Influence of fentanyl and morphine on intestinal circulation

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

Tverskoy, M.; Gelman, S.; Fowler, K.C.

The influence of fentanyl and morphine on the intestinal circulation was evaluated in an isolated loop preparation in 37 dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital intravenously. Selected intestinal segments were pumped with aortic blood at a constant pressure of 100 mm Hg. A mixture of /sup 86/Rb and 9-micron spheres labeled with /sup 141/Ce was injected into the arterial cannula supplying the intestinal loop, while mesenteric venous blood was collected for activity counting. A strong correlation was found between the clearances of rubidium and microspheres (r = 0.97, P less than 0.0001), suggesting that the shunting of 9-micron spheres through the intestinesmore » reflects the shunting of blood through nonnutritive vessels. Intravenous fentanyl decreased oxygen uptake (O/sub 2/up), and vascular resistance (VR), and increased blood flow (BF), rubidium and microsphere clearances (Cl-Rb, Cl-Sph, respectively), and permeability--surface area product (PS) in a dose-related fashion. Intravenous morphine in a dose of 1 mg X kg-1 increased Cl-Rb (nutritive BF) without changes in total (nutritive and nonnutritive) BF. This increase in nutritive BF is probably related to morphine-induced histamine release. Morphine in a dose of 5 mg X kg-1 was accompanied by vasoconstriction that was completely abolished by alpha-adrenoceptor blockade. The data suggest that morphine-induced intestinal vasoconstriction is mediated via a release of epinephrine, apparently from the adrenal medulla. It is concluded that changes in the intestinal circulation during anesthesia with narcotics might play a certain role in the cardiovascular homeostasis during anesthesia and surgery. An increase in oxygen content in portal venous blood, resulting from a decrease in intestinal oxygen uptake, should facilitate hepatic oxygenation.« less

Identification of Two New HIV-1 Circulating Recombinant Forms (CRF87_cpx and CRF88_BC) from Reported Unique Recombinant Forms in Asia.

PubMed

Hu, Yihong; Wan, Zhenzhou; Zhou, Yan-Heng; Smith, Davey; Zheng, Yong-Tang; Zhang, Chiyu

2017-04-01

The on-going generation of HIV-1 intersubtype recombination has led to new circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) and unique recombinant forms (URFs) in Asia. In this study, we evaluated whether previously reported URFs were actually CRFs. All available complete or near full-length HIV-1 URF sequences from Asia were retrieved from the HIV Los Alamos National Laboratory Sequence database, and phylogenetic, transmission cluster, and bootscan analyses were performed using MEGA 6.0, Cluster Picker 1.2.1, and SimPlot3.5.1. According to the criterion of new CRFs, two new HIV-1 CRFs (CRF87_cpx and CRF88_BC) were identified from these available URFs. CRF87_cpx comprised HIV-1 subtypes B, C, and CRF01_AE, and CRF88_BC comprised subtypes B and C. HIV Blast and bootscan analysis revealed that besides the three representative strains, there were two additional CRF87_cpx strains. Furthermore, we defined seven dominant URFs (dURF01-dURF07), each of which contained two strains sharing same recombination map and can be used as sequence references to facilitate the finding of new potential CRFs in future. These results will benefit the molecular epidemiological investigation of HIV-1 in Asia.

Optimization of EGFR high positive cell isolation procedure by design of experiments methodology.

PubMed

Levi, Ofer; Tal, Baruch; Hileli, Sagi; Shapira, Assaf; Benhar, Itai; Grabov, Pavel; Eliaz, Noam

2015-01-01

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood circulation may play a role in monitoring and even in early detection of metastasis patients. Due to the limited presence of CTCs in blood circulation, viable CTCs isolation technology must supply a very high recovery rate. Here, we implement design of experiments (DOE) methodology in order to optimize the Bio-Ferrography (BF) immunomagnetic isolation (IMI) procedure for the EGFR high positive CTCs application. All consequent DOE phases such as screening design, optimization experiments and validation experiments were used. A significant recovery rate of more than 95% was achieved while isolating 100 EGFR high positive CTCs from 1 mL human whole blood. The recovery achievement in this research positions BF technology as one of the most efficient IMI technologies, which is ready to be challenged with patients' blood samples. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

The HIV-1 epidemic in Bolivia is dominated by subtype B and CRF12_BF "family" strains.

PubMed

Guimarães, Monick L; Velarde-Dunois, Ketty G; Segurondo, David; Morgado, Mariza G

2012-01-16

Molecular epidemiological studies of HIV-1 in South America have revealed the occurrence of subtypes B, F1 and BF1 recombinants. Even so, little information concerning the HIV-1 molecular epidemiology in Bolivia is available. In this study we performed phylogenetic analyses from samples collected in Bolivia at two different points in time over a 10 year span. We analyzed these samples to estimate the trends in the HIV subtype and recombinant forms over time. Fifty one HIV-1 positive samples were collected in Bolivia over two distinct periods (1996 and 2005). These samples were genetically characterized based on partial pol protease/reverse transcriptase (pr/rt) and env regions. Alignment and neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic analyses were established from partial env (n = 37) and all pol sequences using Mega 4. The remaining 14 env sequences from 1996 were previously characterized based on HMA-env (Heteroduplex mobility assay). The Simplot v.3.5.1 program was used to verify intragenic recombination, and SplitsTree 4.0 was employed to confirm the phylogenetic relationship of the BF1 recombinant samples. Phylogenetic analysis of both env and pol regions confirmed the predominance of "pure" subtype B (72.5%) samples circulating in Bolivia and revealed a high prevalence of BF1 genotypes (27.5%). Eleven out of 14 BF1 recombinants displayed a mosaic structure identical or similar to that described for the CRF12_BF variant, one sample was classified as CRF17_BF, and two others were F1pol/Benv. No "pure" HIV-1 subtype F1 or B" variant of subtype B was detected in the present study. Of note, samples characterized as CRF12_BF-related were depicted only in 2005. HIV-1 genetic diversity in Bolivia is mostly driven by subtype B followed by BF1 recombinant strains from the CRF12_BF "family". No significant temporal changes were detected between the mid-1990s and the mid-2000s for subtype B (76.2% vs 70.0%) or BF1 recombinant (23.8% vs 30.0%) samples from Bolivia.

The HIV-1 epidemic in Bolivia is dominated by subtype B and CRF12_BF "family" strains

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Molecular epidemiological studies of HIV-1 in South America have revealed the occurrence of subtypes B, F1 and BF1 recombinants. Even so, little information concerning the HIV-1 molecular epidemiology in Bolivia is available. In this study we performed phylogenetic analyses from samples collected in Bolivia at two different points in time over a 10 year span. We analyzed these samples to estimate the trends in the HIV subtype and recombinant forms over time. Materials and methods Fifty one HIV-1 positive samples were collected in Bolivia over two distinct periods (1996 and 2005). These samples were genetically characterized based on partial pol protease/reverse transcriptase (pr/rt) and env regions. Alignment and neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic analyses were established from partial env (n = 37) and all pol sequences using Mega 4. The remaining 14 env sequences from 1996 were previously characterized based on HMA-env (Heteroduplex mobility assay). The Simplot v.3.5.1 program was used to verify intragenic recombination, and SplitsTree 4.0 was employed to confirm the phylogenetic relationship of the BF1 recombinant samples. Results Phylogenetic analysis of both env and pol regions confirmed the predominance of "pure" subtype B (72.5%) samples circulating in Bolivia and revealed a high prevalence of BF1 genotypes (27.5%). Eleven out of 14 BF1 recombinants displayed a mosaic structure identical or similar to that described for the CRF12_BF variant, one sample was classified as CRF17_BF, and two others were F1pol/Benv. No "pure" HIV-1 subtype F1 or B" variant of subtype B was detected in the present study. Of note, samples characterized as CRF12_BF-related were depicted only in 2005. Conclusion HIV-1 genetic diversity in Bolivia is mostly driven by subtype B followed by BF1 recombinant strains from the CRF12_BF "family". No significant temporal changes were detected between the mid-1990s and the mid-2000s for subtype B (76.2% vs 70.0%) or BF1 recombinant (23.8% vs 30.0%) samples from Bolivia. PMID:22248191

Recent Transmission Clustering of HIV-1 C and CRF17_BF Strains Characterized by NNRTI-Related Mutations among Newly Diagnosed Men in Central Italy

PubMed Central

Orchi, Nicoletta; Gori, Caterina; Bertoli, Ada; Forbici, Federica; Montella, Francesco; Pennica, Alfredo; De Carli, Gabriella; Giuliani, Massimo; Continenza, Fabio; Pinnetti, Carmela; Nicastri, Emanuele; Ceccherini-Silberstein, Francesca; Mastroianni, Claudio Maria; Girardi, Enrico; Andreoni, Massimo; Antinori, Andrea; Santoro, Maria Mercedes; Perno, Carlo Federico

2015-01-01

Background Increased evidence of relevant HIV-1 epidemic transmission in European countries is being reported, with an increased circulation of non-B-subtypes. Here, we present two recent HIV-1 non-B transmission clusters characterized by NNRTI-related amino-acidic mutations among newly diagnosed HIV-1 infected men, living in Rome (Central-Italy). Methods Pol and V3 sequences were available at the time of diagnosis for all individuals. Maximum-Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic-trees with bootstrap and Bayesian-probability supports defined transmission-clusters. HIV-1 drug-resistance and V3-tropism were also evaluated. Results Among 534 new HIV-1 non-B cases, diagnosed from 2011 to 2014, in Central-Italy, 35 carried virus gathering in two distinct clusters, including 27 HIV-1 C and 8 CRF17_BF subtypes, respectively. Both clusters were centralized in Rome, and their origin was estimated to have been after 2007. All individuals within both clusters were males and 37.1% of them had been recently-infected. While C-cluster was entirely composed by Italian men-who-have-sex-with-men, with a median-age of 34 years (IQR:30–39), individuals in CRF17_BF-cluster were older, with a median-age of 51 years (IQR:48–59) and almost all reported sexual-contacts with men and women. All carried R5-tropic viruses, with evidence of atypical or resistance amino-acidic mutations related to NNRTI-drugs (K103Q in C-cluster, and K101E+E138K in CRF17_BF-cluster). Conclusions These two epidemiological clusters provided evidence of a strong and recent circulation of C and CRF17_BF strains in central Italy, characterized by NNRTI-related mutations among men engaging in high-risk behaviours. These findings underline the role of molecular epidemiology in identifying groups at increased risk of HIV-1 transmission, and in enhancing additional prevention efforts. PMID:26270824

Emergence of new forms of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 intersubtype recombinants in central Myanmar.

PubMed

Motomura, K; Kusagawa, S; Kato, K; Nohtomi, K; Lwin, H H; Tun, K M; Thwe, M; Oo, K Y; Lwin, S; Kyaw, O; Zaw, M; Nagai, Y; Takebe, Y

2000-11-20

We have previously shown that HIV-1 env subtypes B' (a Thai-B cluster within subtype B) and E (CRF01_AE) are distributed in Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar. However, HIV strains from the rest of country have not yet been genetically characterized. In the present study, we determined env (C2/V3) and gag (p17) subtypes of 25 specimens from central Myanmar (Mandalay). Phylogenetic analyses identified 5 subtype C (20%), in addition to 10 CRF01_AE (40%) and 4 subtype B' (16%). Interestingly, the remaining six specimens (24%) showed discordance between gag and env subtypes; three gag subtype B'/env subtype C, one gag subtype B'/env subtype E, one gag subtype C/env subtype B', and one gag subtype C/env subtype E. These discordant specimens were found frequently among injecting drug users (4 of 12, 33%) and female commercial sex workers (2 of 8, 25%) engaging in high-risk behaviors. The recombinant nature of these HIV-1 strains was verified in three specimens, indicating the presence of new forms of HIV-1 intersubtype C/B' and C/B'/E recombinants with different recombination breakpoints. The data suggest that multiple subtypes of B', C, and CRF01_AE are cocirculating in central Myanmar, leading to the evolution of new forms of intersubtype recombinants among the risk populations exhibiting one of the highest HIV infection rates in the region.

Evidence for possible biological advantages of the newly emerging HIV-1 circulating recombinant form from Malaysia - CRF33_01B in comparison to its progenitors - CRF01_AE and subtype B.

PubMed

Lau, Katherine A; Wang, Bin; Miranda-Saksena, Monica; Boadle, Ross; Kamarulzaman, Adeeba; Ng, Kee-Peng; Saksena, Nitin K

2010-04-01

In Malaysia, co-circulation of CRF01_AE and subtype B has resulted in the emergence of the second generation derivative; CRF33_01B in approximately 20% of its HIV-1 infected individuals. Our objective was to identify possible biological advantages that CRF33_01B possesses over its progenitors. Biological and molecular comparisons of CRF33_01B against its parental subtypes clearly show that CRF33_01B replicated better in activated whole peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD4+ T-lymphocytes, but not monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Also, its acquired fitness was greater than CRF01_AE but not subtype B. Moreover, CRF33_01B has higher rate of apoptotic cell death and syncytia induction compared to subtype B. These adaptive and survival abilities could have been acquired by CRF33_01B due to the incorporation of subtype B fragments into the gag-RT region of its full-length genome. Our studies confirm the previously held belief that HIV-1 strains may harbor enhanced biological fitness upon recombination. We therefore estimate a possible gradual replacement of the current predominance of CRF01_AE, as well as wider dissemination of CRF33_01B, together with the identification of other new CRF01_AE/B inter-subtype recombinants in Malaysia.

High HIV-1 Diversity and Prevalence of Transmitted Drug Resistance Among Antiretroviral-Naive HIV-Infected Pregnant Women from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

PubMed

Delatorre, Edson; Silva-de-Jesus, Carlos; Couto-Fernandez, José Carlos; Pilotto, Jose H; Morgado, Mariza G

2017-01-01

Antiretroviral (ARV) resistance mutations in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection may reduce the efficacy of prophylactic therapy to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and future treatment options. This study evaluated the diversity and the prevalence of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) in protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT) regions of HIV-1 pol gene among 87 ARV-naive HIV-1-infected pregnant women from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 2012 and 2015. The viral diversity comprised HIV-1 subtypes B (67.8%), F1 (17.2%), and C (4.6%); the circulating recombinant forms 12_BF (2.3%), 28/29_BF, 39_BF, 02_AG (1.1% each) and unique recombinants forms (4.5%). The overall prevalence of any TDR was 17.2%, of which 5.7% for nucleoside RT inhibitors, 5.7% for non-nucleoside RT inhibitors, and 8% for PR inhibitors. The TDR prevalence found in this population may affect the virological outcome of the standard PMTCT ARV-regimens, reinforcing the importance of continuous monitoring.

A newly emerging HIV-1 recombinant lineage (CRF58_01B) disseminating among people who inject drugs in Malaysia.

PubMed

Chow, Wei Zhen; Takebe, Yutaka; Syafina, Nur Ezreen; Prakasa, Malarvelli Soorya; Chan, Kok Gan; Al-Darraji, Haider Abdulrazzaq Abed; Koh, Clayton; Kamarulzaman, Adeeba; Tee, Kok Keng

2014-01-01

The HIV epidemic is primarily characterised by the circulation of HIV-1 group M (main) comprising of 11 subtypes and sub-subtypes (A1, A2, B-D, F1, F2, G, H, J, and K) and to date 55 circulating recombinant forms (CRFs). In Southeast Asia, active inter-subtype recombination involving three main circulating genotypes--subtype B (including subtype B', the Thai variant of subtype B), CRF01_AE, and CRF33_01B--have contributed to the emergence of novel unique recombinant forms. In the present study, we conducted the molecular epidemiological surveillance of HIV-1 gag-RT genes among 258 people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, between 2009 and 2011 whereby a novel CRF candidate was recently identified. The near full-length genome sequences obtained from six epidemiologically unlinked individuals showed identical mosaic structures consisting of subtype B' and CRF01_AE, with six unique recombination breakpoints in the gag-RT, pol, and env regions. Among the high-risk population of PWIDs in Malaysia, which was predominantly infected by CRF33_01B (>70%), CRF58_01B circulated at a low but significant prevalence (2.3%, 6/258). Interestingly, the CRF58_01B shared two unique recombination breakpoints with other established CRFs in the region: CRF33_01B, CRF48_01B, and CRF53_01B in the gag gene, and CRF15_01B (from Thailand) in the env gene. Extended Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling analysis showed that CRF58_01B and other recently discovered CRFs were most likely to have originated in Malaysia, and that the recent spread of recombinant lineages in the country had little influence from neighbouring countries. The isolation, genetic characterization, and evolutionary features of CRF58_01B among PWIDs in Malaysia signify the increasingly complex HIV-1 diversity in Southeast Asia that may hold an implication on disease treatment, control, and prevention.

Coronary versus carotid blood flow and coronary perfusion pressure in a pig model of prolonged cardiac arrest treated by different modes of venoarterial ECMO and intraaortic balloon counterpulsation.

PubMed

Bělohlávek, Jan; Mlček, Mikuláš; Huptych, Michal; Svoboda, Tomáš; Havránek, Stěpán; Ošt'ádal, Petr; Bouček, Tomáš; Kovárník, Tomáš; Mlejnský, František; Mrázek, Vratislav; Bělohlávek, Marek; Aschermann, Michael; Linhart, Aleš; Kittnar, Otomar

2012-12-12

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used in cardiac arrest (CA). Adequacy of carotid and coronary blood flows (CaBF, CoBF) and coronary perfusion pressure (CoPP) in ECMO treated CA is not well established. This study compares femoro-femoral (FF) to femoro-subclavian (FS) ECMO and intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) contribution based on CaBF, CoBF, CoPP, myocardial and brain oxygenation in experimental CA managed by ECMO. In 11 female pigs (50.3 ± 3.4 kg), CA was randomly treated by FF versus FS ECMO ± IABP. Animals under general anesthesia had undergone 15 minutes of ventricular fibrillation (VF) with ECMO flow of 5 to 10 mL/kg/min simulating low-flow CA followed by continued VF with ECMO flow of 100 mL/kg/min. CaBF and CoBF were measured by a Doppler flow wire, cerebral and peripheral oxygenation by near infrared spectroscopy. CoPP, myocardial oxygen metabolism and resuscitability were determined. CaBF reached values > 80% of baseline in all regimens. CoBF > 80% was reached only by the FF ECMO, 90.0% (66.1, 98.6). Addition of IABP to FF ECMO decreased CoBF to 60.7% (55.1, 86.2) of baseline, P = 0.004. FS ECMO produced 70.0% (49.1, 113.2) of baseline CoBF, significantly lower than FF, P = 0.039. Addition of IABP to FS did not change the CoBF; however, it provided significantly higher flow, 76.7% (71.9, 111.2) of baseline, compared to FF + IABP, P = 0.026. Both brain and peripheral regional oxygen saturations decreased after induction of CA to 23% (15.0, 32.3) and 34% (23.5, 34.0), respectively, and normalized after ECMO institution. For brain saturations, all regimens reached values exceeding 80% of baseline, none of the comparisons between respective treatment approaches differed significantly. After a decline to 15 mmHg (9.5, 20.8) during CA, CoPP gradually rose with time to 68 mmHg (43.3, 84.0), P = 0 .003, with best recovery on FF ECMO. Resuscitability of the animals was high, both 5 and 60 minutes return of spontaneous circulation occured in eight animals (73%). In a pig model of CA, both FF and FS ECMO assure adequate brain perfusion and oxygenation. FF ECMO offers better CoBF than FS ECMO. Addition of IABP to FF ECMO worsens CoBF. FF ECMO, more than FS ECMO, increases CoPP over time.

Coronary versus carotid blood flow and coronary perfusion pressure in a pig model of prolonged cardiac arrest treated by different modes of venoarterial ECMO and intraaortic balloon counterpulsation

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Introduction Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used in cardiac arrest (CA). Adequacy of carotid and coronary blood flows (CaBF, CoBF) and coronary perfusion pressure (CoPP) in ECMO treated CA is not well established. This study compares femoro-femoral (FF) to femoro-subclavian (FS) ECMO and intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) contribution based on CaBF, CoBF, CoPP, myocardial and brain oxygenation in experimental CA managed by ECMO. Methods In 11 female pigs (50.3 ± 3.4 kg), CA was randomly treated by FF versus FS ECMO ± IABP. Animals under general anesthesia had undergone 15 minutes of ventricular fibrillation (VF) with ECMO flow of 5 to 10 mL/kg/min simulating low-flow CA followed by continued VF with ECMO flow of 100 mL/kg/min. CaBF and CoBF were measured by a Doppler flow wire, cerebral and peripheral oxygenation by near infrared spectroscopy. CoPP, myocardial oxygen metabolism and resuscitability were determined. Results CaBF reached values > 80% of baseline in all regimens. CoBF > 80% was reached only by the FF ECMO, 90.0% (66.1, 98.6). Addition of IABP to FF ECMO decreased CoBF to 60.7% (55.1, 86.2) of baseline, P = 0.004. FS ECMO produced 70.0% (49.1, 113.2) of baseline CoBF, significantly lower than FF, P = 0.039. Addition of IABP to FS did not change the CoBF; however, it provided significantly higher flow, 76.7% (71.9, 111.2) of baseline, compared to FF + IABP, P = 0.026. Both brain and peripheral regional oxygen saturations decreased after induction of CA to 23% (15.0, 32.3) and 34% (23.5, 34.0), respectively, and normalized after ECMO institution. For brain saturations, all regimens reached values exceeding 80% of baseline, none of the comparisons between respective treatment approaches differed significantly. After a decline to 15 mmHg (9.5, 20.8) during CA, CoPP gradually rose with time to 68 mmHg (43.3, 84.0), P = 0 .003, with best recovery on FF ECMO. Resuscitability of the animals was high, both 5 and 60 minutes return of spontaneous circulation occured in eight animals (73%). Conclusions In a pig model of CA, both FF and FS ECMO assure adequate brain perfusion and oxygenation. FF ECMO offers better CoBF than FS ECMO. Addition of IABP to FF ECMO worsens CoBF. FF ECMO, more than FS ECMO, increases CoPP over time. PMID:22424292

A Newly Emerging HIV-1 Recombinant Lineage (CRF58_01B) Disseminating among People Who Inject Drugs in Malaysia

PubMed Central

Chow, Wei Zhen; Takebe, Yutaka; Syafina, Nur Ezreen; Prakasa, Malarvelli Soorya; Chan, Kok Gan; Al-Darraji, Haider Abdulrazzaq Abed; Koh, Clayton; Kamarulzaman, Adeeba; Tee, Kok Keng

2014-01-01

The HIV epidemic is primarily characterised by the circulation of HIV-1 group M (main) comprising of 11 subtypes and sub-subtypes (A1, A2, B–D, F1, F2, G, H, J, and K) and to date 55 circulating recombinant forms (CRFs). In Southeast Asia, active inter-subtype recombination involving three main circulating genotypes—subtype B (including subtype B′, the Thai variant of subtype B), CRF01_AE, and CRF33_01B—have contributed to the emergence of novel unique recombinant forms. In the present study, we conducted the molecular epidemiological surveillance of HIV-1 gag-RT genes among 258 people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, between 2009 and 2011 whereby a novel CRF candidate was recently identified. The near full-length genome sequences obtained from six epidemiologically unlinked individuals showed identical mosaic structures consisting of subtype B′ and CRF01_AE, with six unique recombination breakpoints in the gag-RT, pol, and env regions. Among the high-risk population of PWIDs in Malaysia, which was predominantly infected by CRF33_01B (>70%), CRF58_01B circulated at a low but significant prevalence (2.3%, 6/258). Interestingly, the CRF58_01B shared two unique recombination breakpoints with other established CRFs in the region: CRF33_01B, CRF48_01B, and CRF53_01B in the gag gene, and CRF15_01B (from Thailand) in the env gene. Extended Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling analysis showed that CRF58_01B and other recently discovered CRFs were most likely to have originated in Malaysia, and that the recent spread of recombinant lineages in the country had little influence from neighbouring countries. The isolation, genetic characterization, and evolutionary features of CRF58_01B among PWIDs in Malaysia signify the increasingly complex HIV-1 diversity in Southeast Asia that may hold an implication on disease treatment, control, and prevention. PMID:24465513

HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance and genetic diversity among patients from Piauí State, Northeast Brazil.

PubMed

Moura, Maria Edileuza Soares; da Guarda Reis, Mônica Nogueira; Lima, Yanna Andressa Ramos; Eulálio, Kelsen Dantas; Cardoso, Ludimila Paula Vaz; Stefani, Mariane Martins Araújo

2015-05-01

HIV-1 transmitted-drug-resistance and genetic diversity are dynamic and may differ in distinct locations/risk groups. In Brazil, increased AIDS incidence and related mortality have been detected in the Northeast region, differently from the epicenter in the Southeast. This cross-sectional study describes transmitted-dru- resistance and HIV-1 subtypes in protease/PR and reverse transcriptase/RT regions among antiretroviral naïve patients from Piauí State, Northeast Brazil. Among 96 patients recruited 89 (92.7%) had HIV-1 PR/RT regions sequenced: 44 females and 45 males, 22 self-declared as men who have sex with men. Transmitted-drug-resistance was investigated by CPR tool (Stanford HIV-1 Drug Resistance/SDRM). HIV-1 subtypes were assigned by REGA and phylogenetic inference. Overall, transmitted-drug-resistance rate was 11.2% (10/89; CI 95%: 5.8-19.1%); 22.7% among men who have sex with men (5/22; CI 95%: 8.8-43.4%), 10% in heterosexual men (2/20; CI 95%: 1.7-29.3%) and 6.8% in women (3/44; CI 95%: 1.8-17.4%). Singleton mutations to protease-inhibitor/PI, nucleoside-reverse-transcriptase-inhibitor/NRTI or non-nucleoside-reverse-transcriptase-inhibitor/NNRTI predominated (8/10): PI mutations (M46L, V82F, L90M); NRTI mutations (M41L, D67N) and NNRTI mutations (K103N/S). Dual class resistance mutations to NRTI and NNRTI were observed: T215L (NRTI), Y188L (NNRTI) and T215N (NRTI), F227L (NNRTI). Subtype B prevailed (86.6%; 77/89), followed by subtype F1 (1.1%, 1/89) and subtype C (1.1%, 1/89). B/F1 and B/C intersubtype recombinants represented 11.2% (10/89). In Piauí State extensive testing of incidence and transmitted-drug-resistance in all populations with risk behaviors may help control AIDS epidemic locally. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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

S.S. Gornostayev; P.A. Tanskanen; E.-P. Heikkinen

Scanning electron microscopy and an electron-microprobe analysis of a sample of blast furnace (BF) coke have revealed alkalization (5.64 wt % Na{sub 2}O + K{sub 2}O) and Al saturation (17.28 wt % Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) of SiO{sub 2} by BF gases. The K/Na{sub at} value of 1.15 in the new phase (alteration zone) reflects close atomic proportions of the elements and suggests that the abilities to incorporate K and Na during the process are almost equal. This Al saturation and alkalization of SiO{sub 2} indicates an active role for Al along with alkali metals in BF gases. The average widthmore » of the altered area in the SiO{sub 2} grain is about 10 m, which suggests that SiO{sub 2} particles of that size can be transformed fully to the new phase, provided that at least one of their faces is open to an external pore (surface of the coke) or internal pore with circulating BF gases. The grains that exceed 10 {mu}m can only be partly altered, which means that smaller SiO{sub 2} grains can incorporate more alkali metals and Al (during their transformation to the Al and alkali-bearing phase) than a similar volume of SiO{sub 2} concentrated in larger grains. Thermodynamic calculations for 100 g{sub solid}/100 g{sub gas} and temperatures 800-1800{sup o}C have shown that the BF gases have very little or no effect on the alkalization of SiO{sub 2}. If the alteration process described in this paper proves to be a generalized phenomenon in blast furnace cokes, then the addition of fine-grained quartz to the surface of the coke before charging a BF can be useful for removing of some of the Al and alkali from the BF gases and reduce coke degradation by alkalis, or at least improve its properties until the temperature reaches approximately 2000{sup o}C. 22 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.« less

Layer-specific blood-flow MRI of retinitis pigmentosa in RCS rats☆

PubMed Central

Li, Guang; Garza, Bryan De La; Shih, Yen-Yu I.; Muir, Eric R.; Duong, Timothy Q.

2013-01-01

The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat is an established animal model of retinitis pigmentosa, a family of inherited retinal diseases which starts with loss of peripheral vision and progresses to eventual blindness. Blood flow (BF), an important physiological parameter, is intricately coupled to metabolic function under normal physiological conditions and is perturbed in many neurological and retinal diseases. This study reports non-invasive high-resolution MRI (44 × 44 × 600 μm) to image quantitative retinal and choroidal BF and layer-specific retinal thicknesses in RCS rat retinas at different stages of retinal degeneration compared with age-matched controls. The unique ability to separate retinal and choroidal BF was made possible by the depth-resolved MRI technique. RBF decreased with progressive retinal degeneration, but ChBF did not change in RCS rats up to post-natal day 90. We concluded that choroidal and retinal circulations have different susceptibility to progressive retinal degeneration in RCS rats. Layer-specific retinal thickness became progressively thinner and was corroborated by histological analysis in the same animals. MRI can detect progressive anatomical and BF changes during retinal degeneration with laminar resolution. PMID:22721720

Layer-specific blood-flow MRI of retinitis pigmentosa in RCS rats.

PubMed

Li, Guang; De La Garza, Bryan; Shih, Yen-Yu I; Muir, Eric R; Duong, Timothy Q

2012-08-01

The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat is an established animal model of retinitis pigmentosa, a family of inherited retinal diseases which starts with loss of peripheral vision and progresses to eventual blindness. Blood flow (BF), an important physiological parameter, is intricately coupled to metabolic function under normal physiological conditions and is perturbed in many neurological and retinal diseases. This study reports non-invasive high-resolution MRI (44 × 44 × 600 μm) to image quantitative retinal and choroidal BF and layer-specific retinal thicknesses in RCS rat retinas at different stages of retinal degeneration compared with age-matched controls. The unique ability to separate retinal and choroidal BF was made possible by the depth-resolved MRI technique. RBF decreased with progressive retinal degeneration, but ChBF did not change in RCS rats up to post-natal day 90. We concluded that choroidal and retinal circulations have different susceptibility to progressive retinal degeneration in RCS rats. Layer-specific retinal thickness became progressively thinner and was corroborated by histological analysis in the same animals. MRI can detect progressive anatomical and BF changes during retinal degeneration with laminar resolution. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mississippi River: Study of Alternatives for Rehabilitation of Lock and Dam Number 1. Minneapolis, Minnesota. Volume 3. Appendices B-F.

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-04-01

AR2 RECIPIENT’S CATALOG NUMBER A. TiTLE CadSubtitIe) MISSISSIPPI RIVER STUDY OF TYPE OF REPORT & PERIOD COVERED ALTERNATIVES FOR REHABILITATION OF LOCK...USPO & Custom House St. Paul, MN 55101 1. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12. REPORT DATE April, 1976 13. NUMBER OF PAGES 283 p. 14. MONITORING...Borehole 74-9 19 5 Sumary of Circulation History of Borehole. in Which Partial or Total Loss of Drilling was Recorded 20 FIGURES Number Description pg 1

A somatostatin analog improves tilt table tolerance by decreasing splanchnic vascular conductance

PubMed Central

Florian, J. P.; Curren, M. J.; Pawelczyk, J. A.

2012-01-01

Splanchnic hemodynamics and tilt table tolerance were assessed after an infusion of placebo or octreotide acetate, a somatostatin analog whose vascular effects are largely confined to the splanchnic circulation. We hypothesized that reductions in splanchnic blood flow (SpBF) and splanchnic vascular conductance (SpVC) would be related to improvements in tilt table tolerance. In randomized, double-blind, crossover trials, hemodynamic variables were collected in 14 women and 16 men during baseline, 70° head-up tilt (HUT), and recovery. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare changes from baseline with respect to sex and condition. HUT elicited an increase in heart rate and decreases in mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, stroke index, and systemic vascular conductance. Additionally, SpVC and non-SpVC were lower during HUT. Octreotide reduced SpBF and SpVC and increased systemic vascular conductance and non-SpVC. Changes in SpBF and SpVC between supine and HUT were smaller in women (P < 0.05). Tilt table tolerance was increased after administration of octreotide [median tilt time: 15.7 vs. 37.0 min (P < 0.05) and 21.8 vs. 45.0 min (P < 0.05) for women and men, respectively]. A significant relationship existed between change (Δ) in SpBF (placebo-octreotide) and Δtilt time in women (Δtilt time = 2.5–0.0083 ΔSpBF, P < 0.01), but not men (Δtilt time = 3.41–0.0008 ΔSpBF, P = 0.59). In conclusion, administration of octreotide acetate improved tilt table tolerance, which was associated with a decrease in SpVC. In women, but not men, the magnitude of reduction in SpBF was positively associated with improvements in tilt tolerance. PMID:22345429

A comparison of thermoregulatory responses to exercise between mass-matched groups with large differences in body fat

PubMed Central

Dervis, Sheila; Coombs, Geoff B.; Chaseling, Georgia K.; Filingeri, Davide; Smoljanic, Jovana

2015-01-01

We sought to determine 1) the influence of adiposity on thermoregulatory responses independently of the confounding biophysical factors of body mass and metabolic heat production (Hprod); and 2) whether differences in adiposity should be accounted for by prescribing an exercise intensity eliciting a fixed Hprod per kilogram of lean body mass (LBM). Nine low (LO-BF) and nine high (HI-BF) body fat males matched in pairs for total body mass (TBM; LO-BF: 88.7 ± 8.4 kg, HI-BF: 90.1 ± 7.9 kg; P = 0.72), but with distinctly different percentage body fat (%BF; LO-BF: 10.8 ± 3.6%; HI-BF: 32.0 ± 5.6%; P < 0.001), cycled for 60 min at 28.1 ± 0.2°C, 26 ± 8% relative humidity (RH), at a target Hprod of 1) 550 W (FHP trial) and 2) 7.5 W/kg LBM (LBM trial). Changes in rectal temperature (ΔTre) and local sweat rate (LSR) were measured continuously while whole body sweat loss (WBSL) and net heat loss (Hloss) were estimated over 60 min. In the FHP trial, ΔTre (LO-BF: 0.66 ± 0.21°C, HI-BF: 0.87 ± 0.18°C; P = 0.02) was greater in HI-BF, whereas mean LSR (LO-BF 0.52 ± 0.19, HI-BF 0.43 ± 0.15 mg·cm−2·min−1; P = 0.19), WBSL (LO-BF 586 ± 82 ml, HI-BF 559 ± 75 ml; P = 0.47) and Hloss (LO-BF 1,867 ± 208 kJ, HI-BF 1,826 ± 224 kJ; P = 0.69) were all similar. In the LBM trial, ΔTre (LO-BF 0.82 ± 0.18°C, HI-BF 0.54 ± 0.19°C; P < 0.001), mean LSR (LO-BF 0.59 ± 0.20, HI-BF 0.38 ± 0.12 mg·cm−2·min−1; P = 0.04), WBSL (LO-BF 580 ± 106 ml, HI-BF 381 ± 68 ml; P < 0.001), and Hloss (LO-BF 1,884 ± 277 kJ, HI-BF 1,341 ± 184 kJ; P < 0.001) were all greater at end-exercise in LO-BF. In conclusion, high %BF individuals demonstrate a greater ΔTre independently of differences in mass and Hprod, possibly due to a lower mean specific heat capacity or impaired sudomotor control. However, thermoregulatory responses of groups with different adiposity levels should not be compared using a fixed Hprod in watts per kilogram lean body mass. PMID:26702025

A comparison of thermoregulatory responses to exercise between mass-matched groups with large differences in body fat.

PubMed

Dervis, Sheila; Coombs, Geoff B; Chaseling, Georgia K; Filingeri, Davide; Smoljanic, Jovana; Jay, Ollie

2016-03-15

We sought to determine 1) the influence of adiposity on thermoregulatory responses independently of the confounding biophysical factors of body mass and metabolic heat production (Hprod); and 2) whether differences in adiposity should be accounted for by prescribing an exercise intensity eliciting a fixed Hprod per kilogram of lean body mass (LBM). Nine low (LO-BF) and nine high (HI-BF) body fat males matched in pairs for total body mass (TBM; LO-BF: 88.7 ± 8.4 kg, HI-BF: 90.1 ± 7.9 kg; P = 0.72), but with distinctly different percentage body fat (%BF; LO-BF: 10.8 ± 3.6%; HI-BF: 32.0 ± 5.6%; P < 0.001), cycled for 60 min at 28.1 ± 0.2 °C, 26 ± 8% relative humidity (RH), at a target Hprod of 1) 550 W (FHP trial) and 2) 7.5 W/kg LBM (LBM trial). Changes in rectal temperature (ΔTre) and local sweat rate (LSR) were measured continuously while whole body sweat loss (WBSL) and net heat loss (Hloss) were estimated over 60 min. In the FHP trial, ΔTre (LO-BF: 0.66 ± 0.21 °C, HI-BF: 0.87 ± 0.18 °C; P = 0.02) was greater in HI-BF, whereas mean LSR (LO-BF 0.52 ± 0.19, HI-BF 0.43 ± 0.15 mg·cm(-2)·min(-1); P = 0.19), WBSL (LO-BF 586 ± 82 ml, HI-BF 559 ± 75 ml; P = 0.47) and Hloss (LO-BF 1,867 ± 208 kJ, HI-BF 1,826 ± 224 kJ; P = 0.69) were all similar. In the LBM trial, ΔTre (LO-BF 0.82 ± 0.18 °C, HI-BF 0.54 ± 0.19 °C; P < 0.001), mean LSR (LO-BF 0.59 ± 0.20, HI-BF 0.38 ± 0.12 mg·cm(-2)·min(-1); P = 0.04), WBSL (LO-BF 580 ± 106 ml, HI-BF 381 ± 68 ml; P < 0.001), and Hloss (LO-BF 1,884 ± 277 kJ, HI-BF 1,341 ± 184 kJ; P < 0.001) were all greater at end-exercise in LO-BF. In conclusion, high %BF individuals demonstrate a greater ΔTre independently of differences in mass and Hprod, possibly due to a lower mean specific heat capacity or impaired sudomotor control. However, thermoregulatory responses of groups with different adiposity levels should not be compared using a fixed Hprod in watts per kilogram lean body mass. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

[18F]tetrafluoroborate-PET/CT enables sensitive tumor and metastasis in vivo imaging in a sodium iodide symporter-expressing tumor model.

PubMed

Diocou, S; Volpe, A; Jauregui-Osoro, M; Boudjemeline, M; Chuamsaamarkkee, K; Man, F; Blower, P J; Ng, T; Mullen, G E D; Fruhwirth, G O

2017-04-19

Cancer cell metastasis is responsible for most cancer deaths. Non-invasive in vivo cancer cell tracking in spontaneously metastasizing tumor models still poses a challenge requiring highest sensitivity and excellent contrast. The goal of this study was to evaluate if the recently introduced PET radiotracer [ 18 F]tetrafluoroborate ([ 18 F]BF 4 - ) is useful for sensitive and specific metastasis detection in an orthotopic xenograft breast cancer model expressing the human sodium iodide symporter (NIS) as a reporter. In vivo imaging was complemented by ex vivo fluorescence microscopy and γ-counting of harvested tissues. Radionuclide imaging with [ 18 F]BF 4 - (PET/CT) was compared to the conventional tracer [ 123 I]iodide (sequential SPECT/CT). We found that [ 18 F]BF 4 - was superior due to better pharmacokinetics, i.e. faster tumor uptake and faster and more complete clearance from circulation. [ 18 F]BF 4 - -PET was also highly specific as in all detected tissues cancer cell presence was confirmed microscopically. Undetected comparable tissues were similarly found to be free of metastasis. Metastasis detection by routine metabolic imaging with [ 18 F]FDG-PET failed due to low standard uptake values and low contrast caused by adjacent metabolically active organs in this model. [ 18 F]BF 4 - -PET combined with NIS expressing disease models is particularly useful whenever preclinical in vivo cell tracking is of interest.

Posture changes and subfoveal choroidal blood flow.

PubMed

Longo, Antonio; Geiser, Martial H; Riva, Charles E

2004-02-01

To evaluate the effect of posture change on subfoveal choroidal blood flow (ChBF) in normal volunteers. The pulsatile, nonpulsatile, and mean ChBF were measured with laser Doppler flowmetry in 11 healthy volunteers with a mean age of 32 +/- 13 (SD) years. The posture of the subjects was changed from standing (90 degrees ), to supine (-8 degrees ), and back to standing, with a mechanically driven table. During the whole experimental procedure, ChBF and heart rate (HR) were continuously recorded. After 30 seconds in standing position, the subjects were tilted to supine during approximately 30 seconds. They remained in this position for approximately 2 minutes, after which they were tilted back to the standing position (recovery), where they remained for another approximately 2 minutes. Systemic brachial artery blood pressure (BP) was measured in the baseline, supine, and recovery positions. This procedure was repeated to measure the intraocular pressure (IOP) at the different postures. Mean BP did not change significantly throughout the experimental procedure. As the body was tilted from standing to supine, HR decreased by 16% (P < 0.0004), IOP increased by 29% (P < 0.001), and mean ChBF increased by 11% (P < 0.01). The increase in ChBF was primarily due to an increase in the nonpulsatile component of the blood velocity. Based on previously reported experimental data that indicate that the ocular perfusion pressure increases less than predicted by purely hydrostatic considerations when the body is tilted from the standing to the supine position, the observed increase in ChBF suggests a passive response of the choroidal circulation to the posture change.

Enantioselective disruption of the endocrine system by Cis-Bifenthrin in the male mice.

PubMed

Jin, Yuanxiang; Wang, Jiangcong; Pan, Xiuhong; Miao, Wenyu; Lin, Xiaojian; Wang, Linggang; Fu, Zhengwei

2015-07-01

Bifenthrin (BF), as a chiral pyrethroid, is widely used to control field and household pests in China. At present, the commercial BF is a mixed compound containing cis isomers (cis-BF) including two enantiomers of 1R-cis-BF and 1S-cis-BF. In the present study, the two individual cis-BF enantiomers were separated by a preparative supercritical fluid chromatography. Then, four week-old adolescent male ICR mice were orally administered 1R-cis-BF and 1S-cis-BF separately daily for 3 weeks at doses of 0, 7.5 and 15 mg/kg/day, respectively. Results showed that the transcription status of some genes involved in cholesterol synthesis and transport as well as testosterone (T) synthesis in the testes were influenced by cis-BF enantiomers. Especially, we observed that the transcription status of key genes on the pathway of T synthesis including cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (P45017α)) were selectively altered in the testis of mice when treated with 1S-cis-BF, suggesting that it is the possible reason to explain why the lower serum T concentration in 1S-cis-BF treated group. Taken together, it concluded that both of the cis-BF enantiomers have the endocrine disruption activities, while 1S-cis-BF was higher than 1R-cis-BF in mice when exposed during the puberty. The data was helpful to understand the toxicity of cis-BF in mammals under enantiomeric level. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Steady- and transient-state H2S biofiltration using expanded schist as packing material.

PubMed

Romero Hernandez, A C; Rodríguez Susa, M S; Andrès, Y; Dumont, E

2013-01-25

The performances of three laboratory-scale biofilters (BF1, BF2, BF3) packed with expanded schist for H(2)S removal were studied at different empty bed residence times (EBRT=35, 24 and 16s) in terms of elimination capacity (EC) and removal efficiency (RE). BF1 and BF2 were filled with expanded schist while BF3 was filled with both expanded schist and a nutritional material (UP20; 12% vol). BF1 and BF3 were inoculated with activated sludge, whereas BF2 was not inoculated. A maximum EC of 42 g m(-3) h(-1) was recorded for BF3 at EBRT=35 s demonstrating the ability of schist to treat high H(2)S loading rates, and the ability of UP20 to improve H(2)S removal. Michaelis-Menten and Haldane models were fitted to the experimental elimination capacities while biofilter responses to transient-state conditions in terms of removal efficiency during shock load events were also evaluated for BF1 and BF3. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Ficus benjamina wood chip-based fungal biofiltration for the treatment of Tequila vinasses.

PubMed

Marco Antonio, Garzón-Zúñiga; Angélica Julieta, Alvillo-Rivera; Esperanza, Ramírez Camperos; Gerardo, Buelna; Gerardo, Díaz-Godínez; Edson Baltazar, Estrada-Arriaga

2018-03-01

This study was focused on the application of an aerobic biofiltration (BF) with Ficus benjamina wood chips as support medium, inoculated with two basidiomycete fungi, Phanerochaete chrysosporium (BF 1) and Trametes versicolor (BF 2), to treat Tequila vinasses from a Tequila industry. The biofiltration system was compared with a biofilter system without basidiomycete fungi (BF W), in order to determine the influence of fungi on the treatment of vinasses. Three different vinasses/water ratios (30/70, 40/60, and 50/50) were evaluated. The maximum removals of chemical oxygen demand (COD) obtained during each operation step were 72% (BF 1), 72% (BF 2), and 8% (BF W) for 30 vinasses/70 water; 72% (BF 1), 73% (BF 2), and 66% (BF W) for 40 vinasses/60 water; and 22% (BF 1), 20% (BF 2), and 18% (BF W) for 50 vinasses/50 water. The total organic carbon (TOC) removal was significantly increased using a volumetric organic load of 5.5 kg COD m -3 d -1 . During the operation of the biofilters, the enzymatic activity of laccase was present, even at the step of highest concentration of vinasses.

Adiposity and Serum Selenium in U.S. Adults.

PubMed

Zhong, Qiuan; Lin, Ruoxi; Nong, Qingjiao

2018-06-05

Requirements for selenium and other antioxidant nutrients are increased in pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory conditions such as excess adiposity. Data concerning the association of excess general and central adiposity with circulating selenium concentrations, however, are limited. We examined the cross-sectional associations of body mass index (BMI), percent body fat (%BF), and waist circumference (WC) with serum selenium concentrations in 6440 men and 6849 women aged ≥20 years who participated in the U.S. Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In multivariable analyses, the average difference (95% confidence interval (CI)) in serum selenium comparing the highest with the lowest quartiles of BMI was -4.0 (-5.5, -1.6) ng/mL in both men and women. These inverse associations were evident after further adjustment for WC. For %BF, the average differences (95% CI) in serum selenium between the highest and the lowest quartiles of %BF were -1.7 (-4.2, 0.7) ng/mL in men and -4.5 (-7.0, -1.9) ng/mL in women. The inverse association in women persisted after adjusting for WC. For WC, the average differences (95% CI) in serum selenium between the highest and the lowest quartiles were -1.9 (-3.8, -0.1) ng/mL in men and -3.9 (-5.8, -2.0) ng/mL in women. After further adjustment for BMI, the inverse association became positive in men and null in women. Our findings suggest that general and central adiposity have different associations with serum selenium levels and that these associations may depend on gender.

Molecular Epidemiology of HIV-1 in Jilin Province, Northeastern China: Emergence of a New CRF07_BC Transmission Cluster and Intersubtype Recombinants

PubMed Central

Ning, Chuanyi; Feng, Yi; Xie, Cunxin; He, Xiang; Takebe, Yutaka; Sun, Liuyan; Guo, Qi; Xing, Hui; Kalish, Marcia L.; Shao, Yiming

2014-01-01

Objective To investigate the HIV-1 molecular epidemiology among newly diagnosed HIV-1 infected persons living in the Jilin province of northeastern China. Methods Plasma samples from 189 newly diagnosed HIV-1 infected patients were collected between June 2010 and August 2011 from all nine cities of Jilin province. HIV-1 nucleotide sequences of gag P17–P24 and env C2–C4 gene regions were amplified using a multiplex RT-PCR method and sequenced. Phylogenetic and recombination analyses were used to determine the HIV-1 genotypes. Results Based on all sequences generated, the subtype/CFR distribution was as follows: CRF01_AE (58.1%), CRF07_BC (13.2%), subtype B’ (13.2%), recombinant viruses (8.1%), subtype B (3.7%), CRF02_AG (2.9%), subtype C (0.7%). In addition to finding CRF01_AE strains from previously reported transmission clusters 1, 4 and 5, a new transmission cluster was described within the CRF07_BC radiation. Among 11 different recombinants identified, 10 contained portions of gene regions from the CRF01_AE lineage. CRF02_AG was found to form a transmission cluster of 4 in local Jilin residents. Conclusions Our study presents a molecular epidemiologic investigation describing the complex structure of HIV-1 strains co-circulating in Jilin province. The results highlight the critical importance of continuous monitoring of HIV-infections, along with detailed socio-demographic data, in order to design appropriate prevention measures to limit the spread of new HIV infections. PMID:25356726

Intersubtype Differences in the Effect of a Rare p24 Gag Mutation on HIV-1 Replicative Fitness

PubMed Central

Chopera, Denis R.; Cotton, Laura A.; Zawaira, Alexander; Mann, Jaclyn K.; Ngandu, Nobubelo K.; Ntale, Roman; Carlson, Jonathan M.; Mlisana, Koleka; Woodman, Zenda; de Assis Rosa, Debra; Martin, Eric; Miura, Toshiyuki; Pereyra, Florencia; Walker, Bruce D.; Gray, Clive M.; Martin, Darren P.; Ndung'u, Thumbi; Brockman, Mark A.; Karim, Salim Abdool

2012-01-01

Certain immune-driven mutations in HIV-1, such as those arising in p24Gag, decrease viral replicative capacity. However, the intersubtype differences in the replicative consequences of such mutations have not been explored. In HIV-1 subtype B, the p24Gag M250I mutation is a rare variant (0.6%) that is enriched among elite controllers (7.2%) (P = 0.0005) and appears to be a rare escape variant selected by HLA-B58 supertype alleles (P < 0.01). In contrast, in subtype C, it is a relatively common minor polymorphic variant (10 to 15%) whose appearance is not associated with a particular HLA allele. Using site-directed mutant viruses, we demonstrate that M250I reduces in vitro viral replicative capacity in both subtype B and subtype C sequences. However, whereas in subtype C downstream compensatory mutations at p24Gag codons 252 and 260 reduce the adverse effects of M250I, fitness costs in subtype B appear difficult to restore. Indeed, patient-derived subtype B sequences harboring M250I exhibited in vitro replicative defects, while those from subtype C did not. The structural implications of M250I were predicted by protein modeling to be greater in subtype B versus C, providing a potential explanation for its lower frequency and enhanced replicative defects in subtype B. In addition to accounting for genetic differences between HIV-1 subtypes, the design of cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte-based vaccines may need to account for differential effects of host-driven viral evolution on viral fitness. PMID:23015721

Most HIV Type 1 Non-B Infections in the Spanish Cohort of Antiretroviral Treatment-Naïve HIV-Infected Patients (CoRIS) Are Due to Recombinant Viruses

PubMed Central

Yebra, Gonzalo; de Mulder, Miguel; Martín, Leticia; Rodríguez, Carmen; Labarga, Pablo; Viciana, Isabel; Berenguer, Juan; Alemán, María Remedios; Pineda, Juan Antonio; García, Federico

2012-01-01

HIV-1 group M is classified into 9 subtypes, as well as recombinants favored by coinfection and superinfection events with different variants. Although HIV-1 subtype B is predominant in Europe, intersubtype recombinants are increasing in prevalence and complexity. In this study, phylogenetic analyses of pol sequences were performed to detect the HIV-1 circulating and unique recombinant forms (CRFs and URFs, respectively) in a Spanish cohort of antiretroviral treatment-naïve HIV-infected patients included in the Research Network on HIV/AIDS (CoRIS). Bootscanning and other methods were used to define complex recombinants not assigned to any subtype or CRF. A total of 670 available HIV-1 pol sequences from different patients were collected, of which 588 (87.8%) were assigned to HIV-1 subtype B and 82 (12.2%) to HIV-1 non-B variants. Recombinants caused the majority (71.9%) of HIV-1 non-B infections and were found in 8.8% of CoRIS patients. Eleven URFs (accounting for 13.4% of HIV-1 non-B infections), presenting complex mosaic patterns, were detected. Among them, 10 harbored subtype B fragments. Four of the 11 URFs were found in Spanish natives. A cluster of three B/CRF02_AG recombinants was detected. We conclude that complex variants, including unique recombinant forms, are being introduced into Spain through both immigrants and natives. An increase in the frequency of mosaic viruses, reflecting the increasing heterogeneity of the HIV epidemic in our country, is expected. PMID:22162552

Most HIV type 1 non-B infections in the Spanish cohort of antiretroviral treatment-naïve HIV-infected patients (CoRIS) are due to recombinant viruses.

PubMed

Yebra, Gonzalo; de Mulder, Miguel; Martín, Leticia; Rodríguez, Carmen; Labarga, Pablo; Viciana, Isabel; Berenguer, Juan; Alemán, María Remedios; Pineda, Juan Antonio; García, Federico; Holguín, Africa

2012-02-01

HIV-1 group M is classified into 9 subtypes, as well as recombinants favored by coinfection and superinfection events with different variants. Although HIV-1 subtype B is predominant in Europe, intersubtype recombinants are increasing in prevalence and complexity. In this study, phylogenetic analyses of pol sequences were performed to detect the HIV-1 circulating and unique recombinant forms (CRFs and URFs, respectively) in a Spanish cohort of antiretroviral treatment-naïve HIV-infected patients included in the Research Network on HIV/AIDS (CoRIS). Bootscanning and other methods were used to define complex recombinants not assigned to any subtype or CRF. A total of 670 available HIV-1 pol sequences from different patients were collected, of which 588 (87.8%) were assigned to HIV-1 subtype B and 82 (12.2%) to HIV-1 non-B variants. Recombinants caused the majority (71.9%) of HIV-1 non-B infections and were found in 8.8% of CoRIS patients. Eleven URFs (accounting for 13.4% of HIV-1 non-B infections), presenting complex mosaic patterns, were detected. Among them, 10 harbored subtype B fragments. Four of the 11 URFs were found in Spanish natives. A cluster of three B/CRF02_AG recombinants was detected. We conclude that complex variants, including unique recombinant forms, are being introduced into Spain through both immigrants and natives. An increase in the frequency of mosaic viruses, reflecting the increasing heterogeneity of the HIV epidemic in our country, is expected.

The Association of Serum Total Peptide YY (PYY) with Obesity and Body Fat Measures in the CODING Study.

PubMed

Cahill, Farrell; Ji, Yunqi; Wadden, Danny; Amini, Peyvand; Randell, Edward; Vasdev, Sudesh; Gulliver, Wayne; Sun, Guang

2014-01-01

PYY is an appetite suppressing hormone. Low circulating PYY has been linked to greater BMI. However data is controversial and this association has not been verified in large human populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate if fasting serum total PYY is associated with obesity status and/or adiposity at the population level. A total of 2094 subjects (Male-523, Female-1571) participated in this investigation. Total PYY was measured in fasting serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Obesity status (NW-normal-weight, OW-overweight and OB-obese) was determined by the Bray Criteria according to body fat percentage measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and the WHO criteria according to BMI. One-way ANOVA and multiple regression was used to assess the adiposity-specific association between PYY and the following; weight, BMI, waist-circumference, hip-circumference, waist-hip ratio, percent body fat (%BF), trunk fat (%TF), android fat (%AF) and gynoid fat (%GF). PYY was not significantly different among NW, OW and OB groups defined by neither %BF nor BMI for both men and women. However among women, fasting PYY was positively associated with adiposity measures. Women with the highest (Top 33%) waist-circumference, %BF and %TF had significantly higher PYY (10.5%, 8.3% and 9.2% respectively) than women with the lowest (Bottom 33%). Age, smoking, medication use and menopause were all positively associated with PYY levels in women but not in men. To our knowledge this is the largest population based study, with the most comprehensive analysis and measures of confounding factors, to explore the relationship of circulating PYY with obesity. Contrary to initial findings in the literature we discovered that PYY was positively associated with body fat measures (waist-circumference, %BF and %TF) in women. Although the effect size of the positive association of PYY with obesity in women is small, and potentially negligible, it may in fact represent a protective response against significant weight gain.

Body composition and body fat distribution are related to cardiac autonomic control in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients.

PubMed

Pimenta, N M; Santa-Clara, H; Cortez-Pinto, H; Silva-Nunes, J; da Lapa Rosado, M; Sousa, P J; Calé, R; Melo, X; Sardinha, L B; Fernhall, B

2014-02-01

Heart rate recovery (HRR), a cardiac autonomic control marker, was shown to be related to body composition (BC), yet this was not tested in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. The aim of this study was to determine if, and to what extent, markers of BC and body fat (BF) distribution are related to cardiac autonomic control in NAFLD patients. BC was assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 28 NAFLD patients (19 men, 51±13 years, and 9 women, 47±13 years). BF depots ratios were calculated to assess BF distribution. Subjects' HRR was recorded 1 (HRR1) and 2 min (HRR2) immediately after a maximum graded exercise test. BC and BF distribution were related to HRR; particularly weight, trunk BF and trunk BF-to-appendicular BF ratio showed a negative relation with HRR1 (r=-0.613, r=-0.597 and r=-0.547, respectively, P<0.01) and HRR2 (r=-0.484, r=-0.446, P<0.05, and r=-0.590, P<0.01, respectively). Age seems to be related to both HRR1 and HRR2 except when controlled for BF distribution. The preferred model in multiple regression should include trunk BF-to-appendicular BF ratio and BF to predict HRR1 (r2=0.549; P<0.05), and trunk BF-to-appendicular BF ratio alone to predict HRR2 (r2=0.430; P<0.001). BC and BF distribution were related to HRR in NAFLD patients. Trunk BF-to-appendicular BF ratio was the best independent predictor of HRR and therefore may be best related to cardiovascular increased risk, and possibly act as a mediator in age-related cardiac autonomic control variation.

Effect of hypohydration on thermoregulatory responses in men with low and high body fat exercising in the heat.

PubMed

Tucker, Matthew A; Caldwell, Aaron R; Butts, Cory L; Robinson, Forrest B; Reynebeau, Haley C; Kavouras, Stavros A; McDermott, Brendon P; Washington, Tyrone A; Turner, Ronna C; Ganio, Matthew S

2017-01-01

It is unclear whether men with low body fat (LO-BF) have impaired thermoregulation during exercise heat stress compared with those with high body fat (HI-BF) when euhydration (EU) is maintained. Furthermore, in LO-BF individuals, hypohydration (HY) impairs thermoregulatory responses during exercise heat stress, but it is unknown whether this occurs in HI-BF counterparts. The purpose of this study was to test the hypotheses that men with HI-BF have impaired thermoregulatory responses to exercise heat stress and that HY further exacerbates these impairments vs. LO-BF. Men with LO-BF [n = 11, body mass (BM) 73.9 ± 8.5 kg, BF% 13.6 ± 3.8] and HI-BF (n = 9, BM 89.6 ± 6.9 kg, BF% 30.2 ± 4.1), in a randomized crossover design, performed 60 min of upright cycling in a hot environment (40.3 ± 0.4°C, relative humidity 32.5 ± 1.9%) at a metabolic heat production rate of 6 W/kg BM and finished exercise either euhydrated (EU; 0.3 ± 1.2 vs. 0.3 ± 0.9% BM loss) or HY (-2.5 ± 1.1 vs. -1.7 ± 1.5% BM loss). Changes in rectal temperature (ΔT rec ), local sweat rate (ΔLSR), and cutaneous vascular conductance (ΔCVC; % max ) were measured throughout. When EU, LO-BF and HI-BF had similar CVC and LSR responses (P > 0.05); however, LO-BF had a lower ΔT rec vs. HI-BF (0.92 ± 0.35 vs. 1.31 ± 0.32°C, P = 0.021). Compared with EU, HY increased end-exercise ΔT rec in LO-BF (0.47 ± 0.37°C, P < 0.01) but not in HI-BF (-0.06 ± 0.29°C, P > 0.05). HY, compared with EU, did not affect ΔLSR and ΔCVC in either group (P > 0.05). We conclude that, when euhydrated, men with HI-BF have a greater increase in T rec vs. LO-BF but similar CVC and LSR. HY exacerbates increases in T rec in LO-BF but not HI-BF. This is the first known investigation to compare thermoregulatory responses to exercise heat stress between men with high and low body fat (BF) in a physiologically uncompensable environment while simultaneously examining the confounding influence of hydration status. Both groups demonstrated similar sweating and cutaneous vasodilatory responses when euhydrated, despite vast differences in rectal temperature. Furthermore, in contrast to low BF, individuals with high BF demonstrated similar increases in core body temperature when either euhydrated or hypohydrated. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Trends and determinants for early initiation of and exclusive breastfeeding under six months in Vietnam: results from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, 2000-2011.

PubMed

Bui, Quyen Thi-Tu; Lee, Hwa-Young; Le, Anh Thi-Kim; Van Dung, Do; Vu, Lan Thi-Hoang

2016-01-01

There is strong evidence that breastfeeding (BF) significantly benefits mothers and infants in various ways. Yet the proportion of breastfed babies in Vietnam is low and continues to decline. This study fills an important evidence gap in BF practices in Vietnam. This paper examines the trend of early initiation of BF and exclusive BF from 2000 to 2011 in Vietnam and explores the determinants at individual and contextual levels. Data from three waves of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey were combined to estimate crude and adjusted trends over time for two outcomes - early initiation of BF and exclusive BF. Three-level logistic regressions were fitted to examine the impacts of both individual and contextual characteristics on early initiation of BF and exclusive BF in the 2011 data. Both types of BF showed a decreasing trend over time after controlling for individual-level characteristics but this trend was more evident for early initiation of BF. Apart from child's age, individual-level characteristics were not significant predictors of the BF outcomes, but provincial characteristics had a strong association. When controlling for individual-level characteristics, mothers living in provinces with a higher percentage of mothers with more than three children were more likely to have initiated early BF (odds ratio [OR]: 1.06; confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.11) but less likely to exclusively breastfeed their babies (OR: 0.94; CI: 0.88-1.01). Mothers living in areas with a higher poverty rate were more likely to breastfeed exclusively (OR: 1.07; CI: 1.02-1.13), and those who delivered by Caesarean section were less likely to initiate early BF. Our results suggest that environmental factors are becoming more important for determining BF practices in Vietnam. Intervention programs should therefore not only consider individual factors, but should also consider the potential impact of contextual factors on BF practices.

Relationship between body fat and BMI in a US Hispanic population-based cohort study: Results from HCHS/SOL

PubMed Central

Wong, William W.; Strizich, Garrett; Heo, Moonseong; Heymsfield, Steven B.; Himes, John H.; Rock, Cheryl L.; Gellman, Marc D.; Siega-Riz, Anna Maria; Sotres-Alvarez, Daniela; Davis, Sonia M.; Arredondo, Elva M.; Van Horn, Linda; Wylie-Rosett, Judith; Sanchez-Johnsen, Lisa; Kaplan, Robert; Mossavar-Rahmani, Yasmin

2016-01-01

Objective To evaluate the percentage of body fat (%BF)-BMI relationship, identify %BF levels corresponding to adult BMI cut-points, and examine %BF-BMI agreement in a diverse Hispanic/Latino population. Methods %BF by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was corrected against %BF by 18O dilution in 476 participants of the ancillary Hispanic Community Health/Latinos Studies. Corrected %BF were regressed against 1/BMI in the parent study (n=15,261), fitting models for each age group, by sex and Hispanic/Latino background; predicted %BF was then computed for each BMI cut-point. Results BIA underestimated %BF by 8.7 ± 0.3% in women and 4.6 ± 0.3% in men (P < 0.0001). The %BF-BMI relationshp was non-linear and linear for 1/BMI. Sex- and age-specific regression parameters between %BF and 1/BMI were consistent across Hispanic/Latino backgrounds (P > 0.05). The precision of the %BF-1/BMI association weakened with increasing age in men but not women. The proportion of participants classified as non-obese by BMI but obese by %BF was generally higher among women and older adults (16.4% in women vs. 12.0% in men aged 50-74 y). Conclusions %BF was linearly related to 1/BMI with consistent relationship across Hispanic/Lation backgrounds. BMI cut-points consistently underestimated the proportion of Hispanics/Latinos with excess adiposity. PMID:27184359

Relationship between body fat and BMI in a US hispanic population-based cohort study: Results from HCHS/SOL.

PubMed

Wong, William W; Strizich, Garrett; Heo, Moonseong; Heymsfield, Steven B; Himes, John H; Rock, Cheryl L; Gellman, Marc D; Siega-Riz, Anna Maria; Sotres-Alvarez, Daniela; Davis, Sonia M; Arredondo, Elva M; Van Horn, Linda; Wylie-Rosett, Judith; Sanchez-Johnsen, Lisa; Kaplan, Robert C; Mossavar-Rahmani, Yasmin

2016-07-01

To evaluate the percentage of body fat (%BF)-BMI relationship, identify %BF levels corresponding to adult BMI cut points, and examine %BF-BMI agreement in a diverse Hispanic/Latino population. %BF by bioelectrical impedance analysis was corrected against %BF by (18) O dilution in 434 participants of the ancillary Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Corrected %BF was regressed against 1/BMI in the parent study (n = 15,261), fitting models for each age group, by sex, and Hispanic/Latino background; predicted %BF was then computed for each BMI cut point. Bioelectrical impedance analysis underestimated %BF by 8.7 ± 0.3% in women and 4.6 ± 0.3% in men (P < 0.0001). The %BF-BMI relationship was nonlinear and linear for 1/BMI. Sex- and age-specific regression parameters between %BF and 1/BMI were consistent across Hispanic/Latino backgrounds (P > 0.05). The precision of the %BF-1/BMI association weakened with increasing age in men but not women. The proportion of participants classified as nonobese by BMI but as having obesity by %BF was generally higher among women and older adults (16.4% in women vs. 12.0% in men aged 50-74 years). %BF was linearly related to 1/BMI with consistent relationship across Hispanic/Latino backgrounds. BMI cut points consistently underestimated the proportion of Hispanics/Latinos with excess adiposity. © 2016 The Obesity Society.

Comparison between the air displacement method and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry for estimation of body fat.

PubMed

Koda, M; Ando, F; Niino, N; Tsuzuku, S; Shimokata, H

2000-04-01

Air displacement plethysmography (ADP) is a method for the determining percent body fat (%BF) using the two-compartment model, in which the body is partitioned into body-fat mass and fat-free mass (FFM). Although this model assumes a constant density of FFM as 1.10 g/ml, its density may depend upon the bone mineral content (BMC) and total body water (TBW) which vary with age, gender, and race/ethnicity. This study compared %BF determined from ADP (ADP%BF) with %BF obtained by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA%BF), and also investigated the effects of BMC, TBW, and other factors on its value. The subjects were 721 female and male Japanese aged 40 to 79 years. Body density was measured by ADP and %BF was calculated using Brozek et al's equation. BMC and body-fat volume were measured using DXA, and TBW was measured by multifrequency bioelectrical impedance. A series of anthropometric measurements was taken. Although ADP%BF was highly correlated with DXA%BF (female: r = 0.89, male: r = 0.90) (p < 0.001), ADP%BF differed significantly from DXA%BF (female: -1.30 +/- 0.14% (mean +/- s.e.m.), male: 1.22 +/- 0.13%) (p < 0.001). The difference in %BF (ADP%BF-DXA%BF) was negatively associated with BMC/FFM but not with TBW/FFM in both genders. The difference in %BF was also positively correlated with waist circumference. Considering previous studies, this result may be explained by the underestimation of DXA%BF, rather than by the overestimation of ADP%BF. In conclusion, ADP may be a useful method to measure %BF. However, BMC should be taken into consideration. Furthermore, DXA%BF may be underestimated in people with large waists.

Agreement of BMI-Based Equations and DXA in Determining Body-Fat Percentage in Adults With Down Syndrome.

PubMed

Esco, Michael R; Nickerson, Brett S; Bicard, Sara C; Russell, Angela R; Bishop, Phillip A

2016-01-01

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate measurements of body-fat percentage (BF%) in 4 body-mass-index- (BMI) -based equations and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). Ten male and 10 female adults with DS volunteered for this study. Four regression equations for estimating BF% based on BMI previously developed by Deurenberg et al. (DE(BMI-BF%)), Gallagher et al. (GA(BMI-BF%)), Womersley & Durnin (WO(BMI-BF%)), and Jackson et al. (JA(BMI-BF%)) were compared with DXA. There was no significant difference (p = .659) in mean BF% values between JA(BMI-BF%) (BF% = 40.80% ± 6.3%) and DXA (39.90% ± 11.1%), while DE(BMI-BF%) (34.40% ± 9.0%), WO(BMI-BF%) (35.10% ± 9.4%), and GA(BMI-BF%) (35.10% ± 9.4%) were significantly (p < .001) lower. The limits of agreement (1.96 SD of the constant error) varied from 9.80% to 16.20%. Therefore, BMI-based BF% equations should not be used in individuals with DS.

Molecular cloning, structural analysis and expression of complement component Bf/C2 genes in the nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum.

PubMed

Shin, Dong-Ho; Webb, Barbara; Nakao, Miki; Smith, Sylvia L

2007-01-01

Factor B and C2 are serine proteases that provide the catalytic subunits of C3 and C5 convertases of the alternative (AP) and classical (CP) complement pathways. Two Bf/C2 cDNAs, GcBf/C2-1 and -2 (previously referred to as nsBf/C2-A and nsBf/C2-B), were isolated from the nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum. GcBf/C2-1 and -2 are 3364 and 3082bp in length and encode a leader peptide, three CCPs, one VWFA, the serine protease domain and have a putative factor D/C1s/MASP cleavage site. Southern blots show that there might be up to two Bf/C2-like genes for each of the two GcBf/C2 isoforms. GcBf/C2-1 and -2 are constitutively expressed, albeit at different levels, in all nine tissues examined. Expression in erythrocytes is a novel finding. Structural analysis has revealed that the localization of glycosylation sites in the SP domain of both putative proteins indicates that the molecular organization of the shark molecules is more like C2 than factor B. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that GcBf/C2-1 and -2 and TrscBf of Triakis scyllia (another shark species) originated from a common ancestor and share a remote ancestor with Bf and C2 of mammals and bony fish.

Quantitative Detection of Viable Bifidobacterium bifidum BF-1 Cells in Human Feces by Using Propidium Monoazide and Strain-Specific Primers

PubMed Central

Fujimoto, Junji

2013-01-01

We developed a PCR-based method to detect and quantify viable Bifidobacterium bifidum BF-1 cells in human feces. This method (PMA-qPCR) uses propidium monoazide (PMA) to distinguish viable from dead cells and quantitative PCR using a BF-1-specific primer set designed from the results of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. During long-term culture (10 days), the number of viable BF-1 cells detected by counting the number of CFU on modified MRS agar, by measuring the ATP contents converted to CFU, and by using PMA-qPCR decreased from about 1010 to 106 cells/ml; in contrast, the total number of (viable and dead) BF-1 cells detected by counting 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindolee (DAPI)-stained cells and by using qPCR without PMA and reverse transcription-qPCR remained constant. The number of viable BF-1 cells in fecal samples detected by using PMA-qPCR was highly and significantly correlated with the number of viable BF-1 cells added to the fecal samples, within the range of 105.3 to 1010.3 cells/g feces (wet weight) (r > 0.99, P < 0.001). After 12 healthy subjects ingested 1010.3 to 1011.0 CFU of BF-1 in a fermented milk product daily for 28 days, 104.5 ± 1.5 (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) BF-1 CFU/g was detected in fecal samples by using strain-specific selective agar; in contrast, 106.2 ± 0.4 viable BF-1 cells/g were detected by using PMA-qPCR, and a total of 107.6 ± 0.7 BF-1 cells/g were detected by using qPCR without PMA. Thus, the number of viable BF-1 cells detected by PMA-qPCR was about 50 times higher (P < 0.01) than that detected by the culture-dependent method. We conclude that strain-specific PMA-qPCR can be used to quickly and accurately evaluate viable BF-1 in feces. PMID:23354719

Antenatal breastfeeding education for increasing breastfeeding duration.

PubMed

Lumbiganon, Pisake; Martis, Ruth; Laopaiboon, Malinee; Festin, Mario R; Ho, Jacqueline J; Hakimi, Mohammad

2016-12-06

Breast milk is well recognised as the best food source for infants. The impact of antenatal breastfeeding (BF) education on the duration of BF has not been evaluated. To assess the effectiveness of antenatal breastfeeding (BF) education for increasing BF initiation and duration. We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register on 1 March 2016, CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library, 2016, Issue 3), MEDLINE (1966 to 1 March 2016) and Scopus (January 1985 to 1 March 2016). We contacted experts and searched reference lists of retrieved articles. All identified published, unpublished and ongoing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of formal antenatal BF education or comparing two different methods of formal antenatal BF education, on the duration of BF. We included RCTs that only included antenatal interventions and excluded those that combined antenatal and intrapartum or postpartum BF education components. Cluster-randomised trials were included in this review. Quasi-randomised trials were not eligible for inclusion. We assessed all potential studies identified as a result of the search strategy. Two review authors extracted data from each included study using the agreed form and assessed risk of bias. We resolved discrepancies through discussion. We assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. This review update includes 24 studies (10,056 women). Twenty studies (9789 women) contribute data to analyses. Most studies took place in high-income countries such as the USA, UK, Canada and Australia. In the first five comparisons, we display the included trials according to type of intervention without pooling data. For the 'Summary of findings' we pooled data for a summary effect.Five included studies were cluster-randomised trials: all of these adjusted data and reported adjustments as odds ratios (OR). We have analysed the data using the generic inverse variance method and presented results as odds ratios, because we were unable to derive a cluster-adjusted risk ratio from the published cluster-trial. We acknowledge that the use of odds ratio prevents the pooling of these cluster trials in our main analyses. One method of BF education with standard (routine) careThere were no group differences for duration of any BF in days or weeks. There was no evidence that interventions improved the proportion of women with any BF or exclusive BF at three or six months. Single trials of different interventions were unable to show that education improved initiation of BF, apart from one small trial at high risk of attrition bias. Many trial results marginally favoured the intervention but had wide confidence intervals crossing the line of no effect. BF complications such as mastitis and other BF problems were similar in treatment arms in single trials reporting these outcomes. Multiple methods of BF education versus standard careFor all trials included in this comparison we have presented the cluster-adjusted odds ratios as reported in trial publications. One three-arm study found the intervention of BF booklet plus video plus Lactation Consultant versus standard care improved the proportion of women exclusively BF at three months (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.25 to 5.40; women = 159) and marginally at six months (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.00 to 5.76; women = 175). For the same trial, an intervention arm without a lactation consultant but with the BF booklet and video did not have the same effect on proportion of women exclusively BF at three months (OR 1.80, 95% CI 0.80 to 4.05; women = 159) or six months (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.30 to 2.70; women = 184). One study compared monthly BF sessions and weekly cell phone message versus standard care and reported improvements in the proportion of women exclusively BF at both three and six months (three months OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.95; women = 390; six months OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.40 to 4.11; women = 390). One study found monthly BF sessions and weekly cell phone messages improved initiation of BF over standard care (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.61 to 4.24; women = 380). BF education session versus standard care, pooled analyses for 'Summary of findings' (SoF)This comparison does not include cluster-randomised trials reporting adjusted odds ratios. We did not downgrade any evidence for trials' lack of blinding; no trial had adequate blinding of staff and participants. The SoF table presents risk ratios for all outcomes analysed. For proportion of women exclusively BF there is no evidence that antenatal BF education improved BF at three months (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.25; women = 822; studies = 3; moderate quality evidence) or at six months (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.30; women = 2161; studies = 4; moderate quality evidence). For proportion of women with any BF there were no group differences in BF at three (average RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.18; women = 654; studies = 2; I² = 60%; low-quality evidence) or six months (average RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.23; women = 1636; studies = 4; I² = 61%; high-quality evidence). There was no evidence that antenatal BF education could improve initiation of BF (average RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.09; women = 3505; studies = 8; I² = 69%; high-quality evidence). Where we downgraded evidence this was due to small sample size or wide confidence intervals crossing the line of no effect, or both.There was insufficient data for subgroup analysis of mother's occupation or education. There was no conclusive evidence supporting any antenatal BF education for improving initiation of BF, proportion of women giving any BF or exclusively BF at three or six months or the duration of BF. There is an urgent need to conduct a high-quality, randomised controlled study to evaluate the effectiveness and adverse effects of antenatal BF education, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Evidence in this review is primarily relevant to high-income settings.

Inhibition of α-adrenergic tone disturbs the distribution of blood flow in the exercising human limb.

PubMed

Heinonen, Ilkka; Wendelin-Saarenhovi, Maria; Kaskinoro, Kimmo; Knuuti, Juhani; Scheinin, Mika; Kalliokoski, Kari K

2013-07-15

The role of neuronal regulation of human cardiovascular function remains incompletely elucidated, especially during exercise. Here we, by positron emission tomography, monitored tissue-specific blood flow (BF) changes in nine healthy young men during femoral arterial infusions of norepinephrine (NE) and phentolamine. At rest, the α-adrenoceptor agonist NE reduced BF by ~40%, similarly in muscles (from 3.2 ± 1.9 to 1.4 ± 0.3 ml·min(-1)·100 g(-1) in quadriceps femoris muscle), bone (from 1.1 ± 0.4 to 0.5 ± 0.2 ml·min(-1)·100 g(-1)) and adipose tissue (AT) (from 1.2 ± 0.7 to 0.7 ± 0.3 ml·min(-1)·100 g(-1)). During exercise, NE reduced exercising muscle BF by ~16%. BF in AT was reduced similarly as rest. The α-adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine increased BF similarly in the different muscles and other tissues of the limb at rest. During exercise, BF in inactive muscle was increased 3.4-fold by phentolamine compared with exercise without drug, but BF in exercising muscles was not influenced. Bone and AT (P = 0.055) BF were also increased by phentolamine in the exercise condition. NE increased and phentolamine decreased oxygen extraction in the limb during exercise. We conclude that inhibition of α-adrenergic tone markedly disturbs the distribution of BF and oxygen extraction in the exercising human limb by increasing BF especially around inactive muscle fibers. Moreover, although marked functional sympatholysis also occurs during exercise, the arterial NE infusion that mimics the exaggerated sympathetic nerve activity commonly seen in patients with cardiovascular disease was still capable of directly limiting BF in the exercising leg muscles.

Trends and determinants for early initiation of and exclusive breastfeeding under six months in Vietnam: results from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, 2000–2011

PubMed Central

Bui, Quyen Thi-Tu; Lee, Hwa-Young; Le, Anh Thi-Kim; Van Dung, Do; Vu, Lan Thi-Hoang

2016-01-01

Background There is strong evidence that breastfeeding (BF) significantly benefits mothers and infants in various ways. Yet the proportion of breastfed babies in Vietnam is low and continues to decline. This study fills an important evidence gap in BF practices in Vietnam. Objective This paper examines the trend of early initiation of BF and exclusive BF from 2000 to 2011 in Vietnam and explores the determinants at individual and contextual levels. Design Data from three waves of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey were combined to estimate crude and adjusted trends over time for two outcomes – early initiation of BF and exclusive BF. Three-level logistic regressions were fitted to examine the impacts of both individual and contextual characteristics on early initiation of BF and exclusive BF in the 2011 data. Results Both types of BF showed a decreasing trend over time after controlling for individual-level characteristics but this trend was more evident for early initiation of BF. Apart from child's age, individual-level characteristics were not significant predictors of the BF outcomes, but provincial characteristics had a strong association. When controlling for individual-level characteristics, mothers living in provinces with a higher percentage of mothers with more than three children were more likely to have initiated early BF (odds ratio [OR]: 1.06; confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.11) but less likely to exclusively breastfeed their babies (OR: 0.94; CI: 0.88–1.01). Mothers living in areas with a higher poverty rate were more likely to breastfeed exclusively (OR: 1.07; CI: 1.02–1.13), and those who delivered by Caesarean section were less likely to initiate early BF. Conclusions Our results suggest that environmental factors are becoming more important for determining BF practices in Vietnam. Intervention programs should therefore not only consider individual factors, but should also consider the potential impact of contextual factors on BF practices. PMID:26950562

Subtype-Specific Differences in Gag-Protease-Driven Replication Capacity Are Consistent with Intersubtype Differences in HIV-1 Disease Progression.

PubMed

Kiguoya, Marion W; Mann, Jaclyn K; Chopera, Denis; Gounder, Kamini; Lee, Guinevere Q; Hunt, Peter W; Martin, Jeffrey N; Ball, T Blake; Kimani, Joshua; Brumme, Zabrina L; Brockman, Mark A; Ndung'u, Thumbi

2017-07-01

There are marked differences in the spread and prevalence of HIV-1 subtypes worldwide, and differences in clinical progression have been reported. However, the biological reasons underlying these differences are unknown. Gag-protease is essential for HIV-1 replication, and Gag-protease-driven replication capacity has previously been correlated with disease progression. We show that Gag-protease replication capacity correlates significantly with that of whole isolates ( r = 0.51; P = 0.04), indicating that Gag-protease is a significant contributor to viral replication capacity. Furthermore, we investigated subtype-specific differences in Gag-protease-driven replication capacity using large well-characterized cohorts in Africa and the Americas. Patient-derived Gag-protease sequences were inserted into an HIV-1 NL4-3 backbone, and the replication capacities of the resulting recombinant viruses were measured in an HIV-1-inducible reporter T cell line by flow cytometry. Recombinant viruses expressing subtype C Gag-proteases exhibited substantially lower replication capacities than those expressing subtype B Gag-proteases ( P < 0.0001); this observation remained consistent when representative Gag-protease sequences were engineered into an HIV-1 subtype C backbone. We identified Gag residues 483 and 484, located within the Alix-binding motif involved in virus budding, as major contributors to subtype-specific replicative differences. In East African cohorts, we observed a hierarchy of Gag-protease-driven replication capacities, i.e., subtypes A/C < D < intersubtype recombinants ( P < 0.0029), which is consistent with reported intersubtype differences in disease progression. We thus hypothesize that the lower Gag-protease-driven replication capacity of subtypes A and C slows disease progression in individuals infected with these subtypes, which in turn leads to greater opportunity for transmission and thus increased prevalence of these subtypes. IMPORTANCE HIV-1 subtypes are unevenly distributed globally, and there are reported differences in their rates of disease progression and epidemic spread. The biological determinants underlying these differences have not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that HIV-1 Gag-protease-driven replication capacity correlates with the replication capacity of whole virus isolates. We further show that subtype B displays a significantly higher Gag-protease-mediated replication capacity than does subtype C, and we identify a major genetic determinant of these differences. Moreover, in two independent East African cohorts we demonstrate a reproducible hierarchy of Gag-protease-driven replicative capacity, whereby recombinants exhibit the greatest replication, followed by subtype D, followed by subtypes A and C. Our data identify Gag-protease as a major determinant of subtype differences in disease progression among HIV-1 subtypes; furthermore, we propose that the poorer viral replicative capacity of subtypes A and C may paradoxically contribute to their more efficient spread in sub-Saharan Africa. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Tumor cell-released TLR4 ligands stimulate Gr-1+CD11b+F4/80+ cells to induce apoptosis of activated T cells.

PubMed

Liu, Yan-Yan; Sun, Ling-Cong; Wei, Jing-Jing; Li, Dong; Yuan, Ye; Yan, Bin; Liang, Zhi-Hui; Zhu, Hui-Fen; Xu, Yong; Li, Bo; Song, Chuan-Wang; Liao, Sheng-Jun; Lei, Zhang; Zhang, Gui-Mei; Feng, Zuo-Hua

2010-09-01

Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells play important roles in tumor development and have a negative effect on tumor immunotherapy. So far, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of their immunosuppressive phenotype by classical and alternative macrophage activation stimuli are not well elucidated. In this study, we found that molecules from necrotic tumor cells (NTC-Ms) stimulated Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells to induce apoptosis of activated T cells but not nonstimulated T cells. The apoptosis-inducing capacity was determined by higher expression levels of arginase I and IL-10 relative to those of NO synthase 2 and IL-12 in Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells, which were induced by NTC-Ms through TLR4 signaling. The apoptosis-inducing capacity of NTC-Ms-stimulated Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells could be enhanced by IL-10. IFN-gamma may reduce the apoptosis-inducing capacity of Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells only if their response to IFN-gamma was not attenuated. However, the potential of Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells to express IL-12 in response to IFN-gamma could be attenuated by tumor, partially due to the existence of active STAT3 in Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells and NTC-Ms from tumor. In this situation, IFN-gamma could not effectively reduce the apoptosis-inducing capacity of Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells. Tumor immunotherapy with 4-1BBL/soluble programmed death-1 may significantly reduce, but not abolish the apoptosis-inducing capacity of Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells in local microenvironment. Blockade of TLR4 signaling could further reduce the apoptosis-inducing capacity of Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells and enhance the suppressive effect of 4-1BBL/soluble form of programmed death-1 on tumor growth. These findings indicate the relationship of distinct signaling pathways with apoptosis-inducing capacity of Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells and emphasize the importance of blocking TLR4 signaling to prevent the induction of T cell apoptosis by Gr-1(+)CD11b(+)F4/80(+) cells.

Comparative Analysis of Ultrasonic Inspection Procedures for Kaman K747 Root End Fittings

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-04-01

I.CI- IA 4cz 4c-- a- LLJ 4A ccu I46 APPENDIX III. TRANSDUCER WEDGE ANGLE DATA RESULTS No Procedure, Gain = 70 dB 45.Degre Probe REF# TF1 TF2 TF3 TAl...Degree Probe REF # TF1 TF2 TF3 TAl TA2 TA3 BF1 BF2 BF3 BAl BA2 BA3 B5328 35 33 -. . . 31 - - - - - 38 38 B5102 38 - 31 .. - - 31 - - - B5298 40 42...50 No Procedure, Gain = 70 dB 50-Degree Probe REF # TF1 TF2 TF3 TAl TA2 TA3 BF1 BF2 BF3 BAl BA2 BA3 B5328 - . . . . 32 - 40 B5102 34 .- 30

Functional cloning of the proto-oncogene brain factor-1 (BF-1) as a Smad-binding antagonist of transforming growth factor-beta signaling.

PubMed

Rodriguez, C; Huang, L J; Son, J K; McKee, A; Xiao, Z; Lodish, H F

2001-08-10

Using the plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) promoter to drive the expression of a reporter gene (mouse CD2), we devised a system to clone negative regulators of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway. We infected a TGF-beta-responsive cell line (MvLu1) with a retroviral cDNA library, selecting by fluorescence-activated cell sorter single cells displaying low PAI promoter activity in response to TGF-beta. Using this strategy we cloned the proto-oncogene brain factor-1 (BF-1). BF-1 represses the PAI promoter in part by associating with both unphosphorylated Smad3 (in the cytoplasm) and phosphorylated Smad3 (in the nucleus), thus preventing its binding to DNA. BF-1 also associates with Smad1, -2, and -4; the Smad MH2 domain binds to BF-1, and the C-terminal segment of BF-1 is uniquely and solely required for binding to Smads. Further, BF-1 represses another TGF-beta-induced promoter (p15), it up-regulates a TGF-beta-repressed promoter (Cyclin A), and it reverses the growth arrest caused by TGF-beta. Our results suggest that BF-1 is a general inhibitor of TGF-beta signaling and as such may play a key role during brain development.

Connecting [NiFe]- and [FeFe]-Hydrogenases: Mixed-Valence Nickel-Iron Dithiolates With Rotated Structures

PubMed Central

Schilter, David; Rauchfuss, Thomas B.; Stein, Matthias

2012-01-01

A series of mixed-valence iron-nickel dithiolates is described that exhibits structures similar to those of mixed-valence diiron dithiolates. Interaction of tricarbonyl salt [(dppe)Ni(pdt)Fe(CO)3]BF4 ([1]BF4, dppe = Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2, pdtH2 = HSCH2CH2CH2SH) with P-donor ligands (L) afforded the substituted derivatives [(dppe)Ni(pdt)Fe(CO)2L]BF4 incorporating L = PHCy2 ([1a]BF4), PPh(NEt2)2 ([1b]BF4), P(NMe2)3 ([1c]BF4), P(i-Pr)3 ([1d]BF4) and PCy3 ([1e]BF4). The related precursor [(dcpe)Ni(pdt)Fe(CO)3]BF4 ([2]BF4, dcpe = Cy2PCH2CH2PCy2) gave the more electron-rich family of compounds [(dcpe)Ni(pdt)Fe(CO)2L]BF4 for L = PPh2(2-pyridyl) ([2a]BF4), PPh3 ([2b]BF4) and PCy3 ([2c]BF4). For bulky and strongly basic monophosphorus ligands, the salts feature distorted Fe coordination geometries: crystallographic analyses of [1e]BF4 and [2c]BF4 showed they adopt ‘rotated’ Fe(I) centers, in which PCy3 occupies a basal site and one CO ligand partially bridges the Ni and Fe centers. Like the undistorted mixed-valence derivatives, the new class of complexes are described as Ni(II)Fe(I) (S = ½) systems according to EPR spectroscopy, although with attenuated 31P hyperfine interactions. DFT calculations using the BP86, B3LYP, and PBE0 exchange-correlation functionals agree with the structural and spectroscopic data, suggesting that the spin for [1e]+ is localized in a Fe(I)-centered d(z2) orbital, orthogonal to the Fe-P bond. The PCy3 complexes, rare examples of species featuring ‘rotated’ Fe centers, both structurally and spectroscopically resemble mixed-valence diiron dithiolates. Also reproducing the NiS2Fe core of the [NiFe]-H2ase active site, the hybrid models incorporate key features of the two major classes of H2ase. Furthermore, cyclic voltammetry experiments suggest that the highly basic phosphine ligands enable a second oxidation corresponding to the couple [(dxpe)Ni(pdt)Fe(CO)2L]+/2+. The resulting unsaturated 32e− dications represent the closest approach to modeling the highly electrophilic Ni-SIa state. In the case of L = PPh2(2-pyridyl) chelation of this ligand accompanies the second oxidation. PMID:22838645

A two-stage combined trickle bed reactor/biofilter for treatment of styrene/acetone vapor mixtures.

PubMed

Vanek, Tomas; Halecky, Martin; Paca, Jan; Zapotocky, Lubos; Gelbicova, Tereza; Vadkertiova, Renata; Kozliak, Evguenii; Jones, Kim

2015-01-01

Performance of a two-stage biofiltration system was investigated for removal of styrene-acetone mixtures. High steady-state acetone loadings (above C(in)(Ac) = 0.5 g.m(-3) corresponding to the loadings > 34.5 g.m(-3).h(-1)) resulted in a significant inhibition of the system's performance in both acetone and styrene removal. This inhibition was shown to result from the acetone accumulation within the upstream trickle-bed bioreactor (TBR) circulating mineral medium, which was observed by direct chromatographic measurements. Placing a biofilter (BF) downstream to this TBR overcomes the inhibition as long as the biofilter has a sufficient bed height. A different kind of inhibition of styrene biodegradation was observed within the biofilter at very high acetone loadings (above C(in)(Ac) = 1.1 g.m(-3) or 76 g.m(-3).h(-1) loading). In addition to steady-state measurements, dynamic tests confirmed that the reactor overloading can be readily overcome, once the accumulated acetone in the TBR fluids is degraded. No sizable metabolite accumulation in the medium was observed for either TBR or BF. Analyses of the biodegradation activities of microbial isolates from the biofilm corroborated the trends observed for the two-stage biofiltration system, particularly the occurrence of an inhibition threshold by excess acetone.

[Effect of physical activity and t-786C polymorphism in blood pressure and blood flow in the elderly].

PubMed

Zago, Anderson Saranz; Kokubun, Eduardo; Fenty-Stewart, Nicola; Park, Joon-Young; Attipoe, Selasi; Hagberg, James; Brown, Michael

2010-10-01

the T-786C polymorphism of the gene for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and superoxide anion production may reduce production and bioavailability of nitric oxide, affecting the degree of vasodilation. This effect can be reversed by exercise. to investigate the influence of aerobic training and T-786C polymorphism in the concentrations of nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) in blood flow (BF) and blood pressure (BP). thirty-two elderly pre-hypertensive women (59 ± 6 years old) were divided into two groups according to the T-786C polymorphism (TT and TC + CC). We analyzed the concentrations of NOx (plasma) and blood flow by venous occlusion plethysmography at rest, 1, 2 and 3 minutes post-occlusion (BF-0, BF-1 BF-2 BF-3, respectively). Evaluations were performed before and after 6 months of a program of aerobic exercise. In the pre-training evaluations, NOx levels were lower in TC + CC group than in TT group. The TT group showed correlations between NOx and BF-0 (r = 0.6) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and BF-0 (r = -0.7), but no correlation was found in TC + CC group. In the post-training evaluations, there were correlations between NOx and BF-0 (r = 0.6) and the changes in NOx and DBP (r = -0.6) in TT group. There were also correlations between DBP and BF-1 (r = -0.8), DBP, and BF-2 (r = -0.6), DBP, and BF-3 (r = -0.6), in the changes between NOx and BF-1 (r = 0.8) and changes in NOx and DBP (r = -0.7) in TC + CC group. it was concluded that 6 months of aerobic exercise can increase the relationship between NO, BP and BF in elderly of allele C carriers.

Fluorescence sensor for the quantification of unbound bilirubin concentrations.

PubMed

Huber, Andrew H; Zhu, Baolong; Kwan, Thomas; Kampf, J Patrick; Hegyi, Thomas; Kleinfeld, Alan M

2012-05-01

Hyperbilirubinemia in jaundiced neonates is routinely assessed by use of total serum bilirubin. However, the unbound or free form (B(f)), not total bilirubin, crosses the blood-brain barrier and can be neurotoxic. Although the peroxidase-mediated oxidation of bilirubin can be used to measure plasma concentrations of B(f), this measurement is relatively complex and the assay is not routinely used. We describe a fluorescence sensor for quantifying B(f) in plasma. Our method uses a mutated fatty acid binding protein labeled with the fluorescent molecule acrylodan (BL22P1B11), whose fluorescence is quenched upon binding bilirubin. Another configuration (BL22P1B11-Rh) was developed that uses BL22P1B11 together with the fluorophore rhodamine B, which responds by a change in the ratio of its fluorescence. The "B(f) probes" were calibrated with aqueous solutions of bilirubin and yielded similar bilirubin dissociation constants [K(d) = 16 (1.5) nmol/L]. We used the probes to determine B(f) concentrations in equilibrium with human serum albumin (HSA) and in human plasma samples supplemented with bilirubin. We obtained equivalent B(f) values in both systems, and the B(f) probe results were in agreement with the peroxidase assay. B(f) measurements revealed that bilirubin-HSA binding was well described by 2 sites with K(d) values of 15.4 (1) nmol/L and 748 (14) nmol/L. We measured B(f) concentrations in the range expected in jaundiced neonates with a mean CV of approximately 3%. The BL22P1B11-Rh probe provides accurate plasma sample B(f) concentrations with a single measurement, in 1 min with either a handheld B(f) meter or a laboratory fluorometer.

Dynamic changes of rodent somatosensory barrel cortex are correlated with learning a novel conditioned stimulus.

PubMed

Long, John D; Carmena, Jose M

2013-05-01

The rodent somatosensory barrel cortex (S1bf) has proved a valuable model for studying neural plasticity in vivo. It has been observed that sensory deprivation or conditioning reorganizes sensory-driven activity within S1bf. These observations suggest a role for S1bf in somatosensory learning. This study evaluated the hypothesis that the response properties of extracellularly recorded neurons in S1bf would change as subjects learned to respond to stimulation of S1bf. Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) of S1bf was used as a means for bypassing feedforward drive from the sensory periphery, midbrain, and thalamus while exciting local cortical networks. To separate the learning of this conditioned stimulus-conditioned response (CS-CR) from other elements of the task, we employed a cross-modal transfer schedule. Long-Evans rats were initially trained to respond to an auditory stimulus. All subjects were then implanted in both S1bfs with chronic microwire arrays for recording neural activity and delivering ICMS. Next, this association was transferred to ICMS of one hemisphere's S1bf. S1bf responded to ICMS with a brief increase in firing rate followed by a longer reduction in activity. We observed that the duration of reduced activity elicited by ICMS increased as the subjects began to respond correctly more often than expected by chance, and the magnitude of the initial positive response increased as they consolidated this CS-CR. Subsequent ICMS of the opposite S1bf revealed that this CS-CR did not generalize across hemispheres. These results suggest that a mechanism involving a single hemisphere's S1bf tunes cortical responses in concert with changes in rodent behavior during somatosensory learning.

Enantiodifferentiation of chiral baclofen by β-cyclodextrin using capillary electrophoresis: A molecular modeling approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suliman, FakhrEldin O.; Elbashir, Abdalla A.

2012-07-01

Using capillary electrophoresis baclofen (BF) enantiomers were separated only in the presence of β-cyclodextrin (βCD) as a chiral selector when added to the background electrolyte. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) techniques were used to determine the structure of the BF-βCD inclusion complexes. From the MS data BF was found to form a 1:1 complex with α- and βCD, while the NMR data suggest location of the aromatic ring of BF into the cyclodextrin cavity. A molecular modeling study, using the semiempirical PM6 calculations was used to investigate the mechanism of enantiodifferentiation of BF with cyclodextrins. Optimization of the structures of the complexes by PM6 method indicated that separation is obtained in the presence of β-CD due to a large binding energy difference (ΔΔE) of 46.8 kJ mol-1 between S-BF-βCD and R-BF-βCD complexes. In the case of αCD complexes ΔΔE was 1.3 kJ mol-1 indicating poor resolution between the two enantiomers. Furthermore, molecular dynamic simulations show that the formation of more stable S-BF-βCD complex compared to R-BF-β-CD complex is primarily due to differences in intermolecular hydrogen bonding.

HIV-1 pol Diversity among Female Bar and Hotel Workers in Northern Tanzania

PubMed Central

Kiwelu, Ireen E.; Novitsky, Vladimir; Kituma, Elimsaada; Margolin, Lauren; Baca, Jeannie; Manongi, Rachel; Sam, Noel; Shao, John; McLane, Mary F.; Kapiga, Saidi H.; Essex, M.

2014-01-01

A national ART program was launched in Tanzania in October 2004. Due to the existence of multiple HIV-1 subtypes and recombinant viruses co-circulating in Tanzania, it is important to monitor rates of drug resistance. The present study determined the prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance mutations among ART-naive female bar and hotel workers, a high-risk population for HIV-1 infection in Moshi, Tanzania. A partial HIV-1 pol gene was analyzed by single-genome amplification and sequencing in 45 subjects (622 pol sequences total; median number of sequences per subject, 13; IQR 5–20) in samples collected in 2005. The prevalence of HIV-1 subtypes A1, C, and D, and inter-subtype recombinant viruses, was 36%, 29%, 9% and 27%, respectively. Thirteen different recombination patterns included D/A1/D, C/A1, A1/C/A1, A1/U/A1, C/U/A1, C/A1, U/D/U, D/A1/D, A1/C, A1/C, A2/C/A2, CRF10_CD/C/CRF10_CD and CRF35_AD/A1/CRF35_AD. CRF35_AD was identified in Tanzania for the first time. All recombinant viruses in this study were unique, suggesting ongoing recombination processes among circulating HIV-1 variants. The prevalence of multiple infections in this population was 16% (n = 7). Primary HIV-1 drug resistance mutations to RT inhibitors were identified in three (7%) subjects (K65R plus Y181C; N60D; and V106M). In some subjects, polymorphisms were observed at the RT positions 41, 69, 75, 98, 101, 179, 190, and 215. Secondary mutations associated with NNRTIs were observed at the RT positions 90 (7%) and 138 (6%). In the protease gene, three subjects (7%) had M46I/L mutations. All subjects in this study had HIV-1 subtype-specific natural polymorphisms at positions 36, 69, 89 and 93 that are associated with drug resistance in HIV-1 subtype B. These results suggested that HIV-1 drug resistance mutations and natural polymorphisms existed in this population before the initiation of the national ART program. With increasing use of ARV, these results highlight the importance of drug resistance monitoring in Tanzania. PMID:25003939

HIV-1 pol diversity among female bar and hotel workers in Northern Tanzania.

PubMed

Kiwelu, Ireen E; Novitsky, Vladimir; Kituma, Elimsaada; Margolin, Lauren; Baca, Jeannie; Manongi, Rachel; Sam, Noel; Shao, John; McLane, Mary F; Kapiga, Saidi H; Essex, M

2014-01-01

A national ART program was launched in Tanzania in October 2004. Due to the existence of multiple HIV-1 subtypes and recombinant viruses co-circulating in Tanzania, it is important to monitor rates of drug resistance. The present study determined the prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance mutations among ART-naive female bar and hotel workers, a high-risk population for HIV-1 infection in Moshi, Tanzania. A partial HIV-1 pol gene was analyzed by single-genome amplification and sequencing in 45 subjects (622 pol sequences total; median number of sequences per subject, 13; IQR 5-20) in samples collected in 2005. The prevalence of HIV-1 subtypes A1, C, and D, and inter-subtype recombinant viruses, was 36%, 29%, 9% and 27%, respectively. Thirteen different recombination patterns included D/A1/D, C/A1, A1/C/A1, A1/U/A1, C/U/A1, C/A1, U/D/U, D/A1/D, A1/C, A1/C, A2/C/A2, CRF10_CD/C/CRF10_CD and CRF35_AD/A1/CRF35_AD. CRF35_AD was identified in Tanzania for the first time. All recombinant viruses in this study were unique, suggesting ongoing recombination processes among circulating HIV-1 variants. The prevalence of multiple infections in this population was 16% (n = 7). Primary HIV-1 drug resistance mutations to RT inhibitors were identified in three (7%) subjects (K65R plus Y181C; N60D; and V106M). In some subjects, polymorphisms were observed at the RT positions 41, 69, 75, 98, 101, 179, 190, and 215. Secondary mutations associated with NNRTIs were observed at the RT positions 90 (7%) and 138 (6%). In the protease gene, three subjects (7%) had M46I/L mutations. All subjects in this study had HIV-1 subtype-specific natural polymorphisms at positions 36, 69, 89 and 93 that are associated with drug resistance in HIV-1 subtype B. These results suggested that HIV-1 drug resistance mutations and natural polymorphisms existed in this population before the initiation of the national ART program. With increasing use of ARV, these results highlight the importance of drug resistance monitoring in Tanzania.

Obesity and coronary artery calcification: Can it explain the obesity-paradox?

PubMed

Aljizeeri, Ahmed; Coutinho, Thais; Pen, Ally; Chen, Li; Yam, Yeung; Dent, Robert; McPherson, Ruth; Chow, Benjamin J W

2015-06-01

The inverse relationship between obesity and adverse cardiovascular outcomes has been coined the 'obesity-paradox'. We sought to determine the relationship between measures of obesity [body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA) and body fat percentage (BF%)] and coronary artery calcification (CAC). We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent CAC using the Agatston score. Baseline demographics were collected and BMI, BSA and BF% were calculated. A two-stage regression modeling approach was used to evaluate the association between BMI, BSA, BF% and Agatston score. Of the 6661 patients [mean age = 57.1 ± 10.8 years, men = 54.3%, median Agatston score = 14 (0, 163)], 0.1% were underweight, 21.3% had normal BMI, 39.1% were overweight and 39.4% were obese. The mean BMI, BSA and BF% were 29.6 ± 6.1 kg/m(2), 1.97 ± 0.25 m(2) and 37 ± 10 %, respectively. There was an independent association between the presence of CAC and BMI (5 kg/m(2) increments) (OR 1.05, CI 1.00-1.11, P = 0.038) and BF% (OR 2.38, CI 1.05-5.41, P = 0.038). Neither BMI categories nor large BSA independently predicted the presence of CAC. BF% predicted the extent of CAC in men but not in women, and higher BF% was associated with higher category of CAC severity in men only. BMI and BF% were independent predictors of the presence of CAC. BF% was associated with the extent of CAC and higher BF% was associated with higher category of CAC severity in men only. These results suggest that further study is needed to better understand the obesity-paradox.

Development and application of a hybrid inert/organic packing material for the biofiltration of composting off-gases mimics.

PubMed

Hernández, Jerónimo; Prado, Oscar J; Almarcha, Manuel; Lafuente, Javier; Gabriel, David

2010-06-15

The performance of three biofilters (BF1-BF3) packed with a new hybrid (inert/organic) packing material that consists of spherical argyle pellets covered with compost was examined in different operational scenarios and compared with a biofilter packed with pine bark (BF4). BF1, BF2 and BF4 were inoculated with an enriched microbial population, while BF3 was inoculated with sludge from a wastewater treatment plant. A gas mixture containing ammonia and six VOCs was fed to the reactors with N-NH(3) loads ranging from 0 to 10 g N/m(3)h and a VOCs load of around 10 g C/m(3)h. A profound analysis of the fate of nitrogen was performed in all four reactors. Results show that the biofilters packed with the hybrid packing material and inoculated with the microbial pre-adapted population (BF1 and BF2) achieved the highest nitrification rates and VOCs removal efficiencies. In BF3, nitratation was inhibited during most of the study, while only slight evidence of nitrification could be observed in BF4. All four reactors were able to treat the VOCs mixture with efficiencies greater than 80% during the entire experimental period, regardless of the inlet ammonia load. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Toxicity of two imidazolium ionic liquids, [bmim][BF4] and [omim][BF4], to standard aquatic test organisms: Role of acetone in the induced toxicity.

PubMed

Tsarpali, Vasiliki; Dailianis, Stefanos

2015-07-01

The main goal of this study was to investigate the toxicity of the imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs), [bmim][BF4] (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) and [omim][BF4] (1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate), in battery of standard aquatic toxicity test organisms. Specifically, exposure of the algae Scenedesmus rubescens, crustaceans Thamnocephalus platyurus and Artemia franciscana, rotifers Brachionus calyciflorus and Brachionus plicatilis and bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis to different concentrations of [bmim][BF4], [omim][BF4] and/or a binary mixture of [bmim][BF4]-[omim][BF4] (1:1) with or without acetone (carrier solvent), revealed that solvent can differentially mediate ILs' toxic profile. Acetone's ability to differentially affect ILs' cation's alkyl chain length, as well as the hydrolysis of [BF4(-)] anions was evident. Given that the toxic potency of the tested ILs seemed to be equal or even higher (in some cases) than those of conventional organic solvents, the present study revealed that the characterization of imidazolium-based ILs as "green solvents" should not be generalized, at least in case of their natural occurrence in mixtures with organic solvents, such as acetone. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Noncontact diffuse optical assessment of blood flow changes in head and neck free tissue transfer flaps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Chong; Radabaugh, Jeffrey P.; Aouad, Rony K.; Lin, Yu; Gal, Thomas J.; Patel, Amit B.; Valentino, Joseph; Shang, Yu; Yu, Guoqiang

2015-07-01

Knowledge of tissue blood flow (BF) changes after free tissue transfer may enable surgeons to predict the failure of flap thrombosis at an early stage. This study used our recently developed noncontact diffuse correlation spectroscopy to monitor dynamic BF changes in free flaps without getting in contact with the targeted tissue. Eight free flaps were elevated in patients with head and neck cancer; one of the flaps failed. Multiple BF measurements probing the transferred tissue were performed during and post the surgical operation. Postoperative BF values were normalized to the intraoperative baselines (assigning "1") for the calculation of relative BF change (rBF). The rBF changes over the seven successful flaps were 1.89±0.15, 2.26±0.13, and 2.43±0.13 (mean±standard error), respectively, on postoperative days 2, 4, and 7. These postoperative values were significantly higher than the intraoperative baseline values (p<0.001), indicating a gradual recovery of flap vascularity after the tissue transfer. By contrast, rBF changes observed from the unsuccessful flaps were 1.14 and 1.34, respectively, on postoperative days 2 and 4, indicating less flow recovery. Measurement of BF recovery after flap anastomosis holds the potential to act early to salvage ischemic flaps.

Noncontact diffuse optical assessment of blood flow changes in head and neck free tissue transfer flaps

PubMed Central

Huang, Chong; Radabaugh, Jeffrey P.; Aouad, Rony K.; Lin, Yu; Gal, Thomas J.; Patel, Amit B.; Valentino, Joseph; Shang, Yu; Yu, Guoqiang

2015-01-01

Abstract. Knowledge of tissue blood flow (BF) changes after free tissue transfer may enable surgeons to predict the failure of flap thrombosis at an early stage. This study used our recently developed noncontact diffuse correlation spectroscopy to monitor dynamic BF changes in free flaps without getting in contact with the targeted tissue. Eight free flaps were elevated in patients with head and neck cancer; one of the flaps failed. Multiple BF measurements probing the transferred tissue were performed during and post the surgical operation. Postoperative BF values were normalized to the intraoperative baselines (assigning “1”) for the calculation of relative BF change (rBF). The rBF changes over the seven successful flaps were 1.89±0.15, 2.26±0.13, and 2.43±0.13 (mean±standard error), respectively, on postoperative days 2, 4, and 7. These postoperative values were significantly higher than the intraoperative baseline values (p<0.001), indicating a gradual recovery of flap vascularity after the tissue transfer. By contrast, rBF changes observed from the unsuccessful flaps were 1.14 and 1.34, respectively, on postoperative days 2 and 4, indicating less flow recovery. Measurement of BF recovery after flap anastomosis holds the potential to act early to salvage ischemic flaps. PMID:26187444

Effects of Soybean Lipid Infusion on Unbound Free Fatty Acids and Unbound Bilirubin in Preterm Infants.

PubMed

Hegyi, Thomas; Kleinfeld, Alan; Huber, Andrew; Weinberger, Barry; Memon, Naureen; Shih, Weichung Joe; Carayannopoulos, Mary; Oh, William

2017-05-01

To assess the effects of a soybean lipid emulsion infusions on levels of unbound (free) bilirubin (Bf) and unbound free fatty acids (FFAu) as well as changes in Bf and total serum bilirubin (TSB) during phototherapy in infants born preterm. Ninety-seven infants born preterm (birth weight: 500-2000 g; gestational age: 23-34 weeks) were enrolled to investigate the effect of 0, 1, 2, and 3 g/kg/d of intralipid infusion on Bf and FFAu. Pre- and postphototherapy TSB, FFAu, and Bf also were analyzed in 91 infants to assess the effects of phototherapy. FFAu levels were measured with the fluorescent probe ADIFAB2 and Bf by the fluorescent Bf sensor BL22P1B11-Rh during intralipid infusion and at start and end of phototherapy. TSB and plasma albumin were measured by the diazo and bromcresol green techniques, respectively. Bilirubin-albumin dissociation constants were calculated based on Bf and plasma albumin. Bf and FFAu increased with increasing intralipid dosage across all gestational ages. TSB and Bf were correlated significantly when infants received 0 or 1 g/kg/d of intralipid but not at greater doses of intralipid (2 and 3 g/kg/d). Although phototherapy effectively reduced both TSB and Bf in the total phototherapy group (by 32% and 12%, respectively), it reduced TSB, but not Bf, in infants less than 28 weeks of gestation. Increasing intralipid doses result in increasing FFAu levels, which are associated with increased Bf independent of TSB. In infants born extremely preterm (<28 weeks of gestation), phototherapy effectively reduces TSB but not Bf. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Calcitonin-typical suppression of osteoclastic activity by amphioxus calcitonin superfamily peptides and insights into the evolutionary conservation and diversity of their structures.

PubMed

Sekiguchi, Toshio; Shiraishi, Akira; Satake, Honoo; Kuwasako, Kenji; Takahashi, Hiroki; Sato, Masayuki; Urata, Makoto; Wada, Shuichi; Endo, Masato; Ikari, Takahiro; Hattori, Atsuhiko; Srivastav, Ajai K; Suzuki, Nobuo

2017-05-15

Calcitonin (CT) is a hormone that decreases serum calcium level by suppressing osteoclastic activity in the vertebrate bone. In vertebrates, the structure-function relationship of CTs has been studied extensively. We recently identified three CT superfamily peptides, Bf-CTFP1 to 3, and clarified the molecular and functional characteristics of their receptor and receptor activity-modifying protein in amphioxus, Branchiostoma floridae. However, the CT activity of Bf-CTFPs has yet to be investigated. In the present study, a functional analysis of Bf-CTFPs was performed using goldfish scales having both osteoclasts and osteoblasts. All Bf-CTFPs suppressed osteoclastic activity via a goldfish CT receptor. Although the primary amino acid sequences of the Bf-CTFPs showed low sequence similarity to vertebrate CTs, Bf-CTFP1 to 3 share three amino acids, Thr 25 , Thr 27 , and Pro 32 -NH 2 , that are required for receptor binding, with salmon CT. Moreover, homology model analysis revealed that the Bf-CTFPs form alpha-helical structures. The alpha-helical position and length of Bf-CTFP1 and 2 were conserved with those of a highly potent ligand, teleost CT. Interestingly, the composition of the alpha-helix of Bf-CTFP3 differed from those of teleost CT, despite that the action of Bf-CTFP3 on goldfish scales was the same as that of Bf-CTFP1 and 2. Collectively, the present study provides new insights into the structure-function relationship of CT and its functional evolution in chordates. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Investigation of toxic effects of imidazolium ionic liquids, [bmim][BF4] and [omim][BF4], on marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis with or without the presence of conventional solvents, such as acetone.

PubMed

Tsarpali, Vasiliki; Belavgeni, Alexia; Dailianis, Stefanos

2015-07-01

This study investigated the cytotoxic, oxidative and genotoxic effects of two commonly used imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs), [bmim][BF4] (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) and [omim][BF4] (1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate), on the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, as well as whether acetone could mediate their toxic profile. In this context, mussels were firstly exposed to different concentrations of [bmim][BF4] or [omim][BF4], with or without the presence of acetone (at a final concentration of 0.06% v/v), for a period of 96h, in order to determine the concentration that causes 50% mussel mortality (LC50 values) in each case. Thereafter, mussels were exposed to sub- and non-lethal concentrations of ILs for investigating their ability to cause lysosomal membrane impairment (with the use of neutral red retention assay/NRRT), superoxide anion and lipid peroxidation byproduct (malondialdehyde/MDA) formation, as well as DNA damage and formation of nuclear abnormalities in hemocytes. The results showed that [omim][BF4] was more toxic than [bmim][BF4] in all cases, while the presence of acetone resulted in a slight attenuation of its toxicity. The different toxic behavior of ILs was further revealed by the significantly lower levels of NRRT values observed in [omim][BF4]-treated mussels, compared to those occurring in [bmim][BF4] in all cases. Similarly, [bmim][BF4]-mediated oxidative and genotoxic effects were observed only in the highest concentration tested (10mgL(-1)), while [omim][BF4]-mediated effects were enhanced at lower concentrations (0.01-0.05mgL(-1)). Overall, the present study showed that [bmim][BF4] and [omim][BF4] could induce not only lethal but also nonlethal effects on mussel M. galloprovincialis. The extent of [bmim][BF4] and/or [omim][BF4]-mediated effects could be ascribed to the length of each IL alkyl chain, as well as to their lipophilicity. Moreover, the role of acetone on the obtained toxic effects of the specific ILs was reported for the first time, giving evidence for its interaction with the ILs and the modulation of their toxicity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reliability of air displacement plethysmography.

PubMed

Anderson, Dawn E

2007-02-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of an air displacement plethysmography device (BOD POD) over trials performed on 3 different days. Subjects consisted of 24 healthy adults (8 men, 16 women), ages 18-38 years, with body weights 46.8-93.6 kg, body mass indexes of 19.1-30.1 kg x m(-2), and percentage body fats (BF) of 7.9-43.1%. Two estimates of BF were performed on 3 days. Paired t-tests revealed no significant within-day differences in body volume (BV), thoracic gas volume (V(TG)), body density (BD), and BF. Correlations between the two V(TG) measures on a day were r = 0.86 for day 1, r = 0.93 for day 2, and r = 0.96 for day 3. BF estimates within a day had high correlations of r = 0.98. Significant differences were found between days for measures of BV, V(TG), BD, and BF. These results indicate a high reliability for within-day estimates of BF and significant differences in between-day estimates of BF using air displacement plethysmography. Reliability of BF may be increased by requiring subjects to practice the procedure for V(TG) measurement.

Enhanced susceptibility to acute pneumococcal otitis media in mice deficient in complement C1qa, factor B, and factor B/C2.

PubMed

Tong, Hua Hua; Li, Yong Xing; Stahl, Gregory L; Thurman, Joshua M

2010-03-01

To define the roles of specific complement activation pathways in host defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae in acute otitis media (AOM), we investigated the susceptibility to AOM in mice deficient in complement factor B and C2 (Bf/C2(-/)(-)), C1qa (C1qa(-/)(-)), and factor B (Bf(-)(/)(-)). Bacterial titers of both S. pneumoniae serotype 6A and 14 in the middle ear lavage fluid samples from Bf/C2(-/)(-), Bf(-)(/)(-), and C1qa(-/)(-) mice were significantly higher than in samples from wild-type mice 24 h after transtympanical infection (P < 0.05) and remained persistently higher in samples from Bf/C2(-/)(-) mice than in samples from wild-type mice. Bacteremia occurred in Bf/C2(-/)(-), Bf(-)(/)(-), and C1qa(-/)(-) mice infected with both strains, but not in wild-type mice. Recruitment of inflammatory cells was paralleled by enhanced production of inflammatory mediators in the middle ear lavage samples from Bf/C2(-/)(-) mice. C3b deposition on both strains was greatest for sera obtained from wild-type mice, followed by C1qa(-)(/)(-) and Bf(-)(/)(-) mice, and least for Bf/C2(-)(/)(-) mice. Opsonophagocytosis and whole-blood killing capacity of both strains were significantly decreased in the presence of sera or whole blood from complement-deficient mice compared to wild-type mice. These findings indicate that both the classical and alternative complement pathways are critical for middle ear immune defense against S. pneumoniae. The reduced capacity of complement-mediated opsonization and phagocytosis in the complement-deficient mice appears to be responsible for the impaired clearance of S. pneumoniae from the middle ear and dissemination to the bloodstream during AOM.

Comparison of air-displacement plethysmography with hydrostatic weighing and bioelectrical impedance analysis for the assessment of body composition in healthy adults.

PubMed

Biaggi, R R; Vollman, M W; Nies, M A; Brener, C E; Flakoll, P J; Levenhagen, D K; Sun, M; Karabulut, Z; Chen, K Y

1999-05-01

Over the past decade, considerable attention has been paid to accurately measuring body composition in diverse populations. Recently, the use of air-displacement plethysmography (AP) was proposed as an accurate, comfortable, and accessible method of body-composition analysis. The purpose of this study was to compare measurements of percentage body fat (%BF) by AP and 2 other established techniques, hydrostatic weighing (HW) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), in adults. The sample consisted of healthy men (n = 23) and women (n = 24). %BF was measured by AP, HW, and BIA. In the total group, %BF(AP) (25.0+/-8.9%) was not significantly different from %BF(HW) (25.1+/-7.7%) or %BF(BIA) (23.9+/-7.7%), and %BF(AP) was significantly correlated with %BF(HW) (r = 0.944, P < 0.001) and with %BF(BIA) (r = 0.859, P < 0.01). Compared with HW, AP underestimated %BF in men (by -1.24+/-3.12%) but overestimated %BF in women (by 1.02+/-2.48%), indicating a significant sex effect (P < 0.05). The differences in estimation between AP and BIA and between BIA and HW were not significantly different between the sexes. AP is an accurate method for assessing body composition in healthy adults. Future studies should assess further the cause of the individual variations with this new method.

Abatement of styrene waste gas emission by biofilter and biotrickling filter: comparison of packing materials and inoculation procedures.

PubMed

Pérez, M C; Álvarez-Hornos, F J; Portune, K; Gabaldón, C

2015-01-01

The removal of styrene was studied using two biofilters packed with peat and coconut fibre (BF1-P and BF2-C, respectively) and one biotrickling filter (BTF) packed with plastic rings. Two inoculation procedures were applied: an enriched culture with strain Pseudomonas putida CECT 324 for BFs and activated sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant for the BTF. Inlet loads (ILs) between 10 and 45 g m(-3) h(-1) and empty bed residence times (EBRTs) from 30 to 120 s were applied. At inlet concentrations ranging between 200 and 400 mg Nm(-3), removal efficiencies between 70 % and 95 % were obtained in the three bioreactors. Maximum elimination capacities (ECs) of 81 and 39 g m(-3) h(-1) were obtained for the BF1-P and BF2-C, respectively (IL of 173 g m(-3) h(-1) and EBRT of 60 s in BF1-P; IL of 89 g m(-3) h(-1) and EBRT of 90 s in BF2-C). A maximum EC of 52 g m(-3) h(-1) was obtained for the BTF (IL of 116 g m(-3) h(-1), EBRT of 45 s). Problems regarding high pressure drop appeared in the peat BF, whereas drying episodes occurred in the coconut fibre BF. DGGE revealed that the pure culture used for BF inoculation was not detected by day 105. Although two different inoculation procedures were applied, similar styrene removal at the end of the experiments was observed. The use as inoculum of activated sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plant appears a more feasible option.

Effect of Ion Rigidity on Physical Properties of Ionic Liquids Studied by Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

PubMed

Ramírez-González, Pedro E; Ren, Gan; Saielli, Giacomo; Wang, Yanting

2016-06-30

In this work, we have performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to compare the structural and dynamical properties of three ionic liquids (ILs), 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium tetrafluorborate ([EMI(+)][BF4(-)]), 1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium bis(tetrafluorborate) ([VIO(2+)][BF4(-)]2), and 1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (bistriflimide in short) ([VIO(2+)][Tf2N(-)]2), aiming to discover the influence of ion rigidity on the physical properties of ILs. [VIO(2+)] is more rigid than [EMI(+)], and [BF4(-)] is more rigid than [Tf2N(-)]. [VIO(2+)][BF4(-)]2 has an anion distribution different from the other two by the higher and sharper peaks in the cation-anion radial distribution functions, reflecting a close-packed local structure of anions around cations. [VIO(2+)][BF4(-)]2 and [VIO(2+)][Tf2N(-)]2 have similar dynamics much slower than [EMI(+)][BF4(-)], and [VIO(2+)][Tf2N(-)]2 shows a more isotropic molecular distribution than [VIO(2+)][BF4(-)]2 and [EMI(+)][BF4(-)]. Additionally, we have simulated two modified viologen-based ILs to reinforce our interpretations. We conclude from the above simulation results that the rigidity of anions influences the alignment of cations and that the rigidity of cations shows a large obstacle to their rotational capacity. Moreover, we have observed a slower diffusion of [VIO(2+)][BF4(-)]2 due to the electrostatic correlations, which stabilizes the ion-cage effect.

Intramuscular adipose tissue determined by T1-weighted MRI at 3T primarily reflects extramyocellular lipids.

PubMed

Akima, Hiroshi; Hioki, Maya; Yoshiko, Akito; Koike, Teruhiko; Sakakibara, Hisataka; Takahashi, Hideyuki; Oshida, Yoshiharu

2016-05-01

The purpose of this study was to assess relationships between intramuscular adipose tissue (IntraMAT) content determined by MRI and intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipids (EMCL) determined by (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) or echo intensity determined by B-mode ultrasonography of human skeletal muscles. Thirty young and elderly men and women were included. T1-weighted MRI was taken from the right mid-thigh to measure IntraMAT content of the vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) using a histogram shape-based thresholding technique. IMCL and EMCL were measured from the VL and BF at the right mid-thigh using (1)H MRS. Ultrasonographic images were taken from the VL and BF of the right mid-thigh to measure echo intensity based on gray-scale level for quantitative analysis. There was a significant correlation between IntraMAT content by MRI and EMCL of the VL and BF (VL, r=0.506, P<0.01; BF, r=0.591, P<0.001) and between echo intensity and EMCL of the VL and BF (VL, r=0.485, P<0.05; BF, r=0.648, P<0.01). IntraMAT content was also significantly correlated with echo intensity of the VL and BF (VL, r=0.404, P<0.05; BF, r=0.493, P<0.01). Our study suggests that IntraMAT content determined by T1-weighted MRI at 3T primarily reflects extramyocellular lipids, not intramyocellular lipids, in human skeletal muscles. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Near infrared reactance for the estimation of body fatness in regularly exercising individuals.

PubMed

Evans, J; Lambert, M I; Micklesfield, L K; Goedecke, J H; Jennings, C L; Savides, L; Claassen, A; Lambert, E V

2013-07-01

Near infrared reactance (NIR) is used to measure body fat percentage (BF%), but there is little data on its use in non-obese, regularly exercising individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the limits of agreement between NIR compared to dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for the measurement of BF% in 2 cohorts of regularly exercising individuals. BF% was measured using DXA and NIR in a regular exercising (≥3 sessions/week), healthy active cohort (HA; n=57), and in a regularly exercising and resistance trained (≥2 sessions/week) cohort (RT; n=59). The RT cohort had lower BF% than the HA cohort (15.3±5.5% and 25.8±7.1%, P<0.001). In the HA and RT cohorts, NIR BF% was associated with DXA BF% (R2=0.72, SEE=3.7, p<0.001 and R2=0.50, SEE=4.1 p<0.001, respectively). In the HA cohort, NIR tended to under-predict BF% (mean difference: - 1.3%; 95% limits of agreement (LOA); - 8.8 to 6.2%) whereas in the RT cohort, NIR tended to over-predict BF% compared to DXA (mean difference: 1.1; 95% LOA; - 8.1 to 10.3%). In conclusion, NIR and DXA yield similar average BF% measurements in 2 cohorts of non-obese regularly exercising individuals. However, the rather broad LOA of NIR need to be considered when using NIR to screen for overweight and obesity, or measure and track changes in body composition. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Effect of bone marrow-derived CD11b(+)F4/80 (+) immature dendritic cells on the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in DBA/1 mice with collagen-induced arthritis.

PubMed

Fu, Jingjing; Zhang, Lingling; Song, Shanshan; Sheng, Kangliang; Li, Ying; Li, Peipei; Song, Shasha; Wang, Qingtong; Chu, Jianhong; Wei, Wei

2014-05-01

To explore the effect of bone marrow-derived CD11b(+)F4/80(+) immature dendritic cells (BM CD11b(+)F4/80(+)iDC) on the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in DBA/1 mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). BM CD11b(+)F4/80(+)iDC were induced with rmGM-CSF and rmIL-4, and were identified by the expressions of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2), indoleamine 2,3-deoxygenase (IDO), interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR). CIA was established in DBA/1 mice by immunization with type II collagen. CIA mice were injected intravenously with BM CD11b(+)F4/80(+)iDC three times after immunization. The effect of BM CD11b(+)F4/80(+)iDC on CIA was evaluated by the arthritis index, joint histopathology, body weight, thymus index, thymocytes proliferation, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-17, IL-10 and TGF-β1 levels. BM CD11b(+)F4/80(+)iDC induced with rmGM-CSF and rmIL-4 expressed high levels of TLR-2, IDO, IL-10 and TGF-β1. Infusion of BM CD11b(+)F4/80(+)iDC in CIA mice significantly reduced the arthritis index and pathological scores of joints, recovered the weight, decreased the thymus index and inhibited thymocyte proliferation. Levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-17 were decreased in BM CD11b(+)F4/80(+)iDC-treated mice. BM CD11b(+)F4/80(+)iDC can be induced successfully with rmGM-CSF and rmIL-4. BM CD11b(+)F4/80(+)iDC treatment can ameliorate the development and severity of CIA by regulating the balance between pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Coherent Raman Spectra of the nu(1) Mode of 10BF3 and 11BF3

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

Kirkpatrick, Robynne; Masiello, Tony; Weber, Alfons

2006-05-01

High resolution (0.001cm-1) coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) was used to directly examine the v1 symmetric stretching mode of the planar symmetric D3h molecules 10BF3 and 11BF3. Simulations of the spectra were done using v1 rovibrational parameters deduced from published infrared hot-band and difference-band studies and the close similarity to the observed CARS spectra confirms the validity of the infrared constants. No significant perturbations by Fermi resonance or Coriolis interactions with nearby states are observed, in marked contrast to the case of sulfur trioxide, a similar D3h molecule recently studied. In the harmonic approximation, the 10BF3 and 11BF3 v1 Q-more » branches would be identical since the isotopic substitution is at the center of mass but, interestingly, the v1 stretching frequency for 11BF3 is found to be 0.198 cm-1 higher than for the lighter 10BF3 isotopomer. This counterintuitive result is reproduced almost exactly (0.200 cm -1) by ab initio calculations (B3LYP/cc-pVTZ) that included evaluation of cubic and quartic forced constants and xij anharmonicity constants. The ab initio computations also predict to within 1% the ?B, ?C changes in the rotational constants in going from the ground state to the v1=1 vibrational level. The results illustrate nicely the complementary interplay of modern infrared, Raman, and ab initio methods in obtaining and analyzing rovibrational spectra.« less

Tumor Metabolism and Blood Flow Changes by Positron Emission Tomography: Relation to Survival in Patients Treated With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

PubMed Central

Dunnwald, Lisa K.; Gralow, Julie R.; Ellis, Georgiana K.; Livingston, Robert B.; Linden, Hannah M.; Specht, Jennifer M.; Doot, Robert K.; Lawton, Thomas J.; Barlow, William E.; Kurland, Brenda F.; Schubert, Erin K.; Mankoff, David A.

2008-01-01

Purpose Patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma (LABC) receive preoperative chemotherapy to provide early systemic treatment and assess in vivo tumor response. Serial positron emission tomography (PET) has been shown to predict pathologic response in this setting. We evaluated serial quantitative PET tumor blood flow (BF) and metabolism as in vivo measurements to predict patient outcome. Patients and Methods Fifty-three women with primary LABC underwent dynamic [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and [15O]water PET scans before and at midpoint of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The FDG metabolic rate (MRFDG) and transport (FDG K1) parameters were calculated; BF was estimated from the [15O]water study. Associations between BF, MRFDG, FDG K1, and standardized uptake value and disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results Patients with persistent or elevated BF and FDG K1 from baseline to midtherapy had higher recurrence and mortality risks than patients with reductions. In multivariable analyses, BF and FDG K1 changes remained independent prognosticators of DFS and OS. For example, in the association between BF and mortality, a patient with a 5% increase in tumor BF had a 67% higher mortality risk compared with a patient with a 5% decrease in tumor BF (hazard ratio = 1.67; 95% CI, 1.24 to 2.24; P < .001). Conclusion LABC patients with limited or no decline in BF and FDG K1 experienced higher recurrence and mortality risks that were greater than the effects of clinical tumor characteristics. Tumor perfusion changes over the course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy measured directly by [15O]water or indirectly by dynamic FDG predict DFS and OS. PMID:18626006

Breast-feeding and feeding practices of infants in a developing country: a national survey in Lebanon.

PubMed

Batal, Malek; Boulghourjian, Choghik; Abdallah, Ahmad; Afifi, Rima

2006-05-01

Breast-feeding (BF) provides the ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants. The prevalence of BF in Lebanon shows mixed results. The present study was the first large-scale, extensive survey on BF parameters in Lebanon that aimed to explore demographic, socio-economic and other fundamental issues associated with the initiation and duration of BF by Lebanese mothers. The survey was cross-sectional in design and administered over 10 months. Information on all variables was collected from mothers at health centres. Two-stage sampling was conducted to select participants. A total of 1,000 participants were randomly selected. A consent form was provided to each participant. Data were collected from 830 of these. Almost all mothers were Lebanese, married and had given birth in a hospital. About a third stated that breast milk was the first food introduced after birth. Although 55.9% started breast-feeding their newborns within a few hours after birth, and 18.3% within half an hour, 21.2% replied that they initiated BF a few days after birth. Only 4.6% of the mothers replied that they never breast-fed their infant. Timing of initiation of BF was associated with the type of delivery (vaginal/Caesarean section) and hospital-related factors (rooming-in, night feedings and frequency of mother-infant interaction). Of the mothers who breast-fed exclusively beyond 6 months, 86.7% had initiated BF a few hours following delivery, while only 13.3% had initiated BF a few days later. Compared with the exceptionally high proportion of BF initiation, exclusivity of BF was low, dropping to 52.4% at 1 month. Exclusivity of BF was also associated with place of residence (urban/rural) and negatively associated with educational level of the mother. Duration of BF was inversely associated with the use of pain killers during delivery and maternal education. Rural mothers and those who practised exclusive BF maintained BF for a longer duration. Initiation rates of BF are very high in Lebanon but rates of exclusive BF are low and duration of BF is short. Future research targeting the factors associated with BF, with particular emphasis on exclusivity, is needed. For the 95.4% of mothers who initiated BF, an ecological perspective on intervention aimed at women and their social support system is required to improve duration and exclusivity.

Spiro-(1,1‧)-bipyrrolidinium tetrafluoroborate salt as high voltage electrolyte for electric double layer capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Xuewen; Ruan, Dianbo; Wu, Changcheng; Wang, Jing; Shi, Zhiqiang

2014-11-01

A novel quaternary ammonium salt based on spiro-(1,1‧)-bipyrolidinium tetrafluoroborate (SBP-BF4) has been synthesized and dissolved in propylene carbonate (PC) with 1.5 mol L-1 (M) concentration for electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). The physic-chemical properties and electrochemical performance of SBP-BF4/PC electrolyte are investigated. Compared with the standard electrolyte 1.5 M TEMA-BF4 in PC, the novel SBP-BF4/PC electrolyte exhibited much better electrochemical performance due to its smaller cation size, lower viscosity and higher conductivity. The specific discharge capacitance of activated carbon electrode based EDLCs using SBP-BF4/PC electrolyte is 120 F g-1, the energy density and power density can reach 31 kW kg-1 and 6938 W kg-1, respectively, when the working voltage is 2.7 V and current density is 50 mA g-1. The withstand voltage of activated carbon based EDLCs with SBP-BF4/PC electrolyte can reach to 3.2 V, where the stable discharge capacitance and energy density are 121 F g-1 and 43 Wh kg-1, respectively.

Prevalence, incidence and correlates of low risk HPV infection and anogenital warts in a cohort of women living with HIV in Burkina Faso and South Africa

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Objective To report the prevalence and incidence of low-risk human papillomavirus infection (LR-HPV) and anogenital warts (AGW) among women living with HIV (WLHIV) in Burkina Faso (BF) and South Africa (SA), and to explore HIV-related factors associated with these outcomes. Methods We enrolled 1238 WLHIV (BF = 615; SA = 623) aged 25–50 years and followed them at three time points (6, 12 and 16 months) after enrolment. Presence of AGW was assessed during gynaecological examination. Cervico-vaginal swabs for enrolment and month 16 follow-up visits were tested for HPV infection by Inno-LiPA® genotyping. Logistic regression was used to assess risk factors for prevalent infection or AGW. Cox regression was used to assess risk factors for incident AGW. Results Women in SA were more likely than those in BF to have prevalent LR-HPV infection (BF: 27.1% vs. SA: 40.9%; p<0.001) and incident LR-HPV infection (BF: 25.8% vs. SA: 31.6%, p = 0.05). Prevalence of persistent LR-HPV was similar in the two countries (BF: 33.3% vs. SA: 30.4%; p = 0.54), as were prevalence and incidence of AGW (Prevalence: BF: 7.5% vs. SA: 5.7%; p = 0.21; Incidence: BF: 2.47 vs. SA: 2.33 per 100 person-years; p = 0.41). HPV6 was associated with incident AGW (BF: adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR) = 4.88; 95%CI: 1.36–17.45; SA: aHR = 5.02; 95%CI: 1.40–17.99). Prevalent LR-HPV (BF: adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR = 1.86]; 95%CI: 1.01–3.41; SA: aOR = 1.75; 95%CI: 0.88–3.48); persistent LR-HPV (BF: aOR = 1.92; 95%CI: 0.44–8.44; SA: aOR = 2.81; 95%CI: 1.07–7.41) and prevalent AGW (BF: aOR = 1.53; 95%CI: 0.61–3.87; SA: aOR = 4.11; 95%CI: 1.20–14.10) were each associated with low CD4+ counts (i.e. <200 vs. >500 cells/μL). Duration of ART and HIV plasma viral load were not associated with any LR-HPV infection or AGW outcomes. Conclusion LR-HPV infection and AGW are common in WLHIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Type-specific HPV vaccines and effective ART with immunological reconstitution could reduce the burden of AGW in this population. PMID:29715305

New loci for body fat percentage reveal link between adiposity and cardiometabolic disease risk.

PubMed

Lu, Yingchang; Day, Felix R; Gustafsson, Stefan; Buchkovich, Martin L; Na, Jianbo; Bataille, Veronique; Cousminer, Diana L; Dastani, Zari; Drong, Alexander W; Esko, Tõnu; Evans, David M; Falchi, Mario; Feitosa, Mary F; Ferreira, Teresa; Hedman, Åsa K; Haring, Robin; Hysi, Pirro G; Iles, Mark M; Justice, Anne E; Kanoni, Stavroula; Lagou, Vasiliki; Li, Rui; Li, Xin; Locke, Adam; Lu, Chen; Mägi, Reedik; Perry, John R B; Pers, Tune H; Qi, Qibin; Sanna, Marianna; Schmidt, Ellen M; Scott, William R; Shungin, Dmitry; Teumer, Alexander; Vinkhuyzen, Anna A E; Walker, Ryan W; Westra, Harm-Jan; Zhang, Mingfeng; Zhang, Weihua; Zhao, Jing Hua; Zhu, Zhihong; Afzal, Uzma; Ahluwalia, Tarunveer Singh; Bakker, Stephan J L; Bellis, Claire; Bonnefond, Amélie; Borodulin, Katja; Buchman, Aron S; Cederholm, Tommy; Choh, Audrey C; Choi, Hyung Jin; Curran, Joanne E; de Groot, Lisette C P G M; De Jager, Philip L; Dhonukshe-Rutten, Rosalie A M; Enneman, Anke W; Eury, Elodie; Evans, Daniel S; Forsen, Tom; Friedrich, Nele; Fumeron, Frédéric; Garcia, Melissa E; Gärtner, Simone; Han, Bok-Ghee; Havulinna, Aki S; Hayward, Caroline; Hernandez, Dena; Hillege, Hans; Ittermann, Till; Kent, Jack W; Kolcic, Ivana; Laatikainen, Tiina; Lahti, Jari; Mateo Leach, Irene; Lee, Christine G; Lee, Jong-Young; Liu, Tian; Liu, Youfang; Lobbens, Stéphane; Loh, Marie; Lyytikäinen, Leo-Pekka; Medina-Gomez, Carolina; Michaëlsson, Karl; Nalls, Mike A; Nielson, Carrie M; Oozageer, Laticia; Pascoe, Laura; Paternoster, Lavinia; Polašek, Ozren; Ripatti, Samuli; Sarzynski, Mark A; Shin, Chan Soo; Narančić, Nina Smolej; Spira, Dominik; Srikanth, Priya; Steinhagen-Thiessen, Elisabeth; Sung, Yun Ju; Swart, Karin M A; Taittonen, Leena; Tanaka, Toshiko; Tikkanen, Emmi; van der Velde, Nathalie; van Schoor, Natasja M; Verweij, Niek; Wright, Alan F; Yu, Lei; Zmuda, Joseph M; Eklund, Niina; Forrester, Terrence; Grarup, Niels; Jackson, Anne U; Kristiansson, Kati; Kuulasmaa, Teemu; Kuusisto, Johanna; Lichtner, Peter; Luan, Jian'an; Mahajan, Anubha; Männistö, Satu; Palmer, Cameron D; Ried, Janina S; Scott, Robert A; Stancáková, Alena; Wagner, Peter J; Demirkan, Ayse; Döring, Angela; Gudnason, Vilmundur; Kiel, Douglas P; Kühnel, Brigitte; Mangino, Massimo; Mcknight, Barbara; Menni, Cristina; O'Connell, Jeffrey R; Oostra, Ben A; Shuldiner, Alan R; Song, Kijoung; Vandenput, Liesbeth; van Duijn, Cornelia M; Vollenweider, Peter; White, Charles C; Boehnke, Michael; Boettcher, Yvonne; Cooper, Richard S; Forouhi, Nita G; Gieger, Christian; Grallert, Harald; Hingorani, Aroon; Jørgensen, Torben; Jousilahti, Pekka; Kivimaki, Mika; Kumari, Meena; Laakso, Markku; Langenberg, Claudia; Linneberg, Allan; Luke, Amy; Mckenzie, Colin A; Palotie, Aarno; Pedersen, Oluf; Peters, Annette; Strauch, Konstantin; Tayo, Bamidele O; Wareham, Nicholas J; Bennett, David A; Bertram, Lars; Blangero, John; Blüher, Matthias; Bouchard, Claude; Campbell, Harry; Cho, Nam H; Cummings, Steven R; Czerwinski, Stefan A; Demuth, Ilja; Eckardt, Rahel; Eriksson, Johan G; Ferrucci, Luigi; Franco, Oscar H; Froguel, Philippe; Gansevoort, Ron T; Hansen, Torben; Harris, Tamara B; Hastie, Nicholas; Heliövaara, Markku; Hofman, Albert; Jordan, Joanne M; Jula, Antti; Kähönen, Mika; Kajantie, Eero; Knekt, Paul B; Koskinen, Seppo; Kovacs, Peter; Lehtimäki, Terho; Lind, Lars; Liu, Yongmei; Orwoll, Eric S; Osmond, Clive; Perola, Markus; Pérusse, Louis; Raitakari, Olli T; Rankinen, Tuomo; Rao, D C; Rice, Treva K; Rivadeneira, Fernando; Rudan, Igor; Salomaa, Veikko; Sørensen, Thorkild I A; Stumvoll, Michael; Tönjes, Anke; Towne, Bradford; Tranah, Gregory J; Tremblay, Angelo; Uitterlinden, André G; van der Harst, Pim; Vartiainen, Erkki; Viikari, Jorma S; Vitart, Veronique; Vohl, Marie-Claude; Völzke, Henry; Walker, Mark; Wallaschofski, Henri; Wild, Sarah; Wilson, James F; Yengo, Loïc; Bishop, D Timothy; Borecki, Ingrid B; Chambers, John C; Cupples, L Adrienne; Dehghan, Abbas; Deloukas, Panos; Fatemifar, Ghazaleh; Fox, Caroline; Furey, Terrence S; Franke, Lude; Han, Jiali; Hunter, David J; Karjalainen, Juha; Karpe, Fredrik; Kaplan, Robert C; Kooner, Jaspal S; McCarthy, Mark I; Murabito, Joanne M; Morris, Andrew P; Bishop, Julia A N; North, Kari E; Ohlsson, Claes; Ong, Ken K; Prokopenko, Inga; Richards, J Brent; Schadt, Eric E; Spector, Tim D; Widén, Elisabeth; Willer, Cristen J; Yang, Jian; Ingelsson, Erik; Mohlke, Karen L; Hirschhorn, Joel N; Pospisilik, John Andrew; Zillikens, M Carola; Lindgren, Cecilia; Kilpeläinen, Tuomas Oskari; Loos, Ruth J F

2016-02-01

To increase our understanding of the genetic basis of adiposity and its links to cardiometabolic disease risk, we conducted a genome-wide association meta-analysis of body fat percentage (BF%) in up to 100,716 individuals. Twelve loci reached genome-wide significance (P<5 × 10(-8)), of which eight were previously associated with increased overall adiposity (BMI, BF%) and four (in or near COBLL1/GRB14, IGF2BP1, PLA2G6, CRTC1) were novel associations with BF%. Seven loci showed a larger effect on BF% than on BMI, suggestive of a primary association with adiposity, while five loci showed larger effects on BMI than on BF%, suggesting association with both fat and lean mass. In particular, the loci more strongly associated with BF% showed distinct cross-phenotype association signatures with a range of cardiometabolic traits revealing new insights in the link between adiposity and disease risk.

Cell-Type and State-Dependent Synchronization among Rodent Somatosensory, Visual, Perirhinal Cortex, and Hippocampus CA1

PubMed Central

Vinck, Martin; Bos, Jeroen J.; Van Mourik-Donga, Laura A.; Oplaat, Krista T.; Klein, Gerbrand A.; Jackson, Jadin C.; Gentet, Luc J.; Pennartz, Cyriel M. A.

2016-01-01

Beta and gamma rhythms have been hypothesized to be involved in global and local coordination of neuronal activity, respectively. Here, we investigated how cells in rodent area S1BF are entrained by rhythmic fluctuations at various frequencies within the local area and in connected areas, and how this depends on behavioral state and cell type. We performed simultaneous extracellular field and unit recordings in four connected areas of the freely moving rat (S1BF, V1M, perirhinal cortex, CA1). S1BF spiking activity was strongly entrained by both beta and gamma S1BF oscillations, which were associated with deactivations and activations, respectively. We identified multiple classes of fast spiking and excitatory cells in S1BF, which showed prominent differences in rhythmic entrainment and in the extent to which phase locking was modulated by behavioral state. Using an additional dataset acquired by whole-cell recordings in head-fixed mice, these cell classes could be compared with identified phenotypes showing gamma rhythmicity in their membrane potential. We next examined how S1BF cells were entrained by rhythmic fluctuations in connected brain areas. Gamma-synchronization was detected in all four areas, however we did not detect significant gamma coherence among these areas. Instead, we only found long-range coherence in the theta-beta range among these areas. In contrast to local S1BF synchronization, we found long-range S1BF-spike to CA1–LFP synchronization to be homogeneous across inhibitory and excitatory cell types. These findings suggest distinct, cell-type contributions of low and high-frequency synchronization to intra- and inter-areal neuronal interactions. PMID:26834582

Linkage and association mapping reveals the genetic basis of brown fibre (Gossypium hirsutum).

PubMed

Wen, Tianwang; Wu, Mi; Shen, Chao; Gao, Bin; Zhu, De; Zhang, Xianlong; You, Chunyuan; Lin, Zhongxu

2018-02-24

Brown fibre cotton is an environmental-friendly resource that plays a key role in the textile industry. However, the fibre quality and yield of natural brown cotton are poor, and fundamental research on brown cotton is relatively scarce. To understand the genetic basis of brown fibre cotton, we constructed linkage and association populations to systematically examine brown fibre accessions. We fine-mapped the brown fibre region, Lc 1 , and dissected it into 2 loci, qBF-A07-1 and qBF-A07-2. The qBF-A07-1 locus mediates the initiation of brown fibre production, whereas the shade of the brown fibre is affected by the interaction between qBF-A07-1 and qBF-A07-2. Gh_A07G2341 and Gh_A07G0100 were identified as candidate genes for qBF-A07-1 and qBF-A07-2, respectively. Haploid analysis of the signals significantly associated with these two loci showed that most tetraploid modern brown cotton accessions exhibit the introgression signature of Gossypium barbadense. We identified 10 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for fibre yield and 19 QTLs for fibre quality through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and found that qBF-A07-2 negatively affects fibre yield and quality through an epistatic interaction with qBF-A07-1. This study sheds light on the genetics of fibre colour and lint-related traits in brown fibre cotton, which will guide the elite cultivars breeding of brown fibre cotton. © 2018 The Authors. Plant Biotechnology Journal published by Society for Experimental Biology and The Association of Applied Biologists and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A cytotoxic protein (BF-CT1) purified from Bungarus fasciatus venom acts through apoptosis, modulation of PI3K/AKT, MAPKinase pathway and cell cycle regulation.

PubMed

Bhattacharya, Shamik; Das, Tanaya; Biswas, Archita; Gomes, Aparna; Gomes, Antony; Dungdung, Sandhya Rekha

2013-11-01

BF-CT1, a 13 kDa protein isolated from Bungarus fasciatus snake venom through CM cellulose ion exchange chromatography at 0.02 M NaCl salt gradient showed cytotoxicity in in vitro and in vivo experimental models. In in vivo Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) induced BALB/c mice model, BF-CT1 treatment reduced EAC cell count significantly through apoptotic cell death pathway as evidenced by FACS analysis, increased caspase 3, 9 activity and altered pro, antiapoptotic protein expression. BF-CT1 treatment caused cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation and induced apoptosis through increased caspase 3, caspase 9 activity, PARP cleavage and down regulation of heat shock proteins in U937 leukemic cell line. Cytosolic cytochrome C production was increased after BF-CT1 treatment upon U937 cell line. BF-CT1 treated U937 cell showed cell cycle arrest at sub G1 phase through cyclin D and CDK down regulation with up regulation of p15 and p16. It also down regulated PI3K/AKT pathway and MAPkinase pathway and promoted apoptosis and regulated cell proliferation in U937 cells. BF-CT1 prevented angiogenesis in in vitro U937 cell line through decreased VEGF and TGF-β1 production. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous biodegradation of bifenthrin and chlorpyrifos by Pseudomonas sp. CB2.

PubMed

Zhang, Qun; Li, Shuhuai; Ma, Chen; Wu, Nancun; Li, Chunli; Yang, Xinfeng

2018-05-04

The degradation of bifenthrin (BF) and chlorpyrifos (CP), either together or individually, by a bacterial strain (CB2) isolated from activated sludge was investigated. Strain CB2 was identified as belonging to genus Pseudomonas based on the morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics and a homological analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence. Strain CB2 has the potential to degrade BF and CP, either individually or in a mixture. The optimum conditions for mixture degradation were as follows: OD 600nm = 0.5; incubation temperature = 30°C; pH = 7.0; BF-CP mixture (10 mg L -1 of each). Under these optimal conditions, the degradation rate constants (and half-lives) were 0.4308 d -1 (1.61 d) and 0.3377 d -1 (2.05 d) for individual BF and CP samples, respectively, and 0.3463 d -1 (2.00 d) and 0.2931 d -1 (2.36 d) for the BF-CP mixture. Major metabolites of BF and CP were 2-methyl-3-biphenylyl methanol and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, respectively. No metabolite bioaccumulation was observed. The ability of CB2 to efficiently degrade BF and CP, particularly in a mixture, may be useful in bioremediation efforts.

Effects of dam breed and dietary source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the growth and carcass characteristics of lambs sourced from hill sheep flocks.

PubMed

Annett, R W; Carson, A F; Dawson, L E R; Kilpatrick, D J

2011-05-01

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of dietary lipid source on the growth and carcass characteristics of lambs sourced from a range of crossbred hill ewes. Over a 2-year period, 466 lambs representing the progeny of Scottish Blackface (BF × BF), Swaledale (SW) × BF, North Country Cheviot (CH) × BF, Lleyn (LL) × BF and Texel (T) × BF ewes were sourced from six commercial hill flocks and finished on one of four diets: grass pellets (GP), cereal-based concentrate (CC), CC enriched with oilseed rape (CR) and CC enriched with fish oil (CF). Dry matter intake (DMI) was highest (P < 0.001) in lambs offered GP; however, carcass weight gain (CWG) and feed conversion efficiency were higher (P < 0.001) in lambs fed concentrate-based diets. For lambs offered concentrate-based diets, DMI and live weight gain were lower (P < 0.001) for CF than CC or CR. Lambs with T × BF dams achieved a higher (P < 0.05) daily CWG and CWG/kg DMI than BF × BF, SW × BF or LL × BF dams. When lambs were slaughtered at fat score 3, CH × BF, LL × BF and T × BF dams increased carcass weight by 0.8 to 1.4 kg (P < 0.001) and conformation score (CS) by 0.2 to 0.4 units (P < 0.001) compared with BF × BF or SW × BF dams. However, breed effects on carcass conformation were reduced by 50% when lambs were slaughtered at a constant carcass weight. Diets CC and CR increased carcass weight by 0.8 to 1.6 kg (P < 0.001) and CS by 0.1 to 0.3 units (P < 0.001) compared with GP and CF. Both, dam breed and dietary effects on carcass conformation were associated with an increase (P < 0.001) in shoulder width of the lambs. Lambs fed CF and slaughtered at a constant carcass weight had more subcutaneous fat over the Longissumus dorsi (P < 0.05), Iliocostalis thoracis (P < 0.001) and Obliquus internus abdominis (P < 0.001) compared with those fed CC. However, these effects were removed when lambs were slaughtered at a constant fat score. At both endpoints, lambs from T × BF dams contained less (P < 0.05) perinephric and retroperitoneal fat than SW × BF or LL × BF dams fed GP or CC, respectively. The results from this study show that using crossbred ewes sired by CH, LL or T sires will increase carcass weight and improve carcass conformation of lambs sourced from hill flocks. Inclusion of oilseed rape in lamb finishing diets had only minor effects on performance compared with a standard CC but feeding fish oil or GP impacted negatively on lamb growth and carcass quality.

Cluster transformation of [Cu3(μ3-H)(μ3-BH4)((PPh2)2NH)3](BF4) to [Cu3(μ3-H)(μ2,μ1-S2CH)((PPh2)2NH)3](BF4) via reaction with CS2. X-ray structural characterisation and reactivity of cationic clusters explored by multistage mass spectrometry and computational studies.

PubMed

Ma, Howard Z; Li, Jiaye; Canty, Allan J; O'Hair, Richard A J

2017-11-07

The copper nanocluster [Cu 3 (μ 3 -H)(μ 3 -BH 4 )L Ph 3 ](BF 4 ), 1a·BF4 (L Ph = (PPh 2 ) 2 NH = dppa), can potentially react with substrates at either the coordinated hydride or borohydride sites. Reaction of 1a·BF4 with CS 2 has given rise to [Cu 3 (μ 3 -H)(μ 2 ,μ 1 -S 2 CH)L Ph 3 ](BF 4 ), (2a·BF4), which was structurally characterised using electrospray ionisation (ESI) with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), X-ray crystallography, NMR, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The copper(i) atoms adopt a planar trinuclear Cu 3 geometry coordinated on the bottom face by a μ 3 -hydride, on the top face by a μ 2 ,μ 1 -dithioformate and surrounded by three bridging L Ph ligands. Reaction of 1a·BF4 with elemental sulfur gives the known cluster [Cu 4 (L Ph -H + 2S) 3 ](BF 4 ), (3·BF4), which was structurally characterised via X-ray crystallography. ESI-MS of 2a·BF4 produces [Cu 3 (H)(S 2 CH)L Ph 3 ] + and its gas-phase ion chemistry was examined under multistage mass spectrometry conditions using collision-induced dissociation (CID). The primary product, [Cu 3 (H)(S 2 CH)L Ph 2 ] + , formed via ligand loss, undergoes further fragmentation via loss of thioformaldehyde to give [Cu 3 (S)L Ph 2 ] + . DFT calculations exploring rearrangement and fragmentation of the model system [Cu 3 (H)(S 2 CH)L Me 2 ] + (L Me = (PMe 2 ) 2 NH = dmpa) provide a feasible mechanism. Thus, coupling of the coordinated hydride with the dithioformate ligands gives [Cu 3 (S 2 CH 2 )L Me 2 ] + , which then undergoes CH 2 S extrusion via C-S bond cleavage to give [Cu 3 (S)L Me 2 ] + .

Unbound free fatty acids from preterm infants treated with intralipid decouples unbound from total bilirubin potentially making phototherapy ineffective.

PubMed

Hegyi, Thomas; Kathiravan, Suganya; Stahl, Gary E; Huber, Andrew H; Kleinfeld, Alan

2013-01-01

Extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1,000 g) infants have poor outcomes, often compromised by bilirubin neurotoxicity. We measured unbound bilirubin (Bf) and unbound free fatty acid (FFAu) levels in 5 ELBW infants in a trial examining the effects of pharmacologic ductal closure on infants treated with Intralipid infusion (3 g/kg/day). The levels for all infants (mean ± SD) were: total serum bilirubin (TSB) 4.6 ± 1.7 mg/dl, FFAu 376 ± 496 nM, and Bf 42 ± 30 nM. Of the 3 infants who died, 2 had TSB <5.9 mg/dl but FFAu >580 nM and Bf >75 nM. Multiple regression revealed a major effect on Bf levels due to FFAu, indicating that Intralipid elevated levels of FFAu and Bf. Indomethacin or ibuprofen reduced Bf levels, most likely by reducing FFAu levels through lipase inhibition. Because displacement of Bf by FFAu decouples Bf from TSB, phototherapy may not reduce the risk of bilirubin or FFAu toxicity in Intralipid-treated ELBW infants. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Differences in regional adiposity, bone mineral density, and physical exercise participation based on exercise self-efficacy among senior adults.

PubMed

Glenn, J M; Gray, M; Vincenzo, J L

2015-10-01

The impact of exercise self-efficacy levels (ESE) on exercise participation, levels of body fat (BF), and bone mineral density (BMD) are unclear in senior-aged adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of ESE on exercise participation, regional distribution of BF, and BMD among seniors. Senior adults (N.=76; 36 males, 40 females) were separated into tertiles (T1, age=60.4±1.4; T2, age=61.3±1.4; T3, age=60.4±1.5) based on self-reported levels of ESE. BMD and regional BF were measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and exercise participation levels were measured using the Rapid Physical-Activity Questionnaire. MANOVA revealed a significant Wilks Lambda (p < 0.001) and univariate analysis was completed for exercise participation levels, android BF, gynoid BF, and spinal BMD. ANOVA revealed T3 was significantly lower for android BF (p=0.002) than T1 and T2 (30% and 26%, respectively) while gynoid BF was significantly lower (p=0.012) for T3 (24%) compared to T1. When evaluating exercise participation levels, T3 was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than T1 or T2. Spinal BMD was significantly higher (p=0.030) between T2 (10%) and T1. ESE is an important factor in senior adults ability to maintain longitudinal health.

Comparison of body adiposity index (BAI) and air displacement plethysmograph with estimations of % body fat in adults with Down's syndrome.

PubMed

Rossato, M; Dellagrana, R A; de Souza Bezerra, E; da Costa, R M; Dos Santos, J O L; Silva, D A S; Diefenthaeler, F

2017-11-01

The aim of this study was to verify the agreement between body fat percentage (%BF) values evaluated by air displacement plethysmograph (ADP) and body adiposity index (BAI) in adults with Down's syndrome (DS). Forty-five adults with DS volunteered to participate in this study (19 women; age 28.7±8.5 years and 26 men; age 29.1±8.8 years). The %BF was measured by ADP (%BF ADP ) and estimated by anthropometric measures [%BF=(hip circumference/height) 1.5 -18] (%BF BAI ). Agreement between methods was evaluated by paired t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. Although high correlation coefficients were found between %BF ADP and %BF BAI for women (r=0.78, P<0.05) and men (r=0.87, P<0.05), significant differences were observed between methods for both sexes (38.9±8.9 vs 42.5±8.5% for women, and 25.8±11.3 vs 32.6±5.4% for men in %BF ADP and %BF BAI , respectively). Moreover, Bland-Altman analysis showed that the mean error estimate was +3.6 (95%CI, -7.59 to 14.79) in women and +6.74 (95%CI, -7.25 to 20.72) in men. The results indicate that BAI seems to be a limited method to evaluate %BF in women and in men with DS.

Percent body fat and prediction of surgical site infection.

PubMed

Waisbren, Emily; Rosen, Heather; Bader, Angela M; Lipsitz, Stuart R; Rogers, Selwyn O; Eriksson, Elof

2010-04-01

Obesity is a risk factor for surgical site infection (SSI) after elective surgery. Body mass index (BMI) is commonly used to define obesity (BMI >or=30 kg/m(2)), but percent body fat (%BF) (obesity is >25%BF [men]; >31%BF [women]) might better predict SSI risk because BMI might not reflect body composition. This prospective study included 591 elective surgical patients 18 to 64 years of age from September 2008 through February 2009. Height and weight were measured for BMI. %BF was calculated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Preoperative, operative, and 30-day postoperative data were captured through interviews and chart review. Our primary, predetermined outcomes measurement was SSI as defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Mean %BF and BMI were 34+/-10 and 29+/-8, respectively. Four-hundred and nine (69%) patients were obese by %BF; 225 (38%) were obese by BMI. SSI developed in 71 (12%) patients. With BMI defining obesity, SSI incidence was 12.3% in nonobese and 11.6% in obese patients (p = 0.8); Using %BF, SSI occurred in 5.0% of nonobese and 15.2% of obese patients (p < 0.001). In univariate analyses, significant predictors of SSI were %BF (p = 0.005), obesity by %BF (p < 0.001), smoking (p = 0.002), National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance score (p < 0.001), postoperative hyperglycemia (p = 0.03), and anemia (p = 0.02). In multivariable analysis, obese patients by %BF had a 5-fold higher risk for SSI than nonobese patients (odds ratio = 5.3; 95% CI, 1.2-23.1; p = 0.03). Linear regression was used to show that there is a positive, nonlinear relationship between %BF and BMI. Obesity, defined by %BF, is associated with a 5-fold increased SSI risk. This risk increases as %BF increases. %BF is a more sensitive and precise measurement of SSI risk than BMI. Additional studies are required to better understand this relationship. Copyright (c) 2010 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Successive disorder to disorder phase transitions in ionic liquid [HMIM][BF4] under high pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Xiang; Yuan, Chaosheng; Li, Haining; Zhu, Pinwen; Su, Lei; Yang, Kun; Wu, Jie; Yang, Guoqiang; Liu, Jing

2016-02-01

In situ high-pressure Raman spectroscopy and synchrotron X-ray diffraction have been employed to investigate the phase behavior of ionic liquid, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([HMIM][BF4]) under high pressure up to 20 GPa at room temperature. With increasing pressure, some characteristic bands of [HMIM][BF4] disappear, and some characteristic bands of [HMIM][BF4] display non-monotonic pressure-induced frequency shift and non-monotonic variation of full width at half-maximum. Two successive phase transitions at ˜1.7 GPa and 7.3 GPa have been corroborated by the results above. The glass transition pressure (Pg) of [HMIM][BF4] at ˜7.3 GPa has been obtained by ruby R1 line broadening measurements and analysis of synchrotron X-ray diffraction patterns, and its glass transition mechanism is also analyzed in detail. These facts are suggestive of two successive disorder to disorder phase transitions induced by compression, that is, [HMIM][BF4] serves as a superpressurized glass under the pressure above 7.3 GPa, which is similar to the glassy state at low temperature, and a compression-induced liquid to liquid phase transition in [HMIM][BF4] occurs at ˜1.7 GPa. Besides, the conformational equilibrium of the GAAA conformer and AAAA conformer was converted easily in liquid [HMIM][BF4], while it was difficult to be influenced in glassy state.

Role of adenosine and wake-promoting basal forebrain in insomnia and associated sleep disruptions caused by ethanol dependence.

PubMed

Sharma, Rishi; Engemann, Samuel; Sahota, Pradeep; Thakkar, Mahesh M

2010-11-01

Insomnia is a severe symptom of alcohol withdrawal; however, the underlying neuronal mechanism is yet unknown. We hypothesized that chronic ethanol exposure will impair basal forebrain (BF) adenosinergic mechanism resulting in insomnia-like symptoms. We performed a series of experiments in Sprague-Dawley rats to test our hypothesis. We used Majchrowicz's chronic binge ethanol protocol to induce ethanol dependency. Our first experiment verified the effects of ethanol withdrawal on sleep-wakefulness. Significant increase in wakefulness was observed during ethanol withdrawal. Next, we examined c-Fos expression (marker of neuronal activation) in BF wake-promoting neurons during ethanol withdrawal. There was a significant increase in the number of BF wake-promoting neurons with c-Fos immunoreactivity. Our third experiment examined the effects of ethanol withdrawal on sleep deprivation induced increase in BF adenosine levels. Sleep deprivation did not increase BF adenosine levels in ethanol dependent rats. Our last experiment examined the effects of ethanol withdrawal on equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 and A1 receptor expression in the BF. There was a significant reduction in A1 receptor and equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 expression in the BF of ethanol dependent rats. Based on these results, we suggest that insomnia observed during ethanol withdrawal is caused because of impaired adenosinergic mechanism in the BF. © 2010 The Authors. Journal of Neurochemistry © 2010 International Society for Neurochemistry.

Interaction of petroleum mulching, vegetation restoration and dust fallout on the conditions of sand dunes in southwest of Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azoogh, Liela; Khalili moghadam, Bijan; Jafari, Siroos

2018-06-01

In the past half-century, petroleum mulching-biological fixation (PM-BF) practices have been employed to stabilize sand dunes in Iran. However, the effects of PM-BF practices on the attributes of sand dunes and the dispersion of heavy metals of mulch have been poorly understood. To this end, three regions treated with PM-BF for 5, 20, and 40 years and a control region with no PM-BF were studied. Samples of soil properties were taken at the depths of 0-10 cm and 10-50 cm, with three replications, in Khuzestan Province. The results showed that PM-BF practices promoted the restoration of vegetation cover in the sand dunes. In addition, these practices increased the deposition of dust particles, gradually increasing the magnitudes of palygorskite and smectite clays over time. The interactions between dust deposition and PM-BF practices significantly altered the chemical and physical properties of the dunes. PM-BF practices increased soil organic matter (184-287%), cation exchangeable capacity (142-209%), electrical conductivity (144-493%), clay content (134-196%), and penetration resistance (107-170%) compared to the region with no PM-BF practices. Furthermore, petroleum mulching significantly increased the amount of Ni (1.19%), Cd (1.55%), Pb (1.08%), Cu (1.34%), Zn (1.38%), Mn (1.66%), and Fe (1.15%). However, in the long term, these elements will probably leach linearly as a consequence of an increase in organic matter and soil salinity in the light texture of sand dunes.

Noncontact diffuse optical assessment of blood flow changes in head and neck free tissue transfer flaps (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Chong; Radabaugh, Jeffrey P.; Aouad, Rony K.; Lin, Yu; Gal, Thomas J.; Patel, Amit B.; Valentino, Joseph; Shang, Yu; Yu, Guoqiang

2016-02-01

Head and neck cancer accounts for 3 to 5% of all cancers in the United States. Primary or salvage surgeries are extensive and often lead to major head and neck defects that require complex reconstructions with local, regional, or free tissue transfer flaps. Knowledge of tissue blood flow (BF) changes after free tissue transfer may enable surgeons to predict the failure of flap thrombosis at an early stage. This study used our recently developed noncontact diffuse correlation spectroscopy to monitor dynamic BF changes in free flaps without getting in contact with the targeted tissue. Eight free flaps were elevated in patients with head and neck cancer; one of the flaps failed. Multiple BF measurements probing the transferred tissue were performed during and post the surgical operation. Postoperative BF values were normalized to the intraoperative baselines (assigning '1') for the calculation of relative BF change (rBF). The rBF changes over the seven successful flaps were 1.89 +/- 0.15, 2.26 +/- 0.13, and 2.43 +/- 0.13 (mean +/- standard error) respectively on postoperative days 2, 4, and 7. These postoperative values were significantly higher than the intraoperative baseline values (p < 0.001), indicating a gradual recovery of flap vascularity after the tissue transfer. By contrast, rBF changes observed from the unsuccessful flap were 1.14 and 1.34 respectively on postoperative days 2 and 4, indicating a less flow recovery. Measurement of BF recovery after flap anastomosis holds the potential to act early to salvage ischemic flaps.

Assessing toxic effects of [Omim]Cl and [Omim]BF4 in zebrafish adults using a biomarker approach.

PubMed

Liu, Tong; Guo, Yingying; Wang, Jinhua; Wang, Jun; Zhu, Lusheng; Zhang, Jun; Zhang, Cheng

2016-04-01

In the present study, the toxic effects of 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Omim]Cl) and 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Omim]BF4) on the zebrafish livers were studied at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg L(-1) on the 7th and 14th days. In addition, the concentrations of [Omim]Cl and [Omim]BF4 in the test water, the acute toxicity of the two ionic liquids (ILs), and the influence of anions on the toxicity of the ILs were evaluated. The acute toxicity test results showed 50 % lethal concentration (LC50) values of 152.3 ± 12.1 mg L(-1) for [Omim]Cl and 144.0 ± 11.4 mg L(-1) for [Omim]BF4. At the lowest concentration investigated (5 mg L(-1)), [Omim]Cl and [Omim]BF4 did not significantly affect zebrafish during the exposure period. However, the toxic effects of these substances were enhanced as dosing concentrations and exposure times were increased. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were significantly enhanced on the 7th day after 20 mg L(-1) and on the 14th day after 10 mg L(-1) of either substance was applied, resulting in oxidative damage, such as lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. The experimental results also indicated little effect of the anions on the toxicity of ILs and consistent toxic effects of [Omim]Cl and [Omim]BF4. Graphical Abstract The graphical abstract for the present study after exposure to [Omim]Cl and [Omim]BF4. The letter R represents the anions Cl(-) and BF4 (.)

Effect of inulin and pectin on physicochemical characteristics and stability of meat batters

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The aim of this study was to investigate levels of inulin and pectin replacing pork back fat (BF) in meat batters (MB) of frankfurter sausage. Six treatments were evaluated: control (T1), control + 70% BF (T2), control + 85% BF + 15% inulin (T3), control + 70% BF + 30% inulin (T4), control + 85% B...

Predictive Validity of the Body Adiposity Index in Overweight and Obese Adults Using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry

PubMed Central

Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson; Correa-Bautista, Jorge Enrique; González-Ruíz, Katherine; Vivas, Andrés; García-Hermoso, Antonio; Triana-Reina, Hector Reynaldo

2016-01-01

The body adiposity index (BAI) is a recent anthropometric measure proven to be valid in predicting body fat percentage (BF%) in some populations. However, the results have been inconsistent across populations. This study was designed to verify the validity of BAI in predicting BF% in a sample of overweight/obese adults, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) as the reference method. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 participants (54% women, mean age 41.0 ± 7.3 years old). DEXA was used as the “gold standard” to determine BF%. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the association between BAI and BF%, as assessed by DEXA. A paired sample t-test was used to test differences in mean BF% obtained with BAI and DEXA methods. To evaluate the concordance between BF% as measured by DEXA and as estimated by BAI, we used Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman agreement analysis. The correlation between BF% obtained by DEXA and that estimated by BAI was r = 0.844, p < 0.001. Paired t-test showed a significant mean difference in BF% between methods (BAI = 33.3 ± 6.2 vs. DEXA 39.0 ± 6.1; p < 0.001). The bias of the BAI was −6.0 ± 3.0 BF% (95% CI = −12.0 to 1.0), indicating that the BAI method significantly underestimated the BF% compared to the reference method. Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was considered stronger (ρc = 0.923, 95% CI = 0.862 to 0.957). In obese adults, BAI presented low agreement with BF% measured by DEXA; therefore, BAI is not recommended for BF% prediction in this overweight/obese sample studied. PMID:27916871

Bioequivalence of budesonide plus formoterol (BF) Spiromax® and BF Turbohaler® (with and without charcoal block) in healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Weisfeld, Lori; Shu, Youyi; Shah, Tushar P

2015-07-01

Budesonide formoterol (BF) Spiromax® is a breath-actuated dry-powder inhaler designed to deliver similar combinations of budesonide and formoterol as Symbicort® Turbohaler®. We performed two studies to demonstrate pharmacokinetic (PK) equivalence of BF Spiromax with BF Turbohaler. Two single-center, open-label, randomized, 5-period crossover studies were performed. The first study compared BF Spiromax 160/4.5 μg with BF Turbohaler 200/6 μg, while the second study compared BF Spiromax 320/9 μg with BF Turbohaler 400/12 μg. All treatments were administered with and without charcoal. PK parameters were calculated by measuring plasma drug concentrations from blood samples taken pre-dose and up to 24 hours post-dose. In each study, 90 healthy volunteers were randomized. Bioequivalence of BF Spiromax with BF Turbohaler was demonstrated for budesonide and formoterol (AUC0-t and Cmax (90% confidence intervals of the geometric mean between-device ratios for both parameters were within the predefined range of 0.80-1.25 in both studies)). Equivalence was observed without use of charcoal (overall absorption post-inhalation) and with charcoal (pulmonary absorption). There were no major differences between treatments in tmax for either budesonide or formoterol. All study treatments were well tolerated (one treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) in the medium-dose study and four TEAEs in the high-dose study). These studies indicate that BF Spiromax (±charcoal block) is bioequivalent to BF Turbohaler with respect to the PK parameters assessed. Single doses of BF Spiromax were well tolerated; the overall safety profile of BF Spiromax and BF Turbohaler was similar.

Phylogenetic analysis of feline immunodeficiency virus in feral and companion domestic cats of New Zealand.

PubMed

Hayward, Jessica J; Taylor, John; Rodrigo, Allen G

2007-03-01

Nested PCR was used to amplify envelope V3-V6 gene fragments of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) from New Zealand cats. Phylogenetic analyses established that subtypes A and C predominate among New Zealand cats, with clear evidence of intersubtype recombination. In addition, 17 sequences were identified that were distinct from all known FIV clades, and we tentatively suggest these belong to a novel subtype.

Pulsed-field magnetization of frustrated S = 1/2 Cu(pyrimidine) 1.5(H 2O)(BF 4) 2

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

Manson, J. L.; Jasen, D. M.; Singleton, John

2017-02-13

Cu(pym) 1.5(H 2O)(BF 4) 2 (pym = pyrimidine) was synthesized and its structure determined by synchrotron single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound contains S = 1/2 Cu(II) ions arranged in a distorted triangular array (Fig. 1). Each Cu(II) ion is coordinated to three pym ligands, two weakly held BF 4 - anions and one H 2O. To get a sense to the extent (i.e., strength) of possible frustrated exchange interactions in this new compound we measured the magnetization of Cu(pym) 1.5(H 2O)(BF 4) 2 in pulsed magnetic fields up to 60 T.

New loci for body fat percentage reveal link between adiposity and cardiometabolic disease risk

PubMed Central

Lu, Yingchang; Day, Felix R.; Gustafsson, Stefan; Buchkovich, Martin L.; Na, Jianbo; Bataille, Veronique; Cousminer, Diana L.; Dastani, Zari; Drong, Alexander W.; Esko, Tõnu; Evans, David M.; Falchi, Mario; Feitosa, Mary F.; Ferreira, Teresa; Hedman, Åsa K.; Haring, Robin; Hysi, Pirro G.; Iles, Mark M.; Justice, Anne E.; Kanoni, Stavroula; Lagou, Vasiliki; Li, Rui; Li, Xin; Locke, Adam; Lu, Chen; Mägi, Reedik; Perry, John R. B.; Pers, Tune H.; Qi, Qibin; Sanna, Marianna; Schmidt, Ellen M.; Scott, William R.; Shungin, Dmitry; Teumer, Alexander; Vinkhuyzen, Anna A. E.; Walker, Ryan W.; Westra, Harm-Jan; Zhang, Mingfeng; Zhang, Weihua; Zhao, Jing Hua; Zhu, Zhihong; Afzal, Uzma; Ahluwalia, Tarunveer Singh; Bakker, Stephan J. L.; Bellis, Claire; Bonnefond, Amélie; Borodulin, Katja; Buchman, Aron S.; Cederholm, Tommy; Choh, Audrey C.; Choi, Hyung Jin; Curran, Joanne E.; de Groot, Lisette C. P. G. M.; De Jager, Philip L.; Dhonukshe-Rutten, Rosalie A. M.; Enneman, Anke W.; Eury, Elodie; Evans, Daniel S.; Forsen, Tom; Friedrich, Nele; Fumeron, Frédéric; Garcia, Melissa E.; Gärtner, Simone; Han, Bok-Ghee; Havulinna, Aki S.; Hayward, Caroline; Hernandez, Dena; Hillege, Hans; Ittermann, Till; Kent, Jack W.; Kolcic, Ivana; Laatikainen, Tiina; Lahti, Jari; Leach, Irene Mateo; Lee, Christine G.; Lee, Jong-Young; Liu, Tian; Liu, Youfang; Lobbens, Stéphane; Loh, Marie; Lyytikäinen, Leo-Pekka; Medina-Gomez, Carolina; Michaëlsson, Karl; Nalls, Mike A.; Nielson, Carrie M.; Oozageer, Laticia; Pascoe, Laura; Paternoster, Lavinia; Polašek, Ozren; Ripatti, Samuli; Sarzynski, Mark A.; Shin, Chan Soo; Narančić, Nina Smolej; Spira, Dominik; Srikanth, Priya; Steinhagen-Thiessen, Elisabeth; Sung, Yun Ju; Swart, Karin M. A.; Taittonen, Leena; Tanaka, Toshiko; Tikkanen, Emmi; van der Velde, Nathalie; van Schoor, Natasja M.; Verweij, Niek; Wright, Alan F.; Yu, Lei; Zmuda, Joseph M.; Eklund, Niina; Forrester, Terrence; Grarup, Niels; Jackson, Anne U.; Kristiansson, Kati; Kuulasmaa, Teemu; Kuusisto, Johanna; Lichtner, Peter; Luan, Jian'an; Mahajan, Anubha; Männistö, Satu; Palmer, Cameron D.; Ried, Janina S.; Scott, Robert A.; Stancáková, Alena; Wagner, Peter J.; Demirkan, Ayse; Döring, Angela; Gudnason, Vilmundur; Kiel, Douglas P.; Kühnel, Brigitte; Mangino, Massimo; Mcknight, Barbara; Menni, Cristina; O'Connell, Jeffrey R.; Oostra, Ben A.; Shuldiner, Alan R.; Song, Kijoung; Vandenput, Liesbeth; van Duijn, Cornelia M.; Vollenweider, Peter; White, Charles C.; Boehnke, Michael; Boettcher, Yvonne; Cooper, Richard S.; Forouhi, Nita G.; Gieger, Christian; Grallert, Harald; Hingorani, Aroon; Jørgensen, Torben; Jousilahti, Pekka; Kivimaki, Mika; Kumari, Meena; Laakso, Markku; Langenberg, Claudia; Linneberg, Allan; Luke, Amy; Mckenzie, Colin A.; Palotie, Aarno; Pedersen, Oluf; Peters, Annette; Strauch, Konstantin; Tayo, Bamidele O.; Wareham, Nicholas J.; Bennett, David A.; Bertram, Lars; Blangero, John; Blüher, Matthias; Bouchard, Claude; Campbell, Harry; Cho, Nam H.; Cummings, Steven R.; Czerwinski, Stefan A.; Demuth, Ilja; Eckardt, Rahel; Eriksson, Johan G.; Ferrucci, Luigi; Franco, Oscar H.; Froguel, Philippe; Gansevoort, Ron T.; Hansen, Torben; Harris, Tamara B.; Hastie, Nicholas; Heliövaara, Markku; Hofman, Albert; Jordan, Joanne M.; Jula, Antti; Kähönen, Mika; Kajantie, Eero; Knekt, Paul B.; Koskinen, Seppo; Kovacs, Peter; Lehtimäki, Terho; Lind, Lars; Liu, Yongmei; Orwoll, Eric S.; Osmond, Clive; Perola, Markus; Pérusse, Louis; Raitakari, Olli T.; Rankinen, Tuomo; Rao, D. C.; Rice, Treva K.; Rivadeneira, Fernando; Rudan, Igor; Salomaa, Veikko; Sørensen, Thorkild I. A.; Stumvoll, Michael; Tönjes, Anke; Towne, Bradford; Tranah, Gregory J.; Tremblay, Angelo; Uitterlinden, André G.; van der Harst, Pim; Vartiainen, Erkki; Viikari, Jorma S.; Vitart, Veronique; Vohl, Marie-Claude; Völzke, Henry; Walker, Mark; Wallaschofski, Henri; Wild, Sarah; Wilson, James F.; Yengo, Loïc; Bishop, D. Timothy; Borecki, Ingrid B.; Chambers, John C.; Cupples, L. Adrienne; Dehghan, Abbas; Deloukas, Panos; Fatemifar, Ghazaleh; Fox, Caroline; Furey, Terrence S.; Franke, Lude; Han, Jiali; Hunter, David J.; Karjalainen, Juha; Karpe, Fredrik; Kaplan, Robert C.; Kooner, Jaspal S.; McCarthy, Mark I.; Murabito, Joanne M.; Morris, Andrew P.; Bishop, Julia A. N.; North, Kari E.; Ohlsson, Claes; Ong, Ken K.; Prokopenko, Inga; Richards, J. Brent; Schadt, Eric E.; Spector, Tim D.; Widén, Elisabeth; Willer, Cristen J.; Yang, Jian; Ingelsson, Erik; Mohlke, Karen L.; Hirschhorn, Joel N.; Pospisilik, John Andrew; Zillikens, M. Carola; Lindgren, Cecilia; Kilpeläinen, Tuomas Oskari; Loos, Ruth J. F.

2016-01-01

To increase our understanding of the genetic basis of adiposity and its links to cardiometabolic disease risk, we conducted a genome-wide association meta-analysis of body fat percentage (BF%) in up to 100,716 individuals. Twelve loci reached genome-wide significance (P<5 × 10−8), of which eight were previously associated with increased overall adiposity (BMI, BF%) and four (in or near COBLL1/GRB14, IGF2BP1, PLA2G6, CRTC1) were novel associations with BF%. Seven loci showed a larger effect on BF% than on BMI, suggestive of a primary association with adiposity, while five loci showed larger effects on BMI than on BF%, suggesting association with both fat and lean mass. In particular, the loci more strongly associated with BF% showed distinct cross-phenotype association signatures with a range of cardiometabolic traits revealing new insights in the link between adiposity and disease risk. PMID:26833246

[Cu(I)(bpp)]BF4: the first extended coordination network prepared solvothermally in an ionic liquid solvent.

PubMed

Jin, Kun; Huang, Xiaoying; Pan, Long; Li, Jing; Appel, Aaron; Wherland, Scot; Pang, Long

2002-12-07

Use of an ionic liquid [bmim][BF4] (bmim = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) as solvent has resulted in the first extended coordination structure, the two-dimensional network [Cu(bpp)]BF4 [bpp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane], produced via a solvothermal route.

A Novel Polyaniline-Coated Bagasse Fiber Composite with Core-Shell Heterostructure Provides Effective Electromagnetic Shielding Performance.

PubMed

Zhang, Yang; Qiu, Munan; Yu, Ying; Wen, Bianying; Cheng, Lele

2017-01-11

A facile route was proposed to synthesize polyaniline (PANI) uniformly deposited on bagasse fiber (BF) via a one-step in situ polymerization of aniline in the dispersed system of BF. Correlations between the structural, electrical, and electromagnetic properties were extensively investigated. Scanning electron microscopy images confirm that the PANI was coated dominantly on the BF surface, indicating that the as-prepared BF/PANI composite adopted the natural and inexpensive BF as its core and the PANI as the shell. Fourier transform infrared spectra suggest significant interactions between the BF and PANI shell, and a high degree of doping in the PANI shell was achieved. X-ray diffraction results reveal that the crystallization of the PANI shell was improved. The dielectric behaviors are analyzed with respect to dielectric constant, loss tangent, and Cole-Cole plots. The BF/PANI composite exhibits superior electrical conductivity (2.01 ± 0.29 S·cm -1 ), which is higher than that of the pristine PANI with 1.35 ± 0.15 S·cm -1 . The complex permittivity, electromagnetic interference (EMI), shielding effectiveness (SE) values, and attenuation constants of the BF/PANI composite were larger than those of the pristine PANI. The EMI shielding mechanisms of the composite were experimentally and theoretically analyzed. The absorption-dominated total EMI SE of 28.8 dB at a thickness of 0.4 mm indicates the usefulness of the composite for electromagnetic shielding. Moreover, detailed comparison of electrical and EMI shielding properties with respect to the BF/PANI, dedoped BF/PANI composite, and the pristine PANI indicate that the enhancement of electromagnetic properties for the BF/PANI composite was due to the improved conductivity and the core-shell architecture. Thus, the composite has potential commercial applications for high-performance electromagnetic shielding materials and also could be used as a conductive filler to endow polymers with electromagnetic shielding ability.

Effect of By-product Feed-based Silage Feeding on the Performance, Blood Metabolites, and Carcass Characteristics of Hanwoo Steers (a Field Study)

PubMed Central

Kim, Y. I.; Park, J. M.; Lee, Y. H.; Lee, M.; Choi, D. Y.; Kwak, W. S.

2015-01-01

This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding by-product feed (BF)-based silage on the performance, blood metabolite parameters, and carcass characteristics of Hanwoo steers. The BF-based silage was composed of 50% spent mushroom substrate, 21% recycled poultry bedding, 15% cut ryegrass straw, 10.8% rice bran, 2% molasses, 0.6% bentonite, and 0.6% microbial additive (on a wet basis), and ensiled for over 5 d. Fifteen steers were allocated to three diets during the growing and fattening periods (3.1 and 9.8 months, respectively): a control diet (concentrate mix and free access to rice straw), a 50% BF-based silage diet (control diet+50% of maximum BF-based silage intake), and a 100% BF-based silage diet (the same amount of concentrate mix and ad libitum BF-based silage). The BF-based silage was fed during the growing and fattening periods, and was replaced with larger particles of rice straw during the finishing period. After 19.6 months of the whole period all the steers were slaughtered. Compared with feeding rice straw, feeding BF-based silage tended (p = 0.10) to increase the average daily gain (27%) and feed efficiency (18%) of the growing steers, caused by increased voluntary feed intake. Feeding BF-based silage had little effect on serum constituents, electrolytes, enzymes, or the blood cell profiles of fattening steers, except for low serum Ca and high blood urea concentrations (p<0.05). Feeding BF-based silage did not affect cold carcass weight, yield traits such as back fat thickness, longissimus muscle area, yield index or yield grade, or quality traits such as meat color, fat color, texture, maturity, marbling score, or quality grade. However, it improved good quality grade (1+ and 1++) appearance rates (60% for the control group vs 100% for the BF-based silage-fed groups). In conclusion, cheap BF-based silage could be successfully used as a good quality roughage source for beef cattle. PMID:25557813

Effect of By-product Feed-based Silage Feeding on the Performance, Blood Metabolites, and Carcass Characteristics of Hanwoo Steers (a Field Study).

PubMed

Kim, Y I; Park, J M; Lee, Y H; Lee, M; Choi, D Y; Kwak, W S

2015-02-01

This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding by-product feed (BF)-based silage on the performance, blood metabolite parameters, and carcass characteristics of Hanwoo steers. The BF-based silage was composed of 50% spent mushroom substrate, 21% recycled poultry bedding, 15% cut ryegrass straw, 10.8% rice bran, 2% molasses, 0.6% bentonite, and 0.6% microbial additive (on a wet basis), and ensiled for over 5 d. Fifteen steers were allocated to three diets during the growing and fattening periods (3.1 and 9.8 months, respectively): a control diet (concentrate mix and free access to rice straw), a 50% BF-based silage diet (control diet+50% of maximum BF-based silage intake), and a 100% BF-based silage diet (the same amount of concentrate mix and ad libitum BF-based silage). The BF-based silage was fed during the growing and fattening periods, and was replaced with larger particles of rice straw during the finishing period. After 19.6 months of the whole period all the steers were slaughtered. Compared with feeding rice straw, feeding BF-based silage tended (p = 0.10) to increase the average daily gain (27%) and feed efficiency (18%) of the growing steers, caused by increased voluntary feed intake. Feeding BF-based silage had little effect on serum constituents, electrolytes, enzymes, or the blood cell profiles of fattening steers, except for low serum Ca and high blood urea concentrations (p<0.05). Feeding BF-based silage did not affect cold carcass weight, yield traits such as back fat thickness, longissimus muscle area, yield index or yield grade, or quality traits such as meat color, fat color, texture, maturity, marbling score, or quality grade. However, it improved good quality grade (1(+) and 1(++)) appearance rates (60% for the control group vs 100% for the BF-based silage-fed groups). In conclusion, cheap BF-based silage could be successfully used as a good quality roughage source for beef cattle.

Breast feeding increases vasoconstriction induced by electrical field stimulation in rat mesenteric artery. Role of neuronal nitric oxide and ATP.

PubMed

Blanco-Rivero, Javier; Sastre, Esther; Caracuel, Laura; Granado, Miriam; Balfagón, Gloria

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate in rat mesenteric artery whether breast feeding (BF) affects the vasomotor response induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS), participation by different innervations in the EFS-induced response and the mechanism/s underlying these possible modifications. Experiments were performed in female Sprague-Dawley rats (3 months old), divided into three groups: Control (in oestrous phase), mothers after 21 days of BF, and mothers that had recovered their oestral cycle (After BF, in oestrous phase). Vasomotor response to EFS, noradrenaline (NA) and nitric oxide (NO) donor DEA-NO were studied. Neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) and phosphorylated nNOS (P-nNOS) protein expression were analysed and NO, superoxide anion (O(2)(.-)), NA and ATP releases were also determined. EFS-induced contraction was higher in the BF group, and was recovered after BF. 1 µmol/L phentolamine decreased the response to EFS similarly in control and BF rats. NA vasoconstriction and release were similar in both experimental groups. ATP release was higher in segments from BF rats. 0.1 mmol/L L-NAME increased the response to EFS in both control and BF rats, but more so in control animals. BF decreased NO release and did not modify O(2)(.-) production. Vasodilator response to DEA-NO was similar in both groups, while nNOS and P-nNOS expressions were decreased in segments from BF animals. Breast feeding increases EFS-induced contraction in mesenteric arteries, mainly through the decrease of neuronal NO release mediated by decreased nNOS and P-nNOS expression. Sympathetic function is increased through the increased ATP release in BF rats.

Breast Feeding Increases Vasoconstriction Induced by Electrical Field Stimulation in Rat Mesenteric Artery. Role of Neuronal Nitric Oxide and ATP

PubMed Central

Caracuel, Laura; Granado, Miriam; Balfagón, Gloria

2013-01-01

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate in rat mesenteric artery whether breast feeding (BF) affects the vasomotor response induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS), participation by different innervations in the EFS-induced response and the mechanism/s underlying these possible modifications. Methods Experiments were performed in female Sprague-Dawley rats (3 months old), divided into three groups: Control (in oestrous phase), mothers after 21 days of BF, and mothers that had recovered their oestral cycle (After BF, in oestrous phase). Vasomotor response to EFS, noradrenaline (NA) and nitric oxide (NO) donor DEA-NO were studied. Neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) and phosphorylated nNOS (P-nNOS) protein expression were analysed and NO, superoxide anion (O2 .–), NA and ATP releases were also determined. Results EFS-induced contraction was higher in the BF group, and was recovered after BF. 1 µmol/L phentolamine decreased the response to EFS similarly in control and BF rats. NA vasoconstriction and release were similar in both experimental groups. ATP release was higher in segments from BF rats. 0.1 mmol/L L-NAME increased the response to EFS in both control and BF rats, but more so in control animals. BF decreased NO release and did not modify O2 .– production. Vasodilator response to DEA-NO was similar in both groups, while nNOS and P-nNOS expressions were decreased in segments from BF animals. Conclusion Breast feeding increases EFS-induced contraction in mesenteric arteries, mainly through the decrease of neuronal NO release mediated by decreased nNOS and P-nNOS expression. Sympathetic function is increased through the increased ATP release in BF rats. PMID:23342008

New body fat prediction equations for severely obese patients.

PubMed

Horie, Lilian Mika; Barbosa-Silva, Maria Cristina Gonzalez; Torrinhas, Raquel Susana; de Mello, Marco Túlio; Cecconello, Ivan; Waitzberg, Dan Linetzky

2008-06-01

Severe obesity imposes physical limitations to body composition assessment. Our aim was to compare body fat (BF) estimations of severely obese patients obtained by bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and air displacement plethysmography (ADP) for development of new equations for BF prediction. Severely obese subjects (83 female/36 male, mean age=41.6+/-11.6 years) had BF estimated by BIA and ADP. The agreement of the data was evaluated using Bland-Altman's graphic and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). A multivariate regression analysis was performed to develop and validate new predictive equations. BF estimations from BIA (64.8+/-15 kg) and ADP (65.6+/-16.4 kg) did not differ (p>0.05, with good accuracy, precision, and CCC), but the Bland- Altman graphic showed a wide limit of agreement (-10.4; 8.8). The standard BIA equation overestimated BF in women (-1.3 kg) and underestimated BF in men (5.6 kg; p<0.05). Two BF new predictive equations were generated after BIA measurement, which predicted BF with higher accuracy, precision, CCC, and limits of agreement than the standard BIA equation. Standard BIA equations were inadequate for estimating BF in severely obese patients. Equations developed especially for this population provide more accurate BF assessment.

Posterior Thalamic Nucleus Modulation of Tactile Stimuli Processing in Rat Motor and Primary Somatosensory Cortices

PubMed Central

Casas-Torremocha, Diana; Clascá, Francisco; Núñez, Ángel

2017-01-01

Rodents move rhythmically their facial whiskers and compute differences between signals predicted and those resulting from the movement to infer information about objects near their head. These computations are carried out by a large network of forebrain structures that includes the thalamus and the primary somatosensory (S1BF) and motor (M1wk) cortices. Spatially and temporally precise mechanorreceptive whisker information reaches the S1BF cortex via the ventroposterior medial thalamic nucleus (VPM). Other whisker-related information may reach both M1wk and S1BF via the axons from the posterior thalamic nucleus (Po). However, Po axons may convey, in addition to direct sensory signals, the dynamic output of computations between whisker signals and descending motor commands. It has been proposed that this input may be relevant for adjusting cortical responses to predicted vs. unpredicted whisker signals, but the effects of Po input on M1wk and S1BF function have not been directly tested or compared in vivo. Here, using electrophysiology, optogenetics and pharmacological tools, we compared in adult rats M1wk and S1BF in vivo responses in the whisker areas of the motor and primary somatosensory cortices to passive multi-whisker deflection, their dependence on Po activity, and their changes after a brief intense activation of Po axons. We report that the latencies of the first component of tactile-evoked local field potentials in M1wk and S1BF are similar. The evoked potentials decrease markedly in M1wk, but not in S1BF, by injection in Po of the GABAA agonist muscimol. A brief high-frequency electrical stimulation of Po decreases the responsivity of M1wk and S1BF cells to subsequent whisker stimulation. This effect is prevented by the local application of omega-agatoxin, suggesting that it may in part depend on GABA release by fast-spiking parvalbumin (PV)-expressing cortical interneurons. Local optogenetic activation of Po synapses in different cortical layers also diminishes M1wk and S1BF responses. This effect is most pronounced in the superficial layers of both areas, known to be the main source and target of their reciprocal cortico-cortical connections. PMID:29021744

Banana (Musa sp. var. elakki bale) flower and pseudostem: dietary fiber and associated antioxidant capacity.

PubMed

Bhaskar, Jamuna J; S, Mahadevamma; Chilkunda, Nandini D; Salimath, Paramahans V

2012-01-11

Banana flower (BF) and pseudostem (PS) are byproducts of banana cultivation and are known to have health beneficial effects. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the dietary fiber composition and antioxidant effect of BF and PS. In the present study, BF and PS were found to be rich in dietary fiber (65.6 ± 1.32 and 28.8 ± 0.98%, respectively). Dietary fiber fractions were extracted and characterized in terms of sugar profile, and antioxidant activities were determined. BF and PS fractions were rich in sugars and showed wide diversity with respect to the nature of the sugars. Hemicellulose A fraction of BF showed high amounts of total polyphenols and total antioxidants, which were 121.8 ± 1.9 and 39.03 ± 0.118 μg/mg extract, respectively. HPLC analysis showed the presence of phenolic acids in hemicellulose A and B fractions of BF. These results indicate that BF and PS are rich sources of dietary fiber associated with polyphenols, which could promote health beneficial effects.

Pathogenesis of duck circovirus genotype 1 in experimentally infected Pekin ducks.

PubMed

Hong, Y-T; Kang, M; Jang, H-K

2018-05-17

Ducks infected with duck circovirus (DuCV) exhibit feathering disorder, growth retardation, and low body weight. The virus can induce immunosuppression and increase rates of infection caused by other pathogens. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the pathogenesis of DuCV in experimentally infected Pekin ducks. At postmortem examination, gross lesions were observed in the immune organs including bursa of Fabricius (BF), thymus, and spleen. Hemorrhage, lymphocytic depletion, necrosis, and degeneration were observed in the bursal tissues by histological examination. The TUNEL assay was performed with bursal tissue. There was a significant difference of the apoptosis rate between the negative and DuCV-infected ducks. The earliest time point for detection of DuCV DNA in sera, cloacal swabs, and organs was 1 wk post-infection (WPI). Viral shedding was persistent and detectable at the end of the experiment (10 WPI). The findings provide evidence that horizontal transmission and persistent infection are the characteristics of DuCV. The organ with the highest mean viral load was the spleen, followed by BF, cecal tonsil, lung, thymus, liver, and kidney. We successfully established an experimental DuCV genotype 1 (DuCV-1) infection in Pekin ducks and demonstrated the pathogenicity and persistence of DuCV-1. In conclusion, DuCV-1 caused extensive damage to the immune organs that may have resulted in immunosuppression. Pathobiological characteristics of DuCV-1 include systemic infection, persistent infection, and horizontal transmission. These features allow DuCV-1 to circulate more easily in farms and increase the susceptibility of ducks to other diseases.

Breast-feeding trends and the breast-feeding promotion programme in the Philippines.

PubMed

Williamson, N E

1990-03-01

Breastfeeding (BF) duration and incidence have declined in the Philippines since 1973, particularly among urban, better-educated and higher income groups. As more and more women move into these modern groups, BF may continue to decline, making attempts to decrease fertility more difficult. The National Movement for the Promotion of Breastfeeding (NMPB) seeks to overcome the declines by encouraging a wide range of BF promotion activities including improving hospital practices and implementing a 5-year plan. In 1988, the 2nd 5 years of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund support for BF promotion started as part of a program to strengthen health services for child survival. Also in 1988, the Ministry of Health directed private hospitals to have rooming-in. In 1984, BF promotion messages began in the mass media. In 1983, NMPB was set up. The NMPB is housed in the Department of Public Health and has 30 member agencies: 14 governmental organizations and 25 nongovernmental agencies/institutions. From 1982-84 a longitudinal study on decision making regrading infant feeding practices was started. A hospital-based BF promotion program was started in the city of Baguio in the 70s. "Rooming-in" is required in government facilities, but there is a need for education programs for women so that they will continue their healthy practices at home. Challenges of the Philippines BF promotion program corner 4 areas: 1) health facilities; 2) information, education, and communication; 3) training; and 4) outreach. Research activities for the future include: 1) continued monitoring of patterns and trends of BF, including evaluation of the 1988 national survey; 2) analysis of the impact of "rooming-in" programs; 3) studies on the cost effectiveness of different strategies for increasing BF incidence and length and modifying BF practices and beliefs; 4) testing of strategies for helping working women to breastfeed; 5) research on obstacles to BF in private hospitals; and 6) studies on the nature and timing of starting contraception among BF women.

A multicenter study demonstrating discordant results from electronic prostate-specific antigen biochemical failure calculation systems.

PubMed

Williams, Scott G; Pickles, Tom; Kestin, Larry; Potters, Louis; Fearn, Paul; Smith, Ryan; Pratt, Gary

2006-08-01

To evaluate the interobserver variation of four electronic biochemical failure (bF) calculators using three bF definitions. The data of 1200 men were analyzed using the electronic bF calculators of four institutions. Three bF definitions were examined for their concordance of bF identification across the centers: the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology consensus definition (ACD), the lowest prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level to date plus 2 ng/mL (L2), and a threshold of 3 ng/mL (T3). Unanimous agreement regarding bF status using the ACD, L2, and T3 definitions occurred in 87.3%, 96.4%, and 92.7% of cases, respectively. Using the ACD, 63% of the variation was from one institution, which allowed the bF status to be reversed if a PSA decline was seen after bF (PSA "bounce"). A total of 270 men had an ACD bF time variation of >2 months across the calculators, and the 5-year freedom from bF rate was 49.8-60.9%. The L2 definition had a 20.5% rate of calculated bF times; which varied by >2 months (median, 6.4; range, 2.1-75.6) and a corresponding 5-year freedom from bF rate of 55.9-61.0%. The T3 definition had a 2.0% range in the 5-year freedom from bF. Fifteen definition interpretation variations were identified. Reported bF results vary not only because of bF definition differences, but because of variations in how those definitions are written into computer-based calculators, with multiple interpretations most prevalent for the ACD. An algorithm to avoid misinterpretations is proposed for the L2 definition. A verification system to guarantee consistent electronic bF results requires development.

The development and validation of new equations for estimating body fat percentage among Chinese men and women.

PubMed

Liu, Xin; Sun, Qi; Sun, Liang; Zong, Geng; Lu, Ling; Liu, Gang; Rosner, Bernard; Ye, Xingwang; Li, Huaixing; Lin, Xu

2015-05-14

Equations based on simple anthropometric measurements to predict body fat percentage (BF%) are lacking in Chinese population with increasing prevalence of obesity and related abnormalities. We aimed to develop and validate BF% equations in two independent population-based samples of Chinese men and women. The equations were developed among 960 Chinese Hans living in Shanghai (age 46.2 (SD 5.3) years; 36.7% male) using a stepwise linear regression and were subsequently validated in 1150 Shanghai residents (58.7 (SD 6.0) years; 41.7% male; 99% Chinese Hans, 1% Chinese minorities). The associations of equation-derived BF% with changes of 6-year cardiometabolic outcomes and incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) were evaluated in a sub-cohort of 780 Chinese, compared with BF% measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA; BF%-DXA). Sex-specific equations were established with age, BMI and waist circumference as independent variables. The BF% calculated using new sex-specific equations (BF%-CSS) were in reasonable agreement with BF%-DXA (mean difference: 0.08 (2 SD 6.64) %, P= 0.606 in men; 0.45 (2 SD 6.88) %, P< 0.001 in women). In multivariate-adjusted models, the BF%-CSS and BF%-DXA showed comparable associations with 6-year changes in TAG, HDL-cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure, C-reactive protein and uric acid (P for comparisons ≥ 0.05). Meanwhile, the BF%-CSS and BF%-DXA had comparable areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for associations with incident T2D (men P= 0.327; women P= 0.159). The BF% equations might be used as surrogates for DXA to estimate BF% among adult Chinese. More studies are needed to evaluate the application of our equations in different populations.

Mechanism of dissolution of a lithium salt in an electrolytic solvent in a lithium ion secondary battery: a direct ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) study.

PubMed

Tachikawa, Hiroto

2014-06-06

The mechanism of dissolution of the Li(+) ion in an electrolytic solvent is investigated by the direct ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) method. Lithium fluoroborate (Li(+)BF4(-)) and ethylene carbonate (EC) are examined as the origin of the Li(+) ion and the solvent molecule, respectively. This salt is widely utilized as the electrolyte in the lithium ion secondary battery. The binding of EC to the Li(+) moiety of the Li(+)BF4(-) salt is exothermic, and the binding energies at the CAM-B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level for n=1, 2, 3, and 4, where n is the number of EC molecules binding to the Li(+) ion, (EC)n(Li(+)BF4(-)), are calculated to be 91.5, 89.8, 87.2, and 84.0 kcal mol(-1) (per EC molecule), respectively. The intermolecular distances between Li(+) and the F atom of BF4(-) are elongated: 1.773 Å (n=0), 1.820 Å (n=1), 1.974 Å (n=2), 1.942 Å (n=3), and 4.156 Å (n=4). The atomic bond populations between Li(+) and the F atom for n=0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 are 0.202, 0.186, 0.150, 0.038, and 0.0, respectively. These results indicate that the interaction of Li(+) with BF4(-) becomes weaker as the number of EC molecules is increased. The direct AIMD calculation for n=4 shows that EC reacts spontaneously with (EC)3(Li(+)BF4(-)) and the Li(+) ion is stripped from the salt. The following substitution reaction takes place: EC+(EC)3(Li(+)BF4(-))→(EC)4Li(+)-(BF4(-)). The reaction mechanism is discussed on the basis of the theoretical results. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Genetic diversity of HIV-1 non-B strains in Sicily: evidence of intersubtype recombinants by sequence analysis of gag, pol, and env genes.

PubMed

Tramuto, Fabio; Bonura, Filippa; Perna, Anna Maria; Mancuso, Salvatrice; Firenze, Alberto; Romano, Nino; Vitale, Francesco

2007-09-01

The molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 strains in Sicily (Italy) was phylogenetically investigated by the analysis of HIV-1 gag, pol, and env gene sequences from 11 HIV-1 non-B strains from 408 HIV-1-seropositive patients observed from September 2001 to August 2006. Sequences suggestive of recombination were further investigated by bootscanning analysis of various fragments. Overall, we identified several second-generation recombinant (SGRs) strains, which contained genetic material of CRF02_AG in at least one gene. Notably, three individuals were found to be infected with subsubtype A3, and one of them showed genetic recombination with subsubtype A4. The current study emphasizes the genetic analysis of gag, pol, and env genes as a powerful tool to trace the spread of complex HIV-1 recombinant forms, and highlight the genetic diversity of HIV-1 non-B strains in Italy.

Comparative study of radical scavenger activities of crude extract and fractions from Cuphea carthagenensis leaves.

PubMed

Schuldt, E Z; Farias, M R; Ribeiro-do-Valle, R M; Ckless, K

2004-09-01

This study investigated the superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical scavenger properties, as well as the inhibition of lipid peroxidation by the crude hydroalcoholic extract (CE) and the butanolic (BF) and ethyl acetate (EAF) fractions of Cuphea carthagenensis leaves. In a enzymatic system of O2- production (xanthine/xanthine oxidase system) the CE, EAF and BF (0.1-100 microg ml(-1)) were effective at inhibiting both uric acid formation and NBT reduction by O2(-1). In the non-enzymatic system of O2- generation, the CE and fractions were effective only at the concentration of 100 microg ml(-1). The CE, EAF and BF were also evaluated for their ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and/or to chelate iron. The results showed that CE, BF and EAF from C. carthagenensis (0.1-100 microg ml(-1)) were able to inhibit deoxyribose degradation in a concentration-dependent manner. CE was more potent than the fractions. In a hydrophobic system, increasing concentrations of CE, EAF and BF (0.1-100 microg ml(-1)) caused graded inhibition of lipid peroxidation of rat liver homogenate. The EAF displayed the lowest median inhibitory concentration. The present study suggests that an extract (CE) and fractions (EAF and BF) from C. carthagenensis leaves are significant sources of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity in vitro and may have important health effects, for example, in cardiovascular disease.

Body fat of stock-type horses predicted by rump fat thickness and deuterium oxide dilution and validated by near-infrared spectroscopy of dissected tissues.

PubMed

Ferjak, E N; Cavinder, C A; Burnett, D D; Argo, C Mc; Dinh, T T N

2017-10-01

Body condition score and percent body fat (BF; %) of horses are positively correlated with reproductive efficiency and are indicative of metabolic issues. However, BF in horses may be poorly predicted because current procedures are either subjective or dependent on one anatomical location. Therefore, the objectives of the current study were to compare 2 methods of predicting BF using rump fat thickness (RFT) and deuterium oxide (DO) dilution with actual tissue fat analysis by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in stock-type horses and to identify the relationship between BF and BCS. Twenty-four stock-type horses were selected to be humanely euthanized based on 3 primary criteria: geriatric, crippled, and/or unsafe. Approximately 20 h before slaughter, horses were weighed and BCS assessed to be 1 ( = 1; 433 kg), 2 ( = 1; 415 kg), 3 ( = 1; 376 kg), 4 ( = 7; 468 ± 13 kg), 5 ( = 10; 455 ± 11 kg), and 6 ( = 4; 493 ± 12 kg) and RFT was measured using ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected immediately before and 4 h after DO infusion (0.12 g/kg BW). Deuterium oxide concentration of plasma was determined by gas isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Horses were housed in a dry lot overnight before being individually sedated (1.1 mg xylazine/kg BW) and anesthetized using a jugular venipuncture (2.2 mg ketamine/kg BW), and potassium chloride (KCl) solution was administered to cease cardiac function before exsanguination. After euthanasia, horse carcasses were processed and dissected and tissues were collected for NIRS analysis. Body fat predicted by DO dilution was correlated with BF measured by NIRS analysis on various weight bases ( = 0.76 to 0.81, < 0.001), whereas no correlation was observed for BF predicted by RFT. A paired -test indicated that both DO dilution and RFT overestimated BF by 2.48 to 3.26% ( < 0.001) and 5.81 to 6.59% ( < 0.001), respectively, compared with NIRS analysis. Body condition scores affected BF measured by NIRS analysis ( ≤ 0.038) and predicted by DO dilution ( < 0.001) and RFT ( = 0.042). The current study provided evidence that DO dilution was a better prediction method for BF than RFT and that BCS may serve as a BF predictor in stock-type horses.

Dose-response studies of Ropivacaine in blood flow of upper extremity after supraclavicular block: a double-blind randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Li, Ting; Ye, Qiguang; Wu, Daozhu; Li, Jun; Yu, Jingui

2017-12-02

The sympathetic block of upper limb leading to increased blood flow has important clinical implication in microvascular surgery. However, little is known regarding the relationship between concentration of local anesthetic and blood flow of upper limb. The aim of this dose-response study was to determine the ED 50 and ED 95 of ropivacaine in blood flow after supraclavicular block (SB). Patients undergoing upper limb surgery and supraclavicular block were randomly assigned to receive 30ml ropivacaine in concentrations of 0.125%(A Group), 0.2%(B Group), 0.25%(C Group), 0.375%(D Group), 0.5%(E Group), or 0.75%(F Group) (n=13 per group). All patients received supraclavicular block (SB). Time average maximum velocity (TAMAX), cross-sectional area (CSA) of brachial artery and skin temperatures (T s ) were measured repeatedly at the same marked points, they were taken at baseline (before block, t 0 ) and at 30min after SB (t 1 ). Blood flow(BF) = TAMAX× CSA×60 sec.. Relative blood flow (ΔBF) = BF t1 / BF t0 . Success of SB was assessed simultaneously. Supplementary anesthesia and other adverse events (AE) were recorded. Significant increase in TAMAX, CSA, BF and T s were seen in all concentration groups at t 1 comparing with t 0 (P<0.001). There was an upward trend of TAMAX, CSA, BF with the increasing concentration of ropivacaine except T s . There was no significant different of T s at t 1 among different concentration group. The dose-response formula of ropivacaine on ΔBF was Y=1+3.188/(1+10^((-2.451-X) × 1.730)) and ED 50 /ED 95 (95%CI) were 0.35/1.94%(0.25-0.45/0.83-4.52), and R 2 (coefficient of determination) =0.85. ED 50 /ED 95 (95%CI) values of sensory block were 0.18/0.33% (0.15-0.21/0.27-0.51), R 2 =0.904. The dose-response curve between SB ropivacaine and the changes of BF was determined. The ED 50 /ED 95 of ropivacaine of ΔBF are 0.35/1.94% (0.25-0.45/0.83-4.52). TAMAX, CSA and BF consistently increased with ropivacaine concentration. The maximal sympathetic block needs higher concentration than that complete sensation block needs which may benefit for microvascular surgery. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02139982 . Retrospectively registered (Date of registration: May, 2014).

Effects of different inoculation routes on the parasitic sites of Cryptosporidium baileyi infection in chickens.

PubMed

Yuan, Lin; Yan, Wenchao; Wang, Tianqi; Qian, Weifeng; Ding, Ke; Zhang, Longxian; Han, Lifang; Shao, Xiaodong

2014-10-01

Cryptosporidiosis is prevalent in domesticated, caged, and wild birds. Cryptosporidium baileyi, an ascendant species of avian Cryptosporidium, is an important pathogen. It causes respiratory disease in chickens, especially chickens younger than 50 days. In this study, SEM, histological, semi-quantitative PCR, and nested PCR techniques were used to explore the impact of different inoculation routes on sites of C. baileyi infection in chickens. Results showed that inoculation with sporozoites or oocysts via the rectum was an effective means of causing infection. This may provide an important reference for the development of the transfection system of C. baileyi in chickens. Numerous endogenous stages of C. baileyi were observed in the bursas of Fabricius (BF) and cloacas of chickens inoculated with sporozoites or oocysts via the rectum, but no parasite was seen in the tracheas of any of these chickens. In chickens infected with oocysts via the crop, the number of parasites in the BF was approximately 23-fold more than in the trachea. All blood samples collected after inoculation were negative for C. baileyi. These data show that C. baileyi was not transferred by blood circulation between the BF and respiratory tract. Different routes of inoculation were here found to distinctly affect sites of parasitism in chickens. These findings may facilitate further understanding of the biology of C. baileyi and efforts to control avian cryptosporidiosis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A lower degree of PBMC L1 methylation is associated with excess body weight and higher HOMA-IR in the presence of lower concentrations of plasma folate.

PubMed

Piyathilake, Chandrika J; Badiga, Suguna; Alvarez, Ronald D; Partridge, Edward E; Johanning, Gary L

2013-01-01

Identification of associations between global DNA methylation and excess body weight (EBW) and related diseases and their modifying factors are an unmet research need that may lead to decreasing DNA methylation-associated disease risks in humans. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the following; 1) Association between the degree of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) L1 methylation and folate, and indicators of EBW, 2) Association between the degree of PBMC L1 methylation and folate, and insulin resistance (IR) as indicated by a higher homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). The study population consisted of 470 child-bearing age women diagnosed with abnormal pap. The degree of PBMC L1 methylation was assessed by pyrosequencing. Logistic regression models specified indicators of EBW (body mass index-BMI, body fat-BF and waist circumference-WC) or HOMA-IR as dependent variables and the degree of PBMC L1 methylation and circulating concentrations of folate as the independent predictor of primary interest. Women with a lower degree of PBMC L1 methylation and lower plasma folate concentrations were significantly more likely to have higher BMI, % BF or WC (OR = 2.49, 95% CI:1.41-4.47, P = 0.002; OR = 2.49, 95% CI:1.40-4.51, P = 0.002 and OR = 1.98, 95% = 1.14-3.48 P = 0.0145, respectively) and higher HOMA-IR (OR = 1.78, 95% CI:1.02-3.13, P = 0.041). Our results demonstrated that a lower degree of PBMC L1 methylation is associated with excess body weight and higher HOMA-IR, especially in the presence of lower concentrations of plasma folate.

Body Adiposity Index Performance in Estimating Body Fat Percentage in Colombian College Students: Findings from the FUPRECOL-Adults Study.

PubMed

Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson; Correa-Bautista, Jorge Enrique; González-Ruíz, Katherine; Vivas, Andrés; Triana-Reina, Héctor Reynaldo; Martínez-Torres, Javier; Prieto-Benavides, Daniel Humberto; Carrillo, Hugo Alejandro; Ramos-Sepúlveda, Jeison Alexander; Villa-González, Emilio; García-Hermoso, Antonio

2017-01-17

Recently, a body adiposity index (BAI = (hip circumference)/((height)(1.5)) -18 ) was developed and validated in adult populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of BAI in estimating percentage body fat (BF%) in a sample of Colombian collegiate young adults. The participants were comprised of 903 volunteers (52% females, mean age = 21.4 years ± 3.3). We used the Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, linear regression, Bland-Altman's agreement analysis, concordance correlation coefficient ( ρc ) and the coefficient of determination ( R ²) between BAI, and BF%; by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)). The correlation between the two methods of estimating BF% was R ² = 0.384, p < 0.001. A paired-sample t -test showed a difference between the methods (BIA BF% = 16.2 ± 3.1, BAI BF% = 30.0 ± 5.4%; p < 0.001). For BIA, bias value was 6.0 ± 6.2 BF% (95% confidence interval (CI) = -6.0 to 18.2), indicating that the BAI method overestimated BF% relative to the reference method. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was poor ( ρc = 0.014, 95% CI = -0.124 to 0.135; p = 0.414). In Colombian college students, there was poor agreement between BAI- and BIA-based estimates of BF%, and so BAI is not accurate in people with low or high body fat percentage levels.

New equations improve NIR prediction of body fat among high school wrestlers.

PubMed

Oppliger, R A; Clark, R R; Nielsen, D H

2000-09-01

Methodologic study to derive prediction equations for percent body fat (%BF). To develop valid regression equations using NIR to assess body composition among high school wrestlers. Clinicians need a portable, fast, and simple field method for assessing body composition among wrestlers. Near-infrared photospectrometry (NIR) meets these criteria, but its efficacy has been challenged. Subjects were 150 high school wrestlers from 2 Midwestern states with mean +/- SD age of 16.3 +/- 1.1 yrs, weight of 69.5 +/- 11.7 kg, and height of 174.4 +/- 7.0 cm. Relative body fatness (%BF) determined from hydrostatic weighing was the criterion measure, and NIR optical density (OD) measurements at multiple sites, plus height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were the predictor variables. Four equations were developed with multiple R2s that varied from .530 to .693, root mean squared errors varied from 2.8% BF to 3.4% BF, and prediction errors varied from 2.9% BF to 3.1% BF. The best equation used OD measurements at the biceps, triceps, and thigh sites, BMI, and age. The root mean squared error and prediction error for all 4 equations were equal to or smaller than for a skinfold equation commonly used with wrestlers. The results substantiate the validity of NIR for predicting % BF among high school wrestlers. Cross-validation of these equations is warranted.

Budesonide + formoterol delivered via Spiromax® for the management of asthma and COPD: The potential impact on unscheduled healthcare costs of improving inhalation technique compared with Turbuhaler®.

PubMed

Lewis, A; Torvinen, S; Dekhuijzen, P N R; Chrystyn, H; Melani, A; Zöllner, Y; Kolbe, K; Watson, A T; Blackney, M; Plich, A

2017-08-01

Fixed-dose combinations of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β 2 agonists are commonly used for the treatment of asthma and COPD. However, the most frequently prescribed dry powder inhaler delivering this medicine - Symbicort ® (budesonide and formoterol, BF) Turbuhaler ® - is associated with poor inhalation technique, which can lead to poor disease control and high disease management costs. A recent study showed that patients make fewer inhaler errors when using the novel DuoResp ® (BF) Spiromax ® inhaler, compared with BF Turbuhaler ® . Therefore switching patients from BF Turbuhaler ® to BF Spiromax ® could improve inhalation technique, and potentially lead to better disease control and healthcare cost savings. A model was developed to estimate the budget impact of reducing poor inhalation technique by switching asthma and COPD patients from BF Turbuhaler ® to BF Spiromax ® over three years in Germany, Italy, Sweden and the UK. The model estimated changes to the number, and associated cost, of unscheduled healthcare events. The model considered two scenarios: in Scenario 1, all patients were immediately switched from BF Turbuhaler ® to BF Spiromax ® ; in Scenario 2, 4%, 8% and 12% of patients were switched in years 1, 2 and 3 of the model, respectively. In Scenario 1, per patient cost savings amounted to €60.10, €49.67, €94.14 and €38.20 in Germany, Italy, Sweden and the UK, respectively. Total cost savings in each country were €100.86 million, €19.42 million, €36.65 million and €15.44 million over three years, respectively, with an estimated 597,754, 151,480, 228,986 and 122,368 healthcare events avoided. In Scenario 2, cost savings totalled €8.07 million, €1.55 million, €2.93 million and €1.23 million over three years, respectively, with 47,850, 12,118, 18,319, and 9789 healthcare events avoided. Savings per patient were €4.81, €3.97, €7.53 and €3.06. We demonstrated that reductions in poor inhalation technique by switching patients from BF Turbuhaler ® to BF Spiromax ® are likely to improve patients' disease control and generate considerable cost savings through healthcare events avoided. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of basalt fiber@Zn1-xMgxO core/shell nanostructures for selective photoreduction of CO2 to CO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwak, Byeong Sub; Kim, Kang Min; Park, Sun-Min; Kang, Misook

2017-06-01

This study focused on the development of a catalyst for converting carbon dioxide, the main cause of global warming, into a beneficial energy source. Core@shell structured particles, BF@ZnO and BF@Zn1-xMgxO, are synthesized in order to selectively obtain CO gas from the photoreduction of CO2. A modified sol-gel process is used to synthesize the core@shell structures with a three-dimensional microstructure, which are subsequently characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDAX), ultraviolet (UV)-vis absorption, photoluminescence (PL), and photocurrent density analysis. The CO2 adsorption abilities of the core@shell particles are estimated through CO2-temperature programmed desorption (TPD). The core@shell structured BF@Zn1-xMgxO particles including the Mg ingredient significantly increased the adsorption of CO2 gas at the microfiber/nanoparticle interface. Both the BF@ZnO and BF@Zn1-xMgxO particles selectively reduce the carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide, with almost no other reduced products being observed. These results are attributed to the effective adsorption of CO2 gas and inhibited recombination of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs. BF@Zn0.75Mg0.25O exhibited superior photocatalytic behavior and selectively produced 5.0 μmolgcat-1 L-1 of CO gas after 8 h of reaction.

Physical activity, bowel function, and quality of life among rectal cancer survivors.

PubMed

Krouse, Robert S; Wendel, Christopher S; Garcia, David O; Grant, Marcia; Temple, Larissa K F; Going, Scott B; Hornbrook, Mark C; Bulkley, Joanna E; McMullen, Carmit K; Herrinton, Lisa J

2017-11-01

Physical activity (PA) is positively associated with numerous health benefits among cancer survivors. This study examined insufficiently investigated relationships among PA, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and bowel function (BF) in rectal cancer survivors. RC survivors (n = 1063) ≥5 years from diagnosis in two Kaiser permanente regions were mailed a multidimensional survey to assess HRQOL and BF. PA was assessed by a modified Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. PA minutes were categorized into weighted categories based on guidelines: (1) not active (zero PA minutes); (2) insufficiently active (1-149 PA minutes); (3) meeting guidelines (150-299 PA minutes); and (4) above guidelines (≥300 PA minutes). Relationships of PA with HRQOL and BF were evaluated using multiple linear regression, stratified by sex and ostomy status for BF. Types of PA identified as helpful for BF and symptoms addressed were summarized. Response rate was 60.5%. Of 557 participants, 40% met or exceeded PA guidelines, 34% were not active, and 26% were insufficiently active. Aerobic activities, specifically walking and cycling, were most commonly reported to help BF. Higher PA was associated with better psychological wellbeing and multiple SF12 scales, worse BF scores in men with ostomies, and better BF scores in women. Meeting or exceeding PA guidelines was associated with higher HRQOL. Although the BF findings are exploratory, they suggest women may benefit from increased PA, whereas men with ostomies may face challenges that require more study. Identifying PA strategies that will lead to improved patient compliance and benefit are needed.

Cytokine pattern in blister fluid and serum of patients with bullous pemphigoid: relationships with disease intensity.

PubMed

Ameglio, F; D'Auria, L; Bonifati, C; Ferraro, C; Mastroianni, A; Giacalone, B

1998-04-01

Few and contrasting data are available in the literature concerning the levels of various cytokines in blister fluid (BF) and in the serum of patients affected with bullous pemphigoid (BP). Using commercially available ELISA kits, this study reports the levels of 11 cytokines detected both in BF and sera of 15 BP patients and compares them with those of 15 control subjects' sera. Generally, no significant differences were observed in BP and control sera. In contrast, interleukin (IL) 1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) showed increased BF levels as compared with BP sera. Two cytokines, IL-11 and IL-12 did not show significant differences between BP BF and sera, while an opposite behaviour was observed for transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), whose serum levels were higher than the concentrations in BF. Using the number of lesions of the patients as a possible disease intensity marker, significant correlations were found with the BF levels of IL-1 beta, IL-8, TNF-alpha and, most closely, IL-5. These data may have pathogenetic relevance and suggest the possibility that these biological modulators may be used as a quantitative marker of disease intensity.

Promising silicones modified with cationic biocides for the development of antimicrobial medical devices.

PubMed

Ghamrawi, Sarah; Bouchara, Jean-Philippe; Tarasyuk, Oksana; Rogalsky, Sergiy; Lyoshina, Lyudmila; Bulko, Olga; Bardeau, Jean-François

2017-06-01

We have tested silicones containing 2% or 5% of the cationic biocides polyhexamethylene guanidine dodecylbenzenesulfonate (PHMG-DBS), 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (OMIM-BF 4 ) or 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (DMIM-BF 4 ) against the major relevant bacterial and yeast species in health care-associated infections (HCAI). Study conducted according to the international standard ISO 22196 revealed that silicones containing 2% or 5% DMIM-BF 4 or 5% PHMG-DBS presented the highest antimicrobial activity, leading to a logarithmic growth reduction of 3.03 to 6.46 and 3.65 to 4.85 depending on the bacterial or fungal species. Heat-pretreated silicones containing 2% DMIM-BF 4 kept a high activity, with at least a 3-log reduction in bacterial growth, except against P. aeruginosa where there was only a 1.1-log reduction. After 33days, the release ratio of cationic biocide from silicone films containing 5% of DMIM-BF 4 was found to be 5.6% in pure water and 1.9% in physiological saline solution, respectively. No leaching of PHMG-DBS polymeric biocide was detected under the same conditions. These results demonstrate unambiguously that silicones containing 2% DMIM-BF 4 or 5% PHMG-DBS present high antimicrobial activity, as well as high leaching resistance and therefore may be good candidates for the development of safer medical devices. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prenatal Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Body Fatness in Girls

PubMed Central

Calafat, Antonia M.; Holmes, Adrianne K.; Marcus, Michele; Northstone, Kate; Flanders, W. Dana; Kato, Kayoko; Taylor, Ethel V.

2017-01-01

Abstract Background: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used in surface coatings that resist stains, grease, and water. Methods: The association between in utero PFAS exposure and girls' body fatness at age 9 was analyzed in The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (UK). Maternal serum [median 15 weeks: interquartile range (IQR) 10 and 28 weeks of gestation] was analyzed for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoate (PFNA). Body composition was measured by dual X-ray emission absorptiometry, and percent total body fat (%BF) was calculated. Associations between PFASs and body fatness were modeled by multivariable linear regression. Results: Among 359 girls, median (IQR) %BF was 27.5 (IQR 21.7–34.6). Median (IQR) concentrations (all ng/mL) were 3.7 (2.9–4.8) for PFOA, 19.8 (15.0–25.3) for PFOS, 1.6 (1.3–2.2) for PFHxS, and 0.5 (0.4–0.7) for PFNA. Maternal PFAS concentrations were not significantly associated with daughters' total %BF overall. Mothers' educational status modified associations for PFOA and PFOS with %BF (P-interactions: 0.005 and 0.02, respectively). %BF was higher [1.4%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.3 to 2.5] for each one unit (ng/mL) higher PFOA among girls with mothers in the middle education group, but lower (−0.6%; 95% CI: −1.12 to −0.04) for the corresponding comparison among girls with mothers with the highest education. %BF was lower (−0.2%; 95% CI: −0.3 to −0.1) for each one unit higher PFOS among girls with the most educated mothers. Conclusions: Prenatal exposure to PFOA and PFOS was associated with girls' %BF within some strata of maternal education status. PFHxS and PFNA were not associated with %BF. PMID:28128969

The role of phosphatidylinositol-3-OH-kinase (PI3-kinase) and respiratory burst enzymes in the [omim][BF4]-mediated toxic mode of action in mussel hemocytes.

PubMed

Belavgeni, Alexia; Dailianis, Stefanos

2017-09-01

The present study investigates the role of phosphatidylinositol-3-OH-kinase (PI3-kinase) and respiratory burst enzymes, NADPH oxidase and NO synthase, in the 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([omim][BF 4 ])-mediated toxic mode of action in mussel hemocytes. Specifically, cell viability (using the neutral red uptake assay) was primarily tested in hemocytes treated with different concentrations of [omim][BF 4 ] (0.1-10 mg L -1 ) and thereafter [omim][BF 4 ]-mediated oxidative (in terms of superoxide anions/O 2 - and nitric oxide/NO generation, as well as the enhancement of lipid peroxidation by-products, in terms of malondialdehyde/MDA) and genotoxic (in terms of DNA damage) effects were determined in hemocytes treated with 1 mg L -1 [omim][BF 4 ]. Moreover, in order to investigate, even indirectly and non-entirely specific, the role of PI3-kinase, NADPH oxidase and NO synthase, the [omim][BF 4 ]-mediated effects were also investigated in hemocytes pre-incubated with wortmannin (50 nM), diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI 10 μM) and N G -nitro- l -arginine methyl ester (l-NAME 10 μM), respectively. The results showed that [omim][BF 4 ] ability to enhance O 2 - , NO, MDA and DNA damage, via its interaction with cellular membranes, was significantly attenuated in the presence of each inhibitor in almost all cases. The current findings revealed for the first time that certain signaling molecules, such as PI3-kinase, as well as respiratory burst enzymes activation, such as NADPH oxidase and NO synthase, could merely attribute to the [omim][BF 4 ]-mediated mode of action, thus enriching our knowledge for the molecular mechanisms of ILs toxicity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the BOD POD and leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance analysis for estimating percent body fat in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III collegiate wrestlers.

PubMed

Dixon, Curt B; Deitrick, Ronald W; Pierce, Joseph R; Cutrufello, Paul T; Drapeau, Linda L

2005-02-01

The purpose of this study was to compare percent body fat (%BF) estimated by air displacement plethysmography (ADP) and leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance analysis (LBIA) with hydrostatic weighing (HW) in a group (n = 25) of NCAA Division III collegiate wrestlers. Body composition was assessed during the preseason wrestling weight certification program (WCP) using the NCAA approved methods (HW, 3-site skinfold [SF], and ADP) and LBIA, which is currently an unaccepted method of assessment. A urine specific gravity less than 1.020, measured by refractometry, was required before all testing. Each subject had all of the assessments performed on the same day. LBIA measurements (Athletic mode) were determined using a Tanita body fat analyzer (model TBF-300A). Hydrostatic weighing, corrected for residual lung volume, was used as the criterion measurement. The %BF data (mean +/- SD) were LBIA (12.3 +/- 4.6), ADP (13.8 +/- 6.3), SF (14.2 +/- 5.3), and HW (14.5 +/- 6.0). %BF estimated by LBIA was significantly (p < 0.01) smaller than HW and SF. There were no significant differences in body density or %BF estimated by ADP, SF, and HW. All methods showed significant correlations (r = 0.80-0.96; p < 0.01) with HW. The standard errors of estimate (SEE) for %BF were 1.68, 1.87, and 3.60%; pure errors (PE) were 1.88, 1.94, and 4.16% (ADP, SF, and LBIA, respectively). Bland-Atman plots for %BF demonstrated no systematic bias for ADP, SF, and LBIA when compared with HW. These preliminary findings support the use of ADP and SF for estimating %BF during the NCAA WCP in Division III wrestlers. LBIA, which consistently underestimated %BF, is not supported by these data as a valid assessment method for this athletic group.

Body Adiposity Index Performance in Estimating Body Fat Percentage in Colombian College Students: Findings from the FUPRECOL—Adults Study

PubMed Central

Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson; Correa-Bautista, Jorge Enrique; González-Ruíz, Katherine; Vivas, Andrés; Triana-Reina, Héctor Reynaldo; Martínez-Torres, Javier; Prieto-Benavides, Daniel Humberto; Carrillo, Hugo Alejandro; Ramos-Sepúlveda, Jeison Alexander; Villa-González, Emilio; García-Hermoso, Antonio

2017-01-01

Recently, a body adiposity index (BAI = (hip circumference)/((height)(1.5))−18) was developed and validated in adult populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of BAI in estimating percentage body fat (BF%) in a sample of Colombian collegiate young adults. The participants were comprised of 903 volunteers (52% females, mean age = 21.4 years ± 3.3). We used the Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient, linear regression, Bland–Altman’s agreement analysis, concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) and the coefficient of determination (R2) between BAI, and BF%; by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)). The correlation between the two methods of estimating BF% was R2 = 0.384, p < 0.001. A paired-sample t-test showed a difference between the methods (BIA BF% = 16.2 ± 3.1, BAI BF% = 30.0 ± 5.4%; p < 0.001). For BIA, bias value was 6.0 ± 6.2 BF% (95% confidence interval (CI) = −6.0 to 18.2), indicating that the BAI method overestimated BF% relative to the reference method. Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was poor (ρc = 0.014, 95% CI = −0.124 to 0.135; p = 0.414). In Colombian college students, there was poor agreement between BAI- and BIA-based estimates of BF%, and so BAI is not accurate in people with low or high body fat percentage levels. PMID:28106719

Measurement of the Color-Suppressed B0->D(*)0 pi0 /omega/eta/eta Prime Branching Fractions

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

Prudent, X

2008-11-05

The authors report results on the branching fraction (BF) measurement of the color-suppressed decays {bar B}{sup 0} {yields} D{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}, D*{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}, D{sup 0}{eta}, D*{sup 0}{eta}, D{sup 0}{omega}, D*{sup 0}{omega}, D{sup 0}{eta}{prime}, and D*{sup 0}{eta}{prime}. They measure the branching fractions BF(D{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}) = (2.78 {+-} 0.08 {+-} 0.20) x 10{sup -4}, BF(D*{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}) = (1.78 {+-} 0.13 {+-} 0.23) x 10{sup -4}, BF(D{sup 0}{eta}) = (2.41 {+-} 0.09 {+-} 0.17) x 10{sup -4}, BF(D*{sup 0}{eta}) = (2.32 {+-} 0.13 {+-} 0.22) x 10{sup -4}, BF(D{sup 0}{omega}) = (2.77 {+-} 0.13 {+-} 0.22) x 10{sup -4}, BF(D*{supmore » 0}{omega}) = (4.44 {+-} 0.23 {+-} 0.61) x 10{sup -4}, BF(D{sup 0}{eta}{prime}) = (1.38 {+-} 0.12 {+-} 0.22) x 10{sup -4} and BF(D*{sup 0}{eta}{prime}) = (1.29 {+-} 0.23 {+-} 0.23) x 10{sup -4}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The result is based on a sample of (454 {+-} 5) x 10{sup 6} B{bar B} pairs collected at the {Upsilon}(4S) resonance from 1999 to 2007, with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II storage rings at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. The measurements are compared to theoretical predictions by factorization, SCET and pQCD. The presence of final state interactions predictions by factorization, SCET and pQCD. The presence of final state interactions is confirmed and the measurements seem to be more in favor of SCET compared to pQCD.« less

Impact of exercise selection on hamstring muscle activation.

PubMed

Bourne, Matthew N; Williams, Morgan D; Opar, David A; Al Najjar, Aiman; Kerr, Graham K; Shield, Anthony J

2017-07-01

To determine which strength training exercises selectively activate the biceps femoris long head (BF LongHead ) muscle. We recruited 24 recreationally active men for this two-part observational study . Part 1: We explored the amplitudes and the ratios of lateral (BF) to medial hamstring (MH) normalised electromyography (nEMG) during the concentric and eccentric phases of 10 common strength training exercises. Part 2: We used functional MRI (fMRI) to determine the spatial patterns of hamstring activation during two exercises which (1) most selectively and (2) least selectively activated the BF in part 1. Eccentrically, the largest BF/MH nEMG ratio occurred in the 45° hip-extension exercise; the lowest was in the Nordic hamstring (Nordic) and bent-knee bridge exercises. Concentrically, the highest BF/MH nEMG ratio occurred during the lunge and 45° hip extension; the lowest was during the leg curl and bent-knee bridge. fMRI revealed a greater BF (LongHead) to semitendinosus activation ratio in the 45° hip extension than the Nordic (p<0.001). The T2 increase after hip extension for BF LongHead , semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles was greater than that for BF ShortHead (p<0.001). During the Nordic, the T2 increase was greater for the semitendinosus than for the other hamstring muscles (p≤0.002). We highlight the heterogeneity of hamstring activation patterns in different tasks. Hip-extension exercise selectively activates the long hamstrings, and the Nordic exercise preferentially recruits the semitendinosus. These findings have implications for strategies to prevent hamstring injury as well as potentially for clinicians targeting specific hamstring components for treatment (mechanotherapy). Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Impact of body fat percentage change on future diabetes in subjects with normal glucose tolerance.

PubMed

Zhao, Tianxue; Lin, Ziwei; Zhu, Hui; Wang, Chen; Jia, Weiping

2017-12-01

The aim of the work was to determine the effect of body fat change on risk of diabetes in normal glucose tolerance (NGT) population. A total of 1,857 NGT subjects were included and followed up for an average period of 44.57 months. Body fat percentage (BF%) was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Subjects were grouped based on the BF% and/or body mass index (BMI) state. Among all subjects, 28 developed diabetes after follow-up. Compared with subjects with stable normal BF% (control), subjects who became obesity at follow-up were defects in insulin secretion and had a higher risk of developing diabetes (7.102, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.740-28.993), while no difference in diabetic risk could be viewed between subjects with abnormal BF% at baseline but normal at the end of follow-up and control subjects after adjustment of confounding factors. Moreover, compared with those keeping normal BF% and BMI both at baseline and follow-up, subjects who had normal BMI at baseline and follow-up, but abnormal BF% at baseline or/and follow-up still had a higher risk to develop diabetes (4.790, 95% CI 1.061-21.621), while those with normal BF% at baseline and follow-up, but abnormal BMI at baseline or/and follow-up had not. Subjects from normal BF% at baseline to obese at follow-up are associated with an increased risk of diabetes. Maintaining normal body fat is more relevant than BMI in preventing diabetes. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(12):947-955, 2017. © 2017 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Body fat percentage is associated with cardiometabolic dysregulation in BMI-defined normal weight subjects.

PubMed

Shea, J L; King, M T C; Yi, Y; Gulliver, W; Sun, G

2012-09-01

Nearly 25% of normal weight individuals display abnormal metabolic profiles associated with obesity. As a wide range in body fat percentage (%BF) exists for BMI-defined normal weight individuals, we investigated whether elevated %BF (determined using DXA) was associated with cardiometabolic dysregulation among 977 normal weight subjects (192 men, 785 women) from the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. BMI and %BF were measured after a 12-h fasting period. Cardiometabolic abnormalities considered included elevated triglyceride, glucose and hsCRP levels, decreased HDL cholesterol, insulin resistance, and hypertension. Subjects were classified as metabolically healthy (0 or 1 cardiometabolic abnormality) or abnormal (≥2 cardiometabolic abnormalities) and divided into sex-specific %BF tertiles as follows: low (≤15.2% men, ≤29.7% women), medium (15.3-20.7%% men, 29.8-34.9%% women) and high (≥20.8% men, ≥35.0% women). The prevalence of the metabolically abnormal phenotype was higher among medium and high %BF subjects (12.0% and 19.5%, respectively) compared to the low group (7.4%; p < 0.05). Furthermore, the odds of being metabolically abnormal were 1.61 (95% CI 0.94-2.77) for medium %BF subjects compared to the low group and nearly tripled for high %BF subjects (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.63-4.86). ORs remained significant after further adjustment for waist circumference. Our findings indicate that those with elevated %BF are at increased risk of developing cardiometabolic disease despite having a normal BMI. Future development of adequate screening tools to identify these individuals is crucial to the prevention of obesity-associated disease. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Correlation between nutrition assessment data and percent body fat via plethysmography in pediatric oncology patients.

PubMed

White, Melinda; Davies, Peter; Murphy, Alexia

2011-11-01

Routine nutrition assessment is a core part of the nutrition management of the pediatric oncology population. The aims of this study were to build on the findings of a previous study to investigate the relationship between nutrition assessment variables and percent body fat (%BF) and to produce an equation to predict %BF in the pediatric oncology population. The nutrition status assessment criteria for comparison with %BF measures were adapted with permission from the St Jude Children's Research Hospital nutrition screening system, Department of Clinical Nutrition. Additional measures not part of the screening system included midarm circumference (MAC); triceps, biceps, suprailiac, and subscapular skinfolds; and arm fat area. %BF was determined via air displacement plethysmography and interpreted via percentiles derived from body fat reference curves for healthy children. Forty-two children, 22 males and 20 females, participated in the study. Correlational analysis revealed significant correlations with %BF and weight and body mass index z scores, percentage of ideal body weight (%IBW), MAC, skinfolds, arm fat area, and the total nutrition screening score. No relationship was found between height z score, percentage of weight loss over the previous 1 month, serum albumin, diagnosis risk, oral intake, and impending therapy or treatment side effects. Regression analysis found %BF = (1.4 × Biceps Skinfolds (mm) + (0.16 × %IBW) - 1 to have the strongest correlation (r(2) = 0.74). The equation presented here requires validation to estimate %BF in the pediatric oncology population.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio is Related to Body Fat Content and Distribution Regardless of the Waist Circumference Measurement Protocol in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients.

PubMed

Pimenta, Nuno M; Santa-Clara, Helena; Melo, Xavier; Cortez-Pinto, Helena; Silva-Nunes, José; Sardinha, Luís B

2016-08-01

Central accumulation and distribution of body fat (BF) is an important cardiometabolic risk factor. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), commonly elevated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients, has been endorsed as a risk related marker of central BF content and distribution, but no standardized waist circumference measurement protocol (WCmp) has been proposed. We aimed to investigate whether using different WCmp affects the strength of association between WHR and BF content and distribution in NAFLD patients. BF was assessed with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 28 NAFLD patients (19 males, 51 ± 13 years, and 9 females, 47 ± 13 years). Waist circumference (WC) was measured using four different WCmp (WC1: minimal waist; WC2: iliac crest; WC3: mid-distance between iliac crest and lowest rib; WC4: at the umbilicus) and WHR was calculated accordingly (WHR1, WHR2, WHR3 and WHR4, respectively). High WHR was found in up to 84.6% of subjects, depending on the WHR considered. With the exception of WHR1, all WHR correlated well with abdominal BF (r = .47 for WHR1; r = .59 for WHR2 and WHR3; r = .58 for WHR4) and BF distribution (r = .45 for WHR1; r = .56 for WHR2 and WHR3; r = .51 for WHR4), controlling for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). WHR2 and WHR3 diagnosed exactly the same prevalence of high WHR (76.9%). The present study confirms the strong relation between WHR and central BF, regardless of WCmp used, in NAFLD patients. WHR2 and WHR3 seemed preferable for use in clinical practice, interchangeably, for the diagnosis of high WHR in NAFLD patients.

Barefoot running does not affect simple reaction time: an exploratory study

PubMed Central

Snow, Nicholas J.; Blair, Jason F.L.; MacDonald, Graham Z.

2018-01-01

Background Converging evidence comparing barefoot (BF) and shod (SH) running highlights differences in foot-strike patterns and somatosensory feedback, among others. Anecdotal evidence from SH runners attempting BF running suggests a greater attentional demand may be experienced during BF running. However, little work to date has examined whether there is an attentional cost of BF versus SH running. Objective This exploratory study aimed to examine whether an acute bout of BF running would impact simple reaction time (SRT) compared to SH running, in a sample of runners naïve to BF running. Methods Eight male distance runners completed SRT testing during 10 min of BF or SH treadmill running at 70% maximal aerobic speed (17.9 ± 1.4 km h−1). To test SRT, participants were required to press a hand-held button in response to the flash of a light bulb placed in the center of their visual field. SRT was tested at 1-minute intervals during running. BF and SH conditions were completed in a pseudo-randomized and counterbalanced crossover fashion. SRT was defined as the time elapsed between the light bulb flash and the button press. SRT errors were also recorded and were defined as the number of trials in which a button press was not recorded in response to the light bulb flash. Results Overall, SRT later in the exercise bouts showed a statistically significant increase compared to earlier (p < 0.05). Statistically significant increases in SRT were present at 7 min versus 5 min (0.29 ± 0.02 s vs. 0.27 ± 0.02 s, p < 0.05) and at 9 min versus 2 min (0.29 ± 0.03 s vs. 0.27 ± 0.03 s, p < 0.05). However, BF running did not influence this increase in SRT (p > 0.05) or the number of SRT errors (17.6 ± 6.6 trials vs. 17.0 ± 13.0 trials, p > 0.05). Discussion In a sample of distance runners naïve to BF running, there was no statistically significant difference in SRT or SRT errors during acute bouts of BF and SH running. We interpret these results to mean that BF running does not have a greater attentional cost compared to SH running during a SRT task throughout treadmill running. Literature suggests that stride-to-stride gait modulation during running may occur predominately via mechanisms that preclude conscious perception, thus potentially attenuating effects of increased somatosensory feedback experienced during BF running. Future research should explore the present experimental paradigm in a larger sample using over-ground running trials, as well as employing different tests of attention. PMID:29666760

Body mass index adjustments to increase the validity of body fatness assessment in UK Black African and South Asian children.

PubMed

Hudda, M T; Nightingale, C M; Donin, A S; Fewtrell, M S; Haroun, D; Lum, S; Williams, J E; Owen, C G; Rudnicka, A R; Wells, J C K; Cook, D G; Whincup, P H

2017-07-01

Body mass index (BMI) (weight per height 2 ) is the most widely used marker of childhood obesity and total body fatness (BF). However, its validity is limited, especially in children of South Asian and Black African origins. We aimed to quantify BMI adjustments needed for UK children of Black African and South Asian origins so that adjusted BMI related to BF in the same way as for White European children. We used data from four recent UK studies that made deuterium dilution BF measurements in UK children of White European, South Asian and Black African origins. A height-standardized fat mass index (FMI) was derived to represent BF. Linear regression models were then fitted, separately for boys and girls, to quantify ethnic differences in BMI-FMI relationships and to provide ethnic-specific BMI adjustments. We restricted analyses to 4-12 year olds, to whom a single consistent FMI (fat mass per height 5 ) could be applied. BMI consistently underestimated BF in South Asians, requiring positive BMI adjustments of +1.12 kg m - 2 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83, 1.41 kg m - 2 ; P<0.0001) for boys and +1.07 kg m - 2 (95% CI: 0.74, 1.39 kg m - 2 ; P<0.0001) for girls of all age groups and FMI levels. BMI overestimated BF in Black Africans, requiring negative BMI adjustments for Black African children. However, these were complex because there were statistically significant interactions between Black African ethnicity and FMI (P=0.004 boys; P=0.003 girls) and also between FMI and age group (P<0.0001 for boys and girls). BMI adjustments therefore varied by age group and FMI level (and indirectly BMI); the largest adjustments were in younger children with higher unadjusted BMI and the smallest in older children with lower unadjusted BMI. BMI underestimated BF in South Asians and overestimated BF in Black Africans. Ethnic-specific adjustments, increasing BMI in South Asians and reducing BMI in Black Africans, can improve the accuracy of BF assessment in these children.

Body mass index adjustments to increase the validity of body fatness assessment in UK Black African and South Asian children

PubMed Central

Hudda, M T; Nightingale, C M; Donin, A S; Fewtrell, M S; Haroun, D; Lum, S; Williams, J E; Owen, C G; Rudnicka, A R; Wells, J C K; Cook, D G; Whincup, P H

2017-01-01

Background/Objectives: Body mass index (BMI) (weight per height2) is the most widely used marker of childhood obesity and total body fatness (BF). However, its validity is limited, especially in children of South Asian and Black African origins. We aimed to quantify BMI adjustments needed for UK children of Black African and South Asian origins so that adjusted BMI related to BF in the same way as for White European children. Methods: We used data from four recent UK studies that made deuterium dilution BF measurements in UK children of White European, South Asian and Black African origins. A height-standardized fat mass index (FMI) was derived to represent BF. Linear regression models were then fitted, separately for boys and girls, to quantify ethnic differences in BMI–FMI relationships and to provide ethnic-specific BMI adjustments. Results: We restricted analyses to 4–12 year olds, to whom a single consistent FMI (fat mass per height5) could be applied. BMI consistently underestimated BF in South Asians, requiring positive BMI adjustments of +1.12 kg m−2 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83, 1.41 kg m−2; P<0.0001) for boys and +1.07 kg m−2 (95% CI: 0.74, 1.39 kg m−2; P<0.0001) for girls of all age groups and FMI levels. BMI overestimated BF in Black Africans, requiring negative BMI adjustments for Black African children. However, these were complex because there were statistically significant interactions between Black African ethnicity and FMI (P=0.004 boys; P=0.003 girls) and also between FMI and age group (P<0.0001 for boys and girls). BMI adjustments therefore varied by age group and FMI level (and indirectly BMI); the largest adjustments were in younger children with higher unadjusted BMI and the smallest in older children with lower unadjusted BMI. Conclusions: BMI underestimated BF in South Asians and overestimated BF in Black Africans. Ethnic-specific adjustments, increasing BMI in South Asians and reducing BMI in Black Africans, can improve the accuracy of BF assessment in these children. PMID:28325931

Micelle formation of nonionic surfactants in a room temperature ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate: surfactant chain length dependence of the critical micelle concentration.

PubMed

Inoue, Tohru; Yamakawa, Haruka

2011-04-15

Micellization behavior was investigated for polyoxyethylene-type nonionic surfactants with varying chain length (C(n)E(m)) in a room temperature ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (bmimBF(4)). Critical micelle concentration (cmc) was determined from the variation of (1)H NMR chemical shift with the surfactant concentration. The logarithmic value of cmc decreased linearly with the number of carbon atoms in the surfactant hydrocarbon chain, similarly to the case observed in aqueous surfactant solutions. However, the slope of the straight line is much smaller in bmimBF(4) than in aqueous solution. Thermodynamic parameters for micelle formation estimated from the temperature dependence of cmc showed that the micellization in bmimBF(4) is an entropy-driven process around room temperature. This behavior is also similar to the case in aqueous solution. However, the magnitude of the entropic contribution to the overall micellization free energy in bmimBF(4) is much smaller compared with that in aqueous solution. These results suggest that the micellization in bmimBF(4) proceeds through a mechanism similar to the hydrophobic interaction in aqueous surfactant solutions, although the solvophobic effect in bmimBF(4) is much weaker than the hydrophobic effect. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of Bauhinia forficata Tea on Oxidative Stress and Liver Damage in Diabetic Mice

PubMed Central

Salgueiro, Andréia Caroline Fernandes; da Silva, Marianne Pires; Mendez, Andreas Sebastian Loureiro; Zemolin, Ana Paula Pegoraro; Posser, Thaís; Puntel, Robson Luiz; Puntel, Gustavo Orione

2016-01-01

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Bauhinia forficata Link subsp. pruinosa (BF) tea on oxidative stress and liver damage in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Diabetic male mice have remained 30 days without any treatment. BF treatment started on day 31 and continued for 21 days as a drinking-water substitute. We evaluated (1) BF chemical composition; (2) glucose levels; (3) liver/body weight ratio and liver transaminases; (4) reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation in liver; (5) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in liver; (6) δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) and nonprotein thiols (NPSH) in liver; (7) Nrf2, NQO-1, and HSP70 levels in liver and pancreas. Phytochemical analyses identified four phenols compounds. Diabetic mice present high levels of NQO-1 in pancreas, increased levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation in liver, and decrease in CAT activity. BF treatment normalized all these parameters. BF did not normalize hyperglycemia, liver/body weight ratio, aspartate aminotransferase, protein carbonyl, NPSH levels, and δ-ALA-D activity. The raised oxidative stress seems to be a potential mechanism involved in liver damage in hyperglycemic conditions. Our results indicated that BF protective effect could be attributed to its antioxidant capacity, more than a hypoglycemic potential. PMID:26839634

Effects of Bauhinia forficata Tea on Oxidative Stress and Liver Damage in Diabetic Mice.

PubMed

Salgueiro, Andréia Caroline Fernandes; Folmer, Vanderlei; da Silva, Marianne Pires; Mendez, Andreas Sebastian Loureiro; Zemolin, Ana Paula Pegoraro; Posser, Thaís; Franco, Jeferson Luis; Puntel, Robson Luiz; Puntel, Gustavo Orione

2016-01-01

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Bauhinia forficata Link subsp. pruinosa (BF) tea on oxidative stress and liver damage in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Diabetic male mice have remained 30 days without any treatment. BF treatment started on day 31 and continued for 21 days as a drinking-water substitute. We evaluated (1) BF chemical composition; (2) glucose levels; (3) liver/body weight ratio and liver transaminases; (4) reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation in liver; (5) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in liver; (6) δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) and nonprotein thiols (NPSH) in liver; (7) Nrf2, NQO-1, and HSP70 levels in liver and pancreas. Phytochemical analyses identified four phenols compounds. Diabetic mice present high levels of NQO-1 in pancreas, increased levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation in liver, and decrease in CAT activity. BF treatment normalized all these parameters. BF did not normalize hyperglycemia, liver/body weight ratio, aspartate aminotransferase, protein carbonyl, NPSH levels, and δ-ALA-D activity. The raised oxidative stress seems to be a potential mechanism involved in liver damage in hyperglycemic conditions. Our results indicated that BF protective effect could be attributed to its antioxidant capacity, more than a hypoglycemic potential.

Counter anion effect on structural, opto-electronic and charge transport properties of fused π-conjugated imidazolium compound

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinodha, M.; Senthilkumar, K.

2018-05-01

The structure-activity relationship of fused π-conjugated imidazolium cation with three counter anion molecules, BF4-, CF3SO3- and (CF3SO2)2N-, was studied using electronic structure calculations. The structural, opto-electronic and charge transport properties of these complexes were studied. The charge transfer from π-conjugated imidazolium(I) to counter anion was confirmed in all the studied complexes. Interaction energy varies significantly depending on the counter anion and the stability was found higher for I-BF4 complex than both I-CF3SO3 and I-(CF3SO2)2N complexes. The strong (C-H)+...F- hydrogen bond of length 1.95 Å between fused π-conjugated imidazolium and BF-4 anion is the driving force for the strongest interaction energy in I-BF4 complex. The energy decomposition analysis confirms that the interaction between imidazolium and counter anion is mainly driven by electrostatic and orbital interaction. It has been observed that the absorption spectra of the complex are independent of anion nature but the influence of anion character is observed on frontier molecular orbital pattern. The charge transport property of I-BF4 complex was studied by using tight-binding Hamiltonian approach and found that the hole mobility in I-BF4 is 1.13 × 10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1.

Accuracy of body fat percent and adiposity indicators cut off values to detect metabolic risk factors in a sample of Mexican adults

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Although body fat percent (BF%) may be used for screening metabolic risk factors, its accuracy compared to BMI and waist circumference is unknown in a Mexican population. We compared the classification accuracy of BF%, BMI and WC for the detection of metabolic risk factors in a sample of Mexican adults; optimized cutoffs as well as sensitivity and specificity at commonly used BF% and BMI international cutoffs were estimated. We also estimated conditional BF% means at BMI international cutoffs. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data on body composition, anthropometry and metabolic risk factors(high glucose, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol and hypertension) from 5,100 Mexican men and women. The association between BMI, WC and BF%was evaluated with linear regression models. The BF%, BMI and WC optimal cutoffs for the detection of metabolic risk factors were selected at the point where sensitivity was closest to specificity. Areas under the ROC Curve (AUC) were compared among classifiers using a non-parametric method. Results After adjustment for WC, a 1% increase in BMI was associated with a BF% rise of 0.05 percentage points (p.p.) in men (P < 0.05) and 0.25 p.p. in women (P < 0.001). At BMI = 25.0 predicted BF% was 27.6 ± 0.16 (mean ± SE) in men and 41.2 ± 0.07 in women. Estimated BF% cutoffs for detection of metabolic risk factors were close to 30.0 in men and close to 44.0 in women. In men WC had higher AUC than BF% for the classification of all conditions whereas BMI had higher AUC than BF% for the classification of high triglycerides and hypertension. In womenBMI and WC had higher AUC than BF% for the classification of all metabolic risk factors. Conclusions BMI and WC were more accurate than BF% for classifying the studied metabolic disorders. International BF% cutoffs had very low specificity and thus produced a high rate of false positives in both sexes. PMID:24721260

Cholinergic Neurons Excite Cortically Projecting Basal Forebrain GABAergic Neurons

PubMed Central

Yang, Chun; McKenna, James T.; Zant, Janneke C.; Winston, Stuart; Basheer, Radhika

2014-01-01

The basal forebrain (BF) plays an important role in the control of cortical activation and attention. Understanding the modulation of BF neuronal activity is a prerequisite to treat disorders of cortical activation involving BF dysfunction, such as Alzheimer's disease. Here we reveal the interaction between cholinergic neurons and cortically projecting BF GABAergic neurons using immunohistochemistry and whole-cell recordings in vitro. In GAD67-GFP knock-in mice, BF cholinergic (choline acetyltransferase-positive) neurons were intermingled with GABAergic (GFP+) neurons. Immunohistochemistry for the vesicular acetylcholine transporter showed that cholinergic fibers apposed putative cortically projecting GABAergic neurons containing parvalbumin (PV). In coronal BF slices from GAD67-GFP knock-in or PV-tdTomato mice, pharmacological activation of cholinergic receptors with bath application of carbachol increased the firing rate of large (>20 μm diameter) BF GFP+ and PV (tdTomato+) neurons, which exhibited the intrinsic membrane properties of cortically projecting neurons. The excitatory effect of carbachol was blocked by antagonists of M1 and M3 muscarinic receptors in two subpopulations of BF GABAergic neurons [large hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) and small Ih, respectively]. Ion substitution experiments and reversal potential measurements suggested that the carbachol-induced inward current was mediated mainly by sodium-permeable cation channels. Carbachol also increased the frequency of spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory synaptic currents. Furthermore, optogenetic stimulation of cholinergic neurons/fibers caused a mecamylamine- and atropine-sensitive inward current in putative GABAergic neurons. Thus, cortically projecting, BF GABAergic/PV neurons are excited by neighboring BF and/or brainstem cholinergic neurons. Loss of cholinergic neurons in Alzheimer's disease may impair cortical activation, in part, through disfacilitation of BF cortically projecting GABAergic/PV neurons. PMID:24553925

Overview of HIV molecular epidemiology among people who inject drugs in Europe and Asia.

PubMed

Nikolopoulos, Georgios K; Kostaki, Evangelia-Georgia; Paraskevis, Dimitrios

2016-12-01

HIV strains continuously evolve, tend to recombine, and new circulating variants are being discovered. Novel strains complicate efforts to develop a vaccine against HIV and may exhibit higher transmission efficiency and virulence, and elevated resistance to antiretroviral agents. The United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) set an ambitious goal to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030 through comprehensive strategies that include epidemiological input as the first step of the process. In this context, molecular epidemiology becomes invaluable as it captures trends in HIV evolution rates that shape epidemiological pictures across several geographical areas. This review briefly summarizes the molecular epidemiology of HIV among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Europe and Asia. Following high transmission rates of subtype G and CRF14_BG among PWID in Portugal and Spain, two European countries, Greece and Romania, experienced recent HIV outbreaks in PWID that consisted of multiple transmission clusters including subtypes B, A, F1, and recombinants CRF14_BG and CRF35_AD. The latter was first identified in Afghanistan. Russia, Ukraine, and other Former Soviet Union (FSU) states are still facing the devastating effects of epidemics in PWID produced by A FSU (also known as IDU-A), B FSU (known as IDU-B), and CRF03_AB. In Asia, CRF01_AE and subtype B (Western B and Thai B) travelled from PWID in Thailand to neighboring countries. Recombination hotspots in South China, Northern Myanmar, and Malaysia have been generating several intersubtype and inter-CRF recombinants (e.g. CRF07_BC, CRF08_BC, CRF33_01B etc.), increasing the complexity of HIV molecular patterns. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Overview of HIV molecular epidemiology among People who Inject Drugs in Europe and Asia

PubMed Central

Nikolopoulos, Georgios K.; Kostaki, Evangelia-Georgia; Paraskevis, Dimitrios

2016-01-01

HIV strains continuously evolve, tend to recombine and new circulating variants are being discovered. Novel strains complicate efforts to develop a vaccine against HIV and may exhibit higher transmission efficiency and virulence, and elevated resistance to antiretroviral agents. The United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) set an ambitious goal to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030 through comprehensive strategies that include epidemiological input as the first step of the process. In this context, molecular epidemiology becomes invaluable as it captures trends in HIV evolution rates that shape epidemiological pictures across several geographical areas. This review briefly summarizes the molecular epidemiology of HIV among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Europe and Asia. Following high transmission rates of subtype G and CRF14_BG among PWID in Portugal and Spain, two European countries, Greece and Romania, experienced recent HIV outbreaks in PWID that consisted of multiple transmission clusters including subtypes B, A, F1 and recombinants CRF14_BG and CRF35_AD. The latter was first identified in Afghanistan. Russia, Ukraine and other Former Soviet Union (FSU) states are still facing the devastating effects of epidemics in PWID produced by AFSU (also known as IDU-A), BFSU (known as IDU-B), and CRF03_AB. In Asia, CRF01_AE and subtype B (Western B and Thai B) travelled from PWID in Thailand to neighboring countries. Recombination hotspots in South China, Northern Myanmar, and Malaysia have been generating several intersubtype and inter-CRF recombinants (e.g. CRF07_BC, CRF08_BC, CRF33_01B etc.) increasing the complexity of HIV molecular patterns. PMID:27287560

Butanolic fraction from Cuphea carthagenensis Jacq McBride relaxes rat thoracic aorta through endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent mechanisms.

PubMed

Schuldt, E Z; Ckless, K; Simas, M E; Farias, M R; Ribeiro-Do-Valle, R M

2000-02-01

This study evaluated the vasorelaxant properties of the crude hydroalcoholic extract (CE) of Cuphea carthagenensis, as well as its butanolic (BF) and ethyl acetate (EA) fractions, in rings of rat thoracic aorta. In endothelium-intact rings contracted with phenylephrine (30-100 nM), cumulative additions of increasing concentrations of CE, BF, and EA of C. carthagenensis (0.1 microg/ml-3 mg/ml) caused graded relaxations, with BF displaying the lowest median inhibitory concentration (IC5; mean, 6.8 microg/ml; 95% confidence limits, 3.3-14.2). BF-induced relaxations of endothelium-intact rings were virtually abolished by prior incubation with the NO-synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG; 10 or 30 microM), and were markedly reduced after guanylate cyclase inhibition with either methylene blue (10 microM) or ODQ (1 microM; 1H[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one). The inhibition of BF-induced relaxation by L-NOARG was prevented to a large extent by simultaneous incubation with L-arginine (1 mM). In endothelium-denuded rings contracted with phenylephrine, CE and BF caused graded relaxations only at doses >100 microg/ml, whereas the NO-donors SNAP (S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine) and SIN-1 (3-morpholino-sydnonimine) induced full relaxation at 1 microM. BF (100 microg/ml), which caused little relaxation per se of endothelium-denuded rings, potentiated the relaxant effects of SNAP and even more so of SIN-1 (which, unlike SNAP, also releases superoxide anion O2- in addition to NO), in a manner qualitatively similar to that seen with SOD (superoxide dismutase) against SIN-1. These data indicate that the BF of C. carthagenensis induces relaxation of the rat thoracic aorta by two mechanisms: (a) an endothelium-dependent component of action, which clearly depends on the NO/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway and can be attributed, at least in part, to free radical-scavenging properties; and (b) an endothelium-independent component of action, which becomes evident at higher doses (> or = 100 microg/ml) and remains to be further characterized. These results suggest that this native South American plant might be beneficial in cardiovascular disease.

The krebs cycle enzyme α-ketoglutarate decarboxylase is an essential glycosomal protein in bloodstream African trypanosomes.

PubMed

Sykes, Steven; Szempruch, Anthony; Hajduk, Stephen

2015-03-01

α-Ketoglutarate decarboxylase (α-KDE1) is a Krebs cycle enzyme found in the mitochondrion of the procyclic form (PF) of Trypanosoma brucei. The bloodstream form (BF) of T. brucei lacks a functional Krebs cycle and relies exclusively on glycolysis for ATP production. Despite the lack of a functional Krebs cycle, α-KDE1 was expressed in BF T. brucei and RNA interference knockdown of α-KDE1 mRNA resulted in rapid growth arrest and killing. Cell death was preceded by progressive swelling of the flagellar pocket as a consequence of recruitment of both flagellar and plasma membranes into the pocket. BF T. brucei expressing an epitope-tagged copy of α-KDE1 showed localization to glycosomes and not the mitochondrion. We used a cell line transfected with a reporter construct containing the N-terminal sequence of α-KDE1 fused to green fluorescent protein to examine the requirements for glycosome targeting. We found that the N-terminal 18 amino acids of α-KDE1 contain overlapping mitochondrion- and peroxisome-targeting sequences and are sufficient to direct localization to the glycosome in BF T. brucei. These results suggest that α-KDE1 has a novel moonlighting function outside the mitochondrion in BF T. brucei. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

High genetic variability of HIV-1 in female sex workers from Argentina.

PubMed

Pando, María A; Eyzaguirre, Lindsay M; Carrion, Gladys; Montano, Silvia M; Sanchez, José L; Carr, Jean K; Avila, María M

2007-08-13

A cross-sectional study on 625 Female Sex Workers (FSWs) was conducted between 2000 and 2002 in 6 cities in Argentina. This study describes the genetic diversity and the resistance profile of the HIV-infected subjects. Seventeen samples from HIV positive FSWs were genotyped by env HMA, showing the presence of 9 subtype F, 6 subtype B and 2 subtype C. Sequence analysis of the protease/RT region on 16 of these showed that 10 were BF recombinants, three were subtype B, two were subtype C, and one sample presented a dual infection with subtype B and a BF recombinant. Full-length genomes of five of the protease/RT BF recombinants were also sequenced, showing that three of them were CRF12_BF. One FSW had a dual HIV-1 infection with subtype B and a BF recombinant. The B sections of the BF recombinant clustered closely with the pure B sequence isolated from the same patient. Major resistance mutations to antiretroviral drugs were found in 3 of 16 (18.8%) strains. The genetic diversity of HIV strains among FSWs in Argentina was extensive; about three-quarters of the samples were infected with diverse BF recombinants, near twenty percent had primary ART resistance and one sample presented a dual infection. Heterosexual transmission of genetically diverse, drug resistant strains among FSWs and their clients represents an important and underestimated threat, in Argentina.

Electromyogram biofeedback training for daytime clenching and its effect on sleep bruxism.

PubMed

Sato, M; Iizuka, T; Watanabe, A; Iwase, N; Otsuka, H; Terada, N; Fujisawa, M

2015-02-01

Bruxism contributes to the development of temporomandibular disorders as well as causes dental problems. Although it is an important issue in clinical dentistry, no treatment approaches have been proven effective. This study aimed to use electromyogram (EMG) biofeedback (BF) training to improve awake bruxism (AB) and examine its effect on sleep bruxism (SB). Twelve male participants (mean age, 26·8 ± 2·5 years) with subjective symptoms of AB or a diagnosis of SB were randomly divided into BF (n = 7) and control (CO, n = 5) groups to undergo 5-h daytime and night-time EMG measurements for three consecutive weeks. EMG electrodes were placed over the temporalis muscle on the habitual masticatory side. Those in the BF group underwent BF training to remind them of the occurrence of undesirable clenching activity when excessive EMG activity of certain burst duration was generated in week 2. Then, EMGs were recorded at week 3 as the post-BF test. Those in the CO group underwent EMG measurement without any EMG BF training throughout the study period. Although the number of tonic EMG events did not show statistically significant differences among weeks 1-3 in the CO group, events in weeks 2 and 3 decreased significantly compared with those in week 1, both daytime and night-time, in the BF group (P < 0·05, Scheffé's test). This study results suggest that EMG BF to improve AB tonic EMG events can also provide an effective approach to regulate SB tonic EMG events. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTA-Br) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (bmim-BF4) in aqueous solution: An ephemeral binary system.

PubMed

Comelles, Francesc; Ribosa, Isabel; Gonzalez, Juan José; Garcia, M Teresa

2017-03-15

Mixtures of the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTA-Br) and the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (bmim-BF 4 ) in aqueous solutions are expected to behave as typical binary cationic surfactant system taking into account the surface activity displayed by the ionic liquid, instead of considering the IL as a water cosolvent. Surface tension and conductivity measurements have been conducted as a function of the total concentration of the mixtures at different surfactant mole fraction (α CTA-Br ) to investigate the surface active properties. Turbidity immediately appearing when the compounds are mixed in water suggests the spontaneous formation of the low soluble compound hexadecyltrimethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (CTA-BF 4 ), together with the salt formed by the respective counterions bmim + and Br - in solution. For α CTA-Br ≠0.5, furthermore of the mentioned compounds, the spare bmim-BF 4 (for α CTA-Br <0.5) or CTA-Br (for α CTA-Br >0.5), are also present in the aqueous solution. Systems containing excess of bmim-BF 4 show a low critical aggregate concentration (cac), but an unexpected high surface tension at cac (γ cac ≈53-56mN/m), as pure CTA-BF 4 . For systems containing excess of CTA-Br, cac increases but γ cac decreases up to 36mN/m. Mixtures of pure CTA-BF 4 and bmim-BF 4 or CTA-Br behave as typical binary surfactant systems. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Novel flowcytometry-based approach of malignant cell detection in body fluids using an automated hematology analyzer

PubMed Central

Tabe, Yoko; Takemura, Hiroyuki; Kimura, Konobu; Takahashi, Toshihiro; Yang, Haeun; Tsuchiya, Koji; Konishi, Aya; Uchihashi, Kinya; Horii, Takashi; Ohsaka, Akimichi

2018-01-01

Morphological microscopic examinations of nucleated cells in body fluid (BF) samples are performed to screen malignancy. However, the morphological differentiation is time-consuming and labor-intensive. This study aimed to develop a new flowcytometry-based gating analysis mode “XN-BF gating algorithm” to detect malignant cells using an automated hematology analyzer, Sysmex XN-1000. XN-BF mode was equipped with WDF white blood cell (WBC) differential channel. We added two algorithms to the WDF channel: Rule 1 detects larger and clumped cell signals compared to the leukocytes, targeting the clustered malignant cells; Rule 2 detects middle sized mononuclear cells containing less granules than neutrophils with similar fluorescence signal to monocytes, targeting hematological malignant cells and solid tumor cells. BF samples that meet, at least, one rule were detected as malignant. To evaluate this novel gating algorithm, 92 various BF samples were collected. Manual microscopic differentiation with the May-Grunwald Giemsa stain and WBC count with hemocytometer were also performed. The performance of these three methods were evaluated by comparing with the cytological diagnosis. The XN-BF gating algorithm achieved sensitivity of 63.0% and specificity of 87.8% with 68.0% for positive predictive value and 85.1% for negative predictive value in detecting malignant-cell positive samples. Manual microscopic WBC differentiation and WBC count demonstrated 70.4% and 66.7% of sensitivities, and 96.9% and 92.3% of specificities, respectively. The XN-BF gating algorithm can be a feasible tool in hematology laboratories for prompt screening of malignant cells in various BF samples. PMID:29425230

Novel flowcytometry-based approach of malignant cell detection in body fluids using an automated hematology analyzer.

PubMed

Ai, Tomohiko; Tabe, Yoko; Takemura, Hiroyuki; Kimura, Konobu; Takahashi, Toshihiro; Yang, Haeun; Tsuchiya, Koji; Konishi, Aya; Uchihashi, Kinya; Horii, Takashi; Ohsaka, Akimichi

2018-01-01

Morphological microscopic examinations of nucleated cells in body fluid (BF) samples are performed to screen malignancy. However, the morphological differentiation is time-consuming and labor-intensive. This study aimed to develop a new flowcytometry-based gating analysis mode "XN-BF gating algorithm" to detect malignant cells using an automated hematology analyzer, Sysmex XN-1000. XN-BF mode was equipped with WDF white blood cell (WBC) differential channel. We added two algorithms to the WDF channel: Rule 1 detects larger and clumped cell signals compared to the leukocytes, targeting the clustered malignant cells; Rule 2 detects middle sized mononuclear cells containing less granules than neutrophils with similar fluorescence signal to monocytes, targeting hematological malignant cells and solid tumor cells. BF samples that meet, at least, one rule were detected as malignant. To evaluate this novel gating algorithm, 92 various BF samples were collected. Manual microscopic differentiation with the May-Grunwald Giemsa stain and WBC count with hemocytometer were also performed. The performance of these three methods were evaluated by comparing with the cytological diagnosis. The XN-BF gating algorithm achieved sensitivity of 63.0% and specificity of 87.8% with 68.0% for positive predictive value and 85.1% for negative predictive value in detecting malignant-cell positive samples. Manual microscopic WBC differentiation and WBC count demonstrated 70.4% and 66.7% of sensitivities, and 96.9% and 92.3% of specificities, respectively. The XN-BF gating algorithm can be a feasible tool in hematology laboratories for prompt screening of malignant cells in various BF samples.

Cooked yields, color, tenderness, and sensory traits of beef roasts cooked in an oven with steam generation versus a commercial convection oven to different endpoint temperatures.

PubMed

Bowers, L J; Dikeman, M E; Murray, L; Stroda, S L

2012-10-01

A CVap steam generation oven was compared with a Blodgett convection oven to examine effects on yields, cooked color, tenderness, and sensory traits of beef Longissimus lumborum (LL), Deep pectoralis (DP), and Biceps femoris (BF) muscles cooked to 1 of 3 temperatures (65.6, 71.1, or 76.7°C). Four roasts were cooked in the CVap for a constant time, and 2 roasts were cooked in the Blodgett until they reached target temperatures (3 replications). Cooking yields were higher (P<0.05) for BF and LL roasts in the CVap. Slice shear force (SSF) for BF roasts was lowest (P<0.05) in the CVap but lowest (P<0.05) for DP roasts in the Blodgett. No oven effect (P>0.05) was found for LL roasts. Sensory tenderness for BF roasts in the CVap was higher (P<0.05) than those in the Blodgett. Juiciness was higher (P<0.05) for LL roasts in the Blodgett. The CVap oven offers some tenderization (BF) and cooking yield advantages (BF and DP) over forced-air convection cooking. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Role of Complement in Cnidarian-Dinoflagellate Symbiosis and Immune Challenge in the Sea Anemone Aiptasia pallida

PubMed Central

Poole, Angela Z.; Kitchen, Sheila A.; Weis, Virginia M.

2016-01-01

The complement system is an innate immune pathway that in vertebrates, is responsible for initial recognition and ultimately phagocytosis and destruction of microbes. Several complement molecules including C3, Factor B, and mannose binding lectin associated serine proteases (MASP) have been characterized in invertebrates and while most studies have focused on their conserved role in defense against pathogens, little is known about their role in managing beneficial microbes. The purpose of this study was to (1) characterize complement pathway genes in the symbiotic sea anemone Aiptasia pallida, (2) investigate the evolution of complement genes in invertebrates, and (3) examine the potential dual role of complement genes Factor B and MASP in the onset and maintenance of cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis and immune challenge using qPCR based studies. The results demonstrate that A. pallida has multiple Factor B genes (Ap_Bf-1, Ap_Bf-2a, and Ap_Bf-2b) and one MASP gene (Ap_MASP). Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the evolutionary history of complement genes is complex, and there have been many gene duplications or gene loss events, even within members of the same phylum. Gene expression analyses revealed a potential role for complement in both onset and maintenance of cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis and immune challenge. Specifically, Ap_Bf-1 and Ap_MASP are significantly upregulated in the light at the onset of symbiosis and in response to challenge with the pathogen Serratia marcescens suggesting that they play a role in the initial recognition of both beneficial and harmful microbes. Ap_Bf-2b in contrast, was generally downregulated during the onset and maintenance of symbiosis and in response to challenge with S. marcescens. Therefore, the exact role of Ap_Bf-2b in response to microbes remains unclear, but the results suggest that the presence of microbes leads to repressed expression. Together, these results indicate functional divergence between Ap_Bf-1 and Ap_Bf-2b, and that Ap_Bf-1 and Ap_MASP may be functioning together in an ancestral hybrid of the lectin and alternative complement pathways. Overall, this study provides information on the role of the complement system in a basal metazoan and its role in host-microbe interactions. PMID:27148208

The Role of Complement in Cnidarian-Dinoflagellate Symbiosis and Immune Challenge in the Sea Anemone Aiptasia pallida.

PubMed

Poole, Angela Z; Kitchen, Sheila A; Weis, Virginia M

2016-01-01

The complement system is an innate immune pathway that in vertebrates, is responsible for initial recognition and ultimately phagocytosis and destruction of microbes. Several complement molecules including C3, Factor B, and mannose binding lectin associated serine proteases (MASP) have been characterized in invertebrates and while most studies have focused on their conserved role in defense against pathogens, little is known about their role in managing beneficial microbes. The purpose of this study was to (1) characterize complement pathway genes in the symbiotic sea anemone Aiptasia pallida, (2) investigate the evolution of complement genes in invertebrates, and (3) examine the potential dual role of complement genes Factor B and MASP in the onset and maintenance of cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis and immune challenge using qPCR based studies. The results demonstrate that A. pallida has multiple Factor B genes (Ap_Bf-1, Ap_Bf-2a, and Ap_Bf-2b) and one MASP gene (Ap_MASP). Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the evolutionary history of complement genes is complex, and there have been many gene duplications or gene loss events, even within members of the same phylum. Gene expression analyses revealed a potential role for complement in both onset and maintenance of cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis and immune challenge. Specifically, Ap_Bf-1 and Ap_MASP are significantly upregulated in the light at the onset of symbiosis and in response to challenge with the pathogen Serratia marcescens suggesting that they play a role in the initial recognition of both beneficial and harmful microbes. Ap_Bf-2b in contrast, was generally downregulated during the onset and maintenance of symbiosis and in response to challenge with S. marcescens. Therefore, the exact role of Ap_Bf-2b in response to microbes remains unclear, but the results suggest that the presence of microbes leads to repressed expression. Together, these results indicate functional divergence between Ap_Bf-1 and Ap_Bf-2b, and that Ap_Bf-1 and Ap_MASP may be functioning together in an ancestral hybrid of the lectin and alternative complement pathways. Overall, this study provides information on the role of the complement system in a basal metazoan and its role in host-microbe interactions.

Low-T magnetometry study of S = 1 Q2D [Ni(pyz) 2(H 2O) 2](BF 4) 2 (pyz = pyrazine)

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

Manson, J. L.; Villa, D. Y.; Blackmore, W. J. A.

2017-02-13

[Ni(pyz) 2(H 2O) 2](BF 4) 2 (pyz = N 2C 4H 4) was synthesized by a solvent-free technique and its structure solved by synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction.1 The compound contains S = 1 Ni(II) ions and has tetragonal symmetry. Two-D [Ni(pyz) 2(H 2O) 2] 2+ square lattices propagate in the ab-plane and stack along the c-axis (Fig. 1). Water ligands occupy axial sites and form H-bonds with interlayer BF 4 - ions. SQUID magnetometry shows a possible transition to long-range magnetic order near 3 K. We measured the magnetization of [Ni(pyz) 2(H 2O) 2](BF 4) 2 as a function ofmore » temperature to search for field-induced phase transitions and briefly report those findings here.« less

Body mass index and waist circumference are better predictors of insulin resistance than total body fat percentage in middle-aged and elderly Taiwanese.

PubMed

Cheng, Yiu-Hua; Tsao, Yu-Chung; Tzeng, I-Shiang; Chuang, Hai-Hua; Li, Wen-Cheng; Tung, Tao-Hsin; Chen, Jau-Yuan

2017-09-01

The incidence of diabetes mellitus is rising worldwide, and prediabetic screening for insulin resistance (IR) has become ever more essential. This study aimed to investigate whether body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), or body fat percentage (BF%) could be a better predictor of IR in a middle-aged and elderly population. In this cross-sectional, community-based study, 394 individuals (97 with IR and 297 without IR) were enrolled in the analysis. IR was measured by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), and subjects with HOMA-IR value ≧75th percentile were defined as being IR. Associations between IR and BMI, WC and BF% were evaluated by t test, chi square, Pearson correlation, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A total of 394 community-dwelling, middle-aged, and elderly persons were enrolled; 138 (35%) were male, and 256 were female (65%). The mean age was 64.41 ± 8.46 years. A significant association was identified between BMI, WC, BF%, and IR, with Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.437 (P < .001), 0.412 (P < .001), and 0.361 (P < .001), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression revealed BMI (OR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.20-1.42), WC (OR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.08-1.17), and BF% (OR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.11-1.23) to be independent predictors of IR. The area under curves of BMI and WC, 0.749 and 0.745 respectively, are greater than that of BF% 0.687. BMI and WC were more strongly associated with IR than was BF%. Excess body weight and body fat distribution were more important than total body fat in predicting IR.

[Breastfeeding prevalence during the first year of life in Aragon. CALINA study].

PubMed

Cuadrón Andrés, L; Samper Villagrasa, M P; Álvarez Sauras, M L; Lasarte Velillas, J J; Rodríguez Martínez, G

2013-11-01

To study the current prevalence of breastfeeding (BF) in Aragon (Spain) during the first 12 months of life, and analyse its demographic, perinatal and social influential factors. Obstetric, perinatal and feeding aspects were evaluated in a longitudinal and observational study, in a representative cohort of infant population from Aragon born between March 2009 to March 2010, controlled until 12 months of age (N=1.602). Exclusive or predominant BF was more frequent than the rest of feeding modalities during the first 4 months of life. Maintenance prevalence of any BF modality was 82.5% at 1(st) month of age, 71.8% at 3(rd), 54.3% at 6(th), and 27.8% at 12 months of age. Maternal variables that were significantly associated with BF maintenance both at 1 and 6 months of age were: delivery modality (higher probability in case of vaginal delivery), academic level (higher probability if university studies), origin (higher probability in mothers from Africa), adiposity (higher probability of normal weight or overweight mothers compared with obese ones), and not to smoke during gestation. BF prevalence in Aragon (Spain) during the first 12 months of age is high and has increased compared with previous data. BF continues in more than half of infants at six months and in a quarter of infants at 12 months of age. Maternal factors that significantly influence BF initiation and maintenance are, delivery modality, academic level, origin (immigration), adiposity and smoking habit. Copyright © 2013 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of BF3 adsorption on positively and negatively poled LiNbO3 (0001)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herdiech, M. W.; Mönig, H.; Altman, E. I.

2014-08-01

Adsorption of the strong Lewis acid BF3 was investigated to probe the sensitivity of the Lewis basicity of surface oxygens on LiNbO3 (0001) to the ferroelectric polarization direction. Adsorption and desorption were characterized by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to monitor the intensity and binding energy of the F 1s core level as a function of BF3 exposure and temperature. The results indicate that both BF3 uptake and desorption are very similar on the positively and negatively poled surfaces. In particular, BF3 only weakly adsorbs with the majority of the adsorbed BF3 desorbing below 200 K. Despite the similarities in the uptake and desorption behavior, the binding energy of the F 1s peak relative to the substrate Nb 3d5/2 peak was sensitive to the polarization direction, with the F 1s peak occurring at a binding energy up to 0.3 eV lower on positively poled than negatively poled LiNbO3 for equivalent BF3 exposures. Rather than reflecting a difference in bonding to the surface, however, this shift could be associated with oppositely oriented dipoles at the positively and negatively poled surfaces creating opposite band offsets between the adsorbate and the substrate. A similar effect was observed with lead zirconate titanate thin films where the Pb 4f XPS peak position changes as a function of temperature as a result of the pyroelectric effect which changes the magnitude of the surface and interface dipoles.

BF 3-promoted electrochemical properties of quinoxaline in propylene carbonate

DOE PAGES

Carino, Emily V.; Diesendruck, Charles E.; Moore, Jeffrey S.; ...

2015-02-04

Electrochemical and density functional studies demonstrate that coordination of electrolyte constituents to quinoxalines modulates their electrochemical properties. Quinoxalines are shown to be electrochemically inactive in most electrolytes in propylene carbonate, yet the predicted reduction potential is shown to match computational estimates in acetonitrile. We find that in the presence of LiBF 4 and trace water, an adduct is formed between quinoxaline and the Lewis acid BF3, which then displays electrochemical activity at 1–1.5 V higher than prior observations of quinoxaline electrochemistry in non-aqueous media. Direct synthesis and testing of a bis-BF 3 quinoxaline complex further validates the assignment of themore » electrochemically active species, presenting up to a ~26-fold improvement in charging capacity, demonstrating the advantages of this adduct over unmodified quinoxaline in LiBF 4-based electrolyte. The use of Lewis acids to effectively “turn on” the electrochemical activity of organic molecules may lead to the development of new active material classes for energy storage applications.« less

Effects of adding LiBF4 on the glass-transition kinetics of 1,2-propanediol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terashima, Yukio; Takeda, Kiyoshi

2017-11-01

By applying an isoconversional method to differential-scanning calorimetry (DSC) data, we have discovered that the addition of LiBF4 significantly affects the activation energy Eα of the glass transition of 1,2-propanediol. Depending upon its concentration, the dynamics of the glass transition are affected more by adding LiBF4 at an early stage of the glass-to-liquid transition rather than at later stages. As the mole fraction x of LiBF4 increases, the value of Eα initially increases, but it decreases dramatically during the glass transition. The abrupt decline in Eα suggests that the addition of LiBF4 breaks cooperative rearranging motions into smaller parts. The expansion of cooperativity, and its fragmentation with increasing temperature, can be explained in terms of competition between the hydrogen-bond networks of the alcohol solvent and the ionic interactions due to the added salt. The variability of Eα with temperature is found to correlate exponentially with the dynamic fragility.

Isolation and characterization of α-elapitoxin-Bf1b, a postsynaptic neurotoxin from Malaysian Bungarus fasciatus venom.

PubMed

Rusmili, Muhamad Rusdi Ahmad; Tee, Ting Yee; Mustafa, Mohd Rais; Othman, Iekhsan; Hodgson, Wayne C

2014-03-15

Bungarus fasciatus is one of three species of krait found in Malaysia. Envenoming by B. fasciatus results in neurotoxicity due to the presence of presynaptic and postsynaptic neurotoxins. Antivenom, either monovalent or polyvalent, is the treatment of choice in systemically envenomed patients. In this study, we have isolated a postsynaptic neurotoxin which we named α-elapitoxin-Bf1b. This toxin has an approximate molecular weight of 6.9 kDa, with LCMS/MS data showing that it is highly homologous with Neurotoxin 3FTx-RI, a toxin identified in the Bungarus fasciatus venom gland transcriptome. α-Elapitoxin-Bf1b also shared similarity with short-chain neurotoxins from Laticauda colubrina and Pseudechis australis. α-Elapitoxin-Bf1b produced concentration- and time-dependent neurotoxicity in the indirectly-stimulated chick biventer cervicis muscle preparation, an effect partially reversible by repetitive washing of the preparation. The pA2 value for α-elapitoxin-Bf1b of 9.17 ± 0.64, determined by examining the effects of the toxin on cumulative carbacol concentration-response curves, indicated that the toxin is more potent than tubocurarine and α-bungarotoxin. Pre-incubation of Bungarus fasciatus monovalent and neuro polyvalent antivenom failed to prevent the neurotoxic effects of α-elapitoxin-Bf1b in the chick biventer cervicis muscle preparation. In conclusion, the isolation of a postsynaptic neurotoxin that cannot be neutralized by either monovalent and polyvalent antivenoms may indicate the presence of isoforms of postsynaptic neurotoxins in Malaysian B. fasciatus venom. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Publications - GMC 164 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

Science.gov Websites

Staines St. 10-09-23, Nora Fed #1, Sag Delta 33-12-16, Sag Delta #1, Kavik #1, BF-47 #1, OCS Y-0804-1 , Nora Fed #1, Sag Delta 33-12-16, Sag Delta #1, Kavik #1, BF-47 #1, OCS Y-0804-1 (Orion #1), OCS Y-0334

Risk Factors for Early and Late Transmission of HIV via Breast-Feeding among Infants Born to HIV-Infected Women in a Randomized Clinical Trial in Botswana

PubMed Central

Shapiro, Roger L.; Smeaton, Laura; Lockman, Shahin; Thior, lbou; Rossenkhan, Raabya; Wester, Carolyn; Stevens, Lisa; Moffat, Claire; Arimi, Peter; Ndase, Patrick; Asmelash, Aida; Leidner, Jean; Novitsky, Vladimir; Makhema, Joseph; Essex, Max

2009-01-01

Risk factors for mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) via breast-feeding were evaluated in a randomized trial. HIV-infected women and their infants received zidovudine as well as single-dose nevirapine or placebo. Infants were randomized to formula-feed (FF) or breast-feed (BF) in combination with zidovudine prophylaxis. Of 1116 at-risk infants, 6 (1.1%) in the FF group and 7 (1.3%) in the BF group were infected between birth and 1 month)P = .99). Maternal receipt of nevirapine did not predict early MTCT in the BF group (P = .45). Of 547 infants in the BF group at risk for late MTCT, 24 (4.4%) were infected. Maternal HIV-1 RNA levels in plasma (P<.001) and breast milk (P<.001) predicted late MTCT. These findings support the safety of 1 month of breast-feeding in combination with maternal and infant antiretroviral prophylaxis. PMID:19090775

Aquaporin 0 Modulates Lens Gap Junctions in the Presence of Lens-Specific Beaded Filament Proteins

PubMed Central

Kumari, Sindhu; Gao, Junyuan; Mathias, Richard T.; Sun, Xiurong; Eswaramoorthy, Amizhdini; Browne, Nicholas; Zhang, Nigel

2017-01-01

Purpose The objective of this study was to understand the molecular and physiologic mechanisms behind the lens cataract differences in Aquaporin 0-knockout-Heterozygous (AQP0-Htz) mice developed in C57 and FVB (lacks beaded filaments [BFs]) strains. Methods Lens transparency was studied using dark field light microscopy. Water permeability (Pf) was measured in fiber cell membrane vesicles. Western blotting/immunostaining was performed to verify expression of BF proteins and connexins. Microelectrode-based intact lens intracellular impedance was measured to determine gap junction (GJ) coupling resistance. Lens intracellular hydrostatic pressure (HP) was determined using a microelectrode/manometer system. Results Lens opacity and spherical aberration were more distinct in AQP0-Htz lenses from FVB than C57 strains. In either background, compared to wild type (WT), AQP0-Htz lenses showed decreased Pf (approximately 50%), which was restored by transgenic expression of AQP1 (TgAQP1/AQP0-Htz), but the opacities and differences between FVB and C57 persisted. Western blotting revealed no change in connexin expression levels. However, in C57 AQP0-Htz and TgAQP1/AQP0-Htz lenses, GJ coupling resistance decreased approximately 2.8-fold and the HP gradient decreased approximately 1.9-fold. Increased Pf in TgAQP1/AQP0-Htz did not alter GJ coupling resistance or HP. Conclusions In C57 AQP0-Htz lenses, GJ coupling resistance decreased. HP reduction was smaller than the coupling resistance reduction, a reflection of an increase in fluid circulation, which is one reason for the less severe cataract in C57 than FVB. Overall, our results suggest that AQP0 modulates GJs in the presence of BF proteins to maintain lens transparency and homeostasis. PMID:29196765

Aquaporin 0 Modulates Lens Gap Junctions in the Presence of Lens-Specific Beaded Filament Proteins.

PubMed

Kumari, Sindhu; Gao, Junyuan; Mathias, Richard T; Sun, Xiurong; Eswaramoorthy, Amizhdini; Browne, Nicholas; Zhang, Nigel; Varadaraj, Kulandaiappan

2017-12-01

The objective of this study was to understand the molecular and physiologic mechanisms behind the lens cataract differences in Aquaporin 0-knockout-Heterozygous (AQP0-Htz) mice developed in C57 and FVB (lacks beaded filaments [BFs]) strains. Lens transparency was studied using dark field light microscopy. Water permeability (Pf) was measured in fiber cell membrane vesicles. Western blotting/immunostaining was performed to verify expression of BF proteins and connexins. Microelectrode-based intact lens intracellular impedance was measured to determine gap junction (GJ) coupling resistance. Lens intracellular hydrostatic pressure (HP) was determined using a microelectrode/manometer system. Lens opacity and spherical aberration were more distinct in AQP0-Htz lenses from FVB than C57 strains. In either background, compared to wild type (WT), AQP0-Htz lenses showed decreased Pf (approximately 50%), which was restored by transgenic expression of AQP1 (TgAQP1/AQP0-Htz), but the opacities and differences between FVB and C57 persisted. Western blotting revealed no change in connexin expression levels. However, in C57 AQP0-Htz and TgAQP1/AQP0-Htz lenses, GJ coupling resistance decreased approximately 2.8-fold and the HP gradient decreased approximately 1.9-fold. Increased Pf in TgAQP1/AQP0-Htz did not alter GJ coupling resistance or HP. In C57 AQP0-Htz lenses, GJ coupling resistance decreased. HP reduction was smaller than the coupling resistance reduction, a reflection of an increase in fluid circulation, which is one reason for the less severe cataract in C57 than FVB. Overall, our results suggest that AQP0 modulates GJs in the presence of BF proteins to maintain lens transparency and homeostasis.

Severe hypotension during the decreasing phase of Gz stress in anesthetized rats wearing an anti-G suit.

PubMed

Maruyama, Satoshi; Kemuriyama, Takehito; Manabe, Tomoko; Takahata, Tomofumi; Shoji, Ichiro; Nishida, Yasuhiro

2011-11-01

Physiological responses to +Gz stress have been reported in several studies. However, no reports exist on differences in arterial pressure responses between increasing and decreasing G phases. We hypothesized that +Gz stress and/or an anti-G support might disturb the circulation system and cause potential brain hypoperfusion, even if the anti-G support protects against G-induced loss of consciousness. Dependency of +Gz magnitude, hemodynamic changes, renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), and aortic blood flow (AoBF) were estimated in anesthetized rats to analyze the effects of +Gz stress and/or an anti-G support on arterial pressure at a level of the brain (APLB). The rats were exposed to +Gz using a centrifuge for small animals while wearing an anti-G suit. APLB remained at the control level while the anti-G suit was inflated. However, a decrease in APLB was observed twice during increasing and decreasing G phases using the anti-G suit. Hypotension in the decreasing C phase at +5 Gz was significantly deeper than that in the increasing G phase (47.5 +/- 7.7 vs. 29.6 +/- 3.0 mmHg). RSNA responses to Gz loads were greater in the decreasing G than in the increasing G phase (129.7 +/- 8.6 vs. 147.3 +/- 10.4%). Both AoBF and calculated vascular resistance were suppressed more significantly in the decreasing G than in the increasing G phase (38.3 +/- 4.4 vs. 34.4 +/- 3.4 ml x min(-1), 1.44 +/- 0.22 vs. 1.09 +/- 0.14 mmHg x min(-1) x ml(-1)). We conclude that transient excessive decreasing G hypotension may occur during the decreasing G phase, which may be due to anti-G suit functioning.

Different effects of propofol and isoflurane on cochlear blood flow and hearing function in Guinea pigs.

PubMed

Xiao, Ying; Wen, Jian; Bai, Yanxia; Duan, Na; Jing, G X

2014-01-01

To investigate the effects of isoflurane and propofol on mean arterial pressure (MAP), cochlear blood flow (CoBF), distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), and the ultrastructure of outer hair cells (OHCs) in guinea pig cochleae. Forty-eight male guinea pigs were randomly assigned to one of six treatment groups. Groups 1 to 3 were infused (i.v.) with a loading dose of propofol (5 mg/kg) for 5 min and three maintenance doses (10, 20, or 40 mg kg-1·h-1, respectively) for 115 min. Groups 4 to 6 were inhaled with isoflurane at concentrations of 1.15 vol%, 2.30 vol% or 3.45 vol% respectively for 120 min. CoBF and MAP were recorded prior to and at 5 min intervals during drug administration. DPOAE was measured before, immediately after, and 1 h after administration. Following the final DPOAE test, cochleae were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Propofol treatment reduced MAP in a dose-dependent manner. CoBF and DPOAE showed increases at propofol maintenance doses of 10 and 20 mg kg-1·h-1. Inhalation of isoflurane at concentrations of 2.30 vol% and 3.45 vol% reduced MAP and CoBF. DPOAE amplitude increased following inhalation of 1.15 vol% isoflurane, but decreased following inhalations of 2.30 vol% and 3.45 vol%. Cochlear structure was changed following inhalation of either 2.30 vol% or 3.45 vol% isoflurane. Propofol could decrease MAP and increase both CoBF and DPOAE without affecting OHC structure. Inhalation of isoflurane at concentrations >2.30 vol% decreased CoBF and DPOAE, and produced injury to OHCs.

Comparison of Body Composition Assessed by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry and BMI in Current and Former U.S. Navy Service Members

PubMed Central

Gasier, Heath G.; Hughes, Linda M.; Young, Colin R.; Richardson, Annely M.

2015-01-01

Background Little is known of the diagnostic accuracy of BMI in classifying obesity in active duty military personnel and those that previously served. Thus, the primary objectives were to determine the relationship between lean and fat mass, and body fat percentage (BF%) with BMI, and assess the agreement between BMI and BF% in defining obesity. Methods Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 462 males (20–91 years old) who currently or previously served in the U.S. Navy. A BMI of ≥ 30 kg/m2 and a BF% ≥ 25% were used for obesity classification. Results The mean BMI (± SD) and BF% were 28.8 ± 4.1 and 28.9 ± 6.6%, respectively, with BF% increasing with age. Lean mass, fat mass, and BF% were significantly correlated with BMI for all age groups. The exact agreement of obesity defined by BMI and BF% was fair (61%), however, 38% were misclassified by a BMI cut-off of 30 when obesity was defined by BF%. Conclusions From this data we determined that there is a good correlation between body composition and BMI, and fair agreement between BMI and BF% in classifying obesity in a group of current and former U.S. Navy service members. However, as observed in the general population, a significant proportion of individuals with excess fat are misclassified by BMI cutoffs. PMID:26197480

Comparison of Body Composition Assessed by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry and BMI in Current and Former U.S. Navy Service Members.

PubMed

Gasier, Heath G; Hughes, Linda M; Young, Colin R; Richardson, Annely M

2015-01-01

Little is known of the diagnostic accuracy of BMI in classifying obesity in active duty military personnel and those that previously served. Thus, the primary objectives were to determine the relationship between lean and fat mass, and body fat percentage (BF%) with BMI, and assess the agreement between BMI and BF% in defining obesity. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 462 males (20-91 years old) who currently or previously served in the U.S. Navy. A BMI of ≥ 30 kg/m2 and a BF% ≥ 25% were used for obesity classification. The mean BMI (± SD) and BF% were 28.8 ± 4.1 and 28.9 ± 6.6%, respectively, with BF% increasing with age. Lean mass, fat mass, and BF% were significantly correlated with BMI for all age groups. The exact agreement of obesity defined by BMI and BF% was fair (61%), however, 38% were misclassified by a BMI cut-off of 30 when obesity was defined by BF%. From this data we determined that there is a good correlation between body composition and BMI, and fair agreement between BMI and BF% in classifying obesity in a group of current and former U.S. Navy service members. However, as observed in the general population, a significant proportion of individuals with excess fat are misclassified by BMI cutoffs.

Randomized comparison of ultra-brief bifrontal and unilateral electroconvulsive therapy for major depression: cognitive side-effects.

PubMed

Sienaert, P; Vansteelandt, K; Demyttenaere, K; Peuskens, J

2010-04-01

The cognitive side-effects of bifrontal (BF) and right unilateral (UL) ultra-brief pulse (0.3 ms) electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) were compared, in the treatment of patients with a depressive episode. Neuropsychological functioning in patients with a medication refractory depressive episode, that were treated with a course of BF ultra-brief ECT at 1.5 times seizure threshold (ST) or UL ultra-brief ECT at 6 times ST, by random assignment, was assessed before treatment, and 1 and 6 weeks after the treatment course, by a blinded rater. Of the 64 patients that were included, 32 (50%) received BF ECT, and 32 (50%) received UL ECT, by random assignment. Neuropsychological testing 1 and 6 weeks after treatment was performed by 30 (93.75%) and 19 (59.37%) patients, respectively, in the BF-group and 29 (90.62%) and 20 (62.50%), respectively, in the UL-group. There was no deterioration in any of the neuropsychological measures. Patients rated their memory as clearly improved after treatment. There were no significant differences between the patients given BF ECT and those given UL ECT. Ultrabrief pulse ECT, used either in combination with a UL electrode position and a stimulus of 6 times ST, or a BF electrode position with a stimulus of 1.5 times ST, are effective antidepressant techniques, that do not have a deleterious effect on cognitive function. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Breastfeeding indicators trends in Brazil for three decades

PubMed Central

Boccolini, Cristiano Siqueira; Boccolini, Patricia de Moraes Mello; Monteiro, Fernanda Ramos; Venâncio, Sonia Isoyama; Giugliani, Elsa Regina Justo

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Update breastfeeding indicators trend in Brazil for the last three decades, incorporating more up-to-date information from the National Health Survey. METHODS We used secondary data from national surveys with information on breastfeeding (1986, 1996, 2006, and 2013) to construct the time series of prevalence for the following indicators: exclusive breastfeeding in children under six months of age (EBF6m), breastfeeding in toddlers under 2 years of age (BF), continued breastfeeding at one year of age (BF1year), and continued breastfeeding at two years of age (BF2years). RESULTS The prevalence of EBF6m, BF, and BF1year increased until 2006 (rising from 4.7%, 37.4%, and 25.5% in 1986 to 37.1%, 56.3%, and 47.2% in 2006, respectively). For these three indicators, there was relative stabilization between 2006 and 2013 (36.6%, 52.1%, and 45.4%, respectively). The BF2years indicator had a distinct behavior – relatively stable prevalence, around 25% between 1986 and 2006, and a subsequent increase, reaching 31.8% in 2013. CONCLUSIONS The time series of breastfeeding indicators in Brazil shows an upward trend until 2006, stabilizing from that date onwards on three of the four indicators evaluated. This result, which can be considered as a warning sign, requires evaluation and revision of policies and programs to promote, protect and support breastfeeding, strengthening existing ones and proposing new strategies so that the prevalence of breastfeeding indicators returns to an upwards trend. PMID:29166437

Inflammatory and oxidative mechanisms potentiate bifenthrin-induced neurological alterations and anxiety-like behavior in adult rats.

PubMed

Gargouri, Brahim; Bhatia, Harsharan S; Bouchard, Michèle; Fiebich, Bernd L; Fetoui, Hamadi

2018-05-21

Bifenthrin (BF) is a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide widely used in several countries to manage insect pests on diverse agricultural crops. Growing evidence indicates that BF exposure is associated with an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders. However, the mechanisms by which BF induces neurological and anxiety alterations in the frontal cortex and striatum are not well known. The present in vivo study was carried out to determine whether reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress (OS) and neuroinflammation are involved in such alterations. Thirty-six Wistar rats were thus randomly divided into three groups and were orally administered with BF (0.6 and 2.1 mg/kg body weight, respectively) or the vehicle (corn oil), on a daily basis for 60 days. Results revealed that BF exposure in rats enhanced anxiety-like behavior after 60 days of treatment, as assessed with the elevated plus-maze test by decreases in the percentage of time spent in open arms and frequency of entries into these arms. BF-treated rats also exhibited increased oxidation of lipids and carbonylated proteins in the frontal cortex and striatum, and decreased glutathione levels and antioxidant enzyme activities including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Treatment with BF also increased protein synthesis and mRNA expression of the inflammatory mediators cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), microsomal prostaglandin synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and nuclear factor-kappaBp65 (NF-kBp65), as well as the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and ROS. Moreover, BF exposure significantly decreased protein synthesis and mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf2) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), as well as gene expression of muscarinic-cholinergic receptors (mAchR) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the frontal cortex and striatum. These data suggest that BF induced neurological alterations in the frontal cortex and striatum of rats, and that this may be associated with neuroinflammation and oxidative stress via the activation of Nrf2/NF-kBp65 pathways, which might promote anxiety-like behavior. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Spectroscopic, structural and computational analysis of [Re(CO)3(dippM)Br](n+) (dippM = 1,1'-bis(diiso-propylphosphino)metallocene, M = Fe, n = 0 or 1; M = Co, n = 1).

PubMed

Furneaux, Aliza G; Piro, Nicholas A; Hernández Sánchez, Raúl; Gramigna, Kathryn M; Fey, Natalie; Robinson, Michael J; Kassel, W Scott; Nataro, Chip

2016-03-21

While the redox active backbone of bis(phosphino)ferrocene ligands is often cited as an important feature of these ligands in catalytic studies, the structural parameters of oxidized bis(phosphino)ferrocene ligands have not been thoroughly studied. The reaction of [Re(CO)3(dippf)Br] (dippf = 1,1'-bis(diiso-propylphosphino)ferrocene) and [NO][BF4] in methylene chloride yields the oxidized compound, [Re(CO)3(dippf)Br][BF4]. The oxidized species, [Re(CO)3(dippf)Br][BF4], and the neutral species, [Re(CO)3(dippf)Br], are compared using X-ray crystallography, cyclic voltammetry, visible spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy and zero-field (57)Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. In addition, the magnetic moment of the paramagnetic [Re(CO)3(dippf)Br][BF4] was measured in the solid state using SQUID magnetometry and in solution by the Evans method. The electron transfer reaction of [Re(CO)3(dippf)Br][BF4] with acetylferrocene was also examined. For additional comparison, the cationic compound, [Re(CO)3(dippc)Br][PF6] (dippc = 1,1'-bis(diiso-propylphosphino)cobaltocenium), was prepared and characterized by cyclic voltammetry, X-ray crystallography, and NMR, IR and visible spectroscopies. Finally, DFT was employed to examine the oxidized dippf ligand and the oxidized rhenium complex, [Re(CO)3(dippf)Br](+).

HIV type 1 subtypes among bar and hotel workers in Moshi, Tanzania.

PubMed

Kiwelu, Ireen E; Renjifo, Boris; Chaplin, Beth; Sam, Noel; Nkya, Watoky M M M; Shao, John; Kapiga, Saidi; Essex, Max

2003-01-01

The HIV-1 prevalence among bar and hotel workers in Tanzania suggests they are a high-risk group for HIV-1 infection. We determined the HIV-1 subtype of 3'-p24/5'-p7 gag and C2-C5 env sequences from 40 individuals representing this population in Moshi. Genetic patterns composed of A(gag)-A(env), C(gag)-C(env), and D(gag)-D(env) were found in 19 (48.0%), 8 (20.0%), and 3 (8.0%) samples, respectively. The remaining 10 samples (25%) had different subtypes in gag and env, indicative of intersubtype recombinants. Among these recombinants, two contained sequences from HIV-1 subsubtype A2, a new genetic variant in Tanzania. Five bar and hotel workers may have been infected with viruses from a common source, based on phylogenetic analysis. The information obtained by surveillance of HIV-1 subtypes in a high-risk population should be useful in the design and evaluation of behavioral, therapeutic, and vaccine trial interventions aimed at reducing HIV-1 transmission.

Breastfeeding, mixed or formula feeding at 9 months and the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in two cohorts of infants in China

PubMed Central

Clark, Katy M.; Li, Ming; Zhu, Bingquan; Liang, Furong; Shao, Jie; Zhang, Yueyang; Ji, Chai; Zhao, Zhengyan; Kaciroti, Niko; Lozoff, Betsy

2016-01-01

Objective To assess associations between breastfeeding and iron status at 9 months in two samples of Chinese infants. Study design Associations between feeding at 9 months (breastfed [BF] as sole milk source, mixed-fed [MF], or formula-fed [FF]) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA), iron deficiency (ID), and iron sufficiency were determined in infants from Zhejiang and Hebei provinces (ns = 142 and 813). ID was defined as body iron < 0 mg/kg, IDA as ID + hemoglobin < 110 g/L. Multiple logistic regression assessed associations between feeding pattern and iron status. Results Breastfeeding was associated with iron status (P-values < .001). In Zhejiang, 27.5% of BF infants had IDA compared with 0% of FF infants. The odds of ID/IDA were increased in BF and MF infants compared with FF: BF vs. FF odds ratio (OR): 28.8, 95% CI: 3.7–226.4; MF vs. FF OR: 11.0, 95% CI: 1.2–103.2. In Hebei, 44.0% of BF infants had IDA compared with 2.8% of FF infants. With covariable adjustment, odds of IDA were increased in BF and MF groups: BF vs. FF OR: 78.8, 95% CI: 27.2–228.1; MF vs. FF OR: 21.0, 95% CI: 7.3–60.9. Conclusions In both cohorts, the odds of ID/IDA at 9 months were increased in BF and MF infants, and ID/IDA was common. Although the benefits of breastfeeding are indisputable, these findings add to the evidence that breastfeeding in later infancy identifies infants at risk for ID/IDA in many settings. Protocols for detecting and preventing ID/IDA in BF infants are needed. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00642863 and NCT00613717 PMID:27836288

Prevalence of breast-feeding and exclusive breast-feeding at 48 h after birth and up to the sixth month in Cyprus: the BrEaST start in life project.

PubMed

Economou, Mary; Kolokotroni, Ourania; Paphiti-Demetriou, Irene; Kouta, Christiana; Lambrinou, Ekaterini; Hadjigeorgiou, Eleni; Hadjiona, Vasiliki; Tryfonos, Froso; Philippou, Elena; Middleton, Nicos

2018-04-01

To assess the prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of breast-feeding (BF) and exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) in Cyprus up to the sixth month. Cross-sectional and longitudinal descriptive study. BF and EBF were estimated based on mothers' self-reported BF status in line with Step 7 of the WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative questionnaire and based on 24 h recall. Maternity wards in all public hospitals and twenty-nine (of thirty-five) private maternity clinics nationwide. Consecutive sample of 586 mothers recruited within 48 h from birth, followed up by telephone interview at the first, fourth and sixth month. Although 84·3 % of mothers initiated BF before discharge, prevalence of BF at the sixth month was 32·4 %, with the highest reduction observed between the first and fourth months. Prevalence of EBF at 48 h was 18·8 % and fell gradually to 5·0 % at the sixth month. Mothers with higher educational attainment or higher family income were more likely to breast-feed until the sixth month. In terms of EBF, an association was observed only with education, which persisted until the sixth month. Other than social gradient, mode of delivery was the strongest determinant of BF initiation, exclusivity and continuation. Mothers who gave birth vaginally were three to four times more likely to initiate BF (OR=3·1; 95 % CI 1·7, 5·4) and EBF (OR=4·3; 95 % CI 2·7, 6·8). The low prevalence of BF and EBF in Cyprus, together with the fact that caesarean section rates are currently among the highest in Europe, suggest the need for further research to understand this multidimensional phenomenon and for interdisciplinary policy action to protect, promote and support BF.

Increased Risk of Severe Infant Anemia Following Exposure to Maternal HAART, Botswana

PubMed Central

Dryden-Peterson, Scott; Shapiro, Roger L.; Hughes, Michael D.; Powis, Kathleen; Ogwu, Anthony; Moffat, Claire; Moyo, Sikhulile; Makhema, Joseph; Essex, Max; Lockman, Shahin

2011-01-01

Background Maternal highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) reduces mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT), but may increase the risk for infant anemia. Methods The incidence of first severe anemia (Grade 3 or 4, Division of AIDS 2004 Toxicity Table) was assessed among HIV-uninfected infants in the Mashi and Mma Bana MTCT prevention trials in Botswana. Severe anemia rates were compared between 3 groups: infants exposed to maternal HAART in utero and during breastfeeding and 1 month of postnatal zidovudine (HAART-BF); infants exposed to maternal zidovudine (ZDV) in utero, 6 months of postnatal ZDV, and breastfeeding (ZDV-BF); and infants exposed to maternal ZDV in utero, 1 month of postnatal ZDV, and formula-feeding (ZDV-FF). Results A total of 1719 infants were analyzed— 691 HAART-BF, 503 ZDV-BF, and 525 ZDV-FF. Severe anemia was detected in 118 infants (7.4%). By 6 months, 12.5% of HAART-BF infants experienced severe anemia, compared with 5.3% of ZDV-BF (P<0.001) and 2.5% of ZDV-FF infants (P<0.001). In adjusted analysis, HAART-BF infants were at greater risk of severe anemia than ZDV-BF or ZDV-FF infants (adjusted odds ratios 2.6 and 5.8, respectively; P < 0.001). Most anemias were asymptomatic and improved with iron/multivitamin supplementation and cessation of ZDV exposure. However, 11 infants (0.6% of all infants) required transfusion for symptomatic anemia. Microcytosis and hypochromia were common among infants with severe anemia. Conclusions Exposure to maternal HAART starting in utero was associated with severe infant anemia. Confirmation of this finding and possible strategies to mitigate hematologic toxicity warrant further study. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT00197587 and NCT00270296. PMID:21266910

Breastfeeding as the sole source of milk for 6 months and adolescent bone mineral density.

PubMed

Blanco, E; Burrows, R; Reyes, M; Lozoff, B; Gahagan, S; Albala, C

2017-10-01

Little is known regarding the relationship between early life factors and bone mineral density (BMD). We found a positive association between breastfeeding for at least 6 months, without formula supplementation, and whole body adolescent BMD z-score. The aim of the study is to assess the role of breastfeeding BF on adolescent bone mineral density (BMD) in a cohort prospectively followed since infancy. We studied 679 participants from an infancy iron deficiency anemia preventive trial in Santiago, Chile, followed to adolescence. Breast and bottle feeding were ascertained weekly from 4 to 12 months. At 16 years, whole body BMD was assessed by DEXA. Using linear regression, we evaluated associations between BF duration and BF as the sole source of milk and adolescent BMD z-score, adjusting for possible infancy, adolescent, and background confounders. Mean birth weight and length were 3.5 (0.3) kg and 50.7 (1.6) cm. For at least 6 months, BF was the sole source of milk for 26.3% and with supplementation for 36.7%. For 37%, BF was provided for less than 6 months. Mean 16-year BMD z-score was 0.25 (1.0). Covariates included male sex, birth length, and gestational age. BF as the sole source of milk ≥6 months, compared to BF < 6 months, was associated with higher adolescent BMD z-score adjusting for covariates (β = 0.29, p < 0.05). Mixed BF was not significantly related to adolescent BMD z-score (β = 0.06, p = 0.47). For every 30 days of BF as the sole source of milk, adolescent BMD z-score increased by 0.03 (p = 0.01). BF without formula supplementation for at least 6 months was associated with higher adolescent BMD z-score and a suggestive trend in the same direction for BMD suggests that exclusivity and duration of BF may play a role in adolescent bone health.

Enrichment of gluten-free cakes with lupin (Lupinus albus L.) or buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum M.) flours.

PubMed

Levent, Hacer; Bilgiçli, Nermin

2011-11-01

In the present study, the effect of debittered lupin flour (LF) and whole buckwheat flour (BF) on the nutritional and sensory quality of gluten-free cake was studied. LF (10, 20, 30 and 40%) and BF (5, 10, 15 and 20%) were partially replaced with corn starch and rice flour mixture (1:1 w/w) in the gluten-free cake recipe. LF increased the protein, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus and zinc contents of the cakes, while BF caused a significant increase (P < 0.05) especially in potassium and magnesium contents of the gluten-free cakes. According to the overall acceptability rating, it was concluded that gluten-free cake could be produced with satisfactory results by the addition of LF and BF up to 30% and 10%, respectively.

77 FR 50668 - Proposed Flood Elevation Determinations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-22

... County, Texas, and Incorporated Areas. Specifically, it addresses the flooding sources: Black Fork Creek, Black Fork Creek Tributary BF-1, Black Fork Creek Tributary BF-M-1, Black Fork Creek Tributary D, Black Fork Creek Tributary D-1, Black Fork Creek Tributary D-2, Black Fork Creek Tributary D-3, Butler Creek...

Atrophy and structural covariance of the cholinergic basal forebrain in primary progressive aphasia.

PubMed

Teipel, Stefan; Raiser, Theresa; Riedl, Lina; Riederer, Isabelle; Schroeter, Matthias L; Bisenius, Sandrine; Schneider, Anja; Kornhuber, Johannes; Fliessbach, Klaus; Spottke, Annika; Grothe, Michel J; Prudlo, Johannes; Kassubek, Jan; Ludolph, Albert; Landwehrmeyer, Bernhard; Straub, Sarah; Otto, Markus; Danek, Adrian

2016-10-01

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is characterized by profound destruction of cortical language areas. Anatomical studies suggest an involvement of cholinergic basal forebrain (BF) in PPA syndromes, particularly in the area of the nucleus subputaminalis (NSP). Here we aimed to determine the pattern of atrophy and structural covariance as a proxy of structural connectivity of BF nuclei in PPA variants. We studied 62 prospectively recruited cases with the clinical diagnosis of PPA and 31 healthy older control participants from the cohort study of the German consortium for frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). We determined cortical and BF atrophy based on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Patterns of structural covariance of BF with cortical regions were determined using voxel-based partial least square analysis. We found significant atrophy of total BF and BF subregions in PPA patients compared with controls [F(1, 82) = 20.2, p < .001]. Atrophy was most pronounced in the NSP and the posterior BF, and most severe in the semantic variant and the nonfluent variant of PPA. Structural covariance analysis in healthy controls revealed associations of the BF nuclei, particularly the NSP, with left hemispheric predominant prefrontal, lateral temporal, and parietal cortical areas, including Broca's speech area (p < .001, permutation test). In contrast, the PPA patients showed preserved structural covariance of the BF nuclei mostly with right but not with left hemispheric cortical areas (p < .001, permutation test). Our findings agree with the neuroanatomically proposed involvement of the cholinergic BF, particularly the NSP, in PPA syndromes. We found a shift from a structural covariance of the BF with left hemispheric cortical areas in healthy aging towards right hemispheric cortical areas in PPA, possibly reflecting a consequence of the profound and early destruction of cortical language areas in PPA. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Acute exposure to synthetic pyrethroids causes bioconcentration and disruption of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis in zebrafish embryos.

PubMed

Tu, Wenqing; Xu, Chao; Lu, Bin; Lin, Chunmian; Wu, Yongming; Liu, Weiping

2016-01-15

Synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) have the potential to disrupt the thyroid endocrine system in mammals; however, little is known of the effects of SPs and underlying mechanisms in fish. In the current study, embryonic zebrafish were exposed to various concentrations (1, 3 and 10 μg/L) of bifenthrin (BF) or λ-cyhalothrin (λ-CH) until 72 h post fertilization, and body condition, bioaccumulation, thyroid hormone levels and transcription of related genes along the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis examined. Body weight was significantly decreased in the λ-CH exposure groups, but not the BF exposure groups. BF and λ-CH markedly accumulated in the larvae, with concentrations ranging from 90.7 to 596.8 ng/g. In both exposure groups, alterations were observed in thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels. In addition, the majority of the HPT axis-related genes examined, including CRH, TSHβ, TTR, UGT1ab, Pax8, Dio2 and TRα, were significantly upregulated in the presence of BF. Compared to BF, λ-CH induced different transcriptional regulation patterns of the tested genes, in particular, significant stimulation of TTR, Pax8, Dio2 and TRα levels along with concomitant downregulation of Dio1. Molecular docking analyses revealed that at the atomic level, BF binds to thyroid hormone receptor (TRα) protein more potently than λ-CH, consequently affecting HPT axis signal transduction. In vitro and in silico experiments disclosed that during the early stages of zebrafish development, BF and λ-CH have the potential to disrupt thyroid endocrine system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Superficial plantar cutaneous sensation does not trigger barefoot running adaptations.

PubMed

Thompson, M A; Hoffman, K M

2017-09-01

It has long been proposed that the gait alterations associated with barefoot running are mediated by alterations in sensory feedback, yet there has been no data to support this claim. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the role of superficial plantar cutaneous feedback in barefoot and shod running. 10 healthy active subjects (6 male, 4 female); mass: 65.2+9.7kg; age: 27+7.1years participated in this study. 10 over-ground running trials were completed in each of the following conditions: barefoot (BF), shod (SHOD), anesthetized barefoot (ANEST BF) and anesthetized shod (ANEST SHOD). For the anesthetized conditions 0.1-0.3mL of 1% lidocaine was injected into the dermal layer of the plantar foot below the metatarsal heads, lateral column and heel. 3-dimensional motion analysis and ground reaction force (GRF) data were captured as subjects ran over a 20m runway with a force plate at 12m. Kinematic and kinetic differences were analyzed via two-way repeated measure ANOVAs. The differences in gait between the BF and SHOD conditions were consistent with previous research, with subjects exhibiting a significant decrease in stride length and changing from rearfoot strike when SHOD to fore/midfoot strike when BF. Additionally, BF running was associated with decreased impact peak magnitudes and peak vertical GRFs. Despite anesthetizing the plantar surface, there was no difference between the BF and ANEST BF conditions in terms of stride length, foot strike or GRFs. Superficial cutaneous sensory receptors are not primarily responsible for the gait changes associated with barefoot running. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Separation of the isotopes of boron by chemical exchange reactions

DOEpatents

McCandless, F.P.; Herbst, R.S.

1995-05-30

The isotopes of boron, {sup 10}B and {sup 11}B, are separated by means of a gas-liquid chemical exchange reaction involving the isotopic equilibrium between gaseous BF{sub 3} and a liquid BF{sub 3} donor molecular addition complex formed between BF{sub 3} gas and a donor chosen from the group consisting of: nitromethane, acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, or diisobutyl ketone. 1 Fig.

The Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score predicts biochemical recurrence in intermediate-risk prostate cancer treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) dose escalation or low-dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy.

PubMed

Krishnan, Vimal; Delouya, Guila; Bahary, Jean-Paul; Larrivée, Sandra; Taussky, Daniel

2014-12-01

To study the prognostic value of the University of California, San Francisco Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score to predict biochemical failure (bF) after various doses of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and/or permanent seed low-dose rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy (PB). We retrospectively analysed 345 patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer, with PSA levels of 10-20 ng/mL and/or Gleason 7 including 244 EBRT patients (70.2-79.2 Gy) and 101 patients treated with LDR PB. The minimum follow-up was 3 years. No patient received primary androgen-deprivation therapy. bF was defined according to the Phoenix definition. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the differences between CAPRA groups. The overall bF rate was 13% (45/345). The CAPRA score, as a continuous variable, was statistically significant in multivariate analysis for predicting bF (hazard ratio [HR] 1.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-1.72, P = 0.006). There was a trend for a lower bF rate in patients treated with LDR PB when compared with those treated by EBRT ≤ 74 Gy (HR 0.234, 95% CI 0.05-1.03, P = 0.055) in multivariate analysis. In the subgroup of patients with a CAPRA score of 3-5, CAPRA remained predictive of bF as a continuous variable (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.01-2.27, P = 0.047) in multivariate analysis. The CAPRA score is useful for predicting biochemical recurrence in patients treated for intermediate-risk prostate cancer with EBRT or LDR PB. It could help in treatment decisions. © 2013 The Authors. BJU International © 2013 BJU International.

Comparison of body composition methods during weight loss in obese women using herbal formula.

PubMed

Kim, Ho-Jun; Gallagher, Dympna; Song, Mi-Yeon

2005-01-01

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), a device that analyzes the current conduction differences between the fat and water components is widely used for reasons that include convenience of use, non-invasiveness, safety, and low cost. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) allows for the assessment of total body and regional lean and fat tissues and bone mineral content (BMC). The objective of this study was to compare body composition assessments by BIA and DXA before and after a 6-week herbal diet intervention program in 50 pre-menopausal women [mean +/- SD: age 30.58 +/- 6.15, body mass index (BMI) 31.72 +/- 3.78]. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was measured by BIA and anthropometry. Lean body mass (LBM), body fat (BF), BMC and percent body fat (%BF) were measured by BIA and DXA. Highly significant correlations were observed between BIA and DXA measurements for LBM, BF, BMC and %BF (r = 0.73, 0.93, 0.53, 0.79, respectively) before the intervention. Differences between BIA and DXA measurements were observed in LBM, BF, %BF and BMC before intervention (p < 0.01) where WHR by BIA was significantly higher compared to anthropometry before (p < 0.01) and after the intervention (p < 0.01). BIA underestimated LBM by 1.85 kg and overestimated BF by 2.54 kg compared to DXA before the intervention. Although BIA and DXA showed highly significant correlations for LBM, BF, BMC and %BF before the intervention, they did not produce statistically comparable results in pre-menopausal Korean women and therefore should not be used interchangeably when measuring body composition.

Determination of the solubility parameter of ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate by inverse gas chromatography.

PubMed

Ma, Xiaohong; Wang, Qiang; Li, Xiaoping; Tang, Jun; Zhang, Zhengfang

2015-11-01

Thermodynamic properties of ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM] BF4) were determined via inverse gas chromatography (IGC). Two groups of solvents with different chemical natures and polarities were used to obtain information about [BMIM] BF4-solvent interactions. The specific retention volume, molar heat of sorption, weight fraction activity coefficient, Flory-Huggins interaction parameter as well as solubility parameter were also determined in a temperature range of 333 - 373 K. The results showed that the selected solvents n-C10 to n-C12, carbon tetrachloride, cyclohexane and toluene were poor solvents for [BMIM] BF4, while dichloromethane, acetone, chloroform, methyl acetate, ethanol and methanol were favorite solvents for [BMIM] BF4. In addition, the solubility parameter of [ BMIM] BF4 was determined as 23.39 (J/cm3)0.5 by the extrapolation at 298 K. The experiment proved that IGC was a simple and accurate method to obtain the thermodynamic properties of ionic liquids. This study could be used as a reference to the application and research of the ionic liquids.

Obesity prevalence and accuracy of BMI-defined obesity in Russian firefighters.

PubMed

Gurevich, K G; Poston, W S C; Anders, B; Ivkina, M A; Archangelskaya, A; Jitnarin, N; Starodubov, V I

2017-01-01

No data exist on obesity or the accuracy of body mass index (BMI) in Russian Federation firefighters. To determine the prevalence of obesity and rates of misclassification of BMI-based obesity status. Career firefighters in the Moscow region completed anthropometric assessments including height, weight, BMI, body fat per cent (BF%) and waist circumference (WC). Using these three methods, we defined obesity as BMI ≥30, BF% >25 and WC >102, respectively. The study group consisted of 167 male firefighters. Obesity prevalence was 22% for BMI [95% confidence interval (CI) 16.9-28.5], 60% for BF% (95% CI 52.5-67.3) and 28% for WC (95% CI 21.3-34.9). False positive rates for BMI-based obesity status were low, with 3% (95% CI -1.1 to 7.1) and 6% (95% CI 1.6-9.9) of non-obese participants defined by BF% and WC standards misidentified as obese using BMI. However, 65% (95% CI 55.7-77.4) of BF%-defined obese participants and 36% (95% CI 22.5-49.9) of WC-defined obese participants were misclassified as non-obese using BMI (i.e. false negatives). Rates of BMI-based obesity in Russian male firefighters were similar to that of males in the general Russian adult male population. Compared with BF% or WC standards, BMI-based obesity classi- fication produced low rates of false positives but demonstrated high rates of false negatives. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Effects of metals on enantioselective toxicity and biotransformation of cis-bifenthrin in zebrafish.

PubMed

Yang, Ye; Ji, Dapeng; Huang, Xin; Zhang, Jianyun; Liu, Jing

2017-08-01

Co-occurrence of pyrethroids and metals in watersheds previously has been reported to pose great risk to aquatic species. Pyrethroids are a class of chiral insecticides that have been shown to have enantioselective toxicity and biotransformation. However, the influence of metals on enantioselectivity of pyrethroids has not yet been evaluated. In the present study, the effects of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) on the enantioselective toxicity and metabolism of cis-bifenthrin (cis-BF) were investigated in zebrafish at environmentally relevant concentrations. The addition of Cd, Cu, or Pb significantly increased the mortality of zebrafish in racemate and R-enantiomer of cis-BF-treated groups. In rac-cis-BF- or 1R-cis-BF-treated groups, the addition of Cd, Cu, or Pb caused a decrease in enantiomeric fraction (EF) and an increased ratio of R-enantiomer residues in zebrafish. In 1S-cis-BF-treated groups, coexposure to Cd led to a lower EF and decreased residue levels of S-enantiomer. In addition, coexposure to the 3 metals resulted in different biodegradation characteristics of each enantiomer accompanied with differential changes in the expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP)1, CYP2, and CYP3 genes, which might be responsible for the enantioselective biodegradation of cis-BF in zebrafish. These results suggest that the influence of coexistent metals should be considered in the ecological risk assessment of chiral pyrethroids in aquatic environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2139-2146. © 2017 SETAC. © 2017 SETAC.

76 FR 53082 - Proposed Flood Elevation Determinations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-25

..., 201 Saint Andrews Street, Tarboro, NC 27886. Smith County, Texas, and Incorporated Areas Black Fork.... Tributary BF-1 At the Black Fork Creek +434 +436 City of Tyler, confluence. Unincorporated Areas of Smith County. Approximately 1.2 miles None +476 upstream of Loop 323. Tributary BF-M-1 At the Black Fork Creek...

The effects of dietary fish oil on exercising skeletal muscle vascular and metabolic control in chronic heart failure rats.

PubMed

Holdsworth, Clark T; Copp, Steven W; Hirai, Daniel M; Ferguson, Scott K; Sims, Gabrielle E; Hageman, Karen S; Stebbins, Charles L; Poole, David C; Musch, Timothy I

2014-03-01

Impaired vasomotor control in chronic heart failure (CHF) is due partly to decrements in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) mediated vasodilation. Exercising muscle blood flow (BF) is augmented with polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation via fish oil (FO) in healthy rats. We hypothesized that FO would augment exercising muscle BF in CHF rats via increased NO-bioavailability. Myocardial infarction (coronary artery ligation) induced CHF in Sprague-Dawley rats which were subsequently randomized to dietary FO (20% docosahexaenoic acid, 30% eicosapentaenoic acid, n = 15) or safflower oil (SO, 5%, n = 10) for 6-8 weeks. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), blood [lactate], and hindlimb muscles BF (radiolabeled microspheres) were determined at rest, during treadmill exercise (20 m·min(-1), 5% incline) and exercise + N(G)-nitro-l-arginine-methyl-ester (l-NAME) (a nonspecific NOS inhibitor). FO did not change left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (SO: 14 ± 2; FO: 11 ± 1 mm Hg, p > 0.05). During exercise, MAP (SO: 128 ± 3; FO: 132 ± 3 mm Hg) and blood [lactate] (SO: 3.8 ± 0.4; FO: 4.6 ± 0.5 mmol·L(-1)) were not different (p > 0.05). Exercising hindlimb muscle BF was lower in FO than SO (SO: 120 ± 11; FO: 93 ± 4 mL·min(-1)·100 g(-1), p < 0.05) but was not differentially affected by l-NAME. Specifically, 17 of 28 individual muscle BF's were lower (p < 0.05) in FO demonstrating that PUFA supplementation with FO in CHF rats does not augment muscle BF during exercise but may lower metabolic cost.

Computational Assessment of Blood Flow Heterogeneity in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients' Cardiac Ventricles

PubMed Central

Kharche, Sanjay R.; So, Aaron; Salerno, Fabio; Lee, Ting-Yim; Ellis, Chris; Goldman, Daniel; McIntyre, Christopher W.

2018-01-01

Dialysis prolongs life but augments cardiovascular mortality. Imaging data suggests that dialysis increases myocardial blood flow (BF) heterogeneity, but its causes remain poorly understood. A biophysical model of human coronary vasculature was used to explain the imaging observations, and highlight causes of coronary BF heterogeneity. Post-dialysis CT images from patients under control, pharmacological stress (adenosine), therapy (cooled dialysate), and adenosine and cooled dialysate conditions were obtained. The data presented disparate phenotypes. To dissect vascular mechanisms, a 3D human vasculature model based on known experimental coronary morphometry and a space filling algorithm was implemented. Steady state simulations were performed to investigate the effects of altered aortic pressure and blood vessel diameters on myocardial BF heterogeneity. Imaging showed that stress and therapy potentially increased mean and total BF, while reducing heterogeneity. BF histograms of one patient showed multi-modality. Using the model, it was found that total coronary BF increased as coronary perfusion pressure was increased. BF heterogeneity was differentially affected by large or small vessel blocking. BF heterogeneity was found to be inversely related to small blood vessel diameters. Simulation of large artery stenosis indicates that BF became heterogeneous (increase relative dispersion) and gave multi-modal histograms. The total transmural BF as well as transmural BF heterogeneity reduced due to large artery stenosis, generating large patches of very low BF regions downstream. Blocking of arteries at various orders showed that blocking larger arteries results in multi-modal BF histograms and large patches of low BF, whereas smaller artery blocking results in augmented relative dispersion and fractal dimension. Transmural heterogeneity was also affected. Finally, the effects of augmented aortic pressure in the presence of blood vessel blocking shows differential effects on BF heterogeneity as well as transmural BF. Improved aortic blood pressure may improve total BF. Stress and therapy may be effective if they dilate small vessels. A potential cause for the observed complex BF distributions (multi-modal BF histograms) may indicate existing large vessel stenosis. The intuitive BF heterogeneity methods used can be readily used in clinical studies. Further development of the model and methods will permit personalized assessment of patient BF status. PMID:29867555

Height differences and the associations between food insecurity, percentage body fat and BMI among men and women.

PubMed

Tayie, Francis A; Zizza, Claire A

2009-10-01

The present study examined the associations between adult food insecurity (FI) and percentage body fat (%BF) and BMI, stratified by height (HT). %BF, HT and BMI of 2117 men and 1909 women in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002 were analysed in relation to adult food security status using multiple regression procedures. Compared with the fully food-secure, men's %BF, BMI and HT were lower as FI intensified. Marginal food security among women was associated with 1.3 cm shorter HT, P = 0.016. Marginal food security among women who were below median HT was associated with about 2.0 kg/m2 higher BMI, P = 0.042. %BF was not associated with FI among women. FI is associated with shorter HT and lower %BF and BMI in men. Women's HT should be considered in the reported associations between FI and higher BMI.

Lactate and glutamate dynamics during prolonged stimulation of the rat barrel cortex suggest adaptation of cerebral glucose and oxygen metabolism.

PubMed

Sonnay, Sarah; Duarte, João M N; Just, Nathalie

2017-03-27

A better understanding of BOLD responses stems from a better characterization of the brain's ability to metabolize glucose and oxygen. Non-invasive techniques such as functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (fMRS) have thus been developed allowing for the reproducible assessment of metabolic changes during barrel cortex (S1BF) activations in rats. The present study aimed at further exploring the role of neurotransmitters on local and temporal changes in vascular and metabolic function in S1BF. fMRS and fMRI data were acquired sequentially in α-chloralose anesthetized rats during 32-min rest and trigeminal nerve stimulation periods. During stimulation, concentrations of lactate (Lac) and glutamate (Glu) increased in S1BF by 0.23±0.05 and 0.34±0.05μmol/g respectively in S1BF. Dynamic analysis of metabolite concentrations allowed estimating changes in cerebral metabolic rates of glucose (ΔCMR Glc ) and oxygen (ΔCMR O2 ). Findings confirmed a prevalence of oxidative metabolism during prolonged S1BF activation. Habituation led to a significant BOLD magnitude decline as a function of time while both total ΔCMR Glc and ΔCMR O2 remained constant revealing adaptation of glucose and oxygen metabolisms to support ongoing trigeminal nerve stimulation. Copyright © 2017 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Outstanding features of alginate-based gel electrolyte with ionic liquid for electric double layer capacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soeda, Kazunari; Yamagata, Masaki; Ishikawa, Masashi

2015-04-01

An alginate-based gel electrolyte with an ionic liquid (Alg/IL) is investigated for electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) by using physicochemical and electrochemical measurements. The Alg/EMImBF4 (EMImBF4 = 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) gel electrolyte is thermally stable up to 280 °C, where EMImBF4 decomposes. Furthermore, the EDLC with the gel electrolyte can be operated even at high temperature. The cell containing Alg/EMImBF4 is also electrochemically stable even under high voltage (∼3.5 V) operation. Thus, the alginate is a suitable host polymer for the gel electrolyte for EDLCs. According to the result of charge-discharge characteristics, the voltage drop in the charge-discharge curve for the cell with Alg/EMImBF4 gel electrolyte is considerably smaller than that with liquid-phase EMImBF4 electrolyte. To clarify the effect of Alg in contact with the activated carbon electrode, we also prepared an Alg-containing ACFC electrode (Alg + ACFC), and evaluated its EDLC characteristics in liquid EMImBF4. The results prove that the presence of Alg close to the active materials significantly reduces the internal resistance of the EDLC cell, which may be attributed to the high affinity of Alg to activated carbon.

Joint association between body fat and its distribution with all-cause mortality: A data linkage cohort study based on NHANES (1988-2011)

PubMed Central

Peng, Yang; Wang, Zhiqiang; Adegbija, Odewumi; Hu, Jie; Ma, Jun; Ma, Ying-Hua

2018-01-01

Objective Although obesity is recognized as an important risk of mortality, how the amount and distribution of body fat affect mortality risk is unclear. Furthermore, whether fat distribution confers any additional risk of mortality in addition to fat amount is not understood. Methods This data linkage cohort study included 16415 participants (8554 females) aged 18 to 89 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (1988–1994) and its linked mortality data (31 December 2011). Cox proportional hazard models and parametric survival models were used to estimate the association between body fat percentage (BF%), based on bioelectrical impedance analysis, and waist-hip ratio (WHR) with mortality. Results A total of 4999 deaths occurred during 19-year follow-up. A U-shaped association between BF% and mortality was found in both sexes, with the adjusted hazard ratios for other groups between 1.02 (95% confidence interval: 0.89, 1.18) and 2.10 (1.47, 3.01) when BF% groups of 25–30% in males and 30–35% in females were used as references. A non-linear relationship between WHR and mortality was detected in males, with the adjusted hazard ratios among other groups ranging from 1.05 (0.94, 1.18) to 1.52 (1.15, 2.00) compared with the WHR category of 0.95–1.0. However in females, the death risk constantly increased across the WHR spectrum. Joint impact of BF% and WHR suggested males with BF% of 25–30% and WHR of 0.95–1.0 and females with BF% of 30–35% and WHR <0.9 were associated with the lowest mortality risk and longest survival age compared with their counterparts in other categories. Conclusions This study supported the use of body fat distribution in addition to fat amount in assessing the risk of all-cause mortality. PMID:29474498

Joint association between body fat and its distribution with all-cause mortality: A data linkage cohort study based on NHANES (1988-2011).

PubMed

Dong, Bin; Peng, Yang; Wang, Zhiqiang; Adegbija, Odewumi; Hu, Jie; Ma, Jun; Ma, Ying-Hua

2018-01-01

Although obesity is recognized as an important risk of mortality, how the amount and distribution of body fat affect mortality risk is unclear. Furthermore, whether fat distribution confers any additional risk of mortality in addition to fat amount is not understood. This data linkage cohort study included 16415 participants (8554 females) aged 18 to 89 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (1988-1994) and its linked mortality data (31 December 2011). Cox proportional hazard models and parametric survival models were used to estimate the association between body fat percentage (BF%), based on bioelectrical impedance analysis, and waist-hip ratio (WHR) with mortality. A total of 4999 deaths occurred during 19-year follow-up. A U-shaped association between BF% and mortality was found in both sexes, with the adjusted hazard ratios for other groups between 1.02 (95% confidence interval: 0.89, 1.18) and 2.10 (1.47, 3.01) when BF% groups of 25-30% in males and 30-35% in females were used as references. A non-linear relationship between WHR and mortality was detected in males, with the adjusted hazard ratios among other groups ranging from 1.05 (0.94, 1.18) to 1.52 (1.15, 2.00) compared with the WHR category of 0.95-1.0. However in females, the death risk constantly increased across the WHR spectrum. Joint impact of BF% and WHR suggested males with BF% of 25-30% and WHR of 0.95-1.0 and females with BF% of 30-35% and WHR <0.9 were associated with the lowest mortality risk and longest survival age compared with their counterparts in other categories. This study supported the use of body fat distribution in addition to fat amount in assessing the risk of all-cause mortality.

The Role of Body Adiposity Index in Determining Body Fat Percentage in Colombian Adults with Overweight or Obesity.

PubMed

Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson; Correa-Bautista, Jorge Enrique; González-Ruíz, Katherine; Tordecilla-Sanders, Alejandra; García-Hermoso, Antonio; Schmidt-RioValle, Jacqueline; González-Jiménez, Emilio

2017-09-21

The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of body adiposity index (BAI) as a convenient tool for assessing body fat percentage (BF%) in a sample of adults with overweight/obesity using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The study population was composed of 96 volunteers (60% female, mean age 40.6 ± 7.5 years old). Anthropometric characteristics (body mass index, height, waist-to-height ratio, hip and waist circumference), socioeconomic status, and diet were assessed, and BF% was measured by BIA-BF% and by BAI-BF%. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between BAI-BF% and BF% assessed by BIA-BF%, while controlling for potential confounders. The concordance between the BF% measured by both methods was obtained with a paired sample t -test, Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman plot analysis. Overall, the correlation between BF% obtained by BIA-BF% and estimated by BAI-BF% was r = 0.885, p < 0.001, after adjusting for potential confounders (age, socioeconomic status, and diet). Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was moderate in both sexes. In the men, the paired t-test showed a significant mean difference in BF% between the methods (-5.6 (95%CI -6.4 to -4.8); p < 0.001). In the women, these differences were (-3.6 (95%CI -4.7 to -2.5); p < 0.001). Overall, the bias of the BAI-BF% was -4.8 ± 3.2 BF%; p < 0.001), indicating that the BAI-BF% method significantly underestimated the BF% in comparison with the reference method. In adults with overweight/obesity, the BAI presents low agreement with BF% measured by BIA-BF%; therefore, we conclude that BIA-BF% is not accurate in either sex when body fat percentage levels are low or high. Further studies are necessary to confirm our findings in different ethnic groups.

The Role of Body Adiposity Index in Determining Body Fat Percentage in Colombian Adults with Overweight or Obesity

PubMed Central

González-Ruíz, Katherine; Schmidt-RioValle, Jacqueline

2017-01-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy of body adiposity index (BAI) as a convenient tool for assessing body fat percentage (BF%) in a sample of adults with overweight/obesity using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The study population was composed of 96 volunteers (60% female, mean age 40.6 ± 7.5 years old). Anthropometric characteristics (body mass index, height, waist-to-height ratio, hip and waist circumference), socioeconomic status, and diet were assessed, and BF% was measured by BIA-BF% and by BAI-BF%. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between BAI-BF% and BF% assessed by BIA-BF%, while controlling for potential confounders. The concordance between the BF% measured by both methods was obtained with a paired sample t-test, Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman plot analysis. Overall, the correlation between BF% obtained by BIA-BF% and estimated by BAI-BF% was r = 0.885, p < 0.001, after adjusting for potential confounders (age, socioeconomic status, and diet). Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was moderate in both sexes. In the men, the paired t-test showed a significant mean difference in BF% between the methods (−5.6 (95% CI −6.4 to −4.8); p < 0.001). In the women, these differences were (−3.6 (95% CI −4.7 to −2.5); p < 0.001). Overall, the bias of the BAI-BF% was −4.8 ± 3.2 BF%; p < 0.001), indicating that the BAI-BF% method significantly underestimated the BF% in comparison with the reference method. In adults with overweight/obesity, the BAI presents low agreement with BF% measured by BIA-BF%; therefore, we conclude that BIA-BF% is not accurate in either sex when body fat percentage levels are low or high. Further studies are necessary to confirm our findings in different ethnic groups. PMID:28934175

Organic micropollutant removal from wastewater effluent-impacted drinking water sources during bank filtration and artificial recharge.

PubMed

Maeng, Sung Kyu; Ameda, Emmanuel; Sharma, Saroj K; Grützmacher, Gesche; Amy, Gary L

2010-07-01

Natural treatment systems such as bank filtration (BF) and artificial recharge (via an infiltration basin) are a robust barrier for many organic micropollutants (OMPs) and may represent a low-cost alternative compared to advanced drinking water treatment systems. This study analyzes a comprehensive database of OMPs at BF and artificial recharge (AR) sites located near Lake Tegel in Berlin (Germany). The focus of the study was on the derivation of correlations between the removal efficiencies of OMPs and key factors influencing the performance of BF and AR. At the BF site, shallow monitoring wells located close to the Lake Tegel source exhibited oxic conditions followed by prolonged anoxic conditions in deep monitoring wells and a production well. At the AR site, oxic conditions prevailed from the recharge pond along monitoring wells to the production well. Long residence times of up to 4.5 months at the BF site reduced the temperature variation during soil passage between summer and winter. The temperature variations were greater at the AR site as a consequence of shorter residence times. Deep monitoring wells and the production well located at the BF site were under the influence of ambient groundwater and old bank filtrate (up to several years of age). Thus, it is important to account for mixing with native groundwater and other sources (e.g., old bank filtrate) when estimating the performance of BF with respect to removal of OMPs. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to investigate correlations between OMP removals and hydrogeochemical conditions with spatial and temporal parameters (e.g., well distance, residence time and depth) from both sites. Principal component-1 (PC1) embodied redox conditions (oxidation-reduction potential and dissolved oxygen), and principal component-2 (PC2) embodied degradation potential (e.g., total organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon) with the calcium carbonate dissolution potential (Ca(2+) and HCO(3)(-)) for the BF site. These two PCs explained a total variance of 55% at the BF site. At the AR site, PCA revealed redox conditions (PC1) and degradation potential with temperature (PC2) as principal components, which explained a total variance of 56%. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interaction of clothing and body mass index affects validity of air-displacement plethysmography in adults.

PubMed

Shafer, Kimberly J; Siders, William A; Johnson, LuAnn K; Lukaski, Henry C

2008-02-01

We determined the effect of clothing type on the validity of air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) to estimate percentage of body fat (%BF) and ascertain if these effects differ by body mass index (BMI). The %BF by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and %BF, density, and body volume by ADP were assessed in 132 healthy adults classified by normal (N; 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (OW; 25-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (OB; 30-39.9 kg/m2) BMIs. Compared with DXA, ADP underestimated (P < 0.0001) %BF from scrubs (SC) and t-shirt/shorts (TS) in N (11.4%; 8.6%) and OW (6.8%; 4.9%) BMI groups, respectively. ADP compared with DXA overestimated (P < 0.0006) %BF in the OW group (1.2%), but underestimated (P < 0.0001) it in the N group (2.4%). ADP also overestimated (P < 0.006) %BF in the OB group wearing spandex (SP; 4.8%), but not in those wearing SC (0.7%; P = 0.10) and TS (0.5%; P = 0.22) versus DXA. All three clothing types showed significant error in estimating %BF with ADP compared with DXA in N and OW BMI. Use of spandex provided the least error and is the preferred attire to obtain valid body composition results when testing N and OW subjects. However, SP provided the greatest error in the OB group. Error in ADP %BF in OB was minimal in SC and TS and similar to the within-subject variability in %BF estimates with ADP. Thus, TS and SC are acceptable alternatives to SP in adults with excess body weight.

Differences in Postprandial Lipid Response to Breast- or Formula-feeding in 8-Week-Old Infants.

PubMed

Teller, Inga C; Schoen, Stefanie; van de Heijning, Bert; van der Beek, Eline M; Sauer, Pieter J J

2017-04-01

Lipids play important roles in infant growth and development. In this exploratory observational single-center study, we investigated postmeal responses of infants to dietary lipids and differences between breast-feeding (BF) and formula-feeding (FF). Two capillary blood samples were collected from each subject, before and randomly assigned at either 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, or 240 minutes after their respective feeding, followed by measurement of lipid-related plasma parameter concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based or combined enzymatic and colorimetric methods. The intermeal interval before testing was shorter in the BF (182.91 ± 22.85 minutes, n = 33) versus FF group (214.1 ± 30.76 minutes, n = 34); BF subjects fed 5 minutes longer (BF 20.27 ± 7.7 minutes; FF 14.82 ± 3.57 minutes). Composite postmeal concentration profiles were generated from 59 plasma sample pairs with sufficient volume (BF = 30): triglyceride (TG) baselines were not different. A TG difference was indicated for BF over FF subjects at 30 minutes, for FF over BF subjects at 60 minutes when corrected for baseline. TG responses in both groups appeared and seemed to clear much faster than those reported for adults. The TG:apolipoprotein B48 (ApoB48) ratio suggests that chylomicrons in BF subjects may carry a higher fat load (P < 0.05), compensated by a higher chylomicron number in FF subjects (P < 0.05). Cholesterol in BF subjects was higher and showed an increase after feeding when corrected for baseline. Our results indicate that lipids from either BF or FF may be handled differently in young healthy infants.

Forehead versus forearm skin vascular responses at presyncope in humans

PubMed Central

Gagnon, Daniel; Matthew Brothers, R.; Ganio, Matthew S.; Hastings, Jeffrey L.

2014-01-01

Facial pallor is commonly observed at presyncope in humans, suggestive of reductions in facial skin blood flow (SkBF). Yet, cutaneous vasoconstriction is usually minimal at presyncope when measured at the forearm. We tested the hypothesis that reductions in forehead SkBF at presyncope are greater than in the forearm. Forehead and forearm SkBF (laser-Doppler) and blood pressure (Finometer or radial artery catheterization) were measured during lower body negative pressure (LBNP) to presyncope in 11 normothermic and 13 heat-stressed subjects (intestinal temperature increased ∼1.4°C). LBNP reduced mean arterial pressure from 91 ± 5 to 57 ± 7 mmHg during normothermia (P ≤ 0.001) and from 82 ± 5 to 57 ± 7 mmHg during heat stress (P ≤ 0.001). During normothermia, LBNP decreased forehead SkBF 55 ± 14% compared with 24 ± 11% at the forearm (P = 0.002), while during heat stress LBNP decreased forehead SkBF 39 ± 11% compared with 28 ± 8% in the forearm (P = 0.007). In both conditions, most (≥68%) of the decreases in SkBF were due to decreases in blood pressure. However, a greater contribution of actively mediated reductions in SkBF was observed at the forehead, relative to the forearm during normothermia (32 ± 13% vs. 11 ± 11%, P = 0.031) and heat stress (30 ± 13% vs. 10 ± 13%, P = 0.004). These data suggest that facial pallor at presyncope is due to a combination of passive decreases in forehead SkBF secondary to reductions in blood pressure and to active decreases in SkBF, the latter of which are relatively greater than in the forearm. PMID:25100073

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) oligosaccharides decrease biofilm formation by uropathogenic Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Sun, Jiadong; Marais, Jannie P J; Khoo, Christina; LaPlante, Kerry; Vejborg, Rebecca M; Givskov, Michael; Tolker-Nielsen, Tim; Seeram, Navindra P; Rowley, David C

2015-08-01

The preventive effects of the American cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon ) against urinary tract infections are supported by extensive studies which have primarily focused on its phenolic constituents. Herein, a phenolic-free carbohydrate fraction (designated cranf1b-F2) was purified from cranberry fruit using ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography. MALDI-TOF-MS analysis revealed that the cranf1b-F2 constituents are predominantly oligosaccharides possessing various degrees of polymerisation and further structural analysis (by GC-MS and NMR) revealed mainly xyloglucan and arabinan residues. In antimicrobial assays, cranf1b-F2 (at 1.25 mg/mL concentration) reduced biofilm production by the uropathogenic Escherichia coli CFT073 strain by over 50% but did not inhibit bacterial growth. Cranf1b-F2 (ranging from 0.625 - 10 mg/mL) also inhibited biofilm formation of the non-pathogenic E. coli MG1655 strain up to 60% in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that cranberry oligosaccharides, in addition to its phenolic constituents, may play a role in its preventive effects against urinary tract infections.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) oligosaccharides decrease biofilm formation by uropathogenic Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Sun, Jiadong; Marais, Jannie P. J.; Khoo, Christina; LaPlante, Kerry; Vejborg, Rebecca M.; Givskov, Michael; Tolker-Nielsen, Tim; Seeram, Navindra P.; Rowley, David C.

2015-01-01

The preventive effects of the American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) against urinary tract infections are supported by extensive studies which have primarily focused on its phenolic constituents. Herein, a phenolic-free carbohydrate fraction (designated cranf1b-F2) was purified from cranberry fruit using ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography. MALDI-TOF-MS analysis revealed that the cranf1b-F2 constituents are predominantly oligosaccharides possessing various degrees of polymerisation and further structural analysis (by GC-MS and NMR) revealed mainly xyloglucan and arabinan residues. In antimicrobial assays, cranf1b-F2 (at 1.25 mg/mL concentration) reduced biofilm production by the uropathogenic Escherichia coli CFT073 strain by over 50% but did not inhibit bacterial growth. Cranf1b-F2 (ranging from 0.625 - 10 mg/mL) also inhibited biofilm formation of the non-pathogenic E. coli MG1655 strain up to 60% in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that cranberry oligosaccharides, in addition to its phenolic constituents, may play a role in its preventive effects against urinary tract infections. PMID:26613004

A small molecule mitigates hearing loss in a mouse model of Usher syndrome III.

PubMed

Alagramam, Kumar N; Gopal, Suhasini R; Geng, Ruishuang; Chen, Daniel H-C; Nemet, Ina; Lee, Richard; Tian, Guilian; Miyagi, Masaru; Malagu, Karine F; Lock, Christopher J; Esmieu, William R K; Owens, Andrew P; Lindsay, Nicola A; Ouwehand, Krista; Albertus, Faywell; Fischer, David F; Bürli, Roland W; MacLeod, Angus M; Harte, William E; Palczewski, Krzysztof; Imanishi, Yoshikazu

2016-06-01

Usher syndrome type III (USH3), characterized by progressive deafness, variable balance disorder and blindness, is caused by destabilizing mutations in the gene encoding the clarin-1 (CLRN1) protein. Here we report a new strategy to mitigate hearing loss associated with a common USH3 mutation CLRN1(N48K) that involves cell-based high-throughput screening of small molecules capable of stabilizing CLRN1(N48K), followed by a secondary screening to eliminate general proteasome inhibitors, and finally an iterative process to optimize structure-activity relationships. This resulted in the identification of BioFocus 844 (BF844). To test the efficacy of BF844, we developed a mouse model that mimicked the progressive hearing loss associated with USH3. BF844 effectively attenuated progressive hearing loss and prevented deafness in this model. Because the CLRN1(N48K) mutation causes both hearing and vision loss, BF844 could in principle prevent both sensory deficiencies in patients with USH3. Moreover, the strategy described here could help identify drugs for other protein-destabilizing monogenic disorders.

Bias flow rate and ventilation efficiency during adult high-frequency oscillatory ventilation: a lung model study.

PubMed

Nagano, Osamu; Yumoto, Tetsuya; Nishimatsu, Atsunori; Kanazawa, Shunsuke; Fujita, Takahisa; Asaba, Sunao; Yamanouchi, Hideo

2018-04-19

Bias flow (BF) is essential to maintain mean airway pressure (MAP) and to washout carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) from the oscillator circuit during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV). If the BF rate is inadequate, substantial CO 2 rebreathing could occur and ventilation efficiency could worsen. With lower ventilation efficiency, the required stroke volume (SV) would increase in order to obtain the same alveolar ventilation with constant frequency. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of BF rate on ventilation efficiency during adult HFOV. The R100 oscillator (Metran, Japan) was connected to an original lung model internally equipped with a simulated bronchial tree. The actual SV was measured with a flow sensor placed at the Y-piece. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) was continuously insufflated into the lung model ([Formula: see text]CO 2 ), and the partial pressure of CO 2 (PCO 2 ) in the lung model was monitored. Alveolar ventilation ([Formula: see text]A) was estimated as [Formula: see text]CO 2 divided by the stabilized value of PCO 2 . [Formula: see text]A was evaluated by setting SV from 80 to 180 mL (10 mL increments, n = 5) at a frequency of 8 Hz, a MAP of 25 cmH 2 O, and a BF of 10, 20, 30, and 40 L/min (study 1). Ventilation efficiency was calculated as [Formula: see text]A divided by the actual minute volume. The experiment was also performed with an actual SV of 80, 100, and 120 mL and a BF from 10 to 60 L/min (10 L/min increments: study 2). Study 1: With the same setting SV, the [Formula: see text]A with a BF of 20 L/min or more was significantly higher than that with a BF of 10 L/min. Study 2: With the same actual SV, the [Formula: see text]A and the ventilation efficiency with a BF of 30 L/min or more were significantly higher than those with a BF of 10 or 20 L/min. Increasing BF up to 30 L/min or more improved ventilation efficiency in the R100 oscillator.

Warfighter Information Network-Tactical Increment 3 (WIN-T Inc 3)

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-01

T vehicles employed at BCT, Fires, (Ch-1) WIN-T Inc 3 December 2013 SAR April 16, 2014 16:49:41 UNCLASSIFIED 13 AVN , BfSB, and select force...passengers and crew from small arms fire, mines, IED and other anti-vehicle/ personnel threats. AVN , BfSB, and select force pooled assets...small arms fire, mines, IED and other anti-vehicle/ personnel threats. AVN , BfSB, and select force pooled assets operating within the

Accuracy of Anthropometric Equations for Estimating Body Fat in Professional Male Soccer Players Compared with DXA

PubMed Central

López-Taylor, Juan R.; Jiménez-Alvarado, Juan Antonio; Villegas-Balcázar, Marisol; Jáuregui-Ulloa, Edtna E.; Torres-Naranjo, Francisco

2018-01-01

Background There are several published anthropometric equations to estimate body fat percentage (BF%), and this may prompt uncertainty about their application. Purpose To analyze the accuracy of several anthropometric equations (developed in athletic [AT] and nonathletic [NAT] populations) that estimate BF% comparing them with DXA. Methods We evaluated 131 professional male soccer players (body mass: 73.2 ± 8.0 kg; height: 177.5 ± 5.8 cm; DXA BF% [median, 25th–75th percentile]: 14.0, 11.9–16.4%) aged 18 to 37 years. All subjects were evaluated with anthropometric measurements and a whole body DXA scan. BF% was estimated through 14 AT and 17 NAT anthropometric equations and compared with the measured DXA BF%. Mean differences and 95% limits of agreement were calculated for those anthropometric equations without significant differences with DXA. Results Five AT and seven NAT anthropometric equations did not differ significantly with DXA. From these, Oliver's and Civar's (AT) and Ball's and Wilmore's (NAT) equations showed the highest agreement with DXA. Their 95% limits of agreement ranged from −3.9 to 2.3%, −4.8 to 1.8%, −3.4 to 3.1%, and −3.9 to 3.0%, respectively. Conclusion Oliver's, Ball's, Civar's, and Wilmore's equations were the best to estimate BF% accurately compared with DXA in professional male soccer players. PMID:29736402

Expression of the ctenophore Brain Factor 1 forkhead gene ortholog (ctenoBF-1) mRNA is restricted to the presumptive mouth and feeding apparatus: implications for axial organization in the Metazoa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yamada, Atsuko; Martindale, Mark Q.

2002-01-01

Ctenophores are thoroughly modern animals whose ancestors are derived from a separate evolutionary branch than that of other eumetazoans. Their major longitudinal body axis is the oral-aboral axis. An apical sense organ, called the apical organ, is located at the aboral pole and contains a highly innervated statocyst and photodetecting cells. The apical organ integrates sensory information and controls the locomotory apparatus of ctenophores, the eight longitudinal rows of ctene/comb plates. In an effort to understand the developmental and evolutionary organization of axial properties of ctenophores we have isolated a forkhead gene from the Brain Factor 1 (BF-1) family. This gene, ctenoBF-1, is the first full-length nuclear gene reported from ctenophores. This makes ctenophores the most basal metazoan (to date) known to express definitive forkhead class transcription factors. Orthologs of BF-1 in vertebrates, Drosophila, and Caenorhabditis elegans are expressed in anterior neural structures. Surprisingly, in situ hybridizations with ctenoBF-1 antisense riboprobes show that this gene is not expressed in the apical organ of ctenophores. CtenoBF-1 is expressed prior to first cleavage. Transcripts become localized to the aboral pole by the 8-cell stage and are inherited by ectodermal micromeres generated from this region at the 16- and 32-cell stages. Expression in subsets of these cells persists and is seen around the edge of the blastopore (presumptive mouth) and in distinct ectodermal regions along the tentacular poles. Following gastrulation, stomodeal expression begins to fade and intense staining becomes restricted to two distinct domains in each tentacular feeding apparatus. We suggest that the apical organ is not homologous to the brain of bilaterians but that the oral pole of ctenophores corresponds to the anterior pole of bilaterian animals.

Timing of Biochemical Failure and Distant Metastasis for Low, Intermediate, and High Risk Prostate Cancer after Radiotherapy

PubMed Central

Morgan, Peter B.; Hanlon, Alexandra L.; Horwitz, Eric M.; Buyyounouski, Mark K.; Uzzo, Robert G.; Pollack, Alan

2007-01-01

Condensed Abstract The timing of biochemical failure and distant metastasis after radiotherapy for low, intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer was determined. The patterns of failure suggest that the majority of early failures were due to subclinical micrometastases present at diagnosis, whereas a late wave of metastasis at 10–12 years in every risk group was consistent with tumor spread from local persistence of disease. Background The relationship of prostate cancer risk group stratification and the timing of biochemical failure (BF) and distant metastasis (DM) is not well defined. We sought to differentiate early failures due to subclinical micrometastasis at presentation from late failures due to local persistence. Methods A total of 1833 men with clinically localized prostate cancer treated with 3D-conformal radiotherapy with or without short-term androgen deprivation were retrospectively analyzed. The interval hazard rates of DM and BF, using ASTRO and Phoenix (Nadir+2) definitions, were determined for men with low, intermediate, and high risk disease. Results Median follow-up was 67 months. Multivariate analysis showed that increasing risk group was independently associated with higher ASTRO BF (P<.0001) and Nadir+2 BF (P<.0001). The preponderance (87%) of ASTRO BF occurred ≤4 years after RT, while Nadir+2 BF was more evenly spread over years 1–12, with 43% at >4 years. The hazard of Nadir+2 BF persisted in years 8–12 in all risk groups. The interval hazard function for DM appeared to be biphasic (early and late peaks) for intermediate and high risk patients, but no distinct early wave was evident for low risk patients. Conclusions ASTRO BF underestimates late BF due to backdating. Local persistence of disease is suggested by delayed Nadir+2 BF and subsequent late DM in every risk group. The paucity of early DM among those with low risk tumors supports the hypothesis that occult micrometastases contributed to the early wave. PMID:17520705

A density functional theory study on the interactions between dibenzothiophene and tetrafluoroborate-based ionic liquids.

PubMed

Lin, Jin; Lü, Renqing; Wu, Chongchong; Xiao, Ye; Liang, Fei; Famakinwa, Temilola

2017-04-01

The interactions between dibenzothiophene (DBT) and N-butyl-N-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM][BF 4 ]), N-butyl-N-methylmorpholinium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmmorpholinium][BF 4 ]), N-butyl-N-methylpiperdinium tetrafluoroborate ([BMPiper][BF 4 ]), N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium tetrafluoroborate ([BMPyrro][BF 4 ]), and N-butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate ([BPY][BF 4 ]) were investigated using density functional theory approach. Geometric, electron, and topological properties were analyzed using natural bond orbital, atoms in molecules theory, and noncovalent interaction methods in order to understand intermolecular interactions between DBT and ionic liquids. The result shows that hydrogen bond and van der Waals interactions are widespread in all the ionic liquids-DBT systems. Ion-π interactions between DBT and cation or anion are also observed, while π + -π interactions are only found in the [BMIM][BF 4 ]-DBT and [BPY][BF 4 ]-DBT systems. The order of interaction energy is [BPY][BF4]-DBT > [BMIM][BF 4 ]-DBT > [BMPiper][BF 4 ]-DBT > [BMPyrro][BF 4 ]-DBT > [BMmorpholinum][BF 4 ]-DBT. The energies between DBT and the two ionic liquids containing aromatic cations are significantly higher.

Analysis and comparison of biotreatment of air polluted with ethanol using biofiltration and biotrickling filtration.

PubMed

Morotti, Karine; Ramirez, Antonio Avalos; Jones, J Peter; Heitz, Michèle

2011-12-01

This study analyses the performance of ethanol biofiltration with percolation (biotrickling filtration, BTF) comparing to a conventional biofilter (biofiltration, BF). Two biofilters packed with clay balls were operated in a range of inlet concentrations of ethanol in the air varying from 0.47 to 2.36 g m(-3). For both the BF and BTF, the specific growth rate (mu) and the elimination capacity (EC) decreased with the ethanol inlet concentration, presenting a kinetic of substrate inhibition. A Haldane-type model was adjusted for both biofilters in order to model both EC and mu as a function of the ethanol inlet concentration in the gas. The maximum EC was similar for both biofilters, at around 46 g m(-3) h(-1), whereas the maximum mu was 0.0057 h(-1) for the BF and 0.0103 h(-1) for the BTF. The maximum of ethanol removed, occurred at the lowest inlet concentration of (0.47 gm(-3)), and reached 86% for the BF and 74% for the BTF.

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

Happe, J.A.; Morgan, R.J.; Walkup, C.M.

The chemical composition of commercial BF/sub 3/:amine complexes are variable and contain BF/sub 4//sup -/ and BF/sub 3/(OH)/sup -/ salts together with other unidentified highly reactive species. The BF/sub 3/:amine complexes, which are susceptible to hydrolysis, also partially convert to the BF/sub 4//sup -/ salt (i.e. BF/sub 4//sup -/NH/sub 3//sup +/C/sub 2/H/sub 5/) upon heating. This salt formation is accelerated in dimethyl sulfoxide solution and in the presence of the epoxides that are present in commercial prepregs. Commercial C fiber-epoxy prepregs are shown to contain either BF/sub 3/:NH/sub 2/C/sub 2/H/sub 5/ or BF/sub 3/:NHC/sub 5/H/sub 10/ species together with theirmore » BF/sub 4//sup -/ salts and a variety of boron-fluorine or carbon-fluorine prepreg species. Considerable variation in the relative quantities of BF/sub 3/:amine to its BF/sub 4//sup -/ salt was observed from prepreg lot to lot, which will cause variable viscosity-time-temperature prepreg cure profiles. It is concluded that the chemically stable and mobile BF/sub 4//sup -/ salt is the pre-dominant catalytic species, acting as a cationic catalyst for the prepreg cure reactions. During the early stages of cure the BF/sub 3/:amine catalyst converts to the BF/sub 4//sup -/ salt in the presence of epoxides, whereas the BF/sub 3/-prepreg species are susceptible to catalytic deactivation and immobilization.« less

Beneficial Effects of Dietary Probiotics Mixture on Hemato-Immunology and Cell Apoptosis of Labeo rohita Fingerlings Reared at Higher Water Temperatures

PubMed Central

Prusty, Ashisa K.; PaniPrasad, Kurchetti; Mohanta, Kedar N.

2014-01-01

Probiotics play an important role in growth increment, immune enhancement and stress mitigation in fish. Increasing temperature is a major concern in present aquaculture practices as it markedly deteriorates the health condition and reduces the growth in fish. In order to explore the possibilities of using probiotics as a counter measure for temperature associated problems, a 30 days feeding trial was conducted to study the hemato-immunological and apoptosis response of Labeo rohita (8.3±0.4 g) reared at different water temperatures, fed with or without dietary supplementation of a probiotic mixture (PM) consisting of Bacillus subtilis, Lactococcus lactis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (1011 cfu kg−1). Three hundred and sixty fish were randomly distributed into eight treatment groups in triplicates, namely, T1(28°C+BF(Basal feed)+PM), T2(31°C+BF+PM), T3(34°C+BF+PM), T4(37°C+BF+PM), T5(28°C+BF), T6(31°C+BF), T7(34°C+BF) and T8(37°C+BF). A significant increase (P<0.01) in weight gain percentage was observed in the probiotic fed fish even when reared at higher water temperature (34–37°C). Respiratory burst assay, blood glucose, erythrocyte count, total serum protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase were significantly higher (P<0.01) in the probiotic fed groups compared to the non-probiotic fed groups. A significant (P<0.01) effect of rearing temperature and dietary probiotic mixture on serum myeloperoxidase activity, HSP70 level and immunoglobulin production was observed. Degree of apoptosis in different tissues was also significantly reduced in probiotic-supplemented groups. Hence, the present results show that a dietary PM could be beneficial in enhancing the immune status of the fish and also help in combating the stress caused to the organism by higher rearing water temperature. PMID:24979660

Blood flow vs. venous pressure effects on filtration coefficient in oleic acid-injured lung.

PubMed

Anglade, D; Corboz, M; Menaouar, A; Parker, J C; Sanou, S; Bayat, S; Benchetrit, G; Grimbert, F A

1998-03-01

On the basis of changes in capillary filtration coefficient (Kfc) in 24 rabbit lungs, we determined whether elevations in pulmonary venous pressure (Ppv) or blood flow (BF) produced differences in filtration surface area in oleic acid-injured (OA) or control (Con) lungs. Lungs were cyclically ventilated and perfused under zone 3 conditions by using blood and 5% albumin with no pharmacological modulation of vascular tone. Pulmonary arterial, venous, and capillary pressures were measured by using arterial, venous, and double occlusion. Before and during each Kfc-measurement maneuver, microvascular/total vascular compliance was measured by using venous occlusion. Kfc was measured before and 30 min after injury, by using a Ppv elevation of 7 cmH2O or a BF elevation from 1 to 2 l . min-1 . 100 g-1 to obtain a similar double occlusion pressure. Pulmonary arterial pressure increased more with BF than with Ppv in both Con and OA lungs [29 +/- 2 vs. 19 +/- 0.7 (means +/- SE) cmH2O; P < 0. 001]. In OA lungs compared with Con lungs, values of Kfc (200 +/- 40 vs. 83 +/- 14%, respectively; P < 0.01) and microvascular/total vascular compliance ratio (86 +/- 4 vs. 68 +/- 5%, respectively; P < 0.01) increased more with BF than with Ppv. In conclusion, for a given OA-induced increase in hydraulic conductivity, BF elevation increased filtration surface area more than did Ppv elevation. The steep pulmonary pressure profile induced by increased BF could result in the recruitment of injured capillaries and could also shift downstream the compression point of blind (zone 1) and open injured vessels (zone 2).

Generalised equations for the prediction of percentage body fat by anthropometry in adult men and women aged 18-81 years.

PubMed

Leahy, Siobhan; O'Neill, Cian; Sohun, Rhoda; Toomey, Clodagh; Jakeman, Philip

2013-02-28

Anthropometric data indicate that the human phenotype is changing. Today's adult is greater in stature, body mass and fat mass. Accurate measurement of body composition is necessary to maintain surveillance of obesity within the population and to evaluate associated interventions. The aim of the present study was to construct and validate generalised equations for percentage body fat (%BF) prediction from anthropometry in 1136 adult men and women. Reference values for %BF were obtained using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Skinfold thickness (SF) at ten sites and girth (G) at seven sites were measured on 736 men and women aged 18-81 years (%BF 5·1-56·8%). Quantile regression was employed to construct prediction equations from age and log-transformed SF and G measures. These equations were then cross-validated on a cohort of 400 subjects of similar age and fatness. The following generalised equations were found to most accurately predict %BF: Men: (age x 0·1) + (logtricepsSF x 7·6) + (logmidaxillaSF x 8·8) + (logsuprspinaleSF x 11·9) - 11·3 (standard error of the estimate: 2·5%, 95% limits of agreement: - 4·8, + 4·9) Women: (age x 0·1) + (logabdominalG x 39·4) + (logmidaxillaSF x 4·9) + (logbicepsSF x 11·0) + (logmedialcalfSF x 9·1) - 73·5 (standard error of the estimate: 3·0%, 95% limits of agreement: - 5·7, + 5·9) These generalised anthropometric equations accurately predict %BF and are suitable for the measurement of %BF in adult men and women of varying levels of fatness across the lifespan.

Electrochemical performance of microporous and mesoporous activated carbons in neat and diluted 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumagai, Seiji; Hatomi, Masaki; Tashima, Daisuke

2017-03-01

1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMIm·BF4), neat and diluted with propylene carbonate to 1 mol L-1, have been employed as electrolytes of electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). The effects of microporosity and mesoporosity in activated carbon (AC) electrodes on the capacitive and resistive performances upon the use of neat and diluted EMIm·BF4 have been explored. In addition to cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has been performed employing Kang's equivalent circuit model consisting of three resistances, three constant phase elements, and one bounded Warburg impedance. The overall impedance of the EDLC cell was separated into components of intrinsic resistance, bulk electrolyte, diffusion layer, and Helmholtz layer. The specific capacitance and the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of mesoporous AC were found to be highly dependent on the rate of ionic transfer. Lower cell voltage was identified as being responsible for lower specific capacitance and larger ESR of mesoporous AC, which was similarly seen in the neat and diluted EMIm·BF4, and could be alleviated by increasing the cell voltage. The inferior rate performance and the cell-voltage-dependent performance of mesoporous AC, which were more distinctly observed in the neat EMIm·BF4, could be attributed to the lower mobility of EMIm+ and BF4- in mesopores.

Impact of the Nordic hamstring and hip extension exercises on hamstring architecture and morphology: implications for injury prevention.

PubMed

Bourne, Matthew N; Duhig, Steven J; Timmins, Ryan G; Williams, Morgan D; Opar, David A; Al Najjar, Aiman; Kerr, Graham K; Shield, Anthony J

2017-03-01

The architectural and morphological adaptations of the hamstrings in response to training with different exercises have not been explored. To evaluate changes in biceps femoris long head (BF LH ) fascicle length and hamstring muscle size following 10-weeks of Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) or hip extension (HE) training. 30 recreationally active male athletes (age, 22.0±3.6 years; height, 180.4±7 cm; weight, 80.8±11.1 kg) were allocated to 1 of 3 groups: (1) HE training (n=10), NHE training (n=10), or no training (control, CON) (n=10). BF LH fascicle length was assessed before, during (Week 5) and after the intervention with a two-dimensional ultrasound. Hamstring muscle size was determined before and after training via MRI. Compared with baseline , BF LH fascicles were lengthened in the NHE and HE groups at mid-training (d=1.12-1.39, p<0.001) and post-training (d=1.77-2.17, p<0.001) and these changes did not differ significantly between exercises (d=0.49-0.80, p=0.279-0.976). BF LH volume increased more for the HE than the NHE (d=1.03, p=0.037) and CON (d=2.24, p<0.001) groups. Compared with the CON group, both exercises induced significant increases in semitendinosus volume (d=2.16-2.50, ≤0.002) and these increases were not significantly different (d=0.69, p=0.239). NHE and HE training both stimulate significant increases in BF LH fascicle length; however, HE training may be more effective for promoting hypertrophy in the BF LH . Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Nucleotide sequence and expression of three subtypes of proopiomelanocortin mRNA in barfin flounder.

PubMed

Takahashi, Akiyoshi; Amano, Masafumi; Itoh, Toshihiro; Yasuda, Akikazu; Yamanome, Takeshi; Amemiya, Yutaka; Sasaki, Kiyoshi; Sakai, Masahiro; Yamamori, Kunio; Kawauchi, Hiroshi

2005-05-01

Melanophore-stimulating hormone (MSH) has been shown to be associated with food intake in addition to body color change in teleosts. MSH is encoded by a proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene together with endorphin (END). To assess the significance of MSH to biological activities, we determined the structure and evaluated the expression of POMC mRNA in barfin flounder (bf), Verasper moseri, a member of a group of teleosts, Pleuronectiformes. Three subtypes of POMC cDNAs (A, B, and C) were amplified from bf pituitary glands. These bfPOMCs contained segments for N-POMC, alpha-MSH, beta-MSH, and beta-END as do other teleost POMCs, while POMC-C showed remarkable variations in the segments corresponding to N-POMC and beta-END. A phylogenetic tree of ray-finned fish POMCs constructed by the neighbor joining method revealed that the three POMC subtypes may have appeared as a result of duplication events occurring at least twice during the course of bf evolution. The first duplication may have generated the lineage leading to an ancestor of bfPOMC-A and -B and that leading to bfPOMC-C, and then the lineage of bfPOMC-A may have diverged from that of bfPOMC-B. All peptides flanked by processing signals excluding N-POMC-C (1-14) were identified in a single pituitary extract by mass spectrometry, and the cDNAs of three POMCs were amplified from a single pituitary by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. These results demonstrated that the three POMC genes are expressed in a single individual. While the bfPOMC-A gene was exclusively expressed in the pituitary, the bfPOMC-B and -C genes were expressed in non-pituitary tissues such as brain, gill, heart, spleen, liver, stomach, intestine, testis, muscle, blood, and skin in addition to the pituitary. The expression levels of the POMC-A, -B, and -C genes in pituitary neurointermediate lobe were greater in the fish reared with a black background than the fish reared with a white background, indicating that MSH derived from all of the three bfPOMC genes was associated with body color change. No difference was observed in the expression levels of bfPOMC-C in the brain in response to feeding status.

Measures of body fat in South Asian adults.

PubMed

Kalra, S; Mercuri, M; Anand, S S

2013-05-27

South Asian people who originate from the Indian subcontinent have greater percent body fat (%BF) for the same body mass index (BMI) compared with white Caucasians. This has been implicated in their increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. There is limited information comparing different measures of body fat in this ethnic group. The objectives of this study were: (1) to investigate the correlation of %BF measured by a foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis (FF-BIA) against the BOD POD, a method of air-displacement plethysmography, and (2) to determine the correlations of simple anthropometric measures, (that is, BMI, body adiposity index (BAI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)) against the BOD POD measure of body fat. Eighty apparently healthy South Asian men and women were recruited from the community, and measurements of height, weight, WC, HC and body composition using Tanita FF-BIA and BOD POD were taken. The mean±s.d. age of participants was 27.78±10.49 years, 42.5% were women, and the mean BMI was 22.68±3.51 kg m(-2). The mean body fat (%BF) calculated by FF-BIA and BOD POD was 21.94±7.88% and 26.20±8.47%, respectively. The %BF calculated by FF-BIA was highly correlated with the BOD POD (Pearson's r=0.83, P<0.001), however, FF-BIA underestimated %BF by 4.3%. When anthropometric measures were compared with % BF by BOD POD, the BAI showed the strongest correlation (r=0.74) and the WHR showed the weakest (r=0.33). BAI generally underestimated %BF by 2.6% in comparison with %BF by BOD POD. The correlations of BOD POD with other measures of %BF were much stronger in subjects with a BMI >21 kg m(-2) than those with a BMI 21 kg m(-2). The FF-BIA and BAI estimates of %BF are highly correlated with that of BOD POD among people of South Asian origin, although both methods somewhat underestimate % BF. Furthermore, their correlations with % BF from BOD POD are significantly weakened among men and women with a BMI 21 kg m(-2).

Impulsiveness, postprandial blood glucose, and glucoregulation affect measures of behavioral flexibility.

PubMed

Riby, Leigh M; Lai Teik Ong, Derek; Azmie, Nurulnadia Binti Mohamad; Ooi, Ee Lyn; Regina, Caroline; Yeo, Eugene Ki Wai; Massa, Jacqueline; Aquili, Luca

2017-12-01

Behavioral flexibility (BF) performance is influenced by both psychological and physiological factors. Recent evidence suggests that impulsivity and blood glucose can affect executive function, of which BF is a subdomain. Here, we hypothesized that impulsivity, fasting blood glucose (FBG), glucose changes (ie, glucoregulation) from postprandial blood glucose (PBG) following the intake of a 15-g glucose beverage could account for variability in BF performance. The Stroop Color-Word Test and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were used as measures of BF, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) to quantify participants' impulsivity. In Study 1, neither impulsivity nor FBG could predict performance on the Stroop or the WCST. In Study 2, we tested whether blood glucose levels following the intake of a sugary drink, and absolute changes in glucose levels following the intake of the glucose beverage could better predict BF. Results showed that impulsivity and the difference in blood glucose between time 1 (postprandial) and time 2, but not blood glucose levels at time 2 per se could account for variation in performance on the WCST but not on the Stroop task. More specifically, lower impulsivity scores on the BIS-11, and smaller differences in blood glucose levels from time 1 to time 2 predicted a decrease in the number of total and perseverative errors on the WCST. Our results show that measures of impulsivity and glucoregulation can be used to predict BF. Importantly our data extend the work on glucose and cognition to a clinically relevant domain of cognition. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dual Effects of 5-HT1a Receptor Activation on Breathing in Neonatal Mice

PubMed Central

Commons, Kathryn G.; Wu, Yuanming; Smith, Jeffrey C.; Harris, Michael B.; Richerson, George B.

2014-01-01

Inhibitory 5-HT1a receptors are located on serotonin (5-HT) neurons (autoreceptors) as well as neurons of the respiratory network (heteroreceptors). Thus, effects on breathing of 5-HT1a agonists, such as (R)-(+)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), could either be due to decreased firing of 5-HT neurons or direct effects on the respiratory network. Mice in which the transcription factor LMX1B is genetically deleted selectively in Pet1-1-expressing cells (Lmx1bf/f/p) essentially have complete absence of central 5-HT neurons, providing a unique opportunity to separate the effect of activation of downstream 5-HT1a heteroreceptors from that of autoreceptors. We used rhythmically active medullary slices from wild-type (WT) and Lmx1bf/f/p neonatal mice to differentiate autoreceptor versus heteroreceptor effects of 8-OH-DPAT on hypoglossal nerve respiratory output. 8-OH-DPAT transiently increased respiratory burst frequency in Lmx1bf/f/p preparations, but not in WT slices. This excitation was abolished when synaptic inhibition was blocked by GABAergic/glycinergic receptor antagonists. Conversely, after 10 min of application, frequency in Lmx1bf/f/p slices was not different from baseline, whereas it was significantly depressed in WT slices. In WT mice in vivo, subcutaneous injection of 8-OH-DPAT produced similar biphasic respiratory effects as in Lmx1bf/f/p mice. We conclude that 5-HT1a receptor agonists have two competing effects: rapid stimulation of breathing due to excitation of the respiratory network, and delayed inhibition of breathing due to autoreceptor inhibition of 5-HT neurons. The former effect is presumably due to inhibition of inhibitory interneurons embedded in the respiratory network. PMID:24381267

Pyyromethene-BF2 Complexes as Laser Dyes

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-05-24

pyrromethene S1 state via exciplex formation, a pro- cess well known for polyamines [20], was not incompatible with the available information... exciplex formation [21]. Strong fluorescence in a bidentate BF 2 complex with nitrogen and/or oxygen atoms as ligand term’ini was afforded by P-BF2...M. Gordon and W. R. Ware, Eds., "The Exciplex ," Academic Press, New York, 1975. [21] M. E. Huston, K. W. Haider, and A. W. Czarnik, J. Amer. Chem. Soc

Skeletal muscle mass and body fat in relation to successful ageing of older adults: The multi-national MEDIS study.

PubMed

Tyrovolas, Stefanos; Haro, Josep-Maria; Mariolis, Anargiros; Piscopo, Suzanne; Valacchi, Giuseppe; Bountziouka, Vassiliki; Anastasiou, Foteini; Zeimbekis, Akis; Tyrovola, Dimitra; Foscolou, Alexandra; Gotsis, Efthimios; Metallinos, George; Tur, Josep-Antoni; Matalas, Antonia; Lionis, Christos; Polychronopoulos, Evangelos; Panagiotakos, Demosthenes

2016-01-01

The determinants that promote successful ageing still remain unknown. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the role of skeletal muscle mass and body fat percentage (BF%), in the level of successful ageing. during 2005-2011, 2663 older (aged 65-100 years) from 21 Mediterranean islands and the rural Mani region (Peloponnesus) of Greece were voluntarily enrolled in the study. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and BF% were calculated using population formulas. Dietary habits, energy intake, expenditure and energy balance were derived throughout standard procedures. A successful ageing index ranging from 0 to 10 was used. The mean ASM mass was 24±6.0kg, the SMI was 0.84±0.21 and the BF% was 44%. Females had lower SMI and higher BF% in comparison with males, respectively [(SMI: 0.66±0.09 vs. 1.03±0.11; BF%: 51% vs. 34%, (p<0.001)]. High successful agers had better rates in ASM (p=0.01), SMI (p<0.001) and BF% (p<0.001), compared with the medium and low successful ones. Changes in SMI [b-coefficient (95% CI):2.14 (1.57 to 2.71)] were positively associated with successful ageing, while changes in BF% [b-coefficient (95% CI): -0.04 (-0.05 to -0.03)] were inversely associated with successful ageing. Results from sensitivity analysis showed that the effects of variations on body composition were consistent, less pronounced in the positive energy balance group and more pronounced among the oldest old. Body composition changes seem to be associated with lower quality of life in the older adults, as measured through successful ageing. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Laser speckle imaging of rat retinal blood flow with hybrid temporal and spatial analysis method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Haiying; Yan, Yumei; Duong, Timothy Q.

2009-02-01

Noninvasive monitoring of blood flow in retinal circulation will reveal the progression and treatment of ocular disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. A non-invasive and direct BF measurement technique with high spatial-temporal resolution is needed for retinal imaging. Laser speckle imaging (LSI) is such a method. Currently, there are two analysis methods for LSI: spatial statistics LSI (SS-LSI) and temporal statistical LSI (TS-LSI). Comparing these two analysis methods, SS-LSI has higher signal to noise ratio (SNR) and TSLSI is less susceptible to artifacts from stationary speckle. We proposed a hybrid temporal and spatial analysis method (HTS-LSI) to measure the retinal blood flow. Gas challenge experiment was performed and images were analyzed by HTS-LSI. Results showed that HTS-LSI can not only remove the stationary speckle but also increase the SNR. Under 100% O2, retinal BF decreased by 20-30%. This was consistent with the results observed with laser Doppler technique. As retinal blood flow is a critical physiological parameter and its perturbation has been implicated in the early stages of many retinal diseases, HTS-LSI will be an efficient method in early detection of retina diseases.

Antenatal breastfeeding education for increasing breastfeeding duration

PubMed Central

Lumbiganon, Pisake; Martis, Ruth; Laopaiboon, Malinee; Festin, Mario R; Ho, Jacqueline J; Hakimi, Mohammad

2014-01-01

Background Breastfeeding (BF) is well recognised as the best food for infants. The impact of antenatal BF education on the duration of BF has not been evaluated. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of antenatal BF education for increasing BF initiation and duration. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group’s Trials Register (21 April 2010), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1966 to April 2010) and SCOPUS (January 1985 to April 2010). We contacted experts and searched reference lists of retrieved articles. We updated the search of the Pregnancy and Childbirth Group’s Trials Register on 28 September 2011 and added the results to the awaiting classification section of the review. Selection criteria All identified published, unpublished and ongoing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of formal antenatal BF education or comparing two different methods of formal antenatal BF education, on duration of BF. We excluded RCTs that also included intrapartum or postpartum BF education. Data collection and analysis We assessed all potential studies identified as a result of the search strategy. Two review authors extracted data from each included study using the agreed form and assessed risk of bias. We resolved discrepancies through discussion. Main results We included 17 studies with 7131 women in the review and 14 studies involving 6932 women contributed data to the analyses. We did not do any meta-analysis because there was only one study for each comparison. Five studies compared a single method of BF education with routine care. Peer counselling significantly increased BF initiation. Three studies compared one form of BF education versus another. No intervention was significantly more effective than another intervention in increasing initiation or duration of BF. Seven studies compared multiple methods versus a single method of BF education. Combined BF educational interventions were not significantly better than a single intervention in initiating or increasing BF duration. However, in one trial a combined BF education significantly reduced nipple pain and trauma. One study compared different combinations of interventions. There was a marginally significant increase in exclusive BF at six months in women receiving a booklet plus video plus lactation consultation (LC) compared with the booklet plus video only. Two studies compared multiple methods of BF education versus routine care. The combination of BF booklet plus video plus LC was significantly better than routine care for exclusive BF at three months. Authors’ conclusions Because there were significant methodological limitations and the observed effect sizes were small, it is not appropriate to recommend any antenatal BF education. There is an urgent need to conduct RCTs study with adequate power to evaluate the effectiveness of antenatal BF education. PMID:22071830

Photomagnetic studies on spin-crossover solid solutions containing two different metal complexes, [Fe(1-bpp)(2)](x)[M(terpy)2](1-x)[BF4]2 (M = Ru or Co).

PubMed

Chastanet, Guillaume; Tovee, Clare A; Hyett, Geoffrey; Halcrow, Malcolm A; Létard, Jean-François

2012-04-28

The photomagnetic properties of two series of spin-crossover solid solutions, [Fe(1-bpp)(2)](x)[Ru(terpy)(2)](1-x)(BF(4))(2) and [Fe(1-bpp)(2)](x)[Co(terpy)(2)](1-x)(BF(4))(2) (1-bpp = 2,6-bis[pyrazol-1-yl]pyridine), have been investigated. For all the materials, the evolution of the T(LIESST) value, the high-spin → low-spin relaxation parameters and the LITH loops were thoroughly studied. Interestingly in the Fe:Co series, along the photo-excitation, cobalt ions are concomitantly converted from low-spin to high-spin states with the iron centres, and also fully relax after light excitation. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012

Regional relation between skin blood flow and sweating to passive heating and local administration of acetylcholine in young, healthy humans.

PubMed

Smith, Caroline J; Kenney, W Larry; Alexander, Lacy M

2013-04-01

Regional variation in sweating over the human body is widely recognized yet variation in vasomotor responses and mechanisms causing this variation remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the relation between regional sweating rates (RSR) and skin blood flow (SkBF) responses to thermal and pharmacological stimuli in young, healthy subjects. In nine subjects (23 ± 3 yr), intradermal microdialysis (MD) probes were inserted into the ventral forearm, abdomen, thigh, and lower back and perfused with lactated Ringer solution. RSR over each MD membrane were measured using ventilated capsules with a laser Doppler probe housed in each capsule for measurement of red cell flux (laser Doppler flux, LDF) as an index of SkBF. Subjects completed a whole body heating protocol to 1°C rise in oral temperature and an acetylcholine dose response (ACh 1 × 10(-7)-0.1 M; mean skin temperature 34°C). Maximal LDF were obtained at the end of both protocols (50 mM sodium nitroprusside).During heating RSR varied among sites (P < 0.0001) and was greater on the back versus other sites (P < 0.05), but LDF was similar between sites (P = 0.343). RSR and SkBF showed a strong relation during initial (arm: r = 0.77 ± 0.09, thigh: r = 0.81 ± 0.08, abdomen: r = 0.89 ± 0.04, back: r = 0.86 ± 0.04) but not latter stages of heating. No differences in RSR (P = 0.160) or SkBF (LDF, P = 0.841) were observed between sites during ACh perfusion. Taken together, these data suggest that increases in SkBF are necessary to initiate and increase sweating, but further rises in RSR are not fully dependent on SkBF in a dose-response manner. Furthermore, RSR cannot be explained by cholinergic sensitivity or variation in SkBF.

Ambient neutrons of natural origin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gusev, Anatoly; Martin, Inacio; Shkevov, Rumen; Alves, Mauro

2016-07-01

The laboratory of environmental radiation of ITA (São José dos Campos, 23°11'11″S, 45°52'43″W, 650 MAMSL) performs simultaneous monitoring of a natural radiation background and meteorological parameters. Neutron flux in the energy range of 0.02 eV - 10 MeV is registered with two sets of proportional ^{3}He tubes placed into cylindrical paraffin thermalizers: an {bf outdoor detector }of 250 cm² area and {bf indoor detector }of 70 cm² area located on the second floor of a concrete building. The counter efficiency for thermal neutrons is 80%. The characteristics of the observed flux variation are quite different from those inherent to the neutrons of the cosmic ray origin. {bf Four types of the outdoor flux variations }are observed: 1) {bf seasonal }with a maxima in wet seasons; 2) {bf diurnal }with maximum at about 6 h local time and an amplitude up to several dozens; 3) {bf abrupt transient} ( 1 min) increases with magnitudes up to two orders higher than the mean daily flux; 4) short (several days) {bf quasi-periodic enhancements }with amplitudes up to several times higher than the mean daily flux. A large variation of the outdoor flux and its phase synchronism with that of the radon decay products means with a high probability their common origin. An apparent source of the neutrons observed is nuclear reactions of decay α-particles with the ground matter. In this case the dynamics of the outdoor flux variations of the first two types is controlled by those of the meteorological parameters in the locality. The third type events correlate with lightning strokes in the vicinity (<200 m) of the detector. The more rare fourth type correlate neither with geomagnetic disturbances nor with meteorological phenomena and are probably a result of natural radon release from the Earth's crust triggered by minor seismological activity. The indoor flux is quite stable with a possible weak maximum at16 h not exceeding 0.1.

Unbound bilirubin measurements by a novel probe in preterm infants.

PubMed

Hegyi, Thomas; Kleinfeld, Alan; Huber, Andrew; Weinberger, Barry; Memon, Naureen; Shih, Weichung; Carayannopoulos, Mary; Oh, William

2018-03-12

Hyperbilirubinemia occurs in over 80% of newborns and severe bilirubin toxicity can lead to neurological dysfunction and death, especially in preterm infants. Currently, the risk of bilirubin toxicity is assessed by measuring the levels of total serum bilirubin (TSB), which are used to direct treatments including immunoglobulin administration, phototherapy, and exchange transfusion. However, free, unbound bilirubin levels (Bf) predict the risk of bilirubin neurotoxicity more accurately than TSB. To examine Bf levels in preterm infants and determine the frequency with which they exceed reported neurotoxic thresholds. One hundred thirty preterm infants (BW 500-2000 g; GA 23-34 weeks) were enrolled and Bf levels measured during the first week of life by the fluorescent Bf sensor BL22P1B11-Rh. TSB and plasma albumin were measured by standard techniques. Bilirubin-albumin dissociation constants (K d ) were calculated based on Bf and plasma albumin. Five hundred eighty samples were measured during the first week of life, with an overall mean Bf of 13.6 ± 9.0 nM. A substantial number of measurements exceeded potential toxic thresholds levels as reported in the literature. The correlation between Bf and TSB was statistically significant (r 2 0.17), but this weak relationship was lost at high Bf levels. Infants <28-week gestations had more hearing screening failures than infants ≥28-week gestation. Unbound (free) bilirubin values are extremely variable during the first week of life in preterm infants. A significant proportion of these values exceeded reported neurotoxic thresholds.

[A Comparative Study on Two Membrane Bioreactors for the Treatment of Digested Piggery Wastewater].

PubMed

Shui, Yong; Kawagishi, Tomoki; Song, Xiao-yan; Liu, Rui; Chen, Lü-jun

2015-09-01

With high concentrations of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonium while low ratio of COD to total nitrogen (TN), digested piggery wastewater is difficult to treat using conventional biological methods. In this study, a biofilm membrane bioreactor (BF-MBR) and a traditional type of membrane bioreactor (MBR) were parallel operated to treat digested piggery wastewater, and the pollutant removal performance were compared at influent COD/TN ratios of 1. 0 ± 0. 2 and 2. 3 ± 0. 4, respectively. The results showed that the effluent quality in both reactors was poor and unstable when the influent COD/TN ratio was 1. 0 ± 0. 2. The effluent quality and stability were greatly improved as the influent COD/TN ratio was increased to 2. 3 ± 0. 4. The removal rates of COD and ammonium were respectively 92. 3% ± 2. 4% and 97. 5% ± 4. 1% in BF-MBR, slightly higher than 91. 9% ± 1. 5% and 91. 2% ± 14. 0% in MBR. Benefited from the biofilm, 36. 7% ± 19. 5% of TN and 54. 0% ± 18. 9% of TP were removed by BF-MBR, significantly higher than the respective values of 19. 2% ± 12. 4% and 29. 0% ± 18. 1% by MBR. Moreover, BF-MBR consumed less than 40% of the alkaline chemicals as MBR. BF-MBR was considered more suitable for treatment of digested piggery wastewater due to its better pollutant removal performance and low consumption of alkaline.

A new approach in the design of organic superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, J.

2004-04-01

The preparation of charge-transfer (CT) salts of DODHT [(1,4-dioxane-2,3-diyldithio) dihydrotetrathia-fulvalene], BDH-TTP [2,5-bis(1,3-dithiolan-2-ylidene)-1,3,4,6-tetrathiapentalene] and BDA-TTP [2,5-bis(1,3-dithian-2-ylidene)-1,3,4,6-tetrathiapentalene] has been investigated to develop new organic superconductors. The DODHT and BDA-TTP donors give organic superconductors (DODHT){2}BF{4}\\cdot H{2}O and (BDA-TTP){2}X (X = GaCl{4} and FeCl{4}) under applied pressures, whereas (BDH-TTP)Br{0.88} and (BDA-TTF){2}X (X = BF{4}, BF{4}\\cdot H{2}O and ClO{4}) fail to exhibit superconductivity at ambient pressure. Key words. Organic superconductor π -electron donor σ -bond framework loose donor packing motif.

Study of interaction between ionic liquids and orange G in aqueous solution with UV-vis spectroscopy and conductivity meter.

PubMed

Zha, Jin-Ping; Zhu, Meng-Ting; Qin, Li; Wang, Xin-Hong

2018-05-05

The interactions between Orange G (OG) with three kinds of ionic liquid surfactants (C 10 mimBF 4 , C 12 mimBF 4 , C 16 mimBF 4 ) and CTAB were studied with UV-Vis spectra and conductivity measurements. The systematic changes in UV-Vis spectra with an increase of carbon-chain length may be observed in presence of OG. They correspond to CMC of every system, respectively, and the CMCs of four systems have exhibit the decrease of CMCs compared to pure surfactant. The binding constants are calculated from the results of conductivity measurements in the order of C 16 mimBF 4 >CTAB>C 12 mimBF 4 >C 10 mimBF 4 . Furthermore, system behaviors presented significant association of complex formation and micelles formation, i.e. the change in UV-Vis spectra before and after the formation of micelles in mixed systems. In addition, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and 1 H NMR analysis further confirmed that the complexes are formed by hydrogen bond and van der Waal force. These findings could provide scientific guidance for extraction and separation of dyes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study of interaction between ionic liquids and orange G in aqueous solution with UV-vis spectroscopy and conductivity meter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zha, Jin-Ping; Zhu, Meng-Ting; Qin, Li; Wang, Xin-Hong

2018-05-01

The interactions between Orange G (OG) with three kinds of ionic liquid surfactants (C10mimBF4, C12mimBF4, C16mimBF4) and CTAB were studied with UV-Vis spectra and conductivity measurements. The systematic changes in UV-Vis spectra with an increase of carbon-chain length may be observed in presence of OG. They correspond to CMC of every system, respectively, and the CMCs of four systems have exhibit the decrease of CMCs compared to pure surfactant. The binding constants are calculated from the results of conductivity measurements in the order of C16mimBF4 > CTAB > C12mimBF4 > C10mimBF4. Furthermore, system behaviors presented significant association of complex formation and micelles formation, i.e. the change in UV-Vis spectra before and after the formation of micelles in mixed systems. In addition, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and 1H NMR analysis further confirmed that the complexes are formed by hydrogen bond and van der Waal force. These findings could provide scientific guidance for extraction and separation of dyes.

Synthesis, selected coordination chemistry and extraction behavior of a (phosphinoylmethyl)pyridyl N-oxide-functionalized ligand based upon a 1,4-diazepane platform

DOE PAGES

Ouizem, Sabrina; Rosario Amorin, Daniel; Dickie, Diane A.; ...

2015-05-09

For syntheses of new multidentate chelating ligands ((6,6'4(1,4-diazepane-1,4-diyl)bis(methylene))bis(pyridine-6,2-diyl))bis(methylene))bis(diphenylphosphine oxide) (2) and 6,6'-((1,4-diazepane1,4-diyl)bis(methylene))bis(2-((diphenylphosphoryl)methyl)pyridine 1-oxide) (3), based upon a 1,4-diazepane platform functionalized with 2-(diphenylphosphinoylmethyl)pyridine P-oxide and 2-(diphenylphosphinoylmethyl)pyridine NP-dioxide fragments, respectively, the results are reported. Our results from studies of the coordination chemistry of the ligands with selected lanthanide nitrates and Cu(BF 4)(2) are outlined, and crystal structures for two complexes, [Cu(2)](BF 4) 2 and [Cu(3)](BF 4) 2, are described along with survey Eu(III) and Am(III) solvent extraction analysis, for 3.

RNA turnover and protein synthesis in fish cells.

PubMed

Smith, R W; Palmer, R M; Houlihan, D F

2000-03-01

Protein synthesis in fish has been previously correlated with RNA content. The present study investigates whether protein and RNA synthesis rates are similarly related. Protein and RNA synthesis rates were determined from 3H-phenylalanine and 3H-uridine incorporation, respectively, and expressed as % x day(-1) and half-lives, respectively. Three fibroblast cell lines were used: BF-2, RTP, CHSE 214, which are derived from the bluegill, rainbow trout and Chinook salmon, respectively. These cells contained similar RNA concentrations (approximately 175 microg RNA x mg(-1) cell protein). Therefore differences in protein synthesis rates, BF-2 (31.3 +/- 1.8)>RTP (25.1 +/- 1.7)>CHSE 214 (17.6 +/-1.1), were attributable to RNA translational efficiency. The most translationally efficient RNA (BF-2 cells), 1.8 mg protein synthesised x microg(-1) RNA x day(-1), corresponded to the lowest RNA half-life, 75.4 +/- 6.4 h. Translationally efficient RNA was also energetically efficient with BF-2 cells exploiting the least costly route of nucleotide supply (i.e. exogenous salvage) 3.5-6.0 times more than the least translationally efficient RNA (CHSE 214 cells). These data suggest that differential nucleotide supply, between intracellular synthesis and exogenous salvage, constitutes the area of pre-translational flexibility exploited to maintain RNA synthesis as a fixed energetic cost component of protein synthesis.

Preparation of an Environment-friendly Biochar Fertilizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhong, Xuan; Wang, Mingfeng; Jiang, Enchen

2018-01-01

Combining biochar with urea can not only enhance the release efficiency of urea, but also improve the soil environment thus promoting the growth of plant. However, the low mechanical strength and overuse of binder have limited the improvement of the biochar fertilizer (BF). An novel BF was prepared by putting the mixture of biochar and urea into a molding tube with diameter of 6-12mm and heating at 155°C. Molten urea (155°C) was used as binder to combine with biochar in a way of heterogeneous permeation & integration. The maximum compressive strengh of BF samples with different diameter are in the range of 46.34-108.54N, much larger to that of pure urea (12.1N). The leaching experiments show that only 19.5%-33.5% of BF samples released at the first day, exhibiting a slow-release property. Therefore, our study has demonstrated the potential of this novel BF for improving the effectiveness of fertilizer.

The Vps33a gene regulates behavior and cerebellar Purkinje cell number

PubMed Central

Chintala, Sreenivasulu; Novak, Edward K.; Spernyak, Joseph A.; Mazurchuk, Richard; Torres, German; Patel, Suchith; Busch, Kristie; Meeder, Beth A.; Horowitz, Judith M.; Vaughan, Mary M.; Swank, Richard T.

2015-01-01

A mutation in the Vps33a gene causes Hermansky–Pudlak Syndrome (HPS)-like-symptoms in the buff (bf) mouse mutant. The encoded product, Vps33a, is a member of the Sec1 and Class C multi-protein complex that regulates vesicle trafficking to specialized lysosome-related organelles. As Sec1 signaling pathways have been implicated in pre-synaptic function, we examined brain size, cerebellar cell number and the behavioral phenotype of bf mutants. Standardized behavioral tests (SHIRPA protocols) demonstrated significant motor deficits (e.g., grip strength, righting reflex and touch escape) in bf mutants, worsening with age. Histological examination of brain revealed significant Purkinje cell loss that was confirmed with staining for calbindin, a calcium binding protein enriched in Purkinje cells. This pathologic finding was progressive, as older bf mutants (13–14 months) showed a greater attrition of neurons, with their cerebella appearing to be particularly reduced (~30%) in size relative to those of age-matched-control cohorts. These studies suggest that loss of Purkinje neurons is the most obvious neurological atrophy in the bf mutant, a structural change that generates motor coordination deficits and impaired postural phenotypes. It is conceivable therefore that death of cerebellar cells may alsobea clinical feature of HPS patients, a pathological event which has not been reported in the literature. In general, the bf mutant may be a potentially new and useful model for understanding Purkinje cell development and function. PMID:19254700

Body image dissatisfaction and anthropometric indicators in male children and adolescents.

PubMed

Ferrari, E P; Minatto, G; Berria, J; Silva, S F Dos S; Fidelix, Y L; Ribeiro, R R; Santos, K D; Petroski, E L

2015-10-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between body image dissatisfaction and body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF%) and to identify which of these anthropometric indicators are more strongly associated, and finally to estimate the prevalence of overweight and high body adiposity in male children and adolescents, according to maturational stages. Overall, 1499 students aged from 7 to 17 years from Cascavel, PR, Brazil, were evaluated. Body image was self-rated through the body silhouette scale. Body weight, height and triceps and subscapular skinfolds were measured and BMI and BF% were calculated. Sexual maturity was self-assessed by the development of pubic hair. Data analysis used the Fisher exact test, the χ(2)-test and multinomial logistic regression. Body image dissatisfaction because of excess weight was associated with BMI and BF%, whereas in prepubertal students, this association did not remain in the adjusted analysis. In pubescent students, both BMI (odds ratio (OR)=5.25, confidence interval (CI) 95%=3.06-9.01) and BF% (OR=2.42, CI 95%=1.60-3.66), and in post-pubescent students for BMI (OR=3.77, CI 95%=1.33-10.70), the association remained. Body image dissatisfaction because of thinness was associated only with BF% in pubescent (OR=0.50, CI 95%= 0.33-0.75) and post-pubescent students (OR=0.38, CI 95%= 0.16-0.94). Body image dissatisfaction was associated with BMI and BF%, especially in pubescent and post-pubescent students.

Diagnostic performance of body mass index using the Western Pacific Regional Office of World Health Organization reference standards for body fat percentage.

PubMed

Yoon, Jong Lull; Cho, Jung Jin; Park, Kyung Mi; Noh, Hye Mi; Park, Yong Soon

2015-02-01

Associations between body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%), and health risks differ between Asian and European populations. BMI is commonly used to diagnose obesity; however, its accuracy in detecting adiposity in Koreans is unknown. The present cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the accuracy of BMI in determining BF%-defined obesity in 6,017 subjects (age 20-69 yr, 43.6% men) from the 2009 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We assessed the diagnostic performance of BMI using the Western Pacific Regional Office of World Health Organization reference standard for BF%-defined obesity by sex and age and identified the optimal BMI cut-off for BF%-defined obesity using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. BMI-defined obesity (≥25 kg/m(2)) was observed in 38.7% of men and 28.1% of women, with a high specificity (89%, men; 84%, women) but poor sensitivity (56%, men; 72% women) for BF%-defined obesity (25.2%, men; 31.1%, women). The optimal BMI cut-off (24.2 kg/m(2)) had 78% sensitivity and 71% specificity. BMI demonstrated limited diagnostic accuracy for adiposity in Korea. There was a -1.3 kg/m(2) difference in optimal BMI cut-offs between Korea and America, smaller than the 5-unit difference between the Western Pacific Regional Office and global World Health Organization obesity criteria.

Glycinergic Input to the Mouse Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons

PubMed Central

Bardóczi, Zsuzsanna; Pál, Balázs; Kőszeghy, Áron; Wilheim, Tamás; Záborszky, László; Liposits, Zsolt

2017-01-01

The basal forebrain (BF) receives afferents from brainstem ascending pathways, which has been implicated first by Moruzzi and Magoun (1949) to induce forebrain activation and cortical arousal/waking behavior; however, it is very little known about how brainstem inhibitory inputs affect cholinergic functions. In the current study, glycine, a major inhibitory neurotransmitter of brainstem neurons, and gliotransmitter of local glial cells, was tested for potential interaction with BF cholinergic (BFC) neurons in male mice. In the BF, glycine receptor α subunit-immunoreactive (IR) sites were localized in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-IR neurons. The effect of glycine on BFC neurons was demonstrated by bicuculline-resistant, strychnine-sensitive spontaneous IPSCs (sIPSCs; 0.81 ± 0.25 × 10−1 Hz) recorded in whole-cell conditions. Potential neuronal as well as glial sources of glycine were indicated in the extracellular space of cholinergic neurons by glycine transporter type 1 (GLYT1)- and GLYT2-IR processes found in apposition to ChAT-IR cells. Ultrastructural analyses identified synapses of GLYT2-positive axon terminals on ChAT-IR neurons, as well as GLYT1-positive astroglial processes, which were localized in the vicinity of synapses of ChAT-IR neurons. The brainstem raphe magnus was determined to be a major source of glycinergic axons traced retrogradely from the BF. Our results indicate a direct effect of glycine on BFC neurons. Furthermore, the presence of high levels of plasma membrane glycine transporters in the vicinity of cholinergic neurons suggests a tight control of extracellular glycine in the BF. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Basal forebrain cholinergic (BFC) neurons receive various activating inputs from specific brainstem areas and channel this information to the cortex via multiple projections. So far, very little is known about inhibitory brainstem afferents to the BF. The current study established glycine as a major regulator of BFC neurons by (1) identifying glycinergic neurons in the brainstem projecting to the BF, (2) showing glycine receptor α subunit-immunoreactive (IR) sites in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-IR neurons, (3) demonstrating glycine transporter type 2 (GLYT2)-positive axon terminals synapsing on ChAT-IR neurons, and (4) localizing GLYT1-positive astroglial processes in the vicinity of synapses of ChAT-IR neurons. The effect of glycine on BFC neurons was demonstrated by bicuculline-resistant, strychnine-sensitive spontaneous IPSCs recorded in whole-cell conditions. PMID:28874448

Breastfeeding and growth during infancy among offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Gunderson, E P; Greenspan, L C; Faith, M S; Hurston, S R; Quesenberry, C P

2018-04-24

Breastfeeding (BF) may protect against obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus in children exposed to maternal diabetes in utero, but its effects on infant growth among this high-risk group have rarely been evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate BF intensity and duration in relation to infant growth from birth through 12 months among offspring of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Prospective cohort of 464 GDM mother-infant dyads (28% White, 36% Hispanic, 26% Asian, 8% Black, 2% other). Weight and length measured at birth, 6-9 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. Categorized as intensive BF or formula feeding (FF) groups at 6-9 weeks (study baseline), and intensity from birth through 12 months as Group 1: consistent exclusive/mostly FF, Group 2: transition from BF to FF within 3-9 months and Group 3: consistent exclusive/mostly BF. Multivariable mixed linear regression models estimated adjusted mean (95% confidence interval) change in z-scores; weight-for-length (WLZ), weight-for-age and length-for-age. Compared with intensive BF at 6-9 weeks, FF showed greater increases in WLZ-scores from 6 to 9 weeks to 6 months [+0.38 (0.13 to 0.62) vs. +0.02 (-0.15 to 0.19); p = 0.02] and birth to 12 months [+1.11 (0.87 to 1.34) vs. +0.53 (0.37 to 0.69); p < 0.001]. For 12-month intensity and duration, Groups 2 and 3 had smaller WLZ-score increases than Group 1 from 6 to 9 weeks to 6 months [-0.05 (-0.27 to 0.18) and +0.07 (-0.19 to 0.23) vs. +0.40 (0.15 to 0.64); p = 0.01 and 0.07], and birth to 12 months [+0.60 (0.39 to 0.82) and +0.59 (0.33 to 0.85) vs. +0.97 (0.75 to 1.19); p < 0.05]. Among offspring of mothers with GDM, high intensity BF from birth through 1 year is associated with slower infant ponderal growth and lower weight gain. © 2018 World Obesity Federation.

Effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor on cochlear blood flow.

PubMed

Hoshijima, Hideaki; Makimoto, Kazuo; Noi, Osamu; Ohinata, Yoshimitsu; Takenaka, Hiroshi

2002-09-01

We observed in rats the changes in cochlear blood flow (CoBF) and cutaneous blood flow of the abdominal wall (AbBF) after the administration of the NO synthase inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME). Ten minutes after i.v. infusion of L-NAME (0.2, 1, 5, 10 mg/kg), L-arginine, which is a substrate of NO, was infused (100 mg/kg) i.v. Employing a laser Doppler flowmeter, the changes in blood flow were recorded from the basal turn of the right cochlea or the abdominal wall and blood pressure (BP) was recorded from the left femoral artery simultaneously. Vascular conductance (VC) was calculated from CoBF/mean BP (cochlear VC) or AbBF/mean BP (abdominal VC). The findings in rats generally agreed with those in guinea pigs [Brechtelsbauer et al., Hear. Res. 77 (1994) 38-42]. Intravenous infusion of L-NAME produced a dose-dependent depression of cochlear VC at 0.2 mg/kg (-18.9), 1 mg/kg (-37.9%), 5 mg/kg (-45.8%) and 10 mg/kg (-48.3%). AbBF also decreased after infusion of L-NAME (5 mg/kg) but to a lesser degree (-41.1% in VC) with no significance compared to CoBF (5 mg/kg). Infusion of L-arginine partially reversed the CoBF decrease caused by L-NAME. The group of 0.2 mg/kg infusion of L-NAME showed the largest degree of recovery with L-arginine, while the 10 mg/kg group showed the smallest. The decrease in AbBF did not recover substantially with L-arginine, the degree being less than that of each group in the CoBF experiment. It was suggested that the NO/soluble guanylate cyclase/cGMP system is more active in the cochlear microcirculation. With the round window (RW) application of 1% L-NAME (2 microl), cochlear VC was decreased by 21.6%, which was closest to that of the 0.2 mg/kg group of L-NAME i.v. infusion. The cochlear VC depression after local application of L-NAME did not show any recovery (-0.3%) by RW application of 5% L-arginine (2 microl) 25 min after L-NAME application; a slight gradual increase was observed when a higher concentration (20%) of L-arginine was applied to the RW. We propose that i.v. infusions of L-NAME and L-arginine primarily affect the precapillary arteriole of the spiral modiolar artery which effectively regulates microcirculation as a resistance vessel, and that RW application affects the vessels of the lateral wall, not the spiral modiolar artery because of the difficulty of substance diffusion.

BF*F allotype of the alternative pathway of complement: A marker of protection against the development of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Picceli, V F; Skare, T L; Nisihara, R M; Nass, F R; Messias-Reason, I T; Utiyama, S R R

2016-04-01

B factor (BF) from the alternative complement pathway seems to participate in the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). To study the allotypic variability of BF in SLE and their associations with clinical and autoantibodies profile. BF allotypes were determined by high-voltage agarose gel electrophoresis, under constant cooling, followed by immunofixation with anti-human BF antibody, in 188 SLE patients and 103 controls. Clinical and serological data were obtained from medical examination and records. No significant differences of BF variants between patients and controls were found, neither in relation to epidemiologic or clinical manifestations. Associations of phenotype BF SS07 and allotype BF*S07 were found with anticardiolipin IgM (aCl-IgM) antibodies (p = 0.014 and p = 0.009 respectively), but not with aCl-IgG, lupus anticoagulant (LA), anti β2GPI or clinical APS. A significant decrease in BF*F allotype (p = 0.043) and BF SF phenotype (p = 0.018) was detected in patients with anti-phospholipid antibodies as a whole (aCl-IgG, aCl-IgM, LA and anti β2GPI). There is a link between phenotype BF SS07 and allotype BF*S07 with aCl-IgM in SLE patients; BF*F allotype could be considered a marker of protection against the development of antiphospholipid antibodies in these patients. © The Author(s) 2015.

[Correlation between percentage of body fat and simple anthropometric parameters in children aged 6-9 years in Guangzhou].

PubMed

Yan, H C; Hao, Y T; Guo, Y F; Wei, Y H; Zhang, J H; Huang, G P; Mao, L M; Zhang, Z Q

2017-11-10

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of simple anthropometric parameters in diagnosing obesity in children in Guangzhou. Methods: A cross-sectional study, including 465 children aged 6-9 years, was carried out in Guangzhou. Their body height and weight, waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference were measured according to standard procedure. Body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Body fat percentage (BF%) was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Multiple regression analysis was applied to evaluate the correlations between age-adjusted physical indicators and BF%, after the adjustment for age. Obesity was defined by BF%. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the indicators for childhood obesity. Area under-ROC curves (AUCs) were calculated and the best cut-off point that maximizing 'sensitivity + specificity-1' was determined. Results: BMI showed the strongest association with BF% through multiple regression analysis. For 'per-standard deviation increase' of BMI, BF% increased by 5.3% ( t =23.1, P <0.01) in boys and 4.6% ( t =17.5, P <0.01) in girls, respectively. The ROC curve analysis indicated that BMI exhibited the largest AUC in both boys (AUC=0.908) and girls (AUC=0.895). The sensitivity was 80.8% in boys and 81.8% in girls, and the specificity was 88.2% in boys and 87.1% in girls. Both the AUCs for WHtR and WC were less than 0.8 in boys and girls. WHR had the smallest AUCs (<0.8) in both boys and girls. Conclusion: BMI appeared to be a good predicator for BF% in children aged 6-9 years in Guangzhou.

Humidification of base flow gas during adult high-frequency oscillatory ventilation: an experimental study using a lung model.

PubMed

Shiba, Naoki; Nagano, Osamu; Hirayama, Takahiro; Ichiba, Shingo; Ujike, Yoshihito

2012-01-01

In adult high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) with an R100 artificial ventilator, exhaled gas from patient's lung may warm the temperature probe and thereby disturb the humidification of base flow (BF) gas. We measured the humidity of BF gas during HFOV with frequencies of 6, 8 and 10 Hz, maximum stroke volumes (SV) of 285, 205, and 160 ml at the respective frequencies, and, BFs of 20, 30, 40 l/min using an original lung model. The R100 device was equipped with a heated humidifier, Hummax Ⅱ, consisting of a porous hollow fiber in circuit. A 50-cm length of circuit was added between temperature probe (located at 50 cm proximal from Y-piece) and the hollow fiber. The lung model was made of a plastic container and a circuit equipped with another Hummax Ⅱ. The lung model temperature was controlled at 37℃. The Hummax Ⅱ of the R100 was inactivated in study-1 and was set at 35℃ or 37℃ in study-2. The humidity was measured at the distal end of the added circuit in study-1 and at the proximal end in study-2. In study-1, humidity was detected at 6 Hz (SV 285 ml) and BF 20 l/min, indicating the direct reach of the exhaled gas from the lung model to the temperature probe. In study-2 the absolute humidity of the BF gas decreased by increasing SV and by increasing BF and it was low with setting of 35℃. In this study setting, increasing the SV induced significant reduction of humidification of the BF gas during HFOV with R100.

Determination of comprehensive arterial blood inflow in abdominal-pelvic organs: impact of respiration and posture on organ perfusion.

PubMed

Osada, Takuya; Nagata, Hiroyasu; Murase, Norio; Kime, Ryotaro; Katsumura, Toshihito

2011-02-01

Arterial blood flow (BF) to all abdominal-pelvic organs (AP) shows potential for an indicator of comprehensive splanchnic organ circulation (reservoir of blood supply for redistribution) in cardiovascular disease, hepato-gastrointestinal disease or hemodynamic disorders. Our previous assessment of splanchnic hemodynamics, as magnitude of BFAP [measuring by subtracting BF in both femoral arteries (FAs) from the upper abdominal aorta (Ao) above the celiac trunk] using Doppler ultrasound, was reported as the relationship between Ao and FAs, day-to-day variability and response to exercise. For accurate determination of BFAP, it is important to consider the various factors that potentially influence BFAP. However, little information exists regarding the influence of respiration (interplay between inspiration and expiration) and posture on BFAP. Ten healthy males were evaluated in sitting/supine positions following a 12 hr fast. Magnitude of BFAP was determined as measurement of Ao and FAs hemodynamics (blood velocity and vessel diameter) using pulsed Doppler with spectral analysis during spontaneous 4-sec inspiration/4-sec expiration phases. BF/blood velocity in the Ao and FAs showed significant lower in inspiration than expiration. BFAP showed a significant (P<0.005) reduction of ~20% in inspiratory phase (sitting, 2213 ± 222 ml/min; supine, 2059 ± 215 ml/min) compared with expiratory phase (sitting, 2765 ± 303 ml/min; supine, 2539 ± 253 ml/min), with no difference between sitting and supine. Respiratory-related to alterations in BFAP were observed. It may be speculated that changes in intra-abdominal pressure during breathing (thoracic-abdominal movement) is possibly reflecting transient changes in blood velocity in the Ao and FAs. Respiratory effects should be taken into account for evaluation of BFAP.

Determination of comprehensive arterial blood inflow in abdominal-pelvic organs: Impact of respiration and posture on organ perfusion

PubMed Central

Osada, Takuya; Nagata, Hiroyasu; Murase, Norio; Kime, Ryotaro; Katsumura, Toshihito

2011-01-01

Summary Background Arterial blood flow (BF) to all abdominal-pelvic organs (AP) shows potential for an indicator of comprehensive splanchnic organ circulation (reservoir of blood supply for redistribution) in cardiovascular disease, hepato-gastrointestinal disease or hemodynamic disorders. Our previous assessment of splanchnic hemodynamics, as magnitude of BFAP [measuring by subtracting BF in both femoral arteries (FAs) from the upper abdominal aorta (Ao) above the celiac trunk] using Doppler ultrasound, was reported as the relationship between Ao and FAs, day-to-day variability and response to exercise. For accurate determination of BFAP, it is important to consider the various factors that potentially influence BFAP. However, little information exists regarding the influence of respiration (interplay between inspiration and expiration) and posture on BFAP. Material/Methods Ten healthy males were evaluated in sitting/supine positions following a 12 hr fast. Magnitude of BFAP was determined as measurement of Ao and FAs hemodynamics (blood velocity and vessel diameter) using pulsed Doppler with spectral analysis during spontaneous 4-sec inspiration/4-sec expiration phases. Results BF/blood velocity in the Ao and FAs showed significant lower in inspiration than expiration. BFAP showed a significant (P<0.005) reduction of ~20% in inspiratory phase (sitting, 2213±222 ml/min; supine, 2059±215 ml/min) compared with expiratory phase (sitting, 2765±303 ml/min; supine, 2539±253 ml/min), with no difference between sitting and supine. Conclusions Respiratory-related to alterations in BFAP were observed. It may be speculated that changes in intra-abdominal pressure during breathing (thoracic-abdominal movement) is possibly reflecting transient changes in blood velocity in the Ao and FAs. Respiratory effects should be taken into account for evaluation of BFAP. PMID:21278689

Insertion of rare gas atoms into BF3 and AlF3 molecules: An ab initio investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayasekharan, T.; Ghanty, T. K.

2006-12-01

The structure, stability, charge redistribution, and harmonic vibrational frequencies of rare gas inserted group III-B fluorides with the general formula F -Rg-MF2 (where M =B and Al; Rg =Ar, Kr, and Xe) have been investigated using ab initio quantum chemical methods. The Rg atom is inserted in one of the M -F bond of MF3 molecules, and the geometries are optimized for ground as well as transition states using the MP2 method. It has been found that Rg inserted F -Rg-M portion is linear in both F -Rg-BF2 and F -Rg-AlF2 species. The binding energies corresponding to the lowest energy fragmentation products MF3+Rg (two-body dissociation) have been computed to be -670.4, -598.8, -530.7, -617.0, -562.1, and -494.0kJ /mol for F -Ar-BF2, F -Kr-BF2, F -Xe-BF2, F -Ar-AlF2, F -Kr-AlF2, and F -Xe-AlF2 species, respectively. The dissociation energies corresponding to MF2+Rg +F fragments (three-body dissociation) are found to be positive with respect to F -Rg-MF2 species, and the computed values are 56.3, 127.8, and 196.0kJ/mol for F -Ar-BF2, F -Kr-BF2, and F -Xe-BF2 species, respectively. The corresponding values for F -Ar-AlF2, F -Kr-AlF2, and F -Xe-AlF2 species are also found to be positive. The decomposition of F -Rg-MF2 species into the MF3+Rg (two-body dissociation) channel typically proceeds via a transition state involving F -Rg-M out-of-plane bending mode. The transition state barrier heights are 35.5, 62.7, 89.8, 22.0, 45.6, and 75.3kJ/mol for F -Ar-BF2, F -Kr-BF2, F -Xe-BF2, F -Ar-AlF2, F -Kr-AlF2, and F -Xe-AlF2 species, respectively. The calculated geometrical parameters and the energy values suggest that these species are metastable and may be prepared and characterized using low temperature matrix isolation techniques, and are possibly the next new candidates for gas phase or matrix experiments.

Effects of NaBF4 + NaF on the Tensile and Impact Properties of Al-Si-Mg-Fe Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zongning; Wang, Tongmin; Zhao, Yufei; Zheng, Yuanping; Kang, Huijun

2015-05-01

NaBF4 + NaF were found to play three roles, i.e., Fe-eliminator, grain refiner, and eutectic modifier, in treating A356 alloy with a high Fe content. The joint effects led to significant improvement in both tensile and impact properties of thus treated alloy. The multiple reactions between the NaBF4 + NaF and Al-Si-Mg-Fe system are suggested to form Fe2B, AlB2, and Na in the melt, as per thermodynamic analysis. The three are responsible for Fe removal, grain refinement, and eutectic modification, respectively. When NaBF4 and NaF are mixed in weight ratio of 1:1, an optimum addition rate is in the range between 1.0 and 2.0 wt pct for treating AlSi7Mg0.3Fe0.65 alloy, based on the results of tensile and impact tests. Excessive addition of the salt may deteriorate the mechanical properties of the alloy, basically owing to overmodification of Si and contamination of salt inclusions.

Impairments in central cardiovascular function contribute to attenuated reflex vasodilation in aged skin

PubMed Central

Stanhewicz, Anna E.; Proctor, David N.; Alexander, Lacy M.; Kenney, W. Larry

2015-01-01

During supine passive heating, increases in skin blood flow (SkBF) and cardiac output (Qc) are both blunted in older adults. The aim here was to determine the effect of acutely correcting the peripheral vasodilatory capacity of aged skin on the integrated cardiovascular responses to passive heating. A secondary aim was to examine the SkBF-Qc relation during hyperthermia in the presence (upright posture) and absence (dynamic exercise) of challenges to central venous pressure. We hypothesized that greater increases in SkBF would be accompanied by greater increases in Qc. Eleven healthy older adults (69 ± 3 yr) underwent supine passive heating (0.8°C rise in core temperature; water-perfused suit) after ingesting sapropterin (BH4, a nitric oxide synthase cofactor; 10 mg/kg) or placebo (randomized double-blind crossover design). Twelve young (24 ± 1 yr) subjects served as a comparison group. SkBF (laser-Doppler flowmetry) and Qc (open-circuit acetylene wash-in) were measured during supine heating, heating + upright posture, and heating + dynamic exercise. Throughout supine and upright heating, sapropterin fully restored the SkBF response of older adults to that of young adults but Qc remained blunted. During heat + upright posture, SkBF failed to decrease in untreated older subjects. There were no age- or treatment-related differences in SkBF-Qc during dynamic exercise. The principal finding of this study was that the blunted Qc response to passive heat stress is directly related to age as opposed to the blunted peripheral vasodilatory capacity of aged skin. Furthermore, peripheral impairments to SkBF in the aged may contribute to inapposite responses during challenges to central venous pressure during hyperthermia. PMID:26494450

16 Weeks of Progressive Barefoot Running Training Changes Impact Force and Muscle Activation in Habitual Shod Runners

PubMed Central

Mezêncio, Bruno; Amadio, Alberto Carlos; Serrão, Julio Cerca

2016-01-01

Short-term effects of barefoot and simulated barefoot running have been widely discussed in recent years. Consequences of adopting barefoot running for a long period, including as a training approach, still remain unknown. The present study evaluated the influence of 16 weeks of progressive barefoot running training on impact force and muscle activation in habitual shod runners. Six habitual shod runners (3 men and 3 women, 29.5 ± 7.3 years) were tested barefoot (BF) and shod (SH), before and after 16 weeks of progressive barefoot running training. Tests consisted of running on instrumented treadmill at 9 km/h, for 10 minutes in each experimental condition. Nine data acquisitions (10 s) of vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) and electromyographic (EMG) signal were conducted in each experimental condition for each test. BF training was effective to alter VGRF and EMG parameters of running in habitual shod runners, regardless of footwear condition (SH or BF). The magnitude of first peak of VGRF (Fy1) and the impulse of the first 50 ms decreased after training for BF and SH (p<0.01). The activation reduced from PRE to POST training for four muscles in BF running (p<0.001), whereas only muscle gastrocnemius lateralis decreased significantly its activation (p<0.01) in SH running. A 16-week progressive barefoot running training seems to be an effective training strategy to reduce impact force, improve shock attenuation and to decrease muscle activation intensity, not only in BF running, but also in SH running, although BF condition seems to be more influenced by BF training. PMID:27907069

What factors are predictive of benefit finding in women treated for non-metastatic breast cancer? A prospective study.

PubMed

Wang, Yuping; Zhu, Xiongzhao; Yang, Yanjie; Yi, Jinyao; Tang, Lili; He, Jincai; Chen, Gannong; Li, Lingyan; Yang, Yuling

2015-05-01

Patients with breast cancer are able to gain psychological benefits from cancer diagnosis and treatment, such as a greater purpose of life and closer relationships, termed as 'benefit finding' (BF). The objective of this study was to determine the effects of sociodemographic, pathological, and psychological variables on BF in women with non-metastatic breast cancer. A total of 404 patients with breast cancer were recruited to complete a demographic survey, a Chinese version of the Benefit Finding Scale, the Optimism-pessimism Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire during the first week after the confirmation of the diagnosis (T1). All participants finished the Chinese version of the Benefit Finding Scale again 6 weeks after diagnosis (T2). Age and education of patients, perceived social support from family, acceptance, positive reappraisal, and the baseline level of BF exhibited a positive prediction on BF. Education, pessimism, and perceived social support from family had a positive prediction and perceived social support from friends and refocus on planning had a negative prediction on the family relationship of BF. Education, perceived social support from family and friends, and the baseline level of BF had a positive prediction on the acceptance of BF. Perceived social support and cognitive emotion regulation strategies employed in response to breast cancer are important contributing factors to BF in women with breast cancer. In order to improve the longer-term adaptation of patients, benefit finding, either directly or via cognitive emotion regulation strategies, could be targeted for intervention. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

WIC Participation and Breastfeeding at 3 Months Postpartum

PubMed Central

Gregory, Emily F.; Gross, Susan M.; Nguyen, Trang Q.; Butz, Arlene M.; Johnson, Sara B.

2016-01-01

Objectives Participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has been associated with lower breastfeeding initiation and duration. This study examines breastfeeding-related factors among WIC participants and nonparticipants that might explain these previous findings. Methods Respondents to the 2007 Infant Feeding Practices Study II who were income-eligible for WIC were categorized as follows: no WIC participation (No-WIC); prenatal participation and infant entry while ≥60 % breastfeeding (WIC BF-high); prenatal participation and infant entry while<60 % breastfeeding (WIC BF-low). Percent breastfeeding was the number of breast milk feeds divided by the total number of liquid feeds. Using propensity scores, we matched WIC BF-high respondents to No-WIC respondents on demographic and breastfeeding factors. We used logistic regression to estimate the impact of WIC participation on breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum in the matched sample. Within-WIC differences were explored. Results Of 743 income-eligible respondents, 293 never enrolled in WIC, 230 were categorized as WIC BF-high, and 220 as WIC BF-low. Compared to matched No-WIC respondents, WIC BF-high respondents had increased odds of breastfeeding at 3 months, though this difference was not statistically significant (OR 1.92; 95 % CI 0.95–3.67; p value 0.07). WIC BF-high respondents were more similar on breastfeeding-related characteristics to No-WIC respondents than to WIC BF-low respondents. Conclusions for Practice Accounting for prenatal breastfeeding intentions and attitudes, we find no negative association between WIC participation and breastfeeding at 3 months postpartum. This is in contrast to prior studies, and highlights the importance of understanding within-WIC differences. PMID:26994607

Decreased Retinal-Choroidal Blood Flow in Retinitis Pigmentosa as measured by MRI

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yi; Harrison, Joseph M; Nateras, Oscar San Emeterio; Chalfin, Steven; Duong, Timothy Q

2013-01-01

Purpose To evaluate retinal and choroidal blood flow (BF) using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as visual function measured by the electroretinogram (ERG) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods MRI studies were performed in 6 RP patients (29-67 years) and 5 healthy volunteers (29-64 years) on a 3-Tesla scanner with a custom-made surface coil. Quantitative BF was measured using the pseudo-continuous arterial-spin-labeling technique at 0.5x0.8x6.0mm. Full-field ERGs of all patients were recorded. Amplitudes and implicit times of standard ERGs were analyzed. Results Basal BF in the posterior retinal-choroid was 142±16 ml/100ml/min (or 1.14±0.13 μl/mm2/min) in the control group and was 70±19 ml/100ml/min (or 0.56±0.15 μl/mm2/min) in the RP group. Retinal-choroidal BF was significantly reduced by 52±8% in RP patients compared to controls (P<0.05). ERG a- and b-wave amplitudes of RP patients were reduced and b-wave implicit times were delayed. There were statistically significant correlations between a-wave amplitude and BF value (r=0.9, P<0.05) but not between b-wave amplitude and BF value (r =0.7, P=0.2). Conclusions This study demonstrates a novel non-invasive MRI approach to measure quantitative retinal and choroidal BF in RP patients. We found that retinal-choroidal BF was markedly reduced and significantly correlated with reduced amplitudes of the a-wave of the standard combined ERG. PMID:23408312

Age-related impairment in choroidal blood flow compensation for arterial blood pressure fluctuation in pigeons.

PubMed

Reiner, Anton; Del Mar, Nobel; Zagvazdin, Yuri; Li, Chunyan; Fitzgerald, Malinda E C

2011-09-14

Choroidal vessels compensate for changes in systemic blood pressure (BP) so that choroidal blood flow (ChBF) remains stable over a BP range of approximately 40 mm Hg above and below basal. Because of the presumed importance of ChBF regulation for maintenance of retinal health, we investigated if ChBF compensation for BP fluctuation in pigeons fails with age. Transcleral laser Doppler flowmetry was used to measure ChBF during spontaneous BP fluctuation in anesthetized pigeons ranging in age from 0.5 to 17 years (pigeons can live approximately 20 years in captivity). ChBF in <8-year-old pigeons remained near 100% of basal ChBF at BPs ranging 40 mm Hg above and below basal BP (95 mm Hg). Baroregulation failed below approximately 50 mm Hg BP. In ≥8-year-old pigeons, ChBF compensation was absent at >90 mm Hg BP, with ChBF linearly following BP. Over the 60 to 90 mm Hg range, ChBF in ≥8-year-old pigeons was maintained at 60-70% of young basal ChBF. Below approximately 55 mm Hg, baroregulation again followed BP linearly. Age-related ChBF baroregulatory impairment occurs in pigeons, with ChBF linear with above-basal BP, and ChBF failing to adequately maintain ChBF during below-basal BP. Defective autonomic sympathetic and parasympathetic neurogenic control, or defective myogenic control, may cause these baroregulatory defects. In either case, overperfusion during high BP may cause oxidative injury to the outer retina, whereas underperfusion during low BP may result in deficient nutrient supply and waste removal, with both abnormalities contributing to age-related retinal pathology and vision loss.

ε Subunit of Bacillus subtilis F1-ATPase Relieves MgADP Inhibition

PubMed Central

Mizumoto, Junya; Kikuchi, Yuka; Nakanishi, Yo-Hei; Mouri, Naoto; Cai, Anrong; Ohta, Tokushiro; Haruyama, Takamitsu; Kato-Yamada, Yasuyuki

2013-01-01

MgADP inhibition, which is considered as a part of the regulatory system of ATP synthase, is a well-known process common to all F1-ATPases, a soluble component of ATP synthase. The entrapment of inhibitory MgADP at catalytic sites terminates catalysis. Regulation by the ε subunit is a common mechanism among F1-ATPases from bacteria and plants. The relationship between these two forms of regulatory mechanisms is obscure because it is difficult to distinguish which is active at a particular moment. Here, using F1-ATPase from Bacillus subtilis (BF1), which is strongly affected by MgADP inhibition, we can distinguish MgADP inhibition from regulation by the ε subunit. The ε subunit did not inhibit but activated BF1. We conclude that the ε subunit relieves BF1 from MgADP inhibition. PMID:23967352

Forearm Skin Blood Flow After Kinesiology Taping in Healthy Soccer Players: An Exploratory Investigation

PubMed Central

Woodward, Kirsty A.; Unnithan, Vish; Hopkins, Nicola D.

2015-01-01

Context Kinesiology tape (KT) has become popular among athletes for both injury prevention and rehabilitation due to its reported therapeutic effects, including facilitation of lymphatic flow and enhanced peripheral blood flow. However, evidence to support such claims is insufficient. Objective To determine whether KT improves skin blood flow (SkBF) responses in young, elite soccer players. Design Randomized crossover study. Setting Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants Thirteen healthy, elite, adolescent male soccer players (age = 14.7 ± 0.6 years). Intervention(s) Participants completed 2 experimental trials; during trial 1, the volar aspect of the dominant forearm was taped. Forearm SkBF was measured within the taped area and 3 cm lateral to the taped area. During trial 2, no tape was applied to either site. Both trials were performed within 7 days. Main Outcome Measure(s) Baseline and maximal thermally (42°C) stimulated SkBF responses were assessed using laser Doppler flowmetry. Continuously measured SkBF and derived mean arterial pressure obtained at 5-minute intervals were used to calculate cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC), the primary outcome measure. Results No differences were observed for baseline SkBF or CVC between trials or measurement sites. After local heating, no differences were evident for SkBF or CVC between trials or measurement sites. Conclusions Our findings suggest that, in healthy, trained adolescent males, KT was not associated with increased forearm SkBF. PMID:26445024

Breastfeeding initiation in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Cordero, L; Gabbe, S G; Landon, M B; Nankervis, C A

2013-01-01

In the United States, breastfeeding initiation (BFI) is reported for 75% of all live births; however, little information is available regarding mothers affected by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). To examine feeding practices and factors associated with BFI in women with GDM and their infants. A total of 303 GDM (58 late preterm and 245 term) pregnancies were studied. Infant feeding preference was ascertained on admission to labor and delivery. Variables known to influence BFI including maternal age, smoking, obesity, racial and educational characteristics were assessed. On admission 188 women intended to BF, 60 intended to feed formula and 55 were undecided. None of the women who wished to feed formula and 27% of the originally undecided later initiated BF. Regardless of feeding preference 163 (54%) of all mothers initiated BF. Similar BFI rates were found for 176 Class A1 and 127 class A2 women. Logistic regression analysis showed that intention to BF was the most significant predictor of BFI. Factors associated with BFI failure included African American race, lower education, smoking, obesity and admission to NICU. Following delivery 264 (87%) infants received well baby care while 39 (13%) were admitted to the NICU. Among 188 women who intended to BF, BFI involved 81% of 160 infants receiving well baby care and 61% of the 28 admitted to the NICU. More than half of women with GDM, who intended to BF, initiated BF. BFI failure remains associated with race, lower education level, smoking, obesity, preference for formula feeding and admission to NICU.

Fragility and glass transition for binary mixtures of 1,2-propanediol and LiBF4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Terashima, Y.; Mori, M.; Sugimoto, N.; Takeda, K.

2014-04-01

The fragility and glass transition for binary mixtures of 1,2-propanediol and LiBF4 were investigated by measuring the heating rate dependence of glass transition temperature (Tg) using differential scanning calorimetry. With increasing LiBF4 mole fraction, x, up to 0.25, fragility, m, increased rapidly from 53 to 85, and then remained approximately unchanged for x > 0.25. The concentration dependences of Tg and heat capacity jump at Tg also showed anomalies around x = 0.25. We suggest this mixture transformed from a moderate to quite fragile liquid at x = 0.25 because of a structural change from a hydrogen-bonding- to ionic-interaction-dominant system.

Identifying Differences Between Biochemical Failure and Cure: Incidence Rates and Predictors

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

Vicini, Frank A., E-mail: fvicini@beaumont.edu; Shah, Chirag; Kestin, Larry

2011-11-15

Background: Patients treated with radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer were evaluated to estimate the length of time required to document biochemical cure (BC) after treatment and the variables associated with long-term treatment efficacy. Patients and Methods: 2,100 patients received RT alone for localized prostate carcinoma (external-beam RT, n = 1,504; brachytherapy alone, n = 241; or brachytherapy + pelvic radiation, n = 355). The median external-beam dose was 68.4 Gy, and the median follow-up time was 8.6 years. Biochemical failure (BF) was defined according to the Phoenix definition. Results: Biochemical failure was experienced by 685 patients (32.6%). The medianmore » times to BF for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups were 6.0, 5.6, and 4.5 years respectively (p < 0.001). The average annual incidence rates of BF for years 1-5, 5-10,11-15, and 16-20 in low-risk patients were 2.0%, 2.0%, 0.3%, and 0.06% (p < 0.001); for intermediate-risk patients, 4%, 3%, 0.3%, and 0% (p < 0.001); and for high-risk patients, 10.0%, 5.0%, 0.3%, and 0.3% (p < 0.001). After 5 years of treatment, 36.9% of all patients experienced BF. The percentage of total failures occurring during years 1-5, 5-10, 11-15, and 16-20 were 48.7%, 43.5%, 6.5%, and 1.3% for low-risk patients; 64.0%, 32.2%, 3.8%, and 0% for intermediate-risk patients; and 71.9%, 25.9%, 1.1%, and 1.1% for high-risk patients, respectively. Increasing time to nadir was associated with increased time to BF. On multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with 10-year BC included prostate-specific antigen nadir and time to nadir. Conclusions: The incidence rates for BF did not plateau until later than 10 years after treatment, suggesting that extended follow-up time is required to monitor patients after treatment. Prostate-specific antigen nadir and time to nadir have the strongest association with long-term BC.« less

Muscle damage, hydration, electrolyte balance and vasopressin concentrations in successful and exhausted endurance horses.

PubMed

Muñoz, A; Riber, C; Trigo, P; Castejón, F

2010-01-01

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is released in response to depletion of the effective circulating blood volume. Endurance horses might develop exhaustion because loss of water and electrolytes in sweat with hypovolaemia and electrolytes abnormalities. Therefore, AVP should act in the control of volemia in these animals. This research evaluates the differences in AVP, hydration, electrolyte status and serum muscle enzymes in successful endurance horses in comparison with those eliminated from the competition because of exhaustion. Eighteen endurance horses, divided into two groups, successful (n = 13) and eliminated at the vet-gates because of exhaustion, dehydration and/or lack of recovery of heart rate (n = 5), were studied during a competition of 76.2 km. Jugular venous blood samples were collected before the event (BF), and at the vet-gates, at 30 km (PH1), 53.6 km (PH2) and at the end (PH3). Endurance exercise in successful horses induced significant increases from BF in Na at PH1, in Mg, CK, LDH at PH2 and microhaematocrit (MHT), total serum proteins (TSP), albumin (ALB), creatinine (CREAT) and lactate (LA) at PH3, together with a decreased in Cl at PH2 and Ca at PH3. Exhausted horses had higher MHT, Na, Ca, TSP, CREAT, LA, and AVP than successful at PH2 and PH3, whereas Cl was lower in exhausted horses. Velocity during the ride was higher in the exhausted group. These results indicate that exhausted endurance horses have laboratorial findings corresponding with a deeper dehydration and increased release of AVP. Therefore, this parameter could be used as a biomarker of early exhaustion and hypovolaemia. Additionally, AVP does not appear to be affected by exercise velocity or covered distance in successful horses.

C5aR expression in a novel GFP reporter gene knock-in mouse: implications for the mechanism of action of C5aR signaling in T cell immunity1

PubMed Central

Dunkelberger, Jason; Zhou, Lin; Miwa, Takashi; Song, Wen-Chao

2012-01-01

C5aR is a G protein-coupled receptor for the anaphylatoxin C5a and mediates many pro-inflammatory reactions. C5aR signaling has also been shown to regulate T cell immunity, but its sites and mechanism of action in this process remains uncertain. Here, we created a green fluorescence protein (GFP) knock-in mouse and used GFP as a surrogate marker to examine C5aR expression. GFP was knocked into the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of C5aR by gene targeting. We show that GFP is expressed highly on Gr-1+CD11b+ cells in the blood, spleen and bone marrow (BM), and moderately on CD11b+F4/80+ circulating leukocytes and elicited peritoneal macrophages. No GFP is detected on resting or activated T lymphocytes, nor on splenic myeloid or plasmacytoid dendritic cells. In contrast, 5–20% cultured BM-derived dendritic cells expressed GFP. Interestingly, GFP knock-in prevented cell surface but not intracellular C5aR expression. We conclude that C5aR is unlikely to play an intrinsic role on murine T cells and primary DCs. Instead, its effect on T cell immunity in vivo may involve CD11b+F4/80+ or other C5aR-expressing leukocytes. Further, our data reveal a surprising role of the 3′UTR of C5aR mRNA in regulating C5aR protein targeting to the plasma membrane. PMID:22430734

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BODY COMPOSITION, SOMATOTYPE AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS IN CHILEAN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS AT DIFFERENT SCHOOL LEVELS.

PubMed

Lizana, Pablo A; González, Sofia; Lera, Lydia; Leyton, Bárbara

2018-01-01

This study examined the association between body composition, somatotype and socioeconomic status (SES) in Chilean children and adolescents by sex and school level (grade). The cross-sectional study was conducted on 1168 schoolchildren aged 6-18 years (572 males) from Valparaíso, Chile. Body composition, as assessed by percentage body fat (BF%) and somatotype, was evaluated using Ellis equations and the Heath-Carter method, respectively. The socioeconomic status of respondents was assessed using the ESOMAR survey. Obesity was defined as BF% ≥25 for boys and ≥30 for girls; 'high endomorph' somatotype was defined as a somatotype endomorph component (EC) of at least 5.5. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between high adiposity and SES, potential confounding factors and school level. In females, the results indicated that the groups with lower SES had higher EC. At the 1st (youngest) school level (1-4th grades), males exhibited similar trends in their BF% and EC. High adiposity was associated with the female sex (BF%: OR=3.39; 95% CI 2.60, 4.41; high EC: OR=2.31; 95% CI 1.80, 2.98). In addition, low SES increased the risk of high adiposity compared with high SES (BF%: OR=2.25; 95% CI 1.40, 3.61; high EC: OR=2.19; 95% CI 1.37, 3.47). An association was observed between increased adiposity and lower SES, mainly in females, which indicates that females with low SES might be at greater risk of obesity.

Evidence for Conservation of the Calcitonin Superfamily and Activity-regulating Mechanisms in the Basal Chordate Branchiostoma floridae: INSIGHTS INTO THE MOLECULAR AND FUNCTIONAL EVOLUTION IN CHORDATES.

PubMed

Sekiguchi, Toshio; Kuwasako, Kenji; Ogasawara, Michio; Takahashi, Hiroki; Matsubara, Shin; Osugi, Tomohiro; Muramatsu, Ikunobu; Sasayama, Yuichi; Suzuki, Nobuo; Satake, Honoo

2016-01-29

The calcitonin (CT)/CT gene-related peptide (CGRP) family is conserved in vertebrates. The activities of this peptide family are regulated by a combination of two receptors, namely the calcitonin receptor (CTR) and the CTR-like receptor (CLR), and three receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs). Furthermore, RAMPs act as escort proteins by translocating CLR to the cell membrane. Recently, CT/CGRP family peptides have been identified or inferred in several invertebrates. However, the molecular characteristics and relevant functions of the CTR/CLR and RAMPs in invertebrates remain unclear. In this study, we identified three CT/CGRP family peptides (Bf-CTFPs), one CTR/CLR-like receptor (Bf-CTFP-R), and three RAMP-like proteins (Bf-RAMP-LPs) in the basal chordate amphioxus (Branchiostoma floridae). The Bf-CTFPs were shown to possess an N-terminal circular region typical of the CT/CGRP family and a C-terminal Pro-NH2. The Bf-CTFP genes were expressed in the central nervous system and in endocrine cells of the midgut, indicating that Bf-CTFPs serve as brain and/or gut peptides. Cell surface expression of the Bf-CTFP-R was enhanced by co-expression with each Bf-RAMP-LP. Furthermore, Bf-CTFPs activated Bf-CTFP-R·Bf-RAMP-LP complexes, resulting in cAMP accumulation. These results confirmed that Bf-RAMP-LPs, like vertebrate RAMPs, are prerequisites for the function and translocation of the Bf-CTFP-R. The relative potencies of the three peptides at each receptor were similar. Bf-CTFP2 was a potent ligand at all receptors in cAMP assays. Bf-RAMP-LP effects on ligand potency order were distinct to vertebrate CGRP/adrenomedullin/amylin receptors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular and functional characterization of an authentic invertebrate CT/CGRP family receptor and RAMPs. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Medullary 5-HT neurons: Switch from tonic respiratory drive to chemoreception during postnatal development

PubMed Central

Cerpa, Veronica J.; Wu, Yuanming; Bravo, Eduardo; Teran, Frida A.; Flynn, Rachel S.; Richerson, George B.

2016-01-01

Serotonin (5-HT) neurons contribute to respiratory chemoreception in adult mice, but it is unclear whether they play a similar role in neonatal mice. We studied breathing during development in Lmx1bf/f/p mice, which lack 5-HT neurons. From postnatal days 1–7 (P1–P7), ventilation of Lmx1bf/f/p mice breathing room air was 50% of WT mice (p < 0.001). By P12, baseline ventilation increased to a level equal to WT mice. In contrast, the hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR) of neonatal Lmx1bf/f/p and WT mice were equal to each other, but were both much less than adult WT mice. By P21 the HCVR of WT mice increased to near adult levels, but the HCVR of Lmx1bf/f/p mice had not changed, and was 42% less than WT mice. Primary cell cultures were prepared from the ventromedial medulla of neonatal mice, and patch-clamp recordings were made from neurons identified as serotonergic by expression of a reporter gene. In parallel with developmental changes of the HCVR in vivo, 5-HT neurons had little chemosensitivity to acidosis until 12 days in vitro (DIV), after which their response increased to reach a plateau around 25 DIV. Neonatal Lmx1bf/f/p mice displayed high mortality and decreased growth rate, and this worsened in hypoxia. Mortality was decreased in hyperoxia. These results indicate that maturation of 5-HT neurons contributes to development of respiratory CO2/pH chemoreception during the first few weeks of life in mice in vivo. A defect in the 5-HT system in early postnatal life decreases survival due in part to hypoxia. PMID:27619736

Duration of breast-feeding and cardiovascular risk factors among Iranian children and adolescents: the CASPIAN III study.

PubMed

Izadi, Vajihe; Kelishadi, Roya; Qorbani, Mostafa; Esmaeilmotlagh, Mohammad; Taslimi, Mahnaz; Heshmat, Ramin; Ardalan, Gelayol; Azadbakht, Leila

2013-05-01

Studies examining the relationship between breast-feeding (BF) duration and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors have reached contradictory results. This study aims to investigate the relationship between BF duration and CVD risk factors in adolescents. This national population-based study was conducted among 5258 Iranian students, ages 10 to 18 y living in central cities of 27 provinces of Iran. Association was examined between duration of BF and adolescent blood pressure, overweight, obesity, and fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders. Low birth weight was less frequent in the longer than in the shorter BF duration categories (P < 0.0001). Number of children was lower in individuals with longer BF duration (P = 0.01). Individuals with longer BF duration used more homemade food than those with shorter BF duration (P < 0.0001). Means of total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure were lower in participants with the longest BF period compared with those with the shortest BF duration; this difference was marginally significant (P = 0.06). No significant association was found between BF duration and CVD risk factors in logistic regression after adjustment for potential confounders. Although the long-term benefits of BF on preventing CVDs are well documented, controversies exist as to the association of BF duration with such beneficial effects. In this study, there was no substantial evidence that longer BF duration was protective against CVD risk factors among adolescents. More prospective studies are recommended to clarify this association. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Standing Posture Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis with DXA for Body Composition in a Large, Healthy Chinese Population.

PubMed

Chen, Kuen-Tsann; Chen, Yu-Yawn; Wang, Chia-Wei; Chuang, Chih-Lin; Chiang, Li-Ming; Lai, Chung-Liang; Lu, Hsueh-Kuan; Dwyer, Gregory B; Chao, Shu-Ping; Shih, Ming-Kuei; Hsieh, Kuen-Chang

2016-01-01

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a common method for assessing body composition in research and clinical trials. BIA is convenient but when compared with other reference methods, the results have been inconclusive. The level of obesity degree in subjects is considered to be an important factor affecting the accuracy of the measurements. A total of 711 participants were recruited in Taiwan and were sub-grouped by gender and levels of adiposity. Regression analysis and Bland-Altman analysis were used to evaluate the agreement of the measured body fat percentage (BF%) between BIA and DXA. The BF% measured by the DXA and BIA methods (Tanita BC-418) were expressed as BF%DXA and BF%BIA8, respectively. A one-way ANOVA was used to test the differences in BF% measurements by gender and levels of adiposity. The estimated BF%BIA8 and BF%DXA in the all subjects, male and female groups were all highly correlated (r = 0.934, 0.901, 0.916, all P< 0.001). The average estimated BF%BIA8 (22.54 ± 9.48%) was significantly lower than the average BF%DXA (26.26 ± 11.18%). The BF%BIA8 was overestimated in the male subgroup (BF%DXA< 15%), compared to BF%DXA by 0.45%, respectively. In the other subgroups, the BF%BIA8 values were all underestimated. Standing BIA estimating body fat percentage in Chinese participants have a high correlation, but underestimated on normal and high obesity degree in both male and female subjects.

Comparison of Standing Posture Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis with DXA for Body Composition in a Large, Healthy Chinese Population

PubMed Central

Chen, Kuen-Tsann; Chen, Yu-Yawn; Wang, Chia-Wei; Chuang, Chih-Lin; Chiang, Li-Ming; Lai, Chung-Liang; Lu, Hsueh-Kuan; Dwyer, Gregory B.; Chao, Shu-Ping; Shih, Ming-Kuei; Hsieh, Kuen-Chang

2016-01-01

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a common method for assessing body composition in research and clinical trials. BIA is convenient but when compared with other reference methods, the results have been inconclusive. The level of obesity degree in subjects is considered to be an important factor affecting the accuracy of the measurements. A total of 711 participants were recruited in Taiwan and were sub-grouped by gender and levels of adiposity. Regression analysis and Bland-Altman analysis were used to evaluate the agreement of the measured body fat percentage (BF%) between BIA and DXA. The BF% measured by the DXA and BIA methods (Tanita BC-418) were expressed as BF%DXA and BF%BIA8, respectively. A one-way ANOVA was used to test the differences in BF% measurements by gender and levels of adiposity. The estimated BF%BIA8 and BF%DXA in the all subjects, male and female groups were all highly correlated (r = 0.934, 0.901, 0.916, all P< 0.001). The average estimated BF%BIA8 (22.54 ± 9.48%) was significantly lower than the average BF%DXA (26.26 ± 11.18%). The BF%BIA8 was overestimated in the male subgroup (BF%DXA< 15%), compared to BF%DXA by 0.45%, respectively. In the other subgroups, the BF%BIA8 values were all underestimated. Standing BIA estimating body fat percentage in Chinese participants have a high correlation, but underestimated on normal and high obesity degree in both male and female subjects. PMID:27467065

Body fat in children and adolescents participating in organized sports: Descriptive epidemiological study of 6048 Latvian athletes.

PubMed

Kalnina, Liga; Sauka, Melita; Timpka, Toomas; Dahlström, Örjan; Nylander, Eva; Selga, Guntars; Ligere, Renate; Karklina, Helena; Priedite, Ilga S; Larins, Viesturs

2015-08-01

Pressure among young athletes to meet body composition goals may lead to poor nutrition and affect growth. To examine the proportion of body fat (%BF), measured by bioimpedance analysis, among Latvian children and adolescents participating in organized sports. Our study had a nationally representative sample of 6048 young athletes, aged 10-17 years. Their %BF was measured using a multifrequency, 8-pole, bioelectrical impedance leg-to-hand analyzer. About 19.2% (CI 14.4-20.0) of boys and 15.1% (CI 14.0-16.3) of girls had a %BF value below the recommended levels. The %BF in young female athletes participating in aesthetic sports was lower than among their peers participating in other sports. Young male athletes participating in aesthetic sports had lower %BF levels at 10 and 12 years of age, compared with participants in weight-class sports; and lower levels of %BF from age 10-14 years, compared with participants in non-weight-sensitive sports. Almost every fifth child and adolescent participating in organized sports displayed critically low body fat levels. Body fat needs to be assessed regularly in young athletes, to prevent negative consequences on health. © 2015 the Nordic Societies of Public Health.

Predicting body fat percentage based on gender, age and BMI by using artificial neural networks.

PubMed

Kupusinac, Aleksandar; Stokić, Edita; Doroslovački, Rade

2014-02-01

In the human body, the relation between fat and fat-free mass (muscles, bones etc.) is necessary for the diagnosis of obesity and prediction of its comorbidities. Numerous formulas, such as Deurenberg et al., Gallagher et al., Jackson and Pollock, Jackson et al. etc., are available to predict body fat percentage (BF%) from gender (GEN), age (AGE) and body mass index (BMI). These formulas are all fairly similar and widely applicable, since they provide an easy, low-cost and non-invasive prediction of BF%. This paper presents a program solution for predicting BF% based on artificial neural network (ANN). ANN training, validation and testing are done by randomly divided dataset that includes 2755 subjects: 1332 women (GEN = 0) and 1423 men (GEN = 1), with AGE from 18 to 88 y and BMI from 16.60 to 64.60 kg/m(2). BF% was estimated by using Tanita bioelectrical impedance measurements (Tanita Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). ANN inputs are: GEN, AGE and BMI, and output is BF%. The predictive accuracy of our solution is 80.43%. The main goal of this paper is to promote a new approach to predicting BF% that has same complexity and costs but higher predictive accuracy than above-mentioned formulas. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Relationship between body fat and BMI in a U.S. Hispanic population-based cohort study: Results from HCHS/SOL

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

To evaluate the percentage of body fat (%BF)-BMI relationship, identify %BF levels corresponding to adult BMI cut points, and examine %BF-BMI agreement in a diverse Hispanic/Latino population. %BF by bioelectrical impedance analysis was corrected against %BF by 18O dilution in 434 participants of th...

Mechanistic investigations of imine hydrogenation catalyzed by cationic iridium complexes.

PubMed

Martín, Marta; Sola, Eduardo; Tejero, Santiago; Andrés, José L; Oro, Luis A

2006-05-15

Complexes [IrH2(eta6-C6H6)(PiPr3)]BF4 (1) and [IrH2(NCMe)3(PiPr3)]BF4 (2) are catalyst precursors for homogeneous hydrogenation of N-benzylideneaniline under mild conditions. Precursor 1 generates the resting state [IrH2{eta5-(C6H5)NHCH2Ph}(PiPr3)]BF4 (3), while 2 gives rise to a mixture of [IrH{PhN=CH(C6H4)-kappaN,C}(NCMe)2(PiPr3)]BF4 (4) and [IrH{PhN=CH(C6H4)-kappaN,C}(NCMe)(NH2Ph)(PiPr3)]BF4 (5), in which the aniline ligand is derived from hydrolysis of the imine. The less hindered benzophenone imine forms the catalytically inactive, doubly cyclometalated compound [Ir{HN=CPh(C6H4)-kappaN,C}2(NH2CHPh2)(PiPr3)]BF4 (6). Hydrogenations with precursor 1 are fast and their reaction profiles are strongly dependent on solvent, concentrations, and temperature. Significant induction periods, minimized by addition of the amine hydrogenation product, are commonly observed. The catalytic rate law (THF) is rate = k[1][PhN=CHPh]p(H2). The results of selected stoichiometric reactions of potential catalytic intermediates exclude participation of the cyclometalated compounds [IrH{PhN=CH(C6H4)-kappaN,C}(S)2(PiPr3)]BF4 [S = acetonitrile (4), [D6]acetone (7), [D4]methanol (8)] in catalysis. Reactions between resting state 3 and D2 reveal a selective sequence of deuterium incorporation into the complex which is accelerated by the amine product. Hydrogen bonding among the components of the catalytic reaction was examined by MP2 calculations on model compounds. The calculations allow formulation of an ionic, outer-sphere, bifunctional hydrogenation mechanism comprising 1) amine-assisted oxidative addition of H2 to 3, the result of which is equivalent to heterolytic splitting of dihydrogen, 2) replacement of a hydrogen-bonded amine by imine, and 3) simultaneous H delta+/H delta- transfer to the imine substrate from the NH moiety of an arene-coordinated amine ligand and the metal, respectively.

Breastfeeding practice and knowledge among women attending primary health-care centers in Riyadh 2016.

PubMed

Al-Mutairi, Norah Faleh; Al-Omran, Yousef Abdullah; Parameaswari, P J

2017-01-01

Breast milk is the best natural essential nutrition to newborns and infants. However, the practice of breastfeeding (BF) has declined in Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of BF with their determinants among mothers in Riyadh. In this cross-sectional study, 252 mothers attending the well-baby clinics in Riyadh from March 2016 to May 2017 were selected randomly with their consent and studied by a standardized questionnaire. Of the 252 women, 69.4% were 25-35 years of age and 56.7% with a bachelor degree or higher education. Nearly 75% mothers had education on BF before our study. Mixed feeding was the most preferred method (51.6%) followed by artificial milk (29.4%). The most reported reason for discontinuing BF was breast milk insufficiency (37.3%) and of breastfeed continuation was their perceived benefit (36.6%). Excellent knowledge was observed among 12.7%, good knowledge in 57.1%, and unsatisfactory level in 30.2% mothers. The regression model shows that high school education improved the knowledge by 10.9 points ( P = 0.024) and undergraduate by 18.7 points ( P value = 0.001) when compared to women who were literate. Women with parity >5 improved knowledge score by 17.3 points ( P < 0.001). We observed that majority (57.1%) of Saudi mothers had a moderate level of knowledge on BF benefits and 19% had practiced exclusive BF. There is a need for better educational programs to increase awareness on its benefits for the health situation in the country on the long term.

Dietary patterns as predictors of body fat and BMI in women: a factor analytic study.

PubMed

Tucker, Larry A; Tucker, Jared M; Bailey, Bruce W; LeCheminant, James D

2015-01-01

To identify independent patterns of diet using factor analysis to determine the extent to which dietary patterns account for differences in body fat percentage (BF%) and body mass index (BMI). Also, to ascertain the extent to which the associations are influenced by age, education, menopause, energy intake, and physical activity. Study design was cross-sectional. Study setting was approximately 20 cities in the Mountain West. The study included 281 apparently healthy female nonsmokers. Diet was assessed using 7-day weighed food records, and foods were categorized using the American Diabetes and American Dietetic Associations Exchange Lists and expressed as servings per 1000 kcal. BF% was measured using the Bod Pod, and physical activity was estimated using accelerometers worn for 1 week. We used factor analysis, general linear models, and partial correlations. Three dietary patterns were identified: (1) Prudent Pattern, (2) Low-fat Milk, and (3) Meat. Higher consumption of the Prudent Pattern corresponded with significantly lower BF% (F = 8.5, p = .0038) and BMI (F = 4.4, p = .0363). The Low-fat Milk pattern was inversely related to BF% (F = 5.4, p = .0207) and BMI (F = 9.5, p = .0023). Higher intake of the Meat pattern was related to higher levels of BF% (F = 4.5, p = .0346) and BMI (F = 4.2, p = .0418). These findings support an association between dietary patterns and body composition. Dietary patterns reflect the complex interrelationships inherent in day-to-day eating and are strongly related to differences in BF% and BMI in women.

Feeding of banana flower and pseudostem to diabetic rats results in modulation of renal GLUTs, TGFβ, PKC and extracellular matrix components.

PubMed

Jamuna, J B; Nandini, C D

2014-06-01

Sustained hyperglycemia as a result of diabetes mellitus results in over-expression of glucose transporters (GLUTs/SGLTs), protein kinase C-α (PKC-α) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in kidney which increases synthesis and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components leading to diabetic nephropathy. Previous results from our laboratory showed that banana flower (BF) and pseudostem (BS) ameliorated diabetic complications and reduced formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). In this study, attempts were made to delineate the changes observed in GLUTs and ECM components in kidney by feeding BF and BS at the molecular level. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by injecting streptozotocin. Rats were fed with standard AIN-76 diet or diet supplemented with 5% BF or BS. Rats fed with diet supplemented with aminoguanidine (0.05%) were used as a positive control. Effect of BF and BS on expression of GLUTs/SGLTs, PKC and TGF β in kidney was evaluated by RT-PCR and accumulation of ECM components in kidney was quantitated by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. BF and BS modulated the over-expression of GLUT 1, 2, 5, SGLT 1, 2 and factors such as PKC-α and TGF-β to various extents. This impinged on the synthesis of ECM components like laminin, fibronectin and type-IV collagen. The results suggest that BF and BS reduce the diabetic nephropathy complications which are accompanied by changes at the molecular level. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bauhinia forficata lectin (BfL) induces cell death and inhibits integrin-mediated adhesion on MCF7 human breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Silva, Mariana C C; de Paula, Cláudia A A; Ferreira, Joana G; Paredes-Gamero, Edgar J; Vaz, Angela M S F; Sampaio, Misako U; Correia, Maria Tereza S; Oliva, Maria Luiza V

2014-07-01

Plant lectins have attracted great interest in cancer studies due to their antitumor activities. These proteins or glycoproteins specifically and reversibly bind to different types of carbohydrates or glycoproteins. Breast cancer, which presents altered glycosylation of cell surface glycoproteins, is one of the most frequent malignant diseases in women. In this work, we describe the effect of the lectin Bauhinia forficata lectin (BfL), which was purified from B. forficata Link subsp. forficata seeds, on the MCF7 human breast cancer cellular line, investigating the mechanisms involved in its antiproliferative activity. MCF7 cells were treated with BfL. Viability and adhesion alterations were evaluated using flow cytometry and western blotting. BfL inhibited the viability of the MCF7 cell line but was ineffective on MDA-MB-231 and MCF 10A cells. It inhibits MCF7 adhesion on laminin, collagen I and fibronectin, decreases α1, α6 and β1 integrin subunit expression, and increases α5 subunit expression. BfL triggers necrosis and secondary necrosis, with caspase-9 inhibition. It also causes deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation, which leads to cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and a decrease in the expression of the regulatory proteins pRb and p21. BfL shows selective cytotoxic effect and adhesion inhibition on MCF7 breast cancer cells. Cell death induction and inhibition of cell adhesion may contribute to understanding the action of lectins in breast cancer. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in African women living with HIV: role and effect of rigorous histopathological review by a panel of pathologists in the HARP study endpoint determination.

PubMed

Doutre, Sylviane; Omar, Tanvier; Goumbri-Lompo, Olga; Kelly, Helen; Clavero, Omar; Zan, Souleymane; Chikandiwa, Admire; Sawadogo, Bernard; Delany-Moretlwe, Sinead; Costes, Valérie; Mayaud, Philippe; Segondy, Michel

2018-01-01

To analyse the effect of the expert end-point committee (EPC) review on histological endpoint classification of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). A cohort of women living with HIV were recruited in Burkina Faso (BF) and South Africa (SA) and followed over 18 months. Four-quadrant cervical biopsies were obtained in women with abnormalities detected by at least one screening test. A central review by a panel of five pathologists was organised at baseline and at endline. At baseline the prevalence of high-grade CIN (CIN2+) was 5.1% (28/554) in BF and 23.3% (134/574) in SA by local diagnosis, and 5.8% (32/554) in BF and 22.5% (129/574) in SA by the EPC. At endline the prevalence of CIN2+ was 2.3% (11/483) in BF and 9.4% (47/501) in SA by local diagnosis, and 1.4% (7/483) in BF and 10.2% (51/501) in SA by EPC. The prevalence of borderline CIN1/2 cases was 2.8% (32/1128) and 0.8% (8/984) at baseline and endline. Overall agreement between local diagnosis and final diagnosis for distinguishing CIN2+ from ≤CIN1 was 91.2% (κ=0.82) and 88.9% (κ=0.71) for BF at baseline and endline, and 92.7% (κ=0.79) and 98.7% (κ=0.97) for SA at baseline and endline. Among the CIN1/2 cases, 12 (37.5%) were graded up to CIN2 and 20 (62.5%) were graded down to CIN1 at baseline, and 3 (37.5%) were graded up to CIN2 and 5 (62.5%) were graded down to CIN1 at endline. This study highlights the importance of a centralised rigorous re-reading with exchange of experiences among pathologists from different settings. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Inhibitory effect of 2‑mercaptoethane sulfonate on the formation of Escherichia coli biofilms in vitro.

PubMed

Chen, Sheng; He, Nianhai; Yu, Jialin; Li, Luquan; Sun, Fengjun; Hu, Ying; Deng, Rui; Zhong, Shiming; Shen, Leilei

2015-10-01

The biofilms (BF) formed by Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an important cause of chronic and recurrent infections due to its capacity to persist on medical surfaces and indwelling devices, demonstrating the importance of inhibiting the formation of E. coli BF and reducing BF infection. Although 2‑mercaptoethane sulfonate (MESNA) exhibits a marked mucolytic effect clinically, the effect of MESNA on the inhibition of E. coli BF formation remains to be elucidated. The present study investigated whether MESNA inhibits the formation of E. coli BF in vitro. The minimum inhibitory concentration of MESNA on E. coli was determined to be 10 mg/ml. Subsequently, the effect of MESNA on BF early adhesion, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) and extracellular protein were detected. The effect of a subinhibitory concentration of MESNA on BF formation was evaluated, and the inhibitory potency of MESNA against matured BF was assayed. The results revealed that MESNA inhibited early stage adhesion and formation of the E. coli BF, destroyed the mature BF membrane and reduced the EPS and extracellular proteins levels of the BF. In addition, the present study investigated the effects of MESNA on the expression of EPS‑ and adhesion protein‑associated genes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, which demonstrated that MESNA effectively inhibited the expression of these genes. These results suggested that MESNA possesses anti‑BF formation capability on E. coli in vitro and may be used as a potential reagent for the clinical treatment of E. coli BF‑associated infections.

Circulating leptin concentrations do not distinguish menstrual status in exercising women.

PubMed

Corr, M; De Souza, M J; Toombs, R J; Williams, N I

2011-03-01

Low concentrations of leptin secondary to low body fat or other modulators are thought to be a key signal whereby an energy deficit suppresses the reproductive axis in exercising women resulting in functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA). The purpose of this study was to first examine leptin concentrations in exercising women with and without FHA to address whether there is a threshold concentration of leptin below which reproductive function is suppressed. Secondly, we examined the role of adiposity and other possible modulators of leptin to ascertain whether leptin regulation differs depending on reproductive status. This study assessed 50 exercising, premenopausal women (aged 18-30 years) over the course of one menstrual cycle (eumenorrheic women) or one 28-day monitoring period (amenorrheic women). Quantification of daily urinary ovarian steroids and menstrual history were used to determine menstrual status. Body composition was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and leptin was determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay. Key modulators of leptin such as serum insulin concentration, carbohydrate intake, glucose availability, indirect indices of sympathetic nervous activity and other factors were assessed using linear regression. Percentage body fat (%BF) (21.0 ± 1.0 versus 26.8 ± 0.7%; P < 0.001) and leptin concentration (4.8 ± 0.8 versus 9.6 ± 0.9 ng/ml; P < 0.001) were lower in the exercising women with amenorrhea (ExAmen; n = 24) compared with the exercising ovulatory women (ExOvul; n = 26). However, the ranges in leptin were similar for each group (ExAmen: 0.30-16.98 ng/ml; ExOvul: 2.57-18.28 ng/ml), and after adjusting for adiposity the difference in leptin concentration was no longer significant. Significant predictors of log leptin in ExAmen included %BF (β = 0.826, P < 0.001), log insulin (β = 0.308, P = 0.012) and log glycerol (β = 0.258, P = 0.030), but in ExOvul only %BF predicted leptin. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that leptin concentrations per se are not associated with FHA in exercising women, but the modulation of leptin concentrations may differ depending on reproductive status.

Studies on the baking properties of non-wheat flours--I. Breadfruit (Artocarpus artilis).

PubMed

Esuoso, K O; Bamiro, F O

1995-08-01

The possibility of producing bread from wheat (WF)/Breadfruit (BF), composite flour has been examined. Wheat flour was supplemented with up to 50% breadfruit flour. Chemical analysis of the breadfruit flour indicated a high starch content (80.9 +/- 0.9%), a fairly high crude fibre and ash contents (1.6 +/- 0.3; 4.2 +/- 0.3%) respectively and a low protein content (4.0 +/- 0.5%). Brabender amylograph pasting viscosity of the various flour and flour blends indicated that apart from the 100% WF, 10% BF/WF blends recorded the best pasting characteristics in terms of the starch stability, gelatinization index and set back values. While the 100% BF exhibited the poorest pasting characteristics. Physical characteristics indicated that only 100% WF and 10% BF/WF were free of cracks and crumbliness, 20% and 30% BF/WF had slight cracks, while others are dense and highly cracked. This was reflected on the panellist judgment during sensory evaluation. There was no significant difference at P < 0.05 between the control (100% WF) and the composite bread samples up to 30% level of breadfruit flour. Others differed significantly.

Photocatalytic degradation of an azo textile dye (C.I. Reactive Red 195 (3BF)) in aqueous solution over copper cobaltite nanocomposite coated on glass by Doctor Blade method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Habibi, Mohammad Hossein; Rezvani, Zoya

2015-08-01

The degradation of C.I. Reactive Red 195 (3BF) in aqueous solution using copper cobaltite nanocomposite coated on glass by Doctor Blade method was studied. Structural, optical and morphological properties of nanocomposite coatings were characterized by X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The nanoparticles exhibit a particle size of 31 nm, showing a good nanoscale crystalline morphology. The photocatalytic activity of copper cobaltite nanocomposite coated on glass was studied by performing the photocatalytic degradation of 3BF at different irradiation time. The effect of irradiation time on the degradation of 3BF was studied and the results showed that more than 85% of the 3BF was degraded in 45 min of irradiation. The pseudo-first-order kinetic models were used and the rate constants were evaluated with pseudo first order rate constants of 4.10 × 10-2 min-1. The main advantage of the photocatalyst coated on glass overcomes the difficulties in separation and recycle of photocatalyst suspensions.

Preparation and Characterisation of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene / Thermoplastic Starch Blends Filled with Banana Fibre

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahar, A. W. M.; Ann, L. Ju

2017-06-01

In this study, the influence of banana fibre (BF) loading using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) pre-treated and succinic anhydride-treated (SA) BF on the mechanical properties of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) matrix is investigated. LLDPE/TPS/BF composites were developed under different BF conditions, with and without chemical modifications with the BF content ranging from 5% to 30% based on the total composite. The tensile strength showed an increase with an increase of fibre content up to 10%, thereby decreasing gradually beyond this level. NaOH pre-treated and SA treated BF added with LLDPE/TPS composite displays a higher tensile strength as compared to untreated BF in LLDPE/TPS composites. Thermal behaviour of the BF incorporated in LLDPE/TPS composite was characterised using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). This showed that SA treated BF exhibits better thermal stability, compared to other composites. This is because of the improvement in interfacial adhesion existing between both the fibre and matrix. In addition, a morphology study confirmed that pre-treated and treated BF had excellent interfacial adhesion with LLDPE/TPS matrix, leading to better mechanical properties of resultant composites.

Effect of the percentage of body fat on surgical, clinical and pathological outcomes in women with endometrial cancer.

PubMed

Kerimoglu, Ozlem Secilmis; Pekin, Aybike; Yilmaz, Setenay Arzu; Yavas, Guler; Beyhekim, Fatma; Demirtaş, Ayşe Ayda; Dogan, Nasuh Utku; İlhan, Tolgay Tuyan; Celik, Cetin

2015-03-01

This study used the measure of percentage of body fat (%BF) to define obesity and evaluated the effect of percentage of %BF on clinical, surgical and pathological features in women with endometrial cancer. Between 2011 and 2013, bioelectrical impedance analysis and body size measurements of 94 patients whose endometrial biopsy revealed endometrial cancer were obtained. Patients were divided into two groups according to body mass index (BMI) (normal, < 30 kg/m(2); elevated, ≥ 30 kg/m(2)), and also classified by %BF (normal, < 32%; elevated, ≥ 32%). The patients' mean age was 55.0 ± 10.9 years. Mean %BF and BMI were 40.8% ± 9.8% and 32.9 ± 7.5, respectively. Eighty-three (88%) patients were obese according to %BF; 54 (57%) were obese according to BMI. Patients with elevated %BF were more likely to have less than 50% myometrial invasion (P = 0.004). Significantly more para-aortic lymph nodes were retrieved in patients with normal %BF or BMI (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Patients with elevated %BF had longer operating times (P = 0.043) and were more likely to have stage I disease than patients with normal %BF (P < 0.001). Endometrial cancer patients with an elevated %BF are more likely to have stage I disease and less than 50% myometrial invasion than patients with normal %BF. Defining obesity by BF may provide better estimation of obesity prevalence in patients with endometrial cancer and further understanding the relationship between BF with endometrial cancer may give more information about the effects of obesity on endometrial cancer. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2014 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Breathing frequency-independent effect of Tai Chi Chuan on autonomic modulation.

PubMed

Lu, Wan-An; Kuo, Cheng-Deng

2014-04-01

This study investigates the breathing frequency (BF)-independent effect of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) on autonomic nervous modulation in TCC practitioners. Twenty-five TCC practitioners and 25 sedentary normal controls were recruited. The stationary heart rate variability (HRV) measures of TCC practitioners and controls were compared. The same HRV measures in TCC practitioners and among the controls, TCC practitioners before TCC and TCC practitioners 30 min after TCC were compared. In TCC practitioners, the BF, normalized high-frequency power (nHFP), and normalized very low-frequency power were significantly increased, while the normalized low-frequency power (nLFP) was significantly decreased 30 min after TCC. The BF correlated significantly and negatively with heart rate (HR), nHFP and nLFP, and correlated significantly and positively with mean RR interval (MnRR) before TCC in TCC practitioners. A slower BF is associated with a higher HR, a greater vagal modulation, and a greater combined sympatho-vagal modulation before TCC. To remove the effect of BF on HRV measures, new indices such as HR*BF, nHFP*BF, nLFP*BF, and MnRR/BF were introduced for comparison among the controls, TCC practitioners before TCC, and TCC practitioners 30 min after TCC. Thirty minutes after TCC, the MnRR/BF of TCC practitioner was smaller whereas HR*BF and nHFP*BF were greater than those before TCC. The BF-independent effects of TCC on the autonomic nervous modulation of TCC practitioners are an increase in vagal modulation and HR, and a decrease in mean RR interval. The mechanism underlying the parallel increase in HR and vagal modulation in TCC practitioners is not understood yet at present.

Blue-Light Filtering Spectacle Lenses: Optical and Clinical Performances.

PubMed

Leung, Tsz Wing; Li, Roger Wing-Hong; Kee, Chea-Su

2017-01-01

To evaluate the optical performance of blue-light filtering spectacle lenses and investigate whether a reduction in blue light transmission affects visual performance and sleep quality. Experiment 1: The relative changes in phototoxicity, scotopic sensitivity, and melatonin suppression of five blue-light filtering plano spectacle lenses were calculated based on their spectral transmittances measured by a spectrophotometer. Experiment 2: A pseudo-randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate the clinical performance of two blue-light filtering spectacle lenses (BF: blue-filtering anti-reflection coating; BT: brown-tinted) with a regular clear lens (AR) serving as a control. A total of eighty computer users were recruited from two age cohorts (young adults: 18-30 yrs, middle-aged adults: 40-55 yrs). Contrast sensitivity under standard and glare conditions, and colour discrimination were measured using standard clinical tests. After one month of lens wear, subjective ratings of lens performance were collected by questionnaire. All tested blue-light filtering spectacle lenses theoretically reduced the calculated phototoxicity by 10.6% to 23.6%. Although use of the blue-light filters also decreased scotopic sensitivity by 2.4% to 9.6%, and melatonin suppression by 5.8% to 15.0%, over 70% of the participants could not detect these optical changes. Our clinical tests revealed no significant decrease in contrast sensitivity either with (95% confidence intervals [CI]: AR-BT [-0.05, 0.05]; AR-BF [-0.05, 0.06]; BT-BF [-0.06, 0.06]) or without glare (95% CI: AR-BT [-0.01, 0.03]; AR-BF [-0.01, 0.03]; BT-BF [-0.02, 0.02]) and colour discrimination (95% CI: AR-BT [-9.07, 1.02]; AR-BF [-7.06, 4.46]; BT-BF [-3.12, 8.57]). Blue-light filtering spectacle lenses can partially filter high-energy short-wavelength light without substantially degrading visual performance and sleep quality. These lenses may serve as a supplementary option for protecting the retina from potential blue-light hazard. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02821403.

Validation of multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis versus dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure body fat percentage in overweight/obese Colombian adults.

PubMed

Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson; Tordecilla-Sanders, Alejandra; Correa-Bautista, Jorge Enrique; González-Ruíz, Katherine; González-Jiménez, Emilio; Triana-Reina, Hector Reynaldo; García-Hermoso, Antonio; Schmidt-RioValle, Jacqueline

2018-01-01

To verify the validity of multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (mBCA) for predicting body fat percentage (BF%) in overweight/obese adults using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the reference method. Forty-eight adults participated (54% women, mean age = 41.0 ± 7.3 years old). The Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between BIA and BF% assessed by DXA. The concordance between BF% measured by both methods was obtained with Lin's concordance correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman difference plots. Measures of BF% were estimated as 39.0 (SD = 6.1) and 38.3 (SD = 6.5) using DXA and mBCA, respectively. The Pearson's correlation coefficient reflected a strong correlation (r =.921, P = .001). The paired t-test showed a significant mean difference between these methods for obese men BF% of -0.6 [(SD 1.95; 95% CI = -4.0 to 3.0), P =.037]. Overall, the bias of the mBCA was -0.6 [(SD 2.2; 95% CI = -5.0 to 3.7), P =.041], which indicated that the mBCA method significantly underestimated BF% in comparison to the reference method. Finally, in both genders, Lin's concordance correlation coefficient showed a strong agreement. More specifically the DXA value was ρc = 0.943 (95% CI = 0.775 to 0.950) and the mBCA value was ρc = 0.948 (95% CI = 0.778 to 0.978). Our analysis showed a strong agreement between the two methods as reflected in the range of BF%. These results show that mBCA and DXA are comparable methods for measuring body composition with higher body fat percentages. However, due to broad limits of agreement, we can only recommend mBCA for groups of populations. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Body fat does not affect venous bubble formation after air dives of moderate severity: theory and experiment.

PubMed

Schellart, Nico A M; van Rees Vellinga, Tjeerd P; van Hulst, Rob A

2013-03-01

For over a century, studies on body fat (BF) in decompression sickness and venous gas embolism of divers have been inconsistent. A major problem is that age, BF, and maximal oxygen consumption (Vo2max) show high multicollinearity. Using the Bühlmann model with eight parallel compartments, preceded by a blood compartment in series, nitrogen tensions and loads were calculated with a 40 min/3.1 bar (absolute) profile. Compared with Haldanian models, the new model showed a substantial delay in N2 uptake and (especially) release. One hour after surfacing, an increase of 14-28% in BF resulted in a whole body increase of the N2 load of 51%, but in only 15% in the blood compartment. This would result in an increase in the bubble grade of only 0.01 Kisman-Masurel (KM) units at the scale near KM = I-. This outcome was tested indirectly by a dry dive simulation (air breathing) with 53 male divers with a small range in age and Vo2max to suppress multicollinearity. BF was determined with the four-skinfold method. Precordial Doppler bubble grades determined at 40, 80, 120, and 160 min after surfacing were used to calculate the Kisman Integrated Severity Score and were also transformed to the logarithm of the number of bubbles/cm(2) (logB). The highest of the four scores yielded logB = -1.78, equivalent to KM = I-. All statistical outcomes of partial correlations with BF were nonsignificant. These results support the model outcomes. Although this and our previous study suggest that BF does not influence venous gas embolism (Schellart NAM, van Rees Vellinga TP, van Dijk FH, Sterk W. Aviat Space Environ Med 83: 951-957, 2012), more studies with different profiles under various conditions are needed to establish whether BF remains (together with age and Vo2max) a basic physical characteristic or will become less important for the medical examination and for risk assessment.

Association Between Adiposity and Lean Mass With Long-Term Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: No Paradox.

PubMed

Medina-Inojosa, Jose R; Somers, Virend K; Thomas, Randal J; Jean, Nathalie; Jenkins, Sarah M; Gomez-Ibarra, Miguel Angel; Supervia, Marta; Lopez-Jimenez, Francisco

2018-05-08

Prognosis based on body fat percentage (BF%) in patients with coronary artery disease has not been extensively studied. We tested the hypothesis that patients with coronary artery disease and increased BF% have a higher risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and that fat-free mass is associated with better prognosis. We included 717 patients referred to cardiac rehabilitation after coronary artery disease events or procedures who underwent air displacement plethysmography to assess BF%; 75% were men, with a mean age 61.4±11.4 years and a mean body mass index of 30±5.4 kg/m 2 . Follow-up was performed using a record linkage system. Patients were classified in sex-specific quartiles of BF% and fat-free mass index. The composite outcome of MACEs included acute coronary syndromes, coronary revascularization, stroke, or death from any cause. After a median follow-up of 3.9 years, 201 patients had a MACE. After adjusting for covariates, body mass index was not associated with MACEs ( P =0.12). However, the risk of MACEs for those in the highest BF% quartile was nearly double when compared with those in the lowest quartile (hazard ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-2.77; P =0.0008). In contrast, fat-free mass was inversely associated with MACEs. The risk of MACEs for those in the fourth fat-free mass quartile was lower (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.35-0.82; P =0.004), when compared with those in the first quartile. In patients with coronary artery disease, there is no obesity paradox when measuring BF% instead of body mass index. BF% is associated with a higher risk of MACEs, whereas fat-free mass is associated with a lower risk of MACEs. Body mass index was not associated with MACEs. © 2018 The Authors and Mayo Clinic. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

Programming and supervision of resistance training leads to positive effects on strength and body composition: results from two randomised trials of community fitness programmes.

PubMed

Mann, Steven; Jimenez, Alfonso; Steele, James; Domone, Sarah; Wade, Matthew; Beedie, Chris

2018-03-27

Many sedentary adults have high body fat along with low fitness, strength, and lean body mass (LBM) which are associated with poor health independently of body mass. Physical activity can aid in prevention, management, and treatment of numerous chronic conditions. The potential efficacy of resistance training (RT) in modifying risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic disease is clear. However, RT is under researched in public health. We report community-based studies of RT in sedentary (Study 1), and overweight and pre-diabetic (Study 2) populations. Study 1 - A semi randomised trial design (48-weeks): Participants choosing either a fitness centre approach, and randomised to structured-exercise (STRUC, n = 107), or free/unstructured gym use (FREE, n = 110), or not, and randomised to physical-activity-counselling (PAC, n = 71) or a measurement only comparator (CONT, n = 76). Study 2 - A randomised wait list controlled trial (12-weeks): Patients were randomly assigned to; traditional-supervised-exercise (STRUC, n = 30), physical-activity-counselling (PAC, n = 23), either combined (COMB, n = 39), or a wait-list comparator (CONT, n = 54). Outcomes for both were BF mass (kg), LBM (kg), BF percentage (%), and strength. Study 1: One-way ANCOVA revealed significant between group effects for BF% and LBM, but not for BF mass or strength. Post hoc paired comparisons revealed significantly greater change in LBM for the STRUC group compared with the CONT group. Within group changes using 95%CIs revealed significant changes only in the STRUC group for both BF% (- 4.1 to - 0.9%) and LBM (0.1 to 4.5 kg), and in FREE (8.2 to 28.5 kg) and STRUC (5.9 to 26.0 kg) for strength. Study 2: One-way ANCOVA did not reveal significant between group effects for strength, BF%, BF mass, or LBM. For strength, 95%CIs revealed significant within group changes for the STRUC (2.4 to 14.1 kg) and COMB (3.7 to 15.0 kg) groups. Strength increased in both studies across all RT treatments compared to controls, yet significant improvements in both strength and body-composition occurred only in programmed and/or supervised RT. As general increases in physical activity have limited impact upon body-composition, public health practitioners should structure interventions to include progressive RT. Study 1: ISRCTN13024854 , retrospectively registered 20/02/2018. Study 2: ISRCTN13509468 , retrospectively registered 20/02/2018).

Weakly nucleophilic potassium aryltrifluoroborates in palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura reactions: relative reactivity of K[4-RC6F4BF3] and the role of silver-assistance in acceleration of transmetallation.

PubMed

Bardin, Vadim V; Shabalin, Anton Yu; Adonin, Nicolay Yu

2015-01-01

Small differences in the reactivity of weakly nucleophilic potassium aryltrifluoroborates are revealed in the silver-assisted Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling of K[4-RC6F4BF3] (R = H, Bu, MeO, EtO, PrO, iPrO, BuO, t-BuO, CH2=CHCH2O, PhCH2O, PhCH2CH2O, PhO, F, pyrazol-1-yl, pyrrol-1-yl, and indol-1-yl) with ArX (4-BrC6H4CH3, 4-IC6H4F and 3-IC6H4F). An assumed role of silver(I) compounds Ag m Y (Y = O, NO3, SO4, BF4, F) consists in polarization of the Pd-X bond in neutral complex ArPdL n X with the generation of the related transition state or formation of [ArPdL n ][XAg m Y] with a highly electrophilic cation and subsequent transmetallation with the weakly nucleophilic borate. Efficiency of Ag m Y as a polarizing agent decreases in order Ag2O > AgNO3 ≈ Ag2SO4 > Ag[BF4] > AgF. No clear correlation between the reactivity of K[4-RC6F4BF3] and substituent electron parameters, σI and σR°, of the aryl group 4-RC6F4 was found.

Weakly nucleophilic potassium aryltrifluoroborates in palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura reactions: relative reactivity of K[4-RC6F4BF3] and the role of silver-assistance in acceleration of transmetallation

PubMed Central

Bardin, Vadim V; Shabalin, Anton Yu

2015-01-01

Summary Small differences in the reactivity of weakly nucleophilic potassium aryltrifluoroborates are revealed in the silver-assisted Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling of K[4-RC6F4BF3] (R = H, Bu, MeO, EtO, PrO, iPrO, BuO, t-BuO, CH2=CHCH2O, PhCH2O, PhCH2CH2O, PhO, F, pyrazol-1-yl, pyrrol-1-yl, and indol-1-yl) with ArX (4-BrC6H4CH3, 4-IC6H4F and 3-IC6H4F). An assumed role of silver(I) compounds AgmY (Y = O, NO3, SO4, BF4, F) consists in polarization of the Pd–X bond in neutral complex ArPdLnX with the generation of the related transition state or formation of [ArPdLn][XAgmY] with a highly electrophilic cation and subsequent transmetallation with the weakly nucleophilic borate. Efficiency of AgmY as a polarizing agent decreases in order Ag2O > AgNO3 ≈ Ag2SO4 > Ag[BF4] > AgF. No clear correlation between the reactivity of K[4-RC6F4BF3] and substituent electron parameters, σI and σR°, of the aryl group 4-RC6F4 was found. PMID:26124862

Tactics for preclinical validation of receptor-binding radiotracers

PubMed Central

Lever, Susan Z.; Fan, Kuo-Hsien; Lever, John R.

2016-01-01

Introduction Aspects of radiopharmaceutical development are illustrated through preclinical studies of [125I]-(E)-1-(2-(2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)ethyl)-4-(iodoallyl)piperazine ([125I]-E-IA- BF-PE-PIPZE), a radioligand for sigma-1 (σ1) receptors, coupled with examples from the recent literature. Findings are compared to those previously observed for [125I]-(E)-1-(2-(2,3-dimethoxy-5-yl)ethyl)-4-(iodoallyl)piperazine ([125I]-E-IA-DM-PE-PIPZE). Methods Syntheses of E-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE and [125I]-E-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE were accomplished by standard methods. In vitro receptor binding studies and autoradiography were performed, and binding potential was predicted. Measurements of lipophilicity and protein binding were obtained. In vivo studies were conducted in mice to evaluate radioligand stability, as well as specific binding to σ1 sites in brain, brain regions and peripheral organs in the presence and absence of potential blockers. Results E-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE exhibited high affinity and selectivity for σ1 receptors (Ki = 0.43 ± 0.03 nM, σ2 / σ1 = 173). [125I]-E-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE was prepared in good yield and purity, with high specific activity. Radioligand binding provided dissociation (koff) and association (kon) rate constants, along with a measured Kd of 0.24 ± 0.01 nM and Bmax of 472 ± 13 fmol / mg protein. The radioligand proved suitable for quantitative autoradiography in vitro using brain sections. Moderate lipophilicity, Log D7.4 2.69 ± 0.28, was determined, and protein binding was 71 ± 0.3%. In vivo, high initial whole brain uptake, > 6% injected dose / g, cleared slowly over 24 h. Specific binding represented 75% to 93% of total binding from 15 min to 24 h. Findings were confirmed and extended by regional brain biodistribution. Radiometabolites were not observed in brain (1%). Conclusions Substitution of dihydrobenzofuranylethyl for dimethoxyphenethyl increased radioligand affinity for σ1 receptors by 16-fold. While high specific binding to σ1 receptors was observed for both radioligands in vivo, [125I]-E-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE displayed much slower clearance kinetics than [125I]-E-IA-DM-PE-PIPZE. Thus, minor structural modifications of σ1 receptor radioligands lead to major differences in binding properties in vitro and in vivo. PMID:27755986

Archaeological Survey 31BF115 and 31BF117. Phase 1. Archaeological Survey 31BF115. Phase 2. Texasgulf, Bath Creek, North Carolina

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-03-01

wrote of Bath Town that it had "deeply rooted adultery, incest , blasphemy, and all kinds of profaneness (Broadwater et al 1979)." By 1755, the...Sarah, age 48, and children William (16), John (14), Thomas (12), Liney (10), and Annie (6). Thomas was a farmer and his three oldest sons assisted him on...to his son , R. H. Archbell, for $1000.00 (Deed Book 247:241). It included ’all the stock, team, and farm equipment on the above farm known as the

Evaluation of Columbia, USMARC Composite, Suffolk, and Texel rams as terminal sires in an extensive rangeland production system: VII. Accuracy of ultrasound predictors and their association with carcass weight, yield, and value.

PubMed

Notter, D R; Mousel, M R; Leeds, T D; Zerby, H N; Moeller, S J; Lewis, G S; Taylor, J B

2014-06-01

Use of lamb BW or chilled carcass weights (CCW), live-animal ultrasound or direct carcass measurements of backfat thickness (BF; mm) and LM area (LMA; cm(2)), and carcass body wall thickness (BWall; mm) to predict carcass yield and value was evaluated using 512 crossbred lambs produced over 3 yr by mating Columbia, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center Composite, Suffolk, and Texel rams to adult Rambouillet ewes. Lambs were harvested at 3 BW endpoints within each year. The predictive value of 3 to 5 additional linear measurements of live-animal or carcass size and shape was also evaluated. Residual correlations (adjusted for effects of year, breed, and harvest group) between ultrasound and direct measurements were 0.69 for BF and 0.65 for LMA. Increasing ultrasound or carcass LMA had positive effects (P < 0.001) on yield of chilled carcass (i.e., on dressing percentage) and, at comparable CCW, on weight of high-value cuts (rack, loin, leg, and sirloin) before trimming (HVW), weight of trimmed high-value cuts (trimmed rack and loin and trimmed boneless leg and sirloin; TrHVW), and carcass value before (CVal) and after (TrCVal) trimming of high-value cuts. By contrast, ultrasound and direct measures of BF had positive effects on yields of CCW and on HVW and CVal but large negative effects on TrHVW and TrCVal. After adjusting for BW at scanning, increases of 1 mm in ultrasound BF or 1 cm(2) in ultrasound LMA were associated with changes of US$-0.32 (P < 0.10) and $1.62 (P < 0.001), respectively, in TrCVal. Carcass BWall was generally superior to carcass BF as a predictor of TrHVW and TrCVal. Carcass LMA was superior to ultrasound LMA but carcass BF was inferior to ultrasound BF for prediction of carcass yield and value. Increasing LMA thus would be expected to improve carcass yield and value. Addition of linear measurements of live-animal or carcass size and shape to the prediction model reduced residual SD (RSD) for TrHVW and TrCVal by 0.4 to 2.2%, but subsequent removal of ultrasound or direct measures of BF and LMA from the prediction model increased RSD by 7.4 to 12.2%. Measurements of CCW, LMA, BF, and BWall would thus be appropriate to support programs for value-based marketing of lamb carcasses and are superior to systems based only on measurements of size and shape in unribbed carcasses.

Detection of bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates by a sensitive flow cytometric assay (BactiFlow): a multicentre validation study.

PubMed

Vollmer, T; Dreier, J; Schottstedt, V; Bux, J; Tapernon, K; Sibrowski, W; Kleesiek, K; Knabbe, C

2012-08-01

Bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates (PCs) still represents an ongoing risk. As a result of septic complications, particularly observed with older PCs, the shelf life of PCs has been reduced in Germany to 4 days. In this study, bacterial screening of PCs by BactiFlow (BF) flow cytometry was introduced in three German blood services to evaluate the robustness and applicability of the assay. Results were used to discuss the potential for the extension of PC shelf life to 5 days. A total of 1956 PCs were tested on days 4 or 5+ after PC production using the BF, whereas the BacT/Alert culture system served as reference method. Two PCs were confirmed positive by culture only and were identified as Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus species. Two PCs were confirmed positive for Streptococcus mitis by BF and culture. Additionally, two PCs were culture-positive only in one culture bottle (aerobic: S. mitis and anaerobic: S. hominis). Retrospective analysis of bacterial growth kinetics provide the indication that corresponding bacterial titres were most likely below the BF analytical detection limit (<150 CFU mL(-1) ) and had probably no transfusion relevance. All remaining specimens were tested negative. Testing of PCs by BF was successfully implemented. The BF proved sufficient as a rapid screening method to improve PC safety. This study further provides data supporting the extension of PC shelf life to 5 days after negative BF testing on day 4. © 2012 The Authors. Transfusion Medicine © 2012 British Blood Transfusion Society.

Scaling Up of Breastfeeding Promotion Programs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: the “Breastfeeding Gear” Model12

PubMed Central

Pérez-Escamilla, Rafael; Curry, Leslie; Minhas, Dilpreet; Taylor, Lauren; Bradley, Elizabeth

2012-01-01

Breastfeeding (BF) promotion is one of the most cost-effective interventions to advance mother–child health. Evidence-based frameworks and models to promote the effective scale up and sustainability of BF programs are still lacking. A systematic review of peer-reviewed and gray literature reports was conducted to identify key barriers and facilitators for scale up of BF programs in low- and middle-income countries. The review identified BF programs located in 28 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia. Study designs included case studies, qualitative studies, and observational quantitative studies. Only 1 randomized, controlled trial was identified. A total of 22 enabling factors and 15 barriers were mapped into a scale-up framework termed “AIDED” that was used to build the parsimonious breastfeeding gear model (BFGM). Analogous to a well-oiled engine, the BFGM indicates the need for several key “gears” to be working in synchrony and coordination. Evidence-based advocacy is needed to generate the necessary political will to enact legislation and policies to protect, promote, and support BF at the hospital and community levels. This political-policy axis in turn drives the resources needed to support workforce development, program delivery, and promotion. Research and evaluation are needed to sustain the decentralized program coordination “gear” required for goal setting and system feedback. The BFGM helps explain the different levels of performance in national BF outcomes in Mexico and Brazil. Empirical research is recommended to further test the usefulness of the AIDED framework and BFGM for global scaling up of BF programs. PMID:23153733

Has the WIC incentive to formula-feed led to an increase in overweight children?

PubMed

Rose, Donald; Bodor, J Nicholas; Chilton, Mariana

2006-04-01

We explored the relationship between the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and overweight status in children, with a focus on WIC's provision of infant formula, through secondary analyses and review of existing literature. Because of the complexity involved and the lack of previous research on the combined link between WIC, breast-feeding, and overweight status, we considered evidence for each of these relations separately. Using food-cost data from the WIC's 1996 Participant and Program Characteristics Survey, we found that the state-level average for 1 y of program benefits for women who formula-fed was over twice the value of program benefits for those who breast-fed (BF). This difference in benefit levels, or formula incentive, was negatively associated with both the in-hospital and 6-mo BF rates in state-level multiple regression models. Despite WIC's efforts to promote BF, other large-scale studies have found a negative association of program participation with BF rates. An inverse association of BF on subsequent overweight in children also has been shown in a number of studies. Despite this accumulating evidence for the protective effect of BF, it has not been seen in African American or Latino populations. In sum, there is reason to be concerned that WIC's incentive to formula-feed may have led to an increase in overweight children; yet there is too much uncertainty about the issue to conclude that this is so. Further research is needed to understand this relationship, as is the development of applied interventions to increase BF rates.

Time-Dependent Behavior of Microvascular Blood Flow and Oxygenation: A Predictor of Functional Outcomes.

PubMed

Kuliga, Katarzyna Z; Gush, Rodney; Clough, Geraldine F; Chipperfield, Andrew John

2018-05-01

This study investigates the time-dependent behaviour and algorithmic complexity of low-frequency periodic oscillations in blood flux (BF) and oxygenation signals from the microvasculature. Microvascular BF and oxygenation (OXY: oxyHb, deoxyHb, totalHb, and SO 2 %) was recorded from 15 healthy young adult males using combined laser Doppler fluximetry and white light spectroscopy with local skin temperature clamped to 33  °C and during local thermal hyperaemia (LTH) at 43 °C. Power spectral density of the BF and OXY signals was evaluated within the frequency range (0.0095-1.6 Hz). Signal complexity was determined using the Lempel-Ziv (LZ) algorithm. Fold increase in BF during LTH was 15.6 (10.3, 22.8) and in OxyHb 4.8 (3.5, 5.9) (median, range). All BF and OXY signals exhibited multiple oscillatory components with clear differences in signal power distribution across frequency bands at 33 and 43 °C. Significant reduction in the intrinsic variability and complexity of the microvascular signals during LTH was found, with mean LZ complexity of BF and OxyHb falling by 25% and 49%, respectively ( ). These results provide corroboration that in human skin microvascular blood flow and oxygenation are influenced by multiple time-varying oscillators that adapt to local influences and become more predictable during increased haemodynamic flow. Recent evidence strongly suggests that the inability of microvascular networks to adapt to an imposed stressor is symptomatic of disease risk which might be assessed via BF and OXY via the combination signal analysis techniques described here.

Learning effects of dynamic postural control by auditory biofeedback versus visual biofeedback training.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Naoya; Takeda, Kenta; Sakuma, Moe; Mani, Hiroki; Maejima, Hiroshi; Asaka, Tadayoshi

2017-10-01

Augmented sensory biofeedback (BF) for postural control is widely used to improve postural stability. However, the effective sensory information in BF systems of motor learning for postural control is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the learning effects of visual versus auditory BF training in dynamic postural control. Eighteen healthy young adults were randomly divided into two groups (visual BF and auditory BF). In test sessions, participants were asked to bring the real-time center of pressure (COP) in line with a hidden target by body sway in the sagittal plane. The target moved in seven cycles of sine curves at 0.23Hz in the vertical direction on a monitor. In training sessions, the visual and auditory BF groups were required to change the magnitude of a visual circle and a sound, respectively, according to the distance between the COP and target in order to reach the target. The perceptual magnitudes of visual and auditory BF were equalized according to Stevens' power law. At the retention test, the auditory but not visual BF group demonstrated decreased postural performance errors in both the spatial and temporal parameters under the no-feedback condition. These findings suggest that visual BF increases the dependence on visual information to control postural performance, while auditory BF may enhance the integration of the proprioceptive sensory system, which contributes to motor learning without BF. These results suggest that auditory BF training improves motor learning of dynamic postural control. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Generation and collision-induced dissociation of ammonium tetrafluoroborate cluster ions.

PubMed

Dain, Ryan P; Van Stipdonk, Michael J

2008-07-01

Singly and doubly charged cluster ions of ammonium tetrafluoroborate (NH4BF4) with general formula [(NH4BF4)nNH4]+ and [(NH4BF4)m(NH4)2]2+, respectively, were generated by electrospray ionization (ESI) and their fragmentation examined using collision-induced dissociation (CID) and ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry. CID of [(NH4BF4)nNH4]+ caused the loss of one or more neutral NH4BF4 units. The n = 2 cluster, [(NH4BF4)2NH4]+, was unique in that it also exhibited a dissociation pathway in which HBF4 was eliminated to create [(NH4BF4)(NH3)NH4]+. Dissociation of [(NH4BF4)m(NH4)2]2+ occurred through two general pathways: (a) 'fission' to produce singly charged cluster ions and (b) elimination of one or more neutral NH4BF4 units to leave doubly charged product ions. CID profiles, and measurements of changing precursor and product ion signal intensity as a function of applied collision voltage, were collected for [(NH4BF4)nNH4]+ and compared with those for analogous [(NaBF4)nNa]+ and [(KBF4)nK]+ ions to determine the influence of the cation on the relative stability of cluster ions. In general, the [(NH4BF4)nNH4]+ clusters were found to be easier to dissociate than both the sodium and potassium clusters of comparable size, with [(KBF4)nK]+ ions the most difficult to dissociate.

Longitudinal Association Between Physical Activity and Body Fat During Adolescence: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Ramires, Virgílio Viana; Dumith, Samuel Carvalho; Gonçalves, Helen

2015-09-01

Physical activity (PA) practice has been inversely associated to body fat (BF) and recommended as a way to reduce and prevent obesity. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the association of PA and BF in adolescence. The review includes 18 longitudinal studies found in the PubMed database, comprising papers published from January 1990 to July 2014. Studies assessing BF only through body mass index were excluded. Among the outcomes analyzed, waist circumference, skinfolds, and absolute and relative fat mass measurement were identified. Questionnaires were the more predominant way to evaluate PA. Most studies showed that PA promotes a protective effect against a higher BF gain. It was concluded that PA has a protective effect against BF with differences between the genders and according to the BF marker or measurement assessed; higher intensity PA leads to a greater effect against BF gain in both genders; and the maintenance or increase of PA level on BF observed through analysis of change in PA level yielded more consistent findings in the relation between PA and BF.

Serotonin neurones have anti-convulsant effects and reduce seizure-induced mortality

PubMed Central

Buchanan, Gordon F; Murray, Nicholas M; Hajek, Michael A; Richerson, George B

2014-01-01

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death in patients with refractory epilepsy. Defects in central control of breathing are important contributors to the pathophysiology of SUDEP, and serotonin (5-HT) system dysfunction may be involved. Here we examined the effect of 5-HT neurone elimination or 5-HT reduction on seizure risk and seizure-induced mortality. Adult Lmx1bf/f/p mice, which lack >99% of 5-HT neurones in the CNS, and littermate controls (Lmx1bf/f) were subjected to acute seizure induction by maximal electroshock (MES) or pilocarpine, variably including electroencephalography, electrocardiography, plethysmography, mechanical ventilation or pharmacological therapy. Lmx1bf/f/p mice had a lower seizure threshold and increased seizure-induced mortality. Breathing ceased during most seizures without recovery, whereas cardiac activity persisted for up to 9 min before terminal arrest. The mortality rate of mice of both genotypes was reduced by mechanical ventilation during the seizure or 5-HT2A receptor agonist pretreatment. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram reduced mortality of Lmx1bf/f but not of Lmx1bf/f/p mice. In C57BL/6N mice, reduction of 5-HT synthesis with para-chlorophenylalanine increased MES-induced seizure severity but not mortality. We conclude that 5-HT neurones raise seizure threshold and decrease seizure-related mortality. Death ensued from respiratory failure, followed by terminal asystole. Given that SUDEP often occurs in association with generalised seizures, some mechanisms causing death in our model might be shared with those leading to SUDEP. This model may help determine the relationship between seizures, 5-HT system dysfunction, breathing and death, which may lead to novel ways to prevent SUDEP. PMID:25107926

Circuit resistance training in women with normal weight obesity syndrome: body composition, cardiometabolic and echocardiographic parameters, and cardiovascular and skeletal muscle fitness.

PubMed

Ferreira, Fabiano C; Bertucci, Danilo R; Barbosa, Marina R; Nunes, João E; Botero, João P; Rodrigues, Maria F; Shiguemoto, Gilberto E; Santoro, Valdir; Verzola, Ana C; Nonaka, Rodrigo O; Verzola, Roberto M; Baldissera, Vilmar; Perez, Sérgio E

2017-01-01

Normal weight obesity (NWO) syndrome has been characterized in subjects with normal Body Mass Index (BMI) and high body fat mass percentage (BF%>30 for women) being a risk factor for cardiometabolic dysregulation and cardiovascular mortality. This study evaluated whether circuit resistance training (CRT) improves body composition, heart size and function, cardiometabolic parameters, and cardiorespiratory, cardiovascular and skeletal muscle fitness in women with NWO. Data are means (95% Confidence Interval). Twenty-three women participated: 10 NWO-CRT (baseline: BMI=22.4 [21.4-23.3] kg/m2; BF%=44.5 [41.0-48.0]%) performed CRT; and 13 untrained NWO-control (baseline: BMI=21.7 [20.8-22.7] kg/m2; BF%=37.8 [34.6-41.1]%). At baseline and after 10 weeks were performed/measured dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, echocardiography, blood tests, arterial pressure, exercise testing, and total-overload-by-training-session (TOL). At baseline, the NWO-CRT exhibited larger BF (27.28 [23.9-30.6] kg) than NWO-control (22.41 [19.5-25.3] kg) (P=0.0227). After training, NWO-CRT: reduced 8 kg of BF (P=0.000002); became BF% lower than NWO-control (33.1 [30.1-36.0] <37.0 [34.3-39.6]%, P=0.0423), with 30% of NWO-CRT subjects becoming without-obesity; reduced 3 kg in trunk fat mass (P=0.000005); showed fasting glucose (72.8 [69.4-76.2] mg/dL) smaller than NWO-control (81.7 [78.6-84.8] mg/dL) (P=0.004); increased TOL (5087.5 [4142.5-6032.5] to 6963.3 [6226.4-7700.2] rep.kg, P=0.0004); increased load at VO2peak (122.5 [106.8-138.2] to 137.5 [118.18-156.82] W, P=0.0051); reduced double product/load at VO2peak ratio (277.4 [222.1-332.8] to 237.7 [194.2-281.2] mmHg.bpm/W, P=0.0015); and increased left ventricular mass/body surface area ratio (84.29 [78.98-89.6] to 90.29 [81.45-99.12] g/m2, P=0.0215). CRT reduced BF% and generated cardiometabolic, cardiac, skeletal muscle and cardiovascular benefits, being a useful strategy to combat the normal weight obesity syndrome in women.

Three decades of breast-feeding trends in Singapore.

PubMed

Chua, S; Viegas, O A; Ratnam, S S

1990-03-01

In 1985, about 60% of well-to-do mothers in Singapore initiated breastfeeding (BF). This value compares favorably with the 36% of poor mothers BF, but is still unacceptably low compared with the 85-95% of well-to-do mothers and 90% of poor mothers who were BF their babies during the 1950s. There has been a general decline in the incidence and duration of BF in Singapore over the last 36 years, however, in the last decade, a larger proportion of well-to-do mothers had initiated and continued BF. Whilst the overall decline probably reflects increasing affluence and "westernization" of the population, the variation between these 2 economic groups is probably a result of differences in education. Among the 3 major ethnic communities, the Chinese favor BF the least and the Malays favor it the most. The differences are also believed to be related to cultural variations and the ability of the ethnic groups to resist the trend towards BF in favor of traditional practices and beliefs. In 1951, over 80% of infants were BF for 4 or more weeks, but by 1978 only 37% were being breast fed. In 1985, 39% of the well-to-do mothers chose to breastfed their infants. Differences between well-to-do and poor groups were originally small. During the 1960-1970 period, the differences widened. In the 1980s, they seem to have narrowed, however. Among the poor population, the proportion seems to be leveling off, while it is going up for well-to-do mothers. These changes are not unique to Singapore. The ethnic community has, and continues to have, a strong influence on the choice of feeding method. Ethnic Chinese throughout Southeast Asia are poor breast feeders. The most important traditional practice for the Malay and Indian mothers is support from relatives. Their religion may play an important role, too. Islam tells them to breastfeed. Chinese mothers often have false ideas about BF. They feel that it will ruin their figures, or that artificial formulas are better because they are more expensive. Mothers need to be educated about BF. It is estimates that 1 in 10 infants in Singapore are breast fed for more than 3 months. Medical personnel could be encouraged to influence mothers to breastfeed.

Validity and Reliability of Assessing Body Composition Using a Mobile Application.

PubMed

Macdonald, Elizabeth Z; Vehrs, Pat R; Fellingham, Gilbert W; Eggett, Dennis; George, James D; Hager, Ronald

2017-12-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the LeanScreen (LS) mobile application that estimates percent body fat (%BF) using estimates of circumferences from photographs. The %BF of 148 weight-stable adults was estimated once using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Each of two administrators assessed the %BF of each subject twice using the LS app and manually measured circumferences. A mixed-model ANOVA and Bland-Altman analyses were used to compare the estimates of %BF obtained from each method. Interrater and intrarater reliabilities values were determined using multiple measurements taken by each of the two administrators. The LS app and manually measured circumferences significantly underestimated (P < 0.05) the %BF determined using DXA by an average of -3.26 and -4.82 %BF, respectively. The LS app (6.99 %BF) and manually measured circumferences (6.76 %BF) had large limits of agreement. All interrater and intrarater reliability coefficients of estimates of %BF using the LS app and manually measured circumferences exceeded 0.99. The estimates of %BF from manually measured circumferences and the LS app were highly reliable. However, these field measures are not currently recommended for the assessment of body composition because of significant bias and large limits of agreements.

Nature of ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition in multiferroic 0.8BiFeO3-0.2Pb(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3 ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, Jay Prakash; Singh, Anar; Pandey, Dhananjai

2010-05-01

We present here the results of high temperature powder x-ray diffraction study on 0.8BiFeO3-0.2Pb(Fe1/2Nb1/2)O3, which is isostructural with the well known multiferroic BiFeO3 (BF). It is shown that the room temperature ferroelectric phase of 0.8BF-0.2PFN in the R3c space group transforms to the paraelectric/paraelastic cubic (Pm3¯m) phase directly without any intermediate "β" phase reported in the literature for pure BF. This transition is of first order type as confirmed by the coexistence of R3c and Pm3¯m phases over a 100 K range and discontinuous change in the unit cell volume.

High caloric intake at breakfast vs. dinner differentially influences weight loss of overweight and obese women.

PubMed

Jakubowicz, Daniela; Barnea, Maayan; Wainstein, Julio; Froy, Oren

2013-12-01

Few studies examined the association between time-of-day of nutrient intake and the metabolic syndrome. Our goal was to compare a weight loss diet with high caloric intake during breakfast to an isocaloric diet with high caloric intake at dinner. Overweight and obese women (BMI 32.4 ± 1.8 kg/m(2) ) with metabolic syndrome were randomized into two isocaloric (~1400 kcal) weight loss groups, a breakfast (BF) (700 kcal breakfast, 500 kcal lunch, 200 kcal dinner) or a dinner (D) group (200 kcal breakfast, 500 kcal lunch, 700 kcal dinner) for 12 weeks. The BF group showed greater weight loss and waist circumference reduction. Although fasting glucose, insulin, and ghrelin were reduced in both groups, fasting glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR decreased significantly to a greater extent in the BF group. Mean triglyceride levels decreased by 33.6% in the BF group, but increased by 14.6% in the D group. Oral glucose tolerance test led to a greater decrease of glucose and insulin in the BF group. In response to meal challenges, the overall daily glucose, insulin, ghrelin, and mean hunger scores were significantly lower, whereas mean satiety scores were significantly higher in the BF group. High-calorie breakfast with reduced intake at dinner is beneficial and might be a useful alternative for the management of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Copyright © 2013 The Obesity Society.

Relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat percentage, estimated by bioelectrical impedance, in a group of Sri Lankan adults: a cross sectional study.

PubMed

Ranasinghe, Chathuranga; Gamage, Prasanna; Katulanda, Prasad; Andraweera, Nalinda; Thilakarathne, Sithira; Tharanga, Praveen

2013-09-03

Body Mass Index (BMI) is used as a useful population-level measure of overweight and obesity. It is used as the same for both sexes and for all ages of adults. The relationship between BMI and body fat percentage (BF %) has been studied in various ethnic groups to estimate the capacity of BMI to predict adiposity. We aimed to study the BMI-BF% relationship, in a group of South Asian adults who have a different body composition compared to presently studied ethnic groups. We examined the influence of age, gender in this relationship and assessed its' linearity or curvilinearity. A cross sectional study was conducted, where adults of 18-83 years were grouped into young (18-39 years) middle aged (40-59 years) and elderly (>60 years). BF% was estimated from bioelectrical impedance analysis. Pearsons' correlation coefficient(r) was calculated to see the relationship between BMI-BF% in the different age groups. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of age and gender in the relationship and polynomial regression was carried out to see its' linearity. The relationships between age-BMI, age-BF % were separately assessed. Out of 1114 participants, 49.1% were males. The study sample represented a wide range of BMI values (14.8-41.1 kg/m2,Mean 23.8 ± 4.2 kg/m2). A significant positive correlation was observed between BMI-BF%, in males (r =0.75, p < 0.01; SEE = 4.17) and in females (r = 0.82, p < 0.01; SEE = 3.54) of all ages. Effect of age and gender in the BMI-BF% relationship was significant (p < 0.001); with more effect from gender. Regression line found to be curvilinear in nature at higher BMI values where females (p < 0.000) having a better fit of the curve compared to males (p < 0.05). In both genders, with increase of age, BMI seemed to increase in curvilinear fashion, whereas BF% increased in a linear fashion. BMI strongly correlate with BF % estimated by bioelectrical impedance, in this sub population of South Asian adults. This relationship was curvilinear in nature and was significantly influenced by age and gender. Our findings support the importance of taking age and gender in to consideration when using BMI to predict body fat percentage/obesity, in a population.

Validation of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) for estimation of body composition in Black, White and Hispanic adolescent girls

PubMed Central

Going, S.; Nichols, J.; Loftin, M.; Stewart, D.; Lohman, T.; Tuuri, G.; Ring, K.; Pickrel, J.; Blew, R.; J.Stevens

2007-01-01

Aim Equations for estimating % fat mass (%BF) and fat-free mass (FFM) from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) that work in adolescent girls from different racial/ethnic backgrounds are not available. We investigated whether race/ethnicity influences estimation of body composition in adolescent girls. Principal procedures Prediction equations were developed for estimating FFM and %BF from BIA in 166 girls, 10–15 years old, consisting of 51 Black (B), 45 non-Black Hispanic (H), 55 non-Hispanic White (W) and 15 mixed (M) race/ethnicity girls, using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the criterion method. Findings Black girls had similar %BF compared to other groups, yet were heavier per unit of height according to body mass index (BMI: kg·m−2) due to significantly greater FFM. BIA resistance index, age, weight and race/ethnicity were all significant predictors of FFM (R2 = 0.92, SEE = 1.81 kg). Standardized regression coefficients showed resistance index (0.63) and weight (0.34) were the most important predictors of FFM. Errors in %BF (~2%) and FFM (~1.0 kg) were greater when race/ethnicity was not included in the equation, particularly in Black girls. We conclude the BIA-composition relationship in adolescent girls is influenced by race, and consequently have developed new BIA equations for adolescent girls for predicting FFM and %BF. PMID:17848976

Structure and dynamics of ND3BF3 in the solid and gas phases: a combined NMR, neutron diffraction, and Ab initio study.

PubMed

Penner, Glenn H; Ruscitti, Bruno; Reynolds, Julie; Swainson, Ian

2002-12-30

The decrease in D-->A bond lengths, previously reported for some Lewis acid/base complexes, in going from the gas to the solid phases is investigated by obtaining an accurate crystal structure of solid ND(3)BF(3) by powder neutron diffraction. The B-N internuclear distance is 1.554(3) A, 0.118 A shorter than the most recent gas-phase microwave value and 0.121 A shorter than the single molecule geometry optimized (1.672 A, CISD/6-311++G(d,p)) bond length. The crystal structure also shows N-D.F-B hydrogen bonds. The effects of this change in structure and of intermolecular hydrogen-bonding on nuclear magnetic shielding (i.e., chemical shifts) and the nuclear quadrupolar coupling constants (QCC) are investigated by ab initio molecular orbital and density functional theory calculations. These calculations show that the nitrogen ((15)N and (14)N) and boron ((11)B and (10)B) chemical shifts should be rather insensitive to changes in r(BN) and that the concomitant changes in molecular structure. Calculations on hydrogen-bonded clusters, based on the crystal structure, indicate that H-bonding should also have very little effect on the chemical shifts. On the other hand, the (11)B and (14)N QCCs show large changes because of both effects. An analysis of the (10)B[(19)F] line shape in solid ND(3)(10)BF(3) yields a (11)B QCC of +/-0.130 MHz. This is reasonably close an earlier value of +/-0.080 MHz and the value of +/-0.050 MHz calculated for a [NH(3)BF(3)](4) cluster. The gas-phase value is 1.20 MHz. Temperature-dependent deuterium T(1) measurements yield an activation energy for rotation of the ND(3) group in solid ND(3)BF(3) of 9.5 +/- 0.1 kJ/mol. Simulations of the temperature-dependent T(1) anisotropy gave an E(a) of 9.5 +/- 0.2 kJ/mol and a preexponential factor, A, of 3.0 +/- 0.1 x 10(12) s(-)(1). Our calculated value for a [NH(3)BF(3)](4) cluster is 16.4 kJ/mol. Both are much higher than the previous value of 3.9 kJ/mol, from solid-state proton T(1) measurements.

Computational, electrochemical, and spectroscopic studies of two mononuclear cobaloximes: the influence of an axial pyridine and solvent on the redox behaviour and evidence for pyridine coordination to cobalt(I) and cobalt(II) metal centres†

PubMed Central

Lawrence, Mark A. W.; Celestine, Michael J.; Artis, Edward T.; Joseph, Lorne S.; Esquivel, Deisy L.; Ledbetter, Abram J.; Cropek, Donald M.; Jarrett, William L.; Bayse, Craig A.; Brewer, Matthew I.; Holder, Alvin A.

2018-01-01

[Co(dmgBF2)2(H2O)2] 1 (where dmgBF2 = difluoroboryldimethylglyoximato) was used to synthesize [Co(dmgBF2)2(H2O)(py)]·0.5(CH3)2CO 2 (where py = pyridine) in acetone. The formulation of complex 2 was confirmed by elemental analysis, high resolution MS, and various spectroscopic techniques. The complex [Co(dmgBF2)2(solv)(py)] (where solv = solvent) was readily formed in situ upon the addition of pyridine to complex 1. A spectrophotometric titration involving complex 1 and pyridine proved the formation of such a species, with formation constants, log K = 5.5, 5.1, 5.0, 4.4, and 3.1 in 2-butanone, dichloromethane, acetone, 1,2-difluorobenzene/acetone (4 : 1, v/v), and acetonitrile, respectively, at 20 °C. In strongly coordinating solvents, such as acetonitrile, the lower magnitude of K along with cyclic voltammetry, NMR, and UV-visible spectroscopic measurements indicated extensive dissociation of the axial pyridine. In strongly coordinating solvents, [Co(dmgBF2)2(solv)(py)] can only be distinguished from [Co(dmgBF2)2(solv)2] upon addition of an excess of pyridine, however, in weakly coordinating solvents the distinctions were apparent without the need for excess pyridine. The coordination of pyridine to the cobalt(II) centre diminished the peak current at the Epc value of the CoI/0 redox couple, which was indicative of the relative position of the reaction equilibrium. Herein we report the first experimental and theoretical 59Co NMR spectroscopic data for the formation of Co(I) species of reduced cobaloximes in the presence and absence of py (and its derivatives) in CD3CN. From spectroelectrochemical studies, it was found that pyridine coordination to a cobalt(I) metal centre is more favourable than coordination to a cobalt(II) metal centre as evident by the larger formation constant, log K = 4.6 versus 3.1, respectively, in acetonitrile at 20 °C. The electrosynthesis of hydrogen by complexes 1 and 2 in various solvents demonstrated the dramatic effects of the axial ligand and the solvent on the turnover number of the respective catalyst. PMID:27244471

Differential scanning calorimetric study of nonionic surfactant mixtures with a room temperature ionic liquid, bmimBF4.

PubMed

Inoue, Tohru; Higuchi, Yuka; Misono, Takeshi

2009-10-01

The melting behavior of polyethyleneglycol dodecyl ethers (C(12)E(6), C(12)E(7), and C(12)E(8)) in a room temperature ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (bmimBF(4)), was investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The melting temperature as a function of the surfactant concentration, combined with the cmc curve and cloud point curve, provided phase diagrams for the surfactant/bmimBF(4) mixtures in solvent-rich region. The characteristic feature of the mixtures is an existence of the Krafft temperature which is usually not observed with aqueous solutions of nonionic surfactants. The heat of fusion as a function of the surfactant concentration provided the interaction energy between the surfactant and bmimBF(4). The interaction energy shows a linear dependence on the length of polyoxyethylene (POE) chain of the surfactants, which suggests that the solvation takes place around the POE chain.

Superacid Catalyzed Coal Conversion Chemistry. Final Technical Report, September 1, 1983-September 1, 1986

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Olah, G. A.

1986-01-01

This research project involved the study of a raw comparatively mild coal conversion process. The goal of the project was to study model systems to understand the basic chemistry involved and to provide a possible effective pretreatment of coal which significantly improves liquefaction-depolymerization under mild conditions. The conversion process operates at relatively low temperatures (170 degrees C) and pressures and uses an easily recyclable, stable superacid catalysts (HF-BF{sub 3}). It consequently offers an attractive alternative to currently available processes. From the present studies it appears that the modification of coal structure by electrophilic alkylation and subsequent reaction of alkylated coal with HF-BF{sub 3}-H{sub 2} system under mild conditions considerably improves the extractability of coal in pyridine and cyclohexane. On the other hand, nitration of coal and its subsequent reaction with HF-BF{sub 3}H{sub 2} decreases the pyridine and cyclohexane extractability. Study of model compounds under conditions identical with the superacidic HF/BF{sub 3}/H{sub 2} system provided significant information about the basic chemistry of the involved cleavage-hydrogenation reactions.

Breastfeeding practice and knowledge among women attending primary health-care centers in Riyadh 2016

PubMed Central

Al-Mutairi, Norah Faleh; Al-Omran, Yousef Abdullah; Parameaswari, P. J.

2017-01-01

Introduction: Breast milk is the best natural essential nutrition to newborns and infants. However, the practice of breastfeeding (BF) has declined in Saudi Arabia. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of BF with their determinants among mothers in Riyadh. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 252 mothers attending the well-baby clinics in Riyadh from March 2016 to May 2017 were selected randomly with their consent and studied by a standardized questionnaire. Results: Of the 252 women, 69.4% were 25–35 years of age and 56.7% with a bachelor degree or higher education. Nearly 75% mothers had education on BF before our study. Mixed feeding was the most preferred method (51.6%) followed by artificial milk (29.4%). The most reported reason for discontinuing BF was breast milk insufficiency (37.3%) and of breastfeed continuation was their perceived benefit (36.6%). Excellent knowledge was observed among 12.7%, good knowledge in 57.1%, and unsatisfactory level in 30.2% mothers. The regression model shows that high school education improved the knowledge by 10.9 points (P = 0.024) and undergraduate by 18.7 points (P value = 0.001) when compared to women who were literate. Women with parity >5 improved knowledge score by 17.3 points (P < 0.001). Conclusion: We observed that majority (57.1%) of Saudi mothers had a moderate level of knowledge on BF benefits and 19% had practiced exclusive BF. There is a need for better educational programs to increase awareness on its benefits for the health situation in the country on the long term. PMID:29302553

Validity and reliability of total body volume and relative body fat mass from a 3-dimensional photonic body surface scanner

PubMed Central

Mähler, Anja; Boschmann, Michael; Jeran, Stephanie

2017-01-01

Objective Three-dimensional photonic body surface scanners (3DPS) feature a tool to estimate total body volume (BV) from 3D images of the human body, from which the relative body fat mass (%BF) can be calculated. However, information on validity and reliability of these measurements for application in epidemiological studies is limited. Methods Validity was assessed among 32 participants (men, 50%) aged 20–58 years. BV and %BF were assessed using a 3DPS (VitusSmart XXL) and air displacement plethysmography (ADP) with a BOD POD® device using equations by Siri and Brozek. Three scans were obtained per participant (standard, relaxed, exhaled scan). Validity was evaluated based on the agreement of 3DPS with ADP using Bland Altman plots, correlation analysis and Wilcoxon signed ranks test for paired samples. Reliability was investigated in a separate sample of 18 participants (men, 67%) aged 25–66 years using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) based on two repeated 3DPS measurements four weeks apart. Results Mean BV and %BF were higher using 3DPS compared to ADP, (3DPS-ADP BV difference 1.1 ± 0.9 L, p<0.01; %BF difference 7.0 ± 5.6, p<0.01), yet the disagreement was not associated with gender, age or body mass index (BMI). Reliability was excellent for 3DPS BV (ICC, 0.998) and good for 3DPS %BF (ICC, 0.982). Results were similar for the standard scan and the relaxed scan but somewhat weaker for the exhaled scan. Conclusions Although BV and %BF are higher than ADP measurements, our data indicate good validity and reliability for an application of 3DPS in epidemiological studies. PMID:28672039

Validity and reliability of total body volume and relative body fat mass from a 3-dimensional photonic body surface scanner.

PubMed

Adler, Carolin; Steinbrecher, Astrid; Jaeschke, Lina; Mähler, Anja; Boschmann, Michael; Jeran, Stephanie; Pischon, Tobias

2017-01-01

Three-dimensional photonic body surface scanners (3DPS) feature a tool to estimate total body volume (BV) from 3D images of the human body, from which the relative body fat mass (%BF) can be calculated. However, information on validity and reliability of these measurements for application in epidemiological studies is limited. Validity was assessed among 32 participants (men, 50%) aged 20-58 years. BV and %BF were assessed using a 3DPS (VitusSmart XXL) and air displacement plethysmography (ADP) with a BOD POD® device using equations by Siri and Brozek. Three scans were obtained per participant (standard, relaxed, exhaled scan). Validity was evaluated based on the agreement of 3DPS with ADP using Bland Altman plots, correlation analysis and Wilcoxon signed ranks test for paired samples. Reliability was investigated in a separate sample of 18 participants (men, 67%) aged 25-66 years using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) based on two repeated 3DPS measurements four weeks apart. Mean BV and %BF were higher using 3DPS compared to ADP, (3DPS-ADP BV difference 1.1 ± 0.9 L, p<0.01; %BF difference 7.0 ± 5.6, p<0.01), yet the disagreement was not associated with gender, age or body mass index (BMI). Reliability was excellent for 3DPS BV (ICC, 0.998) and good for 3DPS %BF (ICC, 0.982). Results were similar for the standard scan and the relaxed scan but somewhat weaker for the exhaled scan. Although BV and %BF are higher than ADP measurements, our data indicate good validity and reliability for an application of 3DPS in epidemiological studies.

Interaction of copper with dinitrogen tetroxide in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-based ionic liquids.

PubMed

Morozov, I V; Deeva, E B; Glazunova, T Yu; Troyanov, S I; Guseinov, F I; Kustov, L M

2017-03-27

Ionic liquids that are stable toward oxidation and nitration and are based on the 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cation (BMIm + ) can be used as solvents and reaction media for copper dissolution in liquid dinitrogen tetraoxide N 2 O 4 . The ionic liquid not only favors the dissociation of N 2 O 4 into NO + and NO 3 - , but also takes part in the formation of different crystalline products. Thus, NO[BF 4 ], NO[Cu(NO 3 ) 3 ] and (BMIm) 2 [Cu 2 (CF 3 COO) 6 ] were prepared using (BMIm)A, A - = [BF 4 ] - , (CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 N - , CF 3 COO - , respectively. The formation of a certain product is determined by the nature of the anion A - and the relative solubility of the reaction products in the ionic liquid. Crystals of NO[BF 4 ] were also prepared directly from a mixture of N 2 O 4 and BMImBF 4 . According to XRD single-crystal structure analysis, the structure of NO[BF 4 ] consists of tetrahedral [BF 4 ] - anions and nitrosonium NO + cations; the formation of these ions prove the heterolytic dissociation of N 2 O 4 dissolved in the ionic liquid. The crystal structure of the earlier unknown binuclear copper trifluoroacetate (BMIm) 2 [Cu 2 (CF 3 COO) 6 ] were determined by X-ray diffraction. The peculiarity of this dimer compared to the majority of known dimeric copper(ii) carboxylates is the unusually long CuCu distance (3.15 Å), with Cu(ii) ions demonstrating an atypical coordination of a distorted trigonal bipyramid formed by five O atoms of five trifluoroacetate groups.

Short-term ethanol exposure causes imbalanced neurotrophic factor allocation in the basal forebrain cholinergic system: a novel insight into understanding the initial processes of alcohol addiction.

PubMed

Miki, Takanori; Kusaka, Takashi; Yokoyama, Toshifumi; Ohta, Ken-ichi; Suzuki, Shingo; Warita, Katsuhiko; Jamal, Mostofa; Wang, Zhi-Yu; Ueki, Masaaki; Liu, Jun-Qian; Yakura, Tomiko; Tamai, Motoki; Sumitani, Kazunori; Hosomi, Naohisa; Takeuchi, Yoshiki

2014-02-01

Alcohol ingestion affects both motor and cognitive functions. One brain system that is influenced by ethanol is the basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic projection system, which projects to diverse neocortical and limbic areas. The BF is associated with memory and cognitive function. Our primary interest is the examination of how regions that receive BF cholinergic projections are influenced by short-term ethanol exposure through alterations in the mRNA levels of neurotrophic factors [nerve growth factor/TrkA, brain-derived neurotrophic factor/TrkB, and glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)/GDNF family receptor α1]. Male BALB/C mice were fed a liquid diet containing 5 % (v/v) ethanol. Pair-fed control mice were maintained on an identical liquid diet, except that the ethanol was isocalorically substituted with sucrose. Mice exhibiting signs of ethanol intoxication (stages 1-2) were used for real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses. Among the BF cholinergic projection regions, decreased levels of GDNF mRNA and increased levels of TrkB mRNA were observed in the basal nucleus, and increased levels of TrkB mRNA were observed in the cerebral cortex. There were no significant alterations in the levels of expression of relevant neurotrophic factors in the septal nucleus and hippocampus. Given that neurotrophic factors function in retrograde/anterograde or autocrine/paracrine mechanisms and that BF cholinergic projection regions are neuroanatomically connected, these findings suggested that an imbalanced allocation of neurotrophic factor ligands and receptors is an initial phenomenon in alcohol addiction. The exact mechanisms underlying this phenomenon in the BF cholinergic system are unknown. However, our results provide a novel notion for the understanding of the initial processes in alcohol addiction.

Physiogenomic comparison of human fat loss in response to diets restrictive of carbohydrate or fat

PubMed Central

Seip, Richard L; Volek, Jeff S; Windemuth, Andreas; Kocherla, Mohan; Fernandez, Maria Luz; Kraemer, William J; Ruaño, Gualberto

2008-01-01

Background Genetic factors that predict responses to diet may ultimately be used to individualize dietary recommendations. We used physiogenomics to explore associations among polymorphisms in candidate genes and changes in relative body fat (Δ%BF) to low fat and low carbohydrate diets. Methods We assessed Δ%BF using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 93 healthy adults who consumed a low carbohydrate diet (carbohydrate ~12% total energy) (LC diet) and in 70, a low fat diet (fat ~25% total energy) (LF diet). Fifty-three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selected from 28 candidate genes involved in food intake, energy homeostasis, and adipocyte regulation were ranked according to probability of association with the change in %BF using multiple linear regression. Results Dieting reduced %BF by 3.0 ± 2.6% (absolute units) for LC and 1.9 ± 1.6% for LF (p < 0.01). SNPs in nine genes were significantly associated with Δ%BF, with four significant after correction for multiple statistical testing: rs322695 near the retinoic acid receptor beta (RARB) (p < 0.005), rs2838549 in the hepatic phosphofructokinase (PFKL), and rs3100722 in the histamine N-methyl transferase (HNMT) genes (both p < 0.041) due to LF; and the rs5950584 SNP in the angiotensin receptor Type II (AGTR2) gene due to LC (p < 0.021). Conclusion Fat loss under LC and LF diet regimes appears to have distinct mechanisms, with PFKL and HNMT and RARB involved in fat restriction; and AGTR2 involved in carbohydrate restriction. These discoveries could provide clues to important physiologic mechanisms underlying the Δ%BF to low carbohydrate and low fat diets. PMID:18254975

Reliability of power profiles measured on NIMO TR1504 (Lambda-X) and effects of lens decentration for single vision, bifocal and multifocal contact lenses.

PubMed

Kim, Eon; Bakaraju, Ravi C; Ehrmann, Klaus

2016-01-01

To evaluate the repeatability of power profiles measured on NIMO TR1504 (Lambda-X, Belgium) and investigate the effects of lens decentration on the power profiles for single vision (SV), bifocal (BF) and multifocal (MF) contact lenses. Accuracy of the sphere power was evaluated using single vision BK-7 calibration glass lenses of six minus and six plus powers. Three SV and four BF/MF contact lenses - three lenses each, were measured five times to calculate the coefficients of repeatability (COR) of the instrument. The COR was computed for each chord position, lens design, prescription power and operator. One lens from each type was measured with a deliberate decentration up to ±0.5mm in 0.1mm steps. For all lenses, the COR varied across different regions of the half-chord position. In general, SV lenses showed lower COR compared to the BF/MF group lenses. There were no noticeable trends of COR between prescription powers for SV and BF/MF lenses. The shape of the power profiles was not affected when lenses were deliberately decentered for all SV and PureVision MF lenses. However, for Acuvue BF lenses, the peak to trough amplitude of the power profiles flattened up to 1.00D. The COR across the half-chord of the optic zone diameter was mostly within clinical relevance except for the central 0.5mm half-chord position. COR were dependent on the lens type, whereby BF/MF group produced higher COR than SV lenses. The effects of deliberate decentration on the shape of power profiles were pronounced for lenses where the profiles had sharp transitions of power. Copyright © 2015 Spanish General Council of Optometry. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Association of body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat among BMI-defined non-obese middle-aged individuals: Insights from a population-based Canadian sample.

PubMed

Collins, Kelsey H; Sharif, Behnam; Sanmartin, Claudia; Reimer, Raylene A; Herzog, Walter; Chin, Rick; Marshall, Deborah A

2017-03-01

To evaluate the association between percent body fat (%BF) and body mass index (BMI) among BMI-defined non-obese individuals between 40 and 69 years of age using a population-based Canadian sample. Cross-sectional data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007 and 2009) was used to select all middle-aged individuals with BMI < 30 kg/m2 (n = 2,656). %BF was determined from anthropometric skinfolds and categorized according to sex-specific equations. Association of other anthropometry measures and metabolic markers were evaluated across different %BF categories. Significance of proportions was evaluated using chi-squared and Bonferroni-adjusted Wald test. Diagnostic performance measures of BMI-defined overweight categories compared to those defined by %BF were reported. The majority (69%) of the sample was %BF-defined overweight/obese, while 55% were BMI-defined overweight. BMI category was not concordant with %BF classification for 30% of the population. The greatest discordance between %BF and BMI was observed among %BF-defined overweight/obese women (32%). Sensitivity and specificity of BMI-defined overweight compared to %BF-defined overweight/obese were (58%, 94%) among females and (82%, 59%) among males respectively. According to the estimated negative predictive value, if an individual is categorized as BMI-defined non-obese, he/she has a 52% chance of being in the %BF-defined overweight/obese category. Middle-aged individuals classified as normal by BMI may be overweight/obese based on measures of %BF. These individuals may be at risk for chronic diseases, but would not be identified as such based on their BMI classification. Quantifying %BF in this group could inform targeted strategies for disease prevention.

[Effect of mineral N fertilizer reduction and organic fertilizer substitution on soil biological properties and aggregate characteristics in drip-irrigated cotton field.

PubMed

Li, Rui; Tai, Rui; Wang, Dan; Chu, Gui-Xin

2017-10-01

A four year field study was conducted to determine how soil biological properties and soil aggregate stability changed when organic fertilizer and biofertilizer were used to reduce chemical fertilizer application to a drip irrigated cotton field. The study consisted of six fertilization treatments: unfertilized (CK); chemical fertilizer (CF, 300 kg N·hm -2 ; 90 kg P2O5 · hm -2 , 60 kg K2 O·hm -2 ); 80% CF plus 3000 kg·hm -2 organic fertilizer (80%CF+OF); 60% CF plus 6000 kg·hm -2 organic fertilizer (60%CF+OF); 80% CF plus 3000 kg·hm -2 biofertilizer (80%CF+BF); and 60% CF plus 6000 kg·hm -2 biofertilizer (60%CF+BF). The relationships among soil organic C, soil biological properties, and soil aggregate size distribution were determined. The results showed that organic fertilizer and biofertilizer both significantly increased soil enzyme activities. Compared with CF, the biofertilizer treatments increased urease activity by 55.6%-84.0%, alkaline phosphatise activity by 53.1%-74.0%, invertase activity by 15.1%-38.0%, β-glucosidase activity by 38.2%-68.0%, polyphenoloxidase activity by 29.6%-52.0%, and arylsulfatase activity by 35.4%-58.9%. Soil enzyme activity increased as the amount of organic fertilizer and biofertilizer increased (i.e., 60%CF+OF > 80%CF+OF, 60%CF+BF > 80%CF+BF). Soil basal respiration decreased significantly in the order BF > OF > CF > CK. Soil microbial biomass C and N were 22.3% and 43.5% greater, respectively, in 60%CF+BF than in CF. The microbial biomass C:N was significantly lower in 60%CF+BF than in CF. The organic fertilizer and the biofertilizer both improved soil aggregate structure. Soil mass in the >0.25 mm fraction was 7.1% greater in 80%CF+OF and 8.0% greater in (60%CF+OF) than in CF. The geometric mean diameter was 9.2% greater in 80%CF+BF than in 80%CF+OF. Redundancy analysis and cluster analysis both demonstrated that soil aggregate structure and biological activities increased when organic fertilizer and biofertilizer were used to reduce chemical fertilizer application. In conclusion, the organic fertilizer and the biofertilizer significantly increased SOC, soil enzyme activity, and soil microbial biomass C and N. The organic fertilizers also improved soil aggregation. Therefore, soil quality could be improved by using these fertilizers to reduce chemical fertilizer application, especially under drip-irrigation.

Larval settlement and metamorphosis of the mussel Mytilus coruscus in response to monospecific bacterial biofilms.

PubMed

Yang, Jin-Long; Shen, Pei-Jing; Liang, Xiao; Li, Yi-Feng; Bao, Wei-Yang; Li, Jia-Le

2013-01-01

The effects of bacterial biofilms (BFs) on larval settlement and metamorphosis of the mussel, Mytilus coruscus, were investigated in the laboratory. Of nine different isolates, Shewanella sp.1 BF induced the highest percentage of larval settlement and metamorphosis, whereas seven other isolates had a moderate inducing activity and one isolate, Pseudoalteromonas sp. 4, had a no inducing activity. The inducing activity of individual bacterial isolates was not correlated either with their phylogenetic relationship or with the surfaces from which they were isolated. Among the eight bacterial species that demonstrated inducing activity, bacterial density was significantly correlated with the inducing activity for each strain, with the exception of Vibrio sp. 1. The Shewanella sp. 1 BF cue that was responsible for inducing larval settlement and metamorphosis was further investigated. Treatment of the BFs with formalin, antibiotics, ultraviolet irradiation, heat, and ethanol resulted in a significant decrease in their inducing activities and cell survival. BF-conditioned water (CW) did not induce larval metamorphosis, but it triggered larval settlement behavior. A synergistic effect of CW with formalin-fixed Shewanella sp. 1 BF significantly promoted larval metamorphosis. Thus, a cocktail of chemical cues derived from bacteria may be necessary to stimulate larval settlement and metamorphosis in this species.

Hydrogen-fluorine exchange in NaBH4-NaBF4.

PubMed

Rude, L H; Filsø, U; D'Anna, V; Spyratou, A; Richter, B; Hino, S; Zavorotynska, O; Baricco, M; Sørby, M H; Hauback, B C; Hagemann, H; Besenbacher, F; Skibsted, J; Jensen, T R

2013-11-07

Hydrogen-fluorine exchange in the NaBH4-NaBF4 system is investigated using a range of experimental methods combined with DFT calculations and a possible mechanism for the reactions is proposed. Fluorine substitution is observed using in situ synchrotron radiation powder X-ray diffraction (SR-PXD) as a new Rock salt type compound with idealized composition NaBF2H2 in the temperature range T = 200 to 215 °C. Combined use of solid-state (19)F MAS NMR, FT-IR and DFT calculations supports the formation of a BF2H2(-) complex ion, reproducing the observation of a (19)F chemical shift at -144.2 ppm, which is different from that of NaBF4 at -159.2 ppm, along with the new absorption bands observed in the IR spectra. After further heating, the fluorine substituted compound becomes X-ray amorphous and decomposes to NaF at ~310 °C. This work shows that fluorine-substituted borohydrides tend to decompose to more stable compounds, e.g. NaF and BF3 or amorphous products such as closo-boranes, e.g. Na2B12H12. The NaBH4-NaBF4 composite decomposes at lower temperatures (300 °C) compared to NaBH4 (476 °C), as observed by thermogravimetric analysis. NaBH4-NaBF4 (1:0.5) preserves 30% of the hydrogen storage capacity after three hydrogen release and uptake cycles compared to 8% for NaBH4 as measured using Sievert's method under identical conditions, but more than 50% using prolonged hydrogen absorption time. The reversible hydrogen storage capacity tends to decrease possibly due to the formation of NaF and Na2B12H12. On the other hand, the additive sodium fluoride appears to facilitate hydrogen uptake, prevent foaming, phase segregation and loss of material from the sample container for samples of NaBH4-NaF.

Nutritional status in sick children and adolescents is not accurately reflected by BMI-SDS.

PubMed

Fusch, Gerhard; Raja, Preeya; Dung, Nguyen Quang; Karaolis-Danckert, Nadina; Barr, Ronald; Fusch, Christoph

2013-01-01

Nutritional status provides helpful information of disease severity and treatment effectiveness. Body mass index standard deviation scores (BMI-SDS) provide an approximation of body composition and thus are frequently used to classify nutritional status of sick children and adolescents. However, the accuracy of estimating body composition in this population using BMI-SDS has not been assessed. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the accuracy of nutritional status classification in sick infants and adolescents using BMI-SDS, upon comparison to classification using percentage body fat (%BF) reference charts. BMI-SDS was calculated from anthropometric measurements and %BF was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for 393 sick children and adolescents (5 months-18 years). Subjects were classified by nutritional status (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese), using 2 methods: (1) BMI-SDS, based on age- and gender-specific percentiles, and (2) %BF reference charts (standard). Linear regression and a correlation analysis were conducted to compare agreement between both methods of nutritional status classification. %BF reference value comparisons were also made between 3 independent sources based on German, Canadian, and American study populations. Correlation between nutritional status classification by BMI-SDS and %BF agreed moderately (r (2) = 0.75, 0.76 in boys and girls, respectively). The misclassification of nutritional status in sick children and adolescents using BMI-SDS was 27% when using German %BF references. Similar rates observed when using Canadian and American %BF references (24% and 23%, respectively). Using BMI-SDS to determine nutritional status in a sick population is not considered an appropriate clinical tool for identifying individual underweight or overweight children or adolescents. However, BMI-SDS may be appropriate for longitudinal measurements or for screening purposes in large field studies. When accurate nutritional status classification of a sick patient is needed for clinical purposes, nutritional status will be assessed more accurately using methods that accurately measure %BF, such as DXA.

Performance of Two Bioelectrical Impedance Analyses in the Diagnosis of Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents: The FUPRECOL Study

PubMed Central

Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson; Correa-Bautista, Jorge Enrique; Martínez-Torres, Javier; González-Ruíz, Katherine; González-Jiménez, Emilio; Schmidt-RioValle, Jacqueline; Garcia-Hermoso, Antonio

2016-01-01

This study aimed to determine thresholds for percentage of body fat (BF%) corresponding to the cut-off values for overweight/obesity as recommended by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), using two bioelectrical impedance analyzers (BIA), and described the likelihood of increased cardiometabolic risk in our cohort defined by the IOTF and BF% status. Participants included 1165 children and adolescents (54.9% girls) from Bogotá (Colombia). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from height and weight. BF% of each youth was assessed first using the Tanita BC-418® followed by a Tanita BF-689®. The sensitivity and specificity of both devices and their ability to correctly classify children as overweight/obesity (≥2 standard deviation), as defined by IOTF, was investigated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) by sex and age groups (9–11, 12–14, and 13–17 years old); Area under curve (AUC) values were also reported. For girls, the optimal BF% threshold for classifying into overweight/obesity was found to be between 25.2 and 28.5 (AUC = 0.91–0.97) and 23.9 to 26.6 (AUC = 0.90–0.99) for Tanita BC-418® and Tanita BF-689®, respectively. For boys, the optimal threshold was between 16.5 and 21.1 (AUC = 0.93–0.96) and 15.8 to 20.6 (AUC = 0.92–0.94) by Tanita BC-418® and Tanita BF-689®, respectively. All AUC values for ROC curves were statistically significant and there were no differences between AUC values measured by both BIA devices. The BF% values associated with the IOTF-recommended BMI cut-off for overweight/obesity may require age- and sex-specific threshold values in Colombian children and adolescents aged 9–17 years and could be used as a surrogate method to identify individuals at risk of excess adiposity. PMID:27782039

Performance of Two Bioelectrical Impedance Analyses in the Diagnosis of Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents: The FUPRECOL Study.

PubMed

Ramírez-Vélez, Robinson; Correa-Bautista, Jorge Enrique; Martínez-Torres, Javier; González-Ruíz, Katherine; González-Jiménez, Emilio; Schmidt-RioValle, Jacqueline; Garcia-Hermoso, Antonio

2016-10-04

This study aimed to determine thresholds for percentage of body fat (BF%) corresponding to the cut-off values for overweight/obesity as recommended by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), using two bioelectrical impedance analyzers (BIA), and described the likelihood of increased cardiometabolic risk in our cohort defined by the IOTF and BF% status. Participants included 1165 children and adolescents (54.9% girls) from Bogotá (Colombia). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from height and weight. BF% of each youth was assessed first using the Tanita BC-418® followed by a Tanita BF-689®. The sensitivity and specificity of both devices and their ability to correctly classify children as overweight/obesity (≥2 standard deviation), as defined by IOTF, was investigated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) by sex and age groups (9-11, 12-14, and 13-17 years old); Area under curve (AUC) values were also reported. For girls, the optimal BF% threshold for classifying into overweight/obesity was found to be between 25.2 and 28.5 (AUC = 0.91-0.97) and 23.9 to 26.6 (AUC = 0.90-0.99) for Tanita BC-418® and Tanita BF-689®, respectively. For boys, the optimal threshold was between 16.5 and 21.1 (AUC = 0.93-0.96) and 15.8 to 20.6 (AUC = 0.92-0.94) by Tanita BC-418® and Tanita BF-689®, respectively. All AUC values for ROC curves were statistically significant and there were no differences between AUC values measured by both BIA devices. The BF% values associated with the IOTF-recommended BMI cut-off for overweight/obesity may require age- and sex-specific threshold values in Colombian children and adolescents aged 9-17 years and could be used as a surrogate method to identify individuals at risk of excess adiposity.

Physical activity within a CBT intervention improves coping with pain in traumatized refugees: results of a randomized controlled design.

PubMed

Liedl, Alexandra; Müller, Julia; Morina, Naser; Karl, Anke; Denke, Claudia; Knaevelsrud, Christine

2011-02-01

Many traumatized refugees experience both posttraumatic stress disorder and chronic pain. Based on Mutual Maintenance Theory and the Perpetual Avoidance Model, this study examined the additional effect of physical activity within a biofeedback-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-BF) for traumatized refugees. In a controlled design, 36 patients were randomized into one of three conditions (CBT-BF, CBT-BF with physical activity [CBT-BF+active], and a waiting list control group [WL]). Thirty patients (n=10 in each group) completed the treatment and a follow-up assessment 3 months later. Participants' coping strategies, pain and mental health status, and physiological reactivity were assessed before and after the intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Treatment effects were analyzed using analyses of variance with baseline scores as covariates (ANCOVAs) and the Reliable Change Index. The CBT-BF and CBT-BF+active groups showed improvements in all outcome measures relative to the WL group. The effect sizes for the main outcome measures were higher in the CBT-BF+active group than in the CBT-BF group. Repeated measures analyses of covariance showed significant group effects for coping strategies--in particular, for the "cognitive restructuring" and "counter-activities" subscales as well as a marginally significant group effect for "perceived self-competence"--with the CBT-BF+active group showing more favorable outcomes than the CBT-BF group. Moreover, 60% of participants in the CBT-BF+active group showed clinically reliable intraindividual change in at least one subscale of the pain coping strategies questionnaire, compared with just 30% of participants in the CBT-BF group. Findings of improved coping strategies, larger effect sizes, and higher rates of clinical improvement in the CBT-BF+active group suggest that physical activity adds value to pain management interventions for traumatized refugees. Given the small sample size, however, these preliminary results need replication in a larger trial. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of banana flour, screw speed and temperature on extrusion behaviour of corn extrudates.

PubMed

Kaur, Amritpal; Kaur, Seeratpreet; Singh, Mrinal; Singh, Narpinder; Shevkani, Khetan; Singh, Baljit

2015-07-01

Effect of extrusion parameters (banana flour, screw speed, extrusion temperature) on extrusion behaviour of corn grit extrudates were studied. Second order quadratic equations for extrusion properties as function of banana flour (BF), screwspeed (SS) and extrusion temperature (ET) were computed. BF had predominant effect on the Hunter color (L*, a*, b*) parameters of the extrudates. Addition of BF resulted in corn extrudates with higher L* and lower a* and b* values. Higher ET resulted in dark colored extrudates with lower L* and a* value. Higher SS enhanced the lightness of the extrudates. Expansion of the extrudates increased with increase in the level of BF and ET. WAI of the extrudates decreased with BF whereas increased with SS. However, reversed effect of BF and SS on WSI was observed. Flextural strength of the extrudates increased with increase in SS followed by BF and ET. The addition of BF and higher ET resulted in extrudates with higher oil uptake.

Balanced Fluid Versus Saline-Based Fluid in Post-operative Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: Acid-Base and Electrolytes Assessment

PubMed Central

Hassan, Mohamad Hasyizan; Hassan, Wan Mohd Nazaruddin Wan; Zaini, Rhendra Hardy Mohd; Shukeri, Wan Fadzlina Wan Muhd; Abidin, Huda Zainal; Eu, Chong Soon

2017-01-01

Background Normal saline (NS) is a common fluid of choice in neurosurgery and neuro-intensive care unit (ICU), but it does not contain other electrolytes and has the potential to cause hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with prolonged infusion. These problems may be reduced with the availability of balanced fluid (BF), which becomes a more physiological isotonic solution with the presence of complete electrolyte content. This study aimed to compare the changes in electrolytes and acid–base between NS and BF (Sterofundin® ISO) therapy for post-operative severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients in neuro-ICU. Methods Sixty-six severe TBI patients who required emergency craniotomy or craniectomy and were planned for post-operative ventilation were randomised into NS (n = 33) and BF therapy groups (n = 33). The calculation of maintenance fluid given was based on the Holliday-Segar method. The electrolytes and acid–base parameters were assessed at an 8 h interval for 24 h. The data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA. Results The NS group showed a significant lower base excess (−3.20 versus −1.35, P = 0.049), lower bicarbonate level (22.03 versus 23.48 mmol/L, P = 0.031), and more hyperchloremia (115.12 versus 111.74 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and hypokalemia (3.36 versus 3.70 mmol/L, P < 0.001) than the BF group at 24 h of therapy. The BF group showed a significantly higher level of calcium (1.97 versus 1.79 mmol/L, P = 0.003) and magnesium (0.94 versus 0.80 mmol/L, P < 0.001) than the NS group at 24 h of fluid therapy. No significant differences were found in pH, pCO2, lactate, and sodium level. Conclusion BF therapy showed better effects in maintaining higher electrolyte parameters and reducing the trend toward hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis than the NS therapy during prolonged fluid therapy for postoperative TBI patients. PMID:29386975

Balanced Fluid Versus Saline-Based Fluid in Post-operative Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: Acid-Base and Electrolytes Assessment.

PubMed

Hassan, Mohamad Hasyizan; Hassan, Wan Mohd Nazaruddin Wan; Zaini, Rhendra Hardy Mohd; Shukeri, Wan Fadzlina Wan Muhd; Abidin, Huda Zainal; Eu, Chong Soon

2017-10-01

Normal saline (NS) is a common fluid of choice in neurosurgery and neuro-intensive care unit (ICU), but it does not contain other electrolytes and has the potential to cause hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with prolonged infusion. These problems may be reduced with the availability of balanced fluid (BF), which becomes a more physiological isotonic solution with the presence of complete electrolyte content. This study aimed to compare the changes in electrolytes and acid-base between NS and BF (Sterofundin® ISO) therapy for post-operative severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients in neuro-ICU. Sixty-six severe TBI patients who required emergency craniotomy or craniectomy and were planned for post-operative ventilation were randomised into NS ( n = 33) and BF therapy groups ( n = 33). The calculation of maintenance fluid given was based on the Holliday-Segar method. The electrolytes and acid-base parameters were assessed at an 8 h interval for 24 h. The data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA. The NS group showed a significant lower base excess (-3.20 versus -1.35, P = 0.049), lower bicarbonate level (22.03 versus 23.48 mmol/L, P = 0.031), and more hyperchloremia (115.12 versus 111.74 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and hypokalemia (3.36 versus 3.70 mmol/L, P < 0.001) than the BF group at 24 h of therapy. The BF group showed a significantly higher level of calcium (1.97 versus 1.79 mmol/L, P = 0.003) and magnesium (0.94 versus 0.80 mmol/L, P < 0.001) than the NS group at 24 h of fluid therapy. No significant differences were found in pH, pCO 2 , lactate, and sodium level. BF therapy showed better effects in maintaining higher electrolyte parameters and reducing the trend toward hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis than the NS therapy during prolonged fluid therapy for postoperative TBI patients.

Double Burden of Malnutrition in Rural West Java: Household-Level Analysis for Father-Child and Mother-Child Pairs and the Association with Dietary Intake.

PubMed

Sekiyama, Makiko; Jiang, Hong Wei; Gunawan, Budhi; Dewanti, Linda; Honda, Ryo; Shimizu-Furusawa, Hana; Abdoellah, Oekan S; Watanabe, Chiho

2015-10-02

Indonesia is facing household-level double burden malnutrition. This study aimed at examining (1) household-level double burden for the mother-child and father-child pairs; (2) risk of adiposity of double burden households; and (3) associated dietary factors. Subjects were 5th and 6th grade elementary school children (n = 242), their mothers (n = 242), and their fathers (n = 225) in five communities (1 = urban, 4 = rural) in the Bandung District. Questionnaires on socioeconomic factors, blood hemoglobin measurements, and anthropometric measurements were administered. For adults, body fat percentage (BF%) was estimated by bioelectrical impedance (BF%-BI) and by converting skinfold thickness (ST) data using Durnin and Womersley's (1974) formula (BF%-ST). Food frequency questionnaires were also completed. Double burden was defined as coexistence of maternal or paternal overweight (Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 23) and child stunting (height-for-age z-score <-2) within households. Maternal-child double burden occurred in 30.6% of total households, whereas paternal-child double burden was only in 8.4%. Mothers from double burden households showed high adiposity; 87.3% with BF%-BI and 66.2% with BF%-ST had BF% >35%, and 60.6% had waists >80 cm. The major dietary patterns identified were "Modern" and "High-animal products". After controlling for confounding factors, children in the highest quartile of the "High-animal products" dietary pattern had a lower risk of maternal-child double burden (Adjusted OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.21-1.04) than those in the lowest quartile. Given that the "High-animal products" dietary pattern was associated with the decreased risk of maternal-child double burden through a strong negative correlation with child stunting, improving child stunting through adequate intake of animal products is critical to solve the problem of maternal-child double burden in Indonesia.

Double Burden of Malnutrition in Rural West Java: Household-Level Analysis for Father-Child and Mother-Child Pairs and the Association with Dietary Intake

PubMed Central

Sekiyama, Makiko; Jiang, Hong Wei; Gunawan, Budhi; Dewanti, Linda; Honda, Ryo; Shimizu-Furusawa, Hana; Abdoellah, Oekan S.; Watanabe, Chiho

2015-01-01

Indonesia is facing household-level double burden malnutrition. This study aimed at examining (1) household-level double burden for the mother-child and father-child pairs; (2) risk of adiposity of double burden households; and (3) associated dietary factors. Subjects were 5th and 6th grade elementary school children (n = 242), their mothers (n = 242), and their fathers (n = 225) in five communities (1 = urban, 4 = rural) in the Bandung District. Questionnaires on socioeconomic factors, blood hemoglobin measurements, and anthropometric measurements were administered. For adults, body fat percentage (BF%) was estimated by bioelectrical impedance (BF%-BI) and by converting skinfold thickness (ST) data using Durnin and Womersley’s (1974) formula (BF%-ST). Food frequency questionnaires were also completed. Double burden was defined as coexistence of maternal or paternal overweight (Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 23) and child stunting (height-for-age z-score <−2) within households. Maternal-child double burden occurred in 30.6% of total households, whereas paternal-child double burden was only in 8.4%. Mothers from double burden households showed high adiposity; 87.3% with BF%-BI and 66.2% with BF%-ST had BF% >35%, and 60.6% had waists >80 cm. The major dietary patterns identified were “Modern” and “High-animal products”. After controlling for confounding factors, children in the highest quartile of the “High-animal products” dietary pattern had a lower risk of maternal-child double burden (Adjusted OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.21–1.04) than those in the lowest quartile. Given that the “High-animal products” dietary pattern was associated with the decreased risk of maternal-child double burden through a strong negative correlation with child stunting, improving child stunting through adequate intake of animal products is critical to solve the problem of maternal-child double burden in Indonesia. PMID:26445058

Temporal divergence of percent body fat and body mass index in pre-teenage children: the LOOK longitudinal study.

PubMed

Telford, R D; Cunningham, R B; Abhayaratna, W P

2014-12-01

The index of body mass related to stature, (body mass index, BMI, kgm(-2) ), is widely used as a proxy for percent body fat (%BF) in cross-sectional and longitudinal investigations. BMI does not distinguish between lean and fat mass and in children, the cross-sectional relationship between %BF and BMI changes with age and sex. While BMI increases linearly with age from age 8 to 12 years in both boys and girls, %BF plateaus off between 10 and 12 years. Repeated measures in children show a systematic decrease in %BF for any given BMI from age 8 to 10 to 12 years. Because changes in BMI misrepresent changes in %BF, its use as a proxy of %BF should be avoided in longitudinal studies in this age group. Body mass index (BMI, kgm(-2) ) is commonly used as an indicator of pediatric adiposity, but with its inability to distinguish changes in lean and fat mass, its use in longitudinal studies of children requires careful consideration. To investigate the suitability of BMI as a surrogate of percent body fat (%BF) in pediatric longitudinal investigations. In this longitudinal study, healthy Australian children (256 girls and 278 boys) were measured at ages 8.0 (standard deviation 0.3), 10.0 and 12.0 years for height, weight and percent body fat (%BF) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The patterns of change in the means of %BF and BMI were different (P < 0.001). While mean BMI increased linearly from 8 to 12 years of age, %BF did not change between 10 and 12 years. Relationships between %BF and BMI in boys and girls were curvilinear and varied with age (P < 0.001) and gender (P < 0.001); any given BMI corresponding with a lower %BF as a child became older. Considering the divergence of temporal patterns of %BF and BMI between 10 and 12 years of age, employment of BMI as a proxy for %BF in absolute or age and sex standardized forms in pediatric longitudinal investigations is problematical. © 2013 The Authors. Pediatric Obesity © 2013 International Association for the Study of Obesity.

Does body mass index misclassify physically active young men.

PubMed

Grier, Tyson; Canham-Chervak, Michelle; Sharp, Marilyn; Jones, Bruce H

2015-01-01

The purpose of this analysis was to determine the accuracy of age and gender adjusted BMI as a measure of body fat (BF) in U.S. Army Soldiers. BMI was calculated through measured height and weight (kg/m(2)) and body composition was determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Linear regression was used to determine a BF prediction equation and examine the correlation between %BF and BMI. The sensitivity and specificity of BMI compared to %BF as measured by DEXA was calculated. Soldiers (n = 110) were on average 23 years old, with a BMI of 26.4, and approximately 18% BF. The correlation between BMI and %BF (R = 0.86) was strong (p < 0.01). A sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 100% were calculated when using Army age adjusted BMI thresholds. The overall accuracy in determining if a Soldier met Army BMI standards and were within the maximum allowable BF or exceeded BMI standards and were over the maximum allowable BF was 83%. Using adjusted BMI thresholds in populations where physical fitness and training are requirements of the job provides better accuracy in identifying those who are overweight or obese due to high BF.

MEASUREMENT OF BODY COMPOSITION CHANGES WITH WEIGHT LOSS IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN: COMPARISON OF METHODS

PubMed Central

MAHON, A.K.; FLYNN, M.G.; IGLAY, H.B.; STEWART, L.K.; JOHNSON, C.A.; MCFARLIN, B.K.; CAMPBELL, W.W.

2008-01-01

Background The accurate measurement of body composition changes is important when evaluating the efficacy of medical nutrition therapy and weight management programs, yet is not well documented in older women. Objective We compared methods of estimating energy-restriction-induced body composition changes in postmenopausal women. Design: 27 women (59 ± 8 y; BMI 29.0 ± 2.9 kg/m2; mean ± SD) completed a 9-wk energy restriction period (5233 kJ/d, (1250 kcal/d)). Changes in % body fat (Δ%BF), fat mass (ΔFM), and fat-free mass (ΔFFM) were measured by hydrostatic weighing (HW), air-displacement plethysmography (ADP), dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and deuterium oxide dilution (D2O). The Baumgartner et al. (Am J Clin Nutr 53:1345−1353, 1991) four-compartment (4C) model with body volume from HW was the criterion method. The 4C model with body volume from ADP was also compared. Regression equations were developed based on 4CHW (dependent variable) utilizing results of change (POST-PRE) for each method. Results The women lost 6.8 ± 3.2 kg; 9% of baseline weight. Based on 4CHW, the body composition changes were −2.4 ± 4.5 Δ%BF, −4.7 ± 3.3 kg ΔFM, and −2.6 ± 4.4 kg ΔFFM. No differences were detected by ANOVA for Δ%BF, ΔFM, and ΔFFM among 4CHW, HW, ADP, DXA, D2O, and 4CADP. Bland-Altman limits of agreement showed differences between methods that ranged from 14.5 to −14.1 Δ%BF, 7.8 to −8.1 kg ΔFM, and 7.5 to −8.4 kg ΔFFM for individuals. A bias was shown with 4CADP overestimating Δ%BF (1.4 %) and FM (0.6 kg) and underestimating ΔFFM (−1.2 kg) compared to 4CHW. The regression model was acceptable for %BF (4CADP, 2CHW, and 2CD2O); FM and FFM (4CADP, 3CDXA, 2CHW, and 2CD2O), but not for other estimates of %BF, FM, FFM. Conclusions These body composition assessment methods may be used interchangeably to quantify changes in % body fat, fat mass, and fat-free mass with weight loss in groups of postmenopausal women. 4CADP overestimates Δ%BF and underestimates ΔFFM. When utilizing one of these comparison methods (4CADP, 3CDXA, 2CHW, 2CD2O) to quantify changes in fat mass and fat-free mass for an individual postmenopausal woman, regression equations may be used to relate the data to 4CHW. PMID:17508096

Continuous Rapid Quantification of Stroke Volume Using Magnetohydrodynamic Voltages in 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PubMed

Gregory, T Stan; Oshinski, John; Schmidt, Ehud J; Kwong, Raymond Y; Stevenson, William G; Ho Tse, Zion Tsz

2015-12-01

To develop a technique to noninvasively estimate stroke volume in real time during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided procedures, based on induced magnetohydrodynamic voltages (VMHD) that occur in ECG recordings during MRI exams, leaving the MRI scanner free to perform other imaging tasks. Because of the relationship between blood flow (BF) and VMHD, we hypothesized that a method to obtain stroke volume could be derived from extracted VMHD vectors in the vectorcardiogram (VCG) frame of reference (VMHDVCG). To estimate a subject-specific BF-VMHD model, VMHDVCG was acquired during a 20-s breath-hold and calibrated versus aortic BF measured using phase-contrast magnetic resonance in 10 subjects (n=10) and 1 subject diagnosed with premature ventricular contractions. Beat-to-beat validation of VMHDVCG-derived BF was performed using real-time phase-contrast imaging in 7 healthy subjects (n=7) during 15-minute cardiac exercise stress tests and 30 minutes after stress relaxation in 3T MRIs. Subject-specific equations were derived to correlate VMHDVCG with BF at rest and validated using real-time phase-contrast. An average error of 7.22% and 3.69% in stroke volume estimation, respectively, was found during peak stress and after complete relaxation. Measured beat-to-beat BF time history derived from real-time phase-contrast and VMHD was highly correlated using a Spearman rank correlation coefficient during stress tests (0.89) and after stress relaxation (0.86). Accurate beat-to-beat stroke volume and BF were estimated using VMHDVCG extracted from intra-MRI 12-lead ECGs, providing a means to enhance patient monitoring during MR imaging and MR-guided interventions. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

A novel body circumferences-based estimation of percentage body fat.

PubMed

Lahav, Yair; Epstein, Yoram; Kedem, Ron; Schermann, Haggai

2018-03-01

Anthropometric measures of body composition are often used for rapid and cost-effective estimation of percentage body fat (%BF) in field research, serial measurements and screening. Our aim was to develop a validated estimate of %BF for the general population, based on simple body circumferences measures. The study cohort consisted of two consecutive samples of health club members, designated as 'development' (n 476, 61 % men, 39 % women) and 'validation' (n 224, 50 % men, 50 % women) groups. All subjects underwent anthropometric measurements as part of their registration to a health club. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan was used as the 'gold standard' estimate of %BF. Linear regressions where used to construct the predictive equation (%BFcal). Bland-Altman statistics, Lin concordance coefficients and percentage of subjects falling within 5 % of %BF estimate by DEXA were used to evaluate accuracy and precision of the equation. The variance inflation factor was used to check multicollinearity. Two distinct equations were developed for men and women: %BFcal (men)=10·1-0·239H+0·8A-0·5N; %BFcal (women)=19·2-0·239H+0·8A-0·5N (H, height; A, abdomen; N, neck, all in cm). Bland-Altman differences were randomly distributed and showed no fixed bias. Lin concordance coefficients of %BFcal were 0·89 in men and 0·86 in women. About 79·5 % of %BF predictions in both sexes were within ±5 % of the DEXA value. The Durnin-Womersley skinfolds equation was less accurate in our study group for prediction of %BF than %BFcal. We conclude that %BFcal offers the advantage of obtaining a reliable estimate of %BF from simple measurements that require no sophisticated tools and only a minimal prior training and experience.

Temporal variations and scaling of streamflow and baseflow and their nitrate-nitrogen concentrations and loads

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zhang, Y.-K.; Schilling, K.

2005-01-01

The patterns of temporal variations of precipitation (P), streamflow (SF) and baseflow (BF) as well as their nitrate-nitrogen (nitrate) concentrations (C) and loads (L) from a long-term record (28 years) in the Raccoon River, Iowa, were analyzed using variogram and spectral analyses. The daily P is random but scaling may exist in the daily SF and BF with a possible break point in the scaling at about 18 days and 45 days, respectively. The nitrate concentrations and loads are shown to have a half-year cycle while daily P, SF, and BF have a one-year cycle. Furthermore, there may be a low-frequency cycle of 6-8 years in C. The power spectra of C and L in both SF and BF exhibit fractal 1/f scaling with two characteristic frequencies of half-year and one-year, and are fitted well with the spectrum of the gamma distribution. The nitrate input to SF and BF at the Raccoon watershed seems likely to be a white noise process superimposed on another process with a half-year and one-year cycle. ?? 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photocatalytic degradation of an azo textile dye (C.I. Reactive Red 195 (3BF)) in aqueous solution over copper cobaltite nanocomposite coated on glass by Doctor Blade method.

PubMed

Habibi, Mohammad Hossein; Rezvani, Zoya

2015-08-05

The degradation of C.I. Reactive Red 195 (3BF) in aqueous solution using copper cobaltite nanocomposite coated on glass by Doctor Blade method was studied. Structural, optical and morphological properties of nanocomposite coatings were characterized by X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The nanoparticles exhibit a particle size of 31 nm, showing a good nanoscale crystalline morphology. The photocatalytic activity of copper cobaltite nanocomposite coated on glass was studied by performing the photocatalytic degradation of 3BF at different irradiation time. The effect of irradiation time on the degradation of 3BF was studied and the results showed that more than 85% of the 3BF was degraded in 45 min of irradiation. The pseudo-first-order kinetic models were used and the rate constants were evaluated with pseudo first order rate constants of 4.10 × 10(-2) min(-1). The main advantage of the photocatalyst coated on glass overcomes the difficulties in separation and recycle of photocatalyst suspensions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Combining retinal nerve fiber layer thickness with individual retinal blood vessel locations allows modeling of central vision loss in glaucoma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hui; Wang, Mengyu; Baniasadi, Neda; Jin, Qingying; Elze, Tobias

2017-02-01

Purpose: To assess whether modeling of central vision loss (CVL) due to glaucoma by optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal nerve fiber (RNF) layer thickness (RNFLT) can be improved by including the location of the major inferior temporal retinal artery (ITA), a known correlate of individual RNF geometry. Methods: Pat- tern deviations of the two locations of the Humphrey 24-2 visual field (VF) known to be specifically vulnerable to glaucomatous CVL and OCT RNFLT on the corresponding circumpapillary sector around the optic nerve head within the radius of 1.73mm were retrospectively selected from 428 eyes of 428 patients of a large clinical glaucoma service. ITA was marked on the 1.73mm circle by a trained observer. Linear regression models were fitted with CVL as dependent variable and VF mean deviation (MD) plus either of (1) RNFLT, (2) ITA, and (3) their combination, respectively, as regressors. To assess CVL over all levels of glaucoma severity, the three models were compared to a null model containing only MD. A Baysian model comparison was performed with the Bayes Factor (BF) as measure of strength of evidence (BF<3: no evidence, 3-20: positive evidence, >20: strong evidence over null model). Results: Neither RNFLT (BF=0.9) nor ITA (BF=1.4) alone provided positive evidence over the null model, but their combination resulted in a model with strong evidence (BF=21.4). Conclusion: While the established circumpapillary RNFLT sector, based on population statistics, could not satisfactorily model CVL, the inclusion of a retinal parameter related to individual eye anatomy yielded a strong structure-function model.

Substantia Nigra Volume Loss Before Basal Forebrain Degeneration in Early Parkinson Disease

PubMed Central

Ziegler, David A.; Wonderlick, Julien S.; Ashourian, Paymon; Hansen, Leslie A.; Young, Jeremy C.; Murphy, Alex J.; Koppuzha, Cecily K.; Growdon, John H.; Corkin, Suzanne

2017-01-01

Objective To test the hypothesis that degeneration of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) precedes that of the cholinergic basal forebrain (BF) in Parkinson disease (PD) using new multispectral structural magnetic resonance (MR) imaging tools to measure the volumes of the SNc and BF. Design Matched case-control study. Setting The Athinoula A. Martinos Imaging Center at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the Massachusetts General Hospital/MIT Morris Udall Center of Excellence in Parkinson Disease Research. Patients Participants included 29 patients with PD (Hoehn and Yahr [H&Y] stages 1–3) and 27 matched healthy control subjects. Main Outcome Measures We acquired multiecho T1-weighted, multiecho proton density, T2-weighted, and T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences from each participant. For the SNc, we created a weighted mean of the multiple echoes, yielding a single volume with a high ratio of contrast to noise. We visualized the BF using T2-weighted FLAIR images. For each participant, we manually labeled the 2 structures and calculated their volumes. Results Relative to the controls, 13 patients with H&Y stage 1 PD had significantly decreased SNc volumes. Sixteen patients with H&Y stage 2 or 3 PD showed little additional volume loss. In contrast, the BF volume loss occurred later in the disease, with a significant decrease apparent in patients having H&Y stage 2 or 3 PD compared with the controls and the patients having H&Y stage 1 PD. The latter group did not differ significantly from the controls. Conclusion Our results support the proposed neuropathological trajectory in PD and establish novel multispectral methods as MR imaging biomarkers for tracking the degeneration of the SNc and BF. PMID:23183921

Results of 1-year Diet and Exercise Interventions for ER+/PR±/HER2- Breast Cancer Patients Correlated with Treatment Type.

PubMed

Artene, Diana V; Bordea, Cristian I; Blidaru, Alexandru

2017-01-01

Many breast cancer patients gain weight during chemotherapy and antiestrogenic treatment increasing recurrence, oncologic specific and all-cause mortality risks. Patients and Methods: 165 ER+/PR±/HER2- breast cancer patients under antiestrogenic treatment were randomly assigned to follow an at-home diet based on food naturally high in proteins, calcium, probiotics and prebiotics (D), or this diet and 4' isometric exercises (D+Ex) for 1 year. We measured weight (W), body (BF) and visceral fat (VF) using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance scale on the 6th and 12th month and we correlated results with chemotherapy, surgery and antiestrogenic medication type. Results were analysed using the Friedman Test, then with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests if Friedman Test was significant. Results: Overall, the patients 1-year results show that both D+Ex and D patients obtained statistically significant weight loss and fat loss. D patients lost 3.3 kg, 3.2% BF and 1% visceral fat. D+Ex patients lost 6.5 kg, 3.3% BF and 2% visceral fat. D+Ex patients obtained statistically significance for W, BF and VF regardless of chemotherapy, surgery or antiestrogenic treatment type. D patients with mastectomy or with aromatase inhibitors lost W, BF and VF. D patients with conservatory surgery, adjuvant or both neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy and those on Tamoxifen only lost W. D patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy also lost VF. This diet is effective for ER+/PR±/HER2- breast cancer patients on antiestrogenic medication. Adding at least a minimal exercise protocol improves patients chances of counteracting sarcopenic obesity. Celsius.

Percentage body fat ranges associated with metabolic syndrome risk: results based on the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994).

PubMed

Zhu, Shankuan; Wang, ZiMian; Shen, Wei; Heymsfield, Steven B; Heshka, Stanley

2003-08-01

Increasing attention has focused on the association between body fatness and related metabolic risk factors. The quantitative link between percentage body fat (%BF) and the risk of metabolic syndrome is unknown. The objectives were to determine the risk [odds ratios (ORs)] of metabolic syndrome based on %BF in black and white men and women in the United States and to provide corresponding ranges of %BF associated with a risk equivalent to body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)). The subjects were participants in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and were divided into those with and without the metabolic syndrome. OR equations were derived from logistic regression models for %BF and BMI, with the 25th percentile in the study population as the reference. Ranges were developed by associating %BF with the equivalent risk of metabolic syndrome based on established BMI cutoffs. Four sets (men, women, black, and white) of OR curves were generated for %BF and for BMI by using data from 8259 adults. The ORs for metabolic syndrome were lower in blacks than in whites at any given %BF or BMI. The developed cutoffs for %BF differed between men and women but showed only small race and age effects. A simplified set of sex-specific %BF ranges for the risk of metabolic syndrome were developed. The risk of metabolic syndrome can be established from measured %BF by using either the developed OR curves or %BF thresholds at traditional BMI cutoffs. This information should prove useful in both clinical and research settings.

Effect of breastfeeding on obesity of schoolchildren: influence of maternal education

PubMed Central

Pudla, Katia Jakovljevic; Gonzaléz-Chica, David Alejandro; de Vasconcelos, Francisco de Assis Guedes

2015-01-01

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the association between duration of breastfeeding (BF) and obesity in schoolchildren of Florianópolis (SC), and the role of possible effect modifiers. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a random sample of 2826 schoolchildren (7-14 years). Weight and height were measured according to standardized procedures. Data concerning BF and sociodemographic variables were obtained from a questionnaire sent to parents/guardians. Children's nutritional status was evaluated by BMI-for-age z-score for gender (WHO reference curves). Adjusted analyses were performed through logistic regression, considering a possible interaction among variables. Results: Prevalence of obesity was 8.6% (95% CI: 7.6-9.7%) and 55.7% (95% CI: 53.8-57.6%) received breastmilk for ≥6 months. BF was not associated with obesity, even in the adjusted analysis. Stratified analysis according to maternal schooling showed that, in children aged 7-10 years and children whose mothers had 0-8 years of schooling, the chance of obesity was lower among those breastfeed for >1 month, especially among those who received breastmilk for 1-5 months (OR=0.22; 95% CI 0.08-0.62). Among children of women with higher schooling (>8 years), the chance of obesity was 44% lower in those who were breastfed for >12 months (p-value for interaction <0.01). This interaction was not found in older children (11-14 years). Conclusions: Among children of women with lower schooling, BF for any period longer than 1 month is protective against obesity; however, for a higher maternal schooling, BF for less than 12 months increases the odds of obesity. PMID:26100592

Bond Order and Chemical Properties of BF, CO, and N[subscript 2

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martinie, Ryan J.; Bultema, Jarred J.; Vander Wal, Mark N.; Burkhart, Brandon J.; Vander Griend, Douglas A.; DeKock, Roger L.

2011-01-01

The traditional chemical approaches, Lewis electron dot structures and molecular orbital theory, predict the relative bond orders of boron monofluoride, carbon monoxide, and dinitrogen to be BF less than CO less than N[subscript 2]. This is quantified by quantum mechanical, theoretical studies that show the bond orders to be approximately 1.4,…

Near Full-Length Identification of a Novel HIV-1 CRF01_AE/B/C Recombinant in Northern Myanmar.

PubMed

Zhou, Yan-Heng; Chen, Xin; Liang, Yue-Bo; Pang, Wei; Qin, Wei-Hong; Zhang, Chiyu; Zheng, Yong-Tang

2015-08-01

The Myanmar-China border appears to be the "hot spot" region for the occurrence of HIV-1 recombination. The majority of the previous analyses of HIV-1 recombination were based on partial genomic sequences, which obviously cannot reflect the reality of the genetic diversity of HIV-1 in this area well. Here, we present a near full-length characterization of a novel HIV-1 CRF01_AE/B/C recombinant isolated from a long-distance truck driver in Northern Myanmar. It is the first description of a near full-length genomic sequence in Myanmar since 2003, and might be one of the most complicated HIV-1 chimeras ever detected in Myanmar, containing four CRF01_AE, six B segments, and five C segments separated by 14 breakpoints throughout its genome. The discovery and characterization of this new CRF01_AE/B/C recombinant indicate that intersubtype recombination is ongoing in Myanmar, continuously generating new forms of HIV-1. More work based on near full-length sequence analyses is urgently needed to better understand the genetic diversity of HIV-1 in these regions.

Toxic effects of ionic liquid 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate on soil enzyme activity and soil microbial community diversity.

PubMed

Sun, Xi; Zhu, Lusheng; Wang, Jinhua; Wang, Jun; Su, Benying; Liu, Tong; Zhang, Cheng; Gao, Chong; Shao, Yuting

2017-01-01

Ionic liquids (ILs) were considered as "green" solvents and have been used widely because of their excellent properties. But ILs are not as "green" as has been suggested, and the toxic effects of ILs on organisms have been shown in recent years. In the present study, the toxic effects of the IL 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Omim]BF 4 ) on soil enzyme activity and soil microbial communities at three different concentrations (1.0, 5.0 and 10.0mg/kg) and a control treatment over 40 days of incubation time (sampled on days 10, 20, 30 and 40) were examined under laboratory conditions. The concentrations of [Omim]BF 4 in soils were detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the results indicated that [Omim]BF 4 were maintained stable in the soil during the exposure period. However, the enzyme activity results showed that urease activity was stimulated on day 20 and then decreased after 30 days of incubation. The activity of β-glucosidase was stimulated after 20 days of incubation in both treatment groups. Moreover, both dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase were inhibited at a high level (10.0mg/kg) only on day 20. The analysis of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) revealed that the soil microbial community structures were altered by [Omim]BF 4 and that the soil microbial diversity and evenness of high levels (5.0mg/kg and 10.0mg/kg) treatments were decreased. Moreover, the dominant structure of the microbial communities was not changed by [Omim]BF 4 . Furthermore, the abundance of the ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) genes of both ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) was examined using real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results revealed that the copy numbers of the amoA-gene were decreased by [Omim]BF 4 with the 5.0 and 10.0mg/kg treatments. Based on the experiment, we concluded that high levels (5.0 and 10.0mg/kg) of [Omim]BF 4 could have significantly toxic effects on soil enzyme activities and the diversity of the microbial communities. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Body Mass Index, the Most Widely Used but also Widely Criticized Index: Would a Gold-Standard Measure of Total Body Fat be a Better Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease Mortality?

PubMed Central

Ortega, Francisco B; Sui, Xuemei; Lavie, Carl J; Blair, Steven N

2016-01-01

Objectives To examine whether an accurate measure (using a gold-standard method) of total body fat (BF) would be a better predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality than body mass index (BMI). Participants and Methods A total of 60,335 participants were examined between January 1, 1979, and December 31, 2003, and then followed-up for mean of 15.2 years. BMI was estimated by standard procedures. Indices of body composition [i.e. BF%, fat mass index (FMI), fat-free mass (FFM) and FFM index (FFMI)] were derived from either skinfold thicknesses or hydrostatic weighing. For exact comparisons, the indices studied were categorized identically using sex-specific percentiles. Results Compared with a medium BMI, a very high BMI was associated with hazard ratios (HR) of 2.7 (confidence interval, CI:2.1-3.3) for CVD mortality, a stronger association than for BF% or FMI; i.e. HR=1.6(CI:1.3-1.9) and 2.2(CI:1.8-2.7), respectively. Compared with a medium FFMI, a very high FFMI was associated with a HR of 2.2 (CI:1.7-2.7) for CVD mortality, with these estimates being markedly smaller for FFM, i.e. HR=1.2(CI:0.9-1.6). When the analyses were restricted only to the sample with hydrostatic assessments (N=29,959), the results were nearly identical, with even slightly larger differences in favor of BMI, i.e. HR=3.0 (CI:2.2-4.0) compared with BF% and FMI, i.e. HR=1.5(CI:1.2-1.9) and 2.1(CI:1.6-2.7) respectively. We estimated Harrell c-index as an indicator of discriminant/predictive ability for these models and observed that the c-index in models including BMI was significantly higher than that in models including BF% or FMI (all P values <.005). Conclusions The simple and inexpensive measure of BMI can be as clinically important or even more than total adiposity measures assessed by accurate and expensive methods. Physiological explanations for these findings are discussed. PMID:26948431

The effect of acetazolamide on different ocular vascular beds.

PubMed

Haustein, Michael; Spoerl, Eberhard; Boehm, Andreas G

2013-05-01

To assess the effect of acetazolamide (AZ) on different ocular vascular beds. In a prospective study, 32 healthy volunteers (16 male, 16 female) with a mean age of 23.9 ± 3.3 years (20-39 years) were included. Before and after intravenous administration of 1,000 mg AZ (single dose), ocular microcirculation parameters were measured every 20 min for 2 h. Retinal vessel diameters (VD) were measured by the retina vessel analyzer, blood flow (BF) in the neuroretinal rim by the laser doppler flowmeter according to Riva, and the parapapillary retinal BF by the scanning laser Doppler flowmeter. Additionally, the Langham ocular blood flow system was used to determine the ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) and the pulsatile ocular blood flow (pOBF). The measurements were correlated with systemic blood pressure (BP), ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), capillary base excess parameters and serum AZ levels. Arterial and venous VD were significantly increased by about 4-5% each. Papillary BF increased significantly about 40%. Parapapillary retinal flow dropped significantly about 19% (120 min). OPA and pOBF showed no statistically significant changes. BP showed no significant changes, and OPP was significantly increased. There were no correlations with pH or systemic perfusion parameters. AZ leads to a dilatation of retinal VD, to an increase of BF in the optic nerve head, and to a decrease of parapapillary retinal BF. The different BF changes in different vascular beds might be due to different regulatory mechanisms, steal effects, or different distributions of the carbonic anhydrase.

Novel nanohybrids of cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes and clay: synthesis and structural determinations.

PubMed

Kianfar, Ali Hossein; Mahmood, Wan Ahmad Kamil; Dinari, Mohammad; Azarian, Mohammad Hossein; Khafri, Fatemeh Zare

2014-06-05

The [Co(Me(2)Salen)(PBu(3))(OH(2))]BF4 and [Co(Me(2)Salen)(PPh(3))(Solv)]BF(4), complexes were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, UV-Vis, (1)H NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis techniques. The coordination geometry of [Co(Me(2)Salen)(PPh(3))(H(2)O)]BF(4) was determined by X-ray crystallography. It has been found that the complex is containing [Co(Me(2)Salen)(PPh(3))(H(2)O)]BF(4) and [Co(Me(2)Salen)(PPh(3))(EtOH)]BF(4) hexacoordinate species in the solid state. Cobalt atom exhibits a distorted octahedral geometry and the Me(2)Salen ligand has the N2O2 coordinated environment in the equatorial plane. The [Co(Me(2)Salen)(PPh(3))(H(2)O)]BF(4) complex shows a dimeric structure via hydrogen bonding between the phenolate oxygen and hydrogens of coordinated H2O molecule. These complexes were incorporated into Montmorillonite-K10 nanoclay. The modified clays were identified by FT-IR, XRD, EDX, TGA/DTA, SEM and TEM techniques. According to the XRD results of the new nanohybrid materials, the Schiff base complexes are intercalated in the interlayer spaces of the clay. SEM and TEM micrographs show that the resulting hybrid nanomaterials have layer structures. Also, TGA/DTG results show that the intercalation reaction was taken place successfully. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Characterization and expression analysis of a complement component gene in sea cucumber ( Apostichopus japonicus)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhong; Zhou, Zunchun; Yang, Aifu; Dong, Ying; Guan, Xiaoyan; Jiang, Bei; Wang, Bai

2015-12-01

The complement system plays a crucial role in the innate immune system of animals. It can be activated by distinct yet overlapping classical, alternative and lectin pathways. In the alternative pathway, complement factor B (Bf) serves as the catalytic subunit of complement component 3 (C3) convertase, which plays the central role among three activation pathways. In this study, the Bf gene in sea cucumber ( Apostichopus japonicus), termed AjBf, was obtained by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The full-length cDNA of AjBf was 3231 bp in length barring the poly (A) tail. It contained an open reading frame (ORF) of 2742 bp encoding 913 amino acids, a 105 bp 5'-UTR (5'-terminal untranslated region) and a 384 bp 3'-UTR. AjBf was a mosaic protein with six CCP (complement control protein) domains, a VWA (von Willebrand factor A) domain, and a serine protease domain. The deduced molecular weight of AjBf protein was 101 kDa. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis indicated that the expression level of AjBf in A. japonicus was obviously higher at larval stage than that at embryonic stage. Expression detection in different tissues showed that AjBf expressed higher in coelomocytes than in other four tissues. In addation, AjBf expression in different tissues was induced significantly after LPS or PolyI:C challenge. These results indicated that AjBf plays an important role in immune responses to pathogen infection.

Blue-Light Filtering Spectacle Lenses: Optical and Clinical Performances

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Purposes To evaluate the optical performance of blue-light filtering spectacle lenses and investigate whether a reduction in blue light transmission affects visual performance and sleep quality. Methods Experiment 1: The relative changes in phototoxicity, scotopic sensitivity, and melatonin suppression of five blue-light filtering plano spectacle lenses were calculated based on their spectral transmittances measured by a spectrophotometer. Experiment 2: A pseudo-randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate the clinical performance of two blue-light filtering spectacle lenses (BF: blue-filtering anti-reflection coating; BT: brown-tinted) with a regular clear lens (AR) serving as a control. A total of eighty computer users were recruited from two age cohorts (young adults: 18–30 yrs, middle-aged adults: 40–55 yrs). Contrast sensitivity under standard and glare conditions, and colour discrimination were measured using standard clinical tests. After one month of lens wear, subjective ratings of lens performance were collected by questionnaire. Results All tested blue-light filtering spectacle lenses theoretically reduced the calculated phototoxicity by 10.6% to 23.6%. Although use of the blue-light filters also decreased scotopic sensitivity by 2.4% to 9.6%, and melatonin suppression by 5.8% to 15.0%, over 70% of the participants could not detect these optical changes. Our clinical tests revealed no significant decrease in contrast sensitivity either with (95% confidence intervals [CI]: AR–BT [–0.05, 0.05]; AR–BF [–0.05, 0.06]; BT–BF [–0.06, 0.06]) or without glare (95% CI: AR–BT [–0.01, 0.03]; AR–BF [–0.01, 0.03]; BT–BF [–0.02, 0.02]) and colour discrimination (95% CI: AR–BT [–9.07, 1.02]; AR–BF [–7.06, 4.46]; BT–BF [–3.12, 8.57]). Conclusion Blue-light filtering spectacle lenses can partially filter high-energy short-wavelength light without substantially degrading visual performance and sleep quality. These lenses may serve as a supplementary option for protecting the retina from potential blue-light hazard. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02821403 PMID:28045969

Is BMI a valid measure of obesity in postmenopausal women?

PubMed

Banack, Hailey R; Wactawski-Wende, Jean; Hovey, Kathleen M; Stokes, Andrew

2018-03-01

Body mass index (BMI) is a widely used indicator of obesity status in clinical settings and population health research. However, there are concerns about the validity of BMI as a measure of obesity in postmenopausal women. Unlike BMI, which is an indirect measure of obesity and does not distinguish lean from fat mass, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) provides a direct measure of body fat and is considered a gold standard of adiposity measurement. The goal of this study is to examine the validity of using BMI to identify obesity in postmenopausal women relative to total body fat percent measured by DXA scan. Data from 1,329 postmenopausal women participating in the Buffalo OsteoPerio Study were used in this analysis. At baseline, women ranged in age from 53 to 85 years. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m and body fat percent (BF%) greater than 35%, 38%, or 40%. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value to evaluate the validity of BMI-defined obesity relative BF%. We further explored the validity of BMI relative to BF% using graphical tools, such as scatterplots and receiver-operating characteristic curves. Youden's J index was used to determine the empirical optimal BMI cut-point for each level of BF% defined obesity. The sensitivity of BMI-defined obesity was 32.4% for 35% body fat, 44.6% for 38% body fat, and 55.2% for 40% body fat. Corresponding specificity values were 99.3%, 97.1%, and 94.6%, respectively. The empirical optimal BMI cut-point to define obesity is 24.9 kg/m for 35% BF, 26.49 kg/m for 38% BF, and 27.05 kg/m for 40% BF according to the Youden's index. Results demonstrate that a BMI cut-point of 30 kg/m does not appear to be an appropriate indicator of true obesity status in postmenopausal women. Empirical estimates of the validity of BMI from this study may be used by other investigators to account for BMI-related misclassification in older women.

Validation of fan beam dual energy x ray absorptiometry for body composition assessment in adults aged 18–45 years

PubMed Central

Norcross, J; Van Loan, M D

2004-01-01

Background: Pencil beam dual energy x ray absorptiometry (DXA) has been shown to provide valid estimates of body fat (%BF), but DXA fan beam technology has not been adequately tested to determine its validity. Objective: To compare %BF estimated from fan beam DXA with %BF determined using two and three compartment (2C, 3C) models. Methods: Men (n = 25) and women (n = 31), aged 18–41 years, participated in the study. Body density, from hydrostatic weighing, was used in the 2C estimate of %BF; DXA was used to determine bone mineral content (BMC) for the 3C estimate of %BF calculated using body density and BMC (3CBMC). DXA was also used to determine %BF. Analysis of variance was used to test for significant differences in %BF between sexes and among methods. Results: Women were significantly shorter, weighed less, had less fat free mass, and a higher %BF than men. No significant differences were found among methods (2C, 3CBMC, DXA) for determination of %BF in either sex. Although not significant, Bland-Altman plots showed that DXA gave higher values for %BF than the 2C and 3CBMC methods. Conclusion: DXA determination of %BF was not different from that of the 2C and 3CBMC models in this group of young adults. However, to validate fan beam DXA fully as a method for body composition assessment in a wide range of individuals and populations, comparisons are needed that use a 4C model with a measure of total body water and BMC. PMID:15273189

Effect of immersion on lung capacities and volumes: implications for the densitometric estimation of relative body fat.

PubMed

Withers, R T; Hamdorf, P A

1989-01-01

Immersion of 18 male subjects in water caused a 20.4% (787 ml) increase (P less than 0.05) in the mean inspiratory capacity (IC) whereas there were no changes (P greater than 0.05) in tidal volume (VT) and the frequency of respiration. All the means for the other pulmonary variables decreased (P less than 0.05) by varying amounts: total lung capacity (TLC) = 8.4% (599 ml), vital capacity (VC) = 5.5% (308 ml), functional residual capacity (FRC) = 42.6% (1386 ml), expiratory reserve volume (ERV) = 61.9% (1095 ml) and residual volume (RV) = 19.7% (292 ml). Variation of only the RV in the body density (BD) formula from which the percentage body fat (%BF) is estimated resulted in a significantly (P less than 0.05) lower mean of 15.2% BF for the RV in air (means = 1482 ml) compared with that of 17.1% BF for the RV in water (means = 1190 ml). All but one of the subjects exhibited a smaller RV in water than in air; the six largest differences were equivalent to 2.4-5.1% BF. These results indicate that the net effect of the hydrostatic pressure (decreases RV), pulmonary vascular engorgement (decreases RV) and diminished compliance (increases RV) is to reduce the ventilated RV. It is therefore advisable to measure the RV when the subject is immersed in order to minimize error in the determination of BD and hence the estimation of % BF.

Evaluation of the BOD POD for estimating percent body fat in collegiate track and field female athletes: a comparison of four methods.

PubMed

Bentzur, Keren M; Kravitz, Len; Lockner, Donna W

2008-11-01

This investigation examined the accuracy of the BOD POD on a group of Division I collegiate track and field female athletes (N = 30). Hydrostatic weighing (HW) was used as the gold standard method. Body density (Db) values obtained from the BOD POD (Db BP) were compared with those determined by HW (Db HW). Both Db values were converted to percent body fat (%BF) using the Siri equation for comparison. Percent body fat values obtained from the BOD POD (BF BP) were also compared with those obtained from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, BF DXA) and skinfold (SF, BF SF). The validity of the BOD POD was assessed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the relationship between the methods was examined through Pearson correlation. Average Db BP was 0.00890 g x cm(-3) lower (p < 0.05) than Db HW, resulting in a significant overestimation of %BF (p < 0.05) by the BOD POD. Values for BFDXA and BFBP also differed significantly (p < 0.05). On the other hand, BFSF and BF BP were not significantly different. The correlation between percent body fat values obtained from HW (BFHW) and BF BP was good (r = 0.88, SEE = 2.30) as well as between BF SF and BF BP (r = 0.85, SEE = 2.05). Conversely, the correlation between BFDXA and BF BP was poor (r = 0.25, SEE = 5.73). The strong correlation between BF BP and BF HW presented here suggests that the BOD POD has the potential to be used as a body composition analysis tool for female athletes. The advantages of the BOD POD over HW encourage further investigation of this instrument. However, the fact that the BOD POD and SF results did not differ significantly might suggest that the SF could be used in its place until a better rate of accuracy for this instrument is established.

Genetic activation, inactivation and deletion reveal a limited and nuanced role for somatostatin-containing basal forebrain neurons in behavioral state control.

PubMed

Anaclet, Christelle; De Luca, Roberto; Venner, Anne; Malyshevskaya, Olga; Lazarus, Michael; Arrigoni, Elda; Fuller, Patrick M

2018-05-07

Recent studies have identified an especially important role for basal forebrain GABAergic (BF VGAT ) neurons in the regulation of behavioral waking and fast cortical rhythms associated with cognition. However, BF VGAT neurons comprise several neurochemically and anatomically distinct sub-populations, including parvalbumin- and somatostatin-containing BF VGAT neurons (BF Parv and BF SOM ), and it was recently reported that optogenetic activation of BF SOM neurons increases the probability of a wakefulness to non-rapid-eye movement (NREM) sleep transition when stimulated during the animal's rest period. This finding was unexpected given that most BF SOM neurons are not NREM sleep active and that central administration of the synthetic SOM analog, octreotide, suppresses NREM sleep or increases REM sleep. Here we employed a combination of genetically-driven chemogenetic and optogenetic activation, chemogenetic inhibition and ablation approaches to further explore the in vivo role of BF SOM neurons in arousal control. Our findings indicate that acute activation or inhibition of BF SOM neurons is neither wakefulness- nor NREM sleep-promoting, is without significant effect on the EEG, and that chronic loss of these neurons is without effect on total 24h sleep amounts, although a small but significant increase in waking was observed in the lesioned mice during the early active period. Our in vitro cell recordings further reveal electrophysiological heterogeneity in BF SOM neurons, specifically suggesting at least two distinct sub-populations. Taken together our data support the more nuanced view that BF SOM are electrically heterogeneous and are not NREM sleep- or wake-promoting per se , but may exert, in particular during the early active period, a modest inhibitory influence on arousal circuitry. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The cellular basal forebrain (BF) is a highly complex area of the brain that is implicated in a wide-range of higher-level neurobiological processes, including regulating and maintaining normal levels of electrocortical and behavioral arousal. The respective in vivo roles of BF cell populations and their neurotransmitter systems in the regulation of electrocortical and behavioral arousal remains incompletely understood. Here we seek to define the neurobiological contribution of GABAergic somatostanin-containing BF neurons to arousal control. Understanding the respective contribution of BF cell populations to arousal control may provide critical insight into the pathogenesis of a host of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia and the cognitive impairments of normal aging. Copyright © 2018 the authors.

Synthesis of Pyridine– and Pyrazine–BF 3 Complexes and Their Characterization in Solution and Solid State

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

Chénard, Etienne; Sutrisno, Andre; Zhu, Lingyang

2016-03-31

Following the discovery of the redox-active 1,4- bis-BF 3-quinoxaline complex, we undertook a structure- activity study with the objective to understand the active nature of the quinoxaline complex. Through systematic synthesis and characterization, we have compared complexes prepared from pyridine and pyrazine derivatives, as heterocyclic core analogues. This paper reports the structural requirements that give rise to the electrochemical features of the 1,4-bis-BF 3-quinoxaline adduct. Using solution and solidstate NMR spectroscopy, the role of aromatic ring fusion and nitrogen incorporation in bonding and electronics was elucidated. We establish the boron atom location and its interaction with its environment from 1Dmore » and 2D solution NMR, X-ray diffraction analysis, and 11B solid-state NMR experiments. Crystallographic analysis of single crystals helped to correlate the boron geometry with 11B quadrupolar coupling constant (CQ) and asymmetry parameter (ηQ), extracted from 11B solid-state NMR spectra. Additionally, computations based on density functional theory were performed to predict electrochemical behavior of the BF 3-heteroaromatic complexes. We then experimentally measured electrochemical potential using cyclic voltammetry and found that the redox potentials and CQ values are similarly affected by electronic changes in the complexes.« less

Syntheses, crystal structures and Raman spectra of Ba(BF{sub 4})(PF{sub 6}), Ba(BF{sub 4})(AsF{sub 6}) and Ba{sub 2}(BF{sub 4}){sub 2}(AsF{sub 6})(H{sub 3}F{sub 4}); the first examples of metal salts containing simultaneously tetrahedral BF{sub 4}{sup -} and octahedral AF{sub 6}{sup -} anions

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

Lozinsek, Matic; Bunic, Tina; Goreshnik, Evgeny, E-mail: evgeny.goreshnik@ijs.s

2009-10-15

In the system BaF{sub 2}/BF{sub 3}/PF{sub 5}/anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF) a compound Ba(BF{sub 4})(PF{sub 6}) was isolated and characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction on the single crystal. Ba(BF{sub 4})(PF{sub 6}) crystallizes in a hexagonal P6-bar2m space group with a=10.2251(4) A, c=6.1535(4) A, V=557.17(5) A{sup 3} at 200 K, and Z=3. Both crystallographically independent Ba atoms possess coordination polyhedra in the shape of tri-capped trigonal prisms, which include F atoms from BF{sub 4}{sup -} and PF{sub 6}{sup -} anions. In the analogous system with AsF{sub 5} instead of PF{sub 5} the compound Ba(BF{sub 4})(AsF{sub 6}) was isolated and characterized.more » It crystallizes in an orthorhombic Pnma space group with a=10.415(2) A, b=6.325(3) A, c=11.8297(17) A, V=779.3(4) A{sup 3} at 200 K, and Z=4. The coordination around Ba atom is in the shape of slightly distorted tri-capped trigonal prism which includes five F atoms from AsF{sub 6}{sup -} and four F atoms from BF{sub 4}{sup -} anions. When the system BaF{sub 2}/BF{sub 3}/AsF{sub 5}/aHF is made basic with an extra addition of BaF{sub 2}, the compound Ba{sub 2}(BF{sub 4}){sub 2}(AsF{sub 6})(H{sub 3}F{sub 4}) was obtained. It crystallizes in a hexagonal P6{sub 3}/mmc space group with a=6.8709(9) A, c=17.327(8) A, V=708.4(4) A{sup 3} at 200 K, and Z=2. The barium environment in the shape of tetra-capped distorted trigonal prism involves 10 F atoms from four BF{sub 4}{sup -}, three AsF{sub 6}{sup -} and three H{sub 3}F{sub 4}{sup -} anions. All F atoms, except the central atom in H{sub 3}F{sub 4} moiety, act as mu{sub 2}-bridges yielding a complex 3-D structural network. - Graphical abstract: The first three compounds, containing simultaneously tetrahedral BF{sub 4}{sup -} and octahedral AF{sub 6}{sup -} (A=P, As) anions have been synthesized and characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray single crystal diffraction. In the system BaF{sub 2}/BF{sub 3}/PF{sub 5}/anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF) the compound Ba(BF{sub 4})(PF{sub 6}) was isolated. In the analogous system with AsF{sub 5} instead of PF{sub 5} the compound Ba(BF{sub 4})(AsF{sub 6}) was obtained. When the system BaF{sub 2}/BF{sub 3}/AsF{sub 5}/aHF is made basic with an extra addition of BaF{sub 2}, the compound Ba{sub 2}(BF{sub 4}){sub 2}(AsF{sub 6})(H{sub 3}F{sub 4}) was prepared.« less

The Compatibility Effect Of Coupling Agent On Rheological-Morphological Relationship Of Banana Fibre Reinforced Polypropylene

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

Chang, S. Y.; Shamsudin, Z.

The rheological properties of banana fibre reinforced polypropylene (PP/BF) composites at different composition were analysed using Shimadzu capillary rheometer. The effect of coupling agent concentration on the rheological properties was studied and followed by drawing a relationship of rheological-morphological properties of PP/BF composites. It was found that all composite system exhibits pseudoplasticity and incorporation of treated fibres consequents enhanced viscosity due to improved interfacial adhesion at fibre-matrix interface. However, it was observed that PP/BF composite with 2 wt% silane concentration does not yield further enhancement in the rheological properties when compared to that of 1 wt%. Composites with 1 wt%more » silane concentration were found to yield most promising compatibility effect with well-oriented and uniformly dispersed fibre morphology.« less

Mixed ionic liquid as electrolyte for lithium batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diaw, M.; Chagnes, A.; Carré, B.; Willmann, P.; Lemordant, D.

Ionic liquids like 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (IMIBF 4) or hexafluorophosphate (IMIPF 6) and 1-butyl-4-methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate (PyBF 4) were mixed with organic solvents such as butyrolactone (BL) and acetonitrile (ACN). A lithium salt (LiBF 4 or LiPF 6) was added to these mixtures for possible application in the field of energy storage (batteries or supercapacitors). Viscosities, conductivities and electrochemical windows at a Pt electrode of these electrolytes were investigated. All studied electrolytes are stable toward oxidation and exhibit a vitreous phase transition, which has been determined by application of the VTF theory to conductivity measurements. Mixtures containing the BF 4- anion exhibit the lowest viscosity and the highest conductivity. Two mixtures have been optimized in terms of conductivity: BL/IMIBF 4 (60/40, v/v) and ACN/IMIBF 4 (70/30, v/v).

Classic cadherin expressions balance postnatal neuronal positioning and dendrite dynamics to elaborate the specific cytoarchitecture of the mouse cortical area.

PubMed

Egusa, Saki F; Inoue, Yukiko U; Asami, Junko; Terakawa, Youhei W; Hoshino, Mikio; Inoue, Takayoshi

2016-04-01

A unique feature of the mammalian cerebral cortex is in its tangential parcellation via anatomical and functional differences. However, the cellular and/or molecular machinery involved in cortical arealization remain largely unknown. Here we map expression profiles of classic cadherins in the postnatal mouse barrel field of the primary somatosensory area (S1BF) and generate a novel bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic (BAC-Tg) mouse line selectively illuminating nuclei of cadherin-6 (Cdh6)-expressing layer IV barrel neurons to confirm that tangential cellular assemblage of S1BF is established by postnatal day 5 (P5). When we electroporate the cadherins expressed in both barrel neurons and thalamo-cortical axon (TCA) terminals limited to the postnatal layer IV neurons, S1BF cytoarchitecture is disorganized with excess elongation of dendrites at P7. Upon delivery of dominant negative molecules for all classic cadherins, tangential cellular positioning and biased dendritic arborization of barrel neurons are significantly altered. These results underscore the value of classic cadherin-mediated sorting among neuronal cell bodies, dendrites and TCA terminals in postnatally elaborating the S1BF-specific tangential cytoarchitecture. Additionally, how the "protocortex" machinery affects classic cadherin expression profiles in the process of cortical arealization is examined and discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd and the Japan Neuroscience Society. All rights reserved.

The Electrodeposition of Silver from Supercritical Carbon Dioxide/Acetonitrile

PubMed Central

Bartlett, Philip N; Perdjon-Abel, Magdalena; Cook, David; Reid, Gillian; Levason, William; Cheng, Fei; Zhang, Wenjian; George, Michael W; Ke, Jie; Beanland, Richard; Sloan, Jeremy

2014-01-01

Cyclic voltammetry of silver coordination complexes in acetonitrile and in a single-phase supercritical carbon dioxide/acetonitrile (scCO2/CH3CN) system is reported. Five silver precursors are investigated: (1,5-cyclooctadiene)(hexafluoroacetylacetonato) silver(I) [Ag(hfac)(COD)], (hexafluoroacetylacetonato)(triphenylphosphine) silver(I) [Ag(hfac)(PPh3)], (perfluorooctanoato)bis(triphenylphosphine) silver(I) [Ag(CF3(CF2)6CO2)(PPh3)2], tetrakis(triphenylphosphine) silver(I) tetrafluoroborate [Ag(PPh3)4][BF4] and tetrakis(acetonitrile) silver(I) tetrafluoroborate [Ag(CH3CN)4][BF4]. Of these, [Ag(CH3CN)4][BF4] is found to be the most suitable for electrodeposition of silver from scCO2/CH3CN.

Effect of γ irradiation on the properties of basalt fiber reinforced epoxy resin matrix composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ran; Gu, Yizhuo; Yang, Zhongjia; Li, Min; Wang, Shaokai; Zhang, Zuoguang

2015-11-01

Gamma-ray (γ-ray) irradiation is a crucial reason for the aging in materials used for nuclear industry. Due to high specific strength and stiffness, light weight and good corrosion resistance, fiber reinforced composites are regarded as an alternative of traditional materials used on nuclear facilities. In this study, basalt fiber (BF)/AG80 epoxy composite laminates were fabricated by autoclave process and treated with 60Co gamma irradiation dose up to 2.0 MGy. Irradiation induced polymer chain scission and oxidation of AG80 resin were detected from physical and chemical analysis. The experimental results show that the tensile and flexural performances of irradiated BF/AG80 composite maintain stable and have a low amplitude attenuation respectively, and the interlaminar shear strength has increased from irradiation dose of 0-1.5 MGy. Furthermore, the comparison between the studied BF composite and reported polymer and composite materials was done for evaluating the γ resistance property of BF composite.

Comparison of two bioelectrical impedance analysis devices with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging in the estimation of body composition.

PubMed

Wang, Ji-Guang; Zhang, Yi; Chen, Han-E; Li, Yan; Cheng, Xiao-Guang; Xu, Li; Guo, Zhe; Zhao, Xing-Shan; Sato, Tetsuya; Cao, Qi-Yun; Chen, Ke-Min; Li, Biao

2013-01-01

We compared a 4-limb bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) system, HBF 359 (Omron), and a 2-limb foot-to-foot device, BC 532 (Tanita), with the standard dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods for the measurement of body fat percentage (BF), skeletal muscle mass percentage (SMM, or fat-free mass [FFM] for BC 532), and visceral fat level (VF). Body composition was measured in 200 healthy volunteers (100 men and 100 women, mean age 48 years) by HBF 359 and BC 532 and by DXA and MRI. The agreement was assessed by correlation analysis and paired t-test. The correlation coefficients between BIA and DXA or MRI ranged from 0.71 to 0.89 for BF, SMM, and VF by HBF 359 and from 0.77 to 0.90 for BF, FFM, and VF by BC 532 in all subjects and in men and women separately (p < 0.001 for all). Compared with DXA, HBF 359 significantly (p < 0.001) underestimated BF by -5.8% in men and -9.6% in women. Compared with MRI, the corresponding underestimatons (negative) or overestimations (positive) by HBF 359 in men and women were, respectively, +1.9% (p = 0.02) and +1.7% (p = 0.10) for SMM, and +13.3% (p < 0.001) and -8.5% (p = 0.006), for VF. The corresponding values by BC 532 in men and women were -10.7 and -6.2% for BF, -1.4 and -2.5% for FFM, and +20.4 and -18.0% for VF. The BIA devices are accurate in the estimation of body composition, especially skeletal muscle mass or FFM.

Hamstring injury prevention in soccer: Before or after training?

PubMed

Lovell, R; Knox, M; Weston, M; Siegler, J C; Brennan, S; Marshall, P W M

2018-02-01

We examined the effects of a 12-week program of Nordic hamstring exercises (NHE), administered before or after football training, upon eccentric hamstring strength, muscle activity, and architectural adaptations. Amateur soccer players were randomized into three groups. The control group (CON; n=11) undertook core stability exercises, whereas a periodized NHE program was delivered either before (NHE BEF ; n=10) or after (NHE AFT ; n=14) biweekly training sessions. Outcome measures included peak torque and concomitant normalized peak surface electromyography signals (sEMG) of the biceps femoris (BF) and medial hamstring (MH) muscles during knee flexor maximal eccentric contractions, performed at 30°·s -1 . Ultrasonography was used to determine BF muscle thickness, muscle fiber pennation angle, and fascicle length. Performing the NHE derived likely moderate peak torque increases in both NHE BEF (+11.9%; 90% confidence interval: 3.6%-20.9%) and NHE AFT (+11.6%; 2.6%-21.5%) vs CON. Maximum sEMG increases were moderately greater in the BF of both NHE training groups vs CON. There were likely moderate increases in BF muscle thickness (+0.17 cm; 0.05-0.29 cm) and likely small pennation angle increases (+1.03°; -0.08° to 2.14°) in NHE AFT vs CON and NHE BEF . BF fascicle length increases were likely greater in NHE BEF (+1.58 cm; 0.48-2.68 cm; small effect) vs CON and NHE AFT . A 12-week eccentric hamstring strengthening program increased strength and sEMG to a similar magnitude irrespective of its scheduling relative to the football training session. However, architectural adaptations to support the strength gains differed according to the timing of the injury prevention program. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

[Effect of breastfeeding on obesity of schoolchildren: influence of maternal education].

PubMed

Pudla, Katia Jakovljevic; Gonzaléz-Chica, David Alejandro; de Vasconcelos, Francisco de Assis Guedes

2015-01-01

To evaluate the association between duration of breastfeeding (BF) and obesity in schoolchildren of Florianópolis (SC), and the role of possible effect modifiers. Cross-sectional study with a random sample of 2,826 schoolchildren (7-14 years). Weight and height were measured according to standardized procedures. Data concerning BF and sociodemographic variables were obtained from a questionnaire sent to parents/guardians. Children's nutritional status was evaluated by BMI-for-age z-score for gender (WHO reference curves). Adjusted analyses were performed through logistic regression, considering a possible interaction among variables. Prevalence of obesity was 8.6% (95% CI: 7.6-9.7%) and 55.7% (95% CI: 53.8-57.6%) received breastmilk for ≥6 months. BF was not associated with obesity, even in the adjusted analysis. Stratified analysis according to maternal schooling showed that, in children aged 7-10 years and children whose mothers had 0-8 years of schooling, the chance of obesity was lower among those breastfeed for >1 month, especially among those who received breastmilk for 1-5 months (OR=0.22; 95% CI 0.08-0.62). Among children of women with higher educational level (>8 years), the chance of obesity was 44% lower in those who were breastfed for >12 months (p-value for interaction <0.01). This interaction was not found in older children (11-14 years). Among children of women with lower schooling, BF for any period longer than 1 month is protective against obesity; however, for a higher maternal schooling, BF for less than 12 months increases the odds of obesity. Copyright © 2015 Sociedade de Pediatria de São Paulo. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Early skin-to-skin contact and breast-feeding behavior in term neonates: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Thukral, Anu; Sankar, Mari Jeeva; Agarwal, Ramesh; Gupta, Nandita; Deorari, Ashok K; Paul, Vinod K

2012-01-01

To evaluate if early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) improves breast-feeding (BF) behavior and exclusive BF (EBF) rates in term infants at 48 h of age. Term infants born by normal delivery were randomized at birth to either early SSC (n = 20) or conventional care (controls; n = 21). SSC was continued for at least 2 h after birth. Subsequently, one BF session of the infants was video recorded at about 48 h of life. The primary outcome, infants' BF behavior at 48 h of life, was assessed using the modified infant Breast-Feeding Assessment Tool (BAT; a score consisting of infant's readiness to feed, sucking, rooting and latching, each item scored from 0 to 3) by three independent masked observers. The secondary outcomes were EBF rates at 48 h and 6 weeks of age and salivary cortisol level of infants at 6 h of age. Baseline characteristics including birth weight and gestation were comparable between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the BAT scores between the groups [median: 8, interquartile range (IQR) 5-10 vs. median 9, IQR 5-10; p = 0.6]. EBF rates at 48 h and at 6 weeks were, however, significantly higher in the early-SSC group than in the control group [95.0 vs. 38.1%; relative risk (RR): 2.5, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.4-4.3 and 90 vs. 28.6%; RR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.6-6.3]. Early SSC did not improve BF behavior at discharge but significantly improved the EBF rates of term neonates. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

A mechanical chest compressor closed-loop controller with an effective trade-off between blood flow improvement and ribs fracture reduction.

PubMed

Zhang, Guang; Wu, Taihu; Song, Zhenxing; Wang, Haitao; Lu, Hengzhi; Wang, Yalin; Wang, Dan; Chen, Feng

2015-06-01

Chest compression (CC) is a significant emergency medical procedure for maintaining circulation during cardiac arrest. Although CC produces the necessary blood flow for patients with heart arrest, improperly deep CC will contribute significantly to the risk of chest injury. In this paper, an optimal CC closed-loop controller for a mechanical chest compressor (OCC-MCC) was developed to provide an effective trade-off between the benefit of improved blood perfusion and the risk of ribs fracture. The trade-off performance of the OCC-MCC during real automatic mechanical CCs was evaluated by comparing the OCC-MCC and the traditional mechanical CC method (TMCM) with a human circulation hardware model based on hardware simulations. A benefit factor (BF), risk factor (RF) and benefit versus risk index (BRI) were introduced in this paper for the comprehensive evaluation of risk and benefit. The OCC-MCC was developed using the LabVIEW control platform and the mechanical chest compressor (MCC) controller. PID control is also employed by MCC for effective compression depth regulation. In addition, the physiological parameters model for MCC was built based on a digital signal processor for hardware simulations. A comparison between the OCC-MCC and TMCM was then performed based on the simulation test platform which is composed of the MCC, LabVIEW control platform, physiological parameters model for MCC and the manikin. Compared with the TMCM, the OCC-MCC obtained a better trade-off and a higher BRI in seven out of a total of nine cases. With a higher mean value of cardiac output (1.35 L/min) and partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 (15.7 mmHg), the OCC-MCC obtained a larger blood flow and higher BF than TMCM (5.19 vs. 3.41) in six out of a total of nine cases. Although it is relatively difficult to maintain a stable CC depth when the chest is stiff, the OCC-MCC is still superior to the TMCM for performing safe and effective CC during CPR. The OCC-MCC is superior to the TMCM in performing safe and effective CC during CPR and can be incorporated into the current version of mechanical CC devices for high quality CPR, in both in-hospital and out-of-hospital CPR settings.

Reliability and concurrent validity of Futrex and bioelectrical impedance.

PubMed

Vehrs, P; Morrow, J R; Butte, N

1998-11-01

Thirty Caucasian males (aged 19-32yr) participated in this study designed to investigate the reliability of multiple bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and near-infrared spectroscopy (Futrex, FTX) measurements and the validity of BIA and FTX estimations of hydrostatically (UW) determined percent body fat (%BF). Two BIA and two FTX instruments were used to make 6 measurements each of resistance (R) and optical density (OD) respectively over a 30 min period on two consecutive days. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated that FTX and BIA, using manufacturer's equations, significantly (p<0.01) under predicted UW by 2.4 and 3.8%BF respectively. Standard error of estimate (SEE) and total error (TE) terms provided by regression analysis for FTX (4.6 and 5.31%BF respectively) and BIA (5.65 and 6.95%BF, respectively) were high. Dependent t-tests revealed no significant differences in either FTX or BIA predictions of %BF using two machines. Intraclass reliabilities for BIA and FTX estimates of UW %BF across trials, days, and machines all exceeded 0.97. A significant random error term associated with FTX and a significant subject-by-day interaction associated with BIA was revealed using the generalizability model. Although FTX and BIA estimates of UW %BF were reliable, due to the significant underestimation of UW %BF and high SEE and TE, neither FTX nor BIA were considered valid estimates of hydrostatically determined %BF.

BF-30 effectively inhibits ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria in vitro and in a rat model of vaginosis.

PubMed

Wang, Jing; Li, Bing; Li, Yang; Dou, Jie; Hao, Qingru; Tian, Yuwei; Wang, Hui; Zhou, Changlin

2014-07-01

Bacterial infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to the increasing number of multidrug-resistant strains. Cathelicidin-BF (BF-30) is a cathelicidin-like antimicrobial peptide and exhibits broad antimicrobial activity against bacteria. In the present study, the antibacterial activity of BF-30 against ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was examined, and the protective effects of this peptide against these bacteria in rats with bacterial vaginosis were identified for the first time. The data showed that BF-30 had effective antimicrobial activities against ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli and S. aureus. The minimal inhibitory concentrations for both bacterial strains were 16 μg/ml, and the minimal bactericidal concentrations were 64 and 128 μg/ml, respectively. A time course experiment showed that the CFU counts rapidly decreased after BF-30 treatment, and the bacteria were nearly eliminated within 4 h. BF-30 could reduce the fold change (CFU/ml) in local colonization by drug-resistant E. coli and S. aureus to 0.01 at a dose of 0.8 mg/kg/day in the rats' vaginal secretions. In addition, BF-30 induced membrane permeabilization and bound to the genomic DNA, interrupting protein synthesis. Taken together, our data demonstrate that BF-30 has potential therapeutic value for the prevention and treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form: Evidence for Reliability and Construct Validity in a Sample of Community-Dwelling Italian Adolescents.

PubMed

Fossati, Andrea; Somma, Antonella; Borroni, Serena; Markon, Kristian E; Krueger, Robert F

2017-07-01

To assess the reliability and construct validity of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form (PID-5-BF) among adolescents, 877 Italian high school students were administered the PID-5-BF. Participants were administered also the Measure of Disordered Personality Functioning (MDPF) as a criterion measure. In the full sample, Cronbach's alpha values for the PID-5-BF scales ranged from .59 (Detachment) to .77 (Psychoticism); in addition, all PID-5-BF scales showed mean interitem correlation values in the .22 to .40 range. Cronbach's alpha values for the PID-5-BF total score was .83 (mean interitem r = .16). Although 2-month test-retest reliability could be assessed only in a small ( n = 42) subsample of participants, all PID-5-BF scale scores showed adequate temporal stability, as indexed by intraclass r values ranging from .78 (Negative Affectivity) to .97 (Detachment), all ps <.001. Exploratory structural equation modeling analyses provided at least moderate support for the a priori model of PID-5-BF items. Multiple regression analyses showed that PID-5-BF scales predicted a nonnegligible amount of variance in MDPF Non-Cooperativeness, adjusted R 2 = .17, p < .001, and Non-Coping scales, adjusted R 2 = .32, p < .001. Similarly, the PID-5-BF total score was a significant predictor of both MDPF Non-Coping, and Non-Cooperativeness scales.

Physical Activity and Bone Health in Schoolchildren: The Mediating Role of Fitness and Body Fat

PubMed Central

Torres-Costoso, Ana; Gracia-Marco, Luis; Sánchez-López, Mairena; Notario-Pacheco, Blanca; Arias-Palencia, Natalia; Martínez-Vizcaíno, Vicente

2015-01-01

Background The relationship between physical activity (PA) and bone health is well known, although the role of percent body fat (%BF) and fitness as confounders or mediators in this relationship remains uncertain. Objective To examine whether the association between PA and bone mineral content (BMC) is mediated by %BF and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Methods In this cross sectional study, BMC, total %BF (by DXA), vigorous PA (VPA), CRF, age and height were measured in 132 schoolchildren (62 boys, aged 8–11 years). ANCOVA was used to test differences in BMC by %BF, CRF and VPA, controlling for different sets of confounders. Simple mediation analyses and serial multiple mediation analyses were fitted to examine whether the relationship between PA and BMC is mediated by %BF and fitness. Results Children with high %BF had higher total body BMC than their peers after controlling for all sets of confounders. Children with good CRF or VPA had significantly less total body BMC after controlling for age and sex but in children with good CRF this inverse relation disappeared after adjusting by %BF. %BF and CRF both act as a full mediator in the association between VPA and BMC, after inclusion of the potential confounders in the models. Conclusion Fitness and %BF seem to have a mediator role on the relationship between physical activity and bone mass. PMID:25915941

Hepatoprotective potential of ether insoluble phenolic components of n-butanol fraction (EPC-BF) of flaxseed against CCl(4) -induced liver damage in rats.

PubMed

Kasote, D M; Badhe, Y S; Zanwar, A A; Hegde, M V; Deshmukh, K K

2012-07-01

to investigate the hepatoprotective potential of ether insoluble phenolic components of n-butanol fraction (EPC-BF) of flaxseed against CCl(4) -induced liver damage in rats. Hepatotoxicity was induced to Wistar rats by administration of 0.2% CCl(4) in olive oil (8 mL/kg, i.p.) on the seventh day of treatment. Hepatoprotective potential of EPC-BF at doses, 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o. was assessed through biochemical and histological parameters. EPC-BF and silymarin pretreated animal groups showed significantly decreased activities of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and level of total bilirubin, elevated by CCl(4) intoxication. Hepatic lipid peroxidation elevated by CCl(4) intoxication were also found to be alleviated at almost normal level in the EPC-BF and silymarin pretreated groups. Histological studies supported the biochemical findings and treatment of EPC-BF at doses 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o. was found to be effective in restoring CCl(4) -induced hepatic damage. However, EPC-BF did not show dose-dependent hepatoprotective potential. EPC-BF depicted maximum protection against CCl(4) -induced hepatic damage at lower dose 250 mg/kg than higher dose (500 mg/ kg). EPC-BF possesses the significant hepatoprotective activity against CCl(4) induced liver damage, which could be mediated through increase in antioxidant defenses.

Dentin bonding performance and interface observation of an MMA-based restorative material.

PubMed

Shinagawa, Junichi; Inoue, Go; Nikaido, Toru; Ikeda, Masaomi; Sadr, Alireza; Tagami, Junji

2016-07-30

The purpose of this study was to evaluate bonding performance and dentin interface acid resistance using a 4-META/MMA-TBB based restorative material (BF) compared to a conventional 4-META/MMA-TBB resin cement (SB), and the effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) addition to the materials. Dentin surfaces were treated with 10% citric acid-3% ferric chloride (10-3) or 4-META containing self-etching primer (TP), followed by application of BF or SB polymer powders with or without NaF, to evaluate microtensile bond strength (µTBS) in six experimental groups; 10-3/SB, 10-3/BF, TP/SB, TP/BF, TP/SB/NaF and TP/BF/NaF. SEM observation of the resin-dentin interface was performed after acid-base challenge to evaluate interfacial dentin resistance to acid attack. TP/BF showed highest µTBS, while NaF polymers decreased µTBS. TP/BF showed funnel-shaped erosion at the interface, however, NaF polymers improved acid resistance of interface. In conclusion, BF demonstrated high µTBSs and low acid-resistance at the interface. NaF addition enhanced acid resistance but decreased µTBS.

Splitting turbulence algorithm for mixing parameterization embedded in the ocean climate model. Examples of data assimilation and Prandtl number variations.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moshonkin, Sergey; Gusev, Anatoly; Zalesny, Vladimir; Diansky, Nikolay

2017-04-01

Series of experiments were performed with a three-dimensional, free surface, sigma coordinate eddy-permitting ocean circulation model for Atlantic (from 30°S) - Arctic and Bering sea domain (0.25 degrees resolution, Institute of Numerical Mathematics Ocean Model or INMOM) using vertical grid refinement in the zone of fully developed turbulence (40 sigma-levels). The model variables are horizontal velocity components, potential temperature, and salinity as well as free surface height. For parameterization of viscosity and diffusivity, the original splitting turbulence algorithm (STA) is used when total evolutionary equations for the turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) and turbulence dissipation frequency (TDF) split into the stages of transport-diffusion and generation-dissipation. For the generation-dissipation stage the analytical solution was obtained for TKE and TDF as functions of the buoyancy and velocity shift frequencies (BF and VSF). The proposed model with STA is similar to the contemporary differential turbulence models, concerning the physical formulations. At the same time, its algorithm has high enough computational efficiency. For mixing simulation in the zone of turbulence decay, the two kind numerical experiments were carried out, as with assimilation of annual mean climatic buoyancy frequency, as with variation of Prandtl number function dependence upon the BF, VSF, TKE and TDF. The CORE-II data for 1948-2009 were used for experiments. Quality of temperature T and salinity S structure simulation is estimated by the comparison of model monthly profiles T and S averaged for 1980-2009, with T and S monthly data from the World Ocean Atlas 2013. Form of coefficients in equations for TKE and TDF on the generation-dissipation stage makes it possible to assimilate annual mean climatic buoyancy frequency in a varying degree that cardinally improves adequacy of model results to climatic data in all analyzed model domain. The numerical experiments with modified Prandtl number presents possibility for essential improvement of the TKE attenuation with depth and more realistic water entrainment from pycnocline into the mixed layer. The high sensitivity is revealed of the eddy-permitting circulation stable model solution to the change of the used above mixing parameterizations. This sensitivity is connected with significant changes of density fields in the upper baroclinic ocean layer over the total considered area. For instance, assimilation of annual mean climatic buoyancy frequency in equations for TKE and TDF leads to more realistic circulation in the North Atlantic. Variations of Prandtl number made it possible to simulate intense circulation in Beaufort Gyre owing to steric effect during the whole period under consideration. The research was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (grants №16-05-00534 and 15-05-00557).

Multiprobe Spectroscopic Inverstigation of Molecular-level Behavior within Aqueous 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate

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

Sarkar, Abhra; Ali, Maroof; Baker, Gary A

2009-01-01

In this work, an array of molecular-level solvent featuressincluding solute-solvent/solvent-solvent interactions, dipolarity, heterogeneity, dynamics, probe accessibility, and diffusionswere investigated across the entire composition of ambient mixtures containing the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [bmim][BF4], and pH 7.0 phosphate buffer, based on results assembled for nine different molecular probes utilized in a range of spectroscopic modes. These studies uncovered interesting and unusual solvatochromic probe behavior within this benchmark mixture. Solvatochromic absorbance probessa watersoluble betaine dye (betaine dye 33), N,N-diethyl-4-nitroaniline, and 4-nitroanilineswere employed to determine ET (a blend of dipolarity/polarizability and hydrogen bond donor contributions) and the Kamlet-Taft indices * (dipolarity/polarizability), R (hydrogenmore » bond donor acidity), and (hydrogen bond acceptor basicity) characterizing the [bmim][BF4] + phosphate buffer system. These parameters each showed a marked deviation from ideality, suggesting selective solvation of the individual probe solutes by [bmim][BF4]. Similar conclusions were derived from the responses of the fluorescent polarity-sensitive probes pyrene and pyrene-1-carboxaldehyde. Importantly, the fluorescent microfluidity probe 1,3-bis(1-pyrenyl)propane senses a microviscosity within the mixture that significantly exceeds expectations derived from simple interpolation of the behavior in the neat solvents. On the basis of results from this probe, a correlation between microviscosity and bulk viscosity was established; pronounced solvent-solvent hydrogen-bonding interactions were implicit in this behavior. The greatest deviation from ideal additive behavior for the probes studied herein was consistently observed to occur in the buffer-rich regime. Nitromethane-based fluorescence quenching of pyrene within the [bmim][BF4] + phosphate buffer system showed unusual compliance with a sphere-of-action quenching model, a further manifestation of the microheterogeneity of the system. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopic results for both small (BODIPY FL) and macromolecular (Texas Red-10 kDa dextran conjugate) diffusional probes provide additional evidence in support of microphase segregation inherent to aqueous [bmim][BF4].« less

Methanol fractionations of Catha edulis Frosk (Celastraceae) contracted Lewis rat aorta in vitro: a comparison between crimson and green leaves.

PubMed

Mahmood, Samira Abdulla; Pavlovic, Dragan; Hoffmann, Ulrich

2009-05-07

The study investigated the effect of methanol extract and its fractionations obtained from Yemeni khat on the smooth muscle isometric tension in Lewis rat aortal ring preparations and compared the effects of the crimson and green leaves. Khat leaves were sorted into green (khat Light; KL) and crimson (khat Dark; KD) leaves, extracted with methanol, followed with solvent-solvent extraction (benzene, chloroform and ethylacetate). The contractile activity of the fractions was tested using aortal ring preparations. The control (phenylepherine contraction) methanol extracts contracted aortas at concentrations 250, 125 and 67.5 microg/ml buffer by 80.2%, 57.3%, 26.4% and 81.5%, 65.6%, 24.6% for KL and KD, respectively. Fractions of benzene (BF) and ethylacetate (EaF) contracted the aorta with 2 microgm, whereas, chloroform (ChF) with 1 microgm/1 ml buffer was less potent. The shape of contraction curve produced by EaF differed from that of ChF and BF of both (KL and KD). The EaF induced-contraction peaked after 3.3 +/- 0.94 mins, whereas those of BF and CHF peaked after 18.0 +/- 2.2, 19.7 +/- 0.94 mins, respectively. Pre-incubation with nifedipine (10(-6) M) insignificantly reduced the contraction induced by all fractionations, but prazosin (10(-6) M) reduced the contraction by 81.9%, 63.1%, 71.8% with p = 0.23, 0.09, 0.15 for BF, ChF and EaF of KL, respectively. It significantly reduced contraction of ChF, 64.1%; p = 0.02, and of EaF, 73.5%; p = 0.04 of KD, while the reduction in contraction of BF was 63.1%; p = 0.06. In conclusion, fractions of green and crimson Yemeni khat leaves contracted aortas of Lewis rats. Both leaves behave almost similarly. Contraction induced by chloroform fraction produced alpha-sympathetic activity.

Empirical parameters for solvent acidity, basicity, dipolarity, and polarizability of the ionic liquids [BMIM][BF4] and [BMIM][PF6].

PubMed

del Valle, J C; García Blanco, F; Catalán, J

2015-04-02

The empirical solvent scales for polarizability (SP), dipolarity (SdP), acidity (SA), and basicity (SB) have been successfully used to interpret the solvatochromism of compounds dissolved in organic solvents and their solvent mixtures. Providing that the published solvatochromic parameters for the ionic liquids 1-(1-butyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [BMIM][BF4] and 1-(1-butyl)-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, [BMIM][PF6], are excessively widespread, their SP, SdP, SA, and SB values are measured herein at temperatures from 293 to 353 K. Four key points are emphasized herein: (i) the origin of the solvatochromic solvent scales--the gas phase, that is the absence of any medium perturbation--; (ii) the separation of the polarizability and dipolarity effects; (iii) the simplification of the probing process in order to obtain the solvatochromic parameters; and (iv) the SP, SdP, SA, and SB solvent scales can probe the polarizability, dipolarity, acidity, and basicity of ionic liquids as well as of organic solvents and water-organic solvent mixtures. From the multiparameter approach using the four pure solvent scales one can draw the conclusion that (a) the solvent influence of [BMIM][BF4] parallels that of formamide at 293 K, both of them miscible with water; (b) [BMIM][PF6] shows a set of solvatochromic parameters similar to that of chloroacetonitrile, both of them water insoluble; and (c) that the corresponding solvent acidity and basicity of the ionic liquids can be explained to a great extent from the cation species by comparing the empirical parameters of [BMIM](+) with those of the solvent 1-methylimidazole. The insolubility of [BMIM][PF6] in water as compared to [BMIM][BF4] is tentatively connected to some extent to the larger molar volume of the anion [PF6](-), and to the difference in basicity of [PF6](-) and [BF4](-).

The Influence of Thermoplastic Starch and Banana Fibre Contents on Physical and Thermal Properties of LLDPE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahar, A. W. M.; Abduati Salem, A. E.

2017-06-01

Blending of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), thermoplastic starch (TPS) and banana fiber (BF) have been studied. Two types of systems were prepared; the matrix having different ratio of LLDPE/TPS and, the LLDPE/TPS composites having 5 - 30 wt% BF. Morphological changes using scanning electron microscope (SEM) were observed and its showed that TPS particle are homogenously dispersed in LLDPE matrix. On the other hand BF was found to be well embedded in TPS phase, showing the good interaction between BF and TPS phases. This observation show an agreement with the Young’s modulus value which is increased with the BF contents. The increment in Young’s modulus value was also attributed to the difficulties in LLDPE/TPS chains movement with the presence of BF.

Effects of footwear on three-dimensional tibiotalar and subtalar joint motion during running.

PubMed

Peltz, Cathryn D; Haladik, Jeffrey A; Hoffman, Scott E; McDonald, Michael; Ramo, Nicole L; Divine, George; Nurse, Matthew; Bey, Michael J

2014-08-22

Running is a popular form of recreation, but injuries are common and may be associated with abnormal joint motion. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of three footwear conditions - barefoot (BF), an ultraflexible training shoe (FREE), and a motion control shoe (MC) - on 3D foot and ankle motion. Dynamic, biplane radiographic images were acquired from 12 runners during overground running. 3D rotations of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints were quantified in terms of plantarflexion/dorsiflexion (PF/DF), inversion/eversion (IN/EV) and internal/external rotation (IR/ER). Across the early stance phase (defined as footstrike to heel-off), BF running demonstrated greater tibiotalar joint range of motion for PF/DF (28.2 ± 8.3°) and IR/ER (7.0 ± 1.4°) than the shod conditions (FREE: PF/DF=15.1 ± 5.9°, IR/ER=4.8 ± 2.1°; MC: PF/DF=15.0 ± 6.2°, IR/ER=4.3 ± 0.7°). Also at the tibiotalar joint, BF running resulted in a position significantly more plantarflexed (BF: 2.0 ± 12.5°, FREE: 15.7 ± 12.2°, MC: 16.5 ± 9.3°) and internally rotated (BF: 12.9 ± 4.5°, FREE: 10.7 ± 4.3°, MC: 10.6 ± 3.9°) at footstrike compared to both shod conditions. No differences were detected between the shod conditions at any point in the early stance phase at the tibiotalar joint. The MC condition demonstrated significant differences compared to FREE at several points throughout the early stance phase at the subtalar joint, with the greatest differences seen at 30% in PF/DF (MC -1.4 ± 8.8°: FREE: -0.5 ± 9.0°), IN/EV (MC -8.1 ± 5.7°: FREE -6.3 ± 5.5°) and IR/ER (MC -9.5 ± 5.3°: FREE: -8.7 ± 5.2°). These findings indicate that footwear has subtle effects on joint motion mainly between BF and shod conditions at the tibiotalar joint and between shod conditions at the subtalar joint. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interaural delay sensitivity and the classification of low best-frequency binaural responses in the inferior colliculus of the guinea pig.

PubMed

McAlpine, D; Jiang, D; Palmer, A R

1996-08-01

Monaural and binaural response properties of single units in the inferior colliculus (IC) of the guinea pig were investigated. Neurones were classified according to the effect of monaural stimulation of either ear alone and the effect of binaural stimulation. The majority (309/334) of IC units were excited (E) by stimulation of the contralateral ear, of which 41% (127/309) were also excited by monaural ipsilateral stimulation (EE), and the remainder (182/309) were unresponsive to monaural ipsilateral stimulation (EO). For units with best frequencies (BF) up to 3 kHz, similar proportions of EE and EO units were observed. Above 3 kHz, however, significantly more EO than EE units were observed. Units were also classified as either facilitated (F), suppressed (S), or unaffected (O) by binaural stimulation. More EO than EE units were suppressed or unaffected by binaural stimulation, and more EE than EO units were facilitated. There were more EO/S units above 1.5 kHz than below. Binaural beats were used to examine the interaural delay sensitivity of low-BF (BF < 1.5 kHz) units. The distributions of preferred interaural phases and, by extension, interaural delays, resembled those seen in other species, and those obtained using static interaural delays in the IC of the guinea pig. Units with best phase (BP) angles closer to zero generally showed binaural facilitation, whilst those with larger BPs generally showed binaural suppression. The classification of units based upon binaural stimulation with BF tones was consistent with their interaural-delay sensitivity. Characteristic delays (CD) were examined for 96 low-BF units. A clear relationship between BF and CD was observed. CDs of units with very low BFs (< 200 Hz) were long and positive, becoming progressively shorter as BF increased until, for units with BFs between 400 and 800 Hz, the majority of CDs were negative. Above 800 Hz, both positive and negative CDs were observed. A relationship between CD and characteristic phase (CP) was also observed, with CPs increasing in value as CDs became more negative. These results demonstrate that binaural processing in the guinea pig at low frequencies is similar to that reported in all other species studied. However, the dependence of CD on BF would suggest that the delay line system that sets up the interaural-delay sensitivity in the lower brainstem varies across frequency as well as within each frequency band.

Crystal structure and electrochemical properties of [Ni(bztmpen)(CH3CN)](BF4)2 {bztmpen is N-benzyl-N,N',N'-tris-[(6-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)meth-yl]ethane-1,2-di-amine}.

PubMed

Chen, Lin; Ren, Gan; Guo, Yakun; Sang, Ge

2017-06-01

The mononuclear nickel title complex (acetonitrile-κ N ){ N -benzyl- N , N ', N '-tris-[(6-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)meth-yl]ethane-1,2-di-amine}-nickel(II) bis-(tetra-fluor-ido-borate), [Ni(C 30 H 35 N 5 )(CH 3 CN)](BF 4 ) 2 , was prepared from the reaction of Ni(BF 4 ) 2 ·6H 2 O with N -benzyl- N , N ', N '-tris-[(6-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)meth-yl]ethane-1,2-di-amine ( bztmpen ) in aceto-nitrile at room temperature. With an open site occupied by the aceto-nitrile mol-ecule, the nickel(II) atom is chelated by five N-atom sites from the ligand and one N atom from the ligand, showing an overall octa-hedral coordination environment. Compared with analogues where the 6-methyl substituent is absent, the bond length around the Ni 2+ cation are evidently longer. Upon reductive dissociation of the acetro-nitrile mol-ecule, the title complex has an open site for a catalytic reaction. The title complex has two redox couples at -1.50 and -1.80 V ( versus F c +/0 ) based on nickel. The F atoms of the two BF 4 - counter-anions are split into two groups and the occupancy ratios refined to 0.611 (18):0.389 (18) and 0.71 (2):0.29 (2).

The important role of von Willebrand factor in platelet-derived FVIII gene therapy for murine hemophilia A in the presence of inhibitory antibodies.

PubMed

Shi, Q; Schroeder, J A; Kuether, E L; Montgomery, R R

2015-07-01

Our previous studies have demonstrated that targeting FVIII expression to platelets results in FVIII storage together with von Willebrand factor (VWF) in platelet α-granules and that platelet-derived FVIII (2bF8) corrects the murine hemophilia A phenotype even in the presence of high-titer anti-FVIII inhibitory antibodies (inhibitors). To explore how VWF has an impact on platelet gene therapy for hemophilia A with inhibitors. 2bF8 transgenic mice in the FVIII(-/-) background (2bF8(tg+/-) F8(-/-) ) with varying VWF phenotypes were used in this study. Animals were analyzed by VWF ELISA, FVIII activity assay, Bethesda assay and tail clip survival test. Only 18% of 2bF8(tg+/-) F8(-/-) VWF(-/-) animals, in which VWF was deficient, survived the tail clip challenge with inhibitor titers of 3-8000 BU mL(-1) . In contrast, 82% of 2bF8(tg+/-) F8(-/-) VWF(+/+) mice, which had normal VWF levels, survived tail clipping with inhibitor titers of 10-50,000 BU mL(-1) . All 2bF8(tg+/-) F8(-/-) VWF(-/-) mice without inhibitors survived tail clipping and no VWF(-/-) F8(-/-) mice survived this challenge. Because VWF is synthesized by endothelial cells and megakaryocytes and is distributed in both plasma and platelets in peripheral blood, we further investigated the effect of each compartment of VWF on platelet-FVIII gene therapy for hemophilia A with inhibitors. In the presence of inhibitors, 42% of animals survived tail clipping in the group with plasma-VWF and 50% survived in the platelet-VWF group. VWF is essential for platelet gene therapy for hemophilia A with inhibitors. Both platelet-VWF and plasma-VWF are required for optimal platelet-derived FVIII gene therapy for hemophilia A in the presence of inhibitors. © 2015 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

Speciation of chromium compounds from humic acid-zeolite Y to an ionic liquid during extraction.

PubMed

Huang, Hsin-Liang; Wei, Yu Jhe

2018-03-01

By synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy, chemical structures of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI))/trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) adsorbed on humic acid (HA)-zeolite Y and extracted in an ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C 4 mim][BF 4 ])) have been studied. By combining the competitive adsorption results and reduction of Cr(VI)-HA with the carboxyl groups of HA, Cr(III)-HA (58%) was shown to be the major compound in HA-zeolite Y using synchrotron X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. In an ionic liquid phase, the reduction of Cr(VI)-HA to Cr(III)-HA and the desorption of Cr(III) from HA were caused by [C 4 mim][BF 4 ]. The 9 F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra show that the perturbation of the [C 4 mim][BF 4 ] anion was affected by the extractable chromium species. The formation of a Cr(III) ion affected the increase in the bond distance for the 1st shell CrO of the chromium species in [C 4 mim][BF 4 ] using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The changes in the non-extractable chromium species remaining in HA-zeolite Y were also caused by [C 4 mim][BF 4 ] during extraction. The desorption of the absorbed Cr(III) on HA and zeolite Y was observed to form Cr(III) ions. As the percentage of Cr(III) ions remaining in HA-zeolite Y increased, a slightly greater bond distance for CrO was found at 2.01 Å. The enhanced reduction of Cr(VI)-HA and desorption of Cr(III) adsorbed on the HA and zeolite Y to form Cr(III) ions were affected by [C 4 mim][BF 4 ]. Increased mobility of Cr(III) in the simulated soil can promote the migration of Cr(III) ions into the H 2 O during soil washing for remediation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Change in psychiatric symptomatology after benfotiamine treatment in males is related to lifetime alcoholism severity.

PubMed

Manzardo, Ann M; Pendleton, Tiffany; Poje, Albert; Penick, Elizabeth C; Butler, Merlin G

2015-07-01

Severe alcoholism can be associated with significant nutritional and vitamin deficiency, especially vitamin B1 (thiamine) which is associated with neurological deficits impacting mood and cognition. Alcohol consumption was reduced among female but not male alcoholics after supplementation with the high potency thiamine analog benfotiamine (BF). We examined the relationship between lifetime alcoholism severity, psychiatric symptoms and response to BF among the alcohol dependent men from this cohort. Eighty-five adult men (mean age=48±8 years) meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for a current alcohol use disorder who were abstinent <30days participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 600mg BF vs placebo (PL) for 6 months. Psychometric testing included a derived Lifetime Alcoholism Severity Score (AS), Symptom Checklist 90R (SCL-90R), and the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS) at baseline and at 6 months. Baseline SCL-90-R scale scores for men with high alcoholism severity (AS≥24; N=46 HAS) were significantly greater than for men with low alcoholism severity (AS<24; N=39 LAS), but BIS scores did not differ. MANOVA modeling at follow-up (N=50 completed subjects) identified a significant treatment effect (F=2.5, df=10, p<0.03) and treatment×alcoholism severity level interaction (F=2.5, dfnum=10, dfden=30, p<0.03) indicating reduced SCL-90-R scores among BF treated, HAS males. Above normal plasma thiamine levels at follow-up predicted reduced depression scores in a BF-treated subset (F=3.2, p<0.09, N=26). BF appears to reduce psychiatric distress and may facilitate recovery in severely affected males with a lifetime alcohol use disorder and should be considered for adjuvant therapy in alcohol rehabilitation. #NCT00680121 High Dose Vitamin B1 to Reduce Abusive Alcohol Use. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reliability of muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption response from exercise using near-infrared spectroscopy.

PubMed

Lucero, Adam A; Addae, Gifty; Lawrence, Wayne; Neway, Beemnet; Credeur, Daniel P; Faulkner, James; Rowlands, David; Stoner, Lee

2018-01-01

What is the central question of this study? Continuous-wave near-infrared spectroscopy, coupled with venous and arterial occlusions, offers an economical, non-invasive alternative to measuring skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption, but its reliability during exercise has not been established. What is the main finding and its importance? Continuous-wave near-infrared spectroscopy devices can reliably assess local skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption from the vastus lateralis in healthy, physically active adults. The patterns of response exhibited during exercise of varying intensity agree with other published results using similar methodologies, meriting potential applications in clinical diagnosis and therapeutic assessment. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), coupled with rapid venous and arterial occlusions, can be used for the non-invasive estimation of resting local skeletal muscle blood flow (mBF) and oxygen consumption (mV̇O2), respectively. However, the day-to-day reliability of mBF and mV̇O2 responses to stressors such as incremental dynamic exercise has not been established. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of NIRS-derived mBF and mV̇O2 responses from incremental dynamic exercise. Measurements of mBF and mV̇O2 were collected in the vastus lateralis of 12 healthy, physically active adults [seven men and five women; 25 (SD 6) years old] during three non-consecutive visits within 10 days. After 10 min rest, participants performed 3 min of rhythmic isotonic knee extension (one extension every 4 s) at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), before four venous occlusions and then two arterial occlusions. The mBF and mV̇O2 increased proportionally with intensity [from 0.55 to 7.68 ml min -1  (100 ml) -1 and from 0.05 to 1.86 ml O 2  min -1  (100 g) -1 , respectively] up to 25% MVC, where they began to plateau at 30% MVC. Moreover, an mBF/mV̇O2 muscle oxygen consumption ratio of ∼5 was consistent for all exercise stages. The intraclass correlation coefficient for mBF indicated high to very high reliability for 10-30% MVC (0.82-0.9). There was very high reliability for mV̇O2 across all exercise stages (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.91-0.96). In conclusion, NIRS can reliably assess muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption responses to low- to moderate-intensity exercise, meriting potential applications in clinical diagnosis and therapeutic assessment. © 2017 The Authors. Experimental Physiology © 2017 The Physiological Society.

Modification of cutaneous vasodilator response to heat stress by daytime exogenous melatonin administration.

PubMed

Aoki, Ken; Stephens, Dan P; Zhao, Kun; Kosiba, Wojciech A; Johnson, John M

2006-09-01

In humans, the nocturnal fall in internal temperature is associated with increased endogenous melatonin and with a shift in the thermoregulatory control of skin blood flow (SkBF), suggesting a role for melatonin in the control of SkBF. The purpose of this study was to test whether daytime exogenous melatonin would shift control of SkBF to lower internal temperatures during heat stress, as is seen at night. Healthy male subjects (n = 8) underwent body heating with melatonin administration (Mel) or without (control), in random order at least 1 wk apart. SkBF was monitored at sites pretreated with bretylium to block vasoconstrictor nerve function and at untreated sites. Cutaneous vascular conductance, calculated from SkBF and arterial pressure, sweating rate (SR), and heart rate (HR) were monitored. Skin temperature was elevated to 38 degrees C for 35-50 min. Baseline esophageal temperature (Tes) was lower in Mel than in control (P < 0.01). The Tes threshold for cutaneous vasodilation and the slope of cutaneous vascular conductance with respect to Tes were also lower in Mel at both untreated and bretylium-treated sites (P < 0.05). The Tes threshold for the onset of sweating and the Tes for a standard HR were reduced in Mel. The slope of the relationship of HR, but not SR, to Tes was lower in Mel (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that melatonin affects the thermoregulatory control of SkBF during hyperthermia via the cutaneous active vasodilator system. Because control of SR and HR are also modified, a central action of melatonin is suggested.

Bispentafluorophenyl-Containing Additive: Enhancing Efficiency and Morphological Stability of Polymer Solar Cells via Hand-Grabbing-Like Supramolecular Pentafluorophenyl-Fullerene Interactions.

PubMed

Hung, Kai-En; Tsai, Che-En; Chang, Shao-Ling; Lai, Yu-Ying; Jeng, U-Ser; Cao, Fong-Yi; Hsu, Chain-Shu; Su, Chun-Jen; Cheng, Yen-Ju

2017-12-20

A new class of additive materials bis(pentafluorophenyl) diesters (BFEs) where the two pentafluorophenyl (C 6 F 5 ) moieties are attached at the both ends of a linear aliphatic chain with tunable tether lengths (BF5, BF7, and BF13) were designed and synthesized. In the presence of BF7 to restrict the migration of fullerene by hand-grabbing-like supramolecular interactions induced between the C 6 F 5 groups and the surface of fullerene, the P3HT:PC 61 BM:BF7 device showed stable device characteristics after thermal heating at 150 °C for 25 h. The morphologies of the active layers were systematically investigated by optical microscopy, grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS), and atomic force microscopy. The tether length between the two C 6 F 5 groups plays a pivotal role in controlling the intermolecular attractions. BF13 with a long and flexible tether might form a BF13-fullerene sandwich complex that fails to prevent fullerene's movement and aggregation, while BF5 with too short tether length decreases the possibility of interactions between the C 6 F 5 groups and the fullerenes. BF7 with the optimal tether length has the best ability to stabilize the morphology. In sharp contrast, the nonfluorinated BP7 analogue without C 6 F 5 -C 60 physical interactions does not have the capability of morphological stabilization, unambiguously revealing the necessity of the C 6 F 5 group. Most importantly, the function of BF7 can be also applied to the high-performance PffBT4BT-2OD:PC 71 BM system, which exhibited an original PCE of 8.80%. After thermal heating at 85 °C for 200 h, the efficiency of the PffBT4BT-2OD:PC 71 BM:BF7 device only decreased slightly to 7.73%, maintaining 88% of its original efficiency. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the thermal-driven morphological evolution of the high-performance PffBT4BT-2OD polymer has been investigated, and its morphological stability in the inverted device can be successfully preserved by the incorporation of BF7. This research also demonstrates that BF7 is not only effective with PC 61 BM but also to PC 71 BM.

Texture and acceptability of goat meat frankfurters processed with 3 different sources of fat.

PubMed

Bratcher, C L; Dawkins, N L; Solaiman, S; Kerth, C R; Bartlett, J R

2011-05-01

The objective of this research was to evaluate the texture and consumer acceptability of goat meat frankfurter formulations with no added fat (NAF), beef fat (BF), or canola oil (CO). Consumer sensory evaluation, fat, and moisture and texture profile analyses were performed on goat meat frankfurters produced with the fat sources BF, CO, and NAF. For sensory evaluations, NAF was less tender (P = 0.007; 4.90 vs. 4.11 and 4.35 for BF and CO, respectively) and the flavor was liked less (P = 0.004; 4.59 vs. 3.83 and 4.30 for BF and CO, respectively); BF was scored as the juiciest (P = 0.003; 3.86 vs. 4.49 and 4.58 for CO and NAF, respectively); and CO had the least amount of flavor (P = 0.029; 3.65 vs. 3.12 and 3.10 for BF and NAF, respectively). Moisture was least (P < 0.001) in CO (46.59%), followed by BF (48.57%) and NAF (55.80%). The amount of fat was not different (P = 0.761) in BF (24.36%) or CO (24.43%) but was less (P < 0.001) in NAF (9.06%), as expected. The NAF had the most protein (P < 0.001; 34.14%), followed by CO (27.98%) and BF (26.07%). For texture profile analyses, NAF had the least hardness value (P = 0.008; 3.92 vs. 4.48 and 4.40 for BF and CO, respectively) and least chewiness value (P = 0.026; 2.89 vs. 3.39 and 3.29 for BF and CO, respectively). Beef fat and CO were not different for hardness (P = 0.596) or chewiness (P = 0.530). No differences were observed in springiness (P = 0.954) or resilience (P = 0.561). The sensory panelists tended to prefer BF for overall acceptability. Results from these data revealed that value-added goat meat products received acceptable sensory scores; therefore, continued research and development will greatly expand the knowledge of goat meat and increase the acceptance of value-added products.

Body composition changes in female bodybuilders during preparation for competition.

PubMed

van der Ploeg, G E; Brooks, A G; Withers, R T; Dollman, J; Leaney, F; Chatterton, B E

2001-04-01

To determine anthropometric and body composition changes in female bodybuilders during preparation for competition. There was an attempt to match subjects in the control and experimental groups for height and percentage body fat (%BF) for the initial test of this longitudinal study. Five competitive bodybuilders (-X +/- s.d.: 35.3 +/- 5.7 y; 167.3 +/- 3.7 cm; 66.38 +/- 6.30 kg; 18.3 +/- 3.5 %BF) and five athletic females (-X +/- s.d.: 30.9 +/- 13.0 y; 166.9 +/- 3.9 cm; 55.94 +/- 3.59 kg; 19.1 +/- 3.3 %BF) were recruited from advertisements in a bodybuilding newsletter and placed on sports centre noticeboards. The following measurements were conducted 12 weeks, 6 weeks and 3-5 d before the bodybuilders' competitions: anthropometric profile, body density by underwater weighing, total body water via deuterium dilution and bone mineral mass from a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. A combination of the last three measurements enabled the %BF to the determined by a four compartment model. A significant (P < or = 0.001) 5.80 kg body mass loss by the bodybuilders as they prepared for competition was primarily due to a reduction in fat mass (FM; -4.42 kg; 76.2%) as opposed to fat-free mass (FFM; -1.38 kg; 23.8%). The decreases in body mass and FM over the final 6 weeks were greater than those over the first 6 weeks. Their %BF decreased (P < 0.001) from 18.3 to 12.7, whereas the values for the control group remained essentially unchanged at 19.1-19.6 %BF. These body composition changes by the bodybuilders were accompanied by a significant decline (P < 0.001) of 25.5 mm (76.3-50.8 mm) in the sum of eight skinfold thicknesses (triceps + subscapular + biceps + iliac crest + supraspinale + abdominal + front thigh + medial calf). Although the bodybuilders presented with low %BFs at the start of the experiment, they still significantly decreased their body mass during the 12 week preparation for competition and most of this loss was due to a reduction in FM as opposed to FFM.

A randomized, multinational, noninferiority, phase III trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BF-200 aminolaevulinic acid gel vs. methyl aminolaevulinate cream in the treatment of nonaggressive basal cell carcinoma with photodynamic therapy.

PubMed

Morton, C A; Dominicus, R; Radny, P; Dirschka, T; Hauschild, A; Reinhold, U; Aschoff, R; Ulrich, M; Keohane, S; Ekanayake-Bohlig, S; Ibbotson, S; Ostendorf, R; Berking, C; Gröne, D; Schulze, H J; Ockenfels, H M; Jasnoch, V; Kurzen, H; Sebastian, M; Stege, H; Staubach, P; Gupta, G; Hübinger, F; Ziabreva, I; Schmitz, B; Gertzmann, A; Lübbert, H; Szeimies, R-M

2018-02-12

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represents the most common nonmelanoma skin cancer worldwide, affecting mainly adult, fair-skinned individuals. The World Health Organization distinguishes aggressive and nonaggressive forms, of which prototypical variants of the latter are primary nodular and superficial BCC. To demonstrate noninferiority of BF-200 ALA (a nanoemulsion gel containing 5-aminolaevulinic acid) compared with MAL (a cream containing methyl aminolaevulinate) in the treatment of nonaggressive BCC with photodynamic therapy (PDT). Noninferiority of the primary efficacy variable (overall patient complete response 12 weeks after last PDT) would be declared if the mean response for BF-200 ALA was no worse than that for MAL, within a statistical margin of Δ = -15%. The study was a randomized, phase III trial performed in Germany and the U.K. with ongoing 5-year follow-up. Of 281 randomized patients, 138 were treated with BF-200 ALA and 143 with MAL. Patients received two PDT sessions 1 week apart. Remaining lesions 12 weeks after the second PDT were retreated. Illumination was performed with a red light source (635 nm, 37 J cm -2 ). The results shown include clinical end points and patients' reassessment 12 months after the last PDT. The study was registered with EudraCT (number 2013-003241-42). Of the BF-200 ALA-treated patients, 93·4% were complete responders compared with 91·8% in the MAL group. The difference of means was 1·6, with a one-sided 97·5% confidence interval of -6·5, establishing noninferiority (P < 0·0001). The results for secondary efficacy parameters were in line with the primary outcome. Recurrence rates 12 months after the last treatment were ≤ 10%. Treatment of nonaggressive BCC with BF-200 ALA-PDT is highly effective and well tolerated with proven noninferiority to MAL-PDT. It demonstrates low recurrence rates after 1 year of follow-up. © 2018 The Authors. British Journal of Dermatology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Association of Dermatologists.

The predictive value of quantitative DCE metrics for immediate therapeutic response of high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation (HIFU) of symptomatic uterine fibroids.

PubMed

Wei, Chao; Fang, Xin; Wang, Chuan-Bin; Chen, Yu; Xu, Xiao; Dong, Jiang-Ning

2017-12-04

The aim of this study was to investigate the value of quantitative DCE-MRI parameters for predicting the immediate non-perfused volume ratio (NPVR) of HIFU therapy in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. A total of 78 symptomatic uterine fibroids in 65 female patients were treated with US-HIFU therapy. All patients underwent conventional MRI and DCE-MRI scans 1 day before and 3 days after HIFU treatment. Permeability parameters K trans , K ep , V e , and V p and T1 perfusion parameters BF and BV of pretreatment were measured as a baseline, while NPVR was used to assess immediate ablation efficiency. Data were assigned to NPVR ≧ 70% and NPVR < 70% groups. Then, the predictive performances of different parameters for ablation efficacy were studied to seek the optimal cut-off value, and the length of time to calculate the variable parameters in each case was recorded. (1) It was observed that the pretreatment K trans , K ep , V e , and BF values of the NPVR ≧ 70% group were significantly lower compared to the NPVR < 70% group (p < 0.05). (2) The immediate NPVR was negatively correlated with the K trans , BF, and BV values before HIFU treatment (r = - 0.561, - 0.712, and - 0.528, respectively, p < 0.05 for all). (3) The AUCs of pretreatment K trans , BF, BV values, and K trans combined with BF used to predict the immediate NPVR were 0.810, 0.909, 0.795, and 0.922, respectively (p < 0.05 for all). (4) The mean time to calculate the variable parameters in each case was 7.5 min. Higher K trans , BF, and BV values at baseline DCE-MRI suggested a poor ablation efficacy of HIFU therapy for symptomatic uterine fibroids, while the pretreatment DCE-MRI parameters could be useful biomarkers for predicting the ablation efficacy in select cases. The software used to calculate DCE-MRI parameters was simpler, quicker, and easier to incorporate into clinical practice.

Effect of body composition, aerobic performance and physical activity on exercise-induced oxidative stress in healthy subjects.

PubMed

Więcek, Magdalena; Maciejczyk, Marcin; Szymura, Jadwiga; Wiecha, Szczepan; Kantorowicz, Malgorzata; Szygula, Zbigniew

2017-01-01

Oxidative stress could be the result of an increase in ATP resynthesis during exercise. The aim of the study was to compare prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) disturbances induced by exercise at maximal intensity in young men with differing body compositions. Thirty-nine subjects were selected from 1549 volunteers aged 18-30, based on lean body mass (LBM) and body fat percentage (%BF), and then assigned into one of the following groups: control group (CON), including subjects with average LBM (59.0-64.3 kg) and average %BF (14.0-18.5%); high body fat (HBF) group, including subjects with high %BF (>21.5%) and average LBM; and high lean body mass (HLBM) group, including subjects with high LBM (>66.3 kg) and average %BF. Participants' physical activity was determined. A running test with a gradually increased load was used. Before and 3 minutes after exercise, total oxidative status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined in the plasma, and the Oxidative Stress Index (OSI = TOS/TAC) was calculated. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was comparable in the HBF and HLBM groups (53.12±1.51 mL/kg and 50.25±1.27 mL/kg, respectively) and significantly lower compared to the CON group (58.23±1.62 mL/kg). The CON, HBF and HLBM groups showed similar significant (P<0.05) increases in TOS levels (36%, 35% and 31%, respectively). Post-exercise TAC increased by 8% in the HBF and HLBM groups (P<0.05), compared to the 3% increase in the CON group (P>0.05). There was significant negative correlation between OSI, measured before and after exercise, and participants' physical activity. There was no correlation between OSI and VO2max, BM, LBM, %BF and BMI. Exercise at maximal intensity causes a similar increase in TOS and in TAC in subjects with increased %BF and elevated content of LBM and regardless of body composition, the ratios of TOS/TAC concentrations before and after maximal-intensity exercise, have lower values in people with higher physical activity levels and are not dependent on aerobic performance (VO2max).

Heat stress redistributes blood flow in arteries of the brain during dynamic exercise.

PubMed

Sato, Kohei; Oue, Anna; Yoneya, Marina; Sadamoto, Tomoko; Ogoh, Shigehiko

2016-04-01

We hypothesized that heat stress would decrease anterior and posterior cerebral blood flow (CBF) during exercise, and the reduction in anterior CBF would be partly associated with large increase in extracranial blood flow (BF). Nine subjects performed 40 min of semirecumbent cycling at 60% of the peak oxygen uptake in hot (35°C; Heat) and thermoneutral environments (25°C; Control). We evaluated BF and conductance (COND) in the external carotid artery (ECA), internal carotid artery (ICA), and vertebral artery (VA) using ultrasonography. During the Heat condition, ICA and VA BF were significantly increased 10 min after the start of exercise (P < 0.05) and thereafter gradually decreased. ICA COND was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), whereas VA COND remained unchanged throughout Heat. Compared with the Control, either BF or COND of ICA and VA at the end of Heat tended to be lower, but not significantly. In contrast, ECA BF and COND at the end of Heat were both higher than levels in the Control condition (P < 0.01). During Heat, a reduction in ICA BF appears to be associated with a decline in end-tidal CO2 tension (r = 0.84), whereas VA BF appears to be affected by a change in cardiac output (r = 0.87). In addition, a change in ECA BF during Heat was negatively correlated with a change in ICA BF (r = -0.75). Heat stress resulted in modification of the vascular response of head and brain arteries to exercise, which resulted in an alteration in the distribution of cardiac output. Moreover, a hyperthermia-induced increase in extracranial BF might compromise anterior CBF during exercise with heat stress. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Structure-mechanical property correlations in mechanochromic luminescent crystals of boron difluoride dibenzoylmethane derivatives.

PubMed

Krishna, Gamidi Rama; Devarapalli, Ramesh; Prusty, Rajesh; Liu, Tiandong; Fraser, Cassandra L; Ramamurty, Upadrasta; Reddy, Chilla Malla

2015-11-01

The structure and mechanical properties of crystalline materials of three boron difluoride dibenzoylmethane (BF2dbm) derivatives were investigated to examine the correlation, if any, among mechanochromic luminescence (ML) behaviour, solid-state structure, and the mechanical behaviour of single crystals. Qualitative mechanical deformation tests show that the crystals of BF2dbm( (t) Bu)2 can be bent permanently, whereas those of BF2dbm(OMe)2 exhibit an inhomogeneous shearing mode of deformation, and finally BF2dbmOMe crystals are brittle. Quantitative mechanical analysis by nano-indentation on the major facets of the crystals shows that BF2dbm( (t) Bu)2 is soft and compliant with low values of elastic modulus, E, and hardness, H, confirming its superior suceptibility for plastic deformation, which is attributed to the presence of a multitude of slip systems in the crystal structure. In contrast, both BF2dbm(OMe)2 and BF2dbmOMe are considerably stiffer and harder with comparable E and H, which are rationalized through analysis of the structural attributes such as the intermolecular interactions, slip systems and their relative orientation with respect to the indentation direction. As expected from the qualitative mechanical behaviour, prominent ML was observed in BF2dbm( (t) Bu)2, whereas BF2dbm(OMe)2 exhibits only a moderate ML and BF2dbmOMe shows no detectable ML, all examined under identical conditions. These results confirm that the extent of ML in crystalline organic solid-state fluorophore materials can be correlated positively with the extent of plasticity (low recovery). In turn, they offer opportunities to design new and improved efficient ML materials using crystal engineering principles.

Long-term (6 and 12 months) follow-up of two prospective, randomized, controlled phase III trials of photodynamic therapy with BF-200 ALA and methyl aminolaevulinate for the treatment of actinic keratosis

PubMed Central

Dirschka, T; Radny, P; Dominicus, R; Mensing, H; Brüning, H; Jenne, L; Karl, L; Sebastian, M; Oster-Schmidt, C; Klövekorn, W; Reinhold, U; Tanner, M; Gröne, D; Deichmann, M; Simon, M; Hübinger, F; Hofbauer, G; Krähn-Senftleben, G; Borrosch, F; Reich, K; Berking, C; Wolf, P; Lehmann, P; Moers-Carpi, M; Hönigsmann, H; Wernicke-Panten, K; Hahn, S; Pabst, G; Voss, D; Foguet, M; Schmitz, B; Lübbert, H; Szeimies, R-M

2013-01-01

Background Two phase III trials of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with BF-200 ALA, a recently approved nanoemulsion formulation of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) demonstrated high clearance rates in mild-to-moderate actinic keratosis (AK). The comparison to a registered methyl aminolaevulinate (MAL) cream demonstrated significantly superior total patient clearance rates. Objectives To evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of PDT for AK 6 and 12 months after the last PDT with BF-200 ALA, MAL or placebo. Methods The follow-up phase (FUP) was performed with patients of two phase III studies. Both studies compared BF-200 ALA with placebo, one of the studies additionally with MAL. Overall recurrence rates and various subgroups (light source, lesion severity, lesion location, complete responders after first PDT) were assessed 6 and 12 months after the last PDT. Results Recurrence rates were similar for BF-200 ALA and MAL, with a tendency to lower recurrence rates for BF-200 ALA. The proportion of patients who were fully cleared during PDT and remained completely clear for at least 12 months after PDT were 47% for BF-200 ALA (both studies) and 36% for MAL treatment. The subgroup that was illuminated with narrow wavelength LED lamps reached 69% and 53% for BF-200 ALA (both studies, respectively) and 41% for MAL. No safety concerns were reported. Conclusions The FUP data confirmed the high efficacy and safety of PDT with BF-200 ALA. The slightly lower recurrence rates after BF-200 ALA treatment compared with MAL treatment enhanced the better treatment outcome due to the significantly superior efficacy. PMID:23252768

Long-term (6 and 12 months) follow-up of two prospective, randomized, controlled phase III trials of photodynamic therapy with BF-200 ALA and methyl aminolaevulinate for the treatment of actinic keratosis.

PubMed

Dirschka, T; Radny, P; Dominicus, R; Mensing, H; Brüning, H; Jenne, L; Karl, L; Sebastian, M; Oster-Schmidt, C; Klövekorn, W; Reinhold, U; Tanner, M; Gröne, D; Deichmann, M; Simon, M; Hübinger, F; Hofbauer, G; Krähn-Senftleben, G; Borrosch, F; Reich, K; Berking, C; Wolf, P; Lehmann, P; Moers-Carpi, M; Hönigsmann, H; Wernicke-Panten, K; Hahn, S; Pabst, G; Voss, D; Foguet, M; Schmitz, B; Lübbert, H; Szeimies, R-M

2013-04-01

Two phase III trials of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with BF-200 ALA, a recently approved nanoemulsion formulation of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) demonstrated high clearance rates in mild-to-moderate actinic keratosis (AK). The comparison to a registered methyl aminolaevulinate (MAL) cream demonstrated significantly superior total patient clearance rates. To evaluate long-term efficacy and safety of PDT for AK 6 and 12 months after the last PDT with BF-200 ALA, MAL or placebo. The follow-up phase (FUP) was performed with patients of two phase III studies. Both studies compared BF-200 ALA with placebo, one of the studies additionally with MAL. Overall recurrence rates and various subgroups (light source, lesion severity, lesion location, complete responders after first PDT) were assessed 6 and 12 months after the last PDT. Recurrence rates were similar for BF-200 ALA and MAL, with a tendency to lower recurrence rates for BF-200 ALA. The proportion of patients who were fully cleared during PDT and remained completely clear for at least 12 months after PDT were 47% for BF-200 ALA (both studies) and 36% for MAL treatment. The subgroup that was illuminated with narrow wavelength LED lamps reached 69% and 53% for BF-200 ALA (both studies, respectively) and 41% for MAL. No safety concerns were reported. The FUP data confirmed the high efficacy and safety of PDT with BF-200 ALA. The slightly lower recurrence rates after BF-200 ALA treatment compared with MAL treatment enhanced the better treatment outcome due to the significantly superior efficacy. © 2012 Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH BJD © 2012 British Association of Dermatologists.

Volumetric Properties of the Ionic Liquid, 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate, in Organic Solvents at T = 298.15K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shekaari, Hemayat; Zafarani-Moattar, Mohammed Taghi

2008-04-01

Apparent molar volumes, V_φ , and compressibilities, kappa _φ , of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIm][BF4]) have been determined from precise density and speed-of-sound measurements in organic solvents, methanol (MeOH), acetonitrile (MeCN), tetrahydrofuran (THF), N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in the dilute region of the ionic liquid. Corresponding values at infinite dilution are estimated by the Redlich-Mayer and Pitzer equations. The results have been interpreted by the interaction of the [BMIm][BF4] in the organic solvents. Results show that the structure and dielectric constant of the organic solvents play an important role for the ion-solvent interactions in these mixtures. It was found that the strength of interaction between [BMIm][BF4] with the studied organic solvents has the order DMSO > DMA > MeOH > MeCN > THF.

Multiline 3D beamforming using micro-beamformed datasets for pediatric transesophageal echocardiography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bera, D.; Raghunathan, S. B.; Chen, C.; Chen, Z.; Pertijs, M. A. P.; Verweij, M. D.; Daeichin, V.; Vos, H. J.; van der Steen, A. F. W.; de Jong, N.; Bosch, J. G.

2018-04-01

Until now, no matrix transducer has been realized for 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in pediatric patients. In 3D TEE with a matrix transducer, the biggest challenges are to connect a large number of elements to a standard ultrasound system, and to achieve a high volume rate (>200 Hz). To address these issues, we have recently developed a prototype miniaturized matrix transducer for pediatric patients with micro-beamforming and a small central transmitter. In this paper we propose two multiline parallel 3D beamforming techniques (µBF25 and µBF169) using the micro-beamformed datasets from 25 and 169 transmit events to achieve volume rates of 300 Hz and 44 Hz, respectively. Both the realizations use angle-weighted combination of the neighboring overlapping sub-volumes to avoid artifacts due to sharp intensity changes introduced by parallel beamforming. In simulation, the image quality in terms of the width of the point spread function (PSF), lateral shift invariance and mean clutter level for volumes produced by µBF25 and µBF169 are similar to the idealized beamforming using a conventional single-line acquisition with a fully-sampled matrix transducer (FS4k, 4225 transmit events). For completeness, we also investigated a 9 transmit-scheme (3  ×  3) that allows even higher frame rates but found worse B-mode image quality with our probe. The simulations were experimentally verified by acquiring the µBF datasets from the prototype using a Verasonics V1 research ultrasound system. For both µBF169 and µBF25, the experimental PSFs were similar to the simulated PSFs, but in the experimental PSFs, the clutter level was ~10 dB higher. Results indicate that the proposed multiline 3D beamforming techniques with the prototype matrix transducer are promising candidates for real-time pediatric 3D TEE.

Dual-energy CT iodine maps as an alternative quantitative imaging biomarker to abdominal CT perfusion: determination of appropriate trigger delays for acquisition using bolus tracking.

PubMed

Skornitzke, Stephan; Fritz, Franziska; Mayer, Philipp; Koell, Marco; Hansen, Jens; Pahn, Gregor; Hackert, Thilo; Kauczor, Hans-Ulrich; Stiller, Wolfram

2018-05-01

Quantitative evaluation of different bolus tracking trigger delays for acquisition of dual energy (DE) CT iodine maps as an alternative to CT perfusion. Prior to this retrospective analysis of prospectively acquired data, DECT perfusion sequences were dynamically acquired in 22 patients with pancreatic carcinoma using dual source CT at 80/140 kV p with tin filtration. After deformable motion-correction, perfusion maps of blood flow (BF) were calculated from 80 kV p image series of DECT, and iodine maps were calculated for each of the 34 DECT acquisitions per patient. BF and iodine concentrations were measured in healthy pancreatic tissue and carcinoma. To evaluate potential DECT acquisition triggered by bolus tracking, measured iodine concentrations from the 34 DECT acquisitions per patient corresponding to different trigger delays were assessed for correlation to BF and intergroup differences between tissue types depending on acquisition time. Average BF measured in healthy pancreatic tissue and carcinoma was 87.6 ± 28.4 and 38.6 ± 22.2 ml/100 ml min -1 , respectively. Correlation between iodine concentrations and BF was statistically significant for bolus tracking with trigger delay greater than 0 s (r max = 0.89; p < 0.05). Differences in iodine concentrations between healthy pancreatic tissue and carcinoma were statistically significant for DECT acquisitions corresponding to trigger delays of 15-21 s (p < 0.05). An acquisition window between 15 and 21 s after exceeding bolus tracking threshold shows promising results for acquisition of DECT iodine maps as an alternative to CT perfusion measurements of BF. Advances in knowledge: After clinical validation, DECT iodine maps of pancreas acquired using bolus tracking with appropriate trigger delay as determined in this study could offer an alternative quantitative imaging biomarker providing functional information for tumor assessment at reduced patient radiation exposure compared to CT perfusion measurements of BF.

Genome analysis of food-processing stressful-resistant probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BF052, and its potential application in fermented soymilk.

PubMed

Charnchai, Pattra; Jantama, Sirima Suvarnakuta; Jantama, Kaemwich

2017-09-15

In this study, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BF052 was demonstrated the growth capability in soymilk and could be thus supplemented as a probiotic starter that employed soymilk as one of its food vehicles. The complete genome sequence of BF052 was therefore determined to understand the genetic basis of BF052 as a technological and functional probiotic starter. The whole genome sequence of BF052 consists of a circular genome of 1938 624 bp with a G+C content of 60.50%. This research highlights relevant genes involving in its adaptive responses to industrial and/or environmental stresses and utilization of α-galacto-oligosaccharides in BF052 strain compared with other representative bifidobacterial genomes. © FEMS 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Nicotine administration in the wake-promoting basal forebrain attenuates sleep-promoting effects of alcohol.

PubMed

Sharma, Rishi; Lodhi, Shafi; Sahota, Pradeep; Thakkar, Mahesh M

2015-10-01

Nicotine and alcohol co-abuse is highly prevalent, although the underlying causes are unclear. It has been suggested that nicotine enhances pleasurable effects of alcohol while reducing aversive effects. Recently, we reported that nicotine acts via the basal forebrain (BF) to activate nucleus accumbens and increase alcohol consumption. Does nicotine suppress alcohol-induced aversive effects via the BF? We hypothesized that nicotine may act via the BF to suppress sleep-promoting effects of alcohol. To test this hypothesis, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with sleep-recording electrodes and bilateral guides targeted toward the BF. Nicotine (75 pmol/500 nL/side) or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF; 500 nL/side) was microinjected into the BF followed by intragastric alcohol (ACSF + EtOH and NiC + EtOH groups; 3 g/kg) or water (NiC + W and ACSF + W groups; 10 mL/kg) administration. On completion, rats were killed and processed to localize injection sites in the BF. The statistical analysis revealed a significant effect of treatment on sleep-wakefulness. While rats exposed to alcohol (ACSF + EtOH) displayed strong sleep promotion, nicotine pre-treatment in the BF (NiC + EtOH) attenuated alcohol-induced sleep and normalized sleep-wakefulness. These results suggest that nicotine acts via the BF to suppress the aversive, sleep-promoting effects of alcohol, further supporting the role of BF in alcohol-nicotine co-use. © 2015 International Society for Neurochemistry.

Inverted BMI rather than BMI is a better proxy for percentage of body fat.

PubMed

Nevill, Alan M; Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou, Antonios; Metsios, Giorgos S; Koutedakis, Yiannis; Holder, Roger L; Kitas, George D; Mohammed, Mohammed A

2011-11-01

Percentage of body fat (BF%) is a known risk factor for a range of healthcare problems but is difficult to measure. An easy to measure proxy is the weight/height(2) ratio known as the Body Mass Index (BMI kg/m(2)). However, BMI does have some inherent weaknesses which are readily overcome by its inverse iBMI (1000/BMI, cm(2)/kg). The association between BF% and both BMI and iBMI together with their distributional properties was explored using previously published data from healthy (n = 2993) and diseased populations (n = 298). BMI is skewed whereas iBMI is symmetrical and so is better approximated by the normal distribution. The relationship between BF% and BMI is curved, but that of iBMI and BF% is linear and thus iBMI explains more of the variation in BF% than BMI. For example a unit increase in BMI for a group of thin women represents an increase of 2.3% in BF, but for obese women this represents only a 0.3% increase in BF-a 7-fold difference. The curvature stems from body mass being the numerator in BMI but the denominator in BF% resulting in a form of hyperbolic curve which is not the case with iBMI. Furthermore, BMI and iBMI have different relationships (interaction) with BF% for men and women, but these differences are less marked with iBMI. Overall, these characteristics of iBMI favour its use over BMI, especially in statistical models.

Hepatoprotective potential of ether insoluble phenolic components of n-butanol fraction (EPC-BF) of flaxseed against CCl4 -induced liver damage in rats

PubMed Central

Kasote, D. M.; Badhe, Y. S.; Zanwar, A. A.; Hegde, M. V.; Deshmukh, K. K.

2012-01-01

Objective: to investigate the hepatoprotective potential of ether insoluble phenolic components of n-butanol fraction (EPC-BF) of flaxseed against CCl4 -induced liver damage in rats. Materials and Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced to Wistar rats by administration of 0.2% CCl4 in olive oil (8 mL/kg, i.p.) on the seventh day of treatment. Hepatoprotective potential of EPC-BF at doses, 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o. was assessed through biochemical and histological parameters. Results: EPC-BF and silymarin pretreated animal groups showed significantly decreased activities of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and level of total bilirubin, elevated by CCl4 intoxication. Hepatic lipid peroxidation elevated by CCl4 intoxication were also found to be alleviated at almost normal level in the EPC-BF and silymarin pretreated groups. Histological studies supported the biochemical findings and treatment of EPC-BF at doses 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o. was found to be effective in restoring CCl4 -induced hepatic damage. However, EPC-BF did not show dose-dependent hepatoprotective potential. EPC-BF depicted maximum protection against CCl4 -induced hepatic damage at lower dose 250 mg/kg than higher dose (500 mg/ kg). Conclusion: EPC-BF possesses the significant hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced liver damage, which could be mediated through increase in antioxidant defenses. PMID:22923966

The effect of a haptic biofeedback system on postural control in patients with stroke: An experimental pilot study.

PubMed

Yasuda, Kazuhiro; Kaibuki, Naomi; Harashima, Hiroaki; Iwata, Hiroyasu

2017-06-01

Impaired balance in patients with hemiparesis caused by stroke is frequently related to deficits in the central integration of afferent inputs, and traditional rehabilitation reinforces excessive visual reliance by focusing on visual compensation. The present study investigated whether a balance task involving a haptic biofeedback (BF) system, which provided supplementary vibrotactile sensory cues associated with center-of-foot-pressure displacement, improved postural control in patients with stroke. Seventeen stroke patients were assigned to two groups: the Vibrotactile BF and Control groups. During the balance task (i.e., standing on a foam mat), participants in the Vibrotactile BF group tried to stabilize their postural sway while wearing the BF system around the pelvic girdle. In the Control group, participants performed an identical postural task without the BF system. Pre- and post-test measurements of postural control using a force plate revealed that the stability of bipedal posture in the Vibrotactile BF group was markedly improved compared with that in the Control group. A balance task involving a vibrotactile BF system improved postural stability in patients with stroke immediately. This confirms the potential of a haptic-based BF system for balance training, both in routine clinical practice and in everyday life.

Ideal gas solubilities and solubility selectivities in a binary mixture of room-temperature ionic liquids.

PubMed

Finotello, Alexia; Bara, Jason E; Narayan, Suguna; Camper, Dean; Noble, Richard D

2008-02-28

This study focuses on the solubility behaviors of CO2, CH4, and N2 gases in binary mixtures of imidazolium-based room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C2mim][Tf2N]) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C2mim][BF4]) at 40 degrees C and low pressures (approximately 1 atm). The mixtures tested were 0, 25, 50, 75, 90, 95, and 100 mol % [C2mim][BF4] in [C2mim][Tf2N]. Results show that regular solution theory (RST) can be used to describe the gas solubility and selectivity behaviors in RTIL mixtures using an average mixture solubility parameter or an average measured mixture molar volume. Interestingly, the solubility selectivity, defined as the ratio of gas mole fractions in the RTIL mixture, of CO2 with N2 or CH4 in pure [C2mim][BF4] can be enhanced by adding 5 mol % [C2mim][Tf2N].

1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate Film as a Highly Selective Sensing Material for Non-Invasive Detection of Acetone Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance

PubMed Central

Tao, Wenyan; Lin, Peng; Liu, Sili; Xie, Qingji; Ke, Shanming; Zeng, Xierong

2017-01-01

Breath acetone serves as a biomarker for diabetes. This article reports 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF4]), a type of room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), as a selective sensing material for acetone. The RTIL sensing layer was coated on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) for detection. The sensing mechanism is based on a decrease in viscosity and density of the [bmim][BF4] film due to the solubilization of acetone leading to a positive frequency shift in the QCM. Acetone was detected with a linear range from 7.05 to 750 ppmv. Sensitivity and limit of detection were found to be 3.49 Hz/ppmv and 5.0 ppmv, respectively. The [bmim][BF4]-modified QCM sensor demonstrated anti-interference ability to commonly found volatile organic compounds in breath, e.g., isoprene, 1,2-pentadiene, d-limonene, and dl-limonene. This technology is useful for applications in non-invasive early diabetic diagnosis. PMID:28117697

Enantiomeric separation of type I and type II pyrethroid insecticides with different chiral stationary phases by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Zhang, Ping; Yu, Qian; He, Xiulong; Qian, Kun; Xiao, Wei; Xu, Zhifeng; Li, Tian; He, Lin

2018-04-01

The enantiomeric separation of type I (bifenthrin, BF) and type II (lambda-cyhalothrin, LCT) pyrethroid insecticides on Lux Cellulose-1, Lux Cellulose-3, and Chiralpak IC chiral columns was investigated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Methanol/water or acetonitrile/water was used as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The effects of chiral stationary phase, mobile phase composition, column temperature, and thermodynamic parameters on enantiomer separation were carefully studied. Bifenthrin got a partial separation on Lux Cellulose-1 column and baseline separation on Lux Cellulose-3 column, while LCT enantiomers could be completely separated on both Lux Cellulose-1 and Lux Cellulose-3 columns. Chiralpak IC provided no separation ability for both BF and LCT. Retention factor (k) and selectivity factor (α) decreased with the column temperature increasing from 10°C to 40°C for both BF and LCT enantiomers. Thermodynamic parameters including ∆H and ∆S were also calculated, and the maximum R s were not always obtained at lowest temperature. Furthermore, the quantitative analysis methods for BF and LCT enantiomers in soil and water were also established. Such results provide a new approach for pyrethroid separation under reversed-phase condition and contribute to environmental risk assessment of pyrethroids at enantiomer level. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Osteocalcin carboxylation is not associated with body weight or percent fat changes during weight loss in post-menopausal women.

PubMed

Centi, Amanda J; Booth, Sarah L; Gundberg, Caren M; Saltzman, Edward; Nicklas, Barbara; Shea, M Kyla

2015-12-01

Osteocalcin (OC) is a vitamin K-dependent bone protein used as a marker of bone formation. Mouse models have demonstrated a role for the uncarboxylated form of OC (ucOC) in energy metabolism, including energy expenditure and adiposity, but human data are equivocal. The purpose of this study was to determine the associations between changes in measures of OC and changes in body weight and percent body fat in obese, but otherwise healthy post-menopausal women undergoing a 20-week weight loss program. All participants received supplemental vitamins K and D and calcium. Body weight and body fat percentage (%BF) were assessed before and after the intervention. Serum OC [(total (tOC), ucOC, percent uncarboxylated (%ucOC)], and procollagen type 1N-terminal propeptide (P1NP; a measure of bone formation) were measured. Women lost an average of 10.9 ± 3.9 kg and 4 %BF. Serum concentrations of tOC, ucOC, %ucOC, and P1NP did not significantly change over the twenty-week intervention, nor were these measures associated with changes in weight (all p > 0.27) or %BF (all p > 0.54). Our data do not support an association between any serum measure of OC and weight or %BF loss in post-menopausal women supplemented with nutrients implicated in bone health.

Station blackout transient at the Browns Ferry Unit 1 Plant: a severe accident sequence analysis (SASA) program study

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

Schultz, R.R.

1982-01-01

Operating plant transients are of great interest for many reasons, not the least of which is the potential for a mild transient to degenerate to a severe transient yielding core damage. Using the Browns Ferry (BF) Unit-1 plant as a basis of study, the station blackout sequence was investigated by the Severe Accident Sequence Analysis (SASA) Program in support of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Unresolved Safety Issue A-44: Station Blackout. A station blackout transient occurs when the plant's AC power from a comemrcial power grid is lost and cannot be restored by the diesel generators. Under normal operating conditions, fmore » a loss of offsite power (LOSP) occurs (i.e., a complete severance of the BF plants from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) power grid), the eight diesel generators at the three BF units would quickly start and power the emergency AC buses. Of the eight diesel generators, only six are needed to safely shut down all three units. Examination of BF-specific data show that LOSP frequency is low at Unit 1. The station blackout frequency is even lower (5.7 x 10/sup -4/ events per year) and hinges on whether the diesel generators start. The frequency of diesel generator failure is dictated in large measure by the emergency equipment cooling water (EECW) system that cools the diesel generators.« less

Synthesis and photophysical properties of halogenated derivatives of (dibenzoylmethanato)boron difluoride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kononevich, Yuriy N.; Surin, Nikolay M.; Sazhnikov, Viacheslav A.; Svidchenko, Evgeniya A.; Aristarkhov, Vladimir M.; Safonov, Andrei A.; Bagaturyants, Alexander A.; Alfimov, Mikhail V.; Muzafarov, Aziz M.

2017-03-01

A series of (dibenzoylmethanato)boron difluoride (BF2DBM) derivatives with a halogen atom in one of the phenyl rings at the para-position were synthesized and used to elucidate the effects of changing the attached halogen atom on the photophysical properties of BF2DBM. The room-temperature absorption and fluorescence maxima of fluoro-, chloro-, bromo- and iodo-substituted derivatives of BF2DBM in THF are red-shifted by about 2-10 nm relative to the corresponding peaks of the parent BF2DBM. The fluorescence quantum yields of the halogenated BF2DBMs (except the iodinated derivative) are larger than that of the unsubstituted BF2DBM. All the synthesized compounds are able to form fluorescent exciplexes with benzene and toluene (emission maxima at λem = 433 and 445 nm, respectively). The conformational structure and electronic spectral properties of halogenated BF2DBMs have been modeled by DFT/TDDFT calculations at the PBE0/SVP level of theory. The structure and fluorescence spectra of exciplexes were calculated using the CIS method with empirical dispersion correction.

Childhood cognitive ability and body composition in adulthood.

PubMed

Kumpulainen, S M; Heinonen, K; Salonen, M K; Andersson, S; Wolke, D; Kajantie, E; Eriksson, J G; Raikkonen, K

2016-08-15

Childhood cognitive ability has been identified as a novel risk factor for adulthood overweight and obesity as assessed by adult body mass index (BMI). BMI does not, however, distinguish fat-free and metabolically harmful fat tissue. Hence, we examined the associations between childhood cognitive abilities and body fat percentage (BF%) in young adulthood. Participants of the Arvo Ylppö Longitudinal Study (n=816) underwent tests of general reasoning, visuomotor integration, verbal competence and language comprehension (M=100; s.d.=15) at the age of 56 months. At the age of 25 years, they underwent a clinical examination, including measurements of BF% by the InBody 3.0 eight-polar tactile electrode system, weight and height from which BMI (kg m(-2)) was calculated and waist circumference (cm). After adjustments for sex, age and BMI-for-age s.d. score at 56 months, lower general reasoning and visuomotor integration in childhood predicted higher BMI (kg m(-2)) increase per s.d. unit decrease in cognitive ability (-0.32, 95% confidence interval -0.60,-0.05; -0.45, -0.75,-0.14, respectively) and waist circumference (cm) increase per s.d. unit decrease in cognitive ability (-0.84, -1.56,-0.11; -1.07,-1.88,-0.26, respectively) in adulthood. In addition, lower visuomotor integration predicted higher BF% per s.d. unit decrease in cognitive ability (-0.62,-1.14,-0.09). Associations between general reasoning and BMI/waist were attenuated when adjusted for smoking, alcohol consumption, intake of fruits and vegetables and physical activity in adulthood, and all associations, except for visuomotor integration and BMI, were attenuated when adjusted for parental and/or own attained education and/or birth weight. Of the measured childhood cognitive abilities, only lower visuomotor integration was associated with BF% in adulthood. This challenges the view that cognitive ability, at least when measured in early childhood, poses a risk for adiposity in adulthood, as characterized by higher BF%.

Factors Associated with Excessive Body Fat in Men and Women: Cross-Sectional Data from Black South Africans Living in a Rural Community and an Urban Township

PubMed Central

Okop, Kufre Joseph; Levitt, Naomi; Puoane, Thandi

2015-01-01

Objective To determine the factors associated with excessive body fat among black African men and women living in rural and urban communities of South Africa. Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study, Cape Town, South Africa conducted in 2009/2010. The study sample included 1220 participants (77.2% women) aged 35–70 years, for whom anthropometric measurements were obtained and risk factors documented through face-to-face interviews using validated international PURE study protocols. Sex-specific logistic regression models were used to evaluate socio-demographic, lifestyle and psychological factors associated with three excessive body fat indicators, namely body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and body fat percent (BF%). Results The prevalence of excessive body fat based on BF%, WC and BMI cut-offs were 96.0%, 86.1%, and 81.6% for women respectively, and 62.2%, 25.9%, and 36.0% for men respectively. The significant odds of excessive body fat among the currently married compared to unmarried were 4.1 (95% CI: 1.3–12.5) for BF% and 1.9 (95% CI: 1.3–2.9) for BMI among women; and 4.9 (95% CI: 2.6–9.6), 3.2 (95% CI: 1.6–6.4) and 3.6 (95% CI: 1.9–6.8) for BF%, WC and BMI respectively among men. Age ≤50 years (compared to age >50 years) was inversely associated with excessive BF% in men and women, and less-than-a-college education was inversely associated with excessive BMI and WC in men. Tobacco smoking was inversely associated with all three excessive adiposity indicators in women but not in men. Unemployment, depression, and stress did not predict excessive body fat in men or women. Conclusion The sex-differences in the socio-demographic and lifestyle factors associated with the high levels of excessive body fat in urban and rural women and men should be considered in packaging interventions to reduce obesity in these communities. PMID:26447880

Dietary intake and cardiometabolic biomarkers in relation to insulin resistance and hypertension in a middle-aged and elderly population in Beijing, China.

PubMed

Wang, Jia; Hong, Zhongxin; Wu, Li; Ding, Bingjie; Bi, Yanxia; Gu, Zhongyi; Li, Wei

2017-08-01

This study investigated the relationships of dietary intake and cardiometabolic biomarkers with insulin resistance and hypertension in rural middle-aged and elderly people in China. One hundred and eight middle-aged and elderly adults were recruited in Zhangfang village in May 2014. We measured blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, and biochemical indexes, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), glucose, insulin, and blood lipids. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was assessed on the basis of fasting glucose and insulin. We recorded participant demographic characteristics, dietary intake, and lifestyle using questionnaires. Hypertensive participants had higher levels of triglycerides (TG), hsCRP, sICAM-1, body fat percentage (BF%), arm muscle circumference (AMC) and HOMA-IR than nonhypertensive individuals. Hypertensive participants had higher carbohydrate intake but lower intakes of protein and fat. Carbohydrate intake was positively correlated with hsCRP, sICAM-1, TG, BF%, and HOMA-IR, and was negatively correlated with AMC. Protein and fat intakes were negatively correlated with hsCRP and sICAM-1. Protein intake was also significantly negatively correlated with TG and HOMA-IR, and positively correlated with AMC. HOMA-IR was positively correlated with hsCRP, sICAM-1, TG and BF%, and negatively correlated with AMC. Multivariable linear regression indicated that TG, sICAM-1, and hsCRP were significantly associated with HOMA-IR. In conclusion, in a rural Chinese population, high intake of carbohydrate and low intake of fat and protein were associated with insulin resistance and hypertension, possibly by increasing inflammatory factors such as sICAM-1 and hsCRP, increasing BF% and increasing the level of plasma TG.

BMI or BIA: Is Body Mass Index or Body Fat Mass a Better Predictor of Cardiovascular Risk in Overweight or Obese Children and Adolescents? A German/Austrian/Swiss Multicenter APV Analysis of 3,327 Children and Adolescents.

PubMed

Bohn, Barbara; Müller, Manfred James; Simic-Schleicher, Gunter; Kiess, Wieland; Siegfried, Wolfgang; Oelert, Monika; Tuschy, Sabine; Berghem, Stefan; Holl, Reinhard W

2015-01-01

Body fat (BF) percentiles for German children and adolescents have recently been published. This study aims to evaluate the association between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)-derived BF and cardiovascular risk factors and to investigate whether BF is better suited than BMI in children and adolescents. Data of 3,327 children and adolescents (BMI > 90th percentile) were included. Spearman's correlation and receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) were applied determining the associations between BMI or BF and cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, elevated liver enzymes, abnormal carbohydrate metabolism). Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to predict cardiovascular risk factors. A significant association between both obesity indices and hypertension was present (all p < 0.0001), but the correlation with BMI was stronger (r = 0.22) compared to BF (r = 0.13). There were no differences between BMI and BF regarding their correlation with other cardiovascular risk factors. BF significantly predicted hypertension (AUC = 0.61), decreased HDL-cholesterol (AUC = 0.58), elevated LDL-cholesterol (AUC = 0.59), elevated liver enzymes (AUC = 0.61) (all p < 0.0001), and elevated triglycerides (AUC = 0.57, p < 0.05), but not abnormal carbohydrate metabolism (AUC = 0.54, p = 0.15). For the prediction of cardiovascular risk factors, no significant differences between BMI and BF were observed. BIA-derived BF was not superior to BMI to predict cardiovascular risk factors in overweight or obese children and adolescents.

Activation of the Basal Forebrain by the Orexin/Hypocretin Neurons: Orexin International Symposium

PubMed Central

Arrigoni, Elda; Mochizuki, Takatoshi; Scammell, Thomas E.

2010-01-01

The orexin neurons play an essential role in driving arousal and in maintaining normal wakefulness. Lack of orexin neurotransmission produces a chronic state of hypoarousal characterized by excessive sleepiness, frequent transitions between wake and sleep, and episodes of cataplexy. A growing body of research now suggests that the basal forebrain (BF) may be a key site through which the orexin-producing neurons promote arousal. Here we review anatomical, pharmacological and electrophysiological studies on how the orexin neurons may promote arousal by exciting cortically-projecting neurons of the BF. Orexin fibers synapse on BF cholinergic neurons and orexin-A is released in the BF during waking. Local application of orexins excites BF cholinergic neurons, induces cortical release of acetylcholine, and promotes wakefulness. The orexin neurons also contain and probably co-release the inhibitory neuropeptide dynorphin. We found that orexin-A and dynorphin have specific effects on different classes of BF neurons that project to the cortex. Cholinergic neurons were directly excited by orexin-A, but did not respond to dynorphin. Non-cholinergic BF neurons that project to the cortex seem to comprise at least two populations with some directly excited by orexin that may represent wake-active, GABAergic neurons, whereas others did not respond to orexin but were inhibited by dynorphin and may be sleep-active, GABAergic neurons. This evidence suggests that the BF is a key site through which orexins activate the cortex and promotes behavioral arousal. In addition, orexins and dynorphin may act synergistically in the BF to promote arousal and improve cognitive performance. PMID:19723027

The relationships of body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and body fat percentage with blood pressure and its hemodynamic determinants in Korean adolescents: a school-based study.

PubMed

Kim, Na Young; Hong, Young Mi; Jung, Jo Won; Kim, Nam Su; Noh, Chung Il; Song, Young-Hwan

2013-12-01

Obesity is an important risk factor for hypertension in adolescents. We investigated the relationship of obesity-related indices (body mass index [BMI], waist-to-height ratio [WHR], and body fat percentage [%BF]) with blood pressure and the hemodynamic determinants of blood pressure in Korean adolescents. In 2008, 565 adolescents, aged 12-16 years, were examined. The %BF of the participants was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Echocardiography and brachial artery pulse tracing were used to estimate the stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), total vascular resistance (TVR), and total arterial compliance (TAC). We noted that BMI, WHR, and %BF were positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The positive correlation between BMI and blood pressure (SBP and DBP) persisted after adjustment for WHR and %BF. However, after adjustment for BMI, the positive associations between blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and WHR as well as %BF, were not noted. With regard to the hemodynamic factors, BMI, but not WHR and %BF, was an independent positive factor correlated with SV and CO. TVR had an independent negative association with BMI; however, it was not associated with WHR or %BF. Moreover, we noted that BMI, WHR, and %BF did not affect TAC. In Korean adolescents, BMI had an independent positive correlation with SBP and DBP, possibly because of its effects on SV, CO, and TVR. WHR and %BF are believed to indirectly affect SBP and DBP through changes in BMI.

The effect of biofiltration on red blood cells 2.3-diphosphoglycerate and pH.

PubMed

Umimoto, K; Hirai, Y; Hayashi, T; Tanaka, H

2000-12-01

To investigate the effect of biofiltration (BF) on the ability of blood to supply oxygen to the peripheral tissues, a 2 week crossover study was conducted with bicarbonate hemodialysis (BcHD) and BF using 5 male patients with diabetic renal failure as subjects. BcHD and BF were performed for 4 h and 3.5 h per session, respectively. Blood gases, the pH of red blood cells (RBC-pH), and 2. 3-diphosphoglycerate in RBC (RBC-2.3DPG) were measured during each treatment. After a 2 week BF treatment, the plasma HCO3- at the beginning of BF was significantly higher than that of BcHD (p < 0.01), and the blood pH improved with an elevated plasma bicarbonate level (p < 0.05). The RBC-pH at the beginning of BF was higher than that of BcHD (p < 0.05) although the RBC-pH at the end of both therapies increased to similar levels. The RBC-2.3DPG during BcHD remained unchanged, but during BF significantly increased (p < 0.05). Metabolic acidosis was significantly improved by BF with its effect reaching to the RBC intracellular level. The improved metabolic acidosis might occur as a result of the increase in RBC-2.3DPG during BF. This increase in RBC-2.3DPG has the effect of reducing the affinity of oxygen for hemoglobin and allows more oxygen to be delivered to the peripheral tissues although the increase in RBC-pH by dialysis restricts the dissociation of oxygen from hemoglobin.

Characterization of the behavior of three definitions of prostate-specific antigen-based biochemical failure in relation to detection and follow-up biases: comparison with the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology consensus definition.

PubMed

Williams, Scott G

2006-03-01

To examine the impact of detection biases on three prostate cancer biochemical failure (bF) definitions in comparison with the existing American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology Consensus Definition (ACD). Three alternative bF definitions were tested against the ACD: three rises in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level without backdating, nadir plus 2 ng/mL, and a threshold PSA level of >3 ng/mL, according to data from 1050 men. The mean time between PSA tests (MTBT), regularity of collection, and calendar year of analysis were examined in each bF definition. The MTBT produced a statistically significant difference in the derived hazard ratio for identification of bF in all definitions. The influence of test regularity was statistically significant beyond the median level of regularity in all definitions. The year of analysis impacted greatly on the ACD, whereas the three alternative definitions exhibited minor follow-up duration variations by comparison. The alternative definitions had reliable follow-up when the crude median time to censoring was at least 1.6 times greater than that of failure. Detection biases will always be a significant issue in defining bF. A number of alternative failure definitions have more predictable interactions with these biases than the existing ACD.

PAH emissions from coal combustion and waste incineration.

PubMed

Hsu, Wei Ting; Liu, Mei Chen; Hung, Pao Chen; Chang, Shu Hao; Chang, Moo Been

2016-11-15

The characteristics of PAHs that are emitted by a municipal waste incinerator (MWI) and coal-fired power plant are examined via intensive sampling. Results of flue gas sampling reveal the potential for PAH formation within the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system of a coal-fired power plant. In the large-scale MWI, the removal efficiency of PAHs achieved with the pilot-scaled catalytic filter (CF) exceeds that achieved by activated carbon injection with a bag filter (ACI+BF) owing to the effective destruction of gas-phase contaminants by a catalyst. A significantly lower PAH concentration (1640ng/g) was measured in fly ash from a CF module than from an ACI+BF system (5650ng/g). Replacing the ACI+BF system with CF technology would significantly reduce the discharge factor (including emission and fly ash) of PAHs from 251.6 to 77.8mg/ton-waste. The emission factors of PAHs that are obtained using ACI+BF and the CF system in the MWI are 8.05 and 7.13mg/ton, respectively. However, the emission factor of MWI is significantly higher than that of coal-fired power plant (1.56mg/ton). From the perspective of total environmental management to reduce PAH emissions, replacing the original ACI+BF process with a CF system is expected to reduce environmental impact thereof. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Body composition at birth and its relationship with neonatal anthropometric ratios: the newborn body composition study of the INTERGROWTH-21st project

PubMed Central

Villar, José; Puglia, Fabien A; Fenton, Tanis R; Cheikh Ismail, Leila; Staines-Urias, Eleonora; Giuliani, Francesca; Ohuma, Eric O; Victora, Cesar G; Sullivan, Peter; Barros, Fernando C; Lambert, Ann; Papageorghiou, Aris T; Ochieng, Roseline; Jaffer, Yasmin A; Altman, Douglas G; Noble, Alison J; Gravett, Michael G; Purwar, Manorama; Pang, Ruyan; Uauy, Ricardo; Kennedy, Stephen H; Bhutta, Zulfiqar A

2017-01-01

Background We aimed to describe newborn body composition and identify which anthropometric ratio (weight/length; BMI; or ponderal index, PI) best predicts fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM). Methods Air-displacement plethysmography (PEA POD) was used to estimate FM, FFM, and body fat percentage (BF%). Associations between FFM, FM, and BF% and weight/length, BMI, and PI were evaluated in 1,019 newborns using multivariate regression analysis. Charts for FM, FFM, and BF% were generated using a prescriptive subsample (n=247). Standards for the best-predicting anthropometric ratio were calculated utilizing the same population used for the INTERGROWTH-21st Newborn Size Standards (n=20,479). Results FFM and FM increased consistently during late pregnancy. Differential FM, BF%, and FFM patterns were observed for those born preterm (34+0−36+6 weeks’ gestation) and with impaired intrauterine growth. Weight/length by gestational age (GA) was a better predictor of FFM and FM (adjusted R2=0.92 and 0.71, respectively) than BMI or PI, independent of sex, GA, and timing of measurement. Results were almost identical when only preterm newborns were studied. We present sex-specific centiles for weight/length ratio for GA. Conclusions Weight/length best predicts newborn FFM and FM. There are differential FM, FFM, and BF% patterns by sex, GA, and size at birth. PMID:28445454

Body composition at birth and its relationship with neonatal anthropometric ratios: the newborn body composition study of the INTERGROWTH-21st project.

PubMed

Villar, José; Puglia, Fabien A; Fenton, Tanis R; Cheikh Ismail, Leila; Staines-Urias, Eleonora; Giuliani, Francesca; Ohuma, Eric O; Victora, Cesar G; Sullivan, Peter; Barros, Fernando C; Lambert, Ann; Papageorghiou, Aris T; Ochieng, Roseline; Jaffer, Yasmin A; Altman, Douglas G; Noble, Alison J; Gravett, Michael G; Purwar, Manorama; Pang, Ruyan; Uauy, Ricardo; Kennedy, Stephen H; Bhutta, Zulfiqar A

2017-08-01

BackgroundWe aimed to describe newborn body composition and identify which anthropometric ratio (weight/length; BMI; or ponderal index, PI) best predicts fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM).MethodsAir-displacement plethysmography (PEA POD) was used to estimate FM, FFM, and body fat percentage (BF%). Associations between FFM, FM, and BF% and weight/length, BMI, and PI were evaluated in 1,019 newborns using multivariate regression analysis. Charts for FM, FFM, and BF% were generated using a prescriptive subsample (n=247). Standards for the best-predicting anthropometric ratio were calculated utilizing the same population used for the INTERGROWTH-21 st Newborn Size Standards (n=20,479).ResultsFFM and FM increased consistently during late pregnancy. Differential FM, BF%, and FFM patterns were observed for those born preterm (34 +0 -36 +6 weeks' gestation) and with impaired intrauterine growth. Weight/length by gestational age (GA) was a better predictor of FFM and FM (adjusted R 2 =0.92 and 0.71, respectively) than BMI or PI, independent of sex, GA, and timing of measurement. Results were almost identical when only preterm newborns were studied. We present sex-specific centiles for weight/length ratio for GA.ConclusionsWeight/length best predicts newborn FFM and FM. There are differential FM, FFM, and BF% patterns by sex, GA, and size at birth.

Absence of morphotropic phase boundary effects in BiFeO3-PbTiO3 thin films grown via a chemical multilayer deposition method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Shashaank; Bhattacharjee, Shuvrajyoti; Pandey, Dhananjai; Bansal, Vipul; Bhargava, Suresh K.; Peng, Ju Lin; Garg, Ashish

2011-07-01

We report an unusual behavior observed in (BiFeO3)1- x -(PbTiO3) x (BF- xPT) thin films prepared using a multilayer chemical solution deposition method. Films of different compositions were grown by depositing several bilayers of BF and PT precursors of varying BF and PT layer thicknesses followed by heat treatment in air. X-ray diffraction showed that samples of all compositions show mixing of two compounds resulting in a single-phase mixture, also confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. In contrast to bulk compositions, samples show a monoclinic (MA-type) structure suggesting disappearance of the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) at x=0.30 as observed in the bulk. This is accompanied by the lack of any enhancement of the remanent polarization at the MPB, as shown by the ferroelectric measurements. Magnetic measurements showed an increase in the magnetization of the samples with increasing BF content. Significant magnetization in the samples indicates melting of spin spirals in the BF- xPT films, arising from a random distribution of iron atoms. Absence of Fe2+ ions was corroborated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The results illustrate that thin film processing methodology significantly changes the structural evolution, in contrast to predictions from the equilibrium phase diagram, besides modifying the functional characteristics of the BP- xPT system dramatically.

Effect of feeding a by-product feed-based silage on nutrients intake, apparent digestibility, and nitrogen balance in sheep.

PubMed

Seok, J S; Kim, Y I; Lee, Y H; Choi, D Y; Kwak, W S

2016-01-01

Literature is lacking on the effects of feeding by-product feed (BF)-based silage on rumen fermentation parameters, nutrient digestion and nitrogen (N) retention in sheep. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of replacing rye straw with BF-based silage as a roughage source on ruminal parameters, total-tract apparent nutrient digestibility, and N balance in sheep. The by-product feed silage was composed of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) (45 %), recycled poultry bedding (RPB) (21 %), rye straw (11 %), rice bran (10.8 %), corn taffy residue (10 %), protected fat (1.0 %), bentonite (0.6 %), and mixed microbial additive (0.6 %). Six sheep were assigned randomly to either the control (concentrate mix + rye straw) or a treatment diet (concentrate mix + BF-based silage). Compared with the control diet, feeding a BF-based silage diet resulted in similar ruminal characteristics (pH, acetate, propionate, and butyrate concentrations, and acetate: propionate ratio), higher (p < 0.05) ruminal NH3-N, higher (p < 0.05) ether extract digestibility, similar crude protein digestibility, lower (p < 0.05) dry matter, fiber, and crude ash digestibilities, and higher (p < 0.05) N retention (g/d). The BF-based silage showed similar energy value, higher protein metabolism and utilization, and lower fiber digestion in sheep compared to the control diet containing rye straw.

Improvement of microbiological safety and sensorial quality of pork jerky by electron beam irradiation and by addition of onion peel extract and barbecue flavor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hyun-Joo; Jung, Samooel; Yong, Hae In; Bae, Young Sik; Kang, Suk Nam; Kim, Il Suk; Jo, Cheorun

2014-05-01

The combined effects of electron-beam (EB) irradiation and addition of onion peel (OP) extract and barbecue flavor (BF) on inactivation of foodborne pathogens and the quality of pork jerky was investigated. Prepared pork jerky samples were irradiated (0, 1, 2, and 4 kGy) and stored for 2 month at 25 °C. The D10 values of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium observed in the OP treated samples were 0.19, 0.18, and 0.19 kGy, whereas those in control were 0.25, 0.23, and 0.20 kGy, respectively. Irradiated samples with OP extract and BF had substantially lower total aerobic bacterial counts than the control had. Samples with added OP extract and BF had lower peroxide values than the control had. Sensory evaluation indicated that overall acceptability of treated samples was not changed up to 2 kGy. Therefore, EB irradiation, combined with OP extract and BF, has improved the microbiological safety with no negative effects on the quality of pork jerky.

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

Borodin, Oleg; Price, David L.; Aoun, Bachir

The influence of water on the structure of a prototype ionic liquid (IL) 1-octyl-3-methyimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (C8mimBF4) is examined in the IL-rich regime using high-energy x-ray diffraction (HEXRD) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. A many-body polarizable force field APPLE&P was developed for C8mimBF4 water mixture. It predicts structure factors of pure IL and IL-water mixture in excellent agreement with the HEXRD experiments. The MD results provide detailed insights into the structural changes from the partial structure factors, 2-D projections of the simulation box and 3-D distribution functions. Water partitioning with IL and its competition with BF4- for complexing the imidazolium ringsmore » was examined. The added water molecules occupy a diffuse coordination shell around the imidazolium ring but are not present around the alkyl tail. The strong coordination of the fluorine atoms of the BF4- anions to the imidazolium ring is not significantly changed by the addition of water. These results are consistent with the very small differences in the average structure between the pure IL and the mixture.« less

Body composition is normal in term infants born to mothers with well-controlled gestational diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Au, Cheryl P; Raynes-Greenow, Camille H; Turner, Robin M; Carberry, Angela E; Jeffery, Heather E

2013-03-01

This study aims to describe body composition in term infants of mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared with infants of mothers with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). This cross-sectional study included 599 term babies born at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Neonatal body fat percentage (BF%) was measured within 48 h of birth using air-displacement plethysmography. Glycemic control data were based on third-trimester HbA(1c) levels and self-monitoring blood glucose levels. Associations between GDM status and BF% were investigated using linear regression adjusted for relevant maternal and neonatal variables. Of 599 babies, 67 (11%) were born to mothers with GDM. Mean ± SD neonatal BF% was 7.9 ± 4.5% in infants with GDM and 9.3 ± 4.3% in infants with NGT, and this difference was not statistically significant after adjustment. Good glycemic control was achieved in 90% of mothers with GDM. In this study, neonatal BF% did not differ by maternal GDM status, and this may be attributed to good maternal glycemic control.

Three-dimensional bright-field scanning transmission electron microscopy elucidate novel nanostructure in microbial biofilms.

PubMed

Hickey, William J; Shetty, Ameesha R; Massey, Randall J; Toso, Daniel B; Austin, Jotham

2017-01-01

Bacterial biofilms play key roles in environmental and biomedical processes, and understanding their activities requires comprehension of their nanoarchitectural characteristics. Electron microscopy (EM) is an essential tool for nanostructural analysis, but conventional EM methods are limited in that they either provide topographical information alone, or are suitable for imaging only relatively thin (<300 nm) sample volumes. For biofilm investigations, these are significant restrictions. Understanding structural relations between cells requires imaging of a sample volume sufficiently large to encompass multiple cells and the capture of both external and internal details of cell structure. An emerging EM technique with such capabilities is bright-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (BF-STEM) and in the present report BF-STEM was coupled with tomography to elucidate nanostructure in biofilms formed by the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading soil bacterium, Delftia acidovorans Cs1-4. Dual-axis BF-STEM enabled high-resolution 3-D tomographic recontructions (6-10 nm) visualization of thick (1250 and 1500 nm) sections. The 3-D data revealed that novel extracellular structures, termed nanopods, were polymorphic and formed complex networks within cell clusters. BF-STEM tomography enabled visualization of conduits formed by nanopods that could enable intercellular movement of outer membrane vesicles, and thereby enable direct communication between cells. This report is the first to document application of dual-axis BF-STEM tomography to obtain high-resolution 3-D images of novel nanostructures in bacterial biofilms. Future work with dual-axis BF-STEM tomography combined with correlative light electron microscopy may provide deeper insights into physiological functions associated with nanopods as well as other nanostructures. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2016 Royal Microscopical Society.

A programmable Si-photonic node for SDN-enabled Bloom filter forwarding in disaggregated data centers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moralis-Pegios, M.; Terzenidis, N.; Vagionas, C.; Pitris, S.; Chatzianagnostou, E.; Brimont, A.; Zanzi, A.; Sanchis, P.; Marti, J.; Kraft, J.; Rochracher, K.; Dorrestein, S.; Bogdan, M.; Tekin, T.; Syrivelis, D.; Tassiulas, L.; Miliou, A.; Pleros, N.; Vyrsokinos, K.

2017-02-01

Programmable switching nodes supporting Software-Defined Networking (SDN) over optical interconnecting technologies arise as a key enabling technology for future disaggregated Data Center (DC) environments. The SDNenabling roadmap of intra-DC optical solutions is already a reality for rack-to-rack interconnects, with recent research reporting on interesting applications of programmable silicon photonic switching fabrics addressing board-to-board and even on-board applications. In this perspective, simplified information addressing schemes like Bloom filter (BF)-based labels emerge as a highly promising solution for ensuring rapid switch reconfiguration, following quickly the changes enforced in network size, network topology or even in content location. The benefits of BF-based forwarding have been so far successfully demonstrated in the Information-Centric Network (ICN) paradigm, while theoretical studies have also revealed the energy consumption and speed advantages when applied in DCs. In this paper we present for the first time a programmable 4x4 Silicon Photonic switch that supports SDN through the use of BF-labeled router ports. Our scheme significantly simplifies packet forwarding as it negates the need for large forwarding tables, allowing for its remote control through modifications in the assigned BF labels. We demonstrate 1x4 switch operation controlling the Si-Pho switch by a Stratix V FPGA module, which is responsible for processing the packet ID and correlating its destination with the appropriate BF-labeled outgoing port. DAC- and amplifier-less control of the carrier-injection Si-Pho switches is demonstrated, revealing successful switching of 10Gb/s data packets with BF-based forwarding information changes taking place at a time-scale that equals the duration of four consecutive packets.

Squeezing the muscle: compression clothing and muscle metabolism during recovery from high intensity exercise.

PubMed

Sperlich, Billy; Born, Dennis-Peter; Kaskinoro, Kimmo; Kalliokoski, Kari K; Laaksonen, Marko S

2013-01-01

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate skeletal muscle blood flow and glucose uptake in m. biceps (BF) and m. quadriceps femoris (QF) 1) during recovery from high intensity cycle exercise, and 2) while wearing a compression short applying ~37 mmHg to the thigh muscles. Blood flow and glucose uptake were measured in the compressed and non-compressed leg of 6 healthy men by using positron emission tomography. At baseline blood flow in QF (P = 0.79) and BF (P = 0.90) did not differ between the compressed and the non-compressed leg. During recovery muscle blood flow was higher compared to baseline in both compressed (P<0.01) and non-compressed QF (P<0.001) but not in compressed (P = 0.41) and non-compressed BF (P = 0.05; effect size = 2.74). During recovery blood flow was lower in compressed QF (P<0.01) but not in BF (P = 0.26) compared to the non-compressed muscles. During baseline and recovery no differences in blood flow were detected between the superficial and deep parts of QF in both, compressed (baseline P = 0.79; recovery P = 0.68) and non-compressed leg (baseline P = 0.64; recovery P = 0.06). During recovery glucose uptake was higher in QF compared to BF in both conditions (P<0.01) with no difference between the compressed and non-compressed thigh. Glucose uptake was higher in the deep compared to the superficial parts of QF (compression leg P = 0.02). These results demonstrate that wearing compression shorts with ~37 mmHg of external pressure reduces blood flow both in the deep and superficial regions of muscle tissue during recovery from high intensity exercise but does not affect glucose uptake in BF and QF.

Relationships between nutritional condition of adult females and relative carrying capacity for rocky mountain Elk

USGS Publications Warehouse

Piasecke, J.R.; Bender, L.C.

2009-01-01

Lactation can have significant costs to individual and population-level productivity because of the high energetic demands it places on dams. Because the difference in condition between lactating and dry Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) cows tends to disappear as nutritional quality rises, the magnitude of that difference could be used to relate condition to habitat quality or the capability of habitats to support elk. We therefore compared nutritional condition of ???2.5-yr-old lactating and dry cows from six free-ranging RockyMountain elk populations throughout the United States.Our goal was to quantify differential accrual of body fat (BF) reserves to determine whether the condition of dry and lactating cows could be used to define relevant management thresholds of habitat quality (i.e., relative carrying capacity) and consequently potential performance of elk populations. Levels of BF that lactating cows were able to accrue in autumn and the proportional difference in BF between dry and lactating cows in autumn were related (F 1-2,10???16.2, P<0.001). Models indicated that elk experienced no negative effects of reproduction on condition when lactating cows were able to accrue ???13.7%BF in autumn.When lactating cows are accruing ???7.9%BF, elk are in a nutritionally stressed condition, which may be limiting population performance. Using the logistic model to predict relative proximity to ecological carrying capacity (ECC), our population-years ranged from3-97%ofECCand proportion of the population lactating (an index of calf survival) was negatively related to proportion of ECC. Results indicate that the proportional difference in accrual of BF between lactating and dry cows can provide a sensitive index to where elk populations reside relative to the quality of their range.

Topsoil and Deep Soil Organic Carbon Concentration and Stability Vary with Aggregate Size and Vegetation Type in Subtropical China

PubMed Central

Fang, Xiang-Min; Chen, Fu-Sheng; Wan, Song-Ze; Yang, Qing-Pei; Shi, Jian-Min

2015-01-01

The impact of reforestation on soil organic carbon (OC), especially in deep layer, is poorly understood and deep soil OC stabilization in relation with aggregation and vegetation type in afforested area is unknown. Here, we collected topsoil (0–15 cm) and deep soil (30–45 cm) from six paired coniferous forests (CF) and broad-leaved forests (BF) reforested in the early 1990s in subtropical China. Soil aggregates were separated by size by dry sieving and OC stability was measured by closed-jar alkali-absorption in 71 incubation days. Soil OC concentration and mean weight diameter were higher in BF than CF. The cumulative carbon mineralization (Cmin, mg CO2-C kg-1 soil) varied with aggregate size in BF and CF topsoils, and in deep soil, it was higher in larger aggregates than in smaller aggregates in BF, but not CF. The percentage of soil OC mineralized (SOCmin, % SOC) was in general higher in larger aggregates than in smaller aggregates. Meanwhile, SOCmin was greater in CF than in BF at topsoil and deep soil aggregates. In comparison to topsoil, deep soil aggregates generally exhibited a lower Cmin, and higher SOCmin. Total nitrogen (N) and the ratio of carbon to phosphorus (C/P) were generally higher in BF than in CF in topsoil and deep soil aggregates, while the same trend of N/P was only found in deep soil aggregates. Moreover, the SOCmin negatively correlated with OC, total N, C/P and N/P. This work suggests that reforested vegetation type might play an important role in soil OC storage through internal nutrient cycling. Soil depth and aggregate size influenced OC stability, and deep soil OC stability could be altered by vegetation reforested about 20 years. PMID:26418563

Ensiling Characteristics and the In situ Nutrient Degradability of a By-product Feed-based Silage.

PubMed

Kim, Y I; Oh, Y K; Park, K K; Kwak, W S

2014-02-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the ensiling characteristics and the in situ degradability of a by-product feed (BF)-based silage. Before ensilation, the BF-based mixture was composed of 50% spent mushroom substrate, 21% recycled poultry bedding, 15% ryegrass straw, 10.8% rice bran, 2% molasses, 0.6% bentonite, and 0.6% microbial inoculant on a wet basis and ensiled for up to 4 weeks. The BF-based silage contained on average 39.3% moisture, 13.4% crude protein (CP), and 52.2% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 49% total digestible nutrient, and 37.8% physically effective NDF1.18 on a dry matter (DM) basis. Ensiling the BF-based silage for up to 4 weeks affected (p<0.01) the chemical composition to a small extent, increased (p<0.05) the lactic acid and NH3-N content, and decreased (p<0.05) both the total bacterial and lactic acid bacterial counts from 10(9) to 10(8) cfu/g when compared to that before ensiling. These parameters indicated that the silage was fermented and stored well during the 4-week ensiling period. Compared with rice or ryegrass straws, the BF-based silage had a higher (p<0.05) water-soluble and filterable fraction, a lower insoluble degradable DM and CP fraction (p<0.05), a lower digestible NDF (p<0.05) fraction, a higher (p<0.05) DM and CP disappearance and degradability rate, and a lower (p<0.05) NDF disappearance and degradability rate. These results indicated that cheap, good-quality BF-based roughage could be produced by ensiling SMS, RPB, rice bran, and a minimal amount of straw.

Predictive model for the growth kinetics of Staphylococcus aureus in raw pork developed using Integrated Pathogen Modeling Program (IPMP) 2013.

PubMed

Lee, Yong Ju; Jung, Byeong Su; Kim, Kee-Tae; Paik, Hyun-Dong

2015-09-01

A predictive model was performed to describe the growth of Staphylococcus aureus in raw pork by using Integrated Pathogen Modeling Program 2013 and a polynomial model as a secondary predictive model. S. aureus requires approximately 180 h to reach 5-6 log CFU/g at 10 °C. At 15 °C and 25 °C, approximately 48 and 20 h, respectively, are required to cause food poisoning. Predicted data using the Gompertz model was the most accurate in this study. For lag time (LT) model, bias factor (Bf) and accuracy factor (Af) values were both 1.014, showing that the predictions were within a reliable range. For specific growth rate (SGR) model, Bf and Af were 1.188 and 1.190, respectively. Additionally, both Bf and Af values of the LT and SGR models were close to 1, indicating that IPMP Gompertz model is more adequate for predicting the growth of S. aureus on raw pork than other models. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles and Metal Fluoride Nanoparticles from Metal Amidinate Precursors in 1-Butyl-3-Methylimidazolium Ionic Liquids and Propylene Carbonate.

PubMed

Schütte, Kai; Barthel, Juri; Endres, Manuel; Siebels, Marvin; Smarsly, Bernd M; Yue, Junpei; Janiak, Christoph

2017-02-01

Decomposition of transition-metal amidinates [M{MeC(N i Pr) 2 } n ] [M(AMD) n ; M=Mn II , Fe II , Co II , Ni II , n= 2; Cu I , n= 1) induced by microwave heating in the ionic liquids (ILs) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIm][BF 4 ]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIm][PF 6 ]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate) ([BMIm][TfO]), and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tosylate ([BMIm][Tos]) or in propylene carbonate (PC) gives transition-metal nanoparticles (M-NPs) in non-fluorous media (e.g. [BMIm][Tos] and PC) or metal fluoride nanoparticles (MF 2 -NPs) for M=Mn, Fe, and Co in [BMIm][BF 4 ]. FeF 2 -NPs can be prepared upon Fe(AMD) 2 decomposition in [BMIm][BF 4 ], [BMIm][PF 6 ], and [BMIm][TfO]. The nanoparticles are stable in the absence of capping ligands (surfactants) for more than 6 weeks. The crystalline phases of the metal or metal fluoride synthesized in [BMIm][BF 4 ] were identified by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) to exclusively Ni- and Cu-NPs or to solely MF 2 -NPs for M=Mn, Fe, and Co. The size and size dispersion of the nanoparticles were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to an average diameter of 2(±2) to 14(±4) nm for the M-NPs, except for the Cu-NPs in PC, which were 51(±8) nm. The MF 2 -NPs from [BMIm][BF 4 ] were 15(±4) to 65(±18) nm. The average diameter from TEM is in fair agreement with the size evaluated from PXRD with the Scherrer equation. The characterization was complemented by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Electrochemical investigations of the CoF 2 -NPs as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries were simply evaluated by galvanostatic charge/discharge profiles, and the results indicated that the reversible capacity of the CoF 2 -NPs was much lower than the theoretical value, which may have originated from the complex conversion reaction mechanism and residue on the surface of the nanoparticles.

Linear lateral vibration of axisymmetric liquid briges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrera, C.; Montanero, J. M.; Cabezas, M. G.

A liquid bridge is a mass of liquid sustained by the action of the surface tension force between two parallel supporting disks Apart from their basic scientific interest a liquid bridge can be considered as the simplest idealization of the configuration appearing in the floating zone technique used for crystal growth and purification of high melting point materials footnote Messeguer et al emph Crystal Growth Res bf 5 27 1999 This has conferred considerable interest on the study of liquid bridges not only in fluid mechanics but also in the field of material engineering The axisymmetric dynamics of an isothermal liquid bridge has been frequently analysed over the past years The studies have considered different phenomena such as free oscillations footnote Montanero emph E J Mech B Fluids bf 22 169 2003 footnote Acero and Montanero emph Phys Fluids bf 17 078105 2005 forced vibrations footnote Perales and Messeguer emph Phys Fluids A bf 4 1110 1992 g-jitter effects footnote Messeguer and Perales emph Phys Fluids A bf 3 2332 1991 extensional deformation footnote Zhang et al emph J Fluid Mech bf 329 207 1996 and breakup process footnote Espino et al emph Phys Fluids bf 14 3710 2002 among others Works considering the nonaxisymmetric dynamical behaviour of a liquid bridge has been far less common footnote Sanz and Diez emph J Fluid Mech bf 205 503 1989 In the present study the linear vibration of an axisymmetric liquid

The effects of oral appliance therapy on occlusal function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a short-term prospective study.

PubMed

Otsuka, Ryo; Almeida, Fernanda Ribeiro; Lowe, Alan A

2007-02-01

The aim of this study was to objectively and prospectively assess whether oral appliances (OAs) alter occlusal function in patients treated for snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. The occlusal contact area (OCA) and bite force (Bf) of 12 patients who used OAs were measured with pressure-sensitive sheets in the morning and evening with the Dental Prescale Occluzer System. OCA and Bf were compared in each measurement period by using ANOVA. Percentage changes in the morning relative to the evening (OCA(M-E) and Bf(M-E)) were compared between the 2 periods by using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Correlations between percentage changes in pretreatment and posttitration ((Pre-Post)OCA and (Pre-Post)Bf), age, and cephalometric variables were also assessed. Patients showed significant decreases in OCA and Bf when posttitration readings were compared with corresponding pretreatment measurements. OCA(M-E) and Bf(M-E) were significantly different between pretreatment and posttitration, suggesting that OCA and Bf tend to be smaller in the morning with OA use. (Pre-Post)Bf measured in the evening correlated with age. Effects on occlusal function after OA use were observed. These results suggest that practitioners should pay attention to the possible side effects of OAs on the dentition when treating patients with snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.

A critical examination of bifrontal electroconvulsive therapy: clinical efficacy, cognitive side effects, and directions for future research.

PubMed

Crowley, Kevin; Pickle, Jody; Dale, Roman; Fattal, Omar

2008-12-01

Bifrontal (BF) electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), although researched less extensively than bitemporal (BT) or right unilateral (RUL) ECT, has been suggested to be comparable to the other 2 electrode placements with respect to clinical efficacy while resulting in less cognitive impairment than BT ECT. Imaging studies have indicated that seizures induced by BF ECT affect the brain differently than BT or RUL ECT, in that BF ECT increases cerebral blood flow in the frontal lobes more intensely than either of the other 2 placements. Therefore, it is possible that the cognitive impairment manifested after a course of BF ECT could also be different than the impairment seen with BT and RUL ECT. Research conducted on cognitive impairment from BF ECT to date has been inadequate due to the use of nonspecific cognitive measures (such as the Mini-Mental Status Examination) or an inordinate focus on memory functioning (which is believed to be mostly subsumed in the temporal lobes). Because BF ECT increases cerebral blood flow in the frontal lobes more intensely than either of the other placements, research must instead focus on investigating the possible effects of BF ECT on executive functioning, which is believed to be subsumed in the frontal lobes. This is especially important because of the established relationship between executive dysfunction and depression and also because of the increasing popularity of BF ECT.

M1 distributions for 163Dy and 157Gd in the SUBFsdg(3) and SUBFsd(3) × 1g limits of pn-sdgIBFM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devi, Y. D.; Kota, V. K. B.

1996-02-01

The SU sdgBF(3) limit of pn-sdgIBFM, which was developed earlier, is applied with success in analyzing the recently observed M1 data in the 163Dy nucleus. As new experiments are being planned for 157Gd nucleus and that 156Gd is known to be a good SU sd(3)×1g nucleus, in the second part of the paper a formalism for M1 distributions in the SU sdBF(3)×1g limit is developed. In both these analytically solvable limiting situations, predictions are made for M1 distributions in the 157Gd nucleus.

The relationship between breastfeeding and postpartum weight change--a systematic review and critical evaluation.

PubMed

Neville, C E; McKinley, M C; Holmes, V A; Spence, D; Woodside, J V

2014-04-01

Pregnancy and the postpartum period is a time of increased vulnerability for retention of excess body fat in women. Breastfeeding (BF) has been shown to have many health benefits for both mother and baby; however, its role in postpartum weight management is unclear. Our aim was to systematically review and critically appraise the literature published to date in relation to the impact of BF on postpartum weight change, weight retention and maternal body composition. Electronic literature searches were carried out using MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, BIOSIS, CINAHL and British Nursing Index. The search covered publications up to 12 June 2012 and included observational studies (prospective and retrospective) carried out in BF mothers (either exclusively or as a subgroup), who were ≤ 2 years postpartum and with a body mass index (BMI) >18.5 kg m(-2), with an outcome measure of change in weight (including weight retention) and/or body composition. Thirty-seven prospective studies and eight retrospective studies were identified that met the selection criteria; studies were stratified according to study design and outcome measure. Overall, studies were heterogeneous, particularly in relation to sample size, measurement time points and in the classification of BF and postpartum weight change. The majority of studies reported little or no association between BF and weight change (n=27, 63%) or change in body composition (n=16, 89%), although this seemed to depend on the measurement time points and BF intensity. However, of the five studies that were considered to be of high methodological quality, four studies demonstrated a positive association between BF and weight change. This systematic review highlights the difficulties of examining the association between BF and weight management in observational research. Although the available evidence challenges the widely held belief that BF promotes weight loss, more robust studies are needed to reliably assess the impact of BF on postpartum weight management.

Changes in lower extremity movement and power absorption during forefoot striking and barefoot running.

PubMed

Williams, D S Blaise; Green, Douglas H; Wurzinger, Brian

2012-10-01

Both forefoot strike shod (FFS) and barefoot (BF) running styles result in different mechanics when compared to rearfoot strike (RFS) shod running. Additionally, running mechanics of FFS and BF running are similar to one another. Comparing the mechanical changes occurring in each of these patterns is necessary to understand potential benefits and risks of these running styles. The authors hypothesized that FFS and BF conditions would result in increased sagittal plane joint angles at initial contact and that FFS and BF conditions would demonstrate a shift in sagittal plane joint power from the knee to the ankle when compared to the RFS condition. Finally, total lower extremity power absorption will be least in BF and greatest in the RFS shod condition. The study included 10 male and 10 female RFS runners who completed 3-dimensional running analysis in 3 conditions: shod with RFS, shod with FFS, and BF. Variables were the angles of plantarflexion, knee flexion, and hip flexion at initial contact and peak sagittal plane joint power at the hip, knee, and ankle during stance phase. Running with a FFS pattern and BF resulted in significantly greater plantarflexion and significantly less negative knee power (absorption) when compared to shod RFS condition. FFS condition runners landed in the most plantarflexion and demonstrated the most peak ankle power absorption and lowest knee power absorption between the 3 conditions. BF and FFS conditions demonstrated decreased total lower extremity power absorption compared to the shod RFS condition but did not differ from one another. BF and FFS running result in reduced total lower extremity power, hip power and knee power and a shift of power absorption from the knee to the ankle. Alterations associated with BF running patterns are present in a FFS pattern when wearing shoes. Additionally, both patterns result in increased demand at the foot and ankle as compared to the knee.

CHANGES IN LOWER EXTREMITY MOVEMENT AND POWER ABSORPTION DURING FOREFOOT STRIKING AND BAREFOOT RUNNING

PubMed Central

Green, Douglas H.; Wurzinger, Brian

2012-01-01

Purpose/Background: Both forefoot strike shod (FFS) and barefoot (BF) running styles result in different mechanics when compared to rearfoot strike (RFS) shod running. Additionally, running mechanics of FFS and BF running are similar to one another. Comparing the mechanical changes occurring in each of these patterns is necessary to understand potential benefits and risks of these running styles. The authors hypothesized that FFS and BF conditions would result in increased sagittal plane joint angles at initial contact and that FFS and BF conditions would demonstrate a shift in sagittal plane joint power from the knee to the ankle when compared to the RFS condition. Finally, total lower extremity power absorption will be least in BF and greatest in the RFS shod condition. Methods: The study included 10 male and 10 female RFS runners who completed 3‐dimensional running analysis in 3 conditions: shod with RFS, shod with FFS, and BF. Variables were the angles of plantarflexion, knee flexion, and hip flexion at initial contact and peak sagittal plane joint power at the hip, knee, and ankle during stance phase. Results: Running with a FFS pattern and BF resulted in significantly greater plantarflexion and significantly less negative knee power (absorption) when compared to shod RFS condition. FFS condition runners landed in the most plantarflexion and demonstrated the most peak ankle power absorption and lowest knee power absorption between the 3 conditions. BF and FFS conditions demonstrated decreased total lower extremity power absorption compared to the shod RFS condition but did not differ from one another. Conclusions: BF and FFS running result in reduced total lower extremity power, hip power and knee power and a shift of power absorption from the knee to the ankle. Clinical Relevance: Alterations associated with BF running patterns are present in a FFS pattern when wearing shoes. Additionally, both patterns result in increased demand at the foot and ankle as compared to the knee. PMID:23091785

Insulin sensitivity is reduced in children with high body-fat regardless of BMI.

PubMed

Fairchild, Timothy J; Klakk, Heidi; Heidemann, Malene; Grøntved, Anders; Wedderkopp, Niels

2018-02-23

To examine the association between insulin sensitivity and adiposity in children stratified according to their body mass index (BMI: normal weight, NW; overweight or obese, OW/OB) and body-fat percentage (BF%: adipose or NonAdipose), and determine whether cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) ameliorates any deleterious associations. This prospective cohort study comprises a cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of data collected at baseline and 2 years later on children (7.7-13.4 years) attending public school in Denmark. Levels of CRF were measured using the Andersen test, whereas BF% was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured and the homoeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) used to assess insulin sensitivity. Approximately 8% of children classified as normal weight by BMI had high BF% (NW + Adipose). Children with high BF% had significantly higher insulin (NW + adipose: 32.3%; OW/OB + Adipose: 52.2%) and HOMA-IR scores (NW + Adipose: 32.3%; OW/OB + Adipose: 55.3%) than children classified as NW without high BF% (reference group; NW + NonAdipose). Adjusting for CRF reduced this difference, but did not completely ameliorate these associations. Longitudinally, children with high BF% (OW/OB + Adipose or NW + Adipose) had significantly worse insulin sensitivity 2 years later than NW + NonAdipose children (All p < 0.001). The few children (n = 14) who improved their BMI or BF% during the 2 years follow-up, no longer had significantly worse insulin sensitivity than children with NW + NonAdipose. High BF% in children is associated with significantly lower insulin sensitivity even when BMI is considered NW. Longitudinally, insulin sensitivity is lower in children with high BF% with or without high BMI. The CRF was a significant covariate in these models, but CRF did not completely ameliorate the effects of high BF% on insulin sensitivity.

Superbasic amidine monodentate ligands in fac-[Re(CO)3(5,5'-Me2bipy)(amidine)]BF4 complexes: dependence of amidine configuration on the remote nitrogen substituents.

PubMed

Perera, Theshini; Fronczek, Frank R; Marzilli, Patricia A; Marzilli, Luigi G

2010-08-02

Addition of various RNH(2) to fac-[Re(CO)(3)(5,5'-Me(2)bipy)(CH(3)CN)]BF(4) (1) converts the acetonitrile ligand to the amidine ligand (a superbase) in fac-[Re(CO)(3)(5,5'-Me(2)bipy)(HNC(CH(3))NHR)]BF(4) products. Each complex has four conceivable isomers (E, E', Z, and Z') because the amidine CN bonds have double-bond character, and the two remote NHR group substituents are different. The reaction of 1 in acetonitrile is complete in 6 to 96 h (25 degrees C) and forms fac-[Re(CO)(3)(5,5'-Me(2)bipy)(HNC(CH(3))NHR)]BF(4) E' and Z isomers. Only the E' isomer formed crystals (R = methyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, and benzyl). Upon dissolution of such crystals in acetonitrile-d(3), NMR spectra with highly dominant E' signals gradually changed (approximately 15 min at room temperature) to spectra with signals for an equilibrium mixture of E' and Z isomers. Such slow E'-to-Z isomer interchange is also indicated by 2D ROESY NMR data used primarily to assign solution structure. Equilibrium ratios (E':Z) of approximately 65:35 for R = methyl, isopropyl, and isobutyl and 83:17 for R = tert-butyl demonstrate that increasing the remote NHR group steric bulk above a threshold size favors the E' isomer. Consistent with this trend, fac-[Re(CO)(3)(5,5'-Me(2)bipy)(HNC(CH(3))NH(2))]BF(4), with a remote NH(2) (low bulk) group, favors the Z isomer. In contrast, although the remote NH(benzyl) group in fac-[Re(CO)(3)(5,5'-Me(2)bipy)(HNC(CH(3))NH(CH(2)C(6)H(5))]BF(4) has only moderate bulk, the E' isomer has high abundance as a result of favorable 5,5'-Me(2)bipy/benzyl stacking, evidence for which is present in both solid and solution states. The fac-[Re(CO)(3)(5,5'-Me(2)bipy)(HNC(CH(3))NHR)]BF(4) E isomer can be detected in solvents of low polarity. However, the Z' isomer was not observed, undoubtedly because unfavorable remote-group clashes with the equatorial ligands destabilize this isomer. Challenge studies with a 5-fold excess of 4-dimethylaminopyridine in acetonitrile-d(3) establish that fac-[Re(CO)(3)(5,5'-Me(2)bipy)(HNC(CH(3))NHCH(CH(3))(2))]BF(4) is robust because the isopropylamidine ligand was not displaced, consistent with the superbase character of amidine ligands.

High performance of nitrogen and phosphorus removal in an electrolysis-integrated biofilter.

PubMed

Gao, Y; Xie, Y W; Zhang, Q; Yu, Y X; Yang, L Y

A novel electrolysis-integrated biofilter system was developed in this study to evaluate the intensified removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from contaminated water. Two laboratory-scale biofilter systems were established, one with electrolysis (E-BF) and one without electrolysis (BF) as control. The dynamics of intensified nitrogen and phosphorus removal and the changes of inflow and outflow water qualities were also evaluated. The total nitrogen (TN) removal rate was 94.4% in our newly developed E-BF, but only 74.7% in the control BF. Ammonium removal rate was up to 95% in biofilters with or without electrolysis integration with an influent ammonium concentration of 40 mg/L, and the accumulation of nitrate and nitrite was much lower in the effluent of E-BF than that of BF. Thus electrolysis plays an important role in TN removal especially the nitrate and nitrite removal. Phosphorus removal was significantly enhanced, exceeding 90% in E-BF by chemical precipitation, physical adsorption, and flocculation of phosphorus because of the in situ formation of ferric ions by the anodizing of sacrificial iron anodes. Results from this study indicate that the electrolysis integrated biofilter is a promising solution for intensified nitrogen and phosphorus removal.

The Relationship Between Body Fat Percentage and Body Mass Index in Overweight and Obese Individuals in an Urban African Setting.

PubMed

Akindele, Mukadas O; Phillips, Julie S; Igumbor, Ehimario U

2016-08-17

The increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in both developed and developing countries is associated with musculoskeletal and other non-communicable diseases. To address this, an accurate measure of body adiposity, bearing in mind several shortcomings of body mass index (BMI), should be used. This study determined the relationship between BMI and body fat (BF)% among adult Nigerians of different ethnic groups residing in an urban setting. Using multistage cluster sampling technique were recruited 1571 subjects (>18 years; male=51.2%) in a cross-sectional study. Body adiposity indices were assessed using BMI and BF%. Using BF%, the result shows that a total number of 156 (9.9%) had low BF% while 291 (18.5%) had very high BF%, while the BMI classifications of body adiposity, 68 (4.3%) were underweight while 271 (17.3%) were obese. There was a strong and positive statistical relationship between BF% and BMI when both were paired without controlling for gender and age (r=0.81, P<0.01). The results show that there is a strong positive association between BMI and BF%, and age and sex are predictors of this association.

Differences in activation properties of the hamstring muscles during overground sprinting.

PubMed

Higashihara, Ayako; Nagano, Yasuharu; Ono, Takashi; Fukubayashi, Toru

2015-09-01

The purpose of this study was to quantify activation of the biceps femoris (BF) and medial hamstring (MH) during overground sprinting. Lower-extremity kinematics and electromyography (EMG) of the BF and MH were recorded in 13 male sprinters performing overground sprinting at maximum effort. Mean EMG activity was calculated in the early stance, late stance, mid-swing, and late-swing phases. Activation of the BF was significantly greater during the early stance phase than the late stance phase (p<0.01). Activation of the BF muscle was significantly lower during the first half of the mid-swing phase than the other phases (p<0.05). The MH had significantly greater EMG activation relative to its recorded maximum values compared to that for the BF during the late stance (p<0.05) and mid-swing (p<0.01) phases. These results indicate that the BF shows high activation before and after foot contact, while the MH shows high activation during the late stance and mid-swing phases. We concluded that the activation properties of the BF and MH muscles differ within the sprinting gait cycle. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Soft and Robust Identification of Body Fluid Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometric Strategies for Forensic Analysis.

PubMed

Takamura, Ayari; Watanabe, Ken; Akutsu, Tomoko; Ozawa, Takeaki

2018-05-31

Body fluid (BF) identification is a critical part of a criminal investigation because of its ability to suggest how the crime was committed and to provide reliable origins of DNA. In contrast to current methods using serological and biochemical techniques, vibrational spectroscopic approaches provide alternative advantages for forensic BF identification, such as non-destructivity and versatility for various BF types and analytical interests. However, unexplored issues remain for its practical application to forensics; for example, a specific BF needs to be discriminated from all other suspicious materials as well as other BFs, and the method should be applicable even to aged BF samples. Herein, we describe an innovative modeling method for discriminating the ATR FT-IR spectra of various BFs, including peripheral blood, saliva, semen, urine and sweat, to meet the practical demands described above. Spectra from unexpected non-BF samples were efficiently excluded as outliers by adopting the Q-statistics technique. The robustness of the models against aged BFs was significantly improved by using the discrimination scheme of a dichotomous classification tree with hierarchical clustering. The present study advances the use of vibrational spectroscopy and a chemometric strategy for forensic BF identification.

Sawmill profile : new Forest Products Lab report defines the makeup of North America's softwood sawmill industry

Treesearch

Henry Spelter; Matthew Alderman

2005-01-01

As of July 2005, the main stream of the softwood lumber industry in the U.S. and Canada consisted of about 1,067sawmills. These sawmills had a combined capacity of 189 million m3 (80 billion BF), employed about 99,000, produced about 172 million m3 (nominal, 73 billion BF) of lumber, and in the process consumed about 280 million m3 of wood.

Highly Safe Ionic Liquid Electrolytes for Sodium-Ion Battery: Wide Electrochemical Window and Good Thermal Stability.

PubMed

Wu, Feng; Zhu, Na; Bai, Ying; Liu, Libin; Zhou, Hang; Wu, Chuan

2016-08-24

Novel ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes are prepared by mixing 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium-bis-tetrafluoroborate (EMIBF4) with different concentrations of sodium salt (NaBF4). The as-prepared IL electrolytes display wide electrochemical windows of ∼4 V (1-5 V), which are consistent with the quantum chemical theoretical calculation. The IL electrolyte with 0.1 M NaBF4 shows excellent ionic conductivity, namely, 9.833 × 10(-3) S cm(-1) at 20 °C. In addition, nonflammability and good thermal stability are exhibited by combustion test and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which indicate the high safety of the IL electrolyte.

Cholinergic neurons of the basal forebrain mediate biochemical and electrophysiological mechanisms underlying sleep homeostasis.

PubMed

Kalinchuk, Anna V; Porkka-Heiskanen, Tarja; McCarley, Robert W; Basheer, Radhika

2015-01-01

The tight coordination of biochemical and electrophysiological mechanisms underlies the homeostatic sleep pressure (HSP) produced by sleep deprivation (SD). We have reported that during SD the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), extracellular nitric oxide (NO), adenosine [AD]ex , lactate [Lac]ex and pyruvate [Pyr]ex increase in the basal forebrain (BF). However, it is not clear whether all of them contribute to HSP leading to increased electroencephalogram (EEG) delta activity during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) recovery sleep (RS) following SD. Previously, we showed that NREM delta increase evident during RS depends on the presence of BF cholinergic (ChBF) neurons. Here, we investigated the role of ChBF cells in coordination of biochemical and EEG changes seen during SD and RS in the rat. Increases in low-theta power (5-7 Hz), but not high-theta (7-9 Hz), during SD correlated with the increase in NREM delta power during RS, and with the changes in nitrate/nitrite [NOx ]ex and [AD]ex . Lesions of ChBF cells using IgG 192-saporin prevented increases in [NOx ]ex , [AD]ex and low-theta activity, during SD, but did not prevent increases in [Lac]ex and [Pyr]ex . Infusion of NO donor DETA NONOate into the saporin-treated BF failed to increase NREM RS and delta power, suggesting ChBF cells are important for mediating NO homeostatic effects. Finally, SD-induced iNOS was mostly expressed in ChBF cells, and the intensity of iNOS induction correlated with the increase in low-theta activity. Together, our data indicate ChBF cells are important in regulating the biochemical and EEG mechanisms that contribute to HSP. © 2014 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Equation-derived body fat percentage indicates metabolic abnormalities among normal-weight adults in a rural Chinese population.

PubMed

Liu, Xin; Zhao, Yaling; Li, Qiang; Dang, Shaonong; Yan, Hong

2017-07-08

Obesity classification using body mass index (BMI) may miss subjects with elevated body fat percentage (BF%) and related metabolic risk factors. We aimed to evaluate whether BF% calculated by equations could provide more information about metabolic risks, in addition to BMI classification, in a cross-sectional rural Chinese population. A total of 2,990 men and women aged 18-80 years were included in this study. BF% was calculated using previously validated Chinese-specific equations. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the updated National Cholesterol Education Program Panel III criteria for Asian Americans. In total, 33.6% men and 32.9% women were overweight/obese according to BMI classification. Among those within the normal BMI range, 25.4% men and 54.7% women were indicated as overweight or obese given their elevated BF% (men: BF% ≥ 20%; women: BF% ≥ 30%). In both men and women, compared with those with normal BMI and BF% (NBB), subjects with normal BMI but elevated BF% (NBOB) were more likely to carry abnormal serum lipid profile and to have higher risks of metabolic syndrome. The multivariable adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for metabolic syndrome were 5.45 (2.37-9.53, P < 0.001) and 5.65 (3.36-9.52, P < 0.001) for men and women, respectively. Moreover, the women with NBOB also showed higher blood pressure and serum uric acid than women with NBB. Our study suggested that high BF% based on equations may indicate adverse metabolic profiles among rural Chinese adults with a normal BMI. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Association of complement factor B allotypes and serum biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis patients and their relatives.

PubMed

Nass, F R; Skare, T L; Goeldner, I; Nisihara, R; Messias-Reason, I J; Utiyama, S R R

2015-12-01

The aim of the study was to investigate the allotypic variability of complement factor B (BF) in patients and relatives with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its association with serological biomarkers and clinical features of the disease. BF allotypes were determined by high-voltage agarose gel electrophoresis in serum samples of 180 patients with RA, 198 relatives and 98 controls from Southern Brazil. Anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), antimutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) and IgA-rheumatoid factor (RF) were determined by ELISA and IgM-RF by latex agglutination in all samples. No significant differences were found in the allotypic variants of BF between patients with RA, relatives and controls, nor associations with gender and age of RA onset. BF*S07 allotype was significantly associated with extra-articular manifestations (EAMs; Secondary Sjögren Syndrome, pneumonitis, rheumatoid nodules) in patients with RA (P = 0.02; OR = 6.62). Patients with phenotype BF F had lower positivity for anti-MCV biomarker (P = 0.02; OR = 0.22) and those with allotype BF*S had higher prevalence of this autoantibody (P = 0.02; OR = 3.77). An increased frequency of RF-IgA was detected in relatives of patients with RA with BF FS07 phenotype (P = 0.02; OR = 7.78). Complement BF variability did not influence the development of RA in the studied patients, but BF variants may act as markers of disease prognosis, such as development of EAMs, corroborating with the role of the alternative pathway in the pathogenesis of RA. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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

Turaka, Aruna; Buyyounouski, Mark K., E-mail: mark.buyyounouski@fccc.edu; Hanlon, Alexandra L.

Purpose: To correlate tumor oxygenation status with long-term biochemical outcome after prostate brachytherapy. Methods and Materials: Custom-made Eppendorf PO{sub 2} microelectrodes were used to obtain PO{sub 2} measurements from the prostate (P), focused on positive biopsy locations, and normal muscle tissue (M), as a control. A total of 11,516 measurements were obtained in 57 men with localized prostate cancer immediately before prostate brachytherapy was given. The Eppendorf histograms provided the median PO{sub 2}, mean PO{sub 2}, and % <5 mm Hg or <10 mm Hg. Biochemical failure (BF) was defined using both the former American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncologymore » (ASTRO) (three consecutive raises) and the current Phoenix (prostate-specific antigen nadir + 2 ng/mL) definitions. A Cox proportional hazards regression model evaluated the influence of hypoxia using the P/M mean PO{sub 2} ratio on BF. Results: With a median follow-up time of 8 years, 12 men had ASTRO BF and 8 had Phoenix BF. On multivariate analysis, P/M PO{sub 2} ratio <0.10 emerged as the only significant predictor of ASTRO BF (p = 0.043). Hormonal therapy (p = 0.015) and P/M PO{sub 2} ratio <0.10 (p = 0.046) emerged as the only independent predictors of the Phoenix BF. Kaplan-Meier freedom from BF for P/M ratio <0.10 vs. {>=}0.10 at 8 years for ASTRO BF was 46% vs. 78% (p = 0.03) and for the Phoenix BF was 66% vs. 83% (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Hypoxia in prostate cancer (low mean P/M PO{sub 2} ratio) significantly predicts for poor long-term biochemical outcome, suggesting that novel hypoxic strategies should be investigated.« less

A Comparison between Multiple Regression Models and CUN-BAE Equation to Predict Body Fat in Adults

PubMed Central

Fuster-Parra, Pilar; Bennasar-Veny, Miquel; Tauler, Pedro; Yañez, Aina; López-González, Angel A.; Aguiló, Antoni

2015-01-01

Background Because the accurate measure of body fat (BF) is difficult, several prediction equations have been proposed. The aim of this study was to compare different multiple regression models to predict BF, including the recently reported CUN-BAE equation. Methods Multi regression models using body mass index (BMI) and body adiposity index (BAI) as predictors of BF will be compared. These models will be also compared with the CUN-BAE equation. For all the analysis a sample including all the participants and another one including only the overweight and obese subjects will be considered. The BF reference measure was made using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. Results The simplest models including only BMI or BAI as independent variables showed that BAI is a better predictor of BF. However, adding the variable sex to both models made BMI a better predictor than the BAI. For both the whole group of participants and the group of overweight and obese participants, using simple models (BMI, age and sex as variables) allowed obtaining similar correlations with BF as when the more complex CUN-BAE was used (ρ = 0:87 vs. ρ = 0:86 for the whole sample and ρ = 0:88 vs. ρ = 0:89 for overweight and obese subjects, being the second value the one for CUN-BAE). Conclusions There are simpler models than CUN-BAE equation that fits BF as well as CUN-BAE does. Therefore, it could be considered that CUN-BAE overfits. Using a simple linear regression model, the BAI, as the only variable, predicts BF better than BMI. However, when the sex variable is introduced, BMI becomes the indicator of choice to predict BF. PMID:25821960

A comparison between multiple regression models and CUN-BAE equation to predict body fat in adults.

PubMed

Fuster-Parra, Pilar; Bennasar-Veny, Miquel; Tauler, Pedro; Yañez, Aina; López-González, Angel A; Aguiló, Antoni

2015-01-01

Because the accurate measure of body fat (BF) is difficult, several prediction equations have been proposed. The aim of this study was to compare different multiple regression models to predict BF, including the recently reported CUN-BAE equation. Multi regression models using body mass index (BMI) and body adiposity index (BAI) as predictors of BF will be compared. These models will be also compared with the CUN-BAE equation. For all the analysis a sample including all the participants and another one including only the overweight and obese subjects will be considered. The BF reference measure was made using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. The simplest models including only BMI or BAI as independent variables showed that BAI is a better predictor of BF. However, adding the variable sex to both models made BMI a better predictor than the BAI. For both the whole group of participants and the group of overweight and obese participants, using simple models (BMI, age and sex as variables) allowed obtaining similar correlations with BF as when the more complex CUN-BAE was used (ρ = 0:87 vs. ρ = 0:86 for the whole sample and ρ = 0:88 vs. ρ = 0:89 for overweight and obese subjects, being the second value the one for CUN-BAE). There are simpler models than CUN-BAE equation that fits BF as well as CUN-BAE does. Therefore, it could be considered that CUN-BAE overfits. Using a simple linear regression model, the BAI, as the only variable, predicts BF better than BMI. However, when the sex variable is introduced, BMI becomes the indicator of choice to predict BF.

Prostate-specific antigen density is predictive of outcome in suboptimal prostate seed brachytherapy.

PubMed

Benzaquen, David; Delouya, Guila; Ménard, Cynthia; Barkati, Maroie; Taussky, Daniel

In prostate seed brachytherapy, a D 90 of <130 Gy is an accepted predictive factor for biochemical failure (BF). We studied whether there is a subpopulation that does not need additional treatment after a suboptimal permanent seed brachytherapy implantation. A total of 486 patients who had either BF or a minimum followup of 48 months without BF were identified. BF was defined according to the Phoenix definition (nadir prostate-specific antigen + 2). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, adjusting for known prognostic factors such as D 90 and prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) of ≥0.15 ng/mL/cm 3 , to evaluate their ability to predict BF. Median followup for patients without BF was 72 months (interquartile range 56-96). BF-free recurrence rate at 5 years was 95% and at 8 years 88%. In univariate analysis, PSAD and cancer of the prostate risk assessment score were predictive of BF. On multivariate analysis, none of the factors remained significant. The best prognosis had patients with a low PSAD (<0.15 ng/mL/cm 3 ) and an optimal implant at 30 days after implantation (as defined by D 90  ≥ 130 Gy) compared to patients with both factors unfavorable (p = 0.006). A favorable PSAD was associate with a good prognosis, independently of the D 90 (<130 Gy vs. ≥130 Gy, p = 0.7). Patients with a PSAD of <0.15 ng/mL/cm 3 have little risk of BF, even in the case of a suboptimal implant. These results need to be validated in other patients' cohorts. Copyright © 2016 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CHOLINERGIC NEURONS OF THE BASAL FOREBRAIN MEDIATE BIOCHEMICAL AND ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS UNDERLYING SLEEP HOMEOSTASIS

PubMed Central

Kalinchuk, Anna V.; Porkka-Heiskanen, Tarja; McCarley, Robert W.; Basheer, Radhika

2015-01-01

The tight coordination of biochemical and electrophysiological mechanisms underlies the homeostatic sleep pressure (HSP) produced by sleep deprivation (SD). We have reported that during SD the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), extracellular nitric oxide (NO), adenosine [AD]ex, lactate [Lac]ex and pyruvate [Pyr]ex increase in the basal forebrain (BF). However, it is not clear whether all of them contribute to HSP leading to increased electroencephalogram (EEG) delta activity during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) recovery sleep (RS) following SD. Previously, we showed that NREM delta increase evident during RS depends on the presence of BF cholinergic (ChBF) neurons. Here, we investigated the role of ChBF cells in coordination of biochemical and EEG changes seen during SD and RS in the rat. Increases in low theta power (5–7Hz), but not high theta (7–9Hz), during SD correlated with the increase in NREM delta power during RS, and with the changes in nitrate/nitrite [NOx]ex and [AD]ex. Lesions of ChBF cells using IgG 192-saporin prevented increases in [NOx]ex, [AD]ex and low theta activity, during SD, but did not prevent increases in [Lac]ex and [Pyr]ex. Infusion of NO donor DETA NONOate into the saporin-treated BF failed to increase NREM RS and delta power, suggesting ChBF cells are important for mediating NO homeostatic effects. Finally, SD-induced iNOS was mostly expressed in ChBF cells, and the intensity of iNOS induction correlated with the increase in low theta activity. Together, our data indicate ChBF cells are important in regulating the biochemical and EEG mechanisms that contribute to HSP. PMID:25369989

Na2O-Al2O3 system: Activity of Na2O in (α + β)- and (β + β)-alumina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kale, G. M.

1992-12-01

The activity of Na2O in a biphasic mixture of (α + β)-alumina has been measured in the temperature range of 700 to 1100 K using the solid-state galvanic cell: 11663_2007_Article_BF02656462_TeX2GIFE1.gif _{(1:1)}^{Pt,CO_2 + O_2 /Na_2 CO_3 /(α + β ) - alumin a//(Y_2 O_3 )ZrO_2 //In + In_2 O_3 ,Ta,Pt} Similarly, the activity of Na2O in a (β + β’’)-alumina two-phase mixture has been measured between 700 and 1100 K employing the galvanic cell: 11663_2007_Article_BF02656462_TeX2GIFE2.gif _{(1:1)}^{Pt,CO_2 + O_2 /Na_2 CO_3 /(β + β ) - alumin a//(Y_2 O_3 )ZrO_2 //In + In_2 O_3 ,Ta,Pt} The reversible electromotive force (emf ) of both the cells was found to vary linearly with temperature over the entire temperature range of measurement. From the measured reversible emf and auxiliary thermodynamic data for In2O2, Na2O, CO2 and Na2CO3 reported in the literature, the temperature dependence of the logarithm of activity of Na2O in (α + β)-alumina is obtained: 11663_2007_Article_BF02656462_TeX2GIFE3.gif log α _{Na_2 O} (α + β ) = 1.85 - 14,750/T(K)( ± 0.015)(700 ≤slant T ≤slant 1100) For (β + β'’)-alumina, 11663_2007_Article_BF02656462_TeX2GIFE4.gif log α _{Na_2 O} (β + β ) = 3.9 - 13,000/T(K)( ± 0.015)(700 ≤slant T ≤slant 1100)

Synthesis of phosphinoferrocene amides and thioamides from carbamoyl chlorides and the structural chemistry of Group 11 metal complexes with these mixed-donor ligands.

PubMed

Fernandes, Tiago A; Solařová, Hana; Císařová, Ivana; Uhlík, Filip; Štícha, Martin; Štěpnička, Petr

2015-02-21

The reaction of in situ generated 1'-(diphenylphosphino)-1-lithioferrocene with carbamoyl chlorides, ClC(E)NMe2, affords the corresponding (thio)amides, Ph2PfcC(E)NMe2 (E = O (), S (); fc = ferrocene-1,1'-diyl). These compounds as well as their analogues, Ph2PfcC(O)NHMe () and Ph2PfcC(O)NH2 (), prepared from 1'-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene-1-carboxylic acid (Hdpf) were studied as ligands for the Group 11 metal ions. In the reactions with [Cu(MeCN)4][BF4], the amides give rise to bis-chelate complexes of the type [Cu(L-κ(2)O,P)2][BF4]. Similar products, [Ag(L-κ(2)O,P)2]ClO4, are obtained from silver(i) perchlorate and , or . In contrast, the reaction of AgClO4 with produces a unique molecular dimer [Ag()(ClO4-κO)]2, where the metal centres are bridged by the sulfur atoms of the P,S-chelating thioamides. The reactions of with [AuCl(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) afford the expected gold(i)-phosphine complexes, [AuCl(L-κP)], containing uncoordinated (thio)amide moieties. Hemilabile coordination of the phosphinoamide ligands in complexes with the soft Group 11 metal ions is established by the crystal structure of a solvento complex, [Cu(-κ(2)O,P)(-κP)(CHCl3-κCl)][BF4], which was isolated serendipitously during an attempted crystallisation of [Cu(-κ(2)O,P)2][BF4]. All of the compounds are characterised by spectroscopic methods, and the structures of several representatives of both the free phosphinoamides and their complexes are determined by X-ray diffraction analysis and further studied by DFT calculations and cyclic voltammetry.

Deep-sea benthic response to rapid climatic oscillations of the last glacial cycle in the SE Bay of Biscay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez-Lazaro, J.; Pascual, A.; Cacho, I.; Varela, Z.; Pena, L. D.

2017-12-01

Paleoclimatic evolution of the last 140 ka (Marine Isotopic Stages MIS 1 to MIS 5) in the South Bay of Biscay has been studied by considering microfossil changes in sediment samples of deep core PP10-17. This core was retrieved at 2882 m water depth (mwd) in the Landas Plateau and is formed by 1792 cm of clay-silt continuously deposited sediment. For this study, a total of 114 samples have been examined, yielding approximately 60 thousands of specimens of foraminifers (181 benthic species, BF) and ostracods (70 spp.). Reconstruction of the benthic response is based on the main foraminifer and ostracod species by considering their oxic/anoxic character as well as other ecological features of the assemblages. Detailed quantification of microfossils (planktonic and benthic foraminifers, ostracods) together with grain size analyses and magnetic susceptibility of the sediments allow us to characterize many of the climatic events registered in this core. Based on a robust chronostratigraphy by correlation with reference core MD95-2002 and Greenland ice core records (GICC05modelext), we are able to characterize a detailed response of benthic environments to cooling/warming, oxygen-content and productivity cycles in the region. MIS 5 has been characterized by oscillations of the planktonic/benthic foraminifer ratio (Oceanity index, OI; 60-90%); this index was higher (90-100%) and stable through the MIS 4-MIS 3 intervals. We found BF species indicators of different climatic-related events. Thus, MIS 5a, c, e interstadials are evidenced by Bulimina gibba and B. aculeata while the stadials MIS 5b, d are shown by the occurrence of Melonis pompilioides. Heinrich events, with massive iceberg discharges into the N Atlantic Ocean, are indicated by presence of Globobulimina affinis, particularly during the MIS 4 to MIS 2 interval. The beginning of MIS 4 is indicated by the appearance of new species of BF and an increase of Cassidulina laevigata. Krithe spp. and C. laevigata are good indicators of the LGM (Last Glacial Maximum, 19-23 ka) when the OI decreased. Other cooling periods (e.g. Younger Dryas, YD, around 12-13 ka) are shown as well by an increase of M. pompilioides, similar to that of the MIS 5d stadial. The Holocene (11.5 ka to present) is marked by an increase in the oceanity index, disappearance of cold-water indicators and the occurrence of Uvigerina peregrina. A shallow infaunal microhabitat of benthics foraminifers (Cibicides, Cassidulina, Uvigerina) and ostracods (Krithe, Argilloecia) has been linked to favorable bottom conditions, with oxic to slightly suboxic conditions (high diversity and equitability of assemblages) reflecting an active Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) during many D/O interstadials. The opposite conditions were established for deep infaunal BF (Bulimina, Globobulimina) where the strong dysoxic bottom conditions are indicative of poor ventilation produced by a reduction or shutdown of the AMOC during Heinrich stadials.

[Estimation of body fat by DXA and the four compartment model in Mexican youth].

PubMed

Ramírez, Erik; Valencia, Mauro E; Moya Camarena, Silvia Y; Alemán-Mateo, Heliodoro; Méndez, Rosa O

2010-09-01

The objective of this study was to validate the estimation of body fat (%BF) by DXA (Dual-Energy X-Ray AbsorciomDPX-MD) against the four compartment model (4C) of body composition in 32 Mexican pubertal girls and boys (aged 9-14 y; F=16). The mean of the difference between DXA and 4C model was -3.5 %BF (p=0.171). The limits of agreement (95% = 2 SD) were +5% to -12%BF. The precision of estimated limits of y the confidence intervals were -1.9% to -5.1%BF (P = 0.050). The concordance correlation coefficient was p = 0.85. The test of accuracy for coincidence of slop intercepts between DXA and the 4C model showed no coincidence (p < 0.05). The precision by R2 explained 83% of the variance (SEE, 4.1%). The individual accuracy assess by the total error was 5.6%. The group mean accuracy by two way analysis of variance of body fat did not show interaction between method (DXA-4C model) and separate analysis of gender and overweight. However, there was an effect of method (p = 0.043) in the presence of overweight (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the estimation of percent of body fat by DXA was not precise and accurate in a group of Mexican children. However, results do not limit the utility of DXA for the measurements of body composition and its relation with health outcomes, especially in follow up studies.

51. BF corridor, (example of older building meeting with new ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

51. BF corridor, (example of older building meeting with new building addition) from outside room BF-6, basement level, building 500, looking south - Offutt Air Force Base, Strategic Air Command Headquarters & Command Center, Headquarters Building, 901 SAC Boulevard, Bellevue, Sarpy County, NE

Association of the Myostatin gene with obesity, abdominal obesity and low lean body mass and in non-diabetic Asian Indians in north India.

PubMed

Bhatt, Surya Prakash; Nigam, Priyanka; Misra, Anoop; Guleria, Randeep; Luthra, Kalpana; Jain, S K; Qadar Pasha, M A

2012-01-01

To determine the association of the A55T and K153R polymorphisms of the Myostatin gene with obesity, abdominal obesity and lean body mass (LBM) in Asian Indians in north India. A total of 335 subjects (238 men and 97 women) were assessed for anthropometry, % body fat (BF), LBM and biochemical parameters. Associations of Myostatin gene polymorphisms were evaluated with anthropometric, body composition and biochemical parameters. In A55T polymorphism, BMI (p=0.04), suprailiac skinfold (p=0.05), total skinfold (p=0.008), %BF (p=0.002) and total fat mass (p=0.003) were highest and % LBM (p=0.03) and total LBM (Kg) were lowest (p=0.04) in subjects with Thr/Thr genotype as compared to other genotypes. Association analysis of K153R polymorphism showed that subjects with R/R genotype had significantly higher BMI (p=0.05), waist circumference (p=0.04), %BF (p=0.04) and total fat mass (p=0.03), and lower %LBM (p=0.02) and total LBM [(Kg), (p=0.04)] as compared to other genotypes. Using a multivariate logistic regression model after adjusting for age and sex, subjects with Thr/Thr genotype of A55T showed high risk for high %BF (OR, 3.92, 95% Cl: 2.61-12.41), truncal subcutaneous adiposity (OR, 2.9, 95% Cl: 1.57-6.60)] and low LBM (OR, 0.64, 95% CI: 0.33-0.89) whereas R/R genotype of K153R showed high risk of obesity (BMI; OR, 3.2, 95% CI: 1.2-12.9; %BF, OR, 3.6, 95% CI: 1.04-12.4), abdominal obesity (OR, 2.12, 95% CI: 2.71-14.23) and low LBM (OR, 0.61, 95% CI: 0.29-0.79). We report that variants of Myostatin gene predispose to obesity, abdominal obesity and low lean body mass in Asian Indians in north India.

Effect of the structure of imidazolium cations in [BF4](-)-type ionic liquids on direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of horseradish peroxidase in Nafion films.

PubMed

Lu, Lu; Huang, Xirong; Qu, Yinbo

2011-10-01

The direct electrochemistry and bioelectrocatalysis of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in Nafion films at glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was investigated in three [BF(4)](-)-type room-temperature ionic liquids (ILs) to understand the structural effect of imidazolium cations. The three ILs are 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Emim][BF(4)]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF(4)]) and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Hmim][BF(4)]). A small amount of water in the three ILs is indispensable for maintaining the electrochemical activity of HRP in Nafion films, and the optimum water contents decrease with the increase of alkyl chain length on imidazole ring. Analysis shows that the optimum water contents are primarily determined by the hydrophilicity of ILs used. In contrast to aqueous medium, ILs media facilitate the direct electron transfer of HRP, and the electrochemical parameters obtained in different ILs are obviously related to the nature of ILs. The direct electron transfer between HRP and GCE is a surface-confined quasi-reversible single electron transfer process. The apparent heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant decreases gradually with the increase of alkyl chain length on imidazole ring, but the changing extent is relatively small. The electrocatalytic reduction current of H(2)O(2) at the present electrode decreases obviously with the increase of alkyl chain length, and the mass transfer of H(2)O(2) via diffusion in ILs should be responsible for the change. In addition, the modified electrode has good stability and reproducibility; the ability to tolerate high levels of F(-) has been greatly enhanced due to the use of Nafion film. When an appropriate mediator is included in the sensing layer, a sensitive nonaqueous biosensor could be fabricated. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A frontal cortex event-related potential driven by the basal forebrain

PubMed Central

Nguyen, David P; Lin, Shih-Chieh

2014-01-01

Event-related potentials (ERPs) are widely used in both healthy and neuropsychiatric conditions as physiological indices of cognitive functions. Contrary to the common belief that cognitive ERPs are generated by local activity within the cerebral cortex, here we show that an attention-related ERP in the frontal cortex is correlated with, and likely generated by, subcortical inputs from the basal forebrain (BF). In rats performing an auditory oddball task, both the amplitude and timing of the frontal ERP were coupled with BF neuronal activity in single trials. The local field potentials (LFPs) associated with the frontal ERP, concentrated in deep cortical layers corresponding to the zone of BF input, were similarly coupled with BF activity and consistently triggered by BF electrical stimulation within 5–10 msec. These results highlight the important and previously unrecognized role of long-range subcortical inputs from the BF in the generation of cognitive ERPs. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02148.001 PMID:24714497

Use of a benzimidazole derivative BF-188 in fluorescence multispectral imaging for selective visualization of tau protein fibrils in the Alzheimer's disease brain.

PubMed

Harada, Ryuichi; Okamura, Nobuyuki; Furumoto, Shozo; Yoshikawa, Takeo; Arai, Hiroyuki; Yanai, Kazuhiko; Kudo, Yukitsuka

2014-02-01

Selective visualization of amyloid-β and tau protein deposits will help to understand the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we introduce a novel fluorescent probe that can distinguish between these two deposits by multispectral fluorescence imaging technique. Fluorescence spectral analysis was performed using AD brain sections stained with novel fluorescence compounds. Competitive binding assay using [(3)H]-PiB was performed to evaluate the binding affinity of BF-188 for synthetic amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau fibrils. In AD brain sections, BF-188 clearly stained Aβ and tau protein deposits with different fluorescence spectra. In vitro binding assays indicated that BF-188 bound to both amyloid-β and tau fibrils with high affinity (K i  < 10 nM). In addition, BF-188 showed an excellent blood-brain barrier permeability in mice. Multispectral imaging with BF-188 could potentially be used for selective in vivo imaging of tau deposits as well as amyloid-β in the brain.

A model for the extended studies of hepatic hemodynamics and metabolism in swine.

PubMed

Drougas, J G; Barnard, S E; Wright, J K; Sika, M; Lopez, R R; Stokes, K A; Williams, P E; Pinson, C W

1996-12-01

To our knowledge postoperative hepatic hemodynamics and hepatic metabolism have not been fully studied on a long-term basis. Our goal was to develop a large animal model that would permit the measurement of hepatic blood flow (BF), perihepatic pressures (P), and hepatic metabolism in a long-term setting. Catheters were inserted into the jugular vein, carotid artery, pulmonary artery, hepatic vein, and portal vein (PV) of 27 commercially bred pigs; ultrasonic transit time flowmeter probes were placed around the hepatic artery and PV. Daily postoperative measurements of jugular vein P, carotid artery P, pulmonary artery P, hepatic vein P, and PVP, as well as hepatic artery BF and PVBF, were recorded for 20 days. Hepatic carbohydrate metabolism was assessed by arteriovenous difference techniques. Jugular vein P, pulmonary artery P, hepatic vein P, PVP, and heart rate reached steady-state values during the first week, with a mean +/- SEM of 1.0 +/- 0.3 mm Hg for jugular vein P, 21.4 +/- 2.1 mm Hg for pulmonary artery P, 4.3 +/- 0.4 mm Hg for HVP, 7.8 +/- 0.5 mm Hg for PVP, and 116 +/- 4 beats per minute for heart rate. Mean carotid artery P increased from 65 +/- 3 mm Hg during surgery to 94 +/- 2 mm Hg on postoperative day 1 (P < 0.001) and to a mean 101 +/- 2 mm Hg thereafter. Total hepatic BF reached a steady-state value of 1,132 +/- 187 ml/min by postoperative day 7 (P = 0.19). Over week 1 hepatic artery BF measured as a percentage of total hepatic BF decreased from 35.0 +/- 3.0% to 15.5 +/- 2.7%, and PVBF increased from 65.0 +/- 3.0% to 84.5 +/- 2.7% (P < 0.005); both variables were steady thereafter. In the hemodynamic steady state the net hepatic balances of glucose, lactate, glycerol, and alanine in 5 pigs were 9.9 +/- 4.0, -4.2 +/- 0.4, -2.3 +/- 1.1, and -0.68 +/- 0.22 micromol/kg per min respectively. The net gut (portal-drained viscera) balances of glucose, lactate, alanine, and glycerol were -2.0 +/- 2.5, 1.1 +/- 0.5, 0.73 +/- 0.18, and -0.69 +/- 0.19 micromol/kg per min respectively. Thus, a reliable large animal model was developed to study acute and chronic hepatic hemodynamics and metabolism.

Sub-micron particle number size distribution characteristics at two urban locations in Leicester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hama, Sarkawt M. L.; Cordell, Rebecca L.; Kos, Gerard P. A.; Weijers, E. P.; Monks, Paul S.

2017-09-01

The particle number size distribution (PNSD) of atmospheric particles not only provides information about sources and atmospheric processing of particles, but also plays an important role in determining regional lung dose. Owing to the importance of PNSD in understanding particulate pollution two short-term campaigns (March-June 2014) measurements of sub-micron PNSD were conducted at two urban background locations in Leicester, UK. At the first site, Leicester Automatic Urban Rural Network (AURN), the mean number concentrations of nucleation, Aitken, accumulation modes, the total particles, equivalent black carbon (eBC) mass concentrations were 2002, 3258, 1576, 6837 # cm-3, 1.7 μg m-3, respectively, and at the second site, Brookfield (BF), were 1455, 2407, 874, 4737 # cm-3, 0.77 μg m-3, respectively. The total particle number was dominated by the nucleation and Aitken modes, with both consisting of 77%, and 81% of total number concentrations at AURN and BF sites, respectively. This behaviour could be attributed to primary emissions (traffic) of ultrafine particles and the temporal evolution of mixing layer. The size distribution at the AURN site shows bimodal distribution at 22 nm with a minor peak at 70 nm. The size distribution at BF site, however, exhibits unimodal distribution at 35 nm. This study has for the first time investigated the effect of Easter holiday on PNSD in UK. The temporal variation of PNSD demonstrated a good degree of correlation with traffic-related pollutants (NOX, and eBC at both sites). The meteorological conditions, also had an impact on the PNSD and eBC at both sites. During the measurement period, the frequency of NPF events was calculated to be 13.3%, and 22.2% at AURN and BF sites, respectively. The average value of formation and growth rates of nucleation mode particles were 1.3, and 1.17 cm-3 s-1 and 7.42, and 5.3 nm h-1 at AURN, and BF sites, respectively. It can suggested that aerosol particles in Leicester originate mainly from traffic and domestic heating emissions.

Exercise-induced changes in cardiovascular function after stroke: a randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

Tang, Ada; Krassioukov, Andrei V; Madden, Kenneth M; Mohammadi, Azam; Tsang, Michael YC; Tsang, Teresa SM

2015-01-01

Background and aims Cardiovascular co-morbidities are prevalent after stroke, with heart disease, hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance present in the majority of cases. Exercise has the potential to mediate cardiovascular risk factors commonly present in people with stroke. This single-blinded randomized controlled trial compared the effects of high versus low intensity exercise on fitness, cardiovascular risk factors, and cardiac function after stroke. Methods Fifty participants (age 50–80y, >1y post-stroke) were randomized to a high-intensity Aerobic Exercise (AE) or low-intensity non-aerobic Balance/Flexibility (BF) program (6 months, 3 60-minute sessions/week). Outcomes assessed by VO2peak (primary outcome), arterial stiffness, ambulatory capacity, hemodynamics and cardiac function using echocardiography, and lipid, glucose and homocysteine levels. Assessors were blinded to group allocation. Results Twenty-three (92%) of 25 AE group participants (withdrawals unrelated to the intervention) and all BF group participants completed the program. One BF group participant experienced 2 non-injurious falls during class. No other adverse events occurred. There were no changes in VO2peak in either group (AE 16.9±7 to 17.4±7 ml•kg−1•min−1 vs. BF 16.9±6 to 16.6±5 ml•kg−1•min−1, P=0.45), but AE group demonstrated greater improvement in right atrial emptying fraction (AE 30±22 to 37±22% vs. BF 35±20 to 31±20%, P=0.04). Both groups demonstrated improvements in lipid profiles, glucose and homocysteine levels, and ambulatory capacity (P<0.04). Conclusions This was the first study to examine the effects of aerobic exercise after stroke on cardiovascular hemodynamics. High-intensity exercise improved right-sided function and early myocardial relaxation. Low-intensity exercise may also benefit plasma lipid, glucose and inflammatory markers, and ambulatory capacity. This study is an important step towards understanding mechanisms by which exercise may reduce cardiovascular risk and function. Clinical Trial Registration Information http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01189045 PMID:24148695

Ethnic differences in the relationship between body mass index and percentage body fat among Asian children from different backgrounds.

PubMed

Liu, Ailing; Byrne, Nuala M; Kagawa, Masaharu; Ma, Guansheng; Poh, Bee Koon; Ismail, Mohammad Noor; Kijboonchoo, Kallaya; Nasreddine, Lara; Trinidad, Trinidad Palad; Hills, Andrew P

2011-11-01

Overweight and obesity in Asian children are increasing at an alarming rate; therefore a better understanding of the relationship between BMI and percentage body fat (%BF) in this population is important. A total of 1039 children aged 8-10 years, encompassing a wide BMI range, were recruited from China, Lebanon, Malaysia, The Philippines and Thailand. Body composition was determined using the 2H dilution technique to quantify total body water and subsequently fat mass, fat-free mass and %BF. Ethnic differences in the BMI-%BF relationship were found; for example, %BF in Filipino boys was approximately 2 % lower than in their Thai and Malay counterparts. In contrast, Thai girls had approximately 2.0 % higher %BF values than in their Chinese, Lebanese, Filipino and Malay counterparts at a given BMI. However, the ethnic difference in the BMI-%BF relationship varied by BMI. Compared with Caucasian children of the same age, Asian children had 3-6 units lower BMI at a given %BF. Approximately one-third of the obese Asian children (%BF above 25 % for boys and above 30 % for girls) in the study were not identified using the WHO classification and more than half using the International Obesity Task Force classification. Use of the Chinese classification increased the sensitivity. Results confirmed the necessity to consider ethnic differences in body composition when developing BMI cut-points and other obesity criteria in Asian children.

Human brain factor 1, a new member of the fork head gene family

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

Murphy, D.B.; Wiese, S.; Burfeind, P.

1994-06-01

Analysis of cDNA clones that cross-hybridized with the fork head domain of the rat HNF-3 gene family revealed 10 cDNAs from human fetal brain and human testis cDNA libraries containing this highly conserved DNA-binding domain. Three of these cDNAs (HFK1, HFK2, and HFK3) were further analyzed. The cDNA HFK1 has a length of 2557 nucleotides and shows strong homology at the nucleotide level (91.2%) to brain factor 1 (BF-1) from rat. The HFK1 cDNA codes for a putative 476 amino acid protein. The homology to BF-1 from rat in the coding region at the amino acid level is 87.5%. Themore » fork head homologous region includes 111 amino acids starting at amino acid 160 and has a 97.5% homology to BF-1. Southern hybridization revealed that HFK1 is highly conserved among mammalian species and possibly birds. Northern analysis with total RNA from human tissues and poly(A)-rich RNA from mouse revealed a 3.2-kb transcript that is present in human and mouse fetal brain and in adult mouse brain. In situ hybridization with sections of mouse embryo and human fetal brain reveals that HFK1 expression is restricted to the neuronal cells in the telencepthalon, with strong expression being observed in the developing dentate gyrus and hippocampus. HFK1 was chromosomally localized by in situ hybridization to 14q12. The cDNA clones HFK2 and HFK3 were analyzed by restriction analysis and sequencing. HFK2 and HFK3 were found to be closely related but different from HFK1. Therefore, it would appear that HFK1, HFK2, HFK3, and BF-1 form a new fork head related subfamily. 33 refs., 6 figs.« less

Validation of air displacement plethysmography for assessing body composition.

PubMed

Wagner, D R; Heyward, V H; Gibson, A L

2000-07-01

The purpose of this study was to verify the validity of an air displacement plethysmography device (Bod Pod) for estimating body density (Db). The Db from the Bod Pod (DbBP) was compared with the Db from hydrostatic weighing (DbHW) at residual lung volume in a heterogeneous sample of 30 black men who varied in age (32.0 +/- 7.7 yr), height (180.3 +/- 7.5 cm), body mass (84.2 +/- 15.0 kg), body fatness (16.1 +/- 7.5%), and self-reported physical activity level and socioeconomic status. The Db for each method was converted to relative body fat (%BF) using race-specific conversion formulas and subsequently compared with %BF obtained from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (%BFDXA). Linear regression, using DbHW as the dependent variable and DbBP as the predictor, produced an R2 = 0.84 and SEE = 0.00721 g x cc(-1). However, the mean difference between the two methods (0.00450 +/- 0.00718 g x cc(-1) was significant (P < 0.01). The Bod Pod underestimated the Db of 73% of the sample. The %BF estimates from the Bod Pod, HW, and DXA differed significantly (P < 0.01). The average %BFBP (17.7 +/- 7.4%) was significantly greater than %BFHW (15.8 +/- 7.5%) and %BFDXA (16.1 +/- 7.5%); however, there was no significant difference between %BFHW and %BFDXA. The Bod Pod significantly and systematically underestimated Db, resulting in an overestimation of %BF. More cross-validation research is needed before recommending the Bod Pod as a reference method.