Gambia. Height and weight were measured for 138 infants at birth and at regular monthly intervals for one year. Aflatoxin-albumin (AF-alb) adduct level was measured in maternal blood during pregnancy, in cord blood and in infants at age 16 weeks. The geometric mean AF-alb levels were 40.4 pg/mg (range 4.8-260.8 pg/mg), 10.1 pg/mg (range 5.0-189.6 pg/mg) and 8.7 pg/mg (range 5.0-30.2 pg/mg) in maternal, cord and infant blood, respectively. AF-alb in maternal blood was a strong predictor of both weight (P = 0.012) and height (P = 0.044) gain, with lower gain in those with higher exposure. A reduction of maternal AF-alb from 110 pg/mg to 10 pg/mg would lead to a 0.8 kg increase in weight and 2 cm increase in height within the first year of life. This study shows a strong effect of maternal aflatoxin exposure during pregnancy on growth in the first year of life and thus extends earlier observations of an association between aflatoxin exposure during infancy and growth faltering. The findings imply value in targeting intervention strategies at early life exposures.

  18. Discourses of Greyness and Diversity: Revisiting the ALBE and ESL Interface.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Suda, Liz

    Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse society is an important consideration in the role of adult literacy and numeracy in lifelong learning and socioeconomic well-being. A case study highlights the complexities diversity brings to development of language and literacy practices and challenges facing educators in developing a culturally…

  19. Albumin contributes to kidney disease progression in Alport syndrome

    PubMed Central

    Knutsen, Russell H.; Mecham, Robert P.

    2016-01-01

    Alport syndrome is a familial kidney disease caused by defects in the collagen type IV network of the glomerular basement membrane. Lack of collagen-α3α4α5(IV) changes the glomerular basement membrane morphologically and functionally, rendering it leaky to albumin and other plasma proteins. Filtered albumin has been suggested to be a cause of the glomerular and tubular injuries observed at advanced stages of Alport syndrome. To directly investigate the role that albumin plays in the progression of disease in Alport syndrome, we generated albumin knockout (Alb−/−) mice to use as a tool for removing albuminuria as a component of kidney disease. Mice lacking albumin were healthy and indistinguishable from control littermates, although they developed hypertriglyceridemia. Dyslipidemia was observed in Alb+/− mice, which displayed half the normal plasma albumin concentration. Alb mutant mice were bred to collagen-α3(IV) knockout (Col4a3−/−) mice, which are a model for human Alport syndrome. Lack of circulating and filtered albumin in Col4a3−/−;Alb−/− mice resulted in dramatically improved kidney disease outcomes, as these mice lived 64% longer than did Col4a3−/−;Alb+/+ and Col4a3−/−;Alb+/− mice, despite similar blood pressures and serum triglyceride levels. Further investigations showed that the absence of albumin correlated with reduced transforming growth factor-β1 signaling as well as reduced tubulointerstitial, glomerular, and podocyte pathology. We conclude that filtered albumin is injurious to kidney cells in Alport syndrome and perhaps in other proteinuric kidney diseases, including diabetic nephropathy. PMID:27147675

  20. Bike, walk, and wheel: a way of life in Columbia, Missouri, revisited.

    PubMed

    Sayers, Stephen P; LeMaster, Joseph W; Thomas, Ian M; Petroski, Gregory F; Ge, Bin

    2012-11-01

    In 2003, Columbia MO was the recipient of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Active Living by Design (ALbD) grant to foster active living in the community through behavioral (social marketing, education) and environmental change (improved street design standards, sidewalks around schools, activity-friendly infrastructure) strategies. To examine the extent to which the ALbD intervention was associated with increased active living in children and adults community-wide. Seasonal pedestrian and bicyclist counts were performed quarterly in January, April, July, and October at four intersections in downtown Columbia from 2007 to 2009. Pedestrian counts increased significantly during July 2009 and October 2009 compared to 2007 and 2008, whereas cyclist counts increased significantly during only July 2009 compared to 2007 and 2008. The ALbD intervention in Columbia was associated with modest increases in active living in the community, and continued evaluation of these behavior patterns is warranted. The combination of multiple strategies (social marketing, local programming, and infrastructure changes) may be a critical factor in improving active living in communities. Copyright © 2012 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Characterization of a polyketide synthase in Aspergillus niger whose product is a precursor for both dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin and naphtho-γ-pyrone.

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chiang, Yi Ming; Meyer, Kristen M; Praseuth, Michael

    2010-12-06

    The genome sequencing of the fungus Aspergillus niger, an industrial workhorse, uncovered a large cache of genes encoding enzymes thought to be involved in the production of secondary metabolites yet to be identified. Identification and structural characterization of many of these predicted secondary metabolites are hampered by their low concentration relative to the known A. niger metabolites such as the naphtho-γ-pyrone family of polyketides. We deleted a nonreducing PKS gene in A. niger strain ATCC 11414, a daughter strain of A. niger ATCC strain 1015 whose genome was sequenced by the DOE Joint Genome Institute. This PKS encoding gene ismore » a predicted ortholog of alb1 from Aspergillus fumigatus which is responsible for production of YWA1, a precursor of fungal DHN melanin. Our results show that the A. niger alb1 PKS is responsible for the production of the polyketide precursor for DHN melanin biosynthesis. Deletion of alb1 elimnates the production of major metabolites, naphtho-γ-pyrones. The generation of an A. niger strain devoid of naphtho-γ-pyrones will greatly facilitate the elucidation of cryptic biosynthetic pathways in this organism.« less

  2. Salivary immunoglobulin-A as a marker of stress during strenuous physical training.

    PubMed

    Carins, Julia; Booth, Christine

    2002-12-01

    Immunoglobulin-A in saliva (SIgA) has been proven to be decreased during periods of stress, a change that also correlates with increased disease risk. Concentration of SIgA is negatively associated with dietary deprivation, negative moods, and anxiety. SIgA was evaluated as a marker of the severity of stress during a 19-day Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) survival course, during which students experienced hunger, thirst, boredom, loneliness, and extreme heat and cold combined with demanding physical effort. There were 27 men and 2 women who participated. Students kept daily food diaries, from which daily intakes of energy and macronutrients were calculated. Saliva samples were collected on 9 d for the measurement of the ratio of SIgA to albumin (Alb). Students completed a health checklist and the State Anxiety Inventory on the same 9 d and the Profile of Mood States on 3 of the days. Dietary restriction, consumption of alcohol, body mass loss, occurrence of upper respiratory tract infection, and negative emotions were negatively associated with SIgA:Alb. SIgA:Alb is a useful marker of the severity of stresses encountered during stressful training.

  3. Prospects of In-Situ α-Al2O3 as an Inoculant in Aluminum: A Feasibility Study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sreekumar, V. M.; Hari Babu, N.; Eskin, D. G.

    2017-09-01

    In-situ α-Al2O3 was successfully synthesized and dispersed in Al alloy using B2O3 and ultrasonication-aided liquid mixing technique. Microstructure analysis identified α-Al2O3 as the most common phase in the composite master alloy, whereas AlB12 was frequently observed and AlB2 was rarely found in the alloy. Grain refinement analysis of selected Al alloys registered a transition of columnar to equiaxial grains of α-Al with the inoculation of the master alloy and ultrasonication treatment. Similarly, an improvement in the mechanical properties of A357 alloy was observed with the combination of inoculation and ultrasonication treatment.

  4. A revision of the genus Pseudoechthistatus Pic (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Lamiini)

    PubMed Central

    Bi, Wen-Xuan; Lin, Mei-Ying

    2016-01-01

    Abstract The genus Pseudoechthistatus Pic, 1917 is redefined and revised. Five species of the genus are described as new, Pseudoechthistatus sinicus sp. n. and Pseudoechthistatus chiangshunani sp. n. from central Yunnan, China, Pseudoechthistatus pufujiae sp. n. from western Yunnan, China, and Pseudoechthistatus holzschuhi sp. n. and Pseudoechthistatus glabripennis sp. n. from southern Yunnan and northern Vietnam. Pseudoechthistatus birmanicus Breuning, 1942 is excluded from the fauna of China. Three poorly known species, Pseudoechthistatus obliquefasciatus Pic, 1917, Pseudoechthistatus granulatus Breuning, 1942, and Pseudoechthistatus acutipennis Chiang, 1981 are redescribed, and the type localities of the former two species are discussed. Endophallic structure of seven species in inflated and everted condition are studied and compared with their relatives. Illustrations of habitus and major diagnostic features of all species are provided. Some biological notes are reported. An identification key as well as a distributional map are presented. PMID:27551207

  5. Cold-induced fluid extravasation during cardiopulmonary bypass in piglets can be counteracted by use of iso-oncotic prime.

    PubMed

    Farstad, Marit; Kvalheim, Venny Lise; Husby, Paul

    2005-08-01

    Hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with increased fluid extravasation. This study aimed to compare whether iso-oncotic priming solutions, in contrast to crystalloids, could reduce the cold-induced fluid extravasation during cardiopulmonary bypass in piglets. Three groups were studied: the control group (CT group; n = 10), the albumin group (Alb group; n = 7), and the hydroxyethyl starch group (HES group; n = 7). Prime (1000 mL) and supplemental fluid were acetated Ringer solution, 4% albumin, and 6% hydroxyethyl starch, respectively. After 1 hour of normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass, hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (cooling to 28 degrees C within 15 minutes) was initiated and continued to 90 minutes. Fluid needs, plasma volume, changes in colloid osmotic pressure in plasma and interstitial fluid, hematocrit levels, and tissue water content were recorded, and protein masses and fluid extravasation rates were calculated. Colloid osmotic pressure in plasma decreased immediately after the start of cardiopulmonary bypass in the CT group but remained stable in the Alb and HES groups. Colloid osmotic pressure in interstitial fluid tended to decrease in the CT group and remained unchanged in the Alb group, whereas a slight increase was observed in the HES group. Immediately after the start of cooling, fluid extravasation rates increased from 0.15 +/- 0.10 to 0.64 +/- 0.12 mL . kg -1 . min -1 in the CT group, whereas no such increase was observed in the Alb and HES groups. The changes in fluid extravasation rates were reflected by corresponding changes in tissue water content. The use of albumin or hydroxyethyl starch as prime to preserve the colloid osmotic pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass causes a reduction in the cold-induced fluid extravasation compared with that seen with crystalloids. Albumin seems more effective than hydroxyethyl starch to limit cold-induced fluid shifts during cardiopulmonary bypass.

  6. Shear conditions in clavulanic acid production by Streptomyces clavuligerus in stirred tank and airlift bioreactors.

    PubMed

    Cerri, M O; Badino, A C

    2012-08-01

    In biochemical processes involving filamentous microorganisms, the high shear rate may damage suspended cells leading to viability loss and cell disruption. In this work, the influence of the shear conditions in clavulanic acid (CA) production by Streptomyces clavuligerus was evaluated in a 4-dm(3) conventional stirred tank (STB) and in 6-dm(3) concentric-tube airlift (ALB) bioreactors. Batch cultivations were performed in a STB at 600 and 800 rpm and 0.5 vvm (cultivations B1 and B2) and in ALB at 3.0 and 4.1 vvm (cultivations A1 and A2) to define two initial oxygen transfer conditions in both bioreactors. The average shear rate ([Formula: see text]) of the cultivations was estimated using correlations of recent literature based on experimental data of rheological properties of the broth (consistency index, K, and flow index, n) and operating conditions, impeller speed (N) for STB and superficial gas velocity in the riser (UGR) for ALB. In the same oxygen transfer condition, the [Formula: see text] values for ALB were higher than those obtained in STB. The maximum [Formula: see text] presented a strong correlation with a maximum consistency index (K (max)) of the broth. Close values of maximum CA production were obtained in cultivations A1 and A2 (454 and 442 mg L(-1)) with similar maximum [Formula: see text] values of 4,247 and 4,225 s(-1). In cultivations B1 and B2, the maximum CA production of 269 and 402 mg L(-1) were reached with a maximum [Formula: see text] of 904 and 1,786 s(-1). The results show that high values of average shear rate increase the CA production regardless of the oxygen transfer condition and bioreactor model.

  7. [Screening antihydatid drugs using cultivated germinal cells of Echinococcus granulosus].

    PubMed

    Feng, J J; Xiao, S H; Guo, H F; Shen, B G; Jiao, W

    1993-01-01

    Germinal cells isolated from Echinococcus granulosus cysts harbored in mice have been maintained in an in vitro culture system containing RPMI 1640 supplemented by 20% calf serum, and used as a model for screening anti-hydatid drugs. When the germinal cells were maintained in the medium for 6 days, the cell proliferation rate was rather high in the first four days but declined in the last two days. In screening drugs, 1.4 x 10(6) germinal cells were exposed to known effective drugs against metacestodes of E. granulosus in mice, such as mebendazole (Meb), albendazole (Alb) or praziquantel (Pra) at various concentrations. One to three days after exposure, cell counts were made daily in 3 samples of each drug concentration. The mean cell number of each group was compared with that of the control and the inhibition rate of the cell was then calculated. The results showed that the minimal effective concentrations of Meb, Alb and Pra, were 1.0 (48 h), 2.5 (24 h) and 10.0 (72 h) micrograms/ml, respectively, while the inhibition rates of the cell were 34.1, 55.7 and 18.5%. Interestingly, the in vitro effects of Meb, Alb and Pra were consistent to those obtained from the in vivo tests, ie Meb > Alb > Pra. Nevertheless, after exposure of germinal cells to Meb at 2.5 micrograms/ml for 24 h, the cells appeared in roughness, indistinction, shrunk or swelling, collapse, deformation and hole-like feature detected by light microscopy and scanning electron-microscopy, while the ultrastructure alterations of the cells noted by transmission electron-microscopy were lysis in cytoplasm, disruption or disappearance of nucleus and even darkness of the whole cell.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  8. Delineating the roles of the GPIIb/IIIa and GP-Ib-IX-V platelet receptors in mediating platelet adhesion to adsorbed fibrinogen and albumin.

    PubMed

    Sivaraman, Balakrishnan; Latour, Robert A

    2011-08-01

    Platelet adhesion to adsorbed plasma proteins, such as fibrinogen (Fg), has been conventionally thought to be mediated by the GPIIb/IIIa receptor binding to Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-like motifs in the adsorbed protein. In previous studies, we showed that platelet adhesion response to adsorbed Fg and Alb was strongly influenced by the degree of adsorption-induced protein unfolding and that platelet adhesion was only partially blocked by soluble RGD, with RGD-blocked platelets adhering without activation. Based on these results, we hypothesized that in addition to the RGD-specific GPIIb/IIIa receptor, which mediates both adhesion and activation, a non-RGD-specific receptor set likely also plays a role in platelet adhesion (but not activation) to both Fg and albumin (Alb). To identify and elucidate the role of these receptors, in addition to GPIIb/IIIa, we also examined the GPIb-IX-V receptor complex, which has been shown to mediate platelet adhesion (but not activation) in studies by other groups. The platelet suspension was pretreated with either a GPIIb/IIIa-antagonist drug Aggrastat(®) or monoclonal antibodies 6B4 or 24G10 against GPIb-IX-V prior to adhesion on Fg- and Alb-coated OH- and CH(3)-functionalized alkanethiol self-assembled monolayer surfaces. The results revealed that GPIIb/IIIa is the primary receptor set involved in platelet adhesion to adsorbed Fg and Alb irrespective of their degree of adsorption-induced unfolding, while the GPIb-IX-V receptor complex plays an insignificant role. Overall, these studies provide novel insights into the molecular-level mechanisms mediating platelet interactions with adsorbed plasma proteins, thereby assisting the biomaterials field develop potent strategies for inhibiting platelet-protein interactions in the design of more hemocompatible cardiovascular biomaterials and effective anti-thrombotic therapies. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Role of mitochondrial dysfunction in renal fibrosis promoted by hypochlorite-modified albumin in a remnant kidney model and protective effects of antioxidant peptide SS-31.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Hao; Liu, Yan-Jun; Liu, Zong-Rui; Tang, Dong-Dong; Chen, Xiao-Wen; Chen, Yi-Hua; Zhou, Ru-Ning; Chen, Si-Qi; Niu, Hong-Xin

    2017-06-05

    Oxidative stress aggravates renal fibrosis, a pathway involved in almost all forms of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the underlying mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of renal oxidative stress has not been completely elucidated. In this study, we explored the role and mechanism of hypochlorite-modified albumin (HOCl-alb) in mediating oxidative stress and fibrotic response in a remnant-kidney rat model. Five-sixths nephrectomy (5/6 NX) was performed on the rats and then the animals were randomly assigned to intravenous treatment with either vehicle alone, or HOCl-rat serum albumin (RSA) in the presence or absence of SS-31 (administered intraperitoneally). A sham-operation control group was set up concurrently. Compared with the control group, 5/6 NX animals displayed marked mitochondrial (mt) dysfunction, as evidenced by decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP production, mtDNA copy number alterations and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity, release of cytochrome C (Cyto C) from mitochondria to the cytoplasm, and increase of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in renal tissues. They also displayed increased levels of HOCl-alb in both plasma and renal tissues. These changes were accompanied by accumulation of extracellular matrix, worsened proteinuria, deteriorated renal function, and a marked increase of macrophage infiltration along with up-regulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 expression. HOCl-alb challenge further exacerbated the above biological effects in 5/6 NX animals, but these adverse effects were prevented by administration of SS-31, a mitochondrial targeted antioxidant peptide. These data suggest that accumulation of HOCl-alb may promote renal inflammation and fibrosis, probably related to mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction and that the mitochondrial targeted peptide SS-31 might be a novel therapy for renal fibrosis and chronic renal failure

  10. Impaired endogenous nighttime melatonin secretion relates to intrarenal renin-angiotensin system activation and renal damage in patients with chronic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Ishigaki, Sayaka; Ohashi, Naro; Isobe, Shinsuke; Tsuji, Naoko; Iwakura, Takamasa; Ono, Masafumi; Sakao, Yukitoshi; Tsuji, Takayuki; Kato, Akihiko; Miyajima, Hiroaki; Yasuda, Hideo

    2016-12-01

    Activation of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension. The circadian rhythm of intrarenal RAS activation leads to renal damage and hypertension, which are associated with diurnal blood pressure (BP) variation. The activation of intrarenal RAS following reactive oxygen species (ROS) activation, sympathetic hyperactivity and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition leads to the development of renal damage. Melatonin is a hormone regulating the circadian rhythm, and has multiple functions such as anti-oxidant and anti-adrenergic effects and enhancement of NO bioavailability. Nocturnal melatonin concentrations are lower in CKD patients. However, it is not known if impaired endogenous melatonin secretion is related to BP, intrarenal RAS, or renal damage in CKD patients. We recruited 53 CKD patients and conducted 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring. urine was collected during the daytime and nighttime. We investigated the relationship among the melatonin metabolite urinary 6-sulphatoxymelatonin (U-aMT6s), BP, renal function, urinary angiotensinogen (U-AGT), and urinary albumin (U-Alb). Patients' U-aMT6s levels were significantly and negatively correlated with clinical parameters such as renal function, systolic BP, U-AGT, and U-Alb, during both day and night. Multiple regression analyses for U-aMT6s levels were performed using age, gender, renal function, and each parameter (BPs, U-AGT or U-Alb), at daytime and nighttime. U-aMT6s levels were significantly associated with U-AGT (β = -0.31, p = 0.044) and U-Alb (β = -0.25, p = 0.025) only at night. Impaired nighttime melatonin secretion may be associated with nighttime intrarenal RAS activation and renal damage in CKD patients.

  11. Precise mapping of annual river bed changes based on airborne laser bathymetry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mandlburger, Gottfried; Wieser, Martin; Pfeifer, Norbert; Pfennigbauer, Martin; Steinbacher, Frank; Aufleger, Markus

    2014-05-01

    Airborne Laser Bathymtery (ALB) is a method for capturing relatively shallow water bodies from the air using a pulsed green laser (wavelength=532nm). While this technique was first used for mapping coastal waters only, recent progress in sensor technology has opened the field to apply ALB to running inland waters. Especially for alpine rivers the precise mapping of the channel topography is a challenging task as the flow velocities are often high and the area is difficult and/or dangerous to access by boat or by feet. Traditional mapping techniques like tachymetry or echo sounding fail in such situations while ALB provides, both, high spot position accuracy in the cm range and high spatial resolution in the dm range. Furthermore, state-of-the-art ALB systems allow simultaneous mapping of the river bed and the riparian area and, therefore, represent a comprehensive and efficient technology for mapping the entire floodplain area. The maximum penetration depth depends on, both, water turbidity and bottom reflectivity. Consequently, ALB provides the highest accuracy and resolution over bright gravel rivers with relatively clear water. We demonstrate the capability of ALB for precise mapping of river bed changes based on three flight campaigns in April, May and October 2013 at the River Pielach (Lower Austria) carried out with Riegl's VQ-820-G topo-bathymetric laser scanner. Operated at a flight height of 600m above ground with a pulse repetition rate of 510kHz (effective measurement rate 200kHz) this yielded a mean point spacing within the river bed of 20cm (i.e. point density: 25 points/m2). The positioning accuracy of the river bed points is approx. 2-5cm and depends on the overall ranging precision (20mm), the quality of the water surface model (derived from the ALB point cloud), and the signal intensity (decreasing with water depth). All in all, the obtained point cloud allowed the derivation of a dense grid model of the channel topography (0.25m cell size) for all

  12. Fatigue resistance criteria for fiber-reinforced composite structures. Final report, 1 Apr 1971-30 Sep 1974

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dvorak, G.J.

    1974-10-01

    The research effort was concentrated on metal matrix composites, such as the Al--B, Al--Be, Cu--W, and similar systems. It was found that in as- fabricated composites with soft matrices fatigue failure can be prevented if the composite shakes down during cyclic loading. The fatigue strength of heat- treated composites is affected by residual microstresses, but failure can be prevented if the total microstresses are kept within the respective fatigue limits (at 10 to the 7th power cycles) of the constituents. These criteria for prevention of fatigue failure in metal matrix composite systems were verified by extensive comparisons of theoretical predictionsmore » with available experimental results. (GRA)« less

  13. Effectiveness of Computers in ALBE Classrooms: An Analytical Review of the Literature.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Berger, Jim I.

    2001-01-01

    Review of 23 studies on the effectiveness of computers in adult literacy and basic education indicated that just under half found statistically significant improvements in reading scores. Many studies evidenced design flaws, lacked clear descriptions of the research, or were hampered by classroom-related difficulties. (Contains 31 references.) (SK)

  14. Mechanisms and Feedbacks Causing Changes in Upper Stratospheric Ozone in the 21st Century

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Oman, Luke; Waugh, D. W.; Kawa, S. R.; Stolarski, R. S.; Douglass, A. R.; Newman, P. A.

    2009-01-01

    Stratospheric ozone is expected to increase during the 21st century as the abundance of halogenated ozone-depleting substances decrease to 1960 values. However, climate change will likely alter this "recovery" of stratospheric ozone by changing stratospheric temperatures, circulation, and abundance of reactive chemical species. Here we quantity the contribution of different mechanisms to changes in upper stratospheric ozone from 1960 to 2100 in the Goddard Earth Observing System Chemistry-Climate Model (GEOS CCM), using multiple linear regression analysis applied to simulations using either Alb or A2 greenhouse gas (GHG) scenarios. In both these scenarios upper stratospheric ozone has a secular increase over the 21st century. For the simulation using the Alb GHG scenario, this increase is determined by the decrease in halogen amounts and the greenhouse gas induced cooling, with roughly equal contributions from each mechanism. There is a larger cooling in the simulation using the A2 GHG scenario, but also enhanced loss from higher NOy and HOx concentrations, which nearly offsets the increase due to cooler temperatures. The resulting ozone evolutions are similar in the A2 and Alb simulations. The response of ozone due to feedbacks from temperature and HOx changes, related to changing halogen concentrations, are also quantified using simulations with fixed halogen concentrations.

  15. Nutritional prognostic scores in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma treated by percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting combined with 125I seed intracavitary irradiation: A retrospective observational study.

    PubMed

    Cui, Peiyuan; Pang, Qing; Wang, Yong; Qian, Zhen; Hu, Xiaosi; Wang, Wei; Li, Zongkuang; Zhou, Lei; Man, Zhongran; Yang, Song; Jin, Hao; Liu, Huichun

    2018-06-01

    We mainly aimed to preliminarily explore the prognostic values of nutrition-based prognostic scores in patients with advanced hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA).We retrospectively analyzed 73 cases of HCCA, who underwent percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting (PTBS) combined with I seed intracavitary irradiation from November 2012 to April 2017 in our department. The postoperative changes of total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and albumin (ALB) were observed. The preoperative clinical data were collected to calculate the nutrition-based scores, including controlling nutritional status (CONUT), C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI). Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression model were used for overall survival (OS) analyses.The serum levels of TBIL, DBIL, ALT, AST, and ALP significantly reduced, and ALB significantly increased at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. The median survival time of the cohort was 12 months and the 1-year survival rate was 53.1%. Univariate analysis revealed that the statistically significant factors related to OS were CA19-9, TBIL, ALB, CONUT, and PNI. Multivariate analysis further identified CA19-9, CONUT, and PNI as independent prognostic factors.Nutrition-based prognostic scores, CONUT and PNI in particular, can be used as predictors of survival in unresectable HCCA.

  16. [Differentiation of human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells into low immunogenic and functional hepatocyte-like cells in vitro].

    PubMed

    Ren, Hong-ying; Zhao, Qin-jun; Xing, Wen; Yang, Shao-guang; Lu, Shi-hong; Ren, Qian; Zhang, Lei; Han, Zhong-chao

    2010-04-01

    To investigate the biological function of hepatocyte-like cells derived from mesenchymal stem cells that isolated from human umbilical cord UC-MSCs in vitro, and to detect the changes in the immunogenicity of the differentiated hepatocyte-like cells (DHC). Transdifferentiation of UC-MSCs into hepatic lineage in vitro was induced in modified two-step induction medium. The expressions of hepatic specific markers were detected by RT-PCR analysis and immunofluorescence staining at different time points after induction. The levels of albumin and urea in the supernatants of cultures were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, the immunosuppressive property of DHC was detected by one-way mixed lymphocyte culture. The mRNA and proteins of alpha fetoprotein (AFP), albumin (ALB),and cytokeratin-19 (CK-19) were expressed in naive UC-MSCs at low levels. DHC highly expressed hepatic markers AFP, ALB, CK-19, and tryptophan 2, 3-dioxygenase 14 and 28 days after hepatic differentiation and were accompanied by an increased production of ALB and urea in supernatant in a time-dependent manner. DHC did not express human leukocyte antigen DR antigen and significantly decreased the lymphocyte proliferation. UC-MSCs are able to differentiate into functional hepatocyte-like cells in vitro, while the immunogenicity of DHC remains low.

  17. Biological characterization of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Argentina: implications for arbovirus transmission.

    PubMed

    Chuchuy, Ailen; Rodriguero, Marcela S; Ferrari, Walter; Ciota, Alexander T; Kramer, Laura D; Micieli, María V

    2018-03-22

    Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) is an invasive mosquito, native to Asia, that has expanded its range worldwide. It is considered to be a public health threat as it is a competent vector of viruses of medical importance, including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Despite its medical importance there is almost no information on biologically important traits of Ae. albopictus in Argentina. We studied life cycle traits, demographic parameters and analyzed the competence of this mosquito as a virus vector. In addition, we determined the prevalence of Wolbachia strains in Ae. albopictus as a first approach to investigate the potential role of this bacteria in modulating vector competence for arboviruses. We observed low hatch rates of eggs, which led to a negative growth rate. We found that Ae. albopictus individuals were infected with Wolbachia in the F1 but while standard superinfection with wAlbA and wAlbB types was found in 66.7% of the females, 16.7% of the females and 62.5% of the males were single-infected with the wAlbB strain. Finally, despite high levels of infection and dissemination, particularly for chikungunya virus, Ae. albopictus from subtropical Argentina were found to be relatively inefficient vectors for transmission of both chikungunya and dengue viruses.

  18. Team sport athletes' perceptions and use of recovery strategies: a mixed-methods survey study.

    PubMed

    Crowther, Fiona; Sealey, Rebecca; Crowe, Melissa; Edwards, Andrew; Halson, Shona

    2017-01-01

    A variety of recovery strategies are used by athletes, although there is currently no research that investigates perceptions and usage of recovery by different competition levels of team sport athletes. The recovery techniques used by team sport athletes of different competition levels was investigated by survey. Specifically this study investigated if, when, why and how the following recovery strategies were used: active land-based recovery (ALB), active water-based recovery (AWB), stretching (STR), cold water immersion (CWI) and contrast water therapy (CWT). Three hundred and thirty-one athletes were surveyed. Fifty-seven percent were found to utilise one or more recovery strategies. Stretching was rated the most effective recovery strategy (4.4/5) with ALB considered the least effective by its users (3.6/5). The water immersion strategies were considered effective/ineffective mainly due to psychological reasons; in contrast STR and ALB were considered to be effective/ineffective mainly due to physical reasons. This study demonstrates that athletes may not be aware of the specific effects that a recovery strategy has upon their physical recovery and thus athlete and coach recovery education is encouraged. This study also provides new information on the prevalence of different recovery strategies and contextual information that may be useful to inform best practice among coaches and athletes.

  19. Cysteine proteinases from papaya (Carica papaya) in the treatment of experimental Trichuris suis infection in pigs: two randomized controlled trials.

    PubMed

    Levecke, Bruno; Buttle, David J; Behnke, Jerzy M; Duce, Ian R; Vercruysse, Jozef

    2014-05-30

    Cysteine proteinases (CPs) from papaya (Carica papaya) possess anthelmintic properties against human soil-transmitted helminths (STH, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm), but there is a lack of supportive and up-to-date efficacy data. We therefore conducted two randomized controlled trials in pigs to assess the efficacy of papaya CPs against experimental infections with T. suis. First, we assessed efficacy by means of egg (ERR) and adult worm reduction rate (WRR) of a single-oral dose of 450 μmol active CPs (CP450) against low (inoculum of 300 eggs) and high (inoculum of 3,000 eggs) intensity T. suis infections and compared the efficacy with those obtained after a single-oral dose of 400 mg albendazole (ALB). In the second trial, we determined and compared the efficacy of a series of CP doses (45 [CP45], 115 [CP115], 225 [CP225], and 450 [CP450] μmol) against high intensity infections. CP450 was highly efficacious against both levels of infection intensity, resulting in ERR and WRR of more than 97%. For both levels of infection intensity, CP450 was significantly more efficacious compared to ALB by means of WRR (low infection intensity: 99.0% vs. 39.0%; high infection intensity; 97.4% vs. 23.2%). When the efficacy was assessed by ERR, a significant difference was only observed for high intensity infections, CP450 being more efficacious than ALB (98.9% vs. 59.0%). For low infection intensities, there was no significant difference in ERR between CP450 (98.3%) and ALB (64.4%). The efficacy of CPs increased as a function of increasing dose. When determined by ERR, the efficacy ranged from 2.1% for CP45 to 99.2% for CP450. For WRR the results varied from -14.0% to 99.0%, respectively. Pairwise comparison revealed a significant difference in ERR and WRR only between CP45 and CP450, the latter being more efficacious. A single dose of 450 μmol CPs provided greater efficacy against T. suis infections in pigs than a single-oral dose of 400 mg ALB

  20. Evaluation of solute penetration across the polysulfone membrane with vitamin E coating.

    PubMed

    Yamashita, Akihiro C; Masaki, Hidenori; Kobayashi, Eisuke; Sukegawa, Takeshi

    2015-10-01

    Vitamin E (vit E) is coated on polysulfone (PS) dialysis membrane for antioxidative purpose. The membrane, however, has not yet been evaluated from the mass transfer point of view. We investigated this PS membrane with and without vit E coating in vitro ultrafiltration experiments to identify whether or not the coating influences the mass transfer. Dialyzers that included PS membrane with and without vit E coating were investigated. Aqueous test solution of various solutes including vitamin B12 (VB12 , MW1355), chymotrypsin (chymo, MW25000), and albumin (alb, MW66000) was prepared, and normal ultrafiltration experiments were performed at 310 K. Reverse ultrafiltration experiments in which test solution was filtered from outside to inside the hollow fiber were also performed. Sieving coefficients (SC) were computed for evaluation. SC for VB12 was the same regardless of vit E coating; however, chymo was 0.82 ± 0.01 and 0.86 ± 0.01, respectively, for the membrane with and without vit E. Thus, it would be understood that vit E coating reduces the pore size of the membrane, resulting the reduced transport of larger solutes. Like other PS membrane, SC for alb was decreased over time regardless of vit E coating. More importantly, although the steady-state SC for alb was almost identical in two membranes, PS without vit E showed much greater decrease for the first 2 h, while that with vit E showed very little decrease over time, which suggested the reduced fouling effect due to vit E coating. All the SC values found in reverse ultrafiltration were higher than those found in normal ultrafiltration; moreover, the degree of increase with chymo was approximately 5%, whereas that with alb was approximately 430%, which may be explained by a new model in which wedge effect is taken into consideration for the membrane transport. Vit E coating not only has antioxidative effect but also reduces the fouling that is usually caused by various proteins. © 2015

  1. Curcumin-albumin conjugates as an effective anti-cancer agent with immunomodulatory properties.

    PubMed

    Aravind, S R; Krishnan, Lissy K

    2016-05-01

    Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is an active ingredient in turmeric (Curcuma longa) with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, chemopreventive, chemosensitization, and radiosensitization properties. Conjugation of curcumin (Curc) to albumin (Alb) has been found to increase the aqueous solubility of the drug. The current study aimed to prove the safe use of the Curc-Alb conjugate in animals and to demonstrate that it retains drug action both in vitro and in vivo. Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) cell viability was inhibited by the Curc-Alb conjugate in a dose dependent manner in vitro, as evidenced by the MTT assay. Administration of up to 11.4 mg of conjugated curcumin per kg body weight to healthy animals was non-toxic both in terms of lethality and weight loss. Histological analysis of vital organs (kidney, liver and spleen) also did not show toxic effects. Favorable immuno-modulatory activity was observed after continuous administration of sub-acute doses of the conjugate which caused increase in total leukocyte count, platelet count, and viable cell count in bone marrow, and enhanced proliferation of lymphocyte in vitro upon culture. In vivo studies in the DLA tumor model in mice demonstrated that conjugated drug induces tumor reduction and prevention. Significant tumor reduction was observed when the Curc-Alb conjugate was administered intraperitoneally in DLA-induced mice after 1 day (prevention therapy) and 7 days (reduction therapy) of tumor induction. There was significant reduction in both tumor volume and tumor cell numbers in the treated animals as well as a marked increase in their mean survival time and percent increase in life span. The effect was greater when the conjugate was administered soon after inducing the tumor as compared to when treatment was started after allowing tumor to grow for 7 days. Thus, the results of the present study suggest that curcumin albumin conjugate has immunomodulatory and tumor growth inhibition properties. The study postulates

  2. Aging and death-associated changes in serum albumin variability over the course of chronic hemodialysis treatment.

    PubMed

    Nakazato, Yuichi; Kurane, Riichi; Hirose, Satoru; Watanabe, Akihisa; Shimoyama, Hiromi

    2017-01-01

    Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated associations between variability in a number of biological parameters and adverse outcomes. As the variability may reflect impaired homeostatic regulation, we assessed albumin variability over time in chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Data from 1346 subjects who received chronic HD treatment from May 2001 to February 2015 were analyzed according to three phases of HD treatment: post-HD initiation, during maintenance HD treatment, and before death. The serum albumin values were grouped according to the time interval from HD initiation or death, and the yearly trends for both the albumin levels and the intra-individual albumin variability (quantified by the residual coefficient of variation: Alb-rCV) were examined. The HD initiation and death-associated changes were also analyzed using generalized additive mixed models. Furthermore, the long-term trend throughout the maintenance treatment period was evaluated separately using linear regression models. Albumin levels and variability showed distinctive changes during each of the 3 periods. After HD initiation, albumin variability decreased and reached a nadir within a year. During the subsequent maintenance treatment period (interquartile range = 5.2-11.0 years), the log Alb-rCV showed a significant upward trend (mean slope: 0.011 ± 0.035 /year), and its overall mean was -1.49 ± 0.08 (equivalent to an Alb-rCV of 3.22%). During the 1-2 years before death, this upward trend clearly accelerated, and the mean log Alb-rCV in the last year of life was -1.36 ± 0.17. The albumin levels and variability were negatively correlated with each other and exhibited exactly opposite movements throughout the course of chronic HD treatment. Different from the albumin levels, albumin variability was not dependent on chronological age but was independently associated with an individual's aging and death process. The observed upward trend in albumin variability seems to be consistent

  3. Determination of the main solid-state form of albendazole in bulk drug, employing Raman spectroscopy coupled to multivariate analysis.

    PubMed

    Calvo, Natalia L; Arias, Juan M; Altabef, Aída Ben; Maggio, Rubén M; Kaufman, Teodoro S

    2016-09-10

    Albendazole (ALB) is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic, which exhibits two solid-state forms (Forms I and II). The Form I is the metastable crystal at room temperature, while Form II is the stable one. Because the drug has poor aqueous solubility and Form II is less soluble than Form I, it is desirable to have a method to assess the solid-state form of the drug employed for manufacturing purposes. Therefore, a Partial Least Squares (PLS) model was developed for the determination of Form I of ALB in its mixtures with Form II. For model development, both solid-state forms of ALB were prepared and characterized by microscopic (optical and with normal and polarized light), thermal (DSC) and spectroscopic (ATR-FTIR, Raman) techniques. Mixtures of solids in different ratios were prepared by weighing and mechanical mixing of the components. Their Raman spectra were acquired, and subjected to peak smoothing, normalization, standard normal variate correction and de-trending, before performing the PLS calculations. The optimal spectral region (1396-1280cm(-1)) and number of latent variables (LV=3) were obtained employing a moving window of variable size strategy. The method was internally validated by means of the leave one out procedure, providing satisfactory statistics (r(2)=0.9729 and RMSD=5.6%) and figures of merit (LOD=9.4% and MDDC=1.4). Furthermore, the method's performance was also evaluated by analysis of two validation sets. Validation set I was used for assessment of linearity and range and Validation set II, to demonstrate accuracy and precision (Recovery=101.4% and RSD=2.8%). Additionally, a third set of spiked commercial samples was evaluated, exhibiting excellent recoveries (94.2±6.4%). The results suggest that the combination of Raman spectroscopy with multivariate analysis could be applied to the assessment of the main crystal form and its quantitation in samples of ALB bulk drug, in the routine quality control laboratory. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All

  4. Airborne Lidar Bathymetry Beam Diagnostics Using an Underwater Optical Detector Array

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Birkebak, Matthew

    The surface geometry of air-water interface is considered as an important factor affecting the performance of Airborne Lidar Bathymetry (ALB), and laser optical communication through the water surface. ALB is a remote sensing technique that utilizes a pulsed green (532 nm) laser mounted to an airborne platform in order to measure water depth. The water surface (i.e., air-water interface) can distort the light beam's ray-path geometry and add uncertainty to range calculation measurements. Previous studies on light refracting through a complex water surface are heavily dependent on theoretical models and simulations. In addition, only very limited work has been conducted to validate these theoretical models using experiments under well-controlled laboratory conditions. The goal of the study is to establish a clear relationship between water-surface conditions and the uncertainty of ALB measurement. This relationship will be determined by conducting more extensive empirical measurements to characterize the changes in beam slant path associated with a variety of short wavelength wind ripples, typically seen in ALB survey conditions. This study will focus on the effects of capillary and gravity-capillary waves with surface wavelengths smaller than the diameter of the laser beam on the water surface. Simulations using Monte-Carlo techniques of the ALB beam footprints and the environmental conditions were used to analyze the ray-path geometries. Based on the simulation results, laboratory experiments were then designed to test key parameters that have the greatest contribution on beam path and direction through the water. The laser beam dispersion experiments were conducted in well-controlled laboratory setting at the University of New Hampshire's Wave and Tow tank. The spatial elevations of the water surface were independently measured using a high resolution wave staff. The refracted laser beam footprint was measured using an underwater optical detector consisting of a

  5. Stability of the Al/TiB2 interface and doping effects of Mg/Si

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deng, Chao; Xu, Ben; Wu, Ping; Li, Qiulin

    2017-12-01

    The Al/TiB2 interface is of significant importance in controlling the mechanical properties of Al-B4C composites and tuning the heterogeneous nucleation of Al/Si alloys in industry. Its stability and bonding conditions are critical for both purposes. In this paper, the interfacial energies were investigated by first-principles calculations, and the results support the reported grain refinement mechanisms in Al/Si alloys. Moreover, to improve the mechanical properties of the interface, Mg and Si were doped at the interface, and our simulations show that the two interfaces will both weaken after doping Mg/Si, thus the formation of TiB2 is inhibited. As a result, the processability of the Al-B4C composites may be improved. Our results provide a theoretical basis and guidance for practical applications.

  6. Fractionation, amino acid profiles, antimicrobial and free radical scavenging activities of Citrullus lanatus seed protein.

    PubMed

    Dash, Priyanka; Ghosh, Goutam

    2017-12-01

    In the present study, a modified Osborne fractionation method was followed to isolate albumin (C alb ), globulin (C glo ), prolamin (C pro ) and glutelin (C glu ) successively from seeds of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon). This research work was undertaken to investigate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of isolated protein fractions of C. lanatus seed. Amino acid composition and molecular weight distribution were determined to establish their relationship with antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Among all the fractions, C pro was found to be most effective against A. baumannii followed by C alb and C glo . The results showed that growth of inhibition of these protein fractions differ significantly from each other (p ≤ 0.05). In view of antioxidant potential, C glo exhibited strongest antioxidant capacity while C glu showed weakest antioxidant potential.

  7. Morphological and molecular studies on Resinicium s. str.

    Treesearch

    Karen K. Nakasone

    2007-01-01

    Resinicium Parmasto is typified by Resinicium bicolor (Alb. & Schwein.: Fr.) Parm., (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota), a readily recognized and widely distributed corticioid, lignicolous species in the northern hemisphere. Five new species of Resinicium closely allied to R. bicolor...

  8. Dietary exposure to aflatoxin and fumonisin among Tanzanian children as determined using biomarkers of exposure

    PubMed Central

    Shirima, Candida P.; Kimanya, Martin E.; Kinabo, Joyce L.; Routledge, Michael N.; Srey, Chou; Wild, Christopher P.; Gong, Yun Yun

    2014-01-01

    Scope The study aims to evaluate the status of dietary exposure to aflatoxin and fumonisin in young Tanzanian children, using previously validated biomarkers of exposure. Methods and results A total of 148 children aged 12 to 22 months, were recruited from three geographically distant villages in Tanzania; Nyabula, Kigwa and Kikelelwa. Plasma aflatoxin-albumin adducts (AF-alb) and urinary fumonisin B1 (UFB1) were measured by ELISA and LC-MS, respectively. AF-alb was detectable in 84% of children, was highest in fully weaned children (p<0.01) with higher levels being associated with higher maize intake (p<0.05). AF-alb geometric mean (95% CI) was 43.2 (28.7–65.0), 19.9 (13.5–29.2) and 3.6 (2.8–4.7) pg/mg albumin in children from Kigwa, Nyabula and Kikelelwa, respectively. UFB1 was detectable in 96% of children and the level was highest in children who had been fully weaned (p<0.01). The geometric UFB1 mean (95% CI) was 327.2 (217.1–493.0), 211.7 (161.1–278.1) and 82.8 (58.3–117.7) pg/ml in Kigwa, Nyabula and Kikelelwa, respectively. About 82% of all the children were exposed to both mycotoxins. Conclusion Young children in Tanzania are chronically exposed to both aflatoxin and fumonisin through contaminated diet, although the level of exposure varies markedly between the three villages studied. PMID:23776058

  9. Slavic Village: incorporating active living into community development through partnerships.

    PubMed

    Miller, Emily K; Scofield, Jennifer L

    2009-12-01

    The Slavic Village neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio, is a diverse community of 30,524 residents that is struggling economically yet strong in tradition. The neighborhood is located just south of downtown and adjacent to the city's industrial valley. Slavic Village Development (SVD) works with local and state partners to improve the quality of life for its residents, including low-income and market-rate housing developments, economic development, community organizing, and greenspace planning. Using the Active Living by Design framework (ALbD), SVD developed strong partnerships to address preparation, promotions, programs, policy, and physical projects. Efforts were focused on Safe Routes to School, neighborhood activities, asset mapping, worksite wellness, and social marketing. The ALbD project changed both the physical environment of Slavic Village and its marketed image. The initiative built cross-disciplinary partnerships that leveraged individual strengths to implement strategies to make Slavic Village a vibrant, healthy, family-friendly neighborhood that promotes active living. There is a strong connection between health and community development. When partners from multiple disciplines work together on a common goal, it is easier to leverage resources and create change. Resource development will always be a challenge. Through the leadership of SVD and its strong ties in the community, the ALbD initiative has re-engaged residents and businesses in efforts to restore the vitality of the community. The partnership in Cleveland has successfully incorporated health into community development, a model of collaboration that can be replicated in other communities.

  10. Factors Influencing the Appearance of Oxaliplatin-Induced Allergy.

    PubMed

    Nishihara, Masayuki; Nishikura, Kyoko; Morikawa, Norimichi; Yokoyama, Shota

    2017-01-01

    Several studies reported that the administration of oxaliplatin often induced allergy, but few studies have analyzed the pathogenesis. In this study, we examined the relationship between the incidence of allergy and status of oxaliplatin administration, patient background, laboratory data, or combined drugs. The subjects were 144 patients with colorectal or gastric cancer in whom oxaliplatin administration was started and completed between 2010 and 2016. They were divided into 2 groups: allergy and non-allergy groups. We extracted important factors influencing its appearance using multivariate analysis, and analyzed items of which the influence was suggested, using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. In 11 patients (7.6%), allergy appeared. The median frequency of appearance was 9 times (range: 5-13), being similar to that previously reported. On multivariate analysis, albumin (Alb) was extracted as an important factor. The cut-off value of Alb for the risk of allergy was 4.1 g/dL. An increase in the number of protein conjugates may have increased the risk of functioning as a hapten. Furthermore, the results suggested that the more frequency of oxaliplatin administration might increase the incidence of allergy, although it was not extracted as an important factor. In addition to young and female patients, as previously indicated, careful follow-up may be necessary for those with an Alb level of ≥4.1 g/dL especially after the 6th course.

  11. Integrating NASA's Land Analysis System (LAS) image processing software with an appropriate Geographic Information System (GIS): A review of candidates in the public domain

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rochon, Gilbert L.

    1989-01-01

    A user requirements analysis (URA) was undertaken to determine and appropriate public domain Geographic Information System (GIS) software package for potential integration with NASA's LAS (Land Analysis System) 5.0 image processing system. The necessity for a public domain system was underscored due to the perceived need for source code access and flexibility in tailoring the GIS system to the needs of a heterogenous group of end-users, and to specific constraints imposed by LAS and its user interface, Transportable Applications Executive (TAE). Subsequently, a review was conducted of a variety of public domain GIS candidates, including GRASS 3.0, MOSS, IEMIS, and two university-based packages, IDRISI and KBGIS. The review method was a modified version of the GIS evaluation process, development by the Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on Digital Cartography. One IEMIS-derivative product, the ALBE (AirLand Battlefield Environment) GIS, emerged as the most promising candidate for integration with LAS. IEMIS (Integrated Emergency Management Information System) was developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). ALBE GIS is currently under development at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory under contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineering Topographic Laboratory (ETL). Accordingly, recommendations are offered with respect to a potential LAS/ALBE GIS linkage and with respect to further system enhancements, including coordination with the development of the Spatial Analysis and Modeling System (SAMS) GIS in Goddard's IDM (Intelligent Data Management) developments in Goddard's National Space Science Data Center.

  12. Coating of Dacron vascular grafts with an ionic polyurethane: a novel sealant with protein binding properties.

    PubMed

    Phaneuf, M D; Dempsey, D J; Bide, M J; Quist, W C; LoGerfo, F W

    2001-03-01

    The purpose of this study was to develop a novel sealant that would seal prosthetic vascular graft interstices and be accessible for protein binding. Crimped knitted Dacron vascular grafts were cleaned (CNTRL) and hydrolyzed in boiling sodium hydroxide (HYD). These HYD grafts were sealed using an 11% solids solution of a polyether-based urethane with carboxylic acid groups (PEU-D) via a novel technique that employs both trans-wall and luminal perfusion. Carboxylic acid content, determined via methylene blue dye uptake, was 2.3- and 4.2-fold greater in PEU-D segments (1.0+/-0.27 nmol/mg) as compared to HYD and CNTRL segments, respectively. Water permeation through PEU-D graft (1.1+/-2 ml/cm2 min(-1)) was comparable to collagen-impregnated Dacron (9.8+/-10 ml/cm2 min(-1)). Non-specific 125I-albumin (125I-Alb) binding to PEU-D segments (18+/-3 ng/mg) was significantly lower than HYD and CNTRL segments. 125I-Alb linkage to PEU-D using the crosslinker EDC resulted in 5.7-fold greater binding (103+/-2 ng/mg) than non-specific PEU-D controls. However, covalent linkage of 125I-Alb to PEU-D was 4.9- and 5.9-fold less than CNTRL and HYD segments with EDC, respectively. Thus, ionic polyurethane can be applied to a pre-formed vascular graft, seal the interstices and create "anchor" sites for protein attachment.

  13. Spectroscopic investigation on the mechanism of formation of molecular complexes of albendazole and trimethoprim with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ganesh, K.; Balraj, C.; Satheshkumar, A.; Elango, K. P.

    2012-06-01

    UV-vis, 1H NMR, FT-IR, mass and fluorescence spectral techniques were employed to investigate the mechanism of interaction of albendazole and trimethoprim with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) and to characterize the reaction products. The interaction of DDQ with trimethoprim (TMP) and albenadazole (ALB) were found to proceed through the formation of donor-acceptor complex, containing DDQ radical anion and its conversion to the product. Fluorescence quenching studies indicated that the interaction between the donors and the acceptor are spontaneous and the interaction of TMP-DDQ (binding constant = 2.9 × 105) is found to be stronger than that the ALB-DDQ (binding constant = 3 × 103) system. Also, the binding constant increased with an increase in polarity of the medium indicating the involvement of radical anion as intermediate.

  14. Cold regions mobility models

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    1995-02-01

    This report annotates the cold regions mobility prediction routines included in the CAAMS/ALBE mobility models. It further explains the development of the algorithms that are used in these models to describe the interaction of a vehicle with terrain ...

  15. Asian longhorned beetle cooperative eradication program: program accomplishments 2001

    Treesearch

    Christine Markham

    2003-01-01

    APHIS spent approximately $3 million to continue ALB eradication activities in New York and Illinois in FY 2001. In New York 6,615 trees were removed, over 4,500 trees replanted, and approximately 121 square miles were under quarantine.

  16. Too old to have children? Lessons from natural fertility populations.

    PubMed

    Eijkemans, Marinus J C; van Poppel, Frans; Habbema, Dik F; Smith, Ken R; Leridon, Henri; te Velde, Egbert R

    2014-06-01

    Is it possible to construct an age curve denoting the ages above which women are biologically too old to reproduce? We constructed a curve based on the distribution of female age at last birth in natural fertility populations reflecting the ages above which women have become biologically too old to have children. The median age at last birth (ALB) for females is ∼40-41 years of age across a range of natural fertility populations. This suggests that there is a fairly universal pattern of age-related fertility decline. However, little is known about the distribution of female ALB and in the present era of modern birth control, it is impossible to assess the age-specific distribution of ALB. Reliable information is lacking that could benefit couples who envisage delaying childbearing. This study is a review of high-quality historical data sets of natural fertility populations in which the distributions of female age at last birth were analysed. The studies selected used a retrospective cohort design where women were followed as they age through their reproductive years. Using a common set of eligibility criteria, large data files of natural fertility populations were prepared such that the analysis could be performed in parallel across all populations. Data on the ALB and confounding variables are presented as box and whisker plots denoting the 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 95th percentile distribution of the age at last birth for each population. The analysis includes the estimation of Kaplan-Meier curves for age at last birth of each population. The hazard curve for ALB was obtained by plotting the smoothed hazard curve of each population and taking the lowest hazard within a time period of at least 5 years. This lowest hazard curve was then transformed into a cumulative distribution function representing the composite curve of the end of biological fertility. This curve was based on the data from three of the six populations, having the lowest hazards of end of

  17. Cadmium, type 2 diabetes, and kidney damage in a cohort of middle-aged women

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Barregard, Lars, E-mail: lars.barregard@amm.gu.se; Bergström, Göran, E-mail: goran.bergstrom@wlab.gu.se; Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg

    Background: It has been proposed that diabetic patients are more sensitive to the nephrotoxicity of cadmium (Cd) compared to non-diabetics, but few studies have examined this in humans, and results are inconsistent. Aim: To test the hypothesis that women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) have higher risk of kidney damage from cadmium compared to women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Methods: All 64-year-old women in Gothenburg, Sweden, were invited to a screening examination including repeated oral glucose tolerance tests. Random samples of women with DM, IGT, and NGT were recruited for further clinical examinations.more » Serum creatinine was measured and used to calculate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Albumin (Alb) and retinol-binding protein (RBP) were analyzed in a 12 h urine sample. Cadmium in blood (B-Cd) and urine (U-Cd) was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Associations between markers of kidney function (eGFR, Alb, and RBP) and quartiles of B-Cd and U-Cd were evaluated in models, including also blood pressure and smoking habits. Results: The mean B-Cd (n=590) was 0.53 µg/L (median 0.34 µg/L). In multivariable models, a significant interaction was seen between high B-Cd (upper quartile, >0.56 µg/L) and DM (point estimate +0.40 mg Alb/12 h, P=0.04). In stratified analyzes, the effect of high B-Cd on Alb excretion was significant in women with DM (53% higher Alb/12 h, P=0.03), but not in women with IGT or NGT. Models with urinary albumin adjusted for creatinine showed similar results. In women with DM, the multivariable odds ratio (OR) for microalbuminuria (>15 mg/12 h) was increased in the highest quartile of B-Cd vs. B-Cd quartiles 1–3 in women with DM (OR 4.2, 95% confidence interval 1.1–12). No such effect was found in women with IGT or NGT. There were no associations between B-Cd and eGFR or excretion of RBP, and no differences between women with DM, IGT, or

  18. Fluorescence in insects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Welch, Victoria L.; Van Hooijdonk, Eloise; Intrater, Nurit; Vigneron, Jean-Pol

    2012-10-01

    Fluorescent molecules are much in demand for biosensors, solar cells, LEDs and VCSEL diodes, therefore, considerable efforts have been expended in designing and tailoring fluorescence to specific technical applications. However, naturally occurring fluorescence of diverse types has been reported from a wide array of living organisms: most famously, the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, but also in over 100 species of coral and in the cuticle of scorpions, where it is the rule, rather than the exception. Despite the plethora of known insect species, comparatively few quantitative studies have been made of insect fluorescence. Because of the potential applications of natural fluorescence, studies in this field have relevance to both physics and biology. Therefore, in this paper, we review the literature on insect fluorescence, before documenting its occurrence in the longhorn beetles Sternotomis virescens, Sternotomis variabilis var. semi rufescens, Anoplophora elegans and Stellognatha maculata, the tiger beetles Cicindela maritima and Cicindela germanica and the weevil Pachyrrhynchus gemmatus purpureus. Optical features of insect fluorescence, including emitted wavelength, molecular ageing and naturally occurring combinations of fluorescence with bioluminescence and colour-producing structures are discussed.

  19. Generation of Novel Chimeric Mice with Humanized Livers by Using Hemizygous cDNA-uPA/SCID Mice

    PubMed Central

    Tateno, Chise; Kawase, Yosuke; Tobita, Yoshimi; Hamamura, Satoko; Ohshita, Hiroki; Yokomichi, Hiroshi; Sanada, Harumi; Kakuni, Masakazu; Shiota, Akira; Kojima, Yuha; Ishida, Yuji; Shitara, Hiroshi; Wada, Naoko A.; Tateishi, Hiromi; Sudoh, Masayuki; Nagatsuka, Shin-ichiro; Jishage, Kou-ichi; Kohara, Michinori

    2015-01-01

    We have used homozygous albumin enhancer/promoter-driven urokinase-type plasminogen activator/severe combined immunodeficient (uPA/SCID) mice as hosts for chimeric mice with humanized livers. However, uPA/SCID mice show four disadvantages: the human hepatocytes (h-heps) replacement index in mouse liver is decreased due to deletion of uPA transgene by homologous recombination, kidney disorders are likely to develop, body size is small, and hemizygotes cannot be used as hosts as more frequent homologous recombination than homozygotes. To solve these disadvantages, we have established a novel host strain that has a transgene containing albumin promoter/enhancer and urokinase-type plasminogen activator cDNA and has a SCID background (cDNA-uPA/SCID). We applied the embryonic stem cell technique to simultaneously generate a number of transgenic lines, and found the line with the most appropriate levels of uPA expression—not detrimental but with a sufficiently damaged liver. We transplanted h-heps into homozygous and hemizygous cDNA-uPA/SCID mice via the spleen, and monitored their human albumin (h-alb) levels and body weight. Blood h-alb levels and body weight gradually increased in the hemizygous cDNA-uPA/SCID mice and were maintained until they were approximately 30 weeks old. By contrast, blood h-alb levels and body weight in uPA/SCID chimeric mice decreased from 16 weeks of age onwards. A similar decrease in body weight was observed in the homozygous cDNA-uPA/SCID genotype, but h-alb levels were maintained until they were approximately 30 weeks old. Microarray analyses revealed identical h-heps gene expression profiles in homozygous and hemizygous cDNA-uPA/SCID mice were identical to that observed in the uPA/SCID mice. Furthermore, like uPA/SCID chimeric mice, homozygous and hemizygous cDNA-uPA/SCID chimeric mice were successfully infected with hepatitis B virus and C virus. These results indicate that hemizygous cDNA-uPA/SCID mice may be novel and useful hosts for

  20. Generation of Novel Chimeric Mice with Humanized Livers by Using Hemizygous cDNA-uPA/SCID Mice.

    PubMed

    Tateno, Chise; Kawase, Yosuke; Tobita, Yoshimi; Hamamura, Satoko; Ohshita, Hiroki; Yokomichi, Hiroshi; Sanada, Harumi; Kakuni, Masakazu; Shiota, Akira; Kojima, Yuha; Ishida, Yuji; Shitara, Hiroshi; Wada, Naoko A; Tateishi, Hiromi; Sudoh, Masayuki; Nagatsuka, Shin-Ichiro; Jishage, Kou-Ichi; Kohara, Michinori

    2015-01-01

    We have used homozygous albumin enhancer/promoter-driven urokinase-type plasminogen activator/severe combined immunodeficient (uPA/SCID) mice as hosts for chimeric mice with humanized livers. However, uPA/SCID mice show four disadvantages: the human hepatocytes (h-heps) replacement index in mouse liver is decreased due to deletion of uPA transgene by homologous recombination, kidney disorders are likely to develop, body size is small, and hemizygotes cannot be used as hosts as more frequent homologous recombination than homozygotes. To solve these disadvantages, we have established a novel host strain that has a transgene containing albumin promoter/enhancer and urokinase-type plasminogen activator cDNA and has a SCID background (cDNA-uPA/SCID). We applied the embryonic stem cell technique to simultaneously generate a number of transgenic lines, and found the line with the most appropriate levels of uPA expression-not detrimental but with a sufficiently damaged liver. We transplanted h-heps into homozygous and hemizygous cDNA-uPA/SCID mice via the spleen, and monitored their human albumin (h-alb) levels and body weight. Blood h-alb levels and body weight gradually increased in the hemizygous cDNA-uPA/SCID mice and were maintained until they were approximately 30 weeks old. By contrast, blood h-alb levels and body weight in uPA/SCID chimeric mice decreased from 16 weeks of age onwards. A similar decrease in body weight was observed in the homozygous cDNA-uPA/SCID genotype, but h-alb levels were maintained until they were approximately 30 weeks old. Microarray analyses revealed identical h-heps gene expression profiles in homozygous and hemizygous cDNA-uPA/SCID mice were identical to that observed in the uPA/SCID mice. Furthermore, like uPA/SCID chimeric mice, homozygous and hemizygous cDNA-uPA/SCID chimeric mice were successfully infected with hepatitis B virus and C virus. These results indicate that hemizygous cDNA-uPA/SCID mice may be novel and useful hosts for

  1. Throughput Enhancement of Car Exhaust Fabrication Line by Applying MOST

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hanash, E. A. H.; Karim, A. N. M.; Tanjong Tuan, Saravanan; Mohiuddin, A. K. M.

    2017-03-01

    In the fiercely competitive world market of today, manufacturers are facing increasingly tougher challenges and are compelled to find ways for productivity enhancement wherever possible in the whole supply chain. Nevertheless there are many facets in business process which can be explored for possible improvement, an immediate focus goes for the involved processes to re-engineer the activities in different workstations for an efficient and balanced assembly or fabrication line. In this paper an industrial case on fabrication line of a car exhaust system is presented to illustrate the scope of improvement by applying the MOST (Maynard’s Operation Sequence Technique) in streamlining the activities followed by assembly line balancing (ALB). The whole process of conducting various tasks is investigated to find out the lapses or wastes, to search for better option and to set the standard times for the tasks. Then individual workstation time is worked out by summing up the standard times of the involved tasks or activities and the concept of ALB is attempted to balance the fabrication line. So by possible reduction or elimination of the identified wastes or lapses workstation times including the bottleneck station are lowered. As a result the throughput of car exhaust systems is enhanced. According to the current practice, the Takt time is set at 3 minutes. However, upon an analysis through use of the MOST, the bottleneck station time is found to be as low as 1.27 minutes. Thus an opportunity of meeting the current level of demand with significantly lower workforce (with 2 operators instead of 5) is revealed. Alternatively, if necessary, an increased workload can be assigned for the current level of workforce. Moreover, with proper distribution of activities among the workstations using the concept of ALB, the line efficiency is found to be improved. So the line balance loss in the current setup of production line is also possible to be largely reduced. Thus daily

  2. Nanoindentation hardness and atomic force microscope imaging studies of pressure-quenched zirconium metal

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Catledge, Shane A.; Spencer, Philemon T.; Vohra, Yogesh K.

    2000-11-01

    We have carried out mechanical property measurements on zirconium metal compressed in a diamond anvil cell to 19 GPa at room temperature with subsequent quenching to room pressure. The irreversible transformation from the ambient hexagonal-close-packed phase to the simple hexagonal ω phase (AlB2 structure) is confirmed by synchrotron energy dispersive x-ray diffraction followed by nanoindentation of the pressure-quenched sample. We document an 80% increase in hardness as a consequence of the pressure-induced transformation to the ω phase at room temperature. This is a large increase for a metallic phase transformation and can be attributed to the presence of sp2-hybrid bonds forming graphite-like nets in the (0001) plane of the AlB2 structure. Atomic force microscopy of the indents shows that a plastic deformation of 2 μm in depth was achieved with a force of 200 mN.

  3. Novel Small Airway Bronchodilator Responses to Rosiglitazone in Mouse Lung Slices

    PubMed Central

    Bai, Yan; Donovan, Chantal; Esposito, James G.; Tan, Xiahui; Sanderson, Michael J.

    2014-01-01

    There is a need to identify novel agents that elicit small airway relaxation when β2-adrenoceptor agonists become ineffective in difficult-to-treat asthma. Because chronic treatment with the synthetic peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)γ agonist rosiglitazone (RGZ) inhibits airway hyperresponsiveness in mouse models of allergic airways disease, we tested the hypothesis that RGZ causes acute airway relaxation by measuring changes in small airway size in mouse lung slices. Whereas the β-adrenoceptor agonists albuterol (ALB) and isoproterenol induced partial airway relaxation, RGZ reversed submaximal and maximal contraction to methacholine (MCh) and was similarly effective after precontraction with serotonin or endothelin-1. Concentration-dependent relaxation to RGZ was not altered by the β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol and was enhanced by ALB. RGZ-induced relaxation was mimicked by other synthetic PPARγ agonists but not by the putative endogenous agonist 15-deoxy-PGJ2 and was not prevented by the PPARγ antagonist GW9662. To induce airway relaxation, RGZ inhibited the amplitude and frequency of MCh-induced Ca2+ oscillations of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). In addition, RGZ reduced MCh-induced Ca2+ sensitivity of the ASMCs. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that acute bronchodilator responses induced by RGZ are PPARγ independent, additive with ALB, and occur by the inhibition of ASMC Ca2+ signaling and Ca2+ sensitivity. Because RGZ continues to elicit relaxation when β-adrenoceptor agonists have a limited effect, RGZ or related compounds may have potential as bronchodilators for the treatment of difficult asthma. PMID:24188042

  4. Mapping of the locus for autosomal dominant amelogenesis imperfecta (AIH2) to a 4-Mb YAC contig on chromosome 4q11-q21

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kaerrman, C.; Holmgren, G.; Forsman, K.

    1997-01-15

    Amelogenesis imperfecta (Al) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of inherited enamel defects. We recently mapped a locus for autosomal dominant local hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta (AIH2) to the long arm of chromosome 4. The disease gene was localized to a 17.6-cM region between the markers D4S392 and D4S395. The albumin gene (ALB), located in the same interval, was a candidate gene for autosomal dominant AI (ADAI) since albumin has a potential role in enamel maturation. Here we describe refined mapping of the AIH2 locus and the construction of marker maps by radiation hybrid mapping and yeast artificial chromosome (YAC)-basedmore » sequence tagged site-content mapping. A radiation hybrid map consisting of 11 microsatellite markers in the 5-cM interval between D4S409 and D4S1558 was constructed. Recombinant haplotypes in six Swedish ADAI families suggest that the disease gene is located in the interval between D4S2421 and ALB. ALB is therefore not likely to be the disease-causing gene. Affected members in all six families share the same allele haplotypes, indicating a common ancestral mutation in all families. The AIH2 critical region is less than 4 cM and spans a physical distance of approximately 4 Mb as judged from radiation hybrid maps. A YAC contig over the AIH2 critical region including several potential candidate genes was constructed. 35 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.« less

  5. Dose-response relationships of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure and oxidative damage to DNA and lipid in coke oven workers.

    PubMed

    Kuang, Dan; Zhang, Wangzhen; Deng, Qifei; Zhang, Xiao; Huang, Kun; Guan, Lei; Hu, Die; Wu, Tangchun; Guo, Huan

    2013-07-02

    Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known to induce reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, but the dose-response relationships between exposure to PAHs and oxidative stress levels have not been established. In this study, we recruited 1333 male coke oven workers, monitored the levels of environmental PAHs, and measured internal PAH exposure biomarkers including 12 urinary PAH metabolites and plasma benzo[a]pyrene-r-7,t-8,t-9,c-10-tetrahydotetrol-albumin (BPDE-Alb) adducts, as well as the two oxidative biomarkers urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α (8-iso-PGF2α). We found that the total concentration of urinary PAH metabolites and plasma BPDE-Alb adducts were both significantly associated with increased 8-OHdG and 8-iso-PGF2α in both smokers and nonsmokers (all p < 0.05). This exposure-response effect was also observed for most PAH metabolites (all p(trend) < 0.01), except for 4-hydroxyphenanthrene and 8-OHdG (p(trend) = 0.108). Furthermore, it was shown that only urinary 1-hydroxypyrene has a significant positive association with both 8-OHdG and 8-iso-PGF2α after a Bonferroni correction (p < 0.005). Our results indicated that urinary ΣOH-PAHs and plasma BPDE-Alb adducts can result in significant dose-related increases in oxidative damage to DNA and lipids. Furthermore, when a multianalyte method is unavailable, our findings demonstrate that urinary 1-hydroxypyrene is a useful biomarker for evaluating total PAHs exposure and assessing oxidative damage in coke oven workers.

  6. Serum creatinine and albumin decline predict the contraction of nosocomial aspiration pneumonia in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

    PubMed

    Minakuchi, Hitoshi; Wakino, Shu; Hayashi, Koichi; Inamoto, Hajime; Itoh, Hiroshi

    2014-08-01

    Aspiration pneumonia (AP) is prevalent in older adults and the hemodialysis (HD) population has been getting older. Therefore, it is speculated that increasing number of HD patients would suffer from AP. However, the clinical aspects of AP in HD patients have not been elucidated. Consecutive HD patients with nosocomial AP hospitalized in our university hospital from April 2007 to December 2008 were recruited. Their clinical characteristics, risk factors for contraction, and the fatality of AP and treatment options were described. Nineteen out of 356 hospitalized HD patients had AP and 8 out of 19 AP patients died, indicating the incidence rate and fatality rate were 5.34% and 42.1%, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the risk factors for contracting AP included age, body mass index, serum creatinine levels (Cre) and the monthly decline rate of Cre. It also revealed that serum albumin (Alb) and basal total cholesterol levels, the decline rate of Alb and Cre levels, and the duration of AP were independent risk factors for fatality. Survivors were most often treated with tube feeding. Both contraction rate and fatality of nosocomial AP were high among HD patients. Both the malnutrition as well as the decline rate for nutrition and muscle volume indicated by falls in Alb and Cre, respectively, had clinical relevance in AP. Maintaining nutritional state by tube feeding and muscle volume seems to be the mainstay for the prevention and the treatment of AP in HD patients. © 2013 The Authors. Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis © 2013 International Society for Apheresis.

  7. Urinary albumin and interleukin-8 levels are not good indicators of ongoing vesicoureteral reflux in children who have no active urinary tract infection.

    PubMed

    Badeli, Hamidreza; khoshnevis, Termeh; Hassanzadeh Rad, Afagh; Sadeghi, Mehrdad

    2013-01-01

    Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a risk factor for kidney scarring, hypertension and declining renal function. Standard diagnostic methods are invasive and can cause exposure to radiation and urinary tract infections (UTIs). We aimed to investigate urine albumin and interleukin-8 levels as markers of ongoing VUR and renal damage in children without UTIs. Random urine samples were collected from 51 children, including 16 children with VUR (group A), 17 children with resolved VUR (group B) and 18 normal children (group C). The diagnosis of VUR or resolved VUR was confirmed by voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) or direct radionuclide cystography (DRNC). All children had normal kidney function and had no evidence of UTI in the preceding three months. Random urine specimens were assayed for albumin (Alb), creatinine (Cr) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) and mean values were compared by one way ANOVA. In groups A and B, the mean age at first UTI was 31.7 ± 2.4 and 27 ± 2.0 months respectively. In group A, the mean duration between VUR diagnosis and study entrance was 30 ± 9.1 months. In group B, the mean duration between VUR diagnosis and recovery was 19.9 ± 1.3 months. Overall, 76.4% of affected children had bilateral VUR and 41.2% had severe VUR. There were no significant differences in urinary Alb, IL-8, Alb/Cr and IL-8/Cr between the three groups. The current study does not support the hypothesis that microalbuminuria or urinary IL-8 are good indicators of ongoing VUR and renal injury in children.

  8. [Protective effects of compound shenhua tablet on diabetic nephropathy rats].

    PubMed

    Geng, Wen-Jia; Wei, Ri-Bao; Mao, Wei

    2012-03-01

    To observe the renal protection effects of Compound Shenhua Tablet (CST) on diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats. DN rats were given a normal diet for 9 months after they were induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ at the dose of 65 mg/kg after uninephrectomized. They were randomly divided into 4 groups, i. e., the normal control group, the model control group, the CST group, and the Irbesartan group. The intervention was given by gastrogavage for 6 weeks. The general state, 24 h urine protein, urine micro-albumin (mAlb), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), total protein (TP), and albumin (ALB) levels were observed before and after intervention. Renal pathological changes were observed by PAS staining and transmission electron microscope. After 6 weeks of drug intervention, when compared with the model control group, the general state was improved in the CST group and the Irbesartan group. The levels of 24 h urine protein, urine mAlb, SCr, BUN, GLU, TG, and TC were obviously lower in the CST group and the Irbesartan group than in the model group as well as in the same group before treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistical difference between the two treatment groups (P>0.05). The renal pathological changes and the renal ultrastructure were improved to some degree in the two groups when compared with those in the model control group. CST could attenuate the renal damage of diabetes and delay renal deterioration process. Its effectiveness was equivalent to that of Irbesartan.

  9. INVESTIGATION OF THE RADICAL-MEDIATED PRODUCTION OF BENZENE OXIDE PROTEIN ADDUCTS IN VITRO AND IN VIVO

    EPA Science Inventory

    High background levels of benzene oxide (BO) adducts with hemoglobin and albumin (BO-Hb and BO-Alb) have been measured in unexposed humans and animals. To test the influence of radical-mediated pathways on production of these BO-protein adducts, we employed Fenton chemistry to...

  10. Cryogenic Fracture Toughness Evaluation of an Investment Cast Al-Be Alloy for Structural Applications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gamwell, W. R.; McGill, P. B.

    2006-01-01

    Aluminum-Beryllium metal matrix composite materials are useful due to their desirable performance characteristics for aerospace applications. Desirable characteristics of this material includes light-weight, dimensional stability, stiffness, good vibration damping characteristics, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and workability, This material is 3.5 times stiffer and 22% lighter than conventional aluminum alloys. electro-optical systems, advanced sensor and guidance components for flight and satellite systems, components for light-weight high-performance aircraft engines, and structural components for helicopters. Aluminum-beryllium materials are now available in the form of near net shape investment castings. In this materials properties characterization study, the cryogenic tensile and fracture properties of an investment casting alloy, Beralcast 363, were determined. Tensile testing was performed at 21 C (70 F), -73.3 C (-100 F), -195.5 C (-320 F) and -252.8 C (-423 F), and fracture (K(sub lc) and da/dN) testing was performed at -73.3 C (-100 F), -195.5 C (-320 F) and -252.8 C (-423 F). Their use is attractive for weight critical structural applications such as advanced

  11. Tomato immune receptor Ve1 recognizes effector of multiple fungal pathogens uncovered by genome and RNA sequencing

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Fungal plant pathogens secrete effector molecules to establish disease on their hosts, while plants in turn utilize immune receptors to intercept these effectors. The tomato immune receptor Ve1 governs resistance to race 1 strains of the soil-borne vascular wilt fungi Verticillium dahliae and V. alb...

  12. 77 FR 22663 - Asian Longhorned Beetle; Additions to Quarantined Areas in Massachusetts

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-04-17

    ... Koelreuteria (golden raintree) to the list of regulated articles. The interim rule, which restricted the interstate movement of regulated articles from these areas, was necessary to prevent the artificial spread of... interstate movement of regulated articles from quarantined areas to prevent the artificial spread of ALB to...

  13. Morphological and molecular studies on Resinicium s. str.

    Treesearch

    K. K. Nakasone

    2007-01-01

    Resinicium Parmasto is typified by Resinicium bicolor (Alb. & Schwein.: Fr.) Parm., (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota), a readily recognized and widely distributed corticioid, lignicolous species in the northern hemisphere. Five new species of Resinicium closely allied to R. bicolor from the Caribbean region are described and illustrated: Resinicium conferturn...

  14. Molecular genetics of Asian longhorned beetles: introduction, invasion, and spread in North America

    Treesearch

    M. D. Ginzel; L. M. Hanks; K. N. Paige

    2003-01-01

    We have used molecular techniques to study the genetic structure of Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) populations in North America, allowing us to assess the dispersal behavior of the adult beetles, the extent to which populations have spread in urban areas, and the potential for future spread.

  15. Hormetic modulation of hepatic insulin sensitivity by advanced glycation end products.

    PubMed

    Fabre, Nelly T; Thieme, Karina; Silva, Karolline S; Catanozi, Sérgio; Cavaleiro, Ana Mercedes; Pinto, Danilo A C; Okamoto, Maristela M; Morais, Mychel Raony P T; Falquetto, Bárbara; Zorn, Telma M; Machado, Ubiratan F; Passarelli, Marisa; Correa-Giannella, Maria Lúcia

    2017-05-15

    Because of the paucity of information regarding metabolic effects of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on liver, we evaluated effects of AGEs chronic administration in (1) insulin sensitivity; (2) hepatic expression of genes involved in AGEs, glucose and fat metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation and; (3) hepatic morphology and glycogen content. Rats received intraperitoneally albumin modified (AlbAGE) or not by advanced glycation for 12 weeks. AlbAGE induced whole-body insulin resistance concomitantly with increased hepatic insulin sensitivity, evidenced by activation of AKT, inactivation of GSK3, increased hepatic glycogen content, and decreased expression of gluconeogenesis genes. Additionally there was reduction in hepatic fat content, in expression of lipogenic, pro-inflamatory and pro-oxidative genes and increase in reactive oxygen species and in nuclear expression of NRF2, a transcription factor essential to cytoprotective response. Although considered toxic, AGEs become protective when administered chronically, stimulating AKT signaling, which is involved in cellular defense and insulin sensitivity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Atomic Spectra Bibliography Databases at NIST

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kramida, Alexander

    2010-03-01

    NIST's Atomic Spectroscopy Data Center maintains three online Bibliographic Databases (BD) [http://physics.nist.gov/PhysRefData/ASBib1/index.html]: -- Atomic Energy Levels and Spectra (AEL BD), Atomic Transition Probability (ATP BD), and Atomic Spectral Line Broadening (ALB BD). This year marks new releases of these BDs -- AEL BD v.2.0, ATP BD v.9.0, and ALB DB v.3.0. These releases incorporate significant improvements in the quantity and quality of bibliographic data since the previous versions published first in 2006. The total number of papers in the three DBs grew from 20,000 to 30,000. The data search is now made easier, and the returned content is enriched with direct links to online journal articles and universal Digital Object Identifiers. Statistics show a nearly constant flow of new publications on atomic spectroscopy, about 600 new papers published each year since 1968. New papers are inserted in our BDs every two weeks on average.

  17. Detection of Wolbachia in Aedes albopictus and Their Effects on Chikungunya Virus

    PubMed Central

    Ahmad, Noor Afizah; Vythilingam, Indra; Lim, Yvonne A. L.; Zabari, Nur Zatil Aqmar M.; Lee, Han Lim

    2017-01-01

    Wolbachia-based vector control strategies have been proposed as a means to augment the currently existing measures for controlling dengue and chikungunya vectors. Prior to utilizing Wolbachia as a novel vector control strategy, it is crucial to understand the Wolbachia–mosquito interactions. In this study, field surveys were conducted to screen for the infection status of Wolbachia in field-collected Aedes albopictus. The effects of Wolbachia in its native host toward the replication and dissemination of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was also studied. The prevalence of Wolbachia-infected field-collected Ae. albopictus was estimated to be 98.6% (N = 142) for females and 95.1% (N = 102) for males in the population studied. The Ae. albopictus were naturally infected with both wAlbA and wAlbB strains. We also found that the native Wolbachia has no impact on CHIKV infection and minimal effect on CHIKV dissemination to secondary organs. PMID:27920393

  18. Questioning Collectives and Agencies: A Commentary on Curricular Choices

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Arnold, Jenny

    2015-01-01

    This commentary explores theoretical alternatives for viewing the problem identified by Volny Fages and Virginie Albe in their article entitled Social issues in nanoscience and nanotechnology Master's degrees: The socio-political stakes of curricular choices. An approach to social research is suggested that would render visible the associations…

  19. Menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into functional hepatocyte-like cells*

    PubMed Central

    Mou, Xiao-zhou; Lin, Jian; Chen, Jin-yang; Li, Yi-fei; Wu, Xiao-xing; Xiang, Bing-yu; Li, Cai-yun; Ma, Ju-ming; Xiang, Charlie

    2013-01-01

    Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the only proven effective treatment for both end-stage and metabolic liver diseases. Hepatocyte transplantation is a promising alternative for OLT, but the lack of available donor livers has hampered its clinical application. Hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) differentiated from many multi-potential stem cells can help repair damaged liver tissue. Yet almost suitable cells currently identified for human use are difficult to harvest and involve invasive procedures. Recently, a novel mesenchymal stem cell derived from human menstrual blood (MenSC) has been discovered and obtained easily and repeatedly. In this study, we examined whether the MenSCs are able to differentiate into functional HLCs in vitro. After three weeks of incubation in hepatogenic differentiation medium containing hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4), and oncostain M (OSM), cuboidal HLCs were observed, and cells also expressed hepatocyte-specific marker genes including albumin (ALB), α-fetoprotein (AFP), cytokeratin 18/19 (CK18/19), and cytochrome P450 1A1/3A4 (CYP1A1/3A4). Differentiated cells further demonstrated in vitro mature hepatocyte functions such as urea synthesis, glycogen storage, and indocyanine green (ICG) uptake. After intrasplenic transplantation into mice with 2/3 partial hepatectomy, the MenSC-derived HLCs were detected in recipient livers and expressed human ALB protein. We also showed that MenSC-derived HLC transplantation could restore the serum ALB level and significantly suppressed transaminase activity of liver injury animals. In conclusion, MenSCs may serve as an ideal, easily accessible source of material for tissue engineering and cell therapy of liver tissues. PMID:24190442

  20. Cerebrospinal fluid and serum levels of interleukin-8 in patients with multiple sclerosis and its correlation with Q-albumin.

    PubMed

    Matejčíková, Z; Mareš, J; Sládková, V; Svrčinová, T; Vysloužilová, J; Zapletalová, J; Kaňovský, P

    2017-05-01

    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory-demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Autoimmune inflammation is common in the early stages of MS and is followed by neurodegenerative processes. The result of these changes is axon and myelin breakdown. The paraclinical examination methods are an important part of the diagnostic process. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and the cervical spinal cord and an examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are common paraclinical examinations. An increasing number of studies deal with CSF and serum levels of biomarkers and their role in MS. We hypothesized that the level of interleukin-8 (IL-8) could be different in MS patients than in controls. These differences may be related to damage of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). BBB damage is quantified by the quotient of albumin (Q-alb). CSF and serum levels of IL-8 were assessed in 102 patients with newly diagnosed MS meeting McDonald's revised diagnostic criteria and in 102 subjects as a control group. We then correlated these results with Q-alb. Levels of IL-8 in CSF were significantly higher in MS patients than in controls (Mann-Whitney U test, p<0.0001). Serum levels of IL-8 were significantly lower in MS patients than in controls (Mann-Whitney U test, p=0.018). Spearman's correlation analysis proved a significant correlation between levels of IL-8 and Q-alb. As the etiology of MS is only partially known, research dealing with biomarkers in MS should continue. Better knowledge of etiology can provide a new perspective, especially for treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Hepatocellular carcinomas of the albumin SV40 T-antigen transgenic rat display fetal-like re-expression of lgf2 and deregulation of H19.

    PubMed

    Czarny, Matthew J; Babcock, Karlee; Baus, Rebecca M; Manoharan, Herbert; Pitot, Henry C

    2007-09-01

    Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that one of the earliest events during hepatocarcinogenesis in the albumin SV40 T antigen (Alb SV40 T Ag) transgenic rat is the duplication of chromosome 1q3.7-4.3, a region which contains the imprinted and coordinately regulated genes Igf2 and H19. We have also shown that this duplication is associated with the biallelic expression of the normally monoallelically-expressed H19. These results, however, are seemingly at odds with studies in the mouse that have shown a conservation of fetal regulatory patterns of these two genes in hepatic neoplasms. We therefore aimed in this study to determine the allelic origin of Igf2 expression in hepatocellular carcinomas of the Alb SV40 T Ag transgenic rat. Sprague-Dawley Alb SV40 T Ag transgenic rats and Brown Norway rats were reciprocally mated and the expression of Igf2 in hepatocellular carcinomas of the resulting F(1) transgene-positive female rats was analyzed by Northern blotting and RT-PCR. We determined that Igf2 was expressed exclusively from the paternal allele, which prompted the study (by the same methods) of the allelic origin of H19 in the same hepatocellular carcinomas in order to determine if the two genes remained coordinately regulated. Our results demonstrate fetal-like re-expression of Igf2 and deregulation of H19 in singular hepatocellular carcinomas of the rat. These results imply that another regulatory mechanism other than the generally accepted ICR/CTCF mechanism may play a role in the control of Igf2 and H19 expression. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  2. Population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling and model-based prediction of docetaxel-induced neutropenia in Japanese patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Fukae, Masato; Shiraishi, Yoshimasa; Hirota, Takeshi; Sasaki, Yuka; Yamahashi, Mika; Takayama, Koichi; Nakanishi, Yoichi; Ieiri, Ichiro

    2016-11-01

    Docetaxel is used to treat many cancers, and neutropenia is the dose-limiting factor for its clinical use. A population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model was introduced to predict the development of docetaxel-induced neutropenia in Japanese patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Forty-seven advanced or recurrent Japanese patients with NSCLC were enrolled. Patients received 50 or 60 mg/m 2 docetaxel as monotherapy, and blood samples for a PK analysis were collected up to 24 h after its infusion. Laboratory tests including absolute neutrophil count data and demographic information were used in population PK-PD modeling. The model was built by NONMEM 7.2 with a first-order conditional estimation using an interaction method. Based on the final model, a Monte Carlo simulation was performed to assess the impact of covariates on and the predictability of neutropenia. A three-compartment model was employed to describe PK data, and the PK model adequately described the docetaxel concentrations observed. Serum albumin (ALB) was detected as a covariate of clearance (CL): CL (L/h) = 32.5 × (ALB/3.6) 0.965  × (WGHT/70) 3/4 . In population PK-PD modeling, a modified semi-mechanistic myelosuppression model was applied, and characterization of the time course of neutrophil counts was adequate. The covariate selection indicated that α1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) was a predictor of neutropenia. The model-based simulation also showed that ALB and AAG negatively correlated with the development of neutropenia and that the time course of neutrophil counts was predictable. The developed model may facilitate the prediction and care of docetaxel-induced neutropenia.

  3. Going On-line. A Research Report on the Use of On-line Technologies by Adult Literacy Teachers and Learners.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Victoria Univ. of Tech., Melbourne (Australia).

    The Literacy Learning through Technology project sought to explore how professionals in adult literacy and basic education (ALBE) in Victoria, Australia, developed their expertise with online technology and incorporated it into their programs. Data were gathered from surveys and follow-up interviews with 10 participants and visits to 9 sites that…

  4. FORMATION OF HEMOGLOBIN AND ALBUMIN ADDUCTS OF BENZENE OXIDE IN MOUSE, RAT, AND HUMAN BLOOD

    EPA Science Inventory

    Little is known about the formation and disposition of benzene oxide (BO), the initial metabolite arising from oxidation of benzene by cytochrome P450. In this study, reactions of BO with hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin (Alb) were investigated in blood from B6C3F1 mice, F344 rats, ...

  5. STABILITY OF HEMOGLOBIN AND ALBUMIN ADDUCTS OF BENZENE OXIDE AND 1,4-BENZOQUINONE AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF BENZENE TO F344 RATS

    EPA Science Inventory

    The stability of cysteinyl adducts of benzene oxide (BO) and mono-S-substituted cysteinyl adducts of 1,4-benzoquinone (1,4-BQ) was investigated in both hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin (Alb) following administration of a single oral dose of 400 mg [U-14C/13C6]benzene/kg body weight ...

  6. POTENTIAL EFFECT OF ANPLOPHORA GLABRIPENNIS (COLEOPTERA: CERAMBYCIDAE) ON URBAN TREES IN THE UNITED STATES. (R825792)

    EPA Science Inventory

    The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

  7. A New Type of Debate for Global Warming and Scientific Literacy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gautier, Catherine

    2012-01-01

    Expanding on some ideas introduced in the paper by Albe and Gombert (2012) "Students' communication, argumentation and knowledge in a citizen' conference on global warming", I explore two issues relevant to their work: global warming (GW) as a socioscientific controversy and scientific literacy in regards to climate change science. For the first…

  8. Determination of Optimum Cutting Parameters for Surface Roughness in Turning AL-B4C Composites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Channabasavaraja, H. K.; Nagaraj, P. M.; Srinivasan, D.

    2016-09-01

    Many materials such as alloys, composites find their applications on the basis of machinability, cost and availability. In the present work, machinability of Aluminium 1100 and Boron carbide (AL+ B4C) composite material is examined by using lathe tool dynometers (BANKA Lathe) by varying the cutting parameters like spindle speed, Depth of cut and Feed rate in 3 levels. Also, surface roughness is measured against the weight % of reinforcement in the composite (0, 4 and 8 %). From the study it is observed that the hardness of a composite material increases with increase in weight % of reinforcement material (B4C) by 26.27 and 66.7 % respectively. The addition of reinforcement materials influences the machinability. The cutting force in both X and Z direction were also found increment with the reinforcement percentage.

  9. High-resolution gel electrophoresis and sodium dodecyl sulphate-agarose gel electrophoresis on urine samples for qualitative analysis of proteinuria in dogs.

    PubMed

    Giori, Luca; Tricomi, Flavia Marcella; Zatelli, Andrea; Roura, Xavier; Paltrinieri, Saverio

    2011-07-01

    The aims of the current study were to assess whether sodium dodecyl sulphate-agarose gel electrophoresis (SDS-AGE) and high-resolution electrophoresis (HRE) can identify dogs with a urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC ratio) >0.2 and whether HRE can provide preliminary information about the type of proteinuria, using SDS-AGE as a reference method. HRE and SDS-AGE were conducted on 87 urine samples classified according to the International Renal Interest Society as non-proteinuric (NP; UPC ratio: <0.20; 32/87), borderline proteinuric (BP; UPC ratio: 0.21-0.50; 15/87), or proteinuric (P; UPC ratio: >0.51; 40/87). SDS-AGE and HRE were positive in 14 out of 32 and 3 out of 32 NP samples and in 52 out of 55 and 40 out of 55 samples with a UPC ratio >0.20, respectively. The concordance between HRE or SDS and UPC ratio was comparable (κ = 0.59; κ = 0.55). However, specificity (90%) and positive likelihood ratio (7.76) were higher for HRE than for SDS-AGE (56% and 2.16) while sensitivity was lower (73% vs. 94%). The analysis of HRE results revealed that a percentage of albumin >41.4% and an albumin/α(1)-globulin ratio (alb/α(1) ratio) >1.46 can identify samples classified by SDS-AGE as affected by glomerular proteinuria while a percentage of α(1)-globulin >40.8% and an alb/α(1) ratio <0.84 can identify samples classified by SDS-AGE as affected by tubular proteinuria. In conclusion, both SDS-AGE and HRE could misclassify samples with a UPC ratio higher or lower than 0.20. Therefore, UPC ratio must always be determined before conducting these tests. The percentage of albumin and α(1)-globulin or the alb/α(1) ratio determined by HRE can provide preliminary information about the origin of proteinuria.

  10. Effects of ranavirus infection of red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) on plasma proteins.

    PubMed

    Moore, A Russell; Allender, Matthew C; MacNeill, Amy L

    2014-06-01

    Ranavirus is an emerging disease that infects fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Ranavirus induces an inflammatory response leading to death in many susceptible species. Red-eared sliders (RES; Trachemys scripta elegans) are vulnerable to ranavirus infection and are economically significant chelonians kept in the pet trade and utilized in research. Early identification of RES with inflammatory diseases would allow for isolation of affected individuals and subsequent disease investigation, including molecular testing for ranavirus. Validation of an inexpensive, clinically relevant, and reproducible diagnostic test that detects inflammation in turtles is needed. Although commonly used, plasma protein electrophoresis to detect an inflammatory acute-phase protein response has not been evaluated in a controlled environment in turtles with experimentally induced inflammatory disease. The objective of this study was to measure plasma protein fractions by electrophoresis to determine if an acute-phase protein response occurs in RES during infection with a frog virus 3-like ranavirus (FV3-like virus) isolated from a chelonian. A Bradford assay and agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) were performed using plasma collected during a study of the effect of temperature on the pathogenesis of ranavirus in RES. In RES at the time of viremia, total albumin (ALB(mg/ml)) and albumin to globulin ratio were significantly lower and beta-globulin percentage was significantly higher in RES exposed to ranavirus (n = 4) as compared to matched, uninfected RES (n = 8). In the last sample collected prior to death, total protein (TP(mg/ml)), ALB(mg/ml), alpha-globulin percentage, and total alpha-globulin (alpha(mg/ml)) were significantly lower in RES exposed to ranavirus (n = 4) than control individuals (n = 8). In summary, FV3-like virus induces a decrease in plasma albumin concentration at the onset ofviremia and decreases in TP(mg/ml, ALB(mg/ml), and alpha(mg/ml) concentrations prior to death in

  11. Housing environment modulates physiological and behavioral responses to anxiogenic stimuli in trait anxiety male rats

    PubMed Central

    Ravenelle, Rebecca; Santolucito, Hayley B.; Byrnes, Elizabeth M.; Byrnes, John J.; Tiffany Donaldson, S.

    2014-01-01

    Environmental enrichment can modulate mild and chronic stress, responses to anxiogenic stimuli as well as drug vulnerability in a number of animal models. The current study was designed to examine the impact of postnatal environmental enrichment on selectively bred 4th generation high (HAn) and low anxiety (LAn) male rats. After weaning, animals were placed in isolated, social and enriched environments (e.g., toys, wheels, ropes, changed weekly). We measured anxiety-like behavior (ALB) on the elevated plus maze (EPM; trial 1 at PND 46, trial 2 at PND 63), amphetamine (0.5 mg/kg, IP)-induced locomotor behavior, basal and post anxiogenic stimuli changes in (1) plasma corticosterone, (2) blood pressure and (3) core body temperature. Initially, animals showed consistent trait differences on EPM with HAn showing more ALB but after 40 days in select housing, HAn rats reared in an enriched environment (EE) showed less ALB and diminished AMPH-induced activity compared to HAn animals housed in isolated (IE) and social environments (SE). In the physiological tests, animals housed in EE showed elevated adrenocortical responses to forced novel object exposure but decreased body temperature and blood pressure changes after an air puff stressor. All animals reared in EE and SE had elevated BDNF-positive cells in the central amygdala (CeA), CA1 and CA2 hippocampal regions and the caudate putamen, but these differences were most pronounced in HAn rats for CeA, CA1 and CA2. Overall, these findings suggest that environmental enrichment offers benefits for trait anxiety rats including a reduction in behavioral and physiological responses to anxiogenic stimuli and amphetamine sensitivity, and these responses correlate with changes in BDNF expression in the central amygdala, hippocampus and the caudate putamen. PMID:24713371

  12. Housing environment modulates physiological and behavioral responses to anxiogenic stimuli in trait anxiety male rats.

    PubMed

    Ravenelle, R; Santolucito, H B; Byrnes, E M; Byrnes, J J; Donaldson, S T

    2014-06-13

    Environmental enrichment can modulate mild and chronic stress, responses to anxiogenic stimuli as well as drug vulnerability in a number of animal models. The current study was designed to examine the impact of postnatal environmental enrichment on selectively bred 4th generation high- (HAn) and low-anxiety (LAn) male rats. After weaning, animals were placed in isolated (IE), social (SE) and enriched environments (EE) (e.g., toys, wheels, ropes, changed weekly). We measured anxiety-like behavior (ALB) on the elevated plus maze (EPM; trial 1 at postnatal day (PND) 46, trial 2 at PND 63), amphetamine (AMPH) (0.5mg/kg, IP)-induced locomotor behavior, basal and post anxiogenic stimuli changes in (1) plasma corticosterone, (2) blood pressure and (3) core body temperature. Initially, animals showed consistent trait differences on EPM with HAn showing more ALB but after 40 days in select housing, HAn rats reared in an EE showed less ALB and diminished AMPH-induced activity compared to HAn animals housed in IE and SE. In the physiological tests, animals housed in EE showed elevated adrenocortical responses to forced novel object exposure but decreased body temperature and blood pressure changes after an air puff stressor. All animals reared in EE and SE had elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-positive cells in the central amygdala (CeA), CA1 and CA2 hippocampal regions and the caudate putamen, but these differences were most pronounced in HAn rats for CeA, CA1 and CA2. Overall, these findings suggest that environmental enrichment offers benefits for trait anxiety rats including a reduction in behavioral and physiological responses to anxiogenic stimuli and AMPH sensitivity, and these responses correlate with changes in BDNF expression in the central amygdala, hippocampus and the caudate putamen. Copyright © 2014 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Prevalence, Risk Factors and In-hospital Outcomes of QTc Interval Prolongation in Liver Cirrhosis.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Jiancheng; Qi, Xingshun; Hou, Feifei; Ning, Zheng; Zhang, Xintong; Deng, Han; Peng, Ying; Li, Jing; Wang, Xiaoxi; Li, Hongyu; Guo, Xiaozhong

    2016-09-01

    QTc interval prolongation is an electrocardiographic abnormality in liver cirrhosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors and in-hospital outcomes of QTc interval prolongation in Chinese patients with liver cirrhosis. This was a retrospective analysis of a total of 1,268 patients with liver cirrhosis who were consecutively admitted to our hospital between January 2011 and June 2014. QTc interval data were collected from the medical records. QTc interval prolongation was defined as QTc interval > 440 milliseconds. The prevalence of QTc interval prolongation was 38.2% (485 of 1268). In the entire cohort, the risk factors for QTc interval prolongation included an older age, a higher proportion of alcohol abuse and ascites, higher bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, Child-Pugh score and model for end-stage liver diseases score, and lower red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), albumin (ALB), alanine aminotransferase and calcium. The in-hospital mortality was not significantly different between patients with and without QTc interval prolongation (2.1% versus 1.3%, P = 0.276). In the subgroup analyses of patients with hepatitis B virus or alcohol alone-related liver cirrhosis, the risk factors included higher bilirubin, creatinine, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, Child-Pugh score and model for end-stage liver diseases score, and lower RBC, Hb and ALB. In the subgroups analyses of patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding or ascites, the risk factors included lower RBC, Hb and ALB. QTc interval prolongation was frequent in liver cirrhosis. Although QTc interval prolongation was positively associated with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis and more severe liver dysfunction, it did not significantly influence the in-hospital mortality. Copyright © 2016 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 (AEG-1) Contributes to Non-thyroidal Illness Syndrome (NTIS) Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC).

    PubMed

    Srivastava, Jyoti; Robertson, Chadia L; Gredler, Rachel; Siddiq, Ayesha; Rajasekaran, Devaraja; Akiel, Maaged A; Emdad, Luni; Mas, Valeria; Mukhopadhyay, Nitai D; Fisher, Paul B; Sarkar, Devanand

    2015-06-19

    Non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS), characterized by low serum 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) with normal l-thyroxine (T4) levels, is associated with malignancy. Decreased activity of type I 5'-deiodinase (DIO1), which converts T4 to T3, contributes to NTIS. T3 binds to thyroid hormone receptor, which heterodimerizes with retinoid X receptor (RXR) and regulates transcription of target genes, such as DIO1. NF-κB activation by inflammatory cytokines inhibits DIO1 expression. The oncogene astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) inhibits RXR-dependent transcription and activates NF-κB. Here, we interrogated the role of AEG-1 in NTIS in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). T3-mediated gene regulation was analyzed in human HCC cells, with overexpression or knockdown of AEG-1, and primary hepatocytes from AEG-1 transgenic (Alb/AEG-1) and AEG-1 knock-out (AEG-1KO) mice. Serum T3 and T4 levels were checked in Alb/AEG-1 mice and human HCC patients. AEG-1 and DIO1 levels in human HCC samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. AEG-1 inhibited T3-mediated gene regulation in human HCC cells and mouse hepatocytes. AEG-1 overexpression repressed and AEG-1 knockdown induced DIO1 expression. An inverse correlation was observed between AEG-1 and DIO1 levels in human HCC patients. Low T3 with normal T4 was observed in the sera of HCC patients and Alb/AEG-1 mice. Inhibition of co-activator recruitment to RXR and activation of NF-κB were identified to play a role in AEG-1-mediated down-regulation of DIO1. AEG-1 thus might play a role in NTIS associated with HCC and other cancers. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  15. Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 (AEG-1) Contributes to Non-thyroidal Illness Syndrome (NTIS) Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)*

    PubMed Central

    Srivastava, Jyoti; Robertson, Chadia L.; Gredler, Rachel; Siddiq, Ayesha; Rajasekaran, Devaraja; Akiel, Maaged A.; Emdad, Luni; Mas, Valeria; Mukhopadhyay, Nitai D.; Fisher, Paul B.; Sarkar, Devanand

    2015-01-01

    Non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS), characterized by low serum 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) with normal l-thyroxine (T4) levels, is associated with malignancy. Decreased activity of type I 5′-deiodinase (DIO1), which converts T4 to T3, contributes to NTIS. T3 binds to thyroid hormone receptor, which heterodimerizes with retinoid X receptor (RXR) and regulates transcription of target genes, such as DIO1. NF-κB activation by inflammatory cytokines inhibits DIO1 expression. The oncogene astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) inhibits RXR-dependent transcription and activates NF-κB. Here, we interrogated the role of AEG-1 in NTIS in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). T3-mediated gene regulation was analyzed in human HCC cells, with overexpression or knockdown of AEG-1, and primary hepatocytes from AEG-1 transgenic (Alb/AEG-1) and AEG-1 knock-out (AEG-1KO) mice. Serum T3 and T4 levels were checked in Alb/AEG-1 mice and human HCC patients. AEG-1 and DIO1 levels in human HCC samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. AEG-1 inhibited T3-mediated gene regulation in human HCC cells and mouse hepatocytes. AEG-1 overexpression repressed and AEG-1 knockdown induced DIO1 expression. An inverse correlation was observed between AEG-1 and DIO1 levels in human HCC patients. Low T3 with normal T4 was observed in the sera of HCC patients and Alb/AEG-1 mice. Inhibition of co-activator recruitment to RXR and activation of NF-κB were identified to play a role in AEG-1-mediated down-regulation of DIO1. AEG-1 thus might play a role in NTIS associated with HCC and other cancers. PMID:25944909

  16. Feasibility and nutritional impact of laparoscopy-assisted subtotal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer in the upper stomach.

    PubMed

    Kosuga, Toshiyuki; Hiki, Naoki; Nunobe, Souya; Noma, Hisashi; Honda, Michitaka; Tanimura, Shinya; Sano, Takeshi; Yamaguchi, Toshiharu

    2014-06-01

    Laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) is commonly performed for early gastric cancer (EGC) in the upper stomach; however, the incidence of anastomotic complications remains high, and postoperative nutritional status is not satisfactory. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and nutritional impact of a novel surgical procedure, laparoscopy-assisted subtotal gastrectomy (LAsTG). This was a retrospective study of 167 patients with EGC in the upper stomach. Of these, 57 patients underwent LAsTG, while 110 patients underwent LATG. Postoperative change in body weight, and serum concentration of albumin (Alb) and total protein (TP) were compared between the LAsTG and LATG groups. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to assess the influence of potential confounding factors. Frequency of anastomotic complications was significantly higher in the LATG group (16.3 %) than in the LAsTG group (5.3 %, P = 0.040). Postoperative recovery of body weight at 12 months after surgery was significantly better in the LAsTG group (89.8 ± 1.4 %) than in the LATG group (82.1 ± 1.0 %, P < 0.001). By ANCOVA, adjusted mean differences of Alb and TP at 12 months after surgery between the LAsTG and LATG groups were 0.226 g/dl (95 % CI 0.141-0.312; P < 0.001) and 0.380 g/dl (95 % CI 0.265-0.495; P < 0.001); thus, the surgical procedure was significantly associated with the postoperative Alb and TP levels. LAsTG could be a better choice than LATG for EGC in the upper stomach as a result of improvements in the incidence of anastomotic complications and postoperative nutritional status.

  17. Comparison of creatinine clearance estimates in subgroups based on Body Mass Index and albumin.

    PubMed

    Grapsa, Eirini; Pipili, Chrysoula; Angelopoulos, Epameinondas; Pantelias, Kostantinos; Kapetanaki, Antigoni; Deda, Edmond; Kiousi, Eva; Tzanatos, Helen

    2016-02-01

    The establishment of accurate equations for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimations is still far from the realization. Factors such as age, diabetes, stage of CKD, pregnancy, muscle mass and ethic nation are associated with less reliance upon commonly utilized estimation equations. We aimed to compare the routine use of 24-hour creatinine clearance (CrCl) and GFR estimates calculated by Crockoft-Gault (CG) and modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) formulas in patients with different levels of renal dysfunction in subgroups, based on Body Mass Index (BMI) and serum albumin (Alb) levels. Two hundred and seventy-nine non diabetic patients (172 men and 107 women), aged 54±23 years, with BMI 27.3±4.4 were enrolled in the study. All patients presented creatinine 1.8±1.2 (mg/dL) and Alb 3.5±1.3g/dL. The comparison of CrCl versus CG had bias 3.1 while the comparison of CrCl versus MDRD had a bias of 6.6. Univariate analysis showed that age, sex and BMI were not significant biases related to the CG, MDRD and CrCl. Indeed, the bias related to the CG was significantly lower than that related to MDRD in patients with either low or high serum albumin. Interestingly, the bias associated with CG was 1.3 in non-diabetic patients with Alb ≤3.5 mg /dL suggesting that CG equation could be used interchangeable to CrCl in these patients. CG gave a better prediction of measured CrCl than MDRD in Mediterranean, non-diabetic, non-hospitalized patients although misclassification of patients with regard to renal impairment stage was not present.

  18. Selective loss of nucleoside carrier expression in rat hepatocarcinomas.

    PubMed

    Dragan, Y; Valdés, R; Gomez-Angelats, M; Felipe, A; Javier Casado, F; Pitot, H; Pastor-Anglada, M

    2000-08-01

    Evidence that hepatoma cell lines show differential expression of concentrative nucleoside transporters (CNT1 and CNT2) prompted us to study the transporter proteins in 2 models of hepatocarcinogenesis, the chemically induced Solt and Farber model and the albumin-SV40 large T antigen (Alb-SV40) transgenic rat. CNT1 expression was lower in tumor biopsy specimens from Alb-SV40 rat livers than in normal tissue. Immunocytochemistry revealed that the CNT1 protein was indeed absent in the tumor lesions. CNT1 was also absent in a cell line, L25, derived from the Alb-SV40 transgenic rat liver tumors, whereas another cell line, L37, derived from the normal-appearing parenchyma, retained the expression of both carrier isoforms. The protein expression correlated with the nucleoside transport properties of these cell lines. Moreover, although CNT2 expression was highly dependent on the growth characteristics of the 2 cell lines, as was CNT1 (albeit to a lower extent) in L37 cells, it was not expressed in L25 cells at any stage of cell growth. In contrast to the transgenic model of hepatocarcinogenesis, in the chemically induced tumors the expression of CNT2 was lower, although still detectable. In summary, these data indicate that hepatocarcinogenesis leads to a selective loss or diminished expression of nucleoside carrier isoforms, a feature that may be relevant to our understanding of the molecular basis of the bioavailability of those drugs that are nucleoside derivatives and may be substrates of these carriers. The transport properties and isoform-expression profile of the L25 and L37 cell lines make them suitable hepatocyte culture models with which to study nucleoside transport processes and drug sensitivity.

  19. [Dynamic change study of dermatitis medicamentosa-like of trichloroethylene patients with liver damage].

    PubMed

    Liu, Wei; Zhang, Yan-fang; Zhang, Zhi-min; Li, Pei-mao; Jiang, Xiao-dong; Zhou, Gui-feng; Liu, Jian-jun

    2011-10-01

    Observing the dynamic change characteristics of serum liver function indexes in occupational dermatitis medicamentosa-like of trichloroethylene patients with liver damage, we can underlie for guiding therapy, prognosis and mechanism of dermatitis medicamentosa-like of trichloroethylene patients with liver damage. We collected serum of 10 cases of occupational dermatitis medicamentosa-like of trichloro-ethylene patients with liver damage from different time points since they were hospitalized, using automatic biochemistry analyzer to detect total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin/globulin ratio etc 11 liver function biochemical indicators. We used Excel to establish database, professional drawing software gnuplot to draw dynamic variation diagram of each index. The variation range of 11 liver function indexes of 10 cases was TP 43.2-74.2 g/L, ALB 24.6-44.6 g/L, A/G 0.77-2.10, TBIL 3.7-268.2 umol/L, DBIL 1.0-166.0 umol/L, IBIL 2.4 -167.5 umol/L, ALT 11-5985 U/L, AST 14-5586 U/L, GGT 15-1500 U/L, ALP 35-309 U/L, S/L 0.07-1.94, respectively. TBIL, DBIL, ALT, AST, GGT, ALP concentration significantly increased, especially ALT, AST, GGT, ALT topped 5985 U/L, AST topped 5586 U/L, GGT topped 1500 U/L. But TP, ALB and S/L significantly decreased, TP lowest to 43.2 g/L, S/L lowest to 0.07. A/G basically remained unchanged, but IBIL didn't change regularly. The early liver damage in dermatitis medicamentosa-like of trichloroethylene patients was serious, and repeatedly attacked, so we should lead to enough attention to the clinical work and prevention. This also provided the basis for studying the mechanism of trichloroethylene poisoning.

  20. A Perspective on Knowing about Global Warming and a Critical Comment about Schools and Curriculum in Relation to Socio-Scientific Issues

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Levinson, Ralph

    2012-01-01

    The focus of this response to Virginie Albe and Marie-Jose Gombert's (2011) article on a research study of students' school science conference on global warming is to develop some thoughts on covert assumptions which underpin any such conference. My comments refer to the politics behind the production of scientific knowledge of climate change and…

  1. STEM Policy and Science Education: Scientistic Curriculum and Sociopolitical Silences

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gough, Annette

    2015-01-01

    This essay responds to the contribution of Volny Fages and Virginia Albe, in this volume, to the field of research in science education, and places it in the context of the plethora of government and industry policy documents calling for more Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in schools and universities and the…

  2. Chicago vs. The Asian Longhorned Beetle: A Portrait of Success

    Treesearch

    Judy Antipin; Thomas Dilley

    2004-01-01

    The principal objective in conducting and publishing this case study of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) infestation in Chicago is to offer State and local government officials and interested community members a blueprint for recognizing and effectively dealing with invasive/exotic insect pest emergencies. The experience of the past decade shows that appearances of...

  3. Heterogeneity of chromosome 22 breakpoint in Philadelphia-positive (Ph/sup +/) acute lymphocytic leukemia

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Erikson, J.; Griffin, C.A.; Ar-Rushdi, A.

    1986-03-01

    In chronic myelogenous leukemias (CML) with the t(9;22)(q34;q11) chromosome translocation the breakpoints on chromosome 22 occur within a 5.8-kilobase segment of DNA referred to as breakpoint cluster region (bcr). The same cytogenetically indinstinguishable translocation occurs in approximately 10% of patients with acute lymphocytic leukemias (ALL). In this study the authors have investigated the chromosome breakpoints in several cases of ALL carrying the t(9;22) translocation. In three of five cases of ALL they found that the bcr region was not involved in the chromosome rearrangement and that the 22q11 chromosome breakpoints were proximal (5') to the bcr region at band 22q11.more » In addition, they observed normal size bcr and c-alb transcripts in an ALL cell line carrying the t(9;22) translocation. They conclude, therefore, that if c-alb is inappropriately expressed in ALL cells without bcr rearrangements, the genetic mechanism of activation must be different from that reported for CML.« less

  4. Pressure ulcer healing promoted by adequate protein intake in rats

    PubMed Central

    Qin, Zhanfen; Wang, Yao; Zhao, Wei; Zhang, Yanan; Tian, Yiqing; Sun, Sujuan; Li, Xian

    2018-01-01

    The effect of protein intake on rat pressure ulcer healing was evaluated. One hundred rats were numbered according to body weight and then they were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=25) using the random number table. After rat models of stage II pressure ulcer were established, they were fed with feed containing different protein levels (10, 15, 20 and 25%). Healing time, pressure ulcer area, body weight, albumin (ALB) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels among groups were compared. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was also performed to observe pressure ulcer tissue structure. In the healing process of pressure ulcer, rats with 20% protein intake had the shortest healing time and the smallest pressure ulcer area. Body weight, ALB and Hb levels were much closer to the normal level. H&E staining result also suggested that the pressure ulcer healing degree of rats with 20% protein intake was much better than the others. Adequate protein intake is therefore conducive to pressure ulcer healing, while excessive or insufficient protein intake has negative impact on healing. PMID:29731816

  5. Pressure ulcer healing promoted by adequate protein intake in rats.

    PubMed

    Qin, Zhanfen; Wang, Yao; Zhao, Wei; Zhang, Yanan; Tian, Yiqing; Sun, Sujuan; Li, Xian

    2018-05-01

    The effect of protein intake on rat pressure ulcer healing was evaluated. One hundred rats were numbered according to body weight and then they were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=25) using the random number table. After rat models of stage II pressure ulcer were established, they were fed with feed containing different protein levels (10, 15, 20 and 25%). Healing time, pressure ulcer area, body weight, albumin (ALB) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels among groups were compared. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was also performed to observe pressure ulcer tissue structure. In the healing process of pressure ulcer, rats with 20% protein intake had the shortest healing time and the smallest pressure ulcer area. Body weight, ALB and Hb levels were much closer to the normal level. H&E staining result also suggested that the pressure ulcer healing degree of rats with 20% protein intake was much better than the others. Adequate protein intake is therefore conducive to pressure ulcer healing, while excessive or insufficient protein intake has negative impact on healing.

  6. [Nutritional screening before surgery for esophageal cancer - current status and evaluation results].

    PubMed

    Shimakawa, Takeshi; Asaka, Shinich; Sagawa, Masano; Shimazaki, Asako; Yamaguchi, Kentaro; Usui, Takebumi; Yokomizo, Hajime; Shiozawa, Shunichi; Yoshimatsu, Kazuhiko; Katsube, Takao; Naritaka, Yoshihiko

    2014-10-01

    The incidence of postoperative complications and mortality are usually higher in patients with preoperative malnutrition. Malnutrition often preexists, particularly in patients undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer, which is substantially invasive. It is therefore important to understand the nutritional condition of patients and actively control perioperative nutrition.Our hospital has been providing nutritional status screening for patients before resection of esophageal cancer, and we report the current status and evaluation results in this article.This screening included 158 patients requiring radical resection of esophageal cancer.Age, comorbidity with diabetes, body mass index(BMI), serum albumin(Alb), Onodera's prognostic nutritional index(PNI), and Glasgow prognostic score(GPS)were used as nutritional indicators to stratify patients for analysis.Evaluation parameters included the incidence of postoperative complications(any complication, pulmonary complications, psychiatric disorder, and anastomotic leakage)and rates of long-term postoperative hospitalization.The analysis indicated that age, BMI, serum Alb, PNI, and GPS are useful for predicting the onset of postoperative complications and prolonged postoperative hospitalization.For such patients, more active nutritional control should be provided.

  7. Effects of nocturnal oxygen therapy on heart function in SDB patients undergoing dialysis.

    PubMed

    Nakajima, Fumitaka; Furumatsu, Yoshiyuki; Yurugi, Takatomi; Amari, Yoshifumi; Iida, Takeshi; Uehara, Mitsuru; Fukunaga, Megumu

    2015-06-01

    There is a close relationship between sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and heart failure. We performed home oxygen therapy (HOT) in patients with SAS undergoing dialysis, and investigated its effects on the heart function. The subjects were 10 SDB patients on dialysis. On retiring at night, oxygen was transnasally administered at 1.0 L/min. The human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), total protein, Alb, cholesterol and phosphorus levels were measured before the start of oxygen therapy and after 6 weeks. The mean SpO2 increased from 93.5% [91.5, 97.0] to 96.3% [94.8, 97.4] (median [interquartile range]) (p = 0.015). The hANP (p = 0.0039), BNP (p = 0.0098) and serum Alb (p = 0.015) levels significantly improved. There were no significant changes in the cholesterol, phosphorus or total protein levels. These results suggest that nocturnal oxygen therapy improves indices of heart failure, contributing to the prevention and treatment of heart failure in dialysis patients with SDB.

  8. Medical management of neurocysticercosis.

    PubMed

    Takayanagui, Osvaldo Massaiti; Odashima, Newton Satoru; Bonato, Pierina S; Lima, Jose Eduardo; Lanchote, Vera Lucia

    2011-12-01

    Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is considered to be the most common cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide. Formerly restricted to palliative measures, therapy for NCC has advanced with the advent of two drugs that are considered to be effective: praziquantel (PZQ) and albendazole (ALB). All available articles regarding research related to the treatment of NCC were searched. Relevant articles were then reviewed and used as sources of information for this review. Anticysticercal therapy has been marked by intense controversy. Recent descriptions of spontaneous resolution of parenchymal cysticercosis with benign evolution, risks of complications and reports of no long-term benefits have reinforced the debate over the usefulness and safety of anticysticercal therapy. High interindividual variability and complex pharmacological interactions will require the close monitoring of plasma concentrations of ALB and PZQ metabolites in future trials. Given the relative scarcity of clinical trials, more comparative interventional studies - especially randomized controlled trials in long-term clinical evolution - are required to clarify the controversy over the validity of parasitic therapy in patients with NCC.

  9. A mathematical model for long-term effect of diethylcarbamazine-albendazole mass drug administration on lymphatic filariasis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tasman, H.; Supali, T.; Supriatna, A. K.; Nuraini, N.; Soewono, E.

    2015-03-01

    In this paper we discuss a mathematical model for the transmission of lymphatic filariasis disease. The human population is divided into susceptible, latent, acute and chronic subpopulations. Treatment is carried out within the scheme of mass drug administration (MDA) by giving the diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and albendazole (ALB) to all individuals. In the model, we assume that the treatments have direct killing effect to microfilariae, increase of immune-mediated effect. The treated individuals are assumed to remain susceptible to the disease. This is due to the fact that the treatment is only partially effective against macrofilaria. Simulations of the model reveals that DEC-ALB treatment does give significant reduction of acute and chronic compartments at the end of the treatment period and slow down the growth after the treatment before eventually tend to the endemic state. It showed that repeated treatment during MDA is effective to decrease the transmission. This suggests that terminating MDA program after a long period of its application may still effective in controlling the disease.

  10. Expression of human factors CD81, claudin-1, scavenger receptor, and occludin in mouse hepatocytes does not confer susceptibility to HCV entry.

    PubMed

    Hikosaka, Keisuke; Noritake, Hidenao; Kimura, Wataru; Sultana, Nishat; Sharkar, Mohammad T K; Tagawa, Yoh-Ichi; Uezato, Tadayoshi; Kobayashi, Yoshimasa; Wakita, Takaji; Miura, Naoyuki

    2011-04-01

    No suitable mouse model is available for studying chronic liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). CD81, claudin-1, scavenger receptor class B type I, and occludin were recently reported to be the important factors in HCV entry into hepatocytes. We made transgenic mice (Alb-CCSO) expressing the four human proteins and examined whether HCV from a patient serum or HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp) were capable of infecting them. HCV was not detected in the mouse serum after injecting the mice with HCV from a patient serum. We also found no indications of HCVpp entry into primary hepatocytes from Alb-CCSO mice. In addition, HCV-infectible Hep3B cells were fused with HCV-resistant primary mouse hepatocytes and the fused cells showed 35-fold lower infectivity compared to wild-type Hep3B cells, indicating that primary mouse hepatocytes have the inhibitory factor(s) in HCVpp entry. Our results suggest that the expression of the human factors does not confer susceptibility to HCV entry into the liver.

  11. Vapor pressure and evaporation rate of certain heat-resistant compounds in a vacuum at high temperatures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bolgar, A. S.; Verkhoglyadova, T. S.; Samsonov, G. V.

    1985-01-01

    The vapor pressure and evaporation rate of borides of titanium, zirconium, and chrome; and of strontium and carbides of titanium, zirconium, and chrome, molybdenum silicide; and nitrides of titanium, niobium, and tantalum in a vacuum were studied. It is concluded that all subject compounds evaporate by molecular structures except AlB sub 12' which dissociates, losing the aluminum.

  12. Combining the Sterile Insect Technique with the Incompatible Insect Technique: III-Robust Mating Competitiveness of Irradiated Triple Wolbachia-Infected Aedes albopictus Males under Semi-Field Conditions.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Dongjing; Lees, Rosemary Susan; Xi, Zhiyong; Bourtzis, Kostas; Gilles, Jeremie R L

    2016-01-01

    Combination of the sterile insect technique with the incompatible insect technique is considered to be a safe approach to control Aedes albopictus populations in the absence of an accurate and scalable sex separation system or genetic sexing strain. Our previous study has shown that the triple Wolbachia-infected Ae. albopictus strain (wAlbA, wAlbB and wPip) was suitable for mass rearing and females could be completely sterilized as pupae with a radiation dose of at least 28 Gy. However, whether this radiation dose can influence the mating competitiveness of the triple infected males was still unknown. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of irradiation on the male mating competitiveness of the triple infected strain under laboratory and semi-field conditions. The results herein indicate that irradiation with a lower, female-sterilizing dose has no negative impact on the longevity of triple infected males while a reduced lifespan was observed in the wild type males (wAlbA and wAlbB) irradiated with a higher male-sterilizing dose, in small cages. At different sterile: fertile release ratios in small cages, triple-infected males induced 39.8, 81.6 and 87.8% sterility in a wild type female population at 1:1, 5:1 and 10:1 release ratios, respectively, relative to a fertile control population. Similarly, irradiated triple infected males induced 31.3, 70.5 and 89.3% sterility at 1:1, 5:1 and 10:1 release ratios, respectively, again relative to the fertile control. Under semi-field conditions at a 5:1 release ratio, relative to wild type males, the mean male mating competitiveness index of 28 Gy irradiated triple-infected males was significantly higher than 35 Gy irradiated wild type males, while triple infected males showed no difference in mean mating competitiveness to either irradiated triple-infected or irradiated wild type males. An unexpected difference was also observed in the relative male mating competitiveness of the triple infected strain after

  13. Combining the Sterile Insect Technique with the Incompatible Insect Technique: III-Robust Mating Competitiveness of Irradiated Triple Wolbachia-Infected Aedes albopictus Males under Semi-Field Conditions

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Dongjing; Lees, Rosemary Susan; Xi, Zhiyong; Bourtzis, Kostas; Gilles, Jeremie R. L.

    2016-01-01

    Combination of the sterile insect technique with the incompatible insect technique is considered to be a safe approach to control Aedes albopictus populations in the absence of an accurate and scalable sex separation system or genetic sexing strain. Our previous study has shown that the triple Wolbachia-infected Ae. albopictus strain (wAlbA, wAlbB and wPip) was suitable for mass rearing and females could be completely sterilized as pupae with a radiation dose of at least 28 Gy. However, whether this radiation dose can influence the mating competitiveness of the triple infected males was still unknown. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of irradiation on the male mating competitiveness of the triple infected strain under laboratory and semi-field conditions. The results herein indicate that irradiation with a lower, female-sterilizing dose has no negative impact on the longevity of triple infected males while a reduced lifespan was observed in the wild type males (wAlbA and wAlbB) irradiated with a higher male-sterilizing dose, in small cages. At different sterile: fertile release ratios in small cages, triple-infected males induced 39.8, 81.6 and 87.8% sterility in a wild type female population at 1:1, 5:1 and 10:1 release ratios, respectively, relative to a fertile control population. Similarly, irradiated triple infected males induced 31.3, 70.5 and 89.3% sterility at 1:1, 5:1 and 10:1 release ratios, respectively, again relative to the fertile control. Under semi-field conditions at a 5:1 release ratio, relative to wild type males, the mean male mating competitiveness index of 28 Gy irradiated triple-infected males was significantly higher than 35 Gy irradiated wild type males, while triple infected males showed no difference in mean mating competitiveness to either irradiated triple-infected or irradiated wild type males. An unexpected difference was also observed in the relative male mating competitiveness of the triple infected strain after

  14. A comparative study on the efficacy of praziquantel and albendazole in the treatment of urinary schistosomiasis in Adim, Cross River State, Nigeria.

    PubMed

    Ben, S A; Useh, M F

    2017-09-01

    Praziquantel (PZQ) is the current drug of choice for the treatment of urinary schistosomiasis in endemic areas. It is very efficacious, although the potential for the development of resistance has been reported in some endemic areas among human subjects and in animal studies. Its' limitation include high cost and administration of multiple numbers of tablets. Albendazole (ALB) is used in the treatment of intestinal helminths infection. It is a broad-spectrum single-dose antihelminthic with an excellent cure rate and safety criteria. Currently, it is not routinely used for the treatment of urinary schistosomiasis. Urine samples collected from 596 pupils aged between 2 and 16 years were processed and examined for the presence of ova of Schistosoma haematobium using a standard filtration technique. A total of 100 infected subjects were treated with a standard dose of PZQ (40 mg/kg body weight), while another group of 96 infected subjects were treated with ALB (400 mg for individuals above 3 years). A post-treatment study was conducted 1 month after treatment to assess their cure rate. The prevalence of S. haematobium infection in the study area was 32.8% (196/596). More males were infected (44.2%) (122/276) than females (23.1%) (74/320). The difference in the prevalence rate of infection by gender was statistically significant (X2=15.7>3.841, p<0.05). The highest prevalence of infection was observed among subjects aged 14-16 years (42.1%) (32/76), while those aged 5-7 years had the least prevalence (23.7%) (38/160). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis by age of the subjects (X2=5.99<9.5, p>0.05). PZQ gave a higher cure rate of 78.0% (78/100) compared with ALB (68.7%) (66/96). There was no statistically significant difference in the cure rate obtained with both drugs (X2=0.355>0.282, p>0.05). The intensity of egg excretion was greatly reduced in subjects who were not cured by the two drugs. The findings of this

  15. Correlation between hepatic blood flow and liver function in alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

    PubMed

    Takahashi, Hideaki; Shigefuku, Ryuta; Yoshida, Yoshihito; Ikeda, Hiroki; Matsunaga, Kotaro; Matsumoto, Nobuyuki; Okuse, Chiaki; Sase, Shigeru; Itoh, Fumio; Suzuki, Michihiro

    2014-12-07

    To elucidate the correlation between hepatic blood flow and liver function in alcoholic liver cirrhosis (AL-LC). The subjects included 35 patients with AL-LC (34 men, 1 woman; mean age, 58.9 ± 10.7 years; median age, 61 years; range: 37-76 years). All patients were enrolled in this study after obtaining written informed consent. Liver function was measured with tests measuring albumin (Alb), prothrombin time (PT), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), branched amino acid and tyrosine ratio (BTR), branched chain amino acid (BCAA), tyrosine, ammonia (NH3), cholinesterase (ChE), immunoreactive insulin (IRI), total bile acid (TBA), and the retention rate of indocyanine green 15 min after administration (ICG R15). Hepatic blood flow, hepatic arterial tissue blood flow (HATBF), portal venous tissue blood flow (PVTBF), and total hepatic tissue blood flow (THTBF) were simultaneously calculated using xenon computed tomography. PVTBF, HATBF and THTBF were 30.2 ± 10.4, 20.0 ± 10.7, and 50.3 ± 14.9 mL/100 mL/min, respectively. Alb, PT, BNP, BTR, BCAA, tyrosine, NH3, ChE, IRI, TBA, and ICG R15 were 3.50 ± 0.50 g/dL, 72.0% ± 11.5%, 63.2 ± 56.7 pg/mL, 4.06 ± 1.24, 437.5 ± 89.4 μmol/L, 117.7 ± 32.8 μmol/L, 59.4 ± 22.7 μg/dL, 161.0 ± 70.8 IU/L, 12.8 ± 5.0 μg/dL, 68.0 ± 51.8 μmol/L, and 28.6% ± 13.5%, respectively. PVTBF showed a significant negative correlation with ICG R15 (r = -0.468, P <0.01). No significant correlation was seen between ICG 15R, HATBF and THTBF. There was a significant correlation between PVTBF and Alb (r = 0.2499, P < 0.05), and NH₃ tended to have an inverse correlation with PVTBF (r = -0.2428, P = 0.0894). There were also many significant correlations between ICG R15 and liver function parameters, including Alb, NH3, PT, BNP, TBA, BCAA, and tyrosine (r = -0.2156, P < 0.05; r = 0.4318, P < 0.01; r = 0.4140, P < 0.01; r = 0.3610, P < 0.05; r = 0.5085, P < 0.001; r = 0.4496, P < 0.01; and r = 0.4740, P < 0.05, respectively). Our investigation

  16. [Impact of permissive underfeeding versus standard enteral feeding on outcomes in critical patients requiring mechanical ventilation: a prospective randomized controlled study].

    PubMed

    Ma, Nianbin; Shen, Mingfu; Wan, Zhen; Pan, Sijun; Liu, Xian; Yao, Zhongxiang

    2018-02-01

    To compare the impact of permissive underfeeding versus standard enteral feeding on outcomes in critical patients requiring mechanical ventilation (MV). A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted. Eighty-two patients requiring MV admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of Anji People's Hospital from January 2015 to March 2017 were enrolled, and they were randomly divided into the permissive underfeeding group (n = 40, non-protein heat was 52.3-62.8 kJ×kg -1 ×d -1 , protein was 1.2-1.5 g×kg -1 ×d -1 ) and standard enteral feeding group (n = 42, non-protein heat was 104.6-125.5 kJ×kg -1 ×d -1 , protein was 1.2-1.5 g×kg -1 ×d -1 ). Permissive underfeeding group received 50% of their daily energy expenditure via enteral nutrition (EN) and standard enteral feeding group received 100% of their daily energy expenditure via EN in 24-48 hours after admitted to ICU. Nutritional status [pro-albumin (PA), serum albumin (ALB)], inflammation state [procalcitonin (PCT), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)] were detected before treatment and 7 days after treatment. Duration of MV, length of ICU stay, daily insulin dosage, 28-day mortality, hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP), urinary tract infection, septic shock and other secondary infection, and the nutrition related complications were recorded. Compared with before treatment, the levels of serum PA (mg/L) and ALB (g/L) were significantly increased, the levels of PCT (ng/L) and hs-CRP (mg/L) were significantly decreased at 7 days after treatment in both groups [permissive underfeeding group: PA was 127.42±65.83 vs. 80.92±60.14, ALB was 30.16±4.32 vs. 25.36±6.21, PCT was 375.8±227.2 vs. 762.3±314.5, hs-CRP was 32.19±7.53 vs. 120.48±60.24; standard enteral feeding group: PA was 132.56±61.32 vs. 86.78±47.06, ALB was 31.25±4.63 vs. 26.71±5.48, PCT was 412.1±323.4 vs. 821.7±408.6, hs-CRP was 35.86±5.69 vs. 116.38±72.16, all P < 0.05], but there was no significant difference in PA, ALB, PCT or

  17. Investigating Metabolic Control of Persister Formation in Biofilms

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-10-01

    References Albe, K.R., Butler, M.H., and Wright, B.E. (1990). Cellular concentrations of enzymes and their substrates. Journal of theoretical biology 143 ...0.00 1,2- Propanediol 0.00±0.00 Tween 40 0.25±0.04 α- Keto - Glutaric Acid 0.26±0.07 α- Keto -Butyric Acid 0.18±0.03 α-Methyl-D

  18. Asian longhorned beetle in Austria: critical comments on phytosanitary measures and regulations

    Treesearch

    Hannes Krehan

    2003-01-01

    The ALB is indigenous to East Asia (China, Korea, Taiwan, but not actually present in Japan). It has been introduced twice into North America: New York City, N.Y (1996) and Chicago, Illinois (1998). The first record for Europe was in August 2001 in Braunau, Austria where it was likely introduced through wood packing material (i.g. pallets, crates, dunnage etc.) from...

  19. New Results on the Palaeobiology of Bears on the Swabian Alb (Chronology, Isotopic Geochemistry and Palaeogenetics)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Muenzel, Susanne

    2010-05-01

    Paleogenetic investigations at three geographically close caves in the Ach Valley near Blaubeuren have revealed two different cave bear haplogroups. These two haplogroups correspond to Ursus spelaeus (haplogroup 1) and Ursus ingressus (haplogroup 4) (Rabeder & Hofreiter 2004, Die Höhle 55, 58-77). This genetic variability was first attested for Geißenklösterle and Sirgenstein cave, but the new genetic data attest them also for Hohle Fels. In all three caves Ursus ingressus replaced Ursus spelaeus around 28 000 B.P. The carbon and nitrogen isotopes of the two genetic types do not vary significantly, meaning that there is no dietary difference between them and Ursus spelaeus were in dietary competition with Ursus ingressus in the Ach valley. The radiocarbon dates suggested a sudden replacement (Hofreiter et al. 2007, Current Biology 17(4): R1-R3), which must have been accompanied by local extinction of the older cave bear, according to the dietary competition with the younger bear. The possible reasons for this replacement are not clear yet. Climatic changes are unlikely, since the faunal composition remains the same and the environmental data do not differ significantly. But we cannot exclude human impact on the cave bear population, since a cave bear vertebra with an embedded fragment of a flint projectile was recovered in the Gravettian layer AH IIcf dated to 27 830+150-140 B.P. and gives indisputable proof of the hunting of cave bears. Numerous cut marks proof an ongoing exploitation of this species. In this context, new radiocarbon dates and isotopic results on cave bears and coeval brown bears will help us to refine the possible scenarios of this complex evolutionary and ecological process. These results will be used to test hypotheses of competitive exclusion between the different bear species. This study will exemplify how combining evidence from different approaches can provide invaluable clues about palaeobiology of late Pleistocene large mammals such as fossil bears in Europe.

  20. Prognostic Significance of Blood Transfusion in Elderly Patients with Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

    PubMed Central

    Fan, Liping; Fu, Danhui; Hong, Jinquan; He, Wenqian; Zeng, Feng; Lin, Qiuyan; Xie, Qianling

    2018-01-01

    The current study sought to evaluate whether blood transfusions affect survival of elderly patients with primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). A total of 104 patients aged 60 years and over were enrolled and divided into two groups: 24 patients who received transfusions and 80 patients who did not. Statistical analyses showed significant differences in LDH levels, platelet (Plt) counts, and hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin (Alb) levels between the two groups. Univariate analyses showed that LDH level ≥ 245 IU/L, cell of origin (germinal center/nongerminal center), and blood transfusion were associated with both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Higher IPI (3–5), Alb level < 35 g/L, and rituximab usage were associated with OS. Appearance of B symptoms was associated with PFS. Multivariate analyses showed that cell of origin and rituximab usage were independent factors for OS and LDH level was an independent factor for PFS. Blood transfusion was an independent factor for PFS, but not for OS. Our preliminary results suggested that elderly patients with primary DLBCL may benefit from a restrictive blood transfusion strategy. PMID:29750167

  1. Therapeutic effect comparison of hepatocyte-like cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in acute liver failure of rats.

    PubMed

    Li, Dongliang; Fan, Jingjing; He, Xiuhua; Zhang, Xia; Zhang, Zhiqiang; Zeng, Zhiyu; Ruan, Mei; Cai, Lirong

    2015-01-01

    To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) induced into hepatocyte-like cells and of un-induced BMSCs in acute liver failure rats. BMSCs in highly homogenous passage 3 were cultured using the whole bone marrow adherent culture method. Hepatic-related characters were confirmed with morphology, RT-PCR analysis, glycogen staining and albumin (ALB) immunofluorescence assay. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was injected intraperitoneally to establish an acute rat liver failure model. Hepatocyte-like cells or un-induced BMSCs were respectively injected into the models to examine rats' appearance, liver function assay and liver tissue pathology. Hepatocyte-like morphology, higher expression of cytokeratin 18 (CK18) mRNA and ALB protein, and glycogen accumulation were confirmed in the induced BMSCs. The transplanted DAPI-labeled BMSCs were localized in the liver tissue 3-14 days after transplantation. The levels of liver function indicators (AST, ALT, ALP, and TBIL) from transplanted rats were significant decreased and pathology was improved, indicating the recovery of liver function. However, the differences were statistically insignificant. Both hepatocyte-like cells and un-induced BMSCs had a similarly positively therapeutic efficacy on liver regeneration in rat liver failure model.

  2. Chiral-catalyst-based convergent synthesis of HIV protease inhibitor GRL-06579A.

    PubMed

    Mihara, Hisashi; Sohtome, Yoshihiro; Matsunaga, Shigeki; Shibasaki, Masakatsu

    2008-02-01

    Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of GRL-06579A (1), an HIV-1 protease inhibitor effective against multi-protease-inhibitor-resistant viruses, is described. A convergent strategy that utilizes heterobimetallic multifunctional catalysts developed in our group is a key feature of the synthesis. The chirality of the bicyclic tetrahydrofuran unit of 1 was introduced through Al-Li-bis(binaphthoxide) (ALB) catalyst-controlled Michael addition of dimethyl malonate to racemic 4-O-protected cyclopentenone. ALB afforded not only the trans adduct with up to 96% ee from a matched substrate through kinetic resolution, but also the cis adduct with 99% ee through a catalyst-controlled Michael addition to a mismatched substrate. The Michael addition to produce the unusual cis adduct is described in detail. The framework of the bicyclic tetrahydrofuran was constructed by an intramolecular oxy-Michael reaction. The amino alcohol unit was constructed by an La-Li3-tris(binaphthoxide) (LLB)-catalyzed diastereoselective nitroaldol reaction of N-Boc aldehyde (Boc = tert-butoxycarbonyl) derived from L-phenylalanine. LLB promoted the nitroaldol reaction without racemization of the chiral aldehyde to give the nitroaldol adduct in 85% yield and with 93:7 diastereoselectivity and over 99% ee.

  3. Application of Early Nutrition Support in Neurosurgical Coma Patients.

    PubMed

    Ren, Guoqin

    2015-12-01

    The present study was conducted to investigate the clinical efficacy of early parenteral and enteral nutrition (PN + EN) support in neurosurgical coma patients. Eighty cases of neurosurgical coma patients were randomly divided into intervention group and control group. The intervention group received early PN + EN support, and the control group received only total enteral nutritional (TEN) support. The levels of hemoglobin (HGB), serum albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PA), and retinol-binding protein (RBP) in two groups on days 1, 10, and 20 were observed. The incidences of pneumonia, stress ulcer, abnormal liver function, abdominal distension, and diarrhea between two groups were also compared. Results found that, on day 10, compared with the control group, the levels of HGB, PA, and RBP in the intervention group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). On day 20, ALB in the intervention group significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the incidences of pneumonia, abdominal distension, and diarrhea in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with only TEN support, early PN + EN support can obviously improve the nutritional status of neurosurgical coma patients and reduce the occurrence of complications.

  4. Chromatin remodeling agent trichostatin A: a key-factor in the hepatic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells derived of adult bone marrow

    PubMed Central

    Snykers, Sarah; Vanhaecke, Tamara; De Becker, Ann; Papeleu, Peggy; Vinken, Mathieu; Van Riet, Ivan; Rogiers, Vera

    2007-01-01

    Background The capability of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) derived of adult bone marrow to undergo in vitro hepatic differentiation was investigated. Results Exposure of hMSC to a cocktail of hepatogenic factors [(fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), insulin-transferrin-sodium-selenite (ITS) and dexamethasone)] failed to induce hepatic differentiation. Sequential exposure to these factors (FGF-4, followed by HGF, followed by HGF+ITS+dexamethasone), however, resembling the order of secretion during liver embryogenesis, induced both glycogen-storage and cytokeratin (CK)18 expression. Additional exposure of the cells to trichostatin A (TSA) considerably improved endodermal differentiation, as evidenced by acquisition of an epithelial morphology, chronological expression of hepatic proteins, including hepatocyte-nuclear factor (HNF)-3β, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), CK18, albumin (ALB), HNF1α, multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP)2 and CCAAT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)α, and functional maturation, i.e. upregulated ALB secretion, urea production and inducible cytochrome P450 (CYP)-dependent activity. Conclusion hMSC are able to undergo mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition. TSA is hereby essential to promote differentiation of hMSC towards functional hepatocyte-like cells. PMID:17407549

  5. Hepatoprotective effect of Ginkgoselect Phytosome in rifampicin induced liver injury in rats: evidence of antioxidant activity.

    PubMed

    Naik, Suresh R; Panda, Vandana S

    2008-09-01

    The protective effects of Ginkgoselect Phytosome (GBP) on Rifampicin (RMP) induced hepatotoxicity and the probable mechanism(s) involved in this protection were investigated in rats. Liver damage was induced in Wistar rats by administering rifampicin (500 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 30 days. Simultaneously, GBP at 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, and the reference drug silymarin (100 mg/kg) were administered orally for 30 days/daily to RMP treated rats. Levels of marker enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and SALP), albaumin (Alb) and total proteins (TP) were assessed in serum. The effects of GBP on lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR) were assayed in liver homogenates to evaluate antioxidant activity. GBP (25 and 50 mg/kg) and silymarin elicited a significant hepatoprotective activity by lowering the levels of serum marker enzymes and lipid peroxidation and elevated the levels of GSH, SOD, CAT, GPX, GR, Alb and TP in a dose dependant manner. The present findings suggest that the hepatoprotective effect of GBP in RMP induced oxidative damage may be related to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity.

  6. Blood Chemistry Reference Values for Free-Ranging Asiatic Black Bears ( Ursus thibetanus) by Season, Age, and Sex.

    PubMed

    Yang, Jeong-Jin; Jeong, Dong-Hyuk; Lim, Yoon-Kyu

    2018-04-19

    Physiological characteristics, such as blood chemistry values, are valuable for evaluating the health of the animals. To our knowledge, these values have never been reported for the free-ranging Asiatic black bear ( Ursus thibetanus; ABB). Thus, 28 blood chemistry values from 50 free-ranging ABBs captured in Jirisan National Park, Republic of Korea, from 2005 to 2016 were evaluated. The aim of this study was to establish blood chemistry reference values for the free-ranging ABBs during both the hibernating and nonhibernating seasons. During hibernation, mean values of creatinine (CRE), total cholesterol, total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), triglycerides, and Mg were significantly higher than those during nonhibernation; however, mean values of blood urea nitrogen, urea nitrogen to creatinine (U/C) ratio, inorganic phosphorous (IP), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly lower. Age differences (young vs. adult) were found in IP, LDH, TP, and ALB values during hibernation and in the U/C ratio, Ca, IP, ALP, creatine kinase myocardial band, CRE, total bilirubin, and uric acid values during nonhibernation. However, there were no sex differences (male vs. female).

  7. Mosaicing of airborne LiDAR bathymetry strips based on Monte Carlo matching

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Fanlin; Su, Dianpeng; Zhang, Kai; Ma, Yue; Wang, Mingwei; Yang, Anxiu

    2017-09-01

    This study proposes a new methodology for mosaicing airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) bathymetry (ALB) data based on Monte Carlo matching. Various errors occur in ALB data due to imperfect system integration and other interference factors. To account for these errors, a Monte Carlo matching algorithm based on a nonlinear least-squares adjustment model is proposed. First, the raw data of strip overlap areas were filtered according to their relative drift of depths. Second, a Monte Carlo model and nonlinear least-squares adjustment model were combined to obtain seven transformation parameters. Then, the multibeam bathymetric data were used to correct the initial strip during strip mosaicing. Finally, to evaluate the proposed method, the experimental results were compared with the results of the Iterative Closest Points (ICP) and three-dimensional Normal Distributions Transform (3D-NDT) algorithms. The results demonstrate that the algorithm proposed in this study is more robust and effective. When the quality of the raw data is poor, the Monte Carlo matching algorithm can still achieve centimeter-level accuracy for overlapping areas, which meets the accuracy of bathymetry required by IHO Standards for Hydrographic Surveys Special Publication No.44.

  8. Modelling submerged coastal environments: Remote sensing technologies, techniques, and comparative analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dillon, Chris

    Built upon remote sensing and GIS littoral zone characterization methodologies of the past decade, a series of loosely coupled models aimed to test, compare and synthesize multi-beam SONAR (MBES), Airborne LiDAR Bathymetry (ALB), and satellite based optical data sets in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada, eco-region. Bathymetry and relative intensity metrics for the MBES and ALB data sets were run through a quantitative and qualitative comparison, which included outputs from the Benthic Terrain Modeller (BTM) tool. Substrate classification based on relative intensities of respective data sets and textural indices generated using grey level co-occurrence matrices (GLCM) were investigated. A spatial modelling framework built in ArcGIS(TM) for the derivation of bathymetric data sets from optical satellite imagery was also tested for proof of concept and validation. Where possible, efficiencies and semi-automation for repeatable testing was achieved using ArcGIS(TM) ModelBuilder. The findings from this study could assist future decision makers in the field of coastal management and hydrographic studies. Keywords: Seafloor terrain characterization, Benthic Terrain Modeller (BTM), Multi-beam SONAR, Airborne LiDAR Bathymetry, Satellite Derived Bathymetry, ArcGISTM ModelBuilder, Textural analysis, Substrate classification.

  9. First report of a complete genome sequence for a begomovirus infecting Jatropha gossypifolia in the Americas.

    PubMed

    Simmonds-Gordon, R N; Collins-Fairclough, A M; Stewart, C S; Roye, M E

    2014-10-01

    Jatropha gossypifolia is a weed that is commonly found with yellow mosaic symptoms growing along the roadside and in close proximity to cultivated crops in many farming communities in Jamaica. For the first time, the complete genome sequence of a new begomovirus, designated jatropha mosaic virus-[Jamaica:Spanish Town:2004] (JMV-[JM:ST:04]), was determined from field-infected J. gossypifolia in the western hemisphere. DNA-A nucleotide sequence comparisons showed closest identity (84 %) to two tobacco-infecting viruses from Cuba, tobacco mottle leaf curl virus-[Cuba:Sancti Spiritus:03] (TbMoLCV-[CU:SS:03]) and tobacco leaf curl Cuba virus-[Cuba:Taguasco:2005] (TbLCuCUV-[CU:Tag:05]), and two weed-infecting viruses from Cuba and Jamaica, Rhynchosia rugose golden mosaic virus-[Cuba:Camaguey:171:2009] (RhRGMV- [CU:Cam:171:09]) and Wissadula golden mosaic St. Thomas virus-[Jamaica:Albion:2005] (WGMSTV-[JM:Alb:05]). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that JMV-[JM:ST:04] is most closely related to tobacco and tomato viruses from Cuba and WGMSTV-[JM:Alb:05], a common malvaceous-weed-infecting virus from eastern Jamaica, and that it is distinct from begomoviruses infecting Jatropha species in India and Nigeria.

  10. Shallow Water Laser Bathymetry: Accomplishments and Applications

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-05-12

    developed specifically to detect underwater mines , such as the Airborne Laser Radar Mine Sensor (ALARMS) built by Optech for the U.S. Defense...borne mine detection based upon an earlier proven ALB receiver configuration, was developed from urgent requirements related to the Persian Gulf War...resolution depiction of a large area which had recently been mined for a neighboring beach restoration project, it highlighted the capability for

  11. Alerta De Insecto-Escarabajo asiatico de antenoas largas

    Treesearch

    Marco A. Fonseca; Ronald F. Billings

    Hay probablemente una sola generacion de ALB por a'o. Los escarabajos adultos por lo general estan presentes de mayo a octubre, pero se pueden encontrar mas temprano en la primavera o mas tarde en el oto?o si las temperaturas son calidas. Los adultos por lo general permanecen en el arbol del que emergieron o se pueden desplazar por distancias cortas hacia un...

  12. A SOF Damage Control Resuscitation Cocktail

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-05-01

    include Hextend for volume resuscitation and tissue perfusion, fibrinogen concentrate for hemostasis, and tranexamic acid for hemostasis. These...for hemostasis, and tranexamic acid for hemostasis. These components are tested in a combat-relevant swine polytrauma model of hemorrhagic shock with...HexVasoCntl HexVasoAlb Ctrl 4 4 would not allow adequate blood loss from the aortic tear, preventing testing of fibrinogen and tranexamic acid as

  13. Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Troponin T-Hypersensitivity Levels Correlate With the Severity of Liver Dysfunction in Liver Cirrhosis.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Jiancheng; Li, Sai; Ren, Linan; Guo, Xiaozhong; Qi, Xingshun

    2017-08-01

    Increased pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) or troponin T-hypersensitivity (TnT-HSST) levels are common in liver cirrhosis. We conducted a retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the correlation of pro-BNP and TnT-HSST levels with the clinical characteristics, laboratory data and in-hospital outcomes of patients with liver cirrhosis. We selected cirrhotic patients admitted to our hospital between January 2011 and June 2014. All eligible patients had pro-BNP or TnT-HSST data, or both. The pro-BNP and TnT-HSST data were further divided according to the presence of cardiac diseases. The prevalence of pro-BNP level >900pg/mL was 41.72% (63 of 151 patients). The prevalence of TnT-HSST level >0.05ng/mL was 11.22% (45 of 401 patients). In the overall analysis, pro-BNP level significantly correlated with red blood cell (RBC), platelet, ascites, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), Child-Pugh score, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score and in-hospital death; TnT-HSST level significantly correlated with white blood cell, ascites, albumin (ALB), BUN, Cr, Child-Pugh score, MELD score and in-hospital death. In patients with cardiac diseases, pro-BNP level significantly correlated with RBC, ascites, BUN, Cr, Child-Pugh score and MELD score; TnT-HSST level significantly correlated with sex, ascites, white blood cell, ALB, BUN, Cr, Child-Pugh score, MELD score and in-hospital death. In patients without cardiac diseases, pro-BNP level significantly correlated with ascites, RBC, platelet, BUN, Cr, MELD score and in-hospital death; TnT-HSST level significantly correlated with age, ascites, RBC, ALB, BUN, Cr, Child-Pugh score, MELD score and in-hospital death. Pro-BNP and TnT-HSST levels significantly correlated with the severity of liver dysfunction and in-hospital mortality in cirrhosis. Copyright © 2017 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. The effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on hepatic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

    PubMed

    Alizadeh, Effat; Zarghami, Nosratollah; Eslaminejad, Mohamadreza Baghaban; Akbarzadeh, Abolfazl; Barzegar, Abolfazl; Mohammadi, Seyed Abolghasem

    2016-01-01

    Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) are suitable choices in autologous stem cell treatment of liver-associated diseases due to their hepatic differentiation potential. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is an amphipathic molecule with potential of delivering both lipophilic and hydrophilic agents into cells, also a common cryoprotectant for freezing of the cells. DMSO was used in some protocols for induction of AT-MSCs towards hepatocyte like cells. However, the effect of DMSO on hepatogenic differentiation of AT-MSCs were not surveyed, previously. In the present study, we aimed at evaluation of the effect of DMSO on differentiation of AT-MSCs into hepatic lineage. We isolated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from adipose tissue, and then verifies multi-potency and surface markers of AT-MSCs . Isolated AT-MSCs randomly dispensed in four groups including Group 1: HGF treated, 2: HGF+ DMSO treated, 3: HGF+ DMSO+ OSM treated, and group control for a period of 3 weeks in the expansion medium without serum; EGF and bFGF were also included in the first days of inductions. The morphologic changes during induction period was observed with microscopy. The secretion of albumin (ALB) of the differentiating MSCs was investigated using ELISA, and urea production was evaluated using colorimetric assay. The qRT-PCR was performed for quantitation of hepatocyte marker genes including AFP, ALB, CK18, HNF4a, and HNF6. The glycogen storage of differentiated cells was visualized by periodic-acid Schiff‘s staining. The results demonstrate that DMSO speeds up hepatic differentiation of AT-MSCs characterized by rapid changes in morphology; higher expression of hepatic marker gene (ALB) in both mRNA and protein level (P < 0.05); also increased transcriptional levels of other liver genes including CK18, HNF4a, and HNF6 (P < 0.01); and moreover, greater percentage of glycogen storage(p < 0.05) in DMSO-treated groups. DMSO catalyzes hepatic

  15. Determination of plasma volume by indocyanine green--validation of the method and use in patients after cardiopulmonary bypass.

    PubMed

    Menth-Meier, S E; Imoberdorf, R; Regli, B; Kipfer, B; Turgay, M; Ballmer, P E

    2001-05-01

    Validation of plasma volume (PV) determination by indocyanine green (ICG) in comparison to the gold-standard method with radioiodinated albumin, and investigation of the effect of commonly used plasma expanders (albumin, hydroxyethyl starch, and polygelatine) on PV in the early postoperative phase in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Prospective clinical study. Department of medicine and intensive care unit at a university hospital. Ten healthy volunteers and 21 patients after elective open-heart surgery. PV of subjects was measured by i.v. injecting 5 microCi [125I]albumin (I-ALB). One hour later, PV was determined by a peripheral i. v. injection of 0.25 mg/kg body weight ICG (ICG1). In five subjects PV was measured repeatedly by ICG (ICG2) 1 h after ICG1. Mean PV of I-ALB and ICG1 or ICG2 showed consistent results. Further, we investigated central vs peripheral intravenous injection of ICG in six patients after open-heart surgery compared to [125I]albumin. There was no difference between mean PV measured by [125I]albumin and peripheral ICG (P = 0.40). PV determined by central injection of ICG was significantly higher than by the other methods. In 15 patients PV was determined by [125I]albumin. Thereafter, patients were randomly divided into three groups. Group ALB was infused with 1.75 ml/kg body weight human albumin 20%, group HAES with 5.25 ml/kg body weight hydroxyethyl starch 6%, and group HAEM with 7.0 ml/kg body weight polygelatine 3.5%. PV was measured 1 h and 4 h after infusion by ICG. There were no significant changes in PV between the groups. PV determination by peripheral i. v. injection of ICG produced reliable and consistent results when a reactive hyperaemia was produced by a tourniquet prior to injection. Therefore, central venous injection of ICG may not be prerequisite for precise measurements of PV. The expected acute increase in PV after infusion of commonly used plasma expanders after cardiac surgery was not found.

  16. Ultrasound Irradiation Combined with Hepatocyte Growth Factor Accelerate the Hepatic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

    PubMed

    Li, Fan; Liu, Yang; Cai, Yingyu; Li, Xin; Bai, Min; Sun, Ting; Du, Lianfang

    2018-05-01

    This study investigated the impact of ultrasound (US) irradiation on the hepatic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) induced by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and the possible mechanisms. We treated hBMSCs, using HGF with and without US irradiation. Cell viability and stem cell surface markers were analyzed. Hepatocyte-like cell markers and functional markers including α-fetoprotein (αFP/AFP), cytokeratin 18 (CK18), albumin (ALB) and glycogen content were analyzed at the time point of day 1, 3 and 5 after treatment. The involvement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was evaluated as well. The results showed that the US treatment at 1.0 W/cm 2 or 1.5 W/cm 2 for 30 s or 60 s conditions yielded favorable cell viability and engendered stem cell differentiation. At day 5, the expressions of AFP, CK18, ALB and the glycogen content were significantly elevated in the US-treated group at both messenger ribonucleic acid and protein levels (all p <0.05), in comparison with HGF and control groups. Among all the US treated groups, the expression levels of specific hepatic markers in the (1.5 W/cm 2 for 60 s) group were the highest. Furthermore, Wnt1, β-Catenin, c-Myc and Cyclin D1 were significantly increased after US irradiation (all p <0.05), and the enhancements of c-Myc and Cyclin D1 could be obviously impaired by the inhibitor ICG-001 (p <0.05, p <0.05), in accordance with decreased ALB and CK18 expression and glycogen content (all p <0.05). In conclusion, US irradiation was able to promote the hBMSCs' differentiation mediated by HGF in vitro safely, easily and controllably. The activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was involved in this process. US irradiation could serve as a potentially beneficial tool for the research and application of stem cell differentiation. Copyright © 2018 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Assessment of Anthelmintic Efficacy of Mebendazole in School Children in Six Countries Where Soil-Transmitted Helminths Are Endemic

    PubMed Central

    Levecke, Bruno; Montresor, Antonio; Albonico, Marco; Ame, Shaali M.; Behnke, Jerzy M.; Bethony, Jeffrey M.; Noumedem, Calvine D.; Engels, Dirk; Guillard, Bertrand; Kotze, Andrew C.; Krolewiecki, Alejandro J.; McCarthy, James S.; Mekonnen, Zeleke; Periago, Maria V.; Sopheak, Hem; Tchuem-Tchuenté, Louis-Albert; Duong, Tran Thanh; Huong, Nguyen Thu; Zeynudin, Ahmed; Vercruysse, Jozef

    2014-01-01

    Background Robust reference values for fecal egg count reduction (FECR) rates of the most widely used anthelmintic drugs in preventive chemotherapy (PC) programs for controlling soil-transmitted helminths (STHs; Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm) are still lacking. However, they are urgently needed to ensure detection of reduced efficacies that are predicted to occur due to growing drug pressure. Here, using a standardized methodology, we assessed the FECR rate of a single oral dose of mebendazole (MEB; 500 mg) against STHs in six trials in school children in different locations around the world. Our results are compared with those previously obtained for similarly conducted trials of a single oral dose of albendazole (ALB; 400 mg). Methodology The efficacy of MEB, as assessed by FECR, was determined in six trials involving 5,830 school children in Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, United Republic of Tanzania, and Vietnam. The efficacy of MEB was compared to that of ALB as previously assessed in 8,841 school children in India and all the above-mentioned study sites, using identical methodologies. Principal Findings The estimated FECR rate [95% confidence interval] of MEB was highest for A. lumbricoides (97.6% [95.8; 99.5]), followed by hookworm (79.6% [71.0; 88.3]). For T. trichiura, the estimated FECR rate was 63.1% [51.6; 74.6]. Compared to MEB, ALB was significantly more efficacious against hookworm (96.2% [91.1; 100], p<0.001) and only marginally, although significantly, better against A. lumbricoides infections (99.9% [99.0; 100], p = 0.012), but equally efficacious for T. trichiura infections (64.5% [44.4; 84.7], p = 0.906). Conclusions/Significance A minimum FECR rate of 95% for A. lumbricoides, 70% for hookworm, and 50% for T. trichiura is expected in MEB-dependent PC programs. Lower FECR results may indicate the development of potential drug resistance. PMID:25299391

  18. An improved method for retrospective quantification of sulfur mustard exposure by detection of its albumin adduct using ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Liu, ChangCai; Liang, LongHui; Xiang, Yu; Yu, HuiLan; Zhou, ShiKun; Xi, HaiLing; Liu, ShiLei; Liu, JingQuan

    2015-09-01

    Sulfur mustard (HD) adduct to human serum albumin (ALB) at Cys-34 residue has become an important and long-term retrospective biomarker of HD exposure. Here, a novel, sensitive, and convenient approach for retrospective quantification of HD concentration exposed to plasma was established by detection of the HD-ALB adduct using ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) with a novel non-isotope internal standard (IS). The HD-ALB adduct was isolated from HD-exposed plasma with blue Sepharose. The adduct was digested with proteinase K to form sulfur-hydroxyethylthioethyl ([S-HETE])-Cys-Pro-Phe tripeptide biomarker. The tripeptide adduct could be directly analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS without an additional solid phase extraction (SPE), which was considered as a critical procedure in previous methods. The easily available 2-chloroethyl ethylsulfide (2-CEES) as HD surrogate was first reported to be used as IS in place of traditional d8-HD for quantification of HD exposure. Furthermore, 2-CEES was also confirmed to be a good IS alternative for quantification of HD exposure by investigation of product ion spectra for their corresponding tripeptide adducts which exhibited identical MS/MS fragmentation behaviors. The method was found to be linear between 1.00 and 250 ng•mL(-1) HD exposure (R(2)>0.9989) with precision of <4.50% relative standard deviation (%RSD), accuracy range between 96.5% and 114%, and a calculated limit of detection (LOD) of 0.532 ng•mL(-1). The lowest reportable limit (LRL) is 1.00 ng•mL(-1), over seven times lower than that of the previous method. The entire method required only 0.1 mL of plasma sample and took under 7 h without special sample preparation equipment. It is proven to be a sensitive, simple, and rugged method, which is easily applied in international laboratories to improve the capabilities for the analysis of biomedical samples related to verification of the Chemical Weapon Convention (CWC).

  19. Post-exercise proteinuria in the cadets trained on Special Aerial Gymnastics Instruments.

    PubMed

    Wochyński, Zbigniew; Sobiech, Krzysztof

    2015-01-01

    Assessment of the effect of training on Special Aerial Gymnastics Instruments (SAGI) on the urine β-2- microglobulin (β-2M), albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase EC.3.2.1.30 (NAG), expressed as creatinine (Cr) and on the physical fitness of the examined cadets in comparison with the control group. The study involved 55 cadets aged 20, divided into group A (N = 41) trained on SAGI, and group B (N = 14) - a control group. The urine was collected twice: before the training (BT) and after the training (AT) at the start (training I), during (training II), and after completion of the training program (training III). Urine proteins were assayed with commercially available kits. In group A, results obtained in trainings I, II and III showed a statistically significant increase in β-2M/Cr, NAG/Cr, TP/Cr, ALB/Cr indices in AT compared with the baseline BT values. Similarly in group B, a statistically significant increase in β-2M/Cr, NAG/Cr (trainings I, II), TP/Cr, AT compared with the baseline BT values in trainings I, II, and III was noted. Comparison of both groups showed a higher value of the post-exercise proteinuria in group B than in group A. In group A, a significant correlation between TP/Cr vs. ALB/Cr, NAG/Cr vs. TP/Cr, β-2M/Cr vs. TP/Cr, i.e., r = 0.62 at p < 0.001; r = 0.33 at p = 0.03; r = 0.60 at p < 0.001, and r = 0.52 at p < 0.001, respectively, was observed in group A, training III, AT. Assayed urine proteins depend on the intensity of physical exercise, the type of exercise, and the level of physical fitness. This work is available in Open Access model and licensed under a CC BY-NC 3.0 PL license.

  20. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yi, Xiu-Chun; Xi, Fu-Gui; Wang, Kun

    From a new dicarboxylate ligand, 9H-carbazole-2,7-dicarboxylic acid (2,7-H{sub 2}CDC), three Zn(II) metal-organic frameworks were synthesized in the absence or presence of ditopic N-donor ligands. They are formulated as [Zn{sub 5}(μ{sub 3}-OH){sub 2}(2,7-CDC){sub 4}(DEF){sub 2}] (1) (DEF=N,N-diethylformamide), [Zn{sub 2}(2,7-CDC){sub 2}(DABCO)(H{sub 2}O)]·5DMF·H{sub 2}O (2) (DABCO=1-diaza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, DMF=N,N-dimethylformamide), and [Zn{sub 2}(2,7-CDC){sub 2}(bpea)]·3DMA·2 H{sub 2}O (3) (bpea=1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylane, DMA=N,N-dimethylacetamide). Compounds 1 and 3 display the 3D pcu frameworks. In 1 the unusual pentanuclear [Zn{sub 5}(μ{sub 3}-OH){sub 2}(COO){sub 8}] secondary building units (SBUs) are linked by dicarboxylate ligands. Differently, in 3 the well-known paddle–wheel [Zn{sub 2}(COO){sub 4}] SBUs are linked by dicarboxylate and dipyridyl ligands. Compound 2more » shows the rare self-catenated 3D alb-3,6-C2/c net topology based on the dinuclear paddle–wheel SBU and a mononuclear unit. The stability and fluorescent properties of the compounds have been studied. - Graphical abstract: A new dicarboxylate ligand, 9H-carbazole-2,7-dicarboxylic acid, was used to construct Zn(II) metal-organic frameworks, including a novel self-catenated network with the rare 3D alb-3,6-C2/c net and two pcu-type networks based on an unprecedented pentanuclear clusters and the common paddle–wheel units. The compounds show blue fluorescent properties. Display Omitted - Highlights: • MOFs with a new carbazole-based dicarboxylate ligand. • New pentanuclear [Zn{sub 5}(μ{sub 3}-OH){sub 2}(COO){sub 8}] secondary building unit. • The rare self-catenated 3D alb-3,6-C2/c net.« less

  1. The inner structure of landslides and landslide-prone slopes in south German cuesta landscapes assessed by geophysical, geomorphological and sedimentological approaches

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schwindt, Daniel; Sandmeier, Christine; Büdel, Christian; Jäger, Daniel; Wilde, Martina; Terhorst, Birgit

    2016-04-01

    Investigations on landslide activity in the cuesta landscape of Germany, usually characterized by an interbedding of morphologically hard (e.g. sand-/limestones) and soft (clay) sedimentary rocks are relatively sparse. However, spring 2013 has once again revealed a high susceptibility of the slopes in the Franconian and Swabian Alb to mass movements, when enduring rainfalls initiated numerous landslides causing considerable damage to settlements and infrastructure. Many aspects like the spatial distribution of landslides, triggering factors, and process dynamics - especially with view on the reactivation of landslides - require intensive investigations to allow for assessment of the landslide vulnerability and the development of reliable early-warning systems. Aim of the study is to achieve a deeper insight into the triggering factors and the process dynamics of landslides in the cuesta landscape with special regard on landslide proneness of slopes and the potential reactivation of old landslides. A multi-methodological approach was conducted based on geophysical investigations (seismic refraction tomography - SRT, electrical resistivity tomography - ERT), geomorphological mapping, morphometric GIS-based analysis, core soundings and substrate mapping. Study sites are located in the Swabian Alb (southwestern Germany) in the Jurassic escarpment where where Oxfordian marls and limestones superimpose Callovian clays, as well as in the northeastern Franconian Alb, within the escarpment of the so called Rhätolias with with red claystones of the late Norian (Feuerletten formation) below interbedding layers of sand- and claystones of the Rhaetian (Upper Triassic) and Hettangian ( Lower Jurassic). The investigated landslides strongly differ with respect to their age, from young landslides originated in spring 2013 to ancient landslides. Investigations reveal a distinct diversity of landslide types composed of a complex combination of processes. The applied methods allow

  2. Plectin controls biliary tree architecture and stability in cholestasis.

    PubMed

    Jirouskova, Marketa; Nepomucka, Katerina; Oyman-Eyrilmez, Gizem; Kalendova, Alzbeta; Havelkova, Helena; Sarnova, Lenka; Chalupsky, Karel; Schuster, Bjoern; Benada, Oldrich; Miksatkova, Petra; Kuchar, Martin; Fabian, Ondrej; Sedlacek, Radislav; Wiche, Gerhard; Gregor, Martin

    2018-05-01

    Plectin, a highly versatile cytolinker protein, controls intermediate filament cytoarchitecture and cellular stress response. In the present study, we investigate the role of plectin in the liver under basal conditions and in experimental cholestasis. We generated liver-specific plectin knockout (Ple Δalb ) mice and analyzed them using two cholestatic liver injury models: bile duct ligation (BDL) and 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) feeding. Primary hepatocytes and a cholangiocyte cell line were used to address the impact of plectin on keratin filament organization and stability in vitro. Plectin deficiency in hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells led to aberrant keratin filament network organization, biliary tree malformations, and collapse of bile ducts and ductules. Further, plectin ablation significantly aggravated biliary damage upon cholestatic challenge. Coincidently, we observed a significant expansion of A6-positive progenitor cells in Ple Δalb livers. After BDL, plectin-deficient bile ducts were prominently dilated with more frequent ruptures corresponding to an increased number of bile infarcts. In addition, more abundant keratin aggregates indicated less stable keratin filaments in Ple Δalb hepatocytes. A transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed a compromised tight junction formation in plectin-deficient biliary epithelial cells. In addition, protein profiling showed increased expression of the adherens junction protein E-Cadherin, and inefficient upregulation of the desmosomal protein desmoplakin in response to BDL. In vitro analyses revealed a higher susceptibility of plectin-deficient keratin networks to stress-induced collapse, paralleled by elevated activation of p38 MAP kinase. Our study shows that by maintaining proper keratin network cytoarchitecture and biliary epithelial stability, plectin plays a critical role in protecting the liver from stress elicited by cholestasis. Plectin is a cytolinker protein capable of

  3. Assessment of the anthelmintic efficacy of albendazole in school children in seven countries where soil-transmitted helminths are endemic.

    PubMed

    Vercruysse, Jozef; Behnke, Jerzy M; Albonico, Marco; Ame, Shaali Makame; Angebault, Cécile; Bethony, Jeffrey M; Engels, Dirk; Guillard, Bertrand; Nguyen, Thi Viet Hoa; Kang, Gagandeep; Kattula, Deepthi; Kotze, Andrew C; McCarthy, James S; Mekonnen, Zeleke; Montresor, Antonio; Periago, Maria Victoria; Sumo, Laurentine; Tchuenté, Louis-Albert Tchuem; Dang, Thi Cam Thach; Zeynudin, Ahmed; Levecke, Bruno

    2011-03-29

    The three major soil-transmitted helminths (STH) Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Necator americanus/Ancylostoma duodenale are among the most widespread parasites worldwide. Despite the global expansion of preventive anthelmintic treatment, standard operating procedures to monitor anthelmintic drug efficacy are lacking. The objective of this study, therefore, was to define the efficacy of a single 400 milligram dose of albendazole (ALB) against these three STH using a standardized protocol. Seven trials were undertaken among school children in Brazil, Cameroon, Cambodia, Ethiopia, India, Tanzania and Vietnam. Efficacy was assessed by the Cure Rate (CR) and the Fecal Egg Count Reduction (FECR) using the McMaster egg counting technique to determine fecal egg counts (FEC). Overall, the highest CRs were observed for A. lumbricoides (98.2%) followed by hookworms (87.8%) and T. trichiura (46.6%). There was considerable variation in the CR for the three parasites across trials (country), by age or the pre-intervention FEC (pre-treatment). The latter is probably the most important as it had a considerable effect on the CR of all three STH. Therapeutic efficacies, as reflected by the FECRs, were very high for A. lumbricoides (99.5%) and hookworms (94.8%) but significantly lower for T. trichiura (50.8%), and were affected to different extents among the 3 species by the pre-intervention FEC counts and trial (country), but not by sex or age. Our findings suggest that a FECR (based on arithmetic means) of >95% for A. lumbricoides and >90% for hookworms should be the expected minimum in all future surveys, and that therapeutic efficacy below this level following a single dose of ALB should be viewed with concern in light of potential drug resistance. A standard threshold for efficacy against T. trichiura has yet to be established, as a single-dose of ALB is unlikely to be satisfactory for this parasite. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01087099.

  4. AMPKα, hs-CRP and FcγR in diabetic nephropathy and drug intervention.

    PubMed

    Sun, Ping; Lu, Lei; Chen, Jun; Liu, Xiao Dan; Zhang, Qing; Wang, Xu

    2018-06-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of AMP-activated protein kinase α subunit (AMPKα), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and Fcγ receptor (FcγR) in diabetic nephropathy and drug intervention effects. Sixty Sprague Dawley male rats were randomly divided into the control (n=30) and observation (n=30) groups. The model of type 2 diabetic nephropathy was established by high-fat and high-glucose diet and streptozotocin injection. The rats in the observation group were treated with baicalein and the rats in control group did not receive any drug intervention. The pathological changes of kidneys were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The expression of AMPKα mRNA in renal tissue was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The levels of hs-CRP and FcγR were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at 1, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after drug intervention and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and the 24 h urinary micro-albumin (U-ALB) levels were compared at 1, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after intervention. After 8 weeks of drug intervention, the pathological changes of kidneys in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05), while the relative expression levels of AMPKα mRNA and protein in the control group were higher than those in the observation group (p<0.05). The levels of hs-CRP, BUN and 24 h U-ALB in the control group were significantly higher than those in the observation group at different time-points after drug intervention and the level of FcγR in the control group was significantly lower than that in the observation group (p<0.05). Baicalein may protect renal function by inhibiting the expression of AMPKα and inflammatory reaction, and can also decrease BUN and 24 h U-ALB levels and improve the pathological changes of the kidney.

  5. A study on relationship between elderly sarcopenia and inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α.

    PubMed

    Bian, Ai-Lin; Hu, Hui-Ying; Rong, Yu-Dong; Wang, Jian; Wang, Jun-Xiong; Zhou, Xin-Zi

    2017-07-12

    This report aims to study the relationship between sarcopenia of elderly in community and inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α. A total of 441 elders who undertook physical examinations were included into this study. The age of these subjects were >60, in which 235 subjects were male and 206 subjects were female. According to the diagnostic standards of sarcopenia set by EWGSOP and AWGS, these subjects were divided into two groups: sarcopenia, and non-sarcopenia groups. The living habits, disease status, biochemical indexes, and levels of IL-6 and TNF-α of these subjects were investigated. The morbidity rate of sarcopenia was 17.02% in male subjects and 18.9% in female subjects. In elderly subjects >80 years old, morbidity rate was 25.3% in male subjects and 35.1% in female subjects. The history of smoking in patients with sarcopenia was long, and their regular exercise history was short (P < 0.01). Furthermore, differences in handgrip strength (HG), fat-free mass (FFM), bone mineral content (BMC), plasma albumin (ALB) and serum creatinine (Cr), and body fat content (FAT) in patients between the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Moreover, differences in IL-6 and TNF-α levels between these two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In addition, BMI was positively correlated to TNF-α levels, and ALB was negatively correlated to IL-6; while BMI and VFA were positively correlated to TNF-α levels, and SMM, HDL-C, Hb, HG were negatively correlated to IL-6 level (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis suggested plasma ALB and BMI were the independent risk factors of TNF-α, while VFA was the independent risk factor of IL-6. The onset of sarcopenia was associated with poor exercise habits, disease history, and nutritional status. The emergence of sarcopenia was accompanied by increased levels of inflammation factors TNF-α and IL-6. Plasma albumin, BMI, and VFA were inflammatory factor

  6. A comparative research on obesity hypertension by the comparisons and associations between waist circumference, body mass index with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and the clinical laboratory data between four special Chinese adult groups.

    PubMed

    Wu, Ou; Leng, Jian-Hang; Yang, Fen-Fang; Yang, Hai-Ming; Zhang, Hu; Li, Zeng-Fang; Zhang, Xing-Yu; Yuan, Cheng-Da; Li, Jia-Jia; Pan, Qi; Liu, Wei; Ren, Yan-Jun; Liu, Bing; Liu, Qing-Min; Cao, Cheng-Jian

    2018-01-01

    The obesity-hypertension pathogenesis is complex. From the phenotype to molecular mechanism, there is a long way to clarify the mechanism. To explore the association between obesity and hypertension, we correlate the phenotypes such as the waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SB), and diastolic blood pressure (DB) with the clinical laboratory data between four specific Chinese adult physical examination groups (newly diagnosed untreated just-obesity group, newly diagnosed untreated obesity-hypertension group, newly diagnosed untreated just-hypertension group, and normal healthy group), and the results may show something. To explore the mechanisms from obesity to hypertension by analyzing the correlations and differences between WC, BMI, SB, DB, and other clinical laboratory data indices in four specific Chinese adult physical examination groups. This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2012 to July 2014, and 153 adult subjects, 34 women and 119 men, from 21 to 69 years, were taken from four characteristic Chinese adult physical examination groups (newly diagnosed untreated just-obesity group, newly diagnosed untreated obesity-hypertension group, newly diagnosed untreated just-hypertension group, and normal healthy group). The study was approved by the ethics committee of Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention. WC, BMI, SB, DB, and other clinical laboratory data were collected and analyzed by SPSS. Serum levels of albumin (ALB),alanine aminotransferase (ALT), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), uric acid (Ua), and TC/HDLC (odds ratio) were statistically significantly different between the four groups. WC statistically significantly positively correlated with BMI, ALT, Ua, and serum levels of glucose (GLU), and TC/HDLC, and negatively with ALB, HDLC, and serum levels of conjugated bilirubin (CB). BMI

  7. Effects of Oral Tag 1-MeATN02 (TRIAMINOGUANIDINIUM-1-METHYL-5-NITRIMINOTETRAZOLATE-TAG-MNT/K-26) Exposure to Female Rats (RATTUS NORVEGICUS) TAG-MNT/K-26 Exposure to Female Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-08-01

    2009; Williams et al.. 2010), and a reference dose (RfD) of 3 IJg/kg-day based on prostatic inflammation in rodents. RDX is also classified as a...cycle (USACHPPM., 2006). A certified pesticide-free rodent chow (Harlan Teklad®, 8728C Certified Rodent Diet ) and drinking quality tap water were...K, CI Analyzer, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., One IDEXX Drive, Westbrook, ME 04092): albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (ALK P), alanine

  8. Control of Defects in Aluminum Gallium Nitride ((Al)GaN) Films on Grown Aluminum Nitride (AlN) Substrates

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-02-01

    Nord, J.; Albe, K.; Erhart, P.; Nordlund, K. Modelling of Compound Semiconductors: Analytical Bond-order Potential for Gallium , Nitrogen and Gallium ...Control of Defects in Aluminum Gallium Nitride ((Al)GaN) Films on Grown Aluminum Nitride (AlN) Substrates by Iskander G. Batyrev, Chi-Chin Wu...Aluminum Gallium Nitride ((Al)GaN) Films on Grown Aluminum Nitride (AlN) Substrates Iskander G. Batyrev and N. Scott Weingarten Weapons and

  9. Analysis of Secreted Proteins as an in vitro Model for Discovery of Liver Toxicity Markers

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-01-01

    bioactivates a number of chemicals, showing contact inhibition of cell proliferation and a reduction in the ratio of secreted alpha - fetoprotein to albumin...reported, except in the case of the albumin (ALB) and alpha - fetoprotein (AFP) gel bands (see Supporting Information for the list of identified peptides...intensely staining bands were excised and subjected to mass spectral analysis. The most intense band contains albumin and alpha - fetoprotein ; transferrin

  10. Mineralization of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoleune (TNT) in Coastal Waters and Sediments

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-08-21

    subtropical latitudes (Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas ) have very low amounts of particles and CDOM, thus the photic zone may extend much deeper and...There have also been some recent efforts to model the effect of TNT phytoremediation on natural ecosystems (Schoenmuth and Pestemer 2004, Ouyang et al...be most important in determining the suitability of a plant species for TNT phytoremediation (Adamia et al. 2006). In addition to the

  11. Daidzein enhances immune function in late lactation cows under heat stress.

    PubMed

    Liu, De-Yi; He, Shao-Jun; Liu, Shi-Qing; Tang, Yi-Guo; Jin, Er-Hui; Chen, Hui-Liang; Li, Sheng-He; Zhong, Liang-Ting

    2014-01-01

    Heat stress decreases natural immunity making cows more vulnerable to diseases. A previous study reported that daidzein can enhance animal resistance to heat stress and regulate animal immunocompetence. However, it is unclear whether daidzein regulates the immune performance of late lactation cows under heat stress. In this study, late lactation cows in four groups were raised in hot weather and fed with basic diet, basic diet plus 200, 300, 400 mg/day daidzein, respectively, and the experimental period was 60 days. Blood was collected to examine the changes of serum total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), immunoglobulin G (IgG), interferon alpha (IFN-α), and interleukin-2 (IL-2). We found the levels of serum IgG and INF-α were significantly higher in late lactation cows after 300 and 400 mg/day daidzein treatment compared to those in the control group and 200 mg/day daidzein treatment (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Moreover, 300 and 400 mg/day daidzein treatment markedly increased serum IL-2 (P < 0.01), while the levels of serum TP and ALB were not changed by any concentration of daidzein treatment (P > 0.05). Daidzein can enhance the immunocompetence of late lactation cows and strengthen cow resistance to heat stress. © 2013 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

  12. Elevated removal of middle molecules without significant albumin loss with mixed-dilution hemodiafiltration for patients unable to provide sufficient blood flow rates.

    PubMed

    Potier, Jacky; Le Roy, Frank; Faucon, Jean Paul; Besselièvre, Thibault; Renaudineau, Eric; Farquet, Christian; Soihan, Pascale; Touzard, Dominique; Djema, Asia; Ilinca, Toma

    2013-01-01

    We examined the hypothesis that mixed-dilution online hemodiafiltration (MIXED) rather than predilution online hemodiafiltration (PRE) could enable patients with low blood flow rate (Qb) to benefit from advantages of convective therapies. Thirty-eight patients were included in a prospective, randomized, crossover and multicenter study conducted with a view to comparing the equilibrated Kt/V, reduction ratio (RR) of phosphates, β2-microglobulin (β2-M) and myoglobin (myo) between PRE and MIXED, each at two Qb values of 250 and 300 ml/min during 4 h sessions with a FX1000HDF dialyzer. Albumin losses (Alb) were also measured in 12 patients. MIXED was always found to be more efficient compared to PRE notably for middle molecules (MM). RRβ2-M: MIX250: 81.3 ± 3.6 vs. PRE250: 75.2 ± 5.9; MIX300: 82.7 ± 3.6 vs. PRE300: 78.1 ± 5.4; RRmyo: MIX250: 70.2 ± 3.6 vs. PRE250: 42.6 ± 2.6; MIX300: 70.6 ± 3.6 vs. PRE300: 45.7 ± 3.6 and with Alb <3.0 g/session. MIXED allows patients unable to provide sufficiently high Qb to achieve high levels of MM removal. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  13. Impact of different sofosbuvir based treatment regimens on the biochemical profile of chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 patients.

    PubMed

    Elsharkawy, Aisha; Eletreby, Rasha; Fouad, Rabab; Soliman, Zeinab; Abdallah, Mohamed; Negm, Mohamed; Mohey, Mohammad; Esmat, Gamal

    2017-08-01

    Huge efforts have been made to control chronic HCV in Egypt with introduction of Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs). Current study aims at evaluating effect of various DAA regimens on liver biochemical profile and haematological indices during treatment. 272 patients with chronic HCV genotype 4 treated by different DAA regimens (SOF/RBV, SOF/DAC ± RBV, SOF/SIM) for a duration of 12 or 24 weeks in Kasr Alainy Viral Hepatitis Center, Cairo University were followed up for serum bilirubin (BIL), albumin (ALB), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), prothrombin concentration, international normalized ratio (INR), and CBC at baseline, week-4 and end of treatment. Mean age was 54 years. Males comprised 64.7%, 72.4% were treatment-naïve, 39% were cirrhotic. Overall SVR12 rate was (93.4%). With all regimens, ALT and AST declined after treatment. In cirrhotics, there was a rise in BIL and INR; with no change in ALB and a decrease in White blood cells. Drop in Hemoglobin and platelets in cirrhotic patients were noted with SOF/RBV, while SOF/SIM showed rise in BIL. DAAs are safe and effective in genotype 4 chronic HCV patients. It improves liver necro-inflammatory markers in cirrhotics and non-cirrhotics. Cirrhotic patients require careful observation being more vulnerable for treatment related complications.

  14. Representing Visibility for Siting Problems

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-04-01

    54 Figure 4.13 Alternative Tessellation of R2 Observations .............. 57 Figure 4.14 De -Cluttered Alternative Tessellation from R3 .......... .. 57...basis for a component of the next release of the TL%- AirLand Battle Environment (ALBE) software suite . TEC is also using algorithms developed as part...Considerations in LOS Calculation The details of calculating a LOS often receive relatively small mention in de - scriptions of visibility analyses but can have a

  15. Modelling in situ enzyme potential of soils: a tool to predict soil respiration from agricultural fields

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shahbaz Ali, Rana; Poll, Christian; Demyan, Scott; Nkwain Funkuin, Yvonne; Ingwersen, Joachim; Wizemann, Hans-Dieter; Kandeler, Ellen

    2014-05-01

    The fate of soil organic carbon (SOC) is one of the largest uncertainties in predicting future climate and terrestrial ecosystem functions. Extra-cellular enzymes, produced by microorganisms, perform the very first step in SOC degradation and serve as key components in global carbon cycling. Very little information is available about the seasonal variation in the temperature sensitivity of soil enzymes. Here we aim to model in situ enzyme potentials involved in the degradation of either labile or recalcitrant organic compounds to understand the temporal variability of degradation processes. To identify the similarities in seasonal patterns of soil respiration and in situ enzyme potentials, we compared the modelled in situ enzyme activities with weekly measured soil CO2 emissions. Arable soil samples from two different treatments (4 years fallow and currently vegetated plots; treatments represent range of carbon input into soil) were collected every month from April, 2012 to April, 2013, from two different study regions (Kraichgau and Swabian Alb) in Southwest Germany. The vegetation plots were under crop rotation in both study areas. We measured activities of three enzymes including β-glucosidase, xylanase and phenoloxidase at five different temperatures. We also measured soil microbial biomass in form of microbial carbon (Cmic). Land-use and area had significant effects (P < 0.001) on the microbial biomass; fallow plots having less Cmic than vegetation plots. Potential activities of β-glucosidase (P < 0.001) and xylanase (P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the vegetation plots of the Swabian Alb region than in the Kraichgau region. In both study areas, enzyme activities were higher during vegetation period and lower during winter which points to the importance of carbon input and/or temperature and soil moisture. We calculated the temperature sensitivity (Q10) of enzyme activities based on laboratory measurements of enzyme activities at a range of incubation

  16. Environmental risk assessment for plant pests: a procedure to evaluate their impacts on ecosystem services.

    PubMed

    Gilioli, G; Schrader, G; Baker, R H A; Ceglarska, E; Kertész, V K; Lövei, G; Navajas, M; Rossi, V; Tramontini, S; van Lenteren, J C

    2014-01-15

    The current methods to assess the environmental impacts of plant pests differ in their approaches and there is a lack of the standardized procedures necessary to provide accurate and consistent results, demonstrating the complexity of developing a commonly accepted scheme for this purpose. By including both the structural and functional components of the environment threatened by invasive alien species (IAS), in particular plant pests, we propose an environmental risk assessment scheme that addresses this complexity. Structural components are investigated by evaluating the impacts of the plant pest on genetic, species and landscape diversity. Functional components are evaluated by estimating how plant pests modify ecosystem services in order to determine the extent to which an IAS changes the functional traits that influence ecosystem services. A scenario study at a defined spatial and temporal resolution is then used to explore how an IAS, as an exogenous driving force, may trigger modifications in the target environment. The method presented here provides a standardized approach to generate comparable and reproducible results for environmental risk assessment as a component of Pest Risk Analysis. The method enables the assessment of overall environmental risk which integrates the impacts on different components of the environment and their probabilities of occurrence. The application of the proposed scheme is illustrated by evaluating the environmental impacts of the invasive citrus long-horn beetle, Anoplophora chinensis. © 2013.

  17. Quality of medicines commonly used in the treatment of soil transmitted helminths and giardia in ethiopia: a nationwide survey.

    PubMed

    Suleman, Sultan; Zeleke, Gemechu; Deti, Habtewold; Mekonnen, Zeleke; Duchateau, Luc; Levecke, Bruno; Vercruysse, Jozef; D'Hondt, Matthias; Wynendaele, Evelien; De Spiegeleer, Bart

    2014-12-01

    The presence of poor quality medicines in the market is a global threat on public health, especially in developing countries. Therefore, we assessed the quality of two commonly used anthelminthic drugs [mebendazole (MEB) and albendazole (ALB)] and one antiprotozoal drug [tinidazole (TNZ)] in Ethiopia. A multilevel stratified random sampling, with as strata the different levels of supply chain system in Ethiopia, geographic areas and government/privately owned medicines outlets, was used to collect the drug samples using mystery shoppers. The three drugs (106 samples) were collected from 38 drug outlets (government/privately owned) in 7 major cities in Ethiopia between January and March 2012. All samples underwent visual and physical inspection for labeling and packaging before physico-chemical quality testing and evaluated based on individual monographs in Pharmacopoeias for identification, assay/content, dosage uniformity, dissolution, disintegration and friability. In addition, quality risk was analyzed using failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) and a risk priority number (RPN) was assigned to each quality attribute. A clinically rationalized desirability function was applied in quantification of the overall quality of each medicine. Overall, 45.3% (48/106) of the tested samples were substandard, i.e. not meeting the pharmacopoeial quality specifications claimed by their manufacturers. Assay was the quality attribute most often out-of-specification, with 29.2% (31/106) failure of the total samples. The highest failure was observed for MEB (19/42, 45.2%), followed by TNZ (10/39, 25.6%) and ALB (2/25, 8.0%). The risk analysis showed that assay (RPN = 512) is the most critical quality attribute, followed by dissolution (RPN = 336). Based on Derringer's desirability function, samples were classified into excellent (14/106,13%), good (24/106, 23%), acceptable (38/106, 36%%), low (29/106, 27%) and bad (1/106,1%) quality. This study evidenced that there is a

  18. Effect of total alkaloids from Alstonia scholaris on airway inflammation in rats.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Yun-Li; Shang, Jian-Hua; Pu, Shi-Biao; Wang, Heng-Shan; Wang, Bei; Liu, Lu; Liu, Ya-Ping; Shen, Hong-Mei; Luo, Xiao-Dong

    2016-02-03

    Alstonia scholaris (Apocynaceae) have been traditionally used for treatment of respiratory diseases in "dai" ethnopharmacy for hundreds years, especially for cough, asthma, phlegm, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and so on. The formulas including the leaf extract have also been prescribed in hospitals and sold over the retail pharmacies. A. scholaris is used as a traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of respiratory tract inflammation. However, there is no scientific evidence to validate the use of total alkaloids of A. scholaris in the literature. Here, we investigated the protective activity of total alkaloids (TA), extracted from the leaves of Alstonia scholaris, against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced airway inflammation (AI) in rats. 200 μg/μL LPS was instilled intratracheally in each rat, and then the modeling animals were divided into six groups (n=10, each) randomly: sham group, LPS group, Dexamethasone [1.5mg/kg, intra-gastricly (i.g.)] group, and three different doses (7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg, i.g.) of total alkaloids-treated groups. Corresponding drugs or vehicles were orally administered once per day for 7 days consecutively. The concentration of albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined by fully automatic biochemical analyzer and blood counting instrument. Nitric oxide (NO) level, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were examined by multiskan spectrum, and histological change in the lungs was analyzed by H.E. staining. The levels of inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were measured using ELISA. Total alkaloids decreased the percentage of neutrophil, number of WBC, levels of ALB, AKP and LDH in the BALF, while increased the content of ALB in serum. It also improved SOD activity and increased NO level in the lungs, serum and BALF, and

  19. Differentiation of human foreskin fibroblast-derived induced pluripotent stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jianjun; Zhao, Ping; Wan, Zhihong; Jin, Xueyuan; Cheng, Yongqian; Yan, Tao; Qing, Song; Ding, Ning; Xin, Shaojie

    2016-10-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the differentiation potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) into hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs). The iPSCs were firstly induced by transduction of OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and c-MYC into HFFs using retrovirus. Afterwards, expressions of pluripotency factors were identified by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining, and karyotype, embryoid, and teratoma were observed by microscope. Then, iPSCs were gradually differentiated into endoderm cells, hepatic progenitor cells, and mature HLCs by special culture medium. During this process, differentiation efficiency into each kind of cells was evaluated by detecting SOX17, HNF4a, and ALB using flow cytometry, respectively. Besides, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to detect the secretion of ALB in iPSC-induced HLCs and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the expression levels of hepatocyte-specific genes. The iPSCs were successfully induced by HFFs, which exhibited typical embryonic stem cells morphology, positive alkaline phosphatase staining, normal diploid karyotype, and positive expression of various pluripotency factors. Meanwhile, spherical embryoid and teratoma with 3 germ layers were formed by iPSCs. The iPSCs were consecutively induced into endoderm cells, hepatic progenitor cells and mature HLCs, and the differentiation efficiency was 55.7 ± 2.9%, 45.7 ± 4.8%, and 35.0 ± 3.9%, respectively. Besides, the secretion of ALB and expression of various hepatocyte-specific genes was highly detected in iPSC-induced HLCs. The iPSCs were successfully derived from HFFs and then differentiated into HLCs, which proved a new source for hepatocyte transplantation. HFFs were successfully induced into iPSCs by transduction of OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and c-MYC. Positive expressions of various pluripotency factors were

  20. Assessment of biochemical liver function tests in relation to age among steady state sickle cell anemia patients.

    PubMed

    Akuyam, S A; Abubakar, A; Lawal, N; Yusuf, R; Aminu, S M; Hassan, A; Musa, A; Bello, A K; Yahaya, I A; Okafor, P A

    2017-11-01

    Multiorgan failure including liver dysfunction is a common finding in sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients, the cause of which is multifactorial with advancing age said to be a major determinant. There is a paucity of data on liver function among SCA patients in relation to age in northern Nigerian hospitals, including Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria. This study was to assess the biochemical liver function tests (LFTs) as they relate to age among SCA patients in steady state, with a view to improving the overall monitoring of these patients. This study was carried out in ABUTH, Zaria, Northern Nigeria. LFTs were carried out in 100 SCA and 100 apparently healthy participants (controls). The SCA group was made up of fifty adults and fifty children diagnosed of SCA, whereas the control group was made up of fifty adults and fifty children who were apparently healthy and had hemoglobin AA. Paired two-tailed Student's t-test for matched samples and Pearson's linear correlation statistical methods were employed for the data analysis using Microsoft Office Excel 2007. A P ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. The serum concentrations of total bilirubin (TB), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and AST/ALT ratio were significantly higher in SCA patients compared to the controls (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.05, P = 0.05 and P = 0.001, respectively). Serum total protein (TP) and ALB were significantly lower (P = 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively) in SCA patients compared with the controls. The levels of TB, ALT, AST, ALP, and AST/ALT were significantly lower in SCA adults compared to SCA children, whereas TP and ALB were higher in SCA adults compared to the SCA children. There were significant negative correlations between age and each of TB, ALT, AST, ALP, and AST/ALT, and significant positive correlations between age and each of TP and ALB in SCA patients. There are mild LFTs derangements

  1. Community-based trial of annual versus biannual single-dose ivermectin plus albendazole against Wuchereria bancrofti infection in human and mosquito populations: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial.

    PubMed

    de Souza, Dziedzom K; Ahorlu, Collins S; Adu-Amankwah, Susan; Otchere, Joseph; Mensah, Sedzro K; Larbi, Irene A; Mensah, George E; Biritwum, Nana-Kwadwo; Boakye, Daniel A

    2017-10-02

    The Global Programme for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) has been in operation since the year 2000, with the aim of eliminating the disease by the year 2020, following five to six rounds of effective annual mass drug administration (MDA). The treatment regimen is ivermectin (IVM) in combination with diethylcarbamazine (DEC) or albendazole (ALB). In Ghana, MDA has been undertaken since 2001. While the disease has been eliminated in many areas, transmission has persisted in some implementation units that had experienced 15 or more rounds of MDA. Thus, new intervention strategies could eliminate residual infection in areas of persistent transmission and speed up the lymphatic filariasis (LF)-elimination process. This study, therefore, seeks to test the hypothesis that biannual treatment of LF-endemic communities will accelerate the interruption of LF in areas of persistent transmission. A cluster randomised trial will be implemented in LF-endemic communities in Ghana. The interventions will be yearly or twice-yearly MDA delivered to entire endemic communities. Allocation to study group will be by clusters identified using the prevalence of LF. Clusters will be randomised to one of two groups: receiving either (1) annual treatment with IVM + ALB or (2) annual MDA with IVM + ALB, followed by an additional MDA 6 months later. The primary outcome measure is the prevalence of LF infection, assessed by four cross-sectional surveys. Entomological assessments will also be undertaken to evaluate the transmission intensity of the disease in the study clusters. Costs and cost-effectiveness will be evaluated. Among a random subsample of participants, microfilaria prevalence will be assessed longitudinally. A nested process evaluation, using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and a stakeholder analysis, will investigate the community acceptability, feasibility and scale-up of each delivery system. It is expected that this study will add to

  2. Genetic Basis of Variation in Rice Seed Storage Protein (Albumin, Globulin, Prolamin, and Glutelin) Content Revealed by Genome-Wide Association Analysis.

    PubMed

    Chen, Pingli; Shen, Zhikang; Ming, Luchang; Li, Yibo; Dan, Wenhan; Lou, Guangming; Peng, Bo; Wu, Bian; Li, Yanhua; Zhao, Da; Gao, Guanjun; Zhang, Qinglu; Xiao, Jinghua; Li, Xianghua; Wang, Gongwei; He, Yuqing

    2018-01-01

    Rice seed storage protein (SSP) is an important source of nutrition and energy. Understanding the genetic basis of SSP content and mining favorable alleles that control it will be helpful for breeding new improved cultivars. An association analysis for SSP content was performed to identify underlying genes using 527 diverse Oryza sativa accessions grown in two environments. We identified more than 107 associations for five different traits, including the contents of albumin (Alb), globulin (Glo), prolamin (Pro), glutelin (Glu), and total SSP (Total). A total of 28 associations were located at previously reported QTLs or intervals. A lead SNP sf0709447538, associated for Glu content in the indica subpopulation in 2015, was further validated in near isogenic lines NIL(Zhenshan97) and NIL(Delong208), and the Glu phenotype had significantly difference between two NILs. The association region could be target for map-based cloning of the candidate genes. There were 13 associations in regions close to grain-quality-related genes; five lead single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were located less than 20 kb upstream from grain-quality-related genes ( PG5a , Wx , AGPS2a , RP6 , and, RM1 ). Several starch-metabolism-related genes ( AGPS2a , OsACS6 , PUL , GBSSII , and ISA2 ) were also associated with SSP content. We identified favorable alleles of functional candidate genes, such as RP6 , RM1 , Wx , and other four candidate genes by haplotype analysis and expression pattern. Genotypes of RP6 and RM1 with higher Pro were not identified in japonica and exhibited much higher expression levels in indica group. The lead SNP sf0601764762, repeatedly detected for Alb content in 2 years in the whole association population, was located in the Wx locus that controls the synthesis of amylose. And Alb content was significantly and negatively correlated with amylose content and the level of 2.3 kb Wx pre-mRNA examined in this study. The associations or candidate genes identified would

  3. Modelling Interactions between Forest Pest Invasions and Human Decisions Regarding Firewood Transport Restrictions

    PubMed Central

    Barlow, Lee-Ann; Cecile, Jacob; Bauch, Chris T.; Anand, Madhur

    2014-01-01

    The invasion of nonnative, wood-boring insects such as the Asian longhorned beetle (A. glabripennis) and the emerald ash borer (A. planipennis) is a serious ecological and economic threat to Canadian deciduous and mixed-wood forests. Humans act as a major vector for the spread of these pests via firewood transport, although existing models do not explicitly capture human decision-making regarding firewood transport. In this paper we present a two-patch coupled human-environment system model that includes social influence and long-distance firewood transport and examines potential strategies for mitigating pest spread. We found that increasing concern regarding infestations (f) significantly reduced infestation. Additionally it resulted in multiple thresholds at which the intensity of infestation in a patch was decreased. It was also found that a decrease in the cost of firewood purchased in the area where it is supposed to be burned (C l) resulted in an increased proportion of local-firewood strategists, and a 67% decrease in C l from $6.75 to $4.50 was sufficient to eliminate crosspatch infestation. These effects are synergistic: increasing concern through awareness and education campaigns acts together with reduced firewood costs, thereby reducing the required threshold of both awareness and economic incentives. Our results indicate that the best management strategy includes a combination of public education paired with firewood subsidization. PMID:24736497

  4. Use Of New Industrial Coatings for the U.S. Navy Waterfront Structures

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-01-01

    as a coating for the interior and exterior of piping systems, which either are located in harsh environments or are transporting substances with...SSPC SP 10 Surfaces) (5). SyslCm Coating Sys\\~m A Zinc -rich urethane/MIOa·filled urethane/urethane 314/315/314 B Zinc -rich urethane/MIO-filled...urethanc/MIO-urethane 336/3361336 C Zinc -rich urethancl1vfiO & Alb-fined urethaneiMIO-fiIled 337/3401336 ,1 MicaceQus iron oxide. b Aluminum. urethane

  5. Development of a method for fabricating metallic matrix composite shapes by a continuous mechanical process

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Divecha, A. P.

    1974-01-01

    Attempts made to develop processes capable of producing metal composites in structural shapes and sizes suitable for space applications are described. The processes must be continuous and promise to lower fabrication costs. Special attention was given to the aluminum boride (Al/b) composite system. Results show that despite adequate temperature control, the consolidation characteristics did not improve as expected. Inadequate binder removal was identified as the cause responsible. An Al/c (aluminum-graphite) composite was also examined.

  6. The Relationship Between Fusobacterium Species and Other Flora in Mixed Infection

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-01-01

    inhibition with antibiotics and by quanti- tative cultures of abscess contents. 1-_4r (X) Animals d Male Swiss Alb*ino mice, 20-25 g, were obtained from...of the length and width is zole. Antibiotic levels were determined in serum tr’,, proportional to the outer surface of the abscess. This abscess fluid...at -70 C comparative measure. By this criterion, after 5 days until they were assayed. without antibiotic therapy the abscesses caused by a single

  7. Solute removal capacity of high cut-off membrane plasma separators.

    PubMed

    Ohkubo, Atsushi; Kurashima, Naoki; Nakamura, Ayako; Miyamoto, Satoko; Iimori, Soichiro; Rai, Tatemitsu

    2013-10-01

    In vitro blood filtration was performed by a closed circuit using high cut-off membrane plasma separators, EVACURE EC-2A10 (EC-2A) and EVACURE EC-4A10 (EC-4A). Samples were obtained from sampling sites before the plasma separator, after each plasma separator, and from the ultrafiltrate of each separator. The sieving coefficient (S.C.) of total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), IgG, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), fibrinogen (Fib), antithrombin III (AT-III), and coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) were calculated. The S.C. of each solute using EC-2A and EC-A4 were as follows; TP: 0.25 and 0.56, Alb: 0.32 and 0.73, IgG: 0.16 and 0.50, IL-6:0.73 and 0.95, IL-8:0.85 and 0.82, TNF-α: 1.07 and 0.99, Fib: 0 and 0, FXIII: 0.07 and 0.17, respectively. When compared with the conventional type of membrane plasma separators, EVACURE could efficiently remove cytokines while retaining coagulation factors such as fibrinogen. Moreover, EC-2A prevented protein loss, whereas EC-4A could remove approximately 50% of IgG. © 2013 The Authors. Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis © 2013 International Society for Apheresis.

  8. Small molecule inhibitors of Late SV40 Factor (LSF) abrogate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): Evaluation using an endogenous HCC model.

    PubMed

    Rajasekaran, Devaraja; Siddiq, Ayesha; Willoughby, Jennifer L S; Biagi, Jessica M; Christadore, Lisa M; Yunes, Sarah A; Gredler, Rachel; Jariwala, Nidhi; Robertson, Chadia L; Akiel, Maaged A; Shen, Xue-Ning; Subler, Mark A; Windle, Jolene J; Schaus, Scott E; Fisher, Paul B; Hansen, Ulla; Sarkar, Devanand

    2015-09-22

    Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal malignancy with high mortality and poor prognosis. Oncogenic transcription factor Late SV40 Factor (LSF) plays an important role in promoting HCC. A small molecule inhibitor of LSF, Factor Quinolinone Inhibitor 1 (FQI1), significantly inhibited human HCC xenografts in nude mice without harming normal cells. Here we evaluated the efficacy of FQI1 and another inhibitor, FQI2, in inhibiting endogenous hepatocarcinogenesis. HCC was induced in a transgenic mouse with hepatocyte-specific overexpression of c-myc (Alb/c-myc) by injecting N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) followed by FQI1 or FQI2 treatment after tumor development. LSF inhibitors markedly decreased tumor burden in Alb/c-myc mice with a corresponding decrease in proliferation and angiogenesis. Interestingly, in vitro treatment of human HCC cells with LSF inhibitors resulted in mitotic arrest with an accompanying increase in CyclinB1. Inhibition of CyclinB1 induction by Cycloheximide or CDK1 activity by Roscovitine significantly prevented FQI-induced mitotic arrest. A significant induction of apoptosis was also observed upon treatment with FQI. These effects of LSF inhibition, mitotic arrest and induction of apoptosis by FQI1s provide multiple avenues by which these inhibitors eliminate HCC cells. LSF inhibitors might be highly potent and effective therapeutics for HCC either alone or in combination with currently existing therapies.

  9. [Best time to administer coagulation factor XIII( Fibrogammin P) for postoperative intractable pancreatic fistula following gastrectomy for gastric cancer].

    PubMed

    Shoda, Katsutoshi; Komatsu, Shuhei; Ichikawa, Daisuke; Kubota, Takeshi; Okamoto, Kazuma; Arita, Tomohiro; Konishi, Hirotaka; Murayama, Yasutoshi; Shiozaki, Atsushi; Kuriu, Yoshiaki; Ikoma, Hisashi; Nakanishi, Masayoshi; Fujiwara, Hitoshi; Otsuji, Eigo

    2013-11-01

    Coagulation factor XIII( Fibrogammin P, F XIII) has been used to treat postoperative pancreatic fistulas following gastrectomy for gastric cancer in Japan. However, little is known about the best timing to start this treatment for early recovery. This study was designed to examine the appropriate time to start Fibrogammin P treatment for pancreatic fistulas, based on nutritional and inflammatory parameters. We retrospectively examined 27 consecutive patients with Grade B or C pancreatic fistulas as defined by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula( ISGPF) classification who underwent gastrectomy at our institute between 1997 and 2011. We analyzed data on total protein( TP), albumin (Alb), C-reactive protein( CRP), and hemoglobin( Hb) concentrations and white blood cell( WBC) and lymphocyte counts. We used this information to determine laboratory cut-off values that indicate the most advantageous time to start the administration of Fibrogammin P in order to achieve early recovery within 2 weeks. When Fibrogammin P administration was based on more than 2 cut-off values such as Alb>2.6 g/dL and Hb>9.0 g/dL and WBC<9,000/μL (p= 0.1563), early cure of pancreatic fistulas was achieved. The use of nutritional and inflammatory parameter values to determine the best time to administer Fibrogammin P may shorten the treatment period.

  10. Chinese herbal medicine Shenqi Detoxification Granule inhibits fibrosis in adenine induced chronic renal failure rats.

    PubMed

    Peng, Min; Cai, Pingping; Ma, Hongbo; Meng, Hongyan; Xu, Yuan; Zhang, Xiaoyi; Si, Guomin

    2014-01-01

    Progressive fibrosis accompanies all chronic renal disease, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF,) and platelet-derived growth factor-B, (PDGF-B,) play important roles in extra-cellular matrix abnormal accumulation, while endothelin-1 (ET-1) nitric oxide (NO,) are related to endothelial dysfunction, which mediates the progression of renal fibrosis. Shenqi Detoxification Granule (SDG), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has been used for treatment of chronic renal failure in clinic for many years. In order to evaluate the efficacy, and explore the mechanism of SDG to inhibit the progression of renal fibrosis, study was carried out using the adenine-induced Wister rats as the CRF model, and losartan as postive control drug. Levels of serum creatinine [Scr], and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin (ALB), 24hrs, urine protein (24hUP), triacylglycerol (TG), and cholesterol (CHO), together with ET-1, and NO were detected. Pathological changes of renal tissues were observed by HE, staining. In addition, CTGF and PDGF-B expression were analyzed by immuno-histo-chemistry. The results indicated that SDG can effectively reduce Scr, BUN, 24hUP, TG, and CHO levels, increase ALB levels, inhibit renal tissue damage in CRF rats, and the mechanism maybe reduce PDGF-B, CTGF expression and ET-1/NO. Shenqi Detoxification Granule is a beneficial treatment for chronic renal failure.

  11. Hanging Drop, A Best Three-Dimensional (3D) Culture Method for Primary Buffalo and Sheep Hepatocytes.

    PubMed

    Shri, Meena; Agrawal, Himanshu; Rani, Payal; Singh, Dheer; Onteru, Suneel Kumar

    2017-04-26

    Livestock, having close resemblance to humans, could be a better source of primary hepatocytes than rodents. Herein, we successfully developed three-dimensional (3D) culturing system for primary sheep and buffalo hepatocytes. The 3D-structures of sheep hepatocytes were formed on the fifth-day and maintained until the tenth-day on polyHEMA-coated plates and in hanging drops with William's E media (HDW). Between the cultured and fresh cells, we observed a similar expression of GAPDH, HNF4α, ALB, CYP1A1, CK8 and CK18. Interestingly, a statistically significant increase was noted in the TAT, CPS, AFP, AAT, GSP and PCNA expression. In buffalo hepatocytes culture, 3D-like structures were formed on the third-day and maintained until the sixth-day on polyHEMA and HDW. The expression of HNF4α, GSP, CPS, AFP, AAT, PCNA and CK18 was similar between cultured and fresh cells. Further, a statistically significant increase in the TAT and CK8 expression, and a decrease in the GAPDH, CYP1A1 and ALB expression were noted. Among the culture systems, HDW maintained the liver transcript markers more or less similar to the fresh hepatocytes of the sheep and buffalo for ten and six days, respectively. Taken together, hanging drop is an efficient method for 3D culturing of primary sheep and buffalo hepatocytes.

  12. DGDFT: A massively parallel method for large scale density functional theory calculations.

    PubMed

    Hu, Wei; Lin, Lin; Yang, Chao

    2015-09-28

    We describe a massively parallel implementation of the recently developed discontinuous Galerkin density functional theory (DGDFT) method, for efficient large-scale Kohn-Sham DFT based electronic structure calculations. The DGDFT method uses adaptive local basis (ALB) functions generated on-the-fly during the self-consistent field iteration to represent the solution to the Kohn-Sham equations. The use of the ALB set provides a systematic way to improve the accuracy of the approximation. By using the pole expansion and selected inversion technique to compute electron density, energy, and atomic forces, we can make the computational complexity of DGDFT scale at most quadratically with respect to the number of electrons for both insulating and metallic systems. We show that for the two-dimensional (2D) phosphorene systems studied here, using 37 basis functions per atom allows us to reach an accuracy level of 1.3 × 10(-4) Hartree/atom in terms of the error of energy and 6.2 × 10(-4) Hartree/bohr in terms of the error of atomic force, respectively. DGDFT can achieve 80% parallel efficiency on 128,000 high performance computing cores when it is used to study the electronic structure of 2D phosphorene systems with 3500-14 000 atoms. This high parallel efficiency results from a two-level parallelization scheme that we will describe in detail.

  13. Foetal hepatic progenitor cells assume a cholangiocytic cell phenotype during two-dimensional pre-culture.

    PubMed

    Anzai, Kazuya; Chikada, Hiromi; Tsuruya, Kota; Ida, Kinuyo; Kagawa, Tatehiro; Inagaki, Yutaka; Mine, Tesuya; Kamiya, Akihide

    2016-06-23

    Liver consists of parenchymal hepatocytes and other cells. Liver progenitor cell (LPC) is the origin of both hepatocytes and cholangiocytic cells. The analyses of mechanism regulating differentiation of LPCs into these functional cells are important for liver regenerative therapy using progenitor cells. LPCs in adult livers were found to form cysts with cholangiocytic characteristics in 3D culture. In contrast, foetal LPCs cannot form these cholangiocytic cysts in the same culture. Thus, the transition of foetal LPCs into cholangiocytic progenitor cells might occur during liver development. Primary CD45(-)Ter119(-)Dlk1(+) LPCs derived from murine foetal livers formed ALBUMIN (ALB)(+)CYTOKERATIN (CK)19(-) non-cholangiocytic cysts within 3D culture. In contrast, when foetal LPCs were pre-cultured on gelatine-coated dishes, they formed ALB(-)CK19(+) cholangiocytic cysts. When hepatocyte growth factor or oncostatin M, which are inducers of hepatocytic differentiation, was added to pre-culture, LPCs did not form cholangiocytic cysts. These results suggest that the pre-culture on gelatine-coated dishes changed the characteristics of foetal LPCs into cholangiocytic cells. Furthermore, neonatal liver progenitor cells were able to form cholangiocytic cysts in 3D culture without pre-culture. It is therefore possible that the pre-culture of mid-foetal LPCs in vitro functioned as a substitute for the late-foetal maturation step in vivo.

  14. Superhard Rhenium/Tungsten Diboride Solid Solutions.

    PubMed

    Lech, Andrew T; Turner, Christopher L; Lei, Jialin; Mohammadi, Reza; Tolbert, Sarah H; Kaner, Richard B

    2016-11-02

    Rhenium diboride (ReB 2 ), containing corrugated layers of covalently bonded boron, is a superhard metallic compound with a microhardness reaching as high as 40.5 GPa (under an applied load of 0.49 N). Tungsten diboride (WB 2 ), which takes a structural hybrid between that of ReB 2 and AlB 2 , where half of the boron layers are planar (as in AlB 2 ) and half are corrugated (as in ReB 2 ), has been shown not to be superhard. Here, we demonstrate that the ReB 2 -type structure can be maintained for solid solutions of tungsten in ReB 2 with tungsten content up to a surprisingly large limit of nearly 50 atom %. The lattice parameters for the solid solutions linearly increase along both the a- and c-axes with increasing tungsten content, as evaluated by powder X-ray and neutron diffraction. From micro- and nanoindentation hardness testing, all of the compositions within the range of 0-48 atom % W are superhard, and the bulk modulus of the 48 atom % solid solution is nearly identical to that of pure ReB 2 . These results further indicate that ReB 2 -structured compounds are superhard, as has been predicted from first-principles calculations, and may warrant further studies into additional solid solutions or ternary compounds taking this structure type.

  15. Biallelic expression of the H19 gene during spontaneous hepatocarcinogenesis in the albumin SV40 T antigen transgenic rat.

    PubMed

    Manoharan, Herbert; Babcock, Karlee; Willi, Jonathan; Pitot, Henry C

    2003-09-01

    Previous studies in this laboratory have demonstrated that the earliest cytogenetic alteration in the development of hepatic neoplasms in a transgenic strain of rats bearing the albumin Simian virus 40 T antigen (Alb SV40 T Ag) construct was a duplication of the chromosome 1q4.1-1q4.2 band. In this region, in the rat genome a cluster of linked imprinted genes occurs. One of these imprinted genes, H19, which is expressed in fetal liver but not in adult liver, was found to be expressed in virtually all neoplasms investigated. A single-nucleotide polymorphic marker in the H19 coding sequence was identified in two rat strains and utilized for the investigation of H19 imprinting. Our results reveal monoallelic expression of the maternal gene in fetal liver, but biallelic expression of the H19 gene in liver neoplasms, thus demonstrating the basis for the deregulation of the imprinted gene expression during hepatocarcinogenesis. These results suggest that the loss of genomic imprinting of the H19 gene found in the liver neoplasms of the Alb SV40 T Ag rat may result not from allelic loss, but from adverse changes in the epigenetic imprints present in the 5'-upstream region of the H19 promoter of the parental alleles. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  16. Vacancy-ordering effects in AlB2-type ErGe2 - x(0.4 < x < or = 0.5).

    PubMed

    Christensen, Jeppe; Lidin, Sven; Malaman, Bernard; Venturini, Gerard

    2008-06-01

    In the Er-Ge system, the compostion range ErGe(2) to Er(2)Ge(3) has been investigated. Eight samples were produced by arc melting of the elements, and analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction. Nine crystal structures were found to be present in the samples. The structures are described as a homologous series and presented within the superspace formalism using the superspace group X2/m(alpha0gamma)0s, X representing the centring vector ((1/2), (1/2), 0, (1/2)). In this description the modulation vector q = (alphaa* + gammac*) is shown to be a direct measure of the Ge content as ErGe(2 - alpha) (alpha falls in the range 1\\over 3 to (1/2)). The large composition range is achieved by extended vacancy ordering in the planar 6(3) net of Ge with subsequent relaxation.

  17. Effect of a dual-purpose cask payload increment of spent fuel assemblies from VVER 1000 Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant on basket criticality.

    PubMed

    Rezaeian, M; Kamali, J

    2017-01-01

    Dual-purpose casks can be utilized for dry interim storage and transportation of the highly radioactive spent fuel assemblies (SFAs) of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). Criticality safety analysis was carried out using the MCNP code for the cask containing 12, 18, or 19 SFAs. The basket materials of borated stainless steel and Boral (Al-B 4 C) were investigated, and the minimum required receptacle pitch of the basket was determined. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Advanced Transformer Demonstration and Validation Project Summary Report Based on Experiences at NAS, North Island, San Diego, California

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-08-01

    three existing 167 kVA PCB-filled, single phase , polemount transformers that were connected in a three phase bank and replacing them with a single 300...A-18 3.11.1 Insulated Phase Barriers .......................... A-lB 3.11.2 Undercoating ...................................... A-18 3.11.3 Warning...2.1 mezan Na, ý n al S I.and a r, 7nSt *u~e f’-^S. ANSI- C57 12.00 General Requirements for Liquid Immersed Distribution Power and Regulating

  19. U.S. Air Force Aircraft in Southeast Asia Tested by the Air Force Flight Test Center

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1970-03-01

    rivalries of religious sects and powerful political factions. The United States, France, Great Britian, Thailand, Pakistan, New Zealand , Australia, and...Background A-lb Sky raider 0-1 Bird Dog 0-2 WU-2 U-3 F-U Phantom II and RF-fc F-5 Freedom Fignter A-7 Corsair II C-7 Caribou OV-10 Bronco...Aug 69 A new world speed record for piston engine airplanes was established by civilian pilot Darryl Greenamyer over a three-kilometer course laid

  20. Penetration of Face Hardened Bullet Proof Steel by Yawed .50 cal. AP (armor Piercing) Bullets at O deg. Obliquity

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1943-07-09

    for sevarad platos a o"’l i~u.Li * DAVID I. 157"iCYI, Copy, tos 81*,AI’C Doa ’* (dir*et) B3uiad Deec !’Alb (diroot) Lt, Gseauque 10 tJt. Jolmson- E...2233 10 CP N1 1/21’ Hole. 42 2265 55 PP NH 2" Pin S. 43 2260 53 PP NH 3" x 4" Crack. 44 2240 25 PP RJ HB No Crack. 45 2252 27 PP RJ RB No Cracks, 46

  1. Population genetic study in ten endogamous groups of West Bengal, India.

    PubMed

    Mukherjee, B N; Walter, H; Malhotra, K C; Chakraborty, R; Sauber, P; Banerjee, S; Roy, M

    1987-09-01

    Ten endogamous population groups of West Bengal (India)--Rabhas, Garos, Mechs, Rajbanshis, Jalia Kaibartas, Bagdis, Lodhas, Mundas, Brahmins, Vaidyas--have been typed for twelve polymorphic systems: ABO, Gm, Km, Hp, Cp, Tf, Alb, Hb, aP, EsD, AK and PGM1. The results are compared with those obtained on other Indian populations. Serological and anthropometric data, which have been included into population comparisons, reveal a considerable genetic variability of the groups under study. This variability is obviously connected with the population history of West Bengal.

  2. Quality of Medicines Commonly Used in the Treatment of Soil Transmitted Helminths and Giardia in Ethiopia: A Nationwide Survey

    PubMed Central

    Suleman, Sultan; Zeleke, Gemechu; Deti, Habtewold; Mekonnen, Zeleke; Duchateau, Luc; Levecke, Bruno; Vercruysse, Jozef; D'Hondt, Matthias; Wynendaele, Evelien; De Spiegeleer, Bart

    2014-01-01

    Background The presence of poor quality medicines in the market is a global threat on public health, especially in developing countries. Therefore, we assessed the quality of two commonly used anthelminthic drugs [mebendazole (MEB) and albendazole (ALB)] and one antiprotozoal drug [tinidazole (TNZ)] in Ethiopia. Methods/Principal Findings A multilevel stratified random sampling, with as strata the different levels of supply chain system in Ethiopia, geographic areas and government/privately owned medicines outlets, was used to collect the drug samples using mystery shoppers. The three drugs (106 samples) were collected from 38 drug outlets (government/privately owned) in 7 major cities in Ethiopia between January and March 2012. All samples underwent visual and physical inspection for labeling and packaging before physico-chemical quality testing and evaluated based on individual monographs in Pharmacopoeias for identification, assay/content, dosage uniformity, dissolution, disintegration and friability. In addition, quality risk was analyzed using failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) and a risk priority number (RPN) was assigned to each quality attribute. A clinically rationalized desirability function was applied in quantification of the overall quality of each medicine. Overall, 45.3% (48/106) of the tested samples were substandard, i.e. not meeting the pharmacopoeial quality specifications claimed by their manufacturers. Assay was the quality attribute most often out-of-specification, with 29.2% (31/106) failure of the total samples. The highest failure was observed for MEB (19/42, 45.2%), followed by TNZ (10/39, 25.6%) and ALB (2/25, 8.0%). The risk analysis showed that assay (RPN = 512) is the most critical quality attribute, followed by dissolution (RPN = 336). Based on Derringer's desirability function, samples were classified into excellent (14/106,13%), good (24/106, 23%), acceptable (38/106, 36%%), low (29/106, 27%) and bad (1/106,1%) quality

  3. Human Umbilical Cord Matrix Stem Cells Efficiently Rescue Acute Liver Failure Through Paracrine Effects Rather than Hepatic Differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Li; Liu, Tao; Zhang, Bo; Xiang, Dedong; Wang, Zhengguo

    2012-01-01

    There is increasing evidence that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from different tissues could act as an alternative source of mature hepatocytes for treatment of acute liver failure (ALF). Human umbilical cord matrix stem cells (hUCMSCs) represent a novel source of MSCs. We examined the therapeutic potential and the different mechanisms of hUCMSCs by their transplantation into nonobese diabetic severe combined-immunodeficient (NOD-SCID) mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced ALF in comparison to adult human hepatocytes (AHHs). The characteristics of isolated hUCMSCs were determined from MSCs and hepatocyte marker expression, hepatic function, and differentiation. Native hUCMSCs constitutively expressed some hepatic markers, though weaker hepatocyte-specific functions were observed when compared to AHHs. When native hUCMSCs or AHHs were transplanted into livers of NOD-SCID mice with ALF induced by CCl4, both hUCMSCs and AHHs provided a significant survival benefit and prevented the release of liver injury biomarkers. hUCMSCs were found to engraft within the recipient liver and differentiated into functional hepatocytes, whereas the HepPar1-/albumin (ALB)-positive cells of the hUCMSC group were less than the AHH group in the recipient liver. Higher values of human ALB in the serum of mice-transplanted AHHs were determined in comparison with levels in mice-transplanted hUCMSCs. The analysis of mouse serum cytokine levels showed that hUCMSC transplantation was even more effective than treatment with AHHs and successfully downregulated the systemic inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA). Furthermore, paracrine effects produced by hUCMSCs were identified by indirect coculture with damaged mouse hepatocytes (MHs) induced by CCl4. Coculture with hUCMSCs significantly increased the viability, ALB secretion of damaged MHs, and greatly enhanced the regeneration of

  4. In vivo toxicity assessment of aflatoxin B1-contaminated corn after ozone degradation.

    PubMed

    Luo, Xiaohu; Li, Ke; Xing, Jiali; Qi, Lijun; Yang, Ming; Wang, Ren; Wang, Li; Li, Yanan; Chen, Zhengxing

    2018-02-01

    Corn is an important food and feedstuff in China and worldwide. The problems caused by aflatoxin B 1 -contaminated corn (ACC) are of great concern. Our previous studies have demonstrated that ozone can effectively degrade AFB 1 in corn, prompting us to investigate the in vivo toxicity of treated ACC. In this study, 35 Kunming mice were used to assess the in vivo toxicity of ozone treated ACC. Results indicated that compared to mice fed with basal feedstuff (provided by the Shanghai SLAC Laboratory), those fed with ACC have significantly decreased mean weight as well as total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), and globulin (GLB) contents (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the liver and kidney/body weight ratio as well as the serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels significantly increased (p < 0.05). Obvious histopathological changes were found in the liver and kidney. When mice were fed with the ozone-treated ACC, no significant differences were observed in the mean weight, the liver and kidney/body weight ratio and in the major serum indexes ALT, TP, ALB, and GLB (p > 0.05). However, AST and ALP significantly increased (p < 0.05), and slight histopathological changes were found in liver tissues. This study indicated that ACC may lead to significant changes in various physiological characteristics and biochemical indexes in liver and kidney tissues, but ozone treatment of ACC could significantly reduce these changes.

  5. Identification of QTLs for resistant starch and total alkaloid content in brown and polished rice.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Y W; Sun, D; Du, J; Pu, X Y; Yang, S M; Yang, X M; Yang, T; Yang, J Z

    2016-07-29

    An F3 population consisting of 117 F2:3 families derived from a cross between two varieties of rice, Gongmi No. 3 and Diantun 502, with a large difference in their resistant starch and total alkaloid content, was used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. Two QTLs of resistant starch for rice (qRS7-1, qRS7-2) were identified in a linkage group on chromosome 7, which could explain phenotypic variance from 7.6 to 17.3%, due to additive effects for resistant starch from Gongmi No. 3 or over-dominance effects for qRS7-2 of the marker interval (RM3404-RM478) on chromosome 7 from Gongmi No. 3, accounting for 13.8-17.3% of the phenotypic variance. Two QTLs of total alkaloids for brown rice (qALb7-1, qALb7-2) were identified in the same linkage group, which could explain phenotypic variance from 7.7 and 19.3%, respectively, due to dominance or over-dominance effects for total alkaloids on chromosome 7 from Diantun 502. To our knowledge, these are the first QTLs to be identified, which are related to resistant starch and total alkaloid content in rice. These results are beneficial for understanding the genetic basis of, as well as for developing markers linked with, resistant starch and total alkaloids of functional components for marker-assisted selection breeding in rice.

  6. Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect of Garcinia indica fruit rind in ethanol-induced hepatic damage in rodents

    PubMed Central

    Ashar, Hardik; Srinath, Sudhamani

    2012-01-01

    The protective effects of aqueous extracts of the fruit rind of Garcinia indica (GIE) on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity and the probable mechanisms involved in this protection were investigated in rats. Liver damage was induced in rats by administering ethanol (5 g/kg, 20% w/v p.o.) once daily for 21 days. GIE at 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg and the reference drug silymarin (200 mg/kg) were administered orally for 28 days to ethanol treated rats, this treatment beginning 7 days prior to the commencement of ethanol administration. Levels of marker enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)), triglyceride (sTG), albumin (Alb) and total protein (TP) were evaluated in serum. Antioxidant parameters (reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR)), hepatic triglycerides (hTG) and the lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in liver. GIE and silymarin elicited significant hepatoprotective activity by attenuating the ethanol–elevated levels of AST, ALT, ALP, sTG, hTG and MDA and restored the ethanol-depleted levels of GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, Alb and TP. GIE 800 mg/kg demonstrated greater hepatoprotection than GIE 400 mg/kg. The present findings indicate that hepatoprotective effects of GIE in ethanol-induced oxidative damage may be due to an augmentation of the endogenous antioxidants and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in liver. PMID:23554565

  7. A novel frameshift deletion in the albumin gene causes analbuminemia in a young Turkish woman.

    PubMed

    Dagnino, Monica; Caridi, Gianluca; Aydin, Zeki; Ozturk, Savas; Karaali, Zeynep; Kazancioglu, Rumeyza; Cefle, Kivanc; Gursu, Meltem; Campagnoli, Monica; Galliano, Monica; Minchiotti, Lorenzo

    2010-11-11

    Analbuminemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder manifested by the absence, or severe reduction, of circulating serum albumin. The analbuminemic trait was diagnosed in a young Turkish woman on the basis of her clinical symptoms (bilateral lower limb edema) and biochemical findings (minimal albumin amount and variable increases in other protein fractions). Total DNA from the analbuminemic proband and her parents was PCR-amplified using oligonucleotide primers designed to amplify the 14 exons of the albumin gene (ALB) and the flanking intron regions. The products were screened for mutations by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and heteroduplex analyses (HA). HA allowed the identification of the mutation site in exon 12. Direct DNA sequencing of this abnormal fragment revealed that the analbuminemic trait was caused by a homozygous CA deletion at nucleotide positions c. 1614-1615 in the codons for Cys538 and Thr539. The subsequent frameshift should give rise to a putative truncated albumin variant in which the sequence Cys(538)-Thr-Leu-Ser has been changed to Cys(538)-Thr-Phe-Stop. The parents were heterozygous for the same mutation. Gel-based mutation detection and DNA sequencing substantiate the clinical diagnosis of congenital analbuminemia in our patient and show that the condition is caused by a novel mutation within the ALB gene. These results contribute to shed light on the molecular basis of this rare condition. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Simpler score of routine laboratory tests predicts liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Kun; Gao, Chun-Fang; Zhao, Yun-Peng; Liu, Hai-Lin; Zheng, Rui-Dan; Xian, Jian-Chun; Xu, Hong-Tao; Mao, Yi-Min; Zeng, Min-De; Lu, Lun-Gen

    2010-09-01

    In recent years, a great interest has been dedicated to the development of noninvasive predictive models to substitute liver biopsy for fibrosis assessment and follow-up. Our aim was to provide a simpler model consisting of routine laboratory markers for predicting liver fibrosis in patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in order to optimize their clinical management. Liver fibrosis was staged in 386 chronic HBV carriers who underwent liver biopsy and routine laboratory testing. Correlations between routine laboratory markers and fibrosis stage were statistically assessed. After logistic regression analysis, a novel predictive model was constructed. This S index was validated in an independent cohort of 146 chronic HBV carriers in comparison to the SLFG model, Fibrometer, Hepascore, Hui model, Forns score and APRI using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The diagnostic values of each marker panels were better than single routine laboratory markers. The S index consisting of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), platelets (PLT) and albumin (ALB) (S-index: 1000 x GGT/(PLT x ALB(2))) had a higher diagnostic accuracy in predicting degree of fibrosis than any other mathematical model tested. The areas under the ROC curves (AUROC) were 0.812 and 0.890 for predicting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in the validation cohort, respectively. The S index, a simpler mathematical model consisting of routine laboratory markers predicts significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic HBV infection with a high degree of accuracy, potentially decreasing the need for liver biopsy.

  9. A new predictive indicator for development of pressure ulcers in bedridden patients based on common laboratory tests results.

    PubMed

    Hatanaka, N; Yamamoto, Y; Ichihara, K; Mastuo, S; Nakamura, Y; Watanabe, M; Iwatani, Y

    2008-04-01

    Various scales have been devised to predict development of pressure ulcers on the basis of clinical and laboratory data, such as the Braden Scale (Braden score), which is used to monitor activity and skin conditions of bedridden patients. However, none of these scales facilitates clinically reliable prediction. To develop a clinical laboratory data-based predictive equation for the development of pressure ulcers. Subjects were 149 hospitalised patients with respiratory disorders who were monitored for the development of pressure ulcers over a 3-month period. The proportional hazards model (Cox regression) was used to analyse the results of 12 basic laboratory tests on the day of hospitalisation in comparison with Braden score. Pressure ulcers developed in 38 patients within the study period. A Cox regression model consisting solely of Braden scale items showed that none of these items contributed to significantly predicting pressure ulcers. Rather, a combination of haemoglobin (Hb), C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin (Alb), age, and gender produced the best model for prediction. Using the set of explanatory variables, we created a new indicator based on a multiple logistic regression equation. The new indicator showed high sensitivity (0.73) and specificity (0.70), and its diagnostic power was higher than that of Alb, Hb, CRP, or the Braden score alone. The new indicator may become a more useful clinical tool for predicting presser ulcers than Braden score. The new indicator warrants verification studies to facilitate its clinical implementation in the future.

  10. Co-exposure to lead increases the renal response to low levels of cadmium in metallurgy workers.

    PubMed

    Hambach, R; Lison, D; D'Haese, P C; Weyler, J; De Graef, E; De Schryver, A; Lamberts, L V; van Sprundel, M

    2013-10-24

    Research on the effect of co-exposure to Cd and Pb on the kidney is scarce. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of co-exposure to these metals on biomarkers of early renal effect. Cd in blood (Cd-B), Cd in urine (Cd-U), Pb in blood (Pb-B) and urinary renal biomarkers, i.e., microalbumin (μ-Alb), beta-2-microglobulin (β₂-MG), retinol binding protein (RBP), N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG), intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) were measured in 122 metallurgic refinery workers examined in a cross-sectional survey. The median Cd-B, Cd-U, Pb-B were: 0.8 μg/l (IQR = 0.5, 1.2), 0.5 μg/g creatinine (IQR = 0.3, 0.8) and 158.5 μg/l (IQR = 111.0, 219.3), respectively. The impact of Cd-B on the urinary excretion of NAG and IAP was only evident among workers with Pb-B concentrations ≥ 75th percentile. The association between Cd-U and the renal markers NAG and RBP was also evidenced when Pb-B ≥ 75th percentile. No statistically significant interaction terms were observed for the associations between Cd-B or Cd-U and the other renal markers under study (i.e., μ-Alb and β2-MG). Our findings indicate that Pb increases the impact of Cd exposure on early renal biomarkers. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  11. Blood biochemistry reveals malnutrition in black-necked swans (Cygnus melanocoryphus) living in a conservation priority area.

    PubMed

    Artacho, Paulina; Soto-Gamboa, Mauricio; Verdugo, Claudio; Nespolo, Roberto F

    2007-02-01

    The application of clinical biochemical techniques to determine the products of intermediary metabolism has proved to be a reliable approach for the study of the physiological state of animals in nature. More specifically, the determination of plasma metabolites, such as glucose, total proteins (PRO), albumin (ALB), globulins (GL), urea, uric acid, triglycerides (TG) and beta-hydroxy-butyrate (BHB), and plasma enzymes such as creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in wild animals is a valuable possibility for a non-destructive assessment of health in endangered populations. Since August 2004 to January 2005, we conducted a temporal study in a conservation priority site, the "Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary" to determine blood biochemistry of a wild population of black-necked swans (Cygnus melanocoryphus). This population was experiencing a drastic reduction, according to the actual knowledge about yearly fluctuations in numbers and breeding pairs. In six months, we periodically sampled about 12 swans (a total of 122 individuals), which exhibited a reduction near 30% in body mass (body mass corrected by total length). Our results showed reductions in most plasma biochemical parameters (glucose, PRO, ALB, uric acid, TG) and increase in BHB, which taken together indicated signs of chronic malnutrition. Also, the increase in AST and CK that we found, together with additional evidences of sub-lethal hepatic damage (in dead individuals), and iron pollution in aquatic plants and water confirmed that water pollution was the ultimate cause of this population reduction.

  12. HEMATOLOGY AND PLASMA CHEMISTRY OF THE PLOUGHSHARE TORTOISE (ASTROCHELYS YNIPHORA) IN A CAPTIVE BREEDING PROGRAM.

    PubMed

    López, Javier; Waters, Michael; Routh, Andrew; Rakotonanahary, Tsanta F; Woolaver, Lance; Thomasson, Ann; Holmes, Emma; Steinmetz, Hanspeter W

    2017-03-01

    Blood samples from 172 captive and 40 wild, healthy, juvenile and adult, ploughshare tortoises ( Astrochelys yniphora ) were analyzed to determine hematological and biochemical reference intervals. Hematological analytes included packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell count (WBC), and WBC differential estimates. Biochemical analysis included total protein measured by photometry (TP) and by refractometry (TPr), albumin (ALB), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), bile acids (BA), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), urea (UREA), and uric acid (UA). The jugular vein was identified as the preferred venipuncture site as subcarapacial vein venipuncture resulted in regular hemodilution. In due consideration of small sample sizes in some of the groups studied, adult tortoises had significantly higher plasma GLDH activity and TPr, TP, ALB, BA, and UREA concentrations and significantly lower AST activity and P concentration than juveniles. Captivity had a significant influence in some reference intervals, with captive adults presenting significantly higher WBC, and estimated counts of all white cell types as well as UREA and TPr than wild counterparts. Captive juveniles also showed significantly higher estimated monocyte and lower estimated eosinophil and basophil counts. Although these differences most likely reflect local environmental or dietary differences, without representing pathology or a deviation from the normal, they question the applicability of reference values from captive animals to wild animals and vice versa. Significant sex differences were only observed for PCV and UA. The reported reference intervals may serve as benchmarks for clinical assessment and conservation of this critically endangered species.

  13. Pulmonary immune responses to Aspergillus fumigatus in an immunocompetent mouse model of repeated exposures

    PubMed Central

    Buskirk, Amanda D.; Templeton, Steven P.; Nayak, Ajay P.; Hettick, Justin M.; Law, Brandon F.; Green, Brett J.; Beezhold, Donald H.

    2015-01-01

    Aspergillus fumigatus is a filamentous fungus that produces abundant pigmented conidia. Several fungal components have been identified as virulence factors, including melanin; however, the impact of these factors in a repeated exposure model resembling natural environmental exposures remains unknown. This study examined the role of fungal melanin in the stimulation of pulmonary immune responses using immunocompetent BALB/c mice in a multiple exposure model. It compared conidia from wild-type A. fumigatus to two melanin mutants of the same strain, Δarp2 (tan) or Δalb1 (white). Mass spectrometry-based analysis of conidial extracts demonstrated that there was little difference in the protein fingerprint profiles between the three strains. Field emission scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the immunologically inert Rodlet A layer remained intact in melanin-deficient conidia. Thus, the primary difference between the strains was the extent of melanization. Histopathology indicated that each A. fumigatus strain induced lung inflammation, regardless of the extent of melanization. In mice exposed to Δalb1 conidia, an increase in airway eosinophils and a decrease in neutrophils and CD8+ IL-17+ (Tc17) cells were observed. Additionally, it was shown that melanin mutant conidia were more rapidly cleared from the lungs than wild-type conidia. These data suggest that the presence of fungal melanin may modulate the pulmonary immune response in a mouse model of repeated exposures to A. fumigatus conidia. PMID:23919459

  14. Computerized Buckling Analysis of Shells

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-06-01

    principal elements of Koiter’s theory are outlined in the previous section. In his doctoral thesis published in 񓞹, Koiter shows that if certain...early 1960’s because the thesis was written in LM.. nJAl...t _CLrU1 6t AL. &Lý.A. >SL.2 LCL ._L L) . C r ~ n i: Ltia E;ULA.L ALb a 1JC~c&L~ cib atZ L...W. T., "Ovei de stabiliteit van het elastisch evenwicht," Delft thesis , H. J. Paris, Amsterdam; (English transl.) National - Aeronautics and Space

  15. Chimeric proteins for detection and quantitation of DNA mutations, DNA sequence variations, DNA damage and DNA mismatches

    DOEpatents

    McCutchen-Maloney, Sandra L.

    2002-01-01

    Chimeric proteins having both DNA mutation binding activity and nuclease activity are synthesized by recombinant technology. The proteins are of the general formula A-L-B and B-L-A where A is a peptide having DNA mutation binding activity, L is a linker and B is a peptide having nuclease activity. The chimeric proteins are useful for detection and identification of DNA sequence variations including DNA mutations (including DNA damage and mismatches) by binding to the DNA mutation and cutting the DNA once the DNA mutation is detected.

  16. Wintertime aerosol characteristics over the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP): Impacts of local boundary layer processes and long-range transport

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nair, Vijayakumar S.; Moorthy, K. Krishna; Alappattu, Denny P.; Kunhikrishnan, P. K.; George, Susan; Nair, Prabha R.; Babu, S. Suresh; Abish, B.; Satheesh, S. K.; Tripathi, Sachchida Nand; Niranjan, K.; Madhavan, B. L.; Srikant, V.; Dutt, C. B. S.; Badarinath, K. V. S.; Reddy, R. Ramakrishna

    2007-07-01

    The Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) encompasses a vast area, (accounting for ˜21% of the land area of India), which is densely populated (accommodating ˜40% of the Indian population). Highly growing economy and population over this region results in a wide range of anthropogenic activities. A large number of thermal power plants (most of them coal fed) are clustered along this region. Despite its importance, detailed investigation of aerosols over this region is sparse. During an intense field campaign of winter 2004, extensive aerosol and atmospheric boundary layer measurements were made from three locations: Kharagpur (KGP), Allahabad (ALB), and Kanpur (KNP), within the IGP. These data are used (1) to understand the regional features of aerosols and BC over the IGP and their interdependencies, (2) to compare it with features at locations lying at far away from the IGP where the conditions are totally different, (3) to delineate the effects of mesoscale processes associated with changes in the local atmospheric boundary layer (ABL), (4) to investigate the effects of long-range transport or moving weather phenomena in modulating the aerosol properties as well as the ABL characteristics, and (5) to examine the changes as the season changes over to spring and summer. Our investigations have revealed very high concentrations of aerosols along the IGP, the average mass concentrations (MT) of total aerosols being in the range 260 to 300 μg m-3 and BC mass concentrations (MB) in the range 20 to 30 μg m-3 (both ˜5 to 8 times higher than the values observed at off-IGP stations) during December 2004. Despite, BC constituted about 10% to the total aerosol mass concentration, a value quite comparable to those observed elsewhere over India for this season. The dynamics of the local atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) as well as changes in local emissions strongly influence the diurnal variations of MT and MB, both being inversely correlated with the mixed layer height (Zi) and the

  17. Chebyshev polynomial filtered subspace iteration in the discontinuous Galerkin method for large-scale electronic structure calculations

    DOE PAGES

    Banerjee, Amartya S.; Lin, Lin; Hu, Wei; ...

    2016-10-21

    The Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) electronic structure method employs an adaptive local basis (ALB) set to solve the Kohn-Sham equations of density functional theory in a discontinuous Galerkin framework. The adaptive local basis is generated on-the-fly to capture the local material physics and can systematically attain chemical accuracy with only a few tens of degrees of freedom per atom. A central issue for large-scale calculations, however, is the computation of the electron density (and subsequently, ground state properties) from the discretized Hamiltonian in an efficient and scalable manner. We show in this work how Chebyshev polynomial filtered subspace iteration (CheFSI) canmore » be used to address this issue and push the envelope in large-scale materials simulations in a discontinuous Galerkin framework. We describe how the subspace filtering steps can be performed in an efficient and scalable manner using a two-dimensional parallelization scheme, thanks to the orthogonality of the DG basis set and block-sparse structure of the DG Hamiltonian matrix. The on-the-fly nature of the ALB functions requires additional care in carrying out the subspace iterations. We demonstrate the parallel scalability of the DG-CheFSI approach in calculations of large-scale twodimensional graphene sheets and bulk three-dimensional lithium-ion electrolyte systems. In conclusion, employing 55 296 computational cores, the time per self-consistent field iteration for a sample of the bulk 3D electrolyte containing 8586 atoms is 90 s, and the time for a graphene sheet containing 11 520 atoms is 75 s.« less

  18. Rupture of posterior cruciate ligament leads to radial displacement of the medial meniscus.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Can; Deng, Zhenhan; Luo, Wei; Xiao, Wenfeng; Hu, Yihe; Liao, Zhan; Li, Kanghua; He, Hongbo

    2017-07-11

    To explore the association between the rupture of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the radial displacement of medial meniscus under the conditions of different flexion and various axial loads. The radial displacement value of medial meniscus was measured for the specimens of normal adult knee joints, including 12 intact PCLs, 6 ruptures of the anterolateral bundle (ALB), 6 ruptures of the postmedial bundle (PMB), and 12 complete ruptures. The measurement was conducted at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion angles under 200 N, 400 N, 600 N, 800 N and 1000 N of axial loads respectively. The displacement values of medial meniscus of the ALB rupture group increased at 0° flexion under 800 N and 1000 N, and at 30°, 60° and 90° flexion under all loads in comparison with the PCL intact group. The displacement values of the PMB rupture group was higher at 0° and 90° flexion under all loads, and at 30° and 60° flexion under 800 N and 1000 N loads. The displacement of the PCL complete rupture group increased at all flexion angles under all loads. Either partial or complete rupture of the PCL can increase in the radial displacement of the medial meniscus, which may explain the degenerative changes that occuring in the medial meniscus due to PCL injury. Therefore, early reestablishment of the PCL is necessarily required in order to maintain stability of the knee joint after PCL injury.

  19. Effect of partial and complete posterior cruciate ligament transection on medial meniscus: A biomechanical evaluation in a cadaveric model.

    PubMed

    Gao, Shu-Guang; Zhang, Can; Zhao, Rui-Bo; Liao, Zhan; Li, Yu-Sheng; Yu, Fang; Zeng, Chao; Luo, Wei; Li, Kang-Hua; Lei, Guang-Hua

    2013-09-01

    The relationship between medial meniscus tear and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury has not been exactly explained. We studied to investigate the biomechanical effect of partial and complete PCL transection on different parts of medial meniscus at different flexion angles under static loading conditions. TWELVE FRESH HUMAN CADAVERIC KNEE SPECIMENS WERE DIVIDED INTO FOUR GROUPS: PCL intact (PCL-I), anterolateral bundle transection (ALB-T), posteromedial bundle transection (PMB-T) and PCL complete transection (PCL-T) group. Strain on the anterior horn, body part and posterior horn of medial meniscus were measured under different axial compressive tibial loads (200-800 N) at 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° knee flexion in each groups respectively. Compared with the PCL-I group, the PCL-T group had a higher strain on whole medial meniscus at 30°, 60° and 90° flexion in all loading conditions and at 0° flexion with 400, 600 and 800 N loads. In ALB-T group, strain on whole meniscus increased at 30°, 60° and 90° flexion under all loading conditions and at 0° flexion with 800 N only. PMB-T exihibited higher strain at 0° flexion with 400 N, 600 N and 800 N, while at 30° and 60° flexion with 800 N and at 90° flexion under all loading conditions. Partial PCL transection triggers strain concentration on medial meniscus and the effect is more pronounced with higher loading conditions at higher flexion angles.

  20. The path to active living: physical activity through community design in Somerville, Massachusetts.

    PubMed

    Burke, Noreen M; Chomitz, Virginia R; Rioles, Nicole A; Winslow, Stephen P; Brukilacchio, Lisa B; Baker, Jessie C

    2009-12-01

    Somerville, Massachusetts, an ethnically diverse, urban community northwest of Boston, presents opportunities and challenges for active living. With a dense street grid, well-maintained sidewalks, neighborhood parks, and existing Community Path, Somerville is very walkable. However, two major surface arteries traverse and bisect neighborhoods, creating pedestrian safety and environmental justice issues. Major goals included promoting increased collaboration and communication among existing active-living efforts; managing the Community Path extension project; encouraging Portuguese-speaking adults to incorporate daily physical activity; leveraging existing urban planning work to establish secure, attractive walking/biking corridors; and embedding active-living messages in everyday life. The Somerville Active Living by Design Partnership (ALbD) successfully created a robust task force that was integrated with citywide active-living efforts, secured resources to increase infrastructure and support for active living, including city-level coordinator positions, and changed decision-making practices that led to incorporation of pedestrian and bicycle transportation priorities into city planning and that influenced the extension of the Community Path. Partnerships must employ sustainability planning early on, utilize skilled facilitative leaders to manage leadership transitions, and engage new partners. Identifying, cultivating, and celebrating champions, especially those with political power, are critical. Working closely with research partners leads to rich data sources for planning and evaluation. Changing the built environment is difficult; working toward smaller wins is realistic and achievable. The synergy of ALbD and other community interventions created a foundation for short-term successes and accelerated political-cultural changes already underway with respect to active living.

  1. Effect of Yiguanjian decoction on cell differentiation and proliferation in CCl4-treated mice

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Xiao-Ling; Jia, Dong-Wei; Liu, Hui-Yang; Yan, Xiao-Feng; Ye, Ting-Jie; Hu, Xu-Dong; Li, Bo-Qin; Chen, Yong-Liang; Liu, Ping

    2012-01-01

    AIM: To investigate the cellular mechanisms of action of Yiguanjian (YGJ) decoction in treatment of chronic hepatic injury. METHODS: One group of mice was irradiated, and received enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-positive bone marrow transplants followed by 13 wk of CCl4 injection and 6 wk of oral YGJ administration. A second group of Institute for Cancer Research mice was treated with 13 wk of CCl4 injection and 6 wk of oral YGJ administration. Liver function, histological changes in the liver, and Hyp content were analyzed. The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), F4/80, albumin (Alb), EGFP, mitogen-activated protein kinase-2 (PKM2), Ki-67, α fetoprotein (AFP), monocyte chemotaxis protein-1 and CC chemokine receptor 2 were assayed. RESULTS: As hepatic damage progressed, EGFP-positive marrow cells migrated into the liver and were mainly distributed along the fibrous septa. They showed a conspicuous coexpression of EGFP with α-SMA and F4/80 but no coexpression with Alb. Moreover, the expression of PKM2, AFP and Ki-67 was enhanced dynamically and steadily over the course of liver injury. YGJ abrogated the increases in the number of bone marrow-derived fibrogenic cells in the liver, inhibited expression of both progenitor and mature hepatocyte markers, and reduced fibrogenesis. CONCLUSION: YGJ decoction improves liver fibrosis by inhibiting the migration of bone marrow cells into the liver as well as inhibiting their differentiation and suppressing the proliferation of both progenitors and hepatocytes in the injured liver. PMID:22783047

  2. Identification of Genetic on Blood Serum Protein of Prolific Ewes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sutiyono; Ondho, Y. S.; Setiatin, E. T.; Sutopo; Laily, A. N.; Prasetyowati, D. E.; Noviani, F.

    2018-02-01

    The aim of the research was to identify the genetic specification of blood plasma protein in ewes that are prolific. The material of study of local sheep in Bawen and Jambu Sub-district of Semarang Regency is 132 which is determined by purposive sampling that have been give lambing three times. Ewes were divided into three groups that always has a single child (L1), ever had twins (L2) and twins more than two (LM2). Blood sampling was performed using dispossible syringe in jugular vein as much as 5 ml per ewe. Blood plasma was analyzed by Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis-Thin Layer (PAGETLE) method in Biochemistry Laboratory of Veterinary Faculty of Gadjah Mada University. Data analysis is using descriptive statistics and the laws of equilibrium Hardy-Weberg. The research parameters were comparison type of ewes and frequency genetic of protein of blood serum. The results showed that the parent comparisons of L1, L2 and LM2 were 66 (50.00%), 49 (37.12%) and 17 (12.88%), respectively. The frequency genes haven a high propensity to relationship of prolificacy nature parent are Pal2, AlbB, CPF, TFB, PTFS and AmlB on pointes, 67.65, 55.88, 91.17, 70.59, 79.41 and 91.18%. Conclusion the mostly LM2 ewes have genotypes Pal1Pal2, AlbBAlbC, CpFCpF, TfATfB, PtfSPtfS and AmlBAmlB whit frequency are 52.94%, 52.94%, 88.24, 47.06, 64.71 and 88.24% respectively.

  3. [Effect of Sijunzi Decoction and enteral nutrition on T-cell subsets and nutritional status in patients with gastric cancer after operation: a randomized controlled trial].

    PubMed

    Cai, Jun; Wang, Hua; Zhou, Sheng; Wu, Bin; Song, Hua-Rong; Xuan, Zheng-Rong

    2008-01-01

    To observe the effect of perioperative application of Sijunzi Decoction and enteral nutrition on T-cell subsets and nutritional status in patients with gastric cancer after operation. In this prospective, single-blinded, controlled clinical trial, fifty-nine patients with gastric cancer were randomly divided into three groups: control group (n=20) and two study groups (group A, n=21; group B, n=18). Sjunzi Decoction (100 ml) was administered via nasogastric tube to the patients in the study group B from the second postoperation day to the 9th postoperation day. Patients in the two study groups were given an isocaloric and isonitrogonous enteral diet, which was started on the second day after operation, and continued for eight days. Patients in the control group were given an isocaloric and isonitrogonous parenteral diet for 9 days. All variables of nutritional status such as serum albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PA), transferrin (TRF) and T-cell subsets were measured one day before operation, and one day and 10 days after operation. All the nutritional variables and the levels of CD3(+), CD4(+), CD4(+)/CD8(+) were decreased significantly after operation. Ten days after operation, T-cell subsets and nutritional variables in the two study groups were increased as compare with the control group. The levels of ALB, TRF and T-cell subsets in the study group B were increased significantly as compared with the study group A (P<0.05). Enteral nutrition assisted with Sijunzi Decoction can positively improve and optimize cellular immune function and nutritional status in the patients with gastric cancer after operation.

  4. Functional and immunohistochemical characterization of CCEae3a, a carboxylesterase associated with temephos resistance in the major arbovirus vectors Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus.

    PubMed

    Grigoraki, Linda; Balabanidou, Vassileia; Meristoudis, Christos; Myridakis, Antonis; Ranson, Hilary; Swevers, Luc; Vontas, John

    2016-07-01

    Temephos is a major organophosphate (OP) larvicide that has been used extensively for the control of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti, the major vectors for viral diseases, such as dengue fever, zika and chikungunya. Resistance to temephos has been recently detected and associated with the upregulation of carboxylesterases (CCEs) through gene amplification, in both species. Here, we expressed the CCEae3a genes which showed the most striking up-regulation in resistant Aedes strains, using the baculovirus system. All CCEae3a variants encoded functional enzymes, with high activity and preference for p-nitrophenyl butyrate, a substrate that was shown capable to differentiate temephos resistant from susceptible Aedes larvae. Enzyme kinetic studies showed that CCEae3as from both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus (CCEae3a_aeg and CCEae3a_alb, respectively) strongly interact with temephos oxon and slowly released the OP molecule, indicating a sequestration resistance mechanism. No difference was detected between resistant and susceptible CCEae3a_aeg variants (CCEae3a_aegR and CCEae3a_aegS, respectively), indicating that previously reported polymorphism is unlikely to play a role in temephos resistance. HPLC/MS showed that CCEae3as were able to metabolize temephos oxon to the temephos monoester [(4-hydroxyphenyl) sulfanyl] phenyl O,O-dimethylphosphorothioate. Western blot and immunolocalization studies, based on a specific antibody raised against the CCEae3a_alb showed that the enzyme is expressed at higher levels in resistant insects, primarily in malpighian tubules (MT) and nerve tissues. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Monitoring the efficacy of drugs for neglected tropical diseases controlled by preventive chemotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Albonico, M.; Levecke, B.; LoVerde, P.T.; Montresor, A.; Prichard, R.; Vercruysse, J.; Webster, J.P.

    2017-01-01

    In the last decade, pharmaceutical companies, governments and global health organisations under the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO) have pledged large-scale donations of anthelmintic drugs, including ivermectin (IVM), praziquantel (PZQ), albendazole (ALB) and mebendazole (MEB). This worldwide scale-up in drug donations calls for strong monitoring systems to detect any changes in anthelmintic drug efficacy. This review reports on the outcome of the WHO Global Working Group on Monitoring of Neglected Tropical Diseases Drug Efficacy, which consists of three subgroups: (i) soil-transmitted helminthiases (ALB and MEB); (ii) onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (IVM); and (iii) schistosomiasis (PZQ). Progress of ongoing work, challenges and research needs for each of the four main drugs used in helminthic preventive chemotherapy (PC) are reported, laying the ground for appropriate implementation of drug efficacy monitoring programmes under the co-ordination and guidelines of the WHO. Best practices for monitoring drug efficacy should be made available and capacity built as an integral part of neglected tropical disease (NTD) programme monitoring. Development of a disease-specific model to predict the impact of PC programmes, to detect outliers and to solicit responses is essential. Research studies on genetic polymorphisms in relation to low-efficacy phenotypes should be carried out to identify markers of putative resistance against all NTD drugs and ultimately to develop diagnostic assays. Development of combination and co-administration of NTD drugs as well as of new drug entities to boost the armamentarium of the few drugs available for NTD control and elimination should be pursued in parallel. PMID:27842865

  6. [3D evaluation model for drug hepatotoxicity testing on HepG2 cells and its application in drug safety evaluation].

    PubMed

    Li, Dan-Dan; Tang, Xiang-Lin; Tan, Hong-Ling; Liang, Qian-de; Wang, Yu-Guang; Ma, Zeng-Chun; Xiao, Cheng-Rong; Gao, Yue

    2016-04-01

    3D in vitro toxicity testing model was developed by magnetic levitation method for culture of the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 and applied to evaluate the drug hepatotoxicity. After formation of stable 3D structure for HepG2 cells, their glycogen storage capacity under 2D and 3D culture conditions were detected by immunohistochemistry technology, and the mRNA expression levels of phase Ⅰ and Ⅱ drug metabolism enzymes, drug transporters, nuclear receptors and liver-specific marker albumin(ALB) were compared between 2D and 3D culture conditions by using RT-PCR method. Immunohistochemistry results showed that HepG2 cells had abundant glycogen storage capacity under 3D culture conditions, which was similar to human liver tissues. The mRNA expression levels of major drug metabolism enzymes, drug transporters, nuclear receptors and ALB in HepG2 cells under 3D culture conditions were up-regulated as compared with 2D culture conditions. For drug hepatotoxicity evaluation, the typical hepatotoxic drug acetaminophen(APAP), and most reported drugs Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.(Chinese name He-shou-wu) and Psoraleae corylifolia L.(Chinese name Bu-gu-zhi) were selected for single dose and repeated dose(7 d) exposure. In the repeated dose exposure test, 3D HepG2 cells showed higher sensitivity. This established 3D HepG2 cells model with magnetic levitation 3D culture techniques was more close to the human liver tissues both in morphology and functions, so it was a better 3D hepatotoxicity evaluation model. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

  7. Competitive PCR-High Resolution Melting Analysis (C-PCR-HRMA) for large genomic rearrangements (LGRs) detection: A new approach to assess quantitative status of BRCA1 gene in a reference laboratory.

    PubMed

    Minucci, Angelo; De Paolis, Elisa; Concolino, Paola; De Bonis, Maria; Rizza, Roberta; Canu, Giulia; Scaglione, Giovanni Luca; Mignone, Flavio; Scambia, Giovanni; Zuppi, Cecilia; Capoluongo, Ettore

    2017-07-01

    Evaluation of copy number variation (CNV) in BRCA1/2 genes, due to large genomic rearrangements (LGRs), is a mandatory analysis in hereditary breast and ovarian cancers families, if no pathogenic variants are found by sequencing. LGRs cannot be detected by conventional methods and several alternative methods have been developed. Since these approaches are expensive and time consuming, identification of alternative screening methods for LGRs detection is needed in order to reduce and optimize the diagnostic procedure. The aim of this study was to investigate a Competitive PCR-High Resolution Melting Analysis (C-PCR-HRMA) as molecular tool to detect recurrent BRCA1 LGRs. C-PCR-HRMA was performed on exons 3, 14, 18, 19, 20 and 21 of the BRCA1 gene; exons 4, 6 and 7 of the ALB gene were used as reference fragments. This study showed that it is possible to identify recurrent BRCA1 LGRs, by melting peak height ratio between target (BRCA1) and reference (ALB) fragments. Furthermore, we underline that a peculiar amplicon-melting profile is associated to a specific BRCA1 LGR. All C-PCR-HRMA results were confirmed by Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. C-PCR-HRMA has proved to be an innovative, efficient and fast method for BRCA1 LGRs detection. Given the sensitivity, specificity and ease of use, c-PCR-HRMA can be considered an attractive and powerful alternative to other methods for BRCA1 CNVs screening, improving molecular strategies for BRCA testing in the context of Massive Parallel Sequencing. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. A novel role of astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) in regulating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

    PubMed

    Srivastava, Jyoti; Robertson, Chadia L; Ebeid, Kareem; Dozmorov, Mikhail; Rajasekaran, Devaraja; Mendoza, Rachel; Siddiq, Ayesha; Akiel, Maaged A; Jariwala, Nidhi; Shen, Xue-Ning; Windle, Jolene J; Subler, Mark A; Mukhopadhyay, Nitai D; Giashuddin, Shah; Ghosh, Shobha; Lai, Zhao; Chen, Yidong; Fisher, Paul B; Salem, Aliasger K; Sanyal, Arun J; Sarkar, Devanand

    2017-08-01

    Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most prevalent cause of chronic liver disease in the Western world. However, an optimum therapy for NASH is yet to be established, mandating more in-depth investigation into the molecular pathogenesis of NASH to identify novel regulatory molecules and develop targeted therapies. Here, we unravel a unique function of astrocyte elevated gene-1(AEG-1)/metadherin in NASH using a transgenic mouse with hepatocyte-specific overexpression of AEG-1 (Alb/AEG-1) and a conditional hepatocyte-specific AEG-1 knockout mouse (AEG-1 ΔHEP ). Alb/AEG-1 mice developed spontaneous NASH whereas AEG-1 ΔHEP mice were protected from high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NASH. Intriguingly, AEG-1 overexpression was observed in livers of NASH patients and wild-type (WT) mice that developed steatosis upon feeding HFD. In-depth molecular analysis unraveled that inhibition of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha activity resulting in decreased fatty acid β-oxidation, augmentation of translation of fatty acid synthase resulting in de novo lipogenesis, and increased nuclear factor kappa B-mediated inflammation act in concert to mediate AEG-1-induced NASH. Therapeutically, hepatocyte-specific nanoparticle-delivered AEG-1 small interfering RNA provided marked protection from HFD-induced NASH in WT mice. AEG-1 might be a key molecule regulating initiation and progression of NASH. AEG-1 inhibitory strategies might be developed as a potential therapeutic intervention in NASH patients. (Hepatology 2017;66:466-480). © 2017 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

  9. A murine inhalation model to characterize pulmonary exposure to dry Aspergillus fumigatus conidia.

    PubMed

    Buskirk, Amanda D; Green, Brett J; Lemons, Angela R; Nayak, Ajay P; Goldsmith, W Travis; Kashon, Michael L; Anderson, Stacey E; Hettick, Justin M; Templeton, Steven P; Germolec, Dori R; Beezhold, Donald H

    2014-01-01

    Most murine models of fungal exposure are based on the delivery of uncharacterized extracts or liquid conidia suspensions using aspiration or intranasal approaches. Studies that model exposure to dry fungal aerosols using whole body inhalation have only recently been described. In this study, we aimed to characterize pulmonary immune responses following repeated inhalation of conidia utilizing an acoustical generator to deliver dry fungal aerosols to mice housed in a nose only exposure chamber. Immunocompetent female BALB/cJ mice were exposed to conidia derived from Aspergillus fumigatus wild-type (WT) or a melanin-deficient (Δalb1) strain. Conidia were aerosolized and delivered to mice at an estimated deposition dose of 1×105 twice a week for 4 weeks (8 total). Histopathological and immunological endpoints were assessed 4, 24, 48, and 72 hours after the final exposure. Histopathological analysis showed that conidia derived from both strains induced lung inflammation, especially at 24 and 48 hour time points. Immunological endpoints evaluated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the mediastinal lymph nodes showed that exposure to WT conidia led to elevated numbers of macrophages, granulocytes, and lymphocytes. Importantly, CD8+ IL17+ (Tc17) cells were significantly higher in BALF and positively correlated with germination of A. fumigatus WT spores. Germination was associated with specific IgG to intracellular proteins while Δalb1 spores elicited antibodies to cell wall hydrophobin. These data suggest that inhalation exposures may provide a more representative analysis of immune responses following exposures to environmentally and occupationally prevalent fungal contaminants.

  10. Low Triiodothyronine Syndrome in Patients With Radiation Enteritis

    PubMed Central

    Fan, Shengxian; Ni, Xiaodong; Wang, Jian; Zhang, Yongliang; Tao, Shen; Chen, Mimi; Li, Yousheng; Li, Jieshou

    2016-01-01

    Abstract The implications of low triiodothyronine syndrome (LT3S) in patients with radiation enteritis (RE) have not been properly investigated. As such, we conducted this cohort study to investigate the association between LT3S and RE, to explore the etiology of LT3S in RE, to evaluate the clinical features and clinical outcomes of LT3S patients, and to inspect the correlation of clinical variables and LT3S in RE. This prospective study included 39 RE patients. Medical records and various laboratory parameters (including thyroidal, tumorous, nutritional, and radiotherapy variables) were collected in all participants. Our results showed that the incidence of LT3S was 84.6% in patients with RE. Total protein (71.7 ± 5.7 vs 63.2 ± 9.6 g/L, P = 0.04) and albumin (ALB, 46.0 ± 4.6 vs 38.7 ± 5.3 g/L, P = 0.01) were significantly lower in LT3S group compared with those in euthyroid group. Standard thyroid-stimulating hormone index (−0.89 ± 2.11 vs −2.39 ± 1.33, P = 0.03) and sum activity of deiodinases (19.74 ± 4.19 vs 12.55 ± 4.32 nmol/L, P = 0.01) were significantly lower in LT3S group. Patients with LT3S suffered longer duration of hospitalization (48.25 ± 23.29 days in LT3S vs 26.75 ± 10.56 days in euthyroid, P = 0.036). Low serum ALB (β = 0.694, 95% CI = 0.007–0.190, P = 0.037) was the only significant predictor of LT3S. LT3S was common in RE patients. A hypodeiodination condition and a potential pituitary-thyrotroph dysfunction might play a role in the pathophysiology of LT3S in RE. Worse nutritional status and clinical outcomes were confirmed in RE patients with LT3S. Furthermore, total protein and ALB were observed as protective and differentiating parameters of LT3S in RE. In summary, this was the 1st investigation to evaluate the clinical correlation between RE and LT3S, investigate the prevalence of LT3S in RE, and explore the pathogenesis of LT3S, despite the

  11. Low Triiodothyronine Syndrome in Patients With Radiation Enteritis: Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes an Observational Study.

    PubMed

    Fan, Shengxian; Ni, Xiaodong; Wang, Jian; Zhang, Yongliang; Tao, Shen; Chen, Mimi; Li, Yousheng; Li, Jieshou

    2016-02-01

    The implications of low triiodothyronine syndrome (LT3S) in patients with radiation enteritis (RE) have not been properly investigated. As such, we conducted this cohort study to investigate the association between LT3S and RE, to explore the etiology of LT3S in RE, to evaluate the clinical features and clinical outcomes of LT3S patients, and to inspect the correlation of clinical variables and LT3S in RE.This prospective study included 39 RE patients. Medical records and various laboratory parameters (including thyroidal, tumorous, nutritional, and radiotherapy variables) were collected in all participants.Our results showed that the incidence of LT3S was 84.6% in patients with RE. Total protein (71.7 ± 5.7 vs 63.2 ± 9.6 g/L, P = 0.04) and albumin (ALB, 46.0 ± 4.6 vs 38.7 ± 5.3 g/L, P = 0.01) were significantly lower in LT3S group compared with those in euthyroid group. Standard thyroid-stimulating hormone index (-0.89 ± 2.11 vs -2.39 ± 1.33, P = 0.03) and sum activity of deiodinases (19.74 ± 4.19 vs 12.55 ± 4.32 nmol/L, P = 0.01) were significantly lower in LT3S group. Patients with LT3S suffered longer duration of hospitalization (48.25 ± 23.29 days in LT3S vs 26.75 ± 10.56 days in euthyroid, P = 0.036). Low serum ALB (β = 0.694, 95% CI = 0.007-0.190, P = 0.037) was the only significant predictor of LT3S.LT3S was common in RE patients. A hypodeiodination condition and a potential pituitary-thyrotroph dysfunction might play a role in the pathophysiology of LT3S in RE. Worse nutritional status and clinical outcomes were confirmed in RE patients with LT3S. Furthermore, total protein and ALB were observed as protective and differentiating parameters of LT3S in RE. In summary, this was the 1st investigation to evaluate the clinical correlation between RE and LT3S, investigate the prevalence of LT3S in RE, and explore the pathogenesis of LT3S, despite the limitation of a

  12. Therapeutic Effect of Dendrobium candidum on Lupus Nephritis in Mice.

    PubMed

    Wang, Qiang; Sun, Peng; Wang, Rui; Zhao, Xin

    2017-01-01

    Dendrobium candidum ( D. candimum ) widely is a functional drug. The curative effect of D. candidum on lupus nephritis has been studied in vivo . The DBA/2 and B6D2F1 mice were used for this in vivo experiment. The 50% effective dose (ED 50 ) was used to check the effective concentration for this study. Then the SCr, BUN, TC, TG, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels were determined by kits. The output of urine protein was determined by means of Coomassie Brilliant Blue, and the auto-antibody dsDNA was determined with titer plate technology and indirect immunofluorescence. The NF-κB, IκB-α, TGF 'β1, Fas, and FasL expressions were measured by RT-PCR and western blot assay. The component analysis of D. candidum was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance. Based on the ED 50 result at 329 mg/kg, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses were chosen for this study. SCr, BUN, TC and TG levels of 400 mg/kg D. candidum mice were lower than control mice, TP and ALB levels were higher than control mice. The control and 400 mg/kg treated mice tested positive for dsDNA at the end of sixth and tenth week after the experiment began. The glomerular number of 400 mg/kg treated mice was more than control group. Treatment with 400 mg/kg D. candidum reduced IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γcytokine levels as compared to control mice. D. candidum decreased NF-κb, TGF 'β1, Fas, FasL and increased IκB-α expressions in kidney tissue. There were 11 compounds in dry D. candidum , these compounds might make the curative effects of lupus nephritis. D. candidum showed a potential curative effect on lupus nephritis. It could be used as a health medicine on lupus nephritis. D. candidum reduced the SCr, BUN, TC, TG serum levels and raised the TP, ALB levels compared to control group.The glomerular number of D. candidum treated mice was more than control group. D. candidum treated mice showed lower IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ cytokine levels than control mice. D. candidum decreased NF-κb, TGF-β1, Fas

  13. Nonlinear relationship between the Product Consistency Test (PCT) response and the Al/B ratio in a soda-lime aluminoborosilicate glass

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Farooqi, Rahmat Ullah; Hrma, Pavel

    2016-06-01

    We have investigated the effect of A1/B ratio on the Product Consistency Test (PCT) response. In an aluminoborosilicate soda-lime glass based on a modified International Simple Glass, ISG-3, the A1/B ratio varied from 0 to 0.55 (in mole fractions). In agreement with various models of the PCT response as a function of glass composition, we observed a monotonic increase of B and Na releases with decreasing A1/B mole ratio, but only when the ratio was higher than 0.05. Below this value (A1/B < 0.05), we observed a sharp decrease that we attribute to B in tetrahedral coordination.

  14. Organic Selenium, Probiotics, and Prebiotics Effects on Growth, Blood Biochemistry, and Carcass Traits of Growing Rabbits During Summer and Winter Seasons.

    PubMed

    Ayyat, Mohamed S; Al-Sagheer, Adham A; Abd El-Latif, Khaled M; Khalil, Bakry A

    2018-03-07

    The effect of organic selenium, prebiotics, or probiotics on productive performances, blood biochemistry, and carcass characteristics of growing rabbits was studied throughout summer and winter seasons. In an 8-week feeding trial, a total of 100 New Zealand White rabbits were randomly distributed to 10 groups. Two seasons (winter and summer) and five diets fortified with 0 (control), 0.03 mg selenium, 3 g Bio-Mos®, 1 g Bactocell® (1 × 10 10  CFU) or 3 g yeast/kg diet were used in 2 × 5 factorial design. Results indicated that growth performance, feed intake (FI), and blood components (red blood cells [RBCs], serum total protein [TP], globulin [GLOB], albumin [ALB]) decreased significantly in rabbits reared during summer than in those during winter. In contrast, white blood cells, urea-N, creatinine, alanine transaminase [ALT], and aspartate transaminase [AST] increased significantly in summer. However, growth performance indices, FI, blood hemoglobin, RBCs, TP, ALB, and GLOB increased significantly in rabbits when fed the tested feed additives. The respiration rate, rectal temperature, and heart rate of the animals were significantly decreased with all feed additives. Adjusted weight of carcass, liver, kidney fat, and carcass cuts were not affected by feed additives. Final margin and margin efficiency increased in rabbit fed diets supplemented with feed additives than those fed the basal diet without any supplementation. Results of the current study concluded that a supplementation of rabbit diets with organic selenium, probiotics, and prebiotics can promote rabbit performance during mild weather and also alleviate the adverse impact of heat stress during summer season.

  15. Hepatitis C virus dynamics and cellular gene expression in uPA-SCID chimeric mice with humanized livers during intravenous silibinin monotherapy

    DOE PAGES

    DebRoy, Swati; Hiraga, Nobuhiko; Imamura, Michio; ...

    2016-06-08

    Legalon SIL (SIL) is a chemically hydrophilized version of silibinin, an extract of milk thistle ( Silybum marianum) seeds that has exhibited hepatoprotective and antiviral effectiveness against hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients leading to viral clearance in combination with ribavirin. In this paper, to elucidate the incompletely understood mode of action of SIL against HCV, mathematical modelling of HCV kinetics and human hepatocyte gene expression studies were performed in uPA-SCID-chimeric mice with humanized livers. Chronically HCV-infected mice (n = 15) were treated for 14 days with daily intravenous SIL at 469, 265 or 61.5 mg/kg. Serum HCV and humanmore » albumin (hAlb) were measured frequently, and liver HCV RNA was analysed at days 3 and 14. Microarray analysis of human hepatocyte gene expression was performed at days 0, 3 and 14 of treatment. While hAlb remained constant, a biphasic viral decline in serum was observed consisting of a rapid 1st phase followed by a second slower phase (or plateau with the two lower SIL dosings). SIL effectiveness in blocking viral production was similar among dosing groups (median ε = 77%). However, the rate of HCV-infected hepatocyte decline, δ, was dose-dependent. Intracellular HCV RNA levels correlated (r = 0.66, P = 0.01) with serum HCV RNA. Pathway analysis revealed increased anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative gene expression in human hepatocytes in SIL-treated mice. Finally, the results suggest that SIL could lead to a continuous second-phase viral decline, that is potentially viral clearance, in the absence of adaptive immune response along with increased anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative gene expression in human hepatocytes.« less

  16. Hepatitis C virus dynamics and cellular gene expression in uPA-SCID chimeric mice with humanized livers during intravenous silibinin monotherapy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    DebRoy, Swati; Hiraga, Nobuhiko; Imamura, Michio

    Legalon SIL (SIL) is a chemically hydrophilized version of silibinin, an extract of milk thistle ( Silybum marianum) seeds that has exhibited hepatoprotective and antiviral effectiveness against hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients leading to viral clearance in combination with ribavirin. In this paper, to elucidate the incompletely understood mode of action of SIL against HCV, mathematical modelling of HCV kinetics and human hepatocyte gene expression studies were performed in uPA-SCID-chimeric mice with humanized livers. Chronically HCV-infected mice (n = 15) were treated for 14 days with daily intravenous SIL at 469, 265 or 61.5 mg/kg. Serum HCV and humanmore » albumin (hAlb) were measured frequently, and liver HCV RNA was analysed at days 3 and 14. Microarray analysis of human hepatocyte gene expression was performed at days 0, 3 and 14 of treatment. While hAlb remained constant, a biphasic viral decline in serum was observed consisting of a rapid 1st phase followed by a second slower phase (or plateau with the two lower SIL dosings). SIL effectiveness in blocking viral production was similar among dosing groups (median ε = 77%). However, the rate of HCV-infected hepatocyte decline, δ, was dose-dependent. Intracellular HCV RNA levels correlated (r = 0.66, P = 0.01) with serum HCV RNA. Pathway analysis revealed increased anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative gene expression in human hepatocytes in SIL-treated mice. Finally, the results suggest that SIL could lead to a continuous second-phase viral decline, that is potentially viral clearance, in the absence of adaptive immune response along with increased anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative gene expression in human hepatocytes.« less

  17. The clinical efficacy of dietary fat restriction in treatment of dogs with intestinal lymphangiectasia.

    PubMed

    Okanishi, H; Yoshioka, R; Kagawa, Y; Watari, T

    2014-01-01

    Intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL), a type of protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), is a dilatation of lymphatic vessels within the gastrointestinal tract. Dietary fat restriction previously has been proposed as an effective treatment for dogs with PLE, but limited objective clinical data are available on the efficacy of this treatment. To investigate the clinical efficacy of dietary fat restriction in dogs with IL that were unresponsive to prednisolone treatment or showed relapse of clinical signs and hypoalbuminemia when the prednisolone dosage was decreased. Twenty-four dogs with IL. Retrospective study. Body weight, clinical activity score, and hematologic and biochemical variables were compared before and 1 and 2 months after treatment. Furthermore, the data were compared between the group fed only an ultra low-fat (ULF) diet and the group fed ULF and a low-fat (LF) diet. Nineteen of 24 (79%) dogs responded satisfactorily to dietary fat restriction, and the prednisolone dosage could be decreased. Clinical activity score was significantly decreased after dietary treatment compared with before treatment. In addition, albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration were significantly increased after dietary fat restriction. At 2 months posttreatment, the ALB concentrations in the ULF group were significantly higher than that of the ULF + LF group. Dietary fat restriction appears to be an effective treatment in dogs with IL that are unresponsive to prednisolone treatment or that have recurrent clinical signs and hypoalbuminemia when the dosage of prednisolone is decreased. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

  18. Monitoring the efficacy of drugs for neglected tropical diseases controlled by preventive chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Albonico, M; Levecke, B; LoVerde, P T; Montresor, A; Prichard, R; Vercruysse, J; Webster, J P

    2015-12-01

    In the last decade, pharmaceutical companies, governments and global health organisations under the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO) have pledged large-scale donations of anthelmintic drugs, including ivermectin (IVM), praziquantel (PZQ), albendazole (ALB) and mebendazole (MEB). This worldwide scale-up in drug donations calls for strong monitoring systems to detect any changes in anthelmintic drug efficacy. This review reports on the outcome of the WHO Global Working Group on Monitoring of Neglected Tropical Diseases Drug Efficacy, which consists of three subgroups: (i) soil-transmitted helminthiases (ALB and MEB); (ii) onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (IVM); and (iii) schistosomiasis (PZQ). Progress of ongoing work, challenges and research needs for each of the four main drugs used in helminthic preventive chemotherapy (PC) are reported, laying the ground for appropriate implementation of drug efficacy monitoring programmes under the co-ordination and guidelines of the WHO. Best practices for monitoring drug efficacy should be made available and capacity built as an integral part of neglected tropical disease (NTD) programme monitoring. Development of a disease-specific model to predict the impact of PC programmes, to detect outliers and to solicit responses is essential. Research studies on genetic polymorphisms in relation to low-efficacy phenotypes should be carried out to identify markers of putative resistance against all NTD drugs and ultimately to develop diagnostic assays. Development of combination and co-administration of NTD drugs as well as of new drug entities to boost the armamentarium of the few drugs available for NTD control and elimination should be pursued in parallel. Copyright © 2015 International Society for Chemotherapy of Infection and Cancer. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. [Effect of Yiguan Decoction on differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells: an experimental research].

    PubMed

    Ping, Jian; Chen, Hong-Yun; Yang, Zhou; Yang, Cheng; Xu, Lie-Ming

    2014-03-01

    To observe the effect of Yiguan Decoction (YGD) on differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into hepatocyte-like cells in vitro. Rat BMSCs were isolated using whole bone marrow adherent method. The properties of BMSCs were identified by analyzing the expression of surface cytokines by flow cytometry. The third passage cells were differentiated into fat cells to identify their features. BMSCs were incubated with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plus fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) or YGD containing serum YGD for 21 days. The mRNA expression of alpha-fetoprotein (alphaAFP), albumin (Alb), and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha) were detected by real time PCR. Expression of AFP and cytokeratin 18 (CK18) protein was detected by cell immunofluorescence. Glycogen synthesis was observed using periodic acid-Schiff stain (PAS). CK18, Wnt 3alpha, and alphacatenin protein expressions were detected by Western blot. High expression of CD90, CD29, and CD44, and low expression of CD34 and CD11b were observed in BMSCs isolated by whole bone mar- row adherent method, and numerous lipid droplets were observed in BMSCs using oil red O staining. Both YGD containing serum and growth factor stimulated the expression levels of Alb, AFP, HNF4alpha mRNA and CK18 protein. The down-regulated expression of Wnt 3alpha and beta-catenin could be detected at 21 days after induction. The synthesized glycogen granule could be seen. Down-regulated Wnt 3alpha and beta-catenin expression could also be observed. YGD could induce the differentiation of rat BMSCs into hepatocyte-like cells, which was related to down-regulating Wnt/beta-catenin signal pathway.

  20. Effects of airborne Aspergillus on serum aflatoxin B1 and liver enzymes in workers handling wheat flour.

    PubMed

    Saad-Hussein, A; Taha, M M; Fadl, N N; Awad, A-H; Mahdy-Abdallah, H; Moubarz, G; Aziz, H; El-Shamy, K A

    2016-01-01

    The present work aimed to investigate the relationship between occupational exposure to airborne molds, serum aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and liver enzymes of workers handling wheat flour. The study included 90 bakers, 100 flour milling workers, and 100 controls with no exposure to flour dust. Workplace aspects such as temperature and relative humidity were measured. Airborne fungi were collected and identified. In all subjects included, the serum levels of AFB1, serum albumin (Alb), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. Air temperature and relative humidity were found to be higher in bakeries than in flour mill sections. Airborne Aspergillus species were isolated in dust particles <8 µm in size. The concentration of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger were higher in bakeries than in the flour mill sections. They were higher in the grinding section than in other mill sections. The serum AFB1-Alb adduct and ALP levels were significantly higher in bakers compared to milling workers (p < 0.0001, p = 0.05), respectively. The liver enzymes AST and ALT were significantly higher among milling workers and bakers than controls (p < 0.05, p < 0.0001), respectively. The duration of exposure was significantly correlated with serum AFB1 in bakers. Moreover, there was significant correlation between serum AFB1, each of ALT and AST levels in bakers. chronic occupational exposure to high concentrations of Aspergillus in workplaces may cause elevations in serum levels of AFB1 and liver enzymes in workers exposed to flour dust. Hence, worker protection measures should be consistently adopted and enforced at the workplace. © The Author(s) 2015.

  1. [Effect of Acaí (Euterpe oleracea) on biological expression characteristics of deficiency-heat and deficiency-cold rats].

    PubMed

    Wang, Lin-Yuan; Zhang, Jian-Jun; Wang, Chun; Zhu, Ying-Li; Wang, Zi-Chen; He, Cheng; Qu, Yan; Wang, Sha

    2016-10-01

    To study the effects of Acaí on biological expression characteristics in rats with deficiency-heat and deficiency-cold syndromes, SD rats were divided into blank group, deficiency-heat model group, deficiency-heat+Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex group, deficiency-heat+Acaí high dose and low dose groups, deficiency-cold model group, deficiency-cold+Cinnamomi Cortex group, deficiency-cold+Acaí high dose and low dose groups. The rats were treated with intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone (20 mg•kg⁻¹) or dexamethasone sodium phosphate (0.35 mg•kg⁻¹) for 21 days to set up deficiency-heat model and deficiency-cold models. The levels of cAMP, cGMP, T3, T4 and rT3 were detected by radioimmunoassay. The levels of TP, UA, TC, TG and ALB were detected by colorimetry. The level of cAMP, cAMP/cGMP in serum were reduced in Acaí high dose group (P<0.05, P<0.001). The levels of T3, T4 and rT3 were significantly reduced in the Acaí high dose group (P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.05). The levels of TP, UA, TC, TG and ALB were significantly reduced in the Acaí high dose group (P<0.001, P<0.05, P<0.05, P<0.05, P<0.01). However, Acaí had no obvious effects on deficiency-cold models. Acaí showed the same effect with Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex in adjusting the levels of deficiency-heat rats; but unlike Cinnamomi Cortex, Acaí showed no obvious effects in adjusting the levels of deficiency-cold rats. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

  2. Deficiency of angiotensinogen in hepatocytes markedly decreases blood pressure in lean and obese male mice.

    PubMed

    Yiannikouris, Frederique; Wang, Yu; Shoemaker, Robin; Larian, Nika; Thompson, Joel; English, Victoria L; Charnigo, Richard; Su, Wen; Gong, Ming; Cassis, Lisa A

    2015-10-01

    We recently demonstrated that adipocyte deficiency of angiotensinogen (AGT) ablated high-fat diet-induced elevations in plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) concentrations and obesity-hypertension in male mice. Hepatocytes are the predominant source of systemic AGT. Therefore, in this study, we defined the contribution of hepatocyte-derived AGT to obesity-induced elevations in plasma AGT concentrations and hypertension. Male Agt(fl/fl) mice expressing albumin-driven Cre recombinase were bred to female Agt(fl/fl) mice to generate Agt(fl/fl) or hepatocyte AGT-deficient male mice (Agt(Alb)). Mice were fed a low-fat or high-fat diet for 16 weeks. Hepatocyte AGT deficiency had no significant effect on body weight. Plasma AGT concentrations were increased in obese Agt(fl/fl) mice. Hepatocyte AGT deficiency markedly reduced plasma AGT and Ang II concentrations in lean and obese mice. Moreover, hepatocyte AGT deficiency reduced the content and release of AGT from adipose explants. Systolic blood pressure was markedly decreased in lean (by 18 mm Hg) and obese Agt(Alb) mice (by 54 mm Hg) compared with Agt(fl/fl) controls. To define mechanisms, we quantified effects of Ang II on mRNA abundance of megalin, an AGT uptake transporter, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Ang II stimulated adipocyte megalin mRNA abundance and decreased media AGT concentrations. These results demonstrate that hepatocytes are the predominant source of systemic AGT in both lean and obese mice. Moreover, reductions in plasma angiotensin concentrations in obese hepatocyte AGT-deficient mice may have limited megalin-dependent uptake of AGT into adipocytes for the production of Ang II in the development of obesity-hypertension. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

  3. HDAC1 Governs Iron Homeostasis Independent of Histone Deacetylation in Iron-Overload Murine Models.

    PubMed

    Yin, Xiangju; Wu, Qian; Monga, Jitender; Xie, Enjun; Wang, Hao; Wang, Shufen; Zhang, Huizhen; Wang, Zhan-You; Zhou, Tianhua; Shi, Yujun; Rogers, Jack; Lin, Hening; Min, Junxia; Wang, Fudi

    2018-05-01

    Iron-overload disorders are common and could lead to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Due to limited treatment options, there is a great need to develop novel strategies to remove the excess body iron. To discover potential epigenetic modulator in hepcidin upregulation and subsequently decreasing iron burden, we performed an epigenetic screen. The in vivo effects of the identified compounds were further tested in iron-overload mouse models, including Hfe -/- , Hjv -/- , and hepatocyte-specific Smad4 knockout (Smad4 fl/fl ;Alb-Cre + ) mice. Entinostat (MS-275), the clinical used histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) inhibitor, was identified the most potent hepcidin agonist. Consistently, Hdac1-deficient mice also presented higher hepcidin levels than wild-type controls. Notably, the long-term treatment with entinostat in Hfe -/- mice significantly alleviated iron overload through upregulating hepcidin transcription. In contrast, entinostat showed no effect on hepcidin expression and iron levels in Smad4 fl/fl ;Alb-Cre + mice. Further mechanistic studies revealed that HDAC1 suppressed expression of hepcidin through interacting with SMAD4 rather than deacetylation of SMAD4 or histone-H3 on the hepcidin promoter. The findings uncovered HDAC1 as a novel hepcidin suppressor through complexing with SMAD4 but not deacetylation of either histone 3 or SMAD4. In addition, our study suggested a novel implication of entinostat in treating iron-overload disorders. Based on our results, we conclude that entinostat strongly activated hepcidin in vivo and in vitro. HDAC1 could serve as a novel hepcidin suppressor by binding to SMAD4, effect of which is independent of BMP/SMAD1/5/8 signaling. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 1224-1237.

  4. Effect of Chinese traditional compound, Gan-fu-kang, on CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats and its probable molecular mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Xu, Ting-Ting; Jiang, Miao-Na; Li, Cong; Che, Ying; Jia, Yu-Jie

    2007-03-01

    To explore the antifibrotic effect of traditional Chinese medicine compound Gan-fu-kang (GFK) on CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats and its probable mechanisms. The effects of GFK on CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis were tested in rats. The liver histopathology was examined by light microscope, polaring microscope and electron microscope. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assayed and the content of albumin (ALB) and hydroxyproline in the liver was measured. The expression of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) and laminin (LN) was determined by immunohistochemistry. Semi-quantitive computation of collagen types I and III and laminin was done. The expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 was assayed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Upon pathological examination, GFK treatment had significantly reversed liver fibrosis. Hepatic extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition was significantly reduced, as evidenced by the reduction of the content of hydroxyproline, collagen types I and III, and laminin. Hepatic function was improved by GFK treatment, as evidenced by the increase of plasma ALB and A/G, and by the decrease of serum ALT and AST. TGF-beta(1) in liver was significantly reduced. A significant expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 mRNA in liver were downregulated after GFK treatment. The traditional Chinese medicine compound recipe GFK has an antifibrotic effect on CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats, which improves hepatic function and lessens the deposition of collagen in the liver. The probable antifibrotic mechanisms were: inhibiting the expression of TGF-beta(1) and decreasing expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-1.

  5. 99mTc ovalbumin labelled eggs for gastric emptying scintigraphy: in-vitro comparison of solid food markers.

    PubMed

    Blanc, Frédérique; Salaun, Pierre Y; Couturier, Olivier; Querellou, Solène; Le Duc-Pennec, Alexandra; Mougin-Degraef, Marie; Bizais, Yves; Legendre, Jean M

    2005-11-01

    The reliability of solid phase gastric emptying measurements by scintigraphy requires a marker that remains within the solid component of the test meal, and which is not degraded by the gastric juice throughout the scintigraphic procedure. In Europe, foods are most often labelled with 99mTc rhenium sulfide macrocolloid (RSMC) but this solid phase marker was withdrawn from the market in January 2004. To test other potential solid phase markers and to compare them to the reference marker RSMC. These markers were rhenium sulfide nanocolloid (RSNC), tin fluoride colloid (TFC), phytates and two albumins (Alb and AlbC). All were radiolabelled with 99mTc. After quality control, each 99mTc marker was incorporated into the albumin of one egg. Then, egg white and yolk were mixed together, and a well-cooked omelette was prepared. Aliquots of the omelette were incubated with an acidic solution of pepsin at 37 degrees C which mimicked gastric juice. Unbound radioactivity in the supernatant fraction was measured at various times up to 3 h. The radiochemical purity was > 95% for all radiopharmaceuticals. During the in-vitro incubation, the percentage of 99mTc labelled colloids released from the omelette increased continuously: after 3 h, 5% for TFC and RSMC, 8% for phytates, and > 9% for the two albumins and RSNC. Considering quality controls and release of 99mTc during in-vitro incubation of the omelette, TFC showed the same behaviour as the reference marker RSMC. Thus, TFC seems to be the best candidate to replace RSMC for the radiolabelling of the solid phase of the gastric emptying test meal.

  6. R/L, a double reporter mouse line that expresses luciferase gene upon Cre-mediated excision, followed by inactivation of mRFP expression.

    PubMed

    Jia, Junshuang; Lin, Xiaolin; Lin, Xia; Lin, Taoyan; Chen, Bangzhu; Hao, Weichao; Cheng, Yushuang; Liu, Yu; Dian, Meijuan; Yao, Kaitai; Xiao, Dong; Gu, Weiwang

    2016-10-01

    The Cre/loxP system has become an important tool for the conditional gene knockout and conditional gene expression in genetically engineered mice. The applications of this system depend on transgenic reporter mouse lines that provide Cre recombinase activity with a defined cell type-, tissue-, or developmental stage-specificity. To develop a sensitive assay for monitoring Cre-mediated DNA excisions in mice, we generated Cre-mediated excision reporter mice, designated R/L mice (R/L: mRFP(monomeric red fluorescent protein)/luciferase), express mRFP throughout embryonic development and adult stages, while Cre-mediated excision deletes a loxP-flanked mRFP reporter gene and STOP sequence, thereby activating the expression of the second reporter gene luciferase, as assayed by in vivo and ex vivo bioluminescence imaging. After germ line deletion of the floxed mRFP and STOP sequence in R/L mice by EIIa-Cre mice, the resulting luciferase transgenic mice in which the loxP-mRFP-STOP-loxP cassette is excised from all cells express luciferase in all tissues and organs examined. The expression of luciferase transgene was activated in liver of RL/Alb-Cre double transgenic mice and in brain of RL/Nestin-Cre double transgenic mice when R/L reporter mice were mated with Alb-Cre mice and Nestin-Cre mice, respectively. Our findings reveal that the double reporter R/L mouse line is able to indicate the occurrence of Cre-mediated excision from early embryonic to adult lineages. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the R/L mice serve as a sensitive reporter for Cre-mediated DNA excision both in living animals and in organs, tissues, and cells following necropsy.

  7. Development of a method for fabricating metallic matrix composite shapes by a continuous mechanical process

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Divecha, A. P.; Karmarkar, S. D.; Pawar, P. G.

    1973-01-01

    The continuing efforts in upscaling to produce larger diameter Al/B tubes are described. While the basic methodology remains unchanged, the larger volume of acrylic binder material and its removal by dissolution in toluene had to be performed by dynamic scrubbing. Similarly, the boron and MCF continuous length requirements increased when a 6 foot long by 7 inches wide mat was needed. These modifications and associated problems are described fully with schematics. Also included are seven experiments conducted to prepare larger tubes. The thermal profile, drawing speeds, and furnace positions in the draw bench bay are presented along with metallographic evidence of composite cross sections.

  8. Herontwerp Ballistisch vest voor Vrouwen: Fase 1 (Redesign Ballistic Vest for Women: Phase 1)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-09-01

    Cupmaten van de verschillende respondenten. Proefpersoon Cupmaat 1 85b 2 3 80C 4 85g 5 řb 6 80b 7 75b 8 75c 9 75b 10 75alb 11 75ald 12 85c 13 75C 14 80c...Klantmianagement KPU-bedrijf / Vertegenwoordiger KBG vrouwen S. Eckhardt 9 /10 TNO Defensie en Veiligheid. vestiging Soesterberg, (Archief) 11 /12 TNO Defensie...Kampweg 5 PostbUs 23 3769 ZG Soesterberg TNO-rapport www.tno.ni T1+31 346 3562 11 TNO-DV 2008 A323 F +31 346 35 39 77 Info-DenV@tno. n1 Herontwerp

  9. Ischemia-modified albümin and malondialdehyde levels in patients with overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism: effects of treatment on oxidative stress.

    PubMed

    Erem, Cihangir; Suleyman, Akile Karacin; Civan, Nadim; Mentese, Ahmet; Nuhoglu, İrfan; Uzun, Aysegul; Ersoz, Halil Onder; Deger, Orhan

    2015-01-01

    The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with OHyper and SHyper, to assess the effects of antithyroid drug (ATD) therapy on the oxidative stress (OS) parameters. Forty-five untreated patients with overt hyperthyroidism (OHyper), 20 untreated patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism (SHyper) and 30 age-and sex-matched healthy controls were prospectively included in the study. Biochemical and hormonal parameters were evaluated in all patients before and after treatment. Compared with the control subjects, the levels of MDA, glucose and TG were significantly increased in patients with SHyper (p<0.05), whereas LDL-C levels were significantly decreased (p<0.01). Patients with OHyper showed significantly elevated MDA and glucose levels (p<0.001) and significantly decreased LDL-C and HDL-C levels compared with the controls (p<0.01). In patients with Graves' disease, serum TSH levels were inversely correlated with plasma MDA levels (r: -0.42, p<0.05). Plasma MDA levels significantly decreased and levels of TC, LDL-C and HDL-C significantly increased in the groups of OHyper and SHyper after treatment. Serum IMA levels did not significantly change at baseline and with the therapy in all subjects. In conclusion, increased MDA levels in both patient groups represent increased lipid peroxidation which might play an important role in the pathogenesis of the atherosclerosis in these patients. Increased oxidative stress in patients with SHyper and OHyper could be improved by ATD therapy. Also, MDA can be used as a reliable marker of OS and oxidative damage, while IMA is considered to be inappropriate.

  10. On the ability of RegCM4 to simulate surface solar radiation patterns over Europe: An assessment using satellite-based observations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alexandri, Georgia; Georgoulias, Aristeidis K.; Zanis, Prodromos; Tsikerdekis, Athanasios; Katragkou, Eleni; Kourtidis, Konstantinos; Meleti, Charikleia

    2015-04-01

    We assess here the ability of RegCM4 to simulate the surface solar radiation (SSR) patterns over the European domain. For the needs of this work, a decadal (1999-2009) simulation was implemented at a horizontal resolution of 50km using the first year as a spin-up. The model is driven by emissions from CMIP5 while ERA-interim data were used as lateral boundary conditions. The RegCM4 SSR fields were validated against satellite-based SSR observations from Meteosat First Generation (MFG) and Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) sensors (CM SAF SIS product). The RegCM4 simulations slightly overestimate SSR compared to CM SAF over Europe with the bias being +1.54% in case of MFG (2000-2005) and +3.34% in case of MSG (2006-2009). SSR from RegCM4 is much closer to SSR from CM SAF over land (bias of -1.59% for MFG and +0.66% for MSG) than over ocean (bias of +7.20% for MFG and 8.07% for MSG). In order to understand the reasons of this bias, we proceeded to a detailed assessment of various parameters that define the SSR levels (cloud fractional cover - CFC, cloud optical thickness - COT, cloud droplet effective radius - Re, aerosol optical thickness - AOD, asymmetry factor - ASY, single scattering albedo - SSA, water vapor - WV and surface albedo - ALB). We validated the simulated CFC, COT and Re from RegCM4 against satellite-based observations from MSG and we found that RegCM4 significantly underestimates CFC and Re, and overestimates COT over Europe. The aerosol-related parameters from RegCM4 were compared with values from the aerosol climatology taken into account within CM SAF SSR estimates. AOD is significantly underestimated in our simulations which leads to a positive SSR bias. The RegCM4 WV and ALB were compared with WV values from ERA-interim and ALB climatological observations from CERES which are also taken into account within CM SAF SSR estimates. Finally, with the use of a radiative transfer model (SBDART) we manage to quantify the relative contribution of each of

  11. Effects of low dose pre-irradiation on hepatic damage and genetic material damage caused by cyclophosphamide.

    PubMed

    Yu, H-S; Song, A-Q; Liu, N; Wang, H

    2014-01-01

    Cyclophosphamide (CTX) can attack tumour cells, but can also damage the other cells and microstructures of an organism at different levels, such as haematopoietic cells, liver cells, peripheral lymphocyte DNA, and genetic materials. Low dose radiation (LDR) can induce general adaptation reaction. In this study, we explore the effects of low dose radiation on hepatic damage and genetic material damage caused by CTX. Mice were implanted subcutaneously with S180 cells in the left groin (control group excluded). On days 8 and 11, mice of the LDR and LDR+CTX groups were given 75 mGy of whole-body γ-irradiation; whereas mice of the CTX and LDR+CTX groups were injected intraperitoneally with 3.0 mg of CTX. All mice were sacrificed on day 13. DNA damage of the peripheral lymphocytes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, total protein (TP), albumin (ALB) of the plasma, malonyl-dialdheyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity of the hepatic homogenate, and micronucleus frequency (MNF) of polychromatoerythrocytes in the bone marrow were analysed. The control group had the lowest MDA content and the highest SOD and GSH-PX activity, whereas the CTX group had the highest MDA content and the lowest SOD and GSH-PX activity. Compared with the CTX group, the MDA content decreased significantly (p < 0.01) and the SOD and GSH-PX activity increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the LDR+CTX group. TP and ALB in control group were higher than that of the other groups. Compared with the sham-irradiated group, TP and ALB in the LDR group elevated significantly (p < 0.05). The control group had the lightest DNA damage, whereas the CTX group had the severest. DNA damage in LDR+CTX group was much lighter compared with that of the CTX group (p < 0.05). MNF in the CTX group increased significantly compared with the control and the sham-irradiated groups (p < 0.01). Compared with the CTX group, MNF in LDR+CTX group had a tendency of decline

  12. Therapeutic Effect of Dendrobium candidum on Lupus Nephritis in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Qiang; Sun, Peng; Wang, Rui; Zhao, Xin

    2017-01-01

    Context: Dendrobium candidum (D. candimum) widely is a functional drug. The curative effect of D. candidum on lupus nephritis has been studied in vivo. Materials and Method: The DBA/2 and B6D2F1 mice were used for this in vivo experiment. The 50% effective dose (ED50) was used to check the effective concentration for this study. Then the SCr, BUN, TC, TG, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels were determined by kits. The output of urine protein was determined by means of Coomassie Brilliant Blue, and the auto-antibody dsDNA was determined with titer plate technology and indirect immunofluorescence. The NF-κB, IκB-α, TGF ‘β1, Fas, and FasL expressions were measured by RT-PCR and western blot assay. The component analysis of D. candidum was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance. Results: Based on the ED50 result at 329 mg/kg, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses were chosen for this study. SCr, BUN, TC and TG levels of 400 mg/kg D. candidum mice were lower than control mice, TP and ALB levels were higher than control mice. The control and 400 mg/kg treated mice tested positive for dsDNA at the end of sixth and tenth week after the experiment began. The glomerular number of 400 mg/kg treated mice was more than control group. Treatment with 400 mg/kg D. candidum reduced IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γcytokine levels as compared to control mice. D. candidum decreased NF-κb, TGF ‘β1, Fas, FasL and increased IκB-α expressions in kidney tissue. There were 11 compounds in dry D. candidum, these compounds might make the curative effects of lupus nephritis. Conclusion: D. candidum showed a potential curative effect on lupus nephritis. It could be used as a health medicine on lupus nephritis. SUMMARY D. candidum reduced the SCr, BUN, TC, TG serum levels and raised the TP, ALB levels compared to control group.The glomerular number of D. candidum treated mice was more than control group.D. candidum treated mice showed lower IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ cytokine levels than

  13. Clinical performance of stem cell therapy in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Xue, Ran; Meng, Qinghua; Dong, Jinling; Li, Juan; Yao, Qinwei; Zhu, Yueke; Yu, Hongwei

    2018-05-10

    Stem cell therapy has been applied in the treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). However, its clinical efficiency is still debatable. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the clinical efficiency of stem cell therapy in the treatment of ACLF. The Cochrane Library, OVID, EMBASE, and PUBMED were searched to December 2017. Both randomized and non-randomized studies, assessing stem cell therapy in patients with ACLF, were included. The outcome measures were total bilirubin (TBIL), alanine transaminase (ALT), international normalized ratio (INR), albumin (ALB), and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. The quality of evidence was assessed by GRADEpro. Four randomized controlled trials and six non-randomized controlled trials were included. The TBIL levels significantly decreased at 1-, 3-, 12-month after the stem cell therapy (p = 0.0008; p = 0.04; p = 0.007). The ALT levels decreased significantly compared with the control group in the short-term (p < 0.00001). There was no obvious change in the INR level compared with the control groups (p = 0.64). The ALB levels increased markedly as compared with the control groups (p < 0.0001). The significant difference can be found in MELD score between stem cell therapy and control groups (p = 0.008). Further subgroup analysis for 3-month clinical performance according to the stem cell types have also been performed. This study suggests that the clinical outcomes of stem cell therapy were satisfied in patients with ACLF in the short-term. MSCs may be better than BM-MNCs in the stem cells transplantation of ACLF. However, more attention should focus on clinical trials in large-volume centers.

  14. Production of Selenoprotein P (Sepp1) by Hepatocytes Is Central to Selenium Homeostasis*

    PubMed Central

    Hill, Kristina E.; Wu, Sen; Motley, Amy K.; Stevenson, Teri D.; Winfrey, Virginia P.; Capecchi, Mario R.; Atkins, John F.; Burk, Raymond F.

    2012-01-01

    Sepp1 is a widely expressed extracellular protein that in humans and mice contains 10 selenocysteine residues in its primary structure. Extra-hepatic tissues take up plasma Sepp1 for its selenium via apolipoprotein E receptor-2 (apoER2)-mediated endocytosis. The role of Sepp1 in the transport of selenium from liver, a rich source of the element, to peripheral tissues was studied using mice with selective deletion of Sepp1 in hepatocytes (Sepp1c/c/alb-cre+/− mice). Deletion of Sepp1 in hepatocytes lowered plasma Sepp1 concentration to 10% of that in Sepp1c/c mice (controls) and increased urinary selenium excretion, decreasing whole-body and tissue selenium concentrations. Under selenium-deficient conditions, Sepp1c/c/alb-cre+/− mice accumulated selenium in the liver at the expense of extra-hepatic tissues, severely worsening clinical manifestations of dietary selenium deficiency. These findings are consistent with there being competition for metabolically available hepatocyte selenium between the synthesis of selenoproteins and the synthesis of selenium excretory metabolites. In addition, selenium deficiency down-regulated the mRNA of the most abundant hepatic selenoprotein, glutathione peroxidase-1 (Gpx1), to 15% of the selenium-replete value, while reducing Sepp1 mRNA, the most abundant hepatic selenoprotein mRNA, only to 61%. This strongly suggests that Sepp1 synthesis is favored in the liver over Gpx1 synthesis when selenium supply is limited, directing hepatocyte selenium to peripheral tissues in selenium deficiency. We conclude that production of Sepp1 by hepatocytes is central to selenium homeostasis in the organism because it promotes retention of selenium in the body and effects selenium distribution from the liver to extra-hepatic tissues, especially under selenium-deficient conditions. PMID:23038251

  15. [Changes in serotonin and noradrenaline in hepatic encephalopathy as a result of liver failure in rat].

    PubMed

    Song, Min-ning; Song, Yu-na; Chen, Fu; Luo, Mei-lan

    2007-01-01

    To investigate the changes in serotonin (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA) in hepatic encephalopathy as a result of acute and chronic liver failure in rat. One hundred and ten Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into groups of normal control (n=20), experimental group of acute liver failure (ALF) encephalopathy (n=45), and experimental group of chronic liver failure (CLF) encephalopathy (n=45). Two dosages of thioacetamide (TAA) of 500 mg/kg were gavaged with an interval of 24 hours to reproduce ALF model. To reproduce CLF model rats were fed with 0.03% TAA in drinking water for 10 weeks, and 50% of TAA dosage was added or withheld according to the change in weekly body weight measurement. Animals were sacrificed and venous blood specimens were obtained after successful replication of model, and 5-HT, NA, ammonia, parameters of liver function were determined, and liver and brain were studied pathologically. The experiment showed that the liver functions of rats in groups ALF encephalopathy and CLF encephalopathy deteriorated seriously, changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), albumen (ALB), ALB/globulin (A/G), and blood ammonia were observed(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The clinical manifestations, liver and brain pathologies were identical to those of ALF and CLF encephalopathy. The values of 5-HT were increased in groups ALF encephalopathy and CLF encephalopathy [(16.06+/-1.08) micromol/L and (15.32+/-1.48) micromol/L] compared with the normal group [(2.75+/-0.26) micromol/L, both P<0.01], while the value of NA decreased in the group of CLF encephalopathy [(94.0+/-2.13) pmol/L vs.(121.2+/-14.8) pmol/L,P<0.05]. The levels of 5-HT are elevated in the groups of ALF encephalopathy and CLF encephalopathy. The content of NA decreases remarkably in CLF encephalopathy.

  16. Systematic errors in regional climate model RegCM over Europe and sensitivity to variations in PBL parameterizations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Güttler, I.

    2012-04-01

    Systematic errors in near-surface temperature (T2m), total cloud cover (CLD), shortwave albedo (ALB) and surface net longwave (SNL) and shortwave energy flux (SNS) are detected in simulations of RegCM on 50 km resolution over the European CORDEX domain when forced with ERA-Interim reanalysis. Simulated T2m is compared to CRU 3.0 and other variables to GEWEX-SRB 3.0 dataset. Most of systematic errors found in SNL and SNS are consistent with errors in T2m, CLD and ALB: they include prevailing negative errors in T2m and positive errors in CLD present during most of the year. Errors in T2m and CLD can be associated with the overestimation of SNL and SNS in most simulations. Impact of errors in albedo are primarily confined to north Africa, where e.g. underestimation of albedo in JJA is consistent with associated surface heating and positive SNS and T2m errors. Sensitivity to the choice of the PBL scheme and various parameters in PBL schemes is examined from an ensemble of 20 simulations. The recently implemented prognostic PBL scheme performs over Europe with a mixed success when compared to standard diagnostic scheme with a general increase of errors in T2m and CLD over all of the domain. Nevertheless, the improvements in T2m can be found in e.g. north-eastern Europe during DJF and western Europe during JJA where substantial warm biases existed in simulations with the diagnostic scheme. The most detectable impact, in terms of the JJA T2m errors over western Europe, comes form the variation in the formulation of mixing length. In order to reduce the above errors an update of the RegCM albedo values and further work in customizing PBL scheme is suggested.

  17. Development and validation of a set of six adaptable prognosis prediction (SAP) models based on time-series real-world big data analysis for patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy: A multicenter case crossover study

    PubMed Central

    Kanai, Masashi; Okamoto, Kazuya; Yamamoto, Yosuke; Yoshioka, Akira; Hiramoto, Shuji; Nozaki, Akira; Nishikawa, Yoshitaka; Yamaguchi, Daisuke; Tomono, Teruko; Nakatsui, Masahiko; Baba, Mika; Morita, Tatsuya; Matsumoto, Shigemi; Kuroda, Tomohiro; Okuno, Yasushi; Muto, Manabu

    2017-01-01

    Background We aimed to develop an adaptable prognosis prediction model that could be applied at any time point during the treatment course for patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy, by applying time-series real-world big data. Methods Between April 2004 and September 2014, 4,997 patients with cancer who had received systemic chemotherapy were registered in a prospective cohort database at the Kyoto University Hospital. Of these, 2,693 patients with a death record were eligible for inclusion and divided into training (n = 1,341) and test (n = 1,352) cohorts. In total, 3,471,521 laboratory data at 115,738 time points, representing 40 laboratory items [e.g., white blood cell counts and albumin (Alb) levels] that were monitored for 1 year before the death event were applied for constructing prognosis prediction models. All possible prediction models comprising three different items from 40 laboratory items (40C3 = 9,880) were generated in the training cohort, and the model selection was performed in the test cohort. The fitness of the selected models was externally validated in the validation cohort from three independent settings. Results A prognosis prediction model utilizing Alb, lactate dehydrogenase, and neutrophils was selected based on a strong ability to predict death events within 1–6 months and a set of six prediction models corresponding to 1,2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 months was developed. The area under the curve (AUC) ranged from 0.852 for the 1 month model to 0.713 for the 6 month model. External validation supported the performance of these models. Conclusion By applying time-series real-world big data, we successfully developed a set of six adaptable prognosis prediction models for patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. PMID:28837592

  18. Relationships between the conception rate of estrus synchronization using estradiol benzoate and CIDR (progesterone) and other parameters in holstein lactating dairy cows.

    PubMed

    Miura, Hiroshi; Kotani, Satoko; Kohiruimaki, Masayuki; Ohtsuka, Hiromichi; Kikuchi, Motohiro; Ohnami, Yoji

    2008-06-01

    The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between conception rate and other parameters before estrus synchronization with a Controlled Internal Drug Release Device (CIDR) and estradiol benzoate (EB). In the estrus synchronization program, animals were injected with 2 mg EB and then received a CIDR. Seven days later, the CIDR was removed and the animals were given an injection of Prostaglandin F(2alpha). Twenty-four hours later, they received an injection of 1 mg EB, and they were artificially inseminated 24 h after that. This program was applied to 258 Holstein cows in Tohoku-machi (Aomori, Japan). Blood was collected at the beginning of the program, and the conception rate was determined about 40 days after insemination. The relationships among conception rate, blood biochemical values, age, body condition score and days in milk were statistically analyzed to determine better conditions for cow conception. The conception rate of the cows in the high progesterone group (more than 1 ng/ml, P(4)+) was significantly higher than that of the low progesterone group (less than 1 ng/ml, P(4)-; 47.9% vs. 28.6% P<0.01). In the P(4)- groups, the serum phospholipid level was significantly higher in the conception group than in the non-conception group, and the same tendency was seen in the P(4)+ groups. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin (Alb), and total cholesterol (TChol) were significantly higher in the conception group compared with the non-conception group, but no with P(4) was observed. We concluded that 1) the conception rate of the P(4)- group was remarkably low, that 2) the low conception rate and low P(4) level was related to a low PL level and that 3) BUN, Alb and TChol were higher in the conception group, although no relation with P(4) was found.

  19. Stone heat treatment in the Early Mesolithic of southwestern Germany: Interpretation and identification

    PubMed Central

    Spinelli Sanchez, Océane; Kind, Claus-Joachim

    2017-01-01

    The Early Mesolithic of southwestern Germany, the so-called Beuronian (9600–7100 BC), is a period of important transformations in the way people lived, in their subsistence and in the stone tools they produced. One of the perhaps most spectacular re-inventions of that time is heat treatment of stones prior to their manufacture into tools. Although heat treatment has been understood as one of the defining characteristics of the Beuronian of southwestern Germany, and although its existence has been known for almost 30 years now, relatively few systematic studies on it are available. In this paper, we present such a study, aiming to shed light on two questions: (1) what technique and heating parameters were used in the Beuronian and (2) how reliable are the macroscopic proxies traditionally used to identify heat treatment in this context? We investigate these questions using a non-destructive archaeometric technique for measuring past heating temperatures of heat-treated stones and a quantitative surface roughness analysis aiming to understand the relations between surface aspect and heat treatment. These methods are applied to 46 Jurassic chert artefacts from the site Helga-Abri located in the Swabian Alb region of southwestern Germany. Our results document that an opportunistic low-investment procedure was used to heat stone, probably relying on the use of the above-ground part of regular camp-fires. We also found that the traditionally used macroscopic criteria, such as colour and surface gloss, cannot be unambiguously used to identify heat treatment in assemblages made from Jurassic chert. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the Beuronian lithic chaîne opératoire in terms of the investment in time and resources necessary, and for the refinement of archaeological techniques used to identify heat treatment in the Mesolithic of the Swabian Alb. PMID:29211749

  20. Clinical features of Crohn disease concomitant with ankylosing spondylitis: A preliminary single-center study.

    PubMed

    Liu, Song; Ding, Jie; Wang, Meng; Zhou, Wanqing; Feng, Min; Guan, Wenxian

    2016-07-01

    Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) cause increased morbidity and decreased quality of life in Crohn disease (CD). Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) belongs to EIMs. Very little is known on the clinical features of CD concomitant with AS. This study is to investigate the clinical features of CD patients with AS.We retrospectively collected all CD patients with AS in our hospital, and established a comparison group (CD without AS) with age, sex, and duration of Crohn disease matched. Clinical information was retrieved for comparison.Eight CD + AS patients were identified from 195 CD patients. Sixteen CD patients were randomly selected into comparison group. All CD + AS patients were male, HLA-B27 (+), and rheumatoid factor (-) with an average age of 40.8 ± 4.52 years. Significant correlation between disease activity of CD and AS was revealed (r = 0.857, P = 0.011). Significant correlation between disease activity of CD and functional limitation associated with AS was identified (r = 0.881, P < 0.01). C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and globulin were positively correlated to Crohn disease activity index (CDAI), Bath AS disease activity index, and Bath AS functional index(BASFI) scores (r = 0.73-0.93, P < 0.05). Albumin was negatively associated with CDAI and BASFI (r = -0.73 to -0.91, P < 0.05). The ratio of albumin to globulin (Alb/Glo) was significantly related to all 3 scores (r = -0.81 to -0.91, P < 0.05).Male predominance with a 4.12% concomitant incidence of AS is observed in CD patients. Disease activity of CD correlates with disease activity of AS and functional limitation caused by AS. CRP, ESR, and Alb/Glo may serve as biomarkers for disease activity and functional limitation in CD patients concomitant with AS, although future studies are expected.

  1. Mesenchymal stromal cell secretomes are modulated by suspension time, delivery vehicle, passage through catheter, and exposure to adjuvants.

    PubMed

    Parsha, Kaushik; Mir, Osman; Satani, Nikunj; Yang, Bing; Guerrero, Waldo; Mei, Zhuyong; Cai, Chunyan; Chen, Peng R; Gee, Adrian; Hanley, Patrick J; Aronowski, Jaroslaw; Savitz, Sean I

    2017-01-01

    Extensive animal data indicate that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) improve outcome in stroke models. Intra-arterial (IA) injection is a promising route of delivery for MSCs. Therapeutic effect of MSCs in stroke is likely based on the broad repertoire of secreted trophic and immunomodulatory cytokines produced by MSCs. We determined the differential effects of exposing MSCs to different types of clinically relevant vehicles, and/or different additives and passage through a catheter relevant to IA injections. MSCs derived from human bone marrow were tested in the following vehicles: 5% albumin (ALB), 6% Hextend (HEX) and 40% dextran (DEX). Each solution was tested (i) alone, (ii) with low-dose heparin, (iii) with 10% Omnipaque, or (iv) a combination of heparin and Omnipaque. Cells in vehicles were collected directly or passed through an IA catheter, and MSC viability and cytokine release profiles were assessed. Cell viability remained above 90% under all tested conditions with albumin being the highest at 97%. Viability was slightly reduced after catheter passage or exposure to heparin or Omnipaque. Catheter passage had little effect on MSC cytokine secretion. ALB led to increased release of angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor compared with other vehicles, while HEX and DEX led to suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6. However, when these three vehicles were subjected to catheter passage and/or exposure to additives, the cytokine release profile varied depending on the combination of conditions to which MSCs were exposed. Exposure of MSCs to certain types of vehicles or additives changes the profile of cytokine secretion. The activation phenotype of MSCs may therefore be affected by the vehicles used for these cells or the exposure to the adjuvants used in their administration. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Accuracy of non-paralytic anthropometric data for nutritional screening in older patients with stroke and hemiplegia.

    PubMed

    Nishioka, S; Wakabayashi, H; Yoshida, T

    2017-02-01

    Although malnutrition commonly affects stroke patients, there are no validated screening tools. We verified the usefulness of non-paralytic anthropometric measurements for the nutritional screening of stroke. A cross-sectional study was conducted in consecutive stroke patients with hemiplegia aged ⩾65 years, with Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form score ⩽11. Diagnostic malnutrition criteria from the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism were the reference standards: body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m 2 or weight loss >10%+BMI <22 or 20 kg/m 2 . Non-paralytic anthropometric measurements (calf circumference (CC), arm circumference (AC), triceps skinfold (TSF) and arm muscle circumference (AMC)) and serum albumin concentration (Alb) at admission were the index tests. Cutoffs were determined by receiver operation curve and Youden index, and accuracy by area under the curve (AUC) and kappa value. Functional independence measures at discharge and discharge destination were collected. We included 488 patients (224 men and 264 women) with a mean age of 78.8 years and mean BMI of 22.0 and 21.1 kg/m 2 , respectively. Eighty-one men and 124 women had malnutrition. The AUC for CC, AC, TSF, AMC and Alb was 0.859, 0.825, 0.764, 0.745 and 0.670 for men, and 0.881, 0.843, 0.796, 0.742 and 0.658 for women, respectively. In both sexes, CC had the highest kappa (0.533, 0.608; both P<0.001) with cutoff values ⩽31 and ⩽30 cm. Patients with lower CC showed significantly worse functional outcomes and lower proportion of return to home (P<0.001). Non-paralytic CC indicated malnutrition with sufficient accuracy and good correlation with functional capacity; it may be a useful nutritional screening tool for stroke.

  3. [Nutritional risk screening and nutrition assessment for gastrointestinal cancer patients].

    PubMed

    Du, Yan-ping; Li, Ling-ling; He, Qing; Li, Yun; Song, Hu; Lin, Yi-jia; Peng, Jun-sheng

    2012-05-01

    To investigate the nutritional status, and provide evidence for nutritional treatment option. A total of 452 patients with gastrointestinal cancer were selected, including 156 gastric cancer,117 colon cancer, and 180 rectal cancer. The nutritional risk screening 2002(NRS2002) was applied to grade the nutritional risk. A multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to measure the patients' body composition. Albumin (Alb), prealbumin(PA), transferring(Tf), retinol binding protein(RBP), red blood cell(RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit(Hct) were measured after fasting. The rate of patients with NRS2002 score more than 3 was 70.5%(110/156) for gastric cancer, 53.8%(63/117) for colon cancer, and 46.7%(86/180) for rectal cancer. The score for impaired nutritional status more than 1 for gastric cancer was higher than that for colorectal cancer(P<0.05), while patients with disease score more than 2 was less for gastric cancer(P<0.05). Body mass index(BMI), obesity degree, fat content, fat percentage, and arm circumference were lower in gastric cancer patients as compared to colorectal cancer patients(P<0.05); but protein percentage, muscle percentage, ratio of muscles of arm, and cell mass percentage were higher in gastric cancer patients(P<0.05). The proportions of patients with low Alb, PA, Tf, BC, Hb, Hct were higher for gastric cancer and colon cancer(P<0.05). Patients with gastric cancer are prone to fat loss and therefore have a higher nutritional risk and malnutrition than those with colorectal cancer. Combination of body composition analysis and laboratory examination may achieve comprehensive evaluation of the nutritional status of patients, and provide the evidence of nutritional therapy by being combined with NRS2002 score.

  4. Secondary elements of blood pH variation can influence the effort effectiveness based on adaptive changes within a group of elite athletes.

    PubMed

    Martin, Ştefan Adrian; Tomescu, Valeriu; Voidăzan, Septimiu

    2016-01-01

    pH is the direct indicator of the body reaction following the activities performed. Establishing precise correlations between pH and blood biochemical parameters might support the balancing of values during periods of marked physical activity. We conducted a case study in a group of elite rowers. Twelve athletes were included in the study. Monitoring was carried out by collecting biological samples several times a day: in the morning, 80 minutes pre-workout, 12 hours after the last physical effort performed, at two different times, 10 days apart. Determinations were aimed at adapting the reported biochemical parameters depending on the effort performed. The following parameters were monitored: pH, HCO3, pCO2, pO2, BE, SBE, SBC, Ca++, Mg++, LDH, GPT, T-Pro, and Alb. The mean value of pH found in athletes was 7.41±0.024. The value obtained was significantly correlated to biochemical parameters such as BE (2.32±1.79), SBC (1.67±1.45), SBE (2.70±1.75). However, bicarbonate (HCO3) was statistically significantly related with SBE, SBC, SBE, and pO2, but did not present a strong association with the pH value (p=0.094). However, values such as Alb, Ca++, LDH, BE, SBC are related to pH value as a result of variations in the data submitted. The processed data evidence the fact that blood pH, in this case, is significantly influenced by a number of indices that correlate energy system activity, individual adaptation to effort, and the recovery process. The parameters under investigation (SBE, SBC, SBE, CPK, LDH) are associated with pH changes that could confirm the recovery efficiency of the athlete, along with a possible metabolic acidosis/alkalosis.

  5. Cell-Free and Concentrated Ascites Reinfusion Therapy for Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis.

    PubMed

    Kozaki, Koichi; IInuma, Masahiro; Takagi, Tomoyuki; Fukuda, Takanori; Sanpei, Takaya; Terunuma, Yusuke; Yatabe, Yoshiharu; Akano, Kazuhiro

    2016-08-01

    Cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART) is expected to improve symptoms associated with refractory ascites of the decompensated liver cirrhosis patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the CART system performed on the decompensated liver cirrhosis patients. In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated 24 CART processes performed on 11 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. We evaluated the effectiveness and adverse events during CART procedures. The amounts of collected and concentrated ascites were 4491.7 ± 2222.8 mL (mean ± SD), respectively, and the concentration ratio was 22.4 ± 15.3 times, respectively. The amount of collected protein in ascites was 2.3 ± 0.5 g/dL, and concentration ratio of protein was 8.2 ± 9.4 times. Serum protein level was not significantly different between before and after CART sessions. Thus, CART allowed for the reduction of doses of albumin preparations (Alb) to be administered. CART has been reported to cause two adverse reactions: elevation of body temperature and decrease in blood pressure. In our study, decreased blood pressure was not observed even in patients with > 5 L of ascites drained. Although a transient elevation in body temperature was seen in only one patient, this febrile patient immediately returned to normal body temperature with the use of NSAIDs. In patients with refractory ascites of decompensated liver cirrhosis in whom complete cure cannot be expected, CART improves their QOL and, in terms of medical economy, allows for the reduction of doses of Alb. CART can be effectively applied as a palliative procedure for refractory ascites of decompensated liver cirrhosis patients. © 2016 International Society for Apheresis, Japanese Society for Apheresis, and Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy.

  6. Simulating crop growth with Expert-N-GECROS under different site conditions in Southwest Germany

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Poyda, Arne; Ingwersen, Joachim; Demyan, Scott; Gayler, Sebastian; Streck, Thilo

    2016-04-01

    When feedbacks between the land surface and the atmosphere are investigated by Atmosphere-Land surface-Crop-Models (ALCM) it is fundamental to accurately simulate crop growth dynamics as plants directly influence the energy partitioning at the plant-atmosphere interface. To study both the response and the effect of intensive agricultural crop production systems on regional climate change in Southwest Germany, the crop growth model GECROS (YIN & VAN LAAR, 2005) was calibrated based on multi-year field data from typical crop rotations in the Kraichgau and Swabian Alb regions. Additionally, the SOC (soil organic carbon) model DAISY (MÜLLER et al., 1998) was implemented in the Expert-N model tool (ENGEL & PRIESACK, 1993) and combined with GECROS. The model was calibrated based on a set of plant (BBCH, LAI, plant height, aboveground biomass, N content of biomass) and weather data for the years 2010 - 2013 and validated with the data of 2014. As GECROS adjusts the root-shoot partitioning in response to external conditions (water, nitrogen, CO2), it is suitable to simulate crop growth dynamics under changing climate conditions and potentially more frequent stress situations. As C and N pools and turnover rates in soil as well as preceding crop effects were expected to considerably influence crop growth, the model was run in a multi-year, dynamic way. Crop residues and soil mineral N (nitrate, ammonium) available for the subsequent crop were accounted for. The model simulates growth dynamics of winter wheat, winter rape, silage maize and summer barley at the Kraichgau and Swabian Alb sites well. The Expert-N-GECROS model is currently parameterized for crops with potentially increasing shares in future crop rotations. First results will be shown.

  7. Fetal liver-derived mesenchymal stromal cells augment engraftment of transplanted hepatocytes

    PubMed Central

    Joshi, Meghnad; Patil, Pradeep B.; He, Zhong; Holgersson, Jan; Olausson, Michael; Sumitran-Holgersson, Suchitra

    2012-01-01

    Background aims One important problem commonly encountered after hepatocyte transplantation is the low numbers of transplanted cells found in the graft. If hepatocyte transplantation is to be a viable therapeutic approach, significant liver parenchyma repopulation is required. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) produce high levels of various growth factors, cytokines and metalloproteinases, and have immunomodulatory effects. We therefore hypothesized that co-transplantation of MSC with human fetal hepatocytes (hFH) could augment in vivo expansion after transplantation. We investigated the ability of human fetal liver MSC (hFLMSC) to augment expansion of phenotypically and functionally well-characterized hFH. Methods Two million hFH (passage 6) were either transplanted alone or together (1:1 ratio) with green fluorescence protein-expressing hFLMSC into the spleen of C57BL/6 nude mice with retrorsine-induced liver injury. Results After 4 weeks, engraftment of cells was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization using a human-specific DNA probe. Significantly higher numbers of cells expressing human cytokeratin (CK)8, CK18, CK19, Cysteine-rich MNNG HOS Transforming gene (c-Met), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human nuclear antigen, mitochondrial antigen, hepatocyte-specific antigen and albumin (ALB) were present in the livers of recipient animals co-transplanted with hFLMSC compared with those without. Furthermore, expression of human hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-4α and HNF-1β, and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A7 mRNA was demonstrated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in these animals. In addition, significantly increased amounts of human ALB were detected. Importantly, hFLMSC did not transdifferentiate into hepatocytes. Conclusions Our study reports the use of a novel strategy for enhanced liver repopulation and thereby advances this experimental procedure closer to clinical liver cell therapy. PMID:22424216

  8. Long-term observations of CO2 exchange over agricultural crops in two regional climates of Southwest Germany

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Poyda, Arne; Wizemann, Hans-Dieter; Ingwersen, Joachim; Wulfmeyer, Volker; Streck, Thilo

    2017-04-01

    The impact of agricultural land use on soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics has been widely studied in the past few decades, particularly in context of the SOC forcing or mitigation potential of global climate change. Grassland utilization can increase or maintain SOC stocks. Arable cropping tends to decrease SOC stocks, at least for some time after land use change (SMITH, 2008). In the long run, it can be assumed that SOC reaches a steady state where the production of roots and aboveground crop residues and possibly organic fertilization level out soil respiration. To study the effects of crop type, year and regional site conditions on CO2 exchange and C budgets of arable cropping systems in Southwest Germany, eddy covariance measurements were conducted on a total of six sites in the two climatically contrasting regions of Kraichgau and Swabian Alb since 2009. Main crops were winter wheat, silage maize and winter rapeseed but also winter barley, summer barley and spelt were cultivated on the Swabian Alb sites. Cover crops were grown between winter and summer crops on all sites. Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) data were gap-filled following REICHSTEIN et al. (2005) and partitioned into ecosystem respiration (RECO) and gross primary production (GPP) using seasonally differing temperature response functions of nighttime NEE. Furthermore, different approaches for filling long data gaps of several months in winter were evaluated. Considering C inputs by organic fertilizers and C removals by harvest, C budgets were calculated per site and year. First results indicate that the variability of NEE fluxes between different crops is much higher compared to the variability between different years of a certain crop. However, regional differences in soil and weather conditions significantly influence plant growth dynamics and thus CO2 exchange.

  9. Stone heat treatment in the Early Mesolithic of southwestern Germany: Interpretation and identification.

    PubMed

    Schmidt, Patrick; Spinelli Sanchez, Océane; Kind, Claus-Joachim

    2017-01-01

    The Early Mesolithic of southwestern Germany, the so-called Beuronian (9600-7100 BC), is a period of important transformations in the way people lived, in their subsistence and in the stone tools they produced. One of the perhaps most spectacular re-inventions of that time is heat treatment of stones prior to their manufacture into tools. Although heat treatment has been understood as one of the defining characteristics of the Beuronian of southwestern Germany, and although its existence has been known for almost 30 years now, relatively few systematic studies on it are available. In this paper, we present such a study, aiming to shed light on two questions: (1) what technique and heating parameters were used in the Beuronian and (2) how reliable are the macroscopic proxies traditionally used to identify heat treatment in this context? We investigate these questions using a non-destructive archaeometric technique for measuring past heating temperatures of heat-treated stones and a quantitative surface roughness analysis aiming to understand the relations between surface aspect and heat treatment. These methods are applied to 46 Jurassic chert artefacts from the site Helga-Abri located in the Swabian Alb region of southwestern Germany. Our results document that an opportunistic low-investment procedure was used to heat stone, probably relying on the use of the above-ground part of regular camp-fires. We also found that the traditionally used macroscopic criteria, such as colour and surface gloss, cannot be unambiguously used to identify heat treatment in assemblages made from Jurassic chert. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the Beuronian lithic chaîne opératoire in terms of the investment in time and resources necessary, and for the refinement of archaeological techniques used to identify heat treatment in the Mesolithic of the Swabian Alb.

  10. Permeability of ferret trachea in vitro to {sup 99m}{Tc}-DTPA and [{sup 14}C]antipyrine

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hanafi, Z.; Webber, S.E.; Widdicombe, J.G.

    1994-09-01

    Platelet-activating factor (PAF) and vasoactive drugs were tested on permeability of ferret trachea in vitro by measuring fluxes of {sup 99m}{Tc}-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid ({sup 99m}{Tc}-DTPA; hydrophilic) and [{sup 14}C]antipyrine ([{sup 14}C]AP; lipophilic) across the tracheal wall. Tracheae were bathed on both sides with Krebs-Henseleit buffer, with luminal buffer containing either {sup 99m}{Tc}-DTPA or [{sup 14}C]AP. Luminal and abluminal radioactivities, potential difference, and tracheal smooth muscle tone were measured. Baseline {sup 99m}{Tc}-DTPA and [{sup 14}C]AP permeability coefficients were - 4.7 {+-} 0.6 (SE) x 10{sup {minus}7} and -2.2 {+-} 0.1 x 10{sup {minus}5} cm/s, respectively. PAF (10 {mu}M) increased permeability tomore » {sup 99m}{Tc}-DTPA to -35.3 {+-} 7.6 x 10{sup {minus}7} cm/s (P < 0.05), but permeability to [{sup 14}C]AP did not change, suggesting that paracellular but not transcellular transport was affected. Abluminal and luminal applications of methacholine (MCh, 20 {mu}M), phenylephrine (PE, 100 {mu}M), and albuterol (Alb, 100 {mu}M) caused no change in permeability to {sup 99m}{Tc}-DTPA before or after exposure to luminal PAF, but abluminal histamine (Hist, 10 {mu}M) significantly increased permeability. Abluminal Hist decreased permeability to [{sup 14}C]AP before and after exposure to PAF. MCh, PE, and Hist increased smooth muscle tone; Alb and PAF had no effect. Thus, only PAF and Hist altered permeability to {sup 99m}{Tc}-DTPA, and MCh, PE, and Hist changed smooth muscle tone. Tracheal permeability changes were greater for the hydrophilic than for the lipophilic agent. 37 refs., 11 figs., 1 tab.« less

  11. Combined static-dynamic compaction of metal powder and ceramic materials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mironovs, V.; Korjakins, A.; Tatarinov, A.; Barone, E.; Glushchenkov, V.

    2017-10-01

    Combined static-dynamic compaction of powder material presents advantages for achievement of a higher degree of powder compaction for in dry conditions. One of possible realizations is the use of pulsed electromagnetic compaction (MPC) applied in addition to the static pre-compaction carried out by a hydraulic press. Experimental MPC equipment was used for compaction powders of SiC and Al-B with W fibers at different stages of grinding. The degree of compaction was evaluated by shock plate’s displacement at different levels and regimes of dynamic loading. The paper demonstrates feasibility of the method for compaction of the selected ceramic and metal powders and presents some quantitative data for practices.

  12. Silicon carbide sintered body manufactured from silicon carbide powder containing boron, silicon and carbonaceous additive

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tanaka, Hidehiko

    1987-01-01

    A silicon carbide powder of a 5-micron grain size is mixed with 0.15 to 0.60 wt% mixture of a boron compound, i.e., boric acid, boron carbide (B4C), silicon boride (SiB4 or SiB6), aluminum boride, etc., and an aluminum compound, i.e., aluminum, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide, aluminum carbide, etc., or aluminum boride (AlB2) alone, in such a proportion that the boron/aluminum atomic ratio in the sintered body becomes 0.05 to 0.25 wt% and 0.05 to 0.40 wt%, respectively, together with a carbonaceous additive to supply enough carbon to convert oxygen accompanying raw materials and additives into carbon monoxide.

  13. Enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-strychnine using the catalytic asymmetric Michael reaction and tandem cyclization.

    PubMed

    Ohshima, Takashi; Xu, Youjun; Takita, Ryo; Shimizu, Satoshi; Zhong, Dafang; Shibasaki, Masakatsu

    2002-12-11

    The enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-strychnine was accomplished through the use of the highly practical catalytic asymmetric Michael reaction (0.1 mol % of (R)-ALB, more than kilogram scale, without chromatography, 91% yield and >99% ee) as well as a tandem cyclization that simultaneously constructed B- and D-rings (>77% yield). Moreover, newly developed reaction conditions for thionium ion cyclization, NaBH3CN reduction of the imine moiety in the presence of Lewis acid to prevent ring opening reaction, and chemoselective reduction of the thioether (desulfurization) in the presence of exocyclic olefin were pivotal to complete the synthesis. The described chemistry paves the way for the synthesis of more advanced Strychnos alkaloids.

  14. Fatigue damage mechanisms in boron-aluminium composite laminates

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dvorak, G. J.; Johnson, W. S.

    1980-01-01

    The relationship between fatigue and shakedown in metal matrix composites is investigated theoretically and experimentally for unidirectional and laminated 6061 Al-B materials. It is shown that no fatigue damage takes place if the applied stress range is such that the material remains elastic, or shakes down, i.e., resumes elastic cyclic straining after a small number of plastic strain cycles. Fatigue damage occurs only in specimens subjected to stress ranges which cause sustained cyclic plastic straining in the aluminum matrix. If the applied stress range is smaller than that required for fatigue failure, after about 10 to the 6th cycles a saturation damage state is reached which remains essentially unchanged with increasing number of cycles.

  15. Magnetic superlattices and their nanoscale phase transition effects

    PubMed Central

    Cheon, Jinwoo; Park, Jong-Il; Choi, Jin-sil; Jun, Young-wook; Kim, Sehun; Kim, Min Gyu; Kim, Young-Min; Kim, Youn Joong

    2006-01-01

    The systematic assembly of nanoscale constituents into highly ordered superlattices is of significant interest because of the potential of their multifunctionalities and the discovery of new collective properties. However, successful observations of such superlattice-associated nanoscale phenomena are still elusive. Here, we present magnetic superlattices of Co and Fe3O4 nanoparticles with multidimensional symmetry of either AB (NaCl) or AB2 (AlB2). The discovery of significant enhancement (≈25 times) of ferrimagnetism is further revealed by forming previously undescribed superlattices of magnetically soft–hard Fe3O4@CoFe2O4 through the confined geometrical effect of thermally driven intrasuperlattice phase transition between the nanoparticulate components. PMID:16492783

  16. The Cryogenic Properties of Several Aluminum-Beryllium Alloys and a Beryllium Oxide Material

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gamwell, Wayne R.; McGill, Preston B.

    2003-01-01

    Performance related mechanical properties for two aluminum-beryllium (Al-Be) alloys and one beryllium-oxide (BeO) material were developed at cryogenic temperatures. Basic mechanical properties (Le., ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, percent elongation, and elastic modulus were obtained for the aluminum-beryllium alloy, AlBeMetl62 at cryogenic [-195.5"C (-320 F) and -252.8"C (-423"F)I temperatures. Basic mechanical properties for the Be0 material were obtained at cyrogenic [- 252.8"C (-423"F)] temperatures. Fracture properties were obtained for the investment cast alloy Beralcast 363 at cryogenic [-252.8"C (-423"F)] temperatures. The AlBeMetl62 material was extruded, the Be0 material was hot isostatic pressing (HIP) consolidated, and the Beralcast 363 material was investment cast.

  17. Effect of different types of commercial feed meal on the growth forms of Barbonymus schwanenfeldii (Lampam) in Chini Lake, Malaysia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mansour, Omran; Idris, Mushrifah; Das, Simon Kumar

    2016-11-01

    This study was carried out at Tasik Chini where the effects of different feeds on growth form of B. schwanenfeldii were calculated using length weight relationship analysis (W = aLb). The results denotes that feeding high protein diet (32% protein) fish represent positive allometric growth (b > 3) while feeding lower protein diet (23 and 28% protein) fish represent negative allometric (b < 3) growth. The calculated condition factor values also denotes similar trends, feeding high protein diet fish represent better condition (K=51) compared to fed on lower protein diet. The data obtained from this study suggests to culture B. schwanenfeldii with high protein diet (32%) which will facilitate better growth form and condition consequently optimize the production of this commercially important fish species.

  18. The effect of L-thyroxine replacement therapy on ischemia-modified albümin and malondialdehyde levels in patients with overt and subclinical hypothyroidism.

    PubMed

    Erem, Cihangir; Suleyman, Akile Karacin; Civan, Nadim; Mentese, Ahmet; Nuhoglu, İrfan; Uzun, Aysegul; Coskun, Hulya; Deger, Orhan

    2016-11-01

    The main objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with subclinical (SHypo) and overt hypothyroidism (OHypo), and to assess the effects of levothyroxine (LT 4 ) therapy on the oxidative stress (OS) parameters. We also investigated the relationships among serum thyroid hormones, lipid parameters, and IMA and MDA in these patients. Thirty untreated patients with OHypo, 25 untreated patients with Shypo, and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were prospectively included in the study. Biochemical and hormonal parameters including IMA and MDA were evaluated in all patients just before and one month after the maintenance of euthyroidism. Compared with the control subjects, the levels of MDA and triglycerides (TG) significantly increased in patients with SHypo (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively), whereas high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels significantly decreased (p = 0.01). Patients with OHypo showed significantly high MDA, total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and TG levels (p = 0.001, p < 0.01, p = 0.01, and p < 0.01, respectively), and significantly low HDL-C levels compared with the controls (p < 0.05). MDA levels and lipid profile were not significantly different in the patients with OHypo when compared with the patients with SHypo. Serum IMA levels did not significantly change in patients with OHypo and SHypo compared with the controls. In the pre-treatment period, MDA levels were inversely correlated with HDL-C levels in patients with OHypo (r: -0.471, p = 0.009). Plasma MDA and LDL-C levels significantly decreased and HDL-C levels significantly increased in the groups of OHypo and SHypo after LT 4 treatment. Serum IMA levels did not significantly change with the therapy in all patient groups. Increased MDA levels in both patient groups represent increased lipid peroxidation which might play an important role in the pathogenesis of the atherosclerosis seen in these patients. Increased OS in patients with SHypo and OHypo could be improved by LT 4 treatment. Also, MDA can be used as a reliable marker of OS and oxidative damage, while IMA is considered to be inappropriate.

  19. Combined long-term caffeine intake and exercise inhibits the development of diabetic nephropathy in OLETF rats.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Masato; Shindo, Daisuke; Suzuki, Ryuichiro; Shirataki, Yoshiaki; Waki, Hidefumi

    2017-05-01

    This study was performed to examine the effects of long-term caffeine-intake, with and without exercise, on the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in an obese diabetic rat model. Thirty-two male Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats were assigned to sedentary (OLETF-Sed), exercise (OLETF-Ex), caffeine-intake (OLETF-Caf), and combined (OLETF-Caf + Ex) groups. Caffeine-intake groups were fed rat chow containing caffeine (90.7 ± 4.7 mg/kg/day). The OLETF-Ex and OLETF-Caf + Ex groups were able to run voluntarily at any time using a rotatory wheel. Body weight (BW) and blood pressure (BP) were measured weekly from 24 to 29 wk of age. Pre- and posttreatment serum glucose, insulin, and creatinine concentrations were measured, and a 24 h urine sample was collected for measurement of creatinine clearance (Ccr) and albumin excretion (UE Alb ). After treatment, the kidneys were removed for morphological analysis. The OLETF-Caf and OLETF-Caf + Ex groups exhibited no BP increase during the study. Both the caffeine-intake groups exhibited a significant increase in urine volume (UV), electrolyte excretion, and Ccr, and decreased UE Alb , following treatment. Furthermore, no structural damage was observed in the kidneys of rats from either caffeine-intake group, whereas the OLETF-Sed and OLETF-Ex groups exhibited DN progression. This study demonstrates that caffeine-intake alone and/or combined with exercise significantly decreases BW and improves glucose intolerance, without the progression of DN. Further research should be performed to examine whether the quantities of caffeine contained in a normal human daily intake also have a protective effect against kidney damage. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study showed that caffeine administration alone and/or combined with exercise results in an improvement of diabetic nephropathy (DN), including an increase in creatinine clearance and urinary Na excretion, a decrease in urinary protein excretion, and in renal

  20. Oral function and nutritional status among the elderly with facial and oral tactile hypersensitivity who are under long-term care.

    PubMed

    Shirobe, Maki; Nakayama, Rena; Hirano, Hirohiko; Ohara, Yuki; Endo, Keiko; Watanabe, Yutaka; Hakuta, Chiyoko

    2017-01-01

    Objective In oral health care, a refusal action can cause difficulties, and tactile hypersensitivity (TH) may be a contributing factor. People with TH of the face and mouth clench their jaws. Despite numerous reports on TH among children with disabilities, reports on TH in the elderly who are under long-term care are scarce. The purpose of this study was to investigate TH among the elderly who are under long-term care.Methods We selected 80 residents (8 men and 72 women; mean age: 91.1±6.2y) in a Tokyo nursing home and investigated the presence of TH in them. We also obtained patients' (1) basic information (sex, age, stage of long-term care needs (SCN), and the degree of independent living (IL)); (2) oral information (swallowing status, choking tendency, and intraoral residue); and (3) nutritional information (serum albumin (Alb) levels and body mass index (BMI)). We assessed the face (the forehead, cheek, and perioral area) and the intraoral environment (buccal mucosa, buccal cavity, and palate) as testing sites for TH, using the tester's palm and forefinger. We confirmed the presence of TH when the tested areas reacted partially or fully by shuddering. We classified the subjects into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of TH and analyzed our results using a chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test. This investigation was approved by the Dentistry Ethics Screening Committee, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.Results A total of 18 residents were diagnosed with TH (22.5%). Significant differences in SCN, IL, choking tendency, intraoral residue, swallowing status, serum Alb levels, and BMI (P<0.05) were reported between this group and the non-TH group.Conclusion We demonstrated that residents with TH were in an advanced SCN and had a lower IL score and a decreased swallowing and nutritional status. Therefore, oral health care, promotion of nutritional status, and meal support are particularly important for the elderly with TH.