Extending Digital Repository Architectures to Support Disk Image Preservation and Access

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

Extending Digital Repository Architectures to Support Disk Image Preservation and Access Kam Woods School of Information and Library Science University...of North Carolina 216 Lenoir Drive, CB #3360 1-(919)-966-3598 kamwoods@email.unc.edu Christopher A. Lee School of Information and Library ... Science University of North Carolina 216 Lenoir Drive, CB #3360 1-(919)-962-7204 callee@ils.unc.edu Simson Garfinkel Graduate School of

seXY: a tool for sex inference from genotype arrays.

PubMed

Qian, David C; Busam, Jonathan A; Xiao, Xiangjun; O'Mara, Tracy A; Eeles, Rosalind A; Schumacher, Frederick R; Phelan, Catherine M; Amos, Christopher I

2017-02-15

Checking concordance between reported sex and genotype-inferred sex is a crucial quality control measure in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, limited insights exist regarding the true accuracy of software that infer sex from genotype array data. We present seXY, a logistic regression model trained on both X chromosome heterozygosity and Y chromosome missingness, that consistently demonstrated >99.5% sex inference accuracy in cross-validation for 889 males and 5,361 females enrolled in prostate cancer and ovarian cancer GWAS. Compared to PLINK, one of the most popular tools for sex inference in GWAS that assesses only X chromosome heterozygosity, seXY achieved marginally better male classification and 3% more accurate female classification. https://github.com/Christopher-Amos-Lab/seXY. Christopher.I.Amos@dartmouth.edu. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Technical Communications in Urban Operations (Les communications techniques en operations urbaines)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

SCUTI – Scuola Trasmissioni ed Informatica dell’Esercito Italiano Via dei Genieri, 287, 00143-Roma Cecchignola Email: Mario.DiStefano@selex...comms.com Lt. Fabrizio LAMBIASE SCUTI – Scuola Trasmissioni ed Informatica dell’Esercito Italiano Via dei Genieri, 287, 00143 Roma Cecchignola

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli heat-stable toxin and heat-labile toxin toxoid fusion 3xSTaN12S-dmLT induces neutralizing anti-STa antibodies in subcutaneously immunized mice.

PubMed

Nandre, Rahul; Ruan, Xiaosai; Duan, Qiangde; Zhang, Weiping

2016-11-02

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) bacteria producing heat-stable toxin (STa) and/or heat-labile toxin (LT) are among top causes of children's diarrhea and travelers' diarrhea. Currently no vaccines are available for ETEC associated diarrhea. A major challenge in developing ETEC vaccines is the inability to stimulate protective antibodies against the key STa toxin which is potently toxic and also poorly immunogenic. A recent study suggested toxoid fusion 3xSTa N12S -dmLT, which consists of a monomer LT toxoid (LT R192G/L211A ) and three copies of STa toxoid STa N12S , may represent an optimal immunogen inducing neutralizing antibodies against STa toxin [IAI 2014, 82(5):1823-32]. In this study, we immunized mice with this fusion protein following a different parenteral route and using different adjuvants to further characterize immunogenicity of this toxoid fusion. Data from this study showed that 3xSTa N12S -dmLT toxoid fusion induced neutralizing anti-STa antibodies in the mice following subcutaneous immunization, as effectively as in the mice under intraperitoneal route. Data also indicated that double mutant LT (dmLT) can be an effective adjuvant for this toxoid fusion in mice subcutaneous immunization. Results from this study affirmed that toxoid fusion 3xSTa N12S -dmLT induces neutralizing antibodies against STa toxin, suggesting this toxoid fusion is potentially a promising immunogen for ETEC vaccine development. © FEMS 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Intracortical Microstimulation Maps of Motor, Somatosensory, and Posterior Parietal Cortex in Tree Shrews (Tupaia belangeri) Reveal Complex Movement Representations.

PubMed

Baldwin, Mary K L; Cooke, Dylan F; Krubitzer, Leah

2017-02-01

Long-train intracortical microstimulation (LT-ICMS) is a popular method for studying the organization of motor and posterior parietal cortex (PPC) in mammals. In primates, LT-ICMS evokes both multijoint and multiple-body-part movements in primary motor, premotor, and PPC. In rodents, LT-ICMS evokes complex movements of a single limb in motor cortex. Unfortunately, very little is known about motor/PPC organization in other mammals. Tree shrews are closely related to both primates and rodents and could provide insights into the evolution of complex movement domains in primates. The present study investigated the extent of cortex in which movements could be evoked with ICMS and the characteristics of movements elicited using both short train (ST) and LT-ICMS in tree shrews. We demonstrate that LT-ICMS and ST-ICMS maps are similar, with the movements elicited with ST-ICMS being truncated versions of those elicited with LT-ICMS. In addition, LT-ICMS-evoked complex movements within motor cortex similar to those in rodents. More complex movements involving multiple body parts such as the hand and mouth were also elicited in motor cortex and PPC, as in primates. Our results suggest that complex movement networks present in PPC and motor cortex were present in mammals prior to the emergence of primates. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

MISSION CONTROL CENTER (MCC) VIEW - CONCLUSION APOLLO 11 CELEBRATION - MSC

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-07-24

S69-40024 (24 July 1969) --- NASA and Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) officials join in with the flight controllers, in the Mission Operations Control Room (MOCR) in the Mission Control Center (MCC), in celebrating the successful conclusion of the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission. Identifiable in the picture, starting in foreground, are Dr. Robert R. Gilruth, MSC Director; George M. Low, Manager, Apollo Spacecraft Program, MSC; Dr. Christopher C. Kraft Jr., MSC Director of Flight Operation; U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Samuel C. Phillips (with glasses, looking downward), Apollo Program Director, Office of Manned Space Flight, NASA Headquarters; and Dr. George E. Mueller (with glasses, looking toward left), Associate Administrator, Office of Manned Space Flight, NASA Headquarters. Former astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. is standing behind Mr. Low.

76 FR 26603 - Reorganization of Sector North Carolina; Technical Amendment

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-09

... Carolina's Marine Inspection Zone and Captain of the Port Zone, and provide updated contact information....'' FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, call or e-mail LT Kevin Sullivan..., which also contain contact details and other references to Sector North Carolina. This technical...

78 FR 24065 - Special Local Regulation; Tuscaloosa Dragon Boat Races; Black Warrior River; Tuscaloosa, AL

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-24

... by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Mobile or a designated representative. DATES: This rule is... rule, call or email LT Lenell J. Carson, Sector Mobile, Waterways Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone... Boat Races. This event is advertised as scheduled and participants, sponsors and spectators have...

Always an Airman: Enhancing the USAF Reserve’s Continuum of Service

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-09

meet the needs of serving their nation, their families, and their civilian careers is paramount.”5 Lt Gen Charles Stenner Jr., the Chief of Air...Charles Stenner , Jr., Chief of Air Force Reserve, email to author, January 18, 2012. 8 Department of Defense, Managing the Reserve Components as an

Longitudinal Recovery and Reduced Costs After 120 Sessions of Locomotor Training for Motor Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury.

PubMed

Morrison, Sarah A; Lorenz, Douglas; Eskay, Carol P; Forrest, Gail F; Basso, D Michele

2018-03-01

To determine the impact of long-term, body weight-supported locomotor training after chronic, incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), and to estimate the health care costs related to lost recovery potential and preventable secondary complications that may have occurred because of visit limits imposed by insurers. Prospective observational cohort with longitudinal follow-up. Eight outpatient rehabilitation centers that participate in the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation NeuroRecovery Network (NRN). Individuals with motor incomplete chronic SCI (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale C or D; N=69; 0.1-45y after SCI) who completed at least 120 NRN physical therapy sessions. Manually assisted locomotor training (LT) in a body weight-supported treadmill environment, overground standing and stepping activities, and community integration tasks. International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury motor and sensory scores, orthostatic hypotension, bowel/bladder/sexual function, Spinal Cord Injury Functional Ambulation Inventory (SCI-FAI), Berg Balance Scale, Modified Functional Reach, 10-m walk test, and 6-minute walk test. Longitudinal outcome measure collection occurred every 20 treatments and at 6- to 12-month follow-up after discharge from therapy. Significant improvement occurred for upper and lower motor strength, functional activities, psychological arousal, sensation of bowel movement, and SCI-FAI community ambulation. Extended training enabled minimal detectable changes at 60, 80, 100, and 120 sessions. After detectable change occurred, it was sustained through 120 sessions and continued 6 to 12 months after treatment. Delivering at least 120 sessions of LT improves recovery from incomplete chronic SCI. Because walking reduces rehospitalization, LT delivered beyond the average 20-session insurance limit can reduce rehospitalizations and long-term health costs. Copyright © 2018 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Air Force Fixed-Wing Rescue: A Multifaceted Approach for Full-Spectrum Personnel Recovery

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

to the author, e-mail, 29 June 2011. The cost per flying hour is in fiscal year 2011 constant dollars. 11. Ibid.; and Lt Col Brian Pitcher ...personnel could provide maintenance support for one or several small aircraft. This assumes fully trained and licensed air- frame and power- plant mechanics

Adverse event reporting in patients treated with levothyroxine: results of the pharmacovigilance task force survey of the american thyroid association, american association of clinical endocrinologists, and the endocrine society.

PubMed

Hennessey, James V; Malabanan, Alan O; Haugen, Bryan R; Levy, Elliot G

2010-01-01

To survey physicians to determine whether potency and consistency issues with levothyroxine sodium (LT4) have been resolved and to assess current experience regarding safety of substituting LT4 products. Members of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Thyroid Association, and The Endocrine Society collaborated to create a survey instrument that would effectively sample the clinical experience of their society members and frequent prescribers of LT4. More than 18,000 e-mailed requests for information were generated, and the Web sites of each society provided links to the data collection form. The survey provided an opportunity to collect clinical observations of adverse events or product availability problems from physicians caring for patients with thyroid disease who required use of contemporary LT4 preparations. After adjustment for known reasons for unstable results from thyroid function tests, 199 reports of adverse events associated with changes in thyrotropin values were further analyzed. One hundred seventy-seven reports (88.9%) were associated with a change in the source of LT4; no change was noted in 21 (10.6%). Details regarding the circumstances of the change were provided in 167 of the 177 reports (94.4%), The reporting physicians themselves or their office staff had changed the LT4 preparation in only 1 of the 167 cases (0.6%). The remainder of changes had been made by the patient's pharmacy, either with the physician's knowledge (in 13 of 167 cases [7.8%]) or without his/her knowledge (in 153 of 167 cases [91.6%]). Fifty-four of 199 cases (27.1%) described serious adverse events; 52 of these (96.3%) were associated with a substitution of one LT4 preparation for another. The clinical use of contemporary LT4 products continues to be associated with some adverse outcomes. A small number of reports were associated with continued use of the same LT4 products. The most frequently reported adverse outcomes were associated with the approved generic substitution of LT4 products, frequently without the prescribing physician's knowledge.

Environmentally Responsive Systems for Drug Delivery.

PubMed

Bruschi, Marcos L; Borghi-Pangoni, Fernanda B; Junqueira, Mariana V; de Souza Ferreira, Sabrina B; da Silva, Jessica B

2017-01-01

In recent decades, the development of the environmentally responsive systems for drug delivery has been well regarded, with enormous potential in different applications. <P><P> Methods: These environmentally sensitive, smart, intelligent formulations have the ability to alter their physical properties in response to small changes in physical or chemical conditions, such as temperature, glucose, pH, ultrasound, light, electric field and redox potential with a huge potential in drug delivery systems. The use of formulations containing smart materials enables to carry the drug to the target tissue, cells and release in a triggered way. Consequently, they have demonstrated several advantages like decreased dose frequency, ease of preparation and administration, prolonged release with reduced side effects, as well as, reduced costs when compared to conventional processes for industrial applications. In this sense, many patents have deposited, displaying different pharmaceutical devices using responsive systems. <P><P> Results: There are more than twenty-five patents deposited about thermoresponsive systems. Furthermore, a few number of patents within glucose responsive, ultrasound responsive and light responsive deposited. There also are about eight patents that are pH-responsive, four as electric-field responsive. Most of them cover more than one type of stimuli. <P><P> Conclusion: Therefore, in this review, since 1975 to 2016, we have categorized, reviewed and discussed the patents, applications, pharmaceutical dosage forms, the importance and perspectives of this environmentally responsive approach as potentially useful therapeutic modality. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Special Advanced Studies for Pollution Prevention. Delivery Order 0058: The Monitor - Summer 1999

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-04-01

Deputy Plant 4 IPT Mr. Alex Briskin Plant 6 IPT Mr. Andy Jeffers Plant 44 IPT Mr. John Stallings Plant 42 IPT Mr. Dave Martin ( Maddox ) Det 1, AFP 42 Lt...Laboratory, WPAFB, OH Yvonne Watson (702) 318-4668 e-mail: watsony@saic.com 17-19 Aug 99 Summer PEWG Meeting, Pratt & Whitney, Montreal, Canada Bob Bondaurk

Shift from Levothyroxine Tablets to Liquid Formulation at Breakfast Improves Quality of Life of Hypothyroid Patients.

PubMed

Guglielmi, Rinaldo; Grimaldi, Franco; Negro, Roberto; Frasoldati, Andrea; Misischi, Irene; Graziano, Filomena; Cipri, Claudia; Guastamacchia, Edoardo; Triggiani, Vincenzo; Papini, Enrico

2018-01-01

Until recently, treatment of hypothyroidism has been accomplished using monotherapy of synthetic L-thyroxine (L-T4) sodium tablets that should be taken 30-60 minutes before breakfast. Nowadays, a liquid preparation of levothyroxine is available and can effectively replace tablets without the need of waiting before having breakfast. Evidence of Quality of life (QoL) improvement when shifting from the former to the latter preparation, however, is still lacking. The study aimed to assess changes in QoL of hypothyroid patients dissatisfied with their therapy with L-T4 sodium tablets who were switched from tablets taken 30-60 minutes before breakfast to liquid L-T4 at breakfast. A total of 418 consecutive hypothyroid subjects treated by means of L-T4 tablets were asked about their satisfaction/dissatisfaction in order to take the medication 30-60 minutes before having breakfast. Overall, 110 patients (26.3%) complained of the timing of their L-T4 therapy (30-60 minutes before breakfast). A dedicated QoL questionnaire (ThyTSQ), taking just a few minutes to be filled in was then administered to these dissatisfied patients. They were therefore switched to L-T4 to be taken at breakfast. Aiming to avoid TSH elevation due to L-T4 tablets malabsorption caused by meal interference and gastric pH changes, patients were invited to take L-T4 liquid form, as this is claimed to be scarcely affected by the non-fasting state. The questionnaire (ThyTSQ) was administered again at the control visit 3 months later. TSH, FT4, FT3 serum concentrations and metabolic parameters were also recorded. An improved QoL, mainly due to an easier adherence to treatment, was reported by 66.6% of 102 patients who completed the study after shifting from taking medication 30-60 minutes before breakfast to at breakfast ingestion (P<0.01). An overall 10.7% of patients found the liquid formulation distasteful. Mean values of TSH, FT4, FT3, and of metabolic parameters did not significantly change but in eight patients (7.7%) who showed a TSH increase > 2mIU/L. In hypothyroid subjects dissatisfied with L-T4 tablets ingested 30-60 minutes before breakfast, the shift to the same dose of L-T4 in liquid form taken at breakfast improved QoL in the majority of patients, without affecting thyroid function. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

High Frontier - The Journal for Space, Cyberspace & Missile Professionals. Volume 6, Number 1, November 2009

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-01

signs of just that!” In a response sent several days following Van Riper’s e-mail, [US Marine Corp Lt Gen James ] Mattis —who is now in the post Van...29 Regaining Credibility: Making Nuclear Sustainment a Model of Excellence Col James D. Fisher...Taverney, retired and Col James D. Rendleman, retired . . . . . . 53 Legislative Perspective Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act Maj Jung H. Ha

The Molecular Concept of Atheromatous Plaques.

PubMed

Thent, Zar Chi; Chakraborty, Chiranjib; Mahakkanukrauh, Pasuk; Nik Ritza Kosai Nik Mahmood, Nik; Rajan, Reynu; Das, Srijit

2017-01-01

Recently, there are scientific attempts to discover new drugs in the biotechnology industry in order to treat various diseases including atherosclerosis. The main objective of the present review was to highlight the cellular, molecular biology and inflammatory process related to the atheromatous plaques. A thorough literature search of Pubmed, Google and Scopus databases was done. Atherosclerosis is considered to be a leading cause of death throughout the world. Atherosclerosis involves oxidative damage to the cells with production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Development of atheromatous plaques in the arterial wall is a common feature. Specific inflammatory markers pertaining to the arterial wall in atherosclerosis may be useful for both diagnosis and treatment. These include Nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, macrophage inhibiting factor (MIF), leucocytes and Pselectin. Modern therapeutic paradigms involving endothelial progenitor cells therapy, angiotensin II type-2 (AT₂R) and ATP-activated purinergic receptor therapy are notable to mention. Future drugs may be designed aiming three signalling mechanisms of AT₂R which are (a) activation of protein phosphatases resulting in protein dephosphorylation (b) activation of bradykinin/nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine 3&#039;,5&#039;-monophosphate pathway by vasodilation and (c) stimulation of phospholipase A(2) and release of arachidonic acid. Drugs may also be designed to act on ATP-activated purinergic receptor channel type P2X7 molecules which acts on cardiovascular system. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Access to Digital Communication Technology and Perceptions of Telemedicine for Patient Education among American Indian Patients with Diabetes.

PubMed

Mathieson, Kathleen; Leafman, Joan S; Horton, Mark B

2017-01-01

Health care access for medically underserved patients managing chronic conditions is challenging. While telemedicine can support patient education and engagement, the "digital divide" may be particularly problematic among the medically underserved. This study evaluated physical access to digital devices, use of e-mail and social media tools, and perceptions of telemedicine among American Indian (AI) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Survey data were collected from AI patients with DM during teleophthalmology exams. Eighty-eight percent of patients had access to digital device(s), 70% used e-mail, and 56% used social media. Younger age and greater education were positively associated with e-mail and social media use (p < .05). Most (60%) considered telemedicine an excellent medium for health-related patient education. American Indian patients with DM had access enabling patient education via telemedicine. Future work should examine patient technology preferences and effectiveness of technology-based education in improving outcomes among medically underserved populations.

Christopher Kinchin | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Kinchin Photo of Christopher Kinchin Christopher Kinchin Researcher III-Chemical Engineering . Education B.S., Chemical Engineering, Texas Tech University M.S., Chemical Engineering, University of North

Techniques for SMM/THz Chemical Analysis: Investigations and Exploitation of the Large Molecule Limit

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-03

Society of America, (12 2012): 2643. doi: Christopher F. Neese, Ivan R. Medvedev, Grant M. Plummer, Aaron J. Frank, Christopher D. Ball, Frank C. De...NCNCS in view of quantum monodromy, Physical Chem Chem Physics, (02 2010): . doi: Ivan R. Medvedev, Christopher F. Neese, Grant M. Plummer, Frank C...Christopher F. Neese, Frank C. De Lucia, Ivan R. Medvedev, Bob D. Guenther . Terahertz Signature Modeling for Kill Assessment and Warhead Materials

78 FR 71022 - Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: “Christopher Williams: The...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-27

... DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 8537] Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: ``Christopher Williams: The Production Line of Happiness'' SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the... exhibition ``Christopher Williams: The Product Line of Happiness,'' imported from abroad for temporary...

Evaluation of the Natural Zeolite Lethal Effects on Adults of the Bean Weevil Under Different Temperatures and Relative Humidity Regimes.

PubMed

Floros, George D; Kokkari, Anastasia I; Kouloussis, Nikolaos A; Kantiranis, Nikolaos A; Damos, Petros; Filippidis, Anestis A; Koveos, Dimitris S

2018-02-09

We studied the insecticidal activity of different concentrations of very high quality natural zeolites (zeolitic rock containing 92 wt% clinoptilolite) applied on dry beans. The test species was adult bean weevils Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say; Coleoptera: Bruchidae), and the variables included different temperatures and humidity regimes. At certain natural zeolite concentrations the adult mortality approached 100% within the first day of exposure. The lethal natural zeolite concentration for 50% adult mortality (LD50) was 1.1 g/kg dry beans 1 d after exposure. The temperature had no significant effects on the insecticidal potential of the tested natural zeolite formulations. The lethal time (LT) for 50% adult mortality (LT50), at a concentration of 0.5 g/kg dry beans was 106.429, 101.951, and 90.084 min at 15, 20, and 25°C, respectively. It did not differ significantly. In contrast, relative humidity (RH) and exposure time as well as their interactions had a significant effect on natural zeolite formulation and insecticidal potential. At a constant concentration of 0.5 g/kg dry beans and 25°C at 23%, 34%, 53%, and 88% RH the LT50 ranged from 61.6 to 75.9 min; at 72% RH the LT50 was 110.6 min. The results indicate that natural zeolite at low concentrations is promising for the control of the bean weevil under different temperatures and RH regimes. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Specification, Validation and Verification of Mobile Application Behavior

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

VALIDATION AND VERIFICATION OF MOBILE APPLICATION BEHAVIOR by Christopher B. Bonine March 2013 Thesis Advisor: Man-Tak Shing Thesis Co...NUMBERS 6. AUTHOR(S) Christopher B. Bonine 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CA 93943–5000 8...VALIDATION AND VERIFICATION OF MOBILE APPLICATION BEHAVIOR Christopher B. Bonine Lieutenant, United States Navy B.S. Southern Polytechnic State

Language Abstractions for Software-Defined Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

Academy Christopher Monsanto Princeton University Mark Reitblatt Cornell University Jennifer Rexford Princeton University Alec Story Cornell...Transactions on Networking, 17(4), August 2009. [3] Nate Foster, Rob Harrison, Michael J. Freedman, Christopher Monsanto , Jennifer Rexford, Alec Story...networks. SIGCOMM CCR, 38(2):69–74, 2008. [7] Christopher Monsanto , Nate Foster, Rob Harrison, and David Walker. A compiler and run-time system for

Heat Tolerance of the Brown Recluse Spider (Araneae: Sicariidae): Potential for Pest Control.

PubMed

Cramer, Kenneth L; Zagar, Lindsey M

2016-02-01

The brown recluse spider, Loxosceles reclusa Gertsch & Mulaik, is a well-known venomous spider common in the south-central United States where infestations can reach thousands of individuals in a single structure. Bites from this spider pose a risk of dermonecrotic lesions (loxoscelism) or, rarely, more serious systemic effects. The heat tolerance of this spider is understudied but may offer an alternative pest control solution to pesticides or fumigation, both of which have their disadvantages. We subjected brown recluse spiders to increasing temperatures to establish the upper lethal temperature (LT). Using probit analysis to generate probability of mortality at increasing temperatures, we then exposed adult spiders to the observed LT50 to simulate whole-room heat treatment. Laboratory results predict exposure to 48°C for 130 min will achieve 100% mortality of adult spiders. Field tests need to be conducted to determine the efficacy of heat treatment in a variety of real-world situations. © The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Computer-Aided Process and Tools for Mobile Software Acquisition

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-04-01

Software Acquisition Christopher Bonine , Man-Tak Shing, and Thomas W. Otani Naval Postgraduate School Published April 1, 2013 Approved for public...ManTech International Corporation Computer-Aided Process and Tools for Mobile Software Acquisition Christopher Bonine , Man-Tak Shing, and Thomas W. Otani...Mobile Software Acquisition Christopher Bonine — Bonine is a lieutenant in the United States Navy. He is currently assigned to the Navy Cyber Defense

Christoph Rothmann and Copernicanism. (German Title: Christoph Rothmann und der Copernicanismus)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Granada, Miguel A.

Christoph Rothmann belonged to the first convinced adherents of heliocentric cosmology. The contribution discusses Rothmann's relevant remarks, which are found in his paper of 1586 «Scriptum de cometa», dealing with the comet of the previous year. Rothmann also vehemently defended his concepts in a letter to Tycho Brahe dating from September, 1588, in which he rejected both the old geocentric and Brahe's geoheliocentric system.

Preparing for the Future: Developing an Adaptive Army in a Time of Peace, 1918-1941

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-23

with the advances in equipment, the branch chiefs also served to 67 Christopher R. Gabel, The...Flanagan, E. M. The Angels: A History of the 11th Airborne Division. Novato: Presidio Press, 1989. Gabel, Christopher R. The U.S. Army GHQ Maneuvers...Papers, Command and General Staff School, 1930. Gehler, Christopher P. “Agile Leaders, Agile Institutions: Educating Adaptive and Innovative

What is the Role of Heavy Armor in the Army of 2020?

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-06

Seminar Leader Christopher C. LaNeve, COL, IN , Director, Thomas C. Graves, COL, IN School of Advanced Military Studies...Press, 1986). 55 Christopher Bellamy, The Evolution of Modern Land Warfare: Theory and Practice (New York, NY: Routledge, 1990), 39. 22...Oklahoma Press, 2011), 44. 58 Aleksandr A. Svechin, Strategy, ed. Kent D. Lee; (Minneapolis, MN: East View Publications, 1992), 1-5. 59 Christopher Paul

Characterization and Validation of the LT-SYS Copper Assay on a Roche Cobas 8000 c502 Analyzer.

PubMed

Kraus, F Bernhard; Mischereit, Marlies; Eller, Christoph; Ludwig-Kraus, Beatrice

2017-02-01

Validation of the LT-SYS quantitative in vitro copper assay on a Roche Cobas 8000 c502 analyzer and comparison with a BIOMED assay on a Roche Cobas Mira analyzer. Imprecision and bias were quantified at different concentration levels (serum and plasma) over a 20-day period. Linearity was assessed covering a range from 4.08 µmol/L to 33.8 µmol/L. Limit of blank (LoB) and limit of detection (LoD) were established based on a total of 120 blank and low-level samples. The method comparison was based on 58 plasma samples. Within-run imprecision ranged from 0.7% to 1.2% and within-laboratory imprecision from 1.4% to 3.3%. Relative bias for the 2 serum pools with known target values was less than 2.5%. The assay did not deviate from linearity over the tested measuring range. LoB and LoD were 0.12 µmol/L and 0.23 µmol/L, respectively. The method comparison revealed an average deviation of 11.5% (2.016 µmol/L), and the linear regression fit was y = 1.464 + 0.795x. The LT-SYS copper assay characterized in this study showed a fully acceptable performance with good degrees of imprecision and bias, no deviation from linearity in the relevant measuring rangem, and very low LoB and LoD. © American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The disputation of the astronomer Christoph Scheiner (German Title: Die Disputatio des Astronomen Christoph Scheiner)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daxecker, Franz

The newly found print "Theses Theologicae" is Christoph Scheiner's disputation, which took place on June 30, 1609. The title page contains Scheiner's name, presenting him as the author who is responsible for (respondente) 50 theses. The theses deal with the Summa theologica of Saint Thomas Aquinas: Nature of God, Creation, Morality, Canon Law, Grace, Faith, Justice, Devotion to Godd and the Saints, Divine Word and Sacraments.

The astronomer Christoph Grienberger and the Galilei trial. (German Title: Der Astronom Christoph Grienberger und der Galilei-Prozess)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daxecker, Franz

Christopher Grienberger was born on July 2, 1561 in Hall in Tyrol, Austria. In 1580 he joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Grienberger studied in Prague and Vienna and succeeded his tutor, Christopher Clavius, as a professor of mathematics at the Roman College. Grienberger gave lectures in astronomy in order to prepare fellow Jesuits for their missionary work in China and constructed the equatorial set-up of the telescope. Among his works is a list of fixed stars, and he even worked in the science of optics. Grienberger sympathized with Galileo's theory of motion but was told to defend the Aristotelian view by the Father General of the Jesuits, Claudio Aquaviva. Grienberger died on March 11, 1636, and is buried in Rome.

75 FR 22736 - Wrangell-Petersburg Resource Advisory Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-30

... James and Elsie Nolan Center in Wrangell, Alaska. Written comments should be sent to Christopher Savage... FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Savage, Petersburg District Ranger, P.O. Box 1328, Petersburg...

Systemic Grammar in Computation. The Nigel Case.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-02-01

Had Sir Christopher Wren been going to build a cathedral ever since his youth?. as a way of illustrating and organizing the discussion. 2. THE TEXT...arisen, In a conversation about Sir Christopher Wren . the need arises to know whether there was a plan for him to build a cathedral sometime after the time...of the clause. Sir Christopher Wren is the ACTOR of the clause, built the PROCESS, and this cathedral is the GOAL. (ii) Tense, i.e., the organization

Noise of High-Performance Aircraft at Afterburner

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-07

Naval Research Project Title : Noise of High-Performance Aircraft at Afterburner Principal Investigator Dr. Christopher Tam Department...to 08/14/2015 Noise of High-Performance Aircraft at Afterburner Tam, Christopher Sponsored Research Administratiion Florida State University

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP)-specific Quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Assay for Analyzing Competition and Emergence of the Military Hypersporulating Strains of Bacillus Atrophaeous var. Globigii

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

Emergence of the Military Hypersporulating Strains of Bacillus Atrophaeous var. Globigii by Doncho V. Zhelev, Christopher Dupuis , Suelynn Ren, Anna...Globigii Doncho V. Zhelev, Christopher Dupuis , Suelynn Ren, Anna Le, and Mia Hunt Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate, ARL Henry Gibbons...Zhelev, Christopher Dupuis , Suelynn Ren, Anna Le, Mia Hunt, and Henry Gibbons 5d. PROJECT NUMBER EC-SE-2011-05 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT

Thermal annealing and pressure effects on BaFe_2-xCo_xAs₂ single crystals.

PubMed

Shin, Dongwon; Jung, Soon-Gil; Prathiba, G; Seo, Soonbeom; Choi, Ki-Young; Kim, Kee Hoon; Park, Tuson

2017-11-26

We investigate the pressure and thermal annealing effects on BaFe_2-<i>x</i>Co_<i>x</i>As₂ (Co-Ba122) single crystals with <i>x</i> = 0.1 and 0.17 via electrical transport measurements. The thermal annealing treatment not only enhances the superconducting transition temperature (<i>T</i>_c) from 9.6 to 12.7 K for <i>x</i> = 0.1 and from 18.1 to 21.0 K for <i>x</i> = 0.17, but also increases the antiferromagnetic transition temperature (<i>T</i>_N). Simultaneous enhancement of <i>T</i>_c and <i>T</i>_N by the thermal annealing treatment indicates that thermal annealing could substantially improve the quality of the Co-doped Ba122 samples. Interestingly, <i>T</i>_c of the Co-Ba122 compounds shows a scaling behavior with a linear dependence on the resistivity value at 290 K, irrespective of tuning parameters, such as chemical doping, pressure, and thermal annealing. These results not only provide an effective way to access the intrinsic properties of the BaFe₂As₂ system, but also may shed a light on designing new materials with higher superconducting transition temperature. © 2017 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Managing Change: Converting the Defense Industry

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-04-01

concerned 16 BuzzeUl, Robert D., John A. Quelch, and Christopher Bartlett, Global Marketing Management, Cases and Readings, (Reading, Massachusetts...Christopher Bartlett. 1992. Global Marketing Management, Cases and Readings. Reading, Massachusetts: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company. Byrne, John A

Investigating energy deposition within cell populations using Monte Carlo simulations.

PubMed

Oliver, Patricia A K; Thomson, Rowan M

2018-06-27

In this work, we develop multicellular models of healthy and cancerous human soft tissues, which are used to investigate energy deposition in subcellular targets, quantify the microdosimetric spread in a population of cells, and determine how these results depend on model details. Monte Carlo (MC) tissue models combining varying levels of detail on different length scales are developed: microscopically-detailed regions of interest (>1500 explicitly-modelled cells) are embedded in bulk tissue phantoms irradiated by photons (20 keV to 1.25 MeV). Specific energy (<i>z</i>; energy imparted per unit mass) is scored in nuclei and cytoplasm compartments using the EGSnrc user-code egs_chamber; specific energy mean, <<i>z</i>>, standard deviation, <i>σ</i>_<i>z</i>, and distribution, <i>f</i>(<i>z</i>,<i>D</i>), are calculated for a variety of macroscopic doses, <i>D</i>. MC-calculated <i>f</i>(<i>z</i>,<i>D</i>) are compared with normal distributions having the same mean and standard deviation. For mGy doses, there is considerable variation in energy deposition (microdosimetric spread) throughout a cell population: <i>e</i>.<i>g</i>., for 30 keV photons irradiating melanoma with 7.5 μm cell radius and 3 μm nuclear radius, <i>σ</i>_<i>z</i>/<<i>z</i>> for nuclear targets is 170%, and the fraction of nuclei receiving no energy deposition, <i>f</i>_<i>z</i>=0, is 0.31 for a dose of 10 mGy. If cobalt-60 photons are considered instead, then <i>σ</i>_<i>z</i>/<<i>z</i>> decreases to 84%, and <i>f</i>_<i>z</i>=0 decreases to 0.036. These results correspond to randomly arranged cells with cell/nucleus sizes randomly sampled from a normal distribution with a standard deviation of 1 μm. If cells are arranged in a hexagonal lattice and cell/nucleus sizes are uniform throughout the population, then <i>σ</i>_<i>z</i>/<<i>z</i>> decreases to 106% and 68% for 30 keV and cobalt-60,respectively; <i>f</i>_<i>z</i>=0 decreases to 0.25 and 0.00094 for 30 keV and cobalt-60, respectively. Thus, specific energy distributions are sensitive to cell/nucleus sizes and their distributions: variations in specific energy deposited over a cell population are underestimated if targets are assumed to be uniform in size compared with more realistic variation in target size. Bulk tissue dose differs from <<i>z</i>> for nuclei (cytoplasms) by up to 21% (12%) across all cell/nucleus sizes, bulk tissues, and incident photon energies, considering a 50 mGy dose level. Overall, results demonstrate the importance of microdosimetric considerations at low doses, and indicate the sensitivity of energy deposition within subcellular targets to incident photon energy, dose level, elemental compositions, and microscopic tissue model. © 2018 Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.

76 FR 39068 - Wrangell-Petersburg Resource Advisory Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-05

... Nolan Center in Wrangell, Alaska. Written comments may be submitted as described under Supplementary... CONTACT: Christopher Savage, Petersburg District Ranger, P.O. Box 1328, Petersburg, Alaska 99833, phone... Christopher Savage, Petersburg District Ranger, P.O. Box 1328, Petersburg, Alaska 99833, or Robert Dalrymple...

XPLANE: Real-Time Awareness of Tactical Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

Conference, pages 1–6. IEEE, 2010. [3] Nate Foster, Rob Harrison, Michael J. Freedman, Christopher Monsanto , Jennifer Rexford, Alec Story, and David...architecture for user-level packet capture. In Proceedings USENIX Winter 1993 Conference. ACM, 1993. [10] Christopher Monsanto , Nate Foster, Rob

Smooth Constrained Heuristic Optimization of a Combinatorial Chemical Space

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-01

ARL-TR-7294•MAY 2015 US Army Research Laboratory Smooth ConstrainedHeuristic Optimization of a Combinatorial Chemical Space by Berend Christopher...7294•MAY 2015 US Army Research Laboratory Smooth ConstrainedHeuristic Optimization of a Combinatorial Chemical Space by Berend Christopher...

Magnetic and electronic properties of the Cu-substituted Weyl semimetal candidate ZrCo₂Sn.

PubMed

Kushwaha, S K; Wang, Zhijun; Kong, Tai; Cava, Robert

2018-01-04

We report that the partial substitution of Cu for Co has a significant impact on the magnetic properties of the Heusler-phase Weyl fermion candidate ZrCo₂Sn. Polycrystalline samples of ZrCo_2-<i>x</i>Cu_<i>x</i>Sn (<i>x</i> = 0.0 to 1.0) exhibited a linearly decreasing ferromagnetic transition temperature and similarly decreasing saturated magnetic moment on increasing Cu substitution x. Materials with Cu contents near <i>x</i> = 1 and several other quaternary materials synthesized at the same <i>x</i> (ZrCo<i>T</i>'Sn (<i>T</i>' = Rh, Pd, Ni)) display what appears to be non-ferromagnetic magnetization behavior with spin glass characteristics. Electronic structure calculations suggest that the half-metallic nature of unsubstituted ZrCo₂Sn is disrupted significantly by the Cu substitutions, leading to the breakdown of the magnetization vs. electron count guidelines usually followed by Heusler phases, and a more typical metallic non-spin-polarized electronic structure at high <i>x</i>. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Magnetization, resistivity, specific heat and ab initio calculations of Gd₅Sb₃.

PubMed

Samatham, S Shanmukharao; Patel, Akhilesh Kumar; Lukoyanov, Alexey V; Suresh, K G

2018-06-07

We report on the combined results of structural, magnetic, transport and calorimetric properties of Mn₅Si₃-type hexagonal Gd₅Sb₃, together with <i>ab-initio</i> calculations. It exhibits a ferromagnetic (FM)-like transition at 265 K, antiferromagnetic (AFM) Néel transition at 95.5 K followed by a spin-orientation transition at 62 K. The system is found to be in AFM state down to 2 K in a field of 70 kOe. The FM-AFM phase coexistence is not noticeable despite large positive Curie-Weiss temperature (θ_CW = 223.5 ± 0.2 K). Instead, low-temperature AFM and high-temperature FM-like phases are separated in large temperatures. Temperature-magnetic field (<i>H</i>-<i>T</i>) phase diagram reveals field-driven complex magnetic phases. Within the AFM phase, the system is observed to undergo field-driven spin-orientation transitions. Field-induced tricritical and quantum critical points appear to be absent due to strong AFM nature and by the intervention of FM-like state between paramagnetic and AFM states, respectively. The metallic behavior of the compound is inferred from resistivity along with large Sommerfeld parameter. However, no sign of strong electron-correlations is reasoned from the Kadowaki-Wood's ratio <i>A</i>/γ² ∼ 1.9×10^-6 μΩ.cm.(mol.K)²(mJ)^-2, despite heavy γ. Essentially, <i>ab initio</i> calculations accounting for electronic correlations confirm AFM nature of low-temperature magnetic state in Gd₅Sb₃ and attainable FM ordering in agreement with experimental data. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

ASSESSING CONTAMINANT SENSITIVITY OF ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES: 3. EFFLUENT TOXICITY TESTS

EPA Science Inventory

Dwyer, F. James, Douglas K. Hardesty, Christopher E. Henke, Christopher G. Ingersoll, David W. Whites, Tom Augspurger, Timothy J. Canfield, David R. Mount and Foster L. Mayer. Submitted. Assessing Contaminant Sensitivity of Endangered and Threatened Species: 3. Effluent Tests. Ar...

Ursolic Acid Mediates Hepatic Protection through Enhancing of anti-aging Biomarkers.

PubMed

Gharibi, Shadi; Bakhtiari, Nuredin; Jalalvand, Elham-Moslemee

2017-05-30

Age-associated loss of liver function has been recognized for decades. But, the mechanism driving liver regeneration and its decline with age remains elusive. Hence, to support of our previous studies about anti-aging effects of Ursolic Acid (UA), a compound which extensively present in apple peels. The aim of this study is to address whether UA might alter sensors of the cell metabolic state such as SIRT1, SIRT6, PGC-1β and Klotho proteins. To evaluate the effect of UA on hepatic indicated proteins, mice were administrated with UA twice daily for 7 days. The involvements of these proteins in the UA-mediated effect harmony hepatic protection were investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy technique. Our findings clearly illustrated that UA enhanced SIRT1 (~ 5 ± 0.2 folds) and SIRT6 (~ 8 ± 0.5 folds) proteins levels in hepatic, p<0.001. In addition, the data showed that UA increased PGC-1β (~ 7 ± 0.4 folds) protein overexpression, p<0.001. Moreover, we showed that UA up-regulated Klotho (~ 3.5 ± 0.2 folds) protein in order to improve hepatic performance, p<0.01. Our results suggest that UA through increasing of SIRT1 up-regulation ameliorate reverse cholesterol transport, fatty acid use and oxidative stress defense. In addition, it seems that UA by enhancing of SIRT6 expression promotes cholesterol homeostasis through repressing of SREBP1 and SREBP2. Reciprocally, UA might be involved in VLDL synthesis and exportation through PGC-1β up-regulation. Finally, UA might be as key regulators of mineral homeostasis and bile acid/cholesterol metabolism, by inducing of Klotho overexpression. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

The association of changes in DNA methylation with temperature-dependent sex determination in cucumber.

PubMed

Lai, Yun-Song; Zhang, Xiaohui; Zhang, Wei; Shen, Di; Wang, Haiping; Xia, Yudong; Qiu, Yang; Song, Jiangping; Wang, Chenchen; Li, Xixiang

2017-05-17

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is characterized by its diverse and flexible sexual types. Here, we evaluated the effect of low temperature (LT) exposure on cucumber femaleness under short-day conditions. Shoot apices were subjected to whole-genome bisulfate sequencing (WGBS), mRNA-seq, and sRNA-seq. The results showed that temperature had a substantial and global impact on transposable element (TE)-related small RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) mechanisms, resulting in large amounts of CHH-type cytosine demethylation. In the cucumber genome, TEs are common in regions near genes that are also subject to DNA demethylation. TE-gene interactions showed very strong reactions to LT treatment, as nearly 80% of the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were distributed in genic regions. Demethylation near genes led to the co-ordinated expression of genes and TEs. More importantly, genome-wide de novo methylation changes also resulted in small amounts of CG- and CHG-type DMRs. Methylation changes in CG-DMRs located <600 bp from the transcription start and end sites (TSSs/TESs) negatively correlated with transcription changes in differentially expressed genes (DEGs), probably indicating epiregulation. Ethylene is called the 'sex hormone' of cucumbers. We observed the up-regulation of ethylene biosynthesis-related CsACO3 and the down-regulation of an Arabidopsis RAP2.4-like ethylene-responsive (AP2/ERF) transcription factor, demonstrating the inferred epiregulation. Our study characterized the response of the apex methylome to LT and predicted the possible epiregulation of temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) in cucumber. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Development and Verification of Sputtered Thin-Film Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-01

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) by Cory R Knick and Christopher J Morris Approved for public release; distribution unlimited...Laboratory Development and Verification of Sputtered Thin-Film Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) by Cory R Knick and Christopher

Section 18. Professional framework for liver transplantation for overseas patients: traveling for living donor liver transplantation.

PubMed

Kabiling, Catherine S; Chen, Chao-Long; Concejero, Allan; Wang, Chih-Chi; Wang, Shih-Ho; Lin, Chih-Che; Liu, Yueh-Wei; Yong, Chee-Chien; Jawan, Bruno; Cheng, Yu-Fan

2014-04-27

Liver transplantation (LT) in overseas patients is a sensitive issue because of the possibility of organ trafficking and transplant tourism. In the Istanbul Summit, there was a call to develop standardized professional frameworks to prevent these practices. Our objectives are three-fold, to critically evaluate our professional framework, to study the demographic profiles, and to identify the outcome and impact of LT in overseas patients. Recipient and donor case records, e-mail communications, and medico-legal records were collected and analyzed for management strategy, demographic profile, donor and recipient characteristics, and outcome. Only 5% of our total LT operations were for overseas patients. Forty-two (79%) were pediatric cases for which 39 (93%) were due to biliary atresia (P<0.001). Sixty-eight percent were from the Philippines. Thirty-seven (70%) of the donors were first-degree relative. The average hospital days of a pediatric living donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipient was 65.48±28.7, and average cost was 44,602 USD. An adult LDLT recipient stayed for 52.09±11.3 days and spent around 75, 013 USD. A donor of pediatric LDLT stayed in the hospital for 17.42±5 days and spent round 8,176 USD. A donor for adult LDLT was admitted for 15.5±4 days and spent an average 9,612 USD. The total cost for recipient and donor were 56,615 USD (range, 28,976-82,056) for pediatric LDLT and 84,483 USD (range, 64,851-108,467) for adult LDLT. Actuarial survival rates were 91% at 1 year, 88% at 3 years, and 86% at 5 years and 10 years. Travelling for LDLT may be a wise and cost-effective step for patients with end-stage liver disease seeking alternative ways from their country. Our professional framework is effective to prevent practice of organ trafficking and transplant tourism. It may be useful to develop international guidelines for the practice of LT in overseas patients.

The Lifeworld of Christopher Nolan: Vitalizing the Curriculum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sheridan, Rillah

1989-01-01

Asserts that curriculum design has traditionally been left to the experts who have forgotten or lost touch with the children. Explores an autobiographical account by Christopher Nolan, expressing the desire to build a curriculum that is richer, more energetic, and more truthful than the ones in the past. (MG)

75 FR 21583 - Wrangell-Petersburg Resource Advisory Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-26

... from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the James and Elsie Nolan Center in Wrangell, Alaska. Written comments should be sent to Christopher Savage, Petersburg District Ranger, P.O... CONTACT: Christopher Savage, Petersburg District Ranger, P.O. Box 1328, Petersburg, Alaska 99833, phone...

Education and the Transformation of Bourgeois Culture: Toward a Critique of Christopher Lasch's "Culture of Narcissism."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shapiro, H. Svi

1983-01-01

Contemporary theories about the nature of modern bourgeois culture are reviewed briefly, and the contradictions of that culture are stressed. Christopher Lasch's criticisms of American schools in "The Culture of Narcissism" fail to recognize that self-liberating practices may stimulate intellectual growth. (PP)

Resource Management in Tactical Military Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

FGAN FORSCHUNGSINSTITUT FÜR KOMMUNIKATION, INFORMATIONSVERARBEITUNG UND ERGONOMIE KIEKOMMUNIKATION Resource Management in Tactical Military Networks...Martin Lies, Peter Sevenich, Christoph Karg, Christoph Barz Nr: 2 FGAN FORSCHUNGSINSTITUT FÜR KOMMUNIKATION, INFORMATIONSVERARBEITUNG UND ERGONOMIE ...Communication with IPSec in Tunnelmode Nr: 3 FGAN FORSCHUNGSINSTITUT FÜR KOMMUNIKATION, INFORMATIONSVERARBEITUNG UND ERGONOMIE KIEKOMMUNIKATION IPSec in

Christopher Columbus and Early Americans Booklist.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Misheff, Sue

1992-01-01

Presents brief descriptions of 31 books (published between 1962 and 1991) concerning the commemoration of the discovery of the Americas. Divides the books into those about Christopher Columbus, those that shed light on the world in which he lived, and those that look at the Americas before he landed. (RS)

Effect of dysprosium and lutetium metal buffer layers on the resistive switching characteristics of Cu-Sn alloy-based conductive-bridge random access memory.

PubMed

Vishwanath, Sujaya Kumar; Woo, Hyunsuk; Jeon, Sanghun

2018-06-18

Conductive-bridge random access memory (CBRAM) has become one of the most suitable candidates for non-volatile memory in next-generation information and communication technology. The resistive switching mechanism of CBRAM depends on the formation/annihilation of the conductive filament (CF) between the active metal electrode and the inert electrode. However, excessive ion injection from the active electrode into the solid electrolyte is reduces the uniformity and reliability of the resistive switching devices. To solve this problem, we investigated the resistive switching characteristics of a modified active electrode with different compositions of Cu_x-Sn_{_1-x}(0.13 < X < 0.55). The resistive switching characteristics were further improved by inserting a dysprosium (Dy) or lutetium (Lu) buffer layer at the interface of Cu_x-Sn_1-x/Al₂O₃. Electrical analysis of the optimal Cu_0.27-Sn_0.73/Lu-based CBRAM exhibited stable resistive switching behavior with low operation voltage (SET: 0.7 V and RESET: -0.3 V), a high on/off resistive ratio (10⁶), cyclic endurance (>10⁴), and long-term retention (85℃/10 years). To achieve these performance parameters, CFs were locally formed inside the electrolyte using a modified CuSn active electrode, and the amount of Cu-ion injection was reduced by inserting the Dy or Lu buffer layer between the CuSn active electrode and the electrolyte. In particular, conductive-atomic force microscopy results at the Dy/ or Lu/Al₂O₃ interface directly showed and defined the diameter of the CF. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

75 FR 64244 - Wrangell-Petersburg Resource Advisory Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-19

..., October 30th from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the James and Elsie Nolan Center in Wrangell, Alaska. Written comments should be sent to Christopher Savage, Petersburg District... INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Savage, Petersburg District Ranger, P.O. Box 1328, Petersburg, Alaska 99833...

Situation Report--Burma, Chile, German Democratic Republic, Indonesia, Jamaica, Poland, Singapore, St. Christopher/Nevis, Trinidad & Tobago, Venezuela.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

International Planned Parenthood Federation, London (England).

Data relating to population and family planning in ten foreign countries are presented in these situation reports. Countries included are Burma, Chile, German Democratic Republic, Indonesia, Jamaica, Poland, Singapore, St. Christopher/Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. Information is provided, where appropriate and available, under two…

For White Folks Who Teach (Music) in the Hood

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karvelis, Noah J.

2017-01-01

In this article, I aim to critically analyze theories contained within Dr. Christopher Emdin's newest book "For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood (and the Rest of Ya'll Too!)" in the context of the music classroom. To begin, I summarize Christopher Emdin's theories of both "reality" and "pentecostal" pedagogy and then…

"Are We Almost There, Captain?" The Geographical Errors of Christopher Columbus.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edwards, Glenn M.

1992-01-01

Discusses the scientific knowledge available to Christopher Columbus and how it influenced his geographically flawed, yet historically significant, decision to sail west in order to travel east. Factors discussed include Aristotle's conclusion that the earth was round, early measurements of latitude and longitude, and early map-making attempts.…

Adrift in a Sargasso Sea: Recent Books on Christopher Columbus.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lunenfeld, Marvin

1992-01-01

Reviews more than 24 books recently published on the topic of Christopher Columbus and the voyages of discovery. Classifies the books as those designed for student use, for teachers and scholars, biographies, and "Columbus-Bashers." Maintains that the different viewpoints of Columbus the hero and Columbus the villain are barriers for…

Renaissance Epyllions: A Comparative Reading of Christopher Marlowe's "Hero and Leander," Thomas Lodge's "Scylla's Metamorphosis" and Francis Beaumont's "Salmacis and Hermaphroditus"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mahmoudi, Yazdan

2016-01-01

The present paper is supposed to compare and contrast three of these masterpieces written the Renaissance period. The epyllions under study are Christopher Marlowe's "Hero and Leander," Thomas Lodge's "Scylla's Metamorphosis" and Francis Beaumont's "Salmacis and Hermaphroditus." Bush believes that "the influence…

Christopher Benfey's Flight of Fancy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Klein, Julia M.

2008-01-01

This article profiles Christopher Benfey, 53--an art critic for Slate, a poet, and a prolific literary essayist for such venues as "The New York Times Book Review, The New Republic," and "The New York Review of Books." His latest book, "A Summer of Hummingbirds: Love, Art, and Scandal in the Intersecting Worlds of Emily…

Liquid L-thyroxine versus tablet L-thyroxine in patients on L- thyroxine replacement or suppressive therapy: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Laurent, Irakoze; Tang, Siying; Astère, Manirakiza; Wang, Kan Ran; Deng, Shuhua; Xiao, Ling; Li, Qi Fu

2018-03-23

To compare the effectiveness of liquid L-T4 (L-thyroxine) and tablet L-T4 in patients on L-T4 replacement or suppressive therapy. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant articles. All prospective or randomized controlled studies (RCTs) comparing liquid L-T4 and tablet L-T4 in patients on L-T4 replacement or suppressive therapy were included in the analysis. Overall, the initial search of the four databases identified 1278 published studies; of these, eight studies were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels were significantly suppressed in patients on liquid L-T4 compared with those on tablet L-T4, in patients on L-T4 suppressive therapy with L-T4 malabsorption (Mean Difference (MD) = -2.26, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -3.59, -0.93; P = 0.0009)). However, liquid L-T4 and tablet L-T4 did not show a statistically significant difference in patients on L-T4 suppressive therapy without malabsorption (MD = 0.08, 95% CI: -0.31, 0.47; P = 0.69). TSH levels were significantly normalized in patients on liquid L-T4 compared with those on tablet L-T4, in Patients on L-T4 replacement therapy with L-T4 malabsorption (MD = -3.20, 95% CI: -5.08, -1.32; P = 0.0009). However, liquid L-T4 and tablet L-T4 did not show a statistically significant difference in patients on L-T4 replacement therapy without malabsorption (MD = 0.91, 95% CI: -0.03, 1.86; P = 0.06). Liquid L-T4 is more efficient than tablet L-T4 in patients on L-T4 replacement or suppressive therapy with malabsorption. No significant differences were observed in patients without malabsorption. Further studies should be conducted to verify these findings.

Stable High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells Based on Inorganic Electron Transporting Bi-layers.

PubMed

Gu, Hao; Zhao, Chen; Zhang, Yiqiang; Shao, Guosheng

2018-06-27

As one of the significant electron transporting materials (ETM) in efficient planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells (PSCs), SnO₂ can collect/transfer photo-generated carriers produced in perovskite active absorbers and suppress the carrier recombination at interfaces. In this study, we demonstrate that mild solution-processed SnO₂ compact layer can be an eminent ETM for planar heterojunction PSCs. Here, the device based on chemical-bath-deposited SnO₂ electron transporting layer (ETL) exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.10% and with obvious hysteresis effect (hysteresis index=19.5%), owing to the accumulation and recombination of charge carriers at SnO₂/perovskite interface. In order to improve the carrier dissociation and transport process, an ultrathin TiO₂ film was deposited on the top of SnO₂ ETL passivating nonradiative recombination center. The corresponding device based on TiO₂@SnO₂ electron transporting bi-layer (ETBL) exhibited a high PCE (17.45%) and a negligible hysteresis effect (hysteresis index=1.5%). These findings indicate that this facile solution-processed TiO₂@SnO₂ ETBL paves a scalable and inexpensive way for fabricating hysteresis-less and high-performance PSCs. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Telling Stories That Are Needed: An Interview with Christopher Myers. Breakfast Speaker Interview

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adomat, Donna Sayers; Lowery, Ruth McKoy; Fain, Jeanne Gilliam

2016-01-01

Christopher Myers won acclaim at a young age as a vibrant illustrator of children's picturebooks. In this interview, Myers discusses how he has advocated for diversity in children's literature through themes that weave throughout his writing and illustration, collaborations with other artists, and his participation in the communities of artists,…

Caught in a Narrow Kantian Perception of Prosocial Development: Reactions to Campbell and Christopher's Critique of Moral Development Theory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eisenberg, Nancy

1996-01-01

Discusses the limitations of Campbell and Christopher's literature on moral development and altruism, claiming that the authors based some of their conclusions on questionable definitions, incorrect assumptions about others' assertions and beliefs, and reference to a limited portion of prosocial behavior. Suggests that Kantian presuppositions play…

Autonomy, Critical Thinking and the Wittgensteinian Legacy: Reflections on Christopher Winch, "Education, Autonomy and Critical Thinking"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Siegel, Harvey

2008-01-01

In this review of Christopher Winch's new book, "Education, Autonomy and Critical Thinking" (2006), I discuss its main theses, supporting some and criticising others. In particular, I take issue with several of Winch's claims and arguments concerning critical thinking and rationality, and deplore his reliance on what I suggest are problematic…

Delivering Savings with Open Architecture and Product Lines

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-30

p.m. Chair: Christopher Deegan , Executive Director, Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems Delivering Savings with Open...Architectures Walt Scacchi and Thomas Alspaugh, Institute for Software Research Christopher Deegan —Executive Director, Program Executive Officer...Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS). Mr. Deegan directs the development, acquisition, and fleet support of 150 combat weapon system programs managed by 350

"Inequality" by Christopher Jencks: Four Critical Reactions. IRCD Bulletin, Volume 9, Number 1, January 1973.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gordon, Edmund W., Ed.

The publication of "Inequality" by Christopher Jencks last fall occasioned a storm of controversy, especially among those in education. The findings of the Harvard professor rejected a sacred cow--that there is any correlation between one's education and income. Meeting at Teachers College, Columbia University recently for the expressed purpose of…

The Bible as Transformational Object: The Psychoanalytic Theories of Christopher Bollas and Their Relevance for Religious Educators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeGear, Elizabeth Berne

2016-01-01

This article examines the psychoanalytic concepts of object-relations theorist Christopher Bollas, applying them to a view of the Bible as "transformational object." Emphasizing the connection between psychological process and religious experience, this article suggests that each person's innate ability to choose and use objects is a key…

Measuring Collimator Infrared (IR) Spectral Transmission

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-01

TECHNICAL REPORT RDMR-WD-16-15 MEASURING COLLIMATOR INFRARED (IR) SPECTRAL TRANSMISSION Christopher L. Dobbins Weapons...AND DATES COVERED Final 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Measuring Collimator Infrared (IR) Spectral Transmission 5. FUNDING NUMBERS 6. AUTHOR(S) Christopher L...release; distribution is unlimited. 12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE A 13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 Words) Several Infrared (IR) imaging systems have been measured

The Signs of a Savant: Language Against the Odds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Neil; Tsimpli, Ianthi; Morgan, Gary; Woll, Bencie

2011-01-01

Every once in a while nature gives us insight into the human condition by providing us with a unique case whose special properties illuminate the species as a whole. Christopher is such an example. Despite disabilities which mean that everyday tasks are burdensome chores, Christopher is a linguistic wonder who can read, write, speak, understand…

Carbon Nanotube Based Flexible Supercapacitors

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-01

Carbon Nanotube Based Flexible Supercapacitors by Christopher M. Anton and Matthew H. Ervin ARL-TR-5522 April 2011...Carbon Nanotube Based Flexible Supercapacitors Christopher M. Anton and Matthew H. Ervin Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate, ARL...September 2010 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Carbon Nanotube Based Flexible Supercapacitors 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT

BMP7 Induces Dormancy of Prostatic Tumor Stem Cell in Bone

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-01

Watabe, Shigeru Hirota, Sudha K. Pai, Wen Liu, Koji Fukuda, Christopher Chambers, Andrew Wilber and Kounosuke Watabe “Bone Figure 7. Expression of BMP7...Hiroshi Okuda,1 Fei Xing,1 Puspa R. Pandey,1 Misako Watabe,1 Shigeru Hirota,2 Sudha K. Pai,1 Wen Liu,1 Koji Fukuda,1 Christopher Chambers,1 Andrew

Popularity of Russian information sources of medical education.

PubMed

Vasilyeva, Irina V; Arseniev, Sergey B

2014-01-01

The aim of the present study is to analyze the popularity of information sources of medical educational sites <webmedinfo.ru>, medical information portal <meduniver.com>, medical portal for students <6years.net>, electronic library of medical literature <booksmed.com>, <medliter.ru> and <medbook.net.ru>. Three sites (<www.webmedinfo.ru>, <meduniver.com> and <6years.net>) provide sources of medical literature, educational videos, medical histories, medical papers and medical popular literature. And three other sites (<www.booksmed.com>, <www.medliter.ru> and <www.medbook.net.ru>) provide sources for electronic medical books on various subjects. Using on-line programs Alexa and Cy-pr we have analyzed the website's rating and identified the main data and time-varying data of the sites. Calculated Alexa Rank rating was determined for each site. Our study has shown that the most popular information sources of medical education among the six studied sites for Russian users is <meduniver.com>; the site <booksmed.com> is at the second place referring to the Alexa Rank rating and the site <webmedinfo.ru> is at the second place referring to the citation index in Yandex. The most popular medical site of electronic medical books is <booksmed.com>.

Pressure-induced structural change in liquid GeI₄.

PubMed

Fuchizaki, Kazuhiro; Nishimura, Hironori; Hase, Takaki; Saitoh, Hiroyuki

2017-12-13

The similarity in the shape of the melting curve of GeI₄ to that of SnI₄ suggests that a liquid-liquid transition as observed in liquid SnI₄ is also expected to occur in liquid GeI₄. Because the slope of the melting curve of GeI₄ abruptly changes at around 3 GPa, in situ synchrotron diffraction measurements were conducted to examine closely the structural changes upon compression at around 3 GPa. The reduced radial distribution functions of the high- and low-pressure liquid states of GeI₄ share the same feature inherent in the high-pressure (high-density) and low-pressure (low-density) radial distribution functions of liquid SnI₄. This feature allows us to introduce local order parameters that we may use to observe the transition. Unlike the transition in liquid SnI₄, the transition from the low-pressure to the high-pressure structure seems sluggish. We speculate that the liquid-liquid critical point of GeI₄ is no longer a thermodynamically stable state and is slightly located below the melting curve. As a result, the structural change is said to be a crossover rather than a transition. The behavior of the local-order parameters implies a metastable extension of the liquid-liquid phase boundary with a negative slope. . © 2017 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Magnetotransport study of topological superconductor Cu_0.10Bi₂Se₃ single crystal.

PubMed

Li, Mingtao; Fang, Yifei; Zhang, Jincang; Yi, Hemian; Zhou, Xingjiang; Lin, Chengtian

2018-02-02

We report a magnetotransport study of vortex-pinning in Cu_0.10Bi₂Se₃ single crystal. The sample is demonstrated to be in clean limit and absent of Pauli spin-limiting effect. Interestingly, the resistivity versus magnetic field shows an anomalously pronounced increase when approaching the superconducting-normal state boundary for both B∥ab and B∥c configurations. We have investigated the flux-flowing behavior under various magnetic field and temperatures, enabling us to establish its anisotropic vortex phase diagram. Our results suggest the Cu_0.10Bi₂Se₃ can be served as one unique material for exploring exotic surface vortex states in topological superconductors. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Product Lifecycle Management: A Collaborative Tool for Defense Acquisitions

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

by Christopher M. Schindler September 2010 Thesis Advisor: Thomas Housel Second Reader: William Solitario Approved for public release...September 2010 Author: Christopher M. Schindler Approved by: Thomas Housel, PhD Thesis Advisor William Solitario Second Reader...Ben Kassel, Randy Langmead, Michael Schwind, and Jeff Watson. I also must thank my advisors, Thomas Housel and Bill Solitario, for guiding me

SLS Core Stage Simulator

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-02-02

CHRISTOPHER CRUMBLY, MANAGER OF THE SPACECRAFT PAYLOAD INTEGRATION AND EVOLUTION OFFICE, GAVE VISITORS AN INSIDER'S PERSPECTIVE ON THE CORE STAGE SIMULATOR AT MARSHALL AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM. CHRISTOPHER CRUMBLY, MANAGER OF THE SPACECRAFT PAYLOAD INTEGRATION AND EVOLUTION OFFICE, GAVE VISITORS AN INSIDER'S PERSPECTIVE ON THE CORE STAGE SIMULATOR AT MARSHALL AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM.

"Brilliant, Bright, Boiling Words": Literary Disability, Language and the Writing Body in the Work of Christopher Nolan

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Coogan, Tom

2012-01-01

This article uses theory on disability, embodiment and language to explore the production, context and presentation of two pieces of life-writing by Christopher Nolan. It examines Nolan's unusual use of language and form in his presentations of an experience of disability, and considers its literary and political significance. Consideration is…

Christopher Columbus, Hernando Cortes, and Francisco Pizzaro: A Qualitative Content Analysis Examining Cultural Bias in World History Textbooks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lillejord, Jebadiah Serril

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study is to investigate to what extent contemporary high school world history textbooks portray Christopher Columbus, Hernán Cortés, and Francisco Pizarro within the context of being "sacred," "profane," or someplace in between. To evaluate for existence of content bias this study employed qualitative…

Formally Generating Adaptive Security Protocols

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

User Interfaces for Theorem Provers, 2012. [9] Xiaoming Liu, Christoph Kreitz, Robbert van Renesse, Jason J. Hickey, Mark Hayden, Ken- neth Birman, and...Constable, Mark Hayden, Jason Hickey, Christoph Kreitz, Robbert van Renesse, Ohad Rodeh, and Werner Vogels. The Horus and Ensemble projects: Accom...plishments and limitations. In DARPA Information Survivability Conference and Exposition (DISCEX 2000), pages 149–161, Hilton Head, SC, 2000. IEEE

Christopher Lasch and Prairie Populism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lauck, Jon K.

2012-01-01

Christopher Lasch was born in Omaha in 1932. By the end of his life, cut short at age sixty-one, he had become one of the most famous intellectuals in the world. During his life of active writing from the time of the early Cold War until the fall of the Soviet Union, Lasch's distinctive voice pierced through the din of the nation's noisy political…

Army Junior Officer Education: An Assessment of Institutional Learning

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-12-01

EDUCATION : AN ASSESSMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING by Christopher S. Landers December 2007 Thesis Advisor: Douglas Borer Second Reader...TYPE AND DATES COVERED Master’s Thesis 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Army Junior Officer Education : An Assessment of Institutional Learning 6. AUTHOR(S...Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited ARMY JUNIOR OFFICER EDUCATION : AN ASSESSMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL LEARNING Christopher S

Northeast Artificial Intelligence Consortium Annual Report - 1988 Parallel Vision. Volume 9

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-10-01

supports the Northeast Aritificial Intelligence Consortium (NAIC). Volume 9 Parallel Vision Report submitted by Christopher M. Brown Randal C. Nelson...NORTHEAST ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CONSORTIUM ANNUAL REPORT - 1988 Parallel Vision Syracuse University Christopher M. Brown and Randal C. Nelson...Technical Director Directorate of Intelligence & Reconnaissance FOR THE COMMANDER: IGOR G. PLONISCH Directorate of Plans & Programs If your address has

Photo-Healable Metallosupramolecular Polymers

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-09

doi: 10.1038/nmat2891 Mark Burnworth, Liming Tang , Justin R. Kumpfer, Andrew J. Duncan, Frederick L. Beyer, Gina L. Fiore, Stuart J. Rowan...Mark Burnworth, Liming Tang , Stuart J. Rowan, Christoph Weder. Reinforcement of Self- Healing Polymer Films with Cellulose Nanowhiskers, ACS PMSE...Macromolecules (08 2011) Mark Burnworth, Liming Tang , Justin R. Kumpfer, Andrew J. Duncan, Frederick L. Beyer, Stuart J. Rowan, Christoph Weder

Edible vaccine protects mice against Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT): potatoes expressing a synthetic LT-B gene.

PubMed

Mason, H S; Haq, T A; Clements, J D; Arntzen, C J

1998-08-01

The authors have designed and constructed a plant-optimize synthetic gene encoding the Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin B subunit (LT-B), for use in transgenic plants as an edible vaccine against enterotoxigenic E. coli. Expression of the synthetic LT-B gene in potato plants under the control of a constitutive promoter yielded increased accumulation of LT-B in leaves and tubers, as compared to the bacterial LT-B gene. The plant-derived LT-B assembled into native pentameric structures as evidenced by its ability to bind ganglioside. The authors demonstrated immunogenicity by feeding mice the raw tubers and comparing the anti-LT-B serum IgG and faecal IgA to that produced in mice gavaged with bacterial LT-B. Mice were fed three weekly doses of 5 g tuber tissue containing either 20 or 50 micrograms LT-B, or gavaged weekly with 5 micrograms of LT-B from recombinant E. coli. One week after the third dose, mice immunized with potato LT-B had higher levels of serum and mucosal anti-LT-B than those gavaged with bacterial LT-B. Mice were challenged by oral administration of 25 micrograms LT, and protection assessed by comparing the gut/carcass mass ratios. Although none of the mice were completely protected, the higher dose potato vaccine compared favourably with the bacterial vaccine. These findings show that an edible vaccine against E. coli LT-B is feasible.

Polyethylene Glycol Camouflaged Earthworm Hemoglobin.

PubMed

Jani, Vivek P; Jelvani, Alborz; Moges, Selamawit; Nacharaju, Parimala; Roche, Camille; Dantsker, David; Palmer, Andre; Friedman, Joel M; Cabrales, Pedro

2017-01-01

Nearly 21 million components of blood and whole blood and transfused annually in the United States, while on average only 13.6 million units of blood are donated. As the demand for Red Blood Cells (RBCs) continues to increase due to the aging population, this deficit will be more significant. Despite decades of research to develop hemoglobin (Hb) based oxygen (O2) carriers (HBOCs) as RBC substitutes, there are no products approved for clinical use. Lumbricus terrestris erythrocruorin (LtEc) is the large acellular O2 carrying protein complex found in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris. LtEc is an extremely stable protein complex, resistant to autoxidation, and capable of transporting O2 to tissue when transfused into mammals. These characteristics render LtEc a promising candidate for the development of the next generation HBOCs. LtEc has a short half-life in circulation, limiting its application as a bridge over days, until blood became available. Conjugation with polyethylene glycol (PEG-LtEc) can extend LtEc circulation time. This study explores PEG-LtEc pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. To study PEG-LtEc pharmacokinetics, hamsters instrumented with the dorsal window chamber were subjected to a 40% exchange transfusion with 10 g/dL PEG-LtEc or LtEc and followed for 48 hours. To study the vascular response of PEG-LtEc, hamsters instrumented with the dorsal window chamber received multiple infusions of 10 g/dL PEG-LtEc or LtEc solution to increase plasma LtEc concentration to 0.5, then 1.0, and 1.5 g/dL, while monitoring the animals' systemic and microcirculatory parameters. Results confirm that PEGylation of LtEc increases its circulation time, extending the half-life to 70 hours, 4 times longer than that of unPEGylated LtEc. However, PEGylation increased the rate of LtEc oxidation in vivo. Vascular analysis verified that PEG-LtEc showed the absence of microvascular vasoconstriction or systemic hypertension. The molecular size of PEG-LtEc did not change the colloid osmotic pressure or blood volume expansion capacity compared to LtEc, due to LtEc's already large molecular size. Taken together, these results further encourage the development of PEG-LtEc as an O2 carrying therapeutic.

Room temperature synthesis of ReS₂ through aqueous perrhenate sulfidation.

PubMed

Borowiec, Joanna; Gillin, William P; Willis, Maureen; Boi, Filippo; He, Yi; Wen, Jiqiu; Wang, Shanling; Schulz, Leander

2017-12-29

In this study, a direct sulfidation reaction of ammonium perrhenate (NH₄ReO₄) leading to a synthesis of rhenium disulfide (ReS₂) is demonstrated. These finding reveal the first example of a simplistic bottom-up approach to the chemical synthesis of crystalline ReS₂. The reaction presented here takes place at room temperature, in an ambient and solvent-free environment and without the necessity of a catalyst. The atomic composition and structure of the as-synthesized product were characterized using several analysis techniques including energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scannig calorimetry (DSC). The results indicated the formation of a lower symmetry (1T_d) ReS₂ with a low degree of layer stacking. © 2017 IOP Publishing Ltd.

The lymphotoxin promoter is stimulated by HTLV-I tax activation of NF-kappa B in human T-cell lines.

PubMed

Paul, N L; Millet, I; Ruddle, N H

1993-07-01

The HTLV-I transcriptional activator tax was used to gain insight into the mechanism of lymphotoxin (LT; TNF-beta) gene induction. Tax-expressing cell lines produce LT biologic activity. An LT promoter (LT-293) CAT construct that contained an NF-kappa B site was active in the LT-producing C81-66-45 cell line, which contains defective HTLV-I but expresses tax. The observation that a mutated LT-kappa B construct (M1-CAT) was inactive in C81-66-45, confirmed the importance of NF-kappa B in LT gene expression. Tax was transfected into HTLV-I-negative human T-cell lines. Jurkat T cells stably expressing tax contained elevated levels of NF-kappa B that directly bound to the LT-kappa B site. Tax co-transfected with reporter constructs into Jurkat cells maximally activated HTLV-I-LTR-CAT and kappa B-fos-CAT and also activated LT-293 to a lesser extent. In JM T cells, tax induced LT-293 activity by two- to four-fold, though there was no induction of M1-CAT. The increase in LT-293 CAT activity mirrored the increase in LT biologic activity seen under these conditions. These studies, the first to demonstrate induction of LT promoter activity over basal levels, indicate that HTLV-I tax causes low-level activation of both endogenous LT and the LT promoter, at least in part through activation of NF-kappa B.

The Berkeley Out-of-Order Machine (BOOM): An Industry-Competitive, Synthesizable, Parameterized RISC-V Processor

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-13

The Berkeley Out-of-Order Machine (BOOM): An Industry- Competitive, Synthesizable, Parameterized RISC-V Processor Christopher Celio David A...Synthesizable, Parameterized RISC-V Processor Christopher Celio, David Patterson, and Krste Asanović University of California, Berkeley, California 94720...Order Machine BOOM is a synthesizable, parameterized, superscalar out- of-order RISC-V core designed to serve as the prototypical baseline processor

Systems Fragility: The Sociology of Chaos

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-01

Science (New York, N.Y.) 302, no. 5652 (2004): 1912, doi:10.1126/science.1090847. 70 Barry Wellman, and Scot Wortley, “Different Strokes from...Michael Dombeck, Jack Williams, and Christopher Wood , “Wildfire Policy and Public Lands: Integrating Scientific Understanding with Social Concerns...bitstream/10092/2809/ 1/12593870_ResOrgs_IFED_dec04_EDSM.pdf Dombeck, Michael, Jack Williams, and Christopher Wood . “Wildfire Policy and Public

An Architecture-Centric Approach for Acquiring Software-Reliant Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-30

Architecture Acquisition Wednesday, May 11, 2011 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Chair: Christopher Deegan , Executive Director, Program Executive Office for...Christopher Deegan —Executive Director, Program Executive Officer, Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS). Mr. Deegan directs the development, acquisition, and... Deegan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania and a Master of

Advances in the Acquisition of Secure Systems Based on Open Architectures

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-30

2011 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Chair: Christopher Deegan , Executive Director, Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems Delivering...Systems Based on Open Architectures Walt Scacchi and Thomas Alspaugh, Institute for Software Research Christopher Deegan —Executive Director, Program...Executive Officer, Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS). Mr. Deegan directs the development, acquisition, and fleet support of 150 combat weapon system

Design and Performance of Ka-Band Fiber-Optic Delay Lines

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-28

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Vincent J. Urick Joseph M. singley christopher e. sUnderMan John F. diehl keith J...PAGES 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT Design and Performance of Ka-Band Fiber-Optic Delay Lines Vincent J. Urick , Joseph M. Singley, Christopher E...Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. Unclassified Unlimited Unclassified Unlimited Unclassified Unlimited 64 Vincent J. Urick (202

Multi-Objective Optimization for Speed and Stability of a Sony AIBO Gait

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION FOR SPEED AND STABILITY OF A SONY AIBO GAIT THESIS Christopher A. Patterson, Second Lieutenant, USAF AFIT/GCS...07-17 MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION FOR SPEED AND STABILITY OF A SONY AIBO GAIT THESIS Presented to the Faculty Department of...MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION FOR SPEED AND STABILITY OF A SONY AIBO GAIT Christopher A. Patterson, BS Second Lieutenant, USAF

Faith and Hope in a War-Torn Land: The US Army Chaplaincy in the Balkans, 1995-2005

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

31 3. Engineering Excellence, a painting by Christopher Thiel showing the...land grabbing by each party. Nevertheless, US Secretary of State Warren Christopher and his team pushed through a compromise the Serbs, Croats, and...V Corps chaplain, Chaplain (COL) Barry Lonigan , and the 1st Armored Division chaplain, Chaplain (Lieutenant Colonel [LTC]) Scott McChrystal. The 1st

An interview with Christopher Wylie and Janet Heasman.

PubMed

Wylie, Christopher; Heasman, Janet; Grewal, Seema

2014-12-01

The 2014 Society for Developmental Biology (SDB) Lifetime Achievement Award was jointly awarded to Christopher Wylie and Janet Heasman in recognition of their outstanding and sustained contributions to the field. At the 73rd Annual SDB meeting, where they were presented with the award, we asked Chris and Janet about their careers and their advice for young researchers. © 2014. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

The Line-drawing Problem in Disease Definition.

PubMed

Rogers, Wendy A; Walker, Mary Jean

2017-08-01

Biological dysfunction is regarded, in many accounts, as necessary and perhaps sufficient for disease. But although disease is conceptualized as all-or-nothing, biological functions often differ by degree. A tension is created by attempting to use a continuous variable as the basis for a categorical definition, raising questions about how we are to pinpoint the boundary between health and disease. This is the line-drawing problem. In this paper, we show how the line-drawing problem arises within "dysfunction-requiring" accounts of disease, such as those of Christopher Boorse and Jerome Wakefield. We then provide several detailed examples to establish that biological dysfunction cannot provide a boundary. We examine potential ways of resolving the line-drawing problem, either by dropping one of the claims that generates it, or by appealing to additional criteria. We argue that two of these options are plausible, and that each of these can be applied with regard to different diseases. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press, on behalf of the Journal of Medicine and Philosophy Inc. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Comparison of a field-based test to estimate functional threshold power and power output at lactate threshold.

PubMed

Gavin, Timothy P; Van Meter, Jessica B; Brophy, Patricia M; Dubis, Gabriel S; Potts, Katlin N; Hickner, Robert C

2012-02-01

It has been proposed that field-based tests (FT) used to estimate functional threshold power (FTP) result in power output (PO) equivalent to PO at lactate threshold (LT). However, anecdotal evidence from regional cycling teams tested for LT in our laboratory suggested that PO at LT underestimated FTP. It was hypothesized that estimated FTP is not equivalent to PO at LT. The LT and estimated FTP were measured in 7 trained male competitive cyclists (VO2max = 65.3 ± 1.6 ml O2·kg(-1)·min(-1)). The FTP was estimated from an 8-minute FT and compared with PO at LT using 2 methods; LT(Δ1), a 1 mmol·L(-1) or greater rise in blood lactate in response to an increase in workload and LT(4.0), blood lactate of 4.0 mmol·L(-1). The estimated FTP was equivalent to PO at LT(4.0) and greater than PO at LT(Δ1). VO2max explained 93% of the variance in individual PO during the 8-minute FT. When the 8-minute FT PO was expressed relative to maximal PO from the VO2max test (individual exercise performance), VO2max explained 64% of the variance in individual exercise performance. The PO at LT was not related to 8-minute FT PO. In conclusion, FTP estimated from an 8-minute FT is equivalent to PO at LT if LT(4.0) is used but is not equivalent for all methods of LT determination including LT(Δ1).

The role of liver transplantation for congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt.

PubMed

Sakamoto, Seisuke; Shigeta, Takanobu; Fukuda, Akinari; Tanaka, Hideaki; Nakazawa, Atsuko; Nosaka, Shunsuke; Uemoto, Shinji; Kasahara, Mureo

2012-06-27

Congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEPS) is reported more frequently because of advances in imaging techniques. Liver transplantation (LT) is a therapeutic option, although the indications for LT are still controversial. This study reviewed 34 cases of LT for CEPS, including 30 cases reported in the English medical literature and the patients treated in our department, to collect the clinical data associated with LT. The median age at diagnosis and LT was 3.7 and 6.8 years, respectively. Hepatic encephalopathy, including persistent hyperammonemia, was the most common indication of LT. Pulmonary complications, including hepatopulmonary syndrome and pulmonary hypertension, were the second most common indications of LT, and those patients underwent LT soon after the diagnosis. Although a shunt directly draining into the inferior vena cava was the most common type and managed by a simple direct anastomosis of the portal vein at LT, some cases required the modification of the portal vein reconstruction, such as interposition. Thirty patients were alive with a median follow-up period of 18 months. LT for CEPS showed an excellent outcome. The development of pulmonary complications is an early indication for LT. Precise planning of portal vein reconstruction is required before LT.

Evidence for the Confinement of Magnetic Monopoles in Quantum Spin Ice.

PubMed

Sarte, Paul Maximo; Aczel, Adam; Ehlers, Georg; Stock, Christopher; Gaulin, Bruce D; Mauws, Cole; Stone, Matthew B; Calder, Stuart; Nagler, Stephen; Hollett, Joshua; Zhou, Haidong; Gardner, Jason S; Attfield, J Paul; Wiebe, Christopher R

2017-09-25

Magnetic monopoles are hypothesised elementary particles connected by Dirac strings that behave like infinitely thin solenoids [Dirac 1931 Proc. Roy. Soc. A 133 60]. Despite decades of searches, free magnetic monopoles and their Dirac strings have eluded experimental detection, although there is substantial evidence for deconfined magnetic monopole quasiparticles in spin ice materials [Castelnovo, Moessner & Sondhi 2008 Nature 326 411]. Here we report the detection of a hierarchy of unequally-spaced magnetic excitations via high resolution inelastic neutron spectroscopic measurements on the quantum spin ice candidate Pr₂Sn₂O₇. These excitations are well-described by a simple model of monopole pairs bound by a linear potential [Coldea et al. Science 327 177] with an effective tension of 0.7(1) K/Angstrom. The success of the linear potential model suggests that these low energy magnetic excitations are direct spectroscopic evidence for the confinement of magnetic monopole quasiparticles in the quantum spin ice candidate Pr₂Sn₂O₇. © 2017 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Landau theory for magnetic and structural transitions in CeCo_0.85Fe_0.15Si.

PubMed

Carreras, William Gabriel; Correa, Víctor Félix; Sereni, Julian G; García, Daniel J; Cornaglia, Pablo S

2018-06-05

We present a phenomenological analysis of the magnetoelastic properties of CeCo_0.85Fe_0.15Si at temperatures close to the Néel transition temperature T_N. Using a Landau functional we provide a qualitative description of the thermal expansion, magnetostriction, magnetization and specific heat data. We show that the available experimental results [Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter <b>28</b> 346003 (2016)] are consistent with the presence of a structural transition at T_s≧ T_N and a strong magnetoelastic coupling. The magnetoelastic coupling presents a Janus-faced effect: while the structural transition is shifted to higher temperatures as the magnetic field is increased, the resulting striction at low temperatures decreases. The strong magnetoelastic coupling and the proximity of the structural transition to the onset temperature for magnetic fluctuations, suggest that the transition could be an analogue of the tetragonal to orthorhombic observed in Fe-based pcnictides. . © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Liver transplant modulates gut microbial dysbiosis and cognitive function in cirrhosis.

PubMed

Bajaj, Jasmohan S; Fagan, Andrew; Sikaroodi, Masoumeh; White, Melanie B; Sterling, Richard K; Gilles, HoChong; Heuman, Douglas; Stravitz, Richard T; Matherly, Scott C; Siddiqui, Mohammed S; Puri, Puneet; Sanyal, Arun J; Luketic, Velimir; John, Binu; Fuchs, Michael; Ahluwalia, Vishwadeep; Gillevet, Patrick M

2017-07-01

Liver transplantation (LT) improves daily function and cognition in patients with cirrhosis, but a subset of patients can remain impaired. Unfavorable microbiota or dysbiosis is observed in patients with cirrhosis, but the effect of LT on microbial composition, especially with poor post-LT cognition, is unclear. The aims were to determine the effect of LT on gut microbiota and to determine whether gut microbiota are associated with cognitive dysfunction after LT. We enrolled outpatient patients with cirrhosis on the LT list and followed them until 6 months after LT. Cognition (Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy score [PHES]), health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and stool microbiota (multitagged sequencing for diversity and taxa) tests were performed at both visits. Persistent cognitive impairment was defined as a stable/worsening PHES. Both pre-/post-LT data were compared with age-matched healthy controls. We enrolled 45 patients (56 ± 7 years, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score 26 ± 8). They received LT 6 ± 3 months after enrollment and were re-evaluated 7 ± 2 months after LT with a stable course. A significantly improved HRQOL, PHES, with increase in microbial diversity, increase in autochthonous, and decrease in potentially pathogenic taxa were seen after LT compared with baseline. However, there was continued dysbiosis and HRQOL/cognitive impairment after LT compared with controls in 29% who did not improve PHES after LT. In these, Proteobacteria relative abundance was significantly higher and Firmicutes were lower after LT, whereas the reverse occurred in the group that improved. Delta PHES was negatively correlated with delta Proteobacteria and positively with delta Firmicutes. In conclusion, LT improves gut microbiota diversity and dysbiosis compared with pre-LT baseline but residual dysbiosis remains compared with controls. There is cognitive and HRQOL enhancement in general after LT, but a higher Proteobacteria relative abundance change is associated with posttransplant cognitive impairment. Liver Transplantation 23 907-914 2017 AASLD. © 2017 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Genomic Evidence for Adaptive Inversion Clines in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Kapun, Martin; Fabian, Daniel K; Goudet, Jérôme; Flatt, Thomas

2016-05-01

Clines in chromosomal inversion polymorphisms-presumably driven by climatic gradients-are common but there is surprisingly little evidence for selection acting on them. Here we address this long-standing issue in Drosophila melanogaster by using diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to estimate inversion frequencies from 28 whole-genome Pool-seq samples collected from 10 populations along the North American east coast. Inversions In(3L)P, In(3R)Mo, and In(3R)Payne showed clear latitudinal clines, and for In(2L)t, In(2R)NS, and In(3R)Payne the steepness of the clinal slopes changed between summer and fall. Consistent with an effect of seasonality on inversion frequencies, we detected small but stable seasonal fluctuations of In(2R)NS and In(3R)Payne in a temperate Pennsylvanian population over 4 years. In support of spatially varying selection, we observed that the cline in In(3R)Payne has remained stable for >40 years and that the frequencies of In(2L)t and In(3R)Payne are strongly correlated with climatic factors that vary latitudinally, independent of population structure. To test whether these patterns are adaptive, we compared the amount of genetic differentiation of inversions versus neutral SNPs and found that the clines in In(2L)t and In(3R)Payne are maintained nonneutrally and independent of admixture. We also identified numerous clinal inversion-associated SNPs, many of which exhibit parallel differentiation along the Australian cline and reside in genes known to affect fitness-related traits. Together, our results provide strong evidence that inversion clines are maintained by spatially-and perhaps also temporally-varying selection. We interpret our data in light of current hypotheses about how inversions are established and maintained. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Navigating graduate school and beyond: A career guide for graduate students and a must read for every advisor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schultz, Colin

2012-05-01

Beginning his scientific career as an engineering student at PSG College of Technology, in Coimbatore, India, Sundar A. Christopher has negotiated and navigated the higher-education system to become the chairman of the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Drawing on his own experiences and on insights gleaned from the students who have passed through his graduate-level professional development course, Christopher takes a lighthearted look at peer review, proposal writing, managing budgets, and making the most of conferences in the AGU bookNavigating Graduate School and Beyond: A Career Guide for Graduate Students and a Must Read for Every Advisor. In this interview, Eos speaks to Christopher about overcoming the bureaucratic, logistical, and personal hurdles that too often lead students to disillusionment and conflict.

Lung Transplantation for Cystic Fibrosis: Results, Indications, Complications, and Controversies

PubMed Central

Lynch, Joseph P.; Sayah, David M.; Belperio, John A.; Weigt, S. Sam

2016-01-01

Survival in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has improved dramatically over the past 30 to 40 years, with mean survival now approximately 40 years. Nonetheless, progressive respiratory insufficiency remains the major cause of mortality in CF patients, and lung transplantation (LT) is eventually required. Timing of listing for LT is critical, because up to 25 to 41% of CF patients have died while awaiting LT. Globally, approximately 16.4% of lung transplants are performed in adults with CF. Survival rates for LT recipients with CF are superior to other indications, yet LT is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality (~50% at 5-year survival rates). Myriad complications of LT include allograft failure (acute or chronic), opportunistic infections, and complications of chronic immunosuppressive medications (including malignancy). Determining which patients are candidates for LT is difficult, and survival benefit remains uncertain. In this review, we discuss when LT should be considered, criteria for identifying candidates, contraindications to LT, results post-LT, and specific complications that may be associated with LT. Infectious complications that may complicate CF (particularly Burkholderia cepacia spp., opportunistic fungi, and nontuberculous mycobacteria) are discussed. PMID:25826595

Situation Reports--Afghanistan, Bahrein, Brazil, Ecuador, Indonesia, Iraq, Morocco, Paraguay, People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, St. Christopher/Nevis, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, Yemen Arab Republic.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

International Planned Parenthood Federation, London (England).

Data relating to population and family planning in 17 foreign countries are presented in these situation reports. Countries included are Afghanistan, Bahrein, Brazil, Ecuador, Indonesia, Iraq, Morocco, Paraguay, People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, St. Christopher/Nevis, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, and…

German Foreign and Security Policy: Determinants of German Military Engagement in Africa Since 2011

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

Ausland [Litmus test of a nation: The deployment of the Bundeswehr into foreign countries], ed. Christoph Schwegmann (Berlin: Duncker & Humblot, 2011...Ausland [Litmus test of a nation: The deployment of the Bundeswehr into foreign countries], ed. Christoph Schwegman (Berlin: Duncker & Humblot, 2011...21; Katy A. Crossley-Frolick, “Domestic Constraints, German Foreign Policy and Post -Conflict Peacebuilding,” German Politics and Society 31, no

Strategy’s Relevance to the War in Afghanistan

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-11

specifically regarding Operation Enduring Freedom, the operational environment, policy and strategy, the oral histories presented by Christopher Koontz in...intervening years. And, of significant note, it captures nuances reflected in the current 2009 strategy. Complementing Koontz ’ material is a report by COL Ian...that can defend itself as economic growth and development takes hold.” 49 In his work on Afghanistan from 2003 to 2005, Christopher Koontz captures

Leveraging Capabilities: The Integration of Special Operation Forces and Conventional Forces

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-02

88 Christopher N Koontz , ed., Enduring Voices: Oral Histories of the U.S. Army Experience in...Christopher N Koontz , ed., Enduring Voices: Oral Histories of the U.S. Army Experience in Afghanistan 2003-2005. (Washington, D.C.: GPO, 2008), 7...39. 93 Koontz , Enduring Voices, 7-8. 43 entire country except for the northern region, which was commanded by NATO (See above “Figure#3: Map of

VISITOR - PRES. NIXON - PROTOCOL - JSC

NASA Image and Video Library

1974-03-20

Five (5) views of President Richard M. Nixon during his visit to the JSC. These views show the President as he addresses a crowd of employees and visitors outside of Building 1 Auditorium. Dr. Christopher C. Kraft, Fletcher, and Astronaut Gerald Carr, with Pete Clements, George Abbey, and Jack Waite in the background is also seen with the President. 1. Pres. Richard M. Nixon 2. Dr. Christopher C. Kraft JSC, HOUSTON, TX

Christoph Clavius' "Ordo Servandus in Addiscendis Disciplinis Mathematicis" and the Teaching of Mathematics in Jesuit Colleges at the Beginning of the Modern Era

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gatto, Romano

2006-01-01

The "Ordo servundum in addiscendis disciplinis mathematicis" is a milestone in the history of the teaching of mathematics. Conceived by Christoph Clavius for the Jesuit Colleges, it was not only a syllabus for mathematical studies for the students at Jesuit colleges but also an instrument for training mathematics teachers. Its coherence and its…

Heart-rate variability and training-intensity distribution in elite rowers.

PubMed

Plews, Daniel J; Laursen, Paul B; Kilding, Andrew E; Buchheit, Martin

2014-11-01

Elite endurance athletes may train in a polarized fashion, such that their training-intensity distribution preserves autonomic balance. However, field data supporting this are limited. The authors examined the relationship between heart-rate variability and training-intensity distribution in 9 elite rowers during the 26-wk build-up to the 2012 Olympic Games (2 won gold and 2 won bronze medals). Weekly averaged log-transformed square root of the mean sum of the squared differences between R-R intervals (Ln rMSSD) was examined, with respect to changes in total training time (TTT) and training time below the first lactate threshold (LT(2). Correlations (± 90% confidence limits) for Ln rMSSD were small vs TTT (r = .37 ± .80), moderate vs time LT2 (r = -.22 ± .50). These data provide supportive rationale for the polarized model of training, showing that training phases with increased time spent at high intensity suppress parasympathetic activity, while low-intensity training preserves and increases it. As such, periodized low-intensity training may be beneficial for optimal training programming.

Functional recognition of a distinct receptor preferential for leukotriene E4 in mice lacking the cysteinyl leukotriene 1 and 2 receptors.

PubMed

Maekawa, Akiko; Kanaoka, Yoshihide; Xing, Wei; Austen, K Frank

2008-10-28

The cysteinyl leukotrienes (cys-LTs) are a family of potent lipid mediators of inflammation derived from arachidonic acid. Activation of certain cell types results in the biosynthesis and export of leukotriene (LT) C(4), which then undergoes extracellular metabolism to LTD(4) and LTE(4). LTE(4), the most stable cys-LT, is only a weak agonist for the defined type 1 and type 2 cys-LT receptors (CysLT(1)R and CysLT(2)R, respectively). We had recognized a greater potency for LTE(4) than LTC(4) or LTD(4) in constricting guinea pig trachea in vitro and comparable activity in eliciting a cutaneous wheal and flare response in humans. Thus, we hypothesized that a vascular permeability response to LTE(4) in mice lacking both the CysLT(1)R and CysLT(2)R could establish the existence of a separate LTE(4) receptor. We now report that the intradermal injection of LTE(4) into the ear of mice deficient in both CysLT(1)R and CysLT(2)R elicits a vascular leak that exceeds the response to intradermal injection of LTC(4) or LTD(4), and that this response is inhibited by pretreatment of the mice with pertussis toxin or a Rho kinase inhibitor. LTE(4) is approximately 64-fold more potent in the CysLT(1)R/CysLT(2)R double-deficient mice than in sufficient mice. The administration of a CysLT(1)R antagonist augmented the permeability response of the CysLT(1)R/CysLT(2)R double-deficient mice to LTC(4), LTD(4), and LTE(4). Our findings establish the existence of a third receptor, CysLT(E)R, that responds preferentially to LTE(4), the most abundant cys-LT in biologic fluids, and thus reveal a new target for therapeutic intervention.

Recommendations for treatment of hypothyroidism with levothyroxine and levotriiodothyronine: a 2016 position statement of the Italian Society of Endocrinology and the Italian Thyroid Association.

PubMed

Biondi, B; Bartalena, L; Chiovato, L; Lenzi, A; Mariotti, S; Pacini, F; Pontecorvi, A; Vitti, P; Trimarchi, F

2016-12-01

Levothyroxine (L-T4) is recommended as lifelong replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Recent clinical and experimental data support the addition of levotriiodothyronine (L-T3) treatment in some selected hypothyroid patients when their symptoms persist and their quality of life remains impaired despite adequate L-T4 monotherapy. An increase in L-T3 prescriptions has been recently observed in Italy due to availability of different L-T3 formulations, making it possible to clinicians to prescribe L-T3 alone or in combination with L-T4. The aim of the present position statement was to define the correct clinical indications, schedule, duration of treatment and contraindications of combined treatment with L-T4 and L-T3 in hypothyroid patients in an attempt to guide clinicians and to avoid potential adverse effects of overtreatment.

Functional expression of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors on human platelets.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Shunji; Ichiyama, Takashi; Hashimoto, Kunio; Suzuki, Yasuo; Hirano, Reiji; Fukano, Reiji; Furukawa, Susumu

2010-01-01

Normal peripheral blood leukocytes, such as basophils, eosinophils, B lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages, have a cysteinyl leukotriene 1 (CysLT1) receptor, while the cysteinyl leukotriene 2 (CysLT2) receptor is expressed in cardiac Purkinje cells, endothelium, brain and leukocytes. However, it is unknown whether or not platelets express the CysLT1 or CysLT2 receptor. In this study we identify and characterize the biological function of the CysLT receptor of human platelets. We determined the CysLT1 or CysLT2 receptor mRNA expression in normal human platelets by RT-PCR and determined protein expression by Western blotting and flow cytometry. Moreover, we examined the effect of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) in platelets on the induction of RANTES (Regulated on Activation, Normal T Expressed, and presumably Secreted). We also investigated whether the CysLT1 receptor antagonist pranlukast inhibits CysLT-induced RANTES release. In conclusion, we showed the functional expression of CysLT receptors on human platelets and demonstrated that CysLTs induced the release of significant amounts of RANTES, which suggests a novel role for human platelets in CysLT-mediated allergic inflammation.

Lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis: results, indications, complications, and controversies.

PubMed

Lynch, Joseph P; Sayah, David M; Belperio, John A; Weigt, S Sam

2015-04-01

Survival in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has improved dramatically over the past 30 to 40 years, with mean survival now approximately 40 years. Nonetheless, progressive respiratory insufficiency remains the major cause of mortality in CF patients, and lung transplantation (LT) is eventually required. Timing of listing for LT is critical, because up to 25 to 41% of CF patients have died while awaiting LT. Globally, approximately 16.4% of lung transplants are performed in adults with CF. Survival rates for LT recipients with CF are superior to other indications, yet LT is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality (∼50% at 5-year survival rates). Myriad complications of LT include allograft failure (acute or chronic), opportunistic infections, and complications of chronic immunosuppressive medications (including malignancy). Determining which patients are candidates for LT is difficult, and survival benefit remains uncertain. In this review, we discuss when LT should be considered, criteria for identifying candidates, contraindications to LT, results post-LT, and specific complications that may be associated with LT. Infectious complications that may complicate CF (particularly Burkholderia cepacia spp., opportunistic fungi, and nontuberculous mycobacteria) are discussed. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Safety and efficacy of E coli enterotoxin adjuvant for urease-based rectal immunization against Helicobacter pylori.

PubMed

Sougioultzis, Stavros; Lee, Cynthia K; Alsahli, Mazen; Banerjee, Subhas; Cadoz, Michel; Schrader, Robert; Guy, Bruno; Bedford, Philip; Monath, Thomas P; Kelly, Ciaran P; Michetti, Pierre

2002-12-13

Low dose E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT), delivered orally or enterically, has been used as an adjuvant for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) urease in healthy adults. In this study we aim to test the safety and adjuvant efficacy of LT delivered rectally together with recombinant H. pylori urease. Eighteen healthy adults without present or past H. pylori infection were enrolled in a double blind, randomized, ascending dose study to receive either urease (60 mg), or urease (60 mg) + LT (5 or 25 microg). The immunization preparation was administered per rectum on days 0, 14 and 28. Serum, stool and saliva anti-urease and anti-LT IgG and IgA antibodies (Abs) were measured and urease-specific and LT-specific antigen secreting cells (ASCs) were counted in peripheral blood at baseline and 7 (ASC counts) or 14 days (antibody levels) after each dosing. Peripheral blood lymphoproliferation assays were also performed at baseline and at the end of the study. Rectally delivered urease and LT were well tolerated. Among the 12 subjects assigned to urease+LT, 2 (16.7%) developed anti-urease IgG Abs, 1 (8.3%) developed anti-urease IgA Abs, and 3 (25%) showed urease-specific IgA(+) ASCs. Immune responses to LT were more vigorous, especially in subjects exposed to 5 microg LT. In the urease+ 5 microg LT group, anti-LT IgG and IgA Abs developed in 60 and 80% of the subjects, respectively, while LT-specific IgG(+) and IgA(+) ASCs were detected in all subjects. The magnitude of the anti-LT response was much higher than the response to urease. No IgA anti-urease or anti-LT Abs were detected in stool or saliva and lymphocyte proliferative responses to urease were unsatisfactory. In conclusion, rectal delivery of 5 microg LT is safe and induces vigorous systemic anti-LT immune responses. Further studies are needed to determine if LT can be an effective adjuvant for rectally delivered antigens.

Cultural Resources Survey of Three Iberville Parish Levee Enlargement and Revetment Construction Items

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-22

SURVEY OF THREE IBERVILLE PARISH LEVEE ENLARGEMENT AND REVETMENT CONSTRUCTION ITEMS September 1993 Sam .4 D2 FINAL REPORT E R. Christopher Goodwin...LEVEE ENLARGEMENT ANj REVETMENT CONSTRUCTION ITEMS 12. PERSONAL AUTHOR(S) R. Christopher Goodwin, Ph.d., Rebecca E. Bruce, Lawrence L Hewitt, and E... block number) FIELD GROUP SUB-GROUP Acadian Coast Historic Arche6cogy Rice Antebellum Iberville Parish Saw Mill Plantation Carville Leprosarium Ophelia

DebrisLV Hypervelocity Impact Post-Shot Physical Results Summary

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-02-27

Sheaffer1, Paul M. Adams2, Naoki Hemmi3, Christopher Hartney1 1Space Science Applications Laboratory Physical Sciences Laboratories 2Space Materials...PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Patti M. Sheaffer, Paul M. Adams, Naoki Hemmi, Christopher Hartney 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f...this document could not have been acquired without the active help and support of NASA (J.-C. Liou, Robert Markowicz); Jacobs Technologies ( John Opiela

Anthropomorphic Interfaces on Automation Trust, Dependence, and Performance inYounger and Older Adults

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-26

www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/ ? loc ¼db-slabnav Banaji, M., and C. D. Hardin. 1996. “Automatic Stereotyping.” Psychological Science 7 (3...May 2014 Accepted by: Dr. Richard Pak, Committee Chair Dr. Leo Gugerty Dr. Christopher Pagano DISTRIBUTION A: Distribution...years. My committee members, Dr. Leo Gugerty and Dr. Christopher Pagano, made my committee complete and I am grateful for their willingness to serve

The Need to Increase Marine Corps Special Operations Command

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

Operations University presentation by Major Mark Raney for USSOCOM elective (lecture, MCU, Quantico VA, 17 Feb 20Q9). 5 Stew Magnuson, "Marine Special...2008 Posture Statement.doc (Accessed 23 December, 2008) 20 David Tucker and Christopher J. Lamb , United States Special Operations Forces (New York...invasion of Afghanistan encroached on the Marine Corps historical role of being "soldiers from the sea." 38 David Tucker and Christopher J. lamb , 182

"Keep All Thee 'Til the End": Reclaiming the Lifeworld for Patients in the Hospice Setting.

PubMed

West, Emily; Onwuteaka-Philipsen, Bregje; Philipsen, Hans; Higginson, Irene J; Pasman, H R W

2017-01-01

St Christopher's Hospice, London, was founded to provide specialist care to the incurably ill. We studied the dimensions of difference that set St Christopher's Hospice apart from hospital care of the dying, focusing on physical space and social organization. Material from 1953 to 1980 from the Cicely Saunders Archive was analyzed qualitatively. Through thematic analysis, quotes were found and analyzed using open coding. Five themes were developed. Themes identified were home/homelike, community, consideration of others, link with outside world, and privacy. The hospice philosophy functioned as the catalyst for the development of the physical environment of St Christopher's Hospice. Taking Habermas' concept of lifeworld, it seems that, in contrast to acute care, the need for hospice to formulate their own lifeworld to support and fully engage patients was central. As lifeworlds are culture sensitive, this underlines the need for variation in design and organization of hospices around the world.

Training Intensity Distribution Over a Four-Year Cycle in Olympic Champion Rowers: Different Roads Lead to Rio.

PubMed

Plews, Daniel J; Laursen, Paul B

2017-09-27

The purpose of this study was to compare the training intensity distribution (TID) of the undefeated world champion male rowing New Zealand (kiwi) pair over a four-year Olympic cycle, across training phases, training years, and between individuals. Training data, including heart rate and boat speed, were recorded in the athletes rowing in the same boat between March 2013 and August 2016, ending with the Rio Olympics final. Progressive exercise tests assessed first (LT 1 ) and second (LT 2 ) lactate thresholds and associated heart rates, to determine the percentage of training performed below, between and above these demarcation points. Training an average of only 12-15 h/wk throughout the Olympic cycle, the mean percent distribution of time (±SD) at each training intensity was 80.4 ± 5.5% LT 2 for Rower A and 67.3 ± 9.0% LT 2 for Rower B. Across the years 2014-2016, Rower A performed most likely more training

Gender, personality, and serotonin-2A receptor binding in healthy subjects

PubMed Central

Soloff, Paul H.; Price, Julie C.; Mason, Neale Scott; Becker, Carl; Meltzer, Carolyn C.

2009-01-01

The vulnerability to mood disorders, impulsive-aggression, eating disorders, and suicidal behavior varies greatly with gender, and may reflect gender differences in central serotonergic function. We investigated the relationships of gender, mood, impulsivity, aggression and temperament to 5HT2A receptor binding in 21 healthy subjects using [18F]altanserin and PET neuro-imaging. Binding potentials in pre-defined Regions of Interest (ROI) were calculated using the Logan graphical method, corrected for partial volume effects, and compared by gender with age co-varied. SPM analysis was used for voxel level comparisons. Altanserin binding (BPp) was greater in male than female subjects in 9 ROIs: hippocampus (HIP) and Lt. HIP, lateral orbital frontal cortex (LOF) and Lt.LOF, left medial frontal cortex (Lt.MFC), left medial temporal cortex (Lt. MTC), left occipital cortex (Lt. OCC), thalamus (THL) and Lt. THL. Differences in Lt. HIP and Lt. MTL remained significant after Bonferroni correction. Gender differences were noted in the co-variation of psychological traits with BPp values in specific ROIs. Among males alone, aggression was negatively correlated with BPp values in Lt. LOF and Lt. MFC, and Suspiciousness positively correlated in LOF, Lt. LOF and Lt. MFC. Among female subjects alone, Negativism was positively correlated with BPp values in HIP, and Verbal Hostility in Lt. HIP. Altanserin binding in Lt. MTC was positively correlated with Persistence, with no significant gender effect. Gender differences in 5HT2A receptor function in specific ROIs may mediate expression of psychological characteristics such as aggression, suspiciousness and negativism. Future studies of 5HT2A receptor function and its relationship to behavior should control for gender. PMID:19959344

Comparison of microdosimetry-based absorbed doses to control tumours and clinically obtained tumour absorbed doses in treatments with ²²³Ra.

PubMed

Minguez Gabina, Pablo; Roeske, John C; Mínguez, Ricardo; Gomez de Iturriaga, Alfonso; Rodeño, Emilia

2018-06-20

We performed Monte Carlo simulations in order to determine by means of microdosimetry calculations the average number of hits to the cell nucleus required to reach a tumour control probability (TCP) of 0.9, 〈n_0.9 〉, for the source geometry of a nucleus embedded in a homogeneous distribution of ²²³Ra atoms. From the results obtained and following the MIRD methodology, we determined the values of lesion absorbed doses needed to reach a TCP of 0.9, D_0.9, for different values of mass density, cell radiosensitivity, nucleus radius and lesion volume. The greatest variation of those absorbed doses occurred with cell radiosensitivity and no dependence was found on mass density. The source geometry used was chosen because we aimed to compare the values of D_0.9 with the lesion absorbed doses obtained from image-based macrodosimetry in treatments of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer with ²²³Ra which were obtained assuming a homogeneous distribution of ²²³Ra atoms within the lesion. In a comparison with a study including 29 lesions, results showed that even for the case of the most radiosensitive cells simulated, 45% of the lesions treated following a schedule of two cycles of 110 kBq/kg body mass would receive absorbed doses below the values of D_0.9 determined in this study. © 2018 Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.

Rhombohedral R3c to orthorhombic Pnma phase transition induced by Y-doping in BiFeO₃.

PubMed

Graf, Monica Elisabet; Di Napoli, Solange; Barral, Maria Andrea Andrea; Saleh Medina, Leila; Negri, R Martín; Sepliarsky, Marcelo; Llois, Ana María

2018-05-23

In this work we study, by means of <i>ab initio</i> calculations, the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Y-doped BiFeO₃ compounds. We determine that there is a morphotropic phase boundary at an yttrium concentration of (18 ± 2)%, where the structure changes from <i>R3c</i> to <i>Pnma</i>. This structural transition is driven by the chemical pressure induced by the dopant. By analyzing the evolution of the oxygen octahedral tilts we find an enhanced antiferrodistortive distortion when increasing the Y-doping, together with a reduction of the ferroelectric distorsion, that gives rise to a smaller value of the electric polarization. These cooperative effects should lead to a larger canting of the Fe magnetic moments and to a larger ferromagnetic response in the <i>R3c</i> phase, as it is observed in the experiments. . © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Oral immunisation of naive and primed animals with transgenic potato tubers expressing LT-B.

PubMed

Lauterslager, T G; Florack, D E; van der Wal, T J; Molthoff, J W; Langeveld, J P; Bosch, D; Boersma, W J; Hilgers, L A

2001-03-21

The efficacy of edible vaccines produced in potato tubers was examined in mice. Transgenic plants were developed by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. The antigen selected was the non-toxic B subunit of the Escherichia coli enterotoxin (recLT-B). A synthetic gene coding for recLT-B was made and optimised for expression in potato tubers and accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum. Introduction of this gene under control of the tuber-specific patatin promoter in potato plants resulted in the production of functional, i.e. Gm1-binding, recLT-B pentamers in tubers. Selected tubers containing about 13 microg of recLT-B per gram fresh weight were used for immunisation. Subcutaneous immunisation with an extract of recLT-B tubers yielded high antibody titres in serum that were similar to those obtained with bacterial recLT-B. The efficacy of oral administration of recLT-B tubers was determined by measuring mucosal and systemic immune responses in naive and primed mice. Animals were primed by subcutaneous injection of an extract of recLT-B tuber plus adjuvant. Naive and primed mice were fed 5 g of tubers ( approximately 65 microg of recLT-B) or were intubated intragastrically with 0.4 ml of tuber extract ( approximately 2 microg of recLT-B). In naive mice, feeding recLT-B tubers or intubation of tuber extract did not induce detectable anti-LT antibody titres. In primed animals, however, oral immunisation resulted in significant anti-LT IgA antibody responses in serum and faeces. Intragastric intubation of tuber extract revealed higher responses than feeding of tubers. These results indicate clearly that functional recLT-B can be produced in potato tubers, that this recombinant protein is immunogenic and that oral administration thereof elicits both systemic and local IgA responses in parentally primed, but not naive, animals.

Pulmonary function in individuals who underwent liver transplantation: from the US cystic fibrosis foundation registry.

PubMed

Miller, Melissa R; Sokol, Ronald J; Narkewicz, Michael R; Sontag, Marci K

2012-05-01

Severe liver disease affects 4.5% to 10% of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and is the third-leading cause of death. Liver transplantation (LT) is an accepted therapy, but the effects of liver disease and LT on pulmonary function in patients with CF are controversial. Our aim was to characterize changes in pulmonary function in LT patients with CF. Using mixed effect models, we analyzed pulmonary function before and after transplantation in 168 LT patients and 840 non-LT patients with CF who were matched by age, sex, pancreatic status, infections with US CF Foundation Patient Registry data (1989-2007). The primary outcome was the change in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1); percent predicted) in LT and non-LT in the 3-years periods before or after transplantation; second we compared FEV(1) changes. In the 3 years before transplantation, LT had lower initial FEV(1) values (71.5% ± 1.9%, P < 0.001) and a slower decline (+0.1% ± 0.4%/year, P < 0.001) than non-LT (79.6% ± 1.3% and -1.3% ± 0.2%/year, respectively). There was no difference in the FEV(1) decline after transplantation (-1.4% ± 0.4%/year for LT versus -2.1% ± 0.2%/year for non-LT, P = 0.14). Both the (P = 0.003) and (P = 0.001) had a slower FEV(1) decline in the period before transplantation versus after transplantation. In conclusion, pulmonary function is lower and declines more slowly in patients with CF before LT versus, but parallels the decline in non-LT after transplantation. LT is neither beneficial nor detrimental to pulmonary function in CF but returns FEV(1) decline to the same trajectory found for matched non-LT individuals with CF. Copyright © 2012 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Metabolic effects of liothyronine therapy in hypothyroidism: a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial of liothyronine versus levothyroxine.

PubMed

Celi, Francesco S; Zemskova, Marina; Linderman, Joyce D; Smith, Sheila; Drinkard, Bart; Sachdev, Vandana; Skarulis, Monica C; Kozlosky, Merel; Csako, Gyorgy; Costello, Rene; Pucino, Frank

2011-11-01

Levothyroxine (L-T(4)) therapy is based on the assumption that the conversion of T(4) into T(3) provides adequate amounts of active hormone at target tissues. However, in rodents, L-T(4) alone does not restore a euthyroid state in all tissues. Previous combination L-T(4)/liothyronine (L-T(3)) therapy trials focused on quality-of-life endpoints, and limited information is available on the effects on other measures of thyroid hormone action. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of thyroid hormone replacement with L-T(4) or L-T(3) at doses producing equivalent normalization of TSH. Fourteen hypothyroid patients participated in this randomized, double-blind, crossover intervention at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. L-T(3) or L-T(4) were administered thrice daily to achieve a target TSH from 0.5-1.5 mU/liter. Volunteers were studied as inpatients after 6 wk on a stable dose and at the target TSH. Serum thyroid hormones, lipid parameters, and indices of glucose metabolism were evaluated. No difference was observed in TSH between L-T(3) and L-T(4) treatments. L-T(3) resulted in significant weight loss [L-T(4), 70.6 ± 12.5, vs. L-T(3), 68.5 ± 11.9 kg (P = 0.009)] and in a 10.9 ± 10.0% decrease in total cholesterol (P = 0.002), 13.3 ± 12.1% decrease in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P = 0.002), and an 18.3 ± 28.6% decrease in apolipoprotein B (P = 0.018). No significant differences were observed in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, heart rate, blood pressure, exercise tolerance, or insulin sensitivity. The substitution of L-T(3) for L-T(4) at equivalent doses (relative to the pituitary) reduced body weight and resulted in greater thyroid hormone action on the lipid metabolism, without detected differences in cardiovascular function or insulin sensitivity.

Immunological Interrelationships Between Cholera Toxin and the Heat-Labile and Heat-Stable Enterotoxins of Coliform Bacteria

PubMed Central

Klipstein, Frederick A.; Engert, Richard F.

1977-01-01

Cholera toxin (CT) and the heat-labile (LT) toxin of Escherichia coli are known to share antigenic properties. The present study examined the immunological relationship of CT and the LT and heat-stable (ST) toxins of E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter cloacae. The neutralizing capacity of equine CT antiserum and of antiserum raised in rabbits to the LT toxin of the three species of coliform bacteria was evaluated by determining their capacity to inhibit the action of purified CT and semipurified ultrafiltration preparations of the coliform LT and ST toxins in inducing water secretion as assayed by the in vivo marker perfusion technique in the rat jejunum. One milliliter of antiserum to CT and to E. coli and Klebsiella LT completely neutralized the secretory action of each of these three toxins; effective serial dilutions of CT antiserum extended to 1 to 4, whereas those of the antisera to LT were limited to 1 to 2 in most instances. One milliliter of antiserum to E. cloacae LT partially neutralized each of the three coliform LT toxins; serial dilutions were inactive. Antiserum to E. cloacae LT did not neutralize CT. Antiserum to CT and to each of the three coliform LT toxins also had a weak neutralizing effect on the ST toxins of E. coli and Klebsiella, but they did not affect E. cloacae ST. Adsorption of the antiserum to CT and to each of the three LT toxins by incubation with a heat-inactivated preparation of either the homologous or a heterologous LT toxin completely abolished the neutralizing capacity of the antisera towards both LT and ST. These observations indicate that the immunological interrelationship of CT and E. coli LT extends to the LT toxins of Klebsiella and E. cloacae and, further, that these immunological properties are shared to a lesser extent by the ST toxins of E. coli and Klebsiella. PMID:332637

Modulation of the atmospheric quasi-biweekly oscillation on the diurnal variation of the occurrence frequency of the Tibetan Plateau vortices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lun; Zhang, Renhe; Wen, Min

2018-06-01

In this study, modulation of the atmospheric quasi-biweekly oscillation (QBWO) on diurnal variation of the occurrence frequency of Tibetan Plateau vortices (TPVs) during May-August of 2000-2009 was investigated. The diurnal variations of the occurrence frequency of the TPVs (OFTPVs) and the related dynamic and thermodynamic features in the positive and negative phases of QBWO were compared. In both the positive and negative phases, the OFTPVs reaches the maximum from evening to midnight (18-00 LT, LT indicates the local time), and minimum from early morning to noon (06-12 LT). At 18 LT, there is strongest convergence at 500 hPa and ascending motion, as well as the most abundant net water vapor budget over the Tibetan Plateau, which is in favor of the precipitation and the related condensation latent heat release, corresponding to the maximum of OFTPVs in 18-00 LT. On the contrary, in the early morning at 06 LT, the conditions are most unfavorable for genesis of TPVs in 06-12 LT. QBWO leads to stronger convergence at 500 hPa, ascending motion as well as more massive water vapor in the positive phases than those in the negative phases, resulting in larger numbers of TPVs occur in all of the four periods of a day (00-06 LT, 06-12 LT, 12-18 LT, and 18-00 LT) in the former. The TPVs generating from the early morning to noon (06-12 LT) are weaker and more sensitive and fragile to the disadvantageous background, while the TPVs occurring from evening to midnight (18-00 LT) are stronger and seem to be well tolerated, leading to more remarkable contrast between the OFTPVs in the negative and positive phases in 06-12 LT than in 18-00 LT.

Multiple defects in innate and adaptive immunologic function in NOD/LtSz-scid mice.

PubMed

Shultz, L D; Schweitzer, P A; Christianson, S W; Gott, B; Schweitzer, I B; Tennent, B; McKenna, S; Mobraaten, L; Rajan, T V; Greiner, D L

1995-01-01

The scid mutation was backcrossed ten generations onto the NOD/Lt strain background, resulting in an immunodeficient stock (NOD/LtSz-scid/scid) with multiple defects in adaptive as well as nonadaptive immunologic function. NOD/LtSz-scid/scid mice lack functional lymphoid cells and show little or no serum Ig with age. Although NOD/(Lt-)+/+ mice develop T cell-mediated autoimmune, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, NOD/LtSz-scid/scid mice are both insulitis- and diabetes-free throughout life. However, because of a high incidence of thymic lymphomas, the mean lifespan of this congenic stock is only 8.5 mo under specific pathogen-free conditions. After i.v. injection of human CEM T-lymphoblastoid cells, splenic engraftment of these cells was fourfold greater in NOD/LtSz-scid/scid mice than in C.B17/Sz-scid/scid mice. Although C.B-17Sz-scid/scid mice exhibit robust NK cell activity, this activity is markedly reduced in both NOD/(Lt-)+/+ and NOD/LtSz-scid/scid mice. Presence of a functionally less mature macrophage population in NOD/LtSz-scid/scid vs C.B-17Sz-scid/scid mice is indicated by persistence in the former of the NOD/Lt strain-specific defect in LPS-stimulated IL-1 secretion by marrow-derived macrophages. Although C.B-17Sz-scid/scid and C57BL/6Sz-scid/scid mice have elevated serum hemolytic complement activity compared with their respective +/+ controls, both NOD/(LtSz-)+/+ and NOD/LtSz-scid/scid mice lack this activity. Age-dependent increases in serum Ig levels (> 1 micrograms/ml) were observed in only 2 of 30 NOD/LtSz-scid/scid mice vs 21 of 29 C.B-17/Sz-scid/scid animals. The multiple defects in innate and adaptive immunity unique to the NOD/LtSz-scid/scid mouse provide an excellent in vivo environment for reconstitution with human hematopoietic cells.

Pharmaceutical studies of levothyroxine sodium hydrate suppository provided as a hospital preparation.

PubMed

Hamada, Yuhei; Masuda, Kazushi; Okubo, Masato; Nakasa, Hiromitsu; Sekine, Yuko; Ishii, Itsuko

2015-01-01

The levothyroxine sodium hydrate suppository (L-T4-suppository) is provided as a hospital preparation for the treatment of hypothyroid patients with dysphagia in Japan because only oral preparations of levothyroxine sodium (L-T4) are approved for the treatment of hypothyroidism. However, it has been found that serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels do not increase as expected with the hospital preparation, requiring a higher dosage of L-T4 in the L-T4-suppository than in the oral preparations. In this study, to determine an effective thyroid gland hormone-replacement therapy for patients with dysphagia, the pharmaceutical properties of the L-T4-suppository were investigated. Suppositories containing 300 µg L-T4 in a base of Witepsol H-15 and Witepsol E-75 (ratio of 1 : 1) were prepared according to Chiba University Hospital's protocol. Content uniformity, stability, and suppository release were tested. The L-T4-suppository had uniform weight and content. The content and release property were stable over 90 d when the L-T4-suppository was stored at 4 °C and protected from light. The release rate of L-T4 increased as pH increased. However, no L-T4 was released below pH 7.2. The release rate of L-T4 decreased as temperature decreased. These findings suggest that the low level of release of L-T4 in the rectum under physiological conditions may be the cause of the low serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels following L-T4-suppository administration.

Activated protein C ameliorates Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin-induced lethal pathogenesis in rats

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Lethal toxin (LT) is a major virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis. Sprague Dawley rats manifest pronounced lung edema and shock after LT treatments, resulting in high mortality. The heart failure that is induced by LT has been suggested to be a principal mechanism of lung edema and mortality in rodents. Since LT-induced death occurs more rapidly in rats than in mice, suggesting that other mechanisms in addition to the heart dysfunction may be contributed to the fast progression of LT-induced pathogenesis in rats. Coagulopathy may contribute to circulatory failure and lung injury. However, the effect of LT on coagulation-induced lung dysfunction is unclear. Methods To investigate the involvement of coagulopathy in LT-mediated pathogenesis, the mortality, lung histology and coagulant levels of LT-treated rats were examined. The effects of activated protein C (aPC) on LT-mediated pathogenesis were also evaluated. Results Fibrin depositions were detected in the lungs of LT-treated rats, indicating that coagulation was activated. Increased levels of plasma D-dimer and thrombomodulin, and the ameliorative effect of aPC further suggested that the activation of coagulation-fibrinolysis pathways plays a role in LT-mediated pathogenesis in rats. Reduced mortality was associated with decreased plasma levels of D-dimer and thrombomodulin following aPC treatments in rats with LT-mediated pathogenesis. Conclusions These findings suggest that the activation of coagulation in lung tissue contributes to mortality in LT-mediated pathogenesis in rats. In addition, anticoagulant aPC may help to develop a feasible therapeutic strategy. PMID:23170801

Defense Acquisition Research Journal. Volume 22, Number 1, Issue 72.

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

Capt Allen J. DeNeve, USAF, Lt Col Erin T. Ryan , USAF, Lt Col Jonathan D. Ritschel, USAF, and Christine Schubert Kabban The Effects of System...USAF, Lt Col Erin T. Ryan , USAF, Lt Col Jonathan D. Ritschel, USAF, and Christine Schubert Kabban A regression technique is used to predict cost...practices. Capt Allen J. DeNeve, USAF, Lt Col Erin T. Ryan , USAF, Lt Col Jonathan D. Ritschel, USAF, and Christine Schubert Kabban, in “Taming the

Pharmacokinetics of coadministration of levothyroxine sodium and alendronate sodium new effervescent formulation.

PubMed

Bone, H G; Walter, M A; Hurley, M E; Epstein, S

2017-05-01

No clinically important pharmacokinetic interference of alendronate occurred between a new effervescent formulation of alendronate and levothyroxine when coadministered. The combination does not materially affect levothyroxine absorption. Concurrent treatment of osteoporosis with alendronate (Aln) and hypothyroidism with levothyroxine (LT4) may be problematic because both drugs are to be taken separately after fasting overnight. The primary objective was to assess pharmacokinetic interactions between a new effervescent formulation of Aln (Aln-NEF) and LT4. A randomized, open-label, 3-way crossover study was conducted in 30 healthy adults (15 women). Subjects were dosed 3 times, separated by 35 days, after overnight fasts, with Aln-NEF alone (70 mg), LT4 alone (600 μg), or Aln-NEF and LT4 concurrently. Samples were analyzed for plasma Aln and serum LT4. Pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction was assessed using 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for the test/reference ratio of the geometric means for area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to last measureable time point (AUC 0-t ) and maximum concentration (C max ). Results were compared to the default no-effect boundaries of 80 to 125% for the ratio Aln-NEF and LT4 concurrently/Aln-NEF alone and the ratio Aln-NEF and LT4 concurrently/LT4 alone. Geometric mean ratios (Aln-NEF with LT4/Aln-NEF alone) were 0.927 (90% CI 0.795-1.081) for AUC 0-8 and 0.912 (90% CI 0.773-1.077) for C max , demonstrating LT4 does not appreciably affect the pharmacokinetics of Aln. Geometric mean ratios (LT4 with Aln-NEF/LT4 alone) were 1.049 (90% CI 0.983-1.119) for AUC 0-48 and 1.075 (90% CI 1.006-1.148) for C max , demonstrating LT4 is bioequivalent between the 2 treatments. Coadministration of Aln-NEF and LT4 was well tolerated. There was no clinically important pharmacokinetic interference between the Aln-NEF formulation and LT4. Aln-NEF does not materially affect LT4 absorption.

Nanotechnology Based Green Energy Conversion Devices with Multifunctional Materials at Low Temperatures.

PubMed

Lu, Yuzheng; Afzal, Muhammad; Zhu, Bin; Wang, Baoyuan; Wang, Jun; Xia, Chen

2017-07-10

Nanocomposites (integrating the nano and composite technologies) for advanced fuel cells (NANOCOFC) demonstrate the great potential to reduce the operational temperature of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) significantly in the low temperature (LT) range 300-600ºC. NANOCOFC has offered the development of multi-functional materials composed of semiconductor and ionic materials to meet the requirements of low temperature solid oxide fuel cell (LTSOFC) and green energy conversion devices with their unique mechanisms. This work reviews the recent developments relevant to the devices and the patents in LTSOFCs from nanotechnology perspectives that reports advances including fabrication methods, material compositions, characterization techniques and cell performances. Finally, the future scope of LTSOFC with nanotechnology and the practical applications are also discussed. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Thyroxine Treatment With Softgel Capsule Formulation: Usefulness in Hypothyroid Patients Without Malabsorption.

PubMed

Trimboli, Pierpaolo; Virili, Camilla; Centanni, Marco; Giovanella, Luca

2018-01-01

Levothyroxine sodium (LT4) is the therapy of choice for hypothyroidism. In the last decade, new LT4 formulations, such as liquid and softgel capsules, became available. Even if some evidence has been reached in the efficacy of liquid LT4 in patients with suboptimal TSH on tablet LT4, the usefulness of softgel LT4 has been rarely studied. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of switching from tablet to softgel LT4 patients without increased need for LT4. TSH was used as proxy of LT4 bioavailability and effectiveness. During the period from April to August 2017, 19 patients on tablet LT4 treatment for hypothyroidism, mostly due to autoimmune thyroiditis, were enrolled. Subjects with causes of malabsorption or increased requirement of LT4 were previously excluded. Patients finally included were asked to switch from tablet to softgel LT4 formulation at unchanged dose and ingestion fashion (30 min before breakfast). TSH was measured with chemiluminescence immunoassays. According to exclusion and inclusion criteria, 19 patients were finally selected. One of these had headache 4 days later and come back to tablet LT4, and 18 of them (16W/2M; mean age = 55 years; BMI 22.7 kg/m 2 ) completed the study. They were treated with a median LT4 dose of 88 μg/day and showed a median TSH value of 3.33 mIU/L. The rate of cases with TSH ≤ 4.0 mIU/L was 61.1% (11/18 cases). When patients were re-evaluated after 3 months of softgel LT4, we observed that TSH reached levels under 4.0 mIU/L in 16/18 (88.9%) patients, TSH was lower in 11 cases, and in 6 out of 7 patients with pre-switch TSH values over the normal range. Overall, TSH values on softgel LT4 (median 1.90 mIU/L) was significantly lower from that observed during tablet LT4 ( p  = 0.0039). These data show that hypothyroid patients with no proven malabsorption may have an improved TSH following 3 months from the switch from tablet to softgel LT4 preparation at unchanged dose.

Evaluation of Dynamic Changes in Rating of Russian Information Sources of Medical Education Sites.

PubMed

Vasilyeva, Irina V; Arseniev, Sergey B

2016-01-01

The aim of the present study is to analyze dynamic changes in the rating of information sources of medical literature in the sites of the following electronic libraries (<rsl.ru>, <rssi.ru>, <elibrary.ru>) and the rating of information sources for electronic medical books (<booksmed.com>, <medliter.ru> <medbook.net.ru>). While using the on-line programs Alexa and Cy-pr, we have analyzed their website's rating and identified basic data and time-varying site data obtained for fourteen months. Alexa Rank rating was calculated for each sitemonthly. Our study has shown that the most popular information sources of medical education among the six studied sites for Russian users is <elibrary.ru>; the site <rssi.ru> is at the second place.

A Programmable Microkernel for Real-Time Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-06-01

A Programmable Microkernel for Real - Time Systems Christoph M. Kirsch Thomas A. Henzinger Marco A.A. Sanvido Report No. UCB/CSD-3-1250 June 2003...TITLE AND SUBTITLE A Programmable Microkernel for Real - Time Systems 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S...THIS PAGE unclassified Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18 A Programmable Microkernel for Real - Time Systems ∗ Christoph M

Preparing Brigade Combat Team Soldiers for Mission Readiness Through Research on Intangible Psychological Constructs and their Applications: Validation and Pilot

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

and their Applications: Validation and Pilot Steven N. Aude Kenneth Nicely Michael A. Lodato ICF International Christopher L. Vowels...CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMBER W5J9CQ-11-0009 5b. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 622785 6. AUTHOR(S) Steven N. Aude, Kenneth Nicely, Michael A... Michael A. Lodato ICF International Christopher L. Vowels U.S. Army Research Institute Fort Hood Research Unit Brian T. Crabb

Non-Kinetic Shaping Operations: The Soviet Information Campaign Supporting the Invasion of Afghanistan

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

jihad that pitted the triballashkar (defense forces) against therepresentatives of the national government. The Marxist-Leninist based People’s Democratic...December 13, 2008. 10 Ibid.,7. 11 Ibid., 14. 12 Ibid., 15. 13Ibid.,16. 14 Christopher Andrew and Vasili Mitrokhin, The World Was Going our Way: The...Occupation. Washington D.C.: National Defense University, 1986. Andrew, Christopher, and Vasili Mitrokhin. The World Was Going our Way: The KGB and

Johann Christoph Sturm's universal mathematics and metaphysics (German Title: Universalmathematik und Metaphysik bei Johann Christoph Sturm)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leinsle, Ulrich G.

In order to understand Sturm's concept of a universal mathematics as a replacement or complement of metaphysics, one first has to examine the evolution of the idea of a mathesis universalis up to Sturm, and his concept of metaphysics. According to the understanding of those times, natural theology belongs to metaphysics. The last section is concerned with Sturm's statements on the existence of God and his assessments for a physico-theology.

HaLT2- an enhanced lumber grading trainer

Treesearch

Powsiri Klinkhachorn; Charles Gatchell; Charles McMillin; Ravi Kothari; Dennis Yost

1992-01-01

This paper reports on HaLT2, an improved version of HaLT (Hardwood Lumber Traning Program)- a computer program that provides training in lumber grading. The newly added enhancements In HaLT2 will provide training for both novice and experienced hardwood lumber graders in accordance with National Hardwood Lumber Assodation (NHLA) rules. HaLT2 is more accurate, easier to...

Joint Maneuver Test Range on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida Final Environmental Assessment

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-14

Common Name Status State Federal Fish Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi Gulf Sturgeon LS LT Awaous banana River Goby - - Etheostoma okaloosae Okaloosa...westianus Gulfcoast Lupine LT - Macranthera flammea Hummingbird Flower LE - Magnolia ashei Ashe’s Magnolia LE - Magnolia pyramidata Pyramidal Magnolia LE...Stemmed Panic Grass LT - Pinguicula lutea Yellow Butterwort LT - Pinguicula planifolia Swamp Butterwort LT - Pinguicula primuliflora Primrose- Flowered

Pharmacokinetics of total thyroxine in dogs after administration of an oral solution of levothyroxine sodium.

PubMed

Le Traon, G; Burgaud, S; Horspool, L J I

2008-04-01

Oral L-thyroxine (L-T4) supplementation is used to replace thyroid hormone concentrations in dogs with hypothyroidism. The pharmacokinetics of L-T4 following administration of a solution (Leventa) was investigated in healthy dogs. L-T4 was absorbed fairly rapidly (t(max) 3 h). A mean bioavailability of 22% was calculated following a single oral administration of 40 microg L-T4/kg body weight. Repeated oral administration at the same dose for 14 consecutive days did not lead to any accumulation of T4 in serum. After intravenous administration of L-T4, a serum half-life of 11.6 h was calculated. Food intake concomitant with L-T4 oral administration delayed L-T4 absorption and decreased its rate and extent by about 45%. The relative bioavailability of L-T4 following administration of a tablet formulation was about 50% of that of the L-T4 solution. The pharmacokinetic properties of liquid L-T4 after oral administration support the use of a dose rate of 20 microg/kg once daily, as a starting dose for replacement therapy in dogs with hypothyroidism.

A functional antigen in a practical crop: LT-B producing maize protects mice against Escherichia coli heat labile enterotoxin (LT) and cholera toxin (CT).

PubMed

Chikwamba, Rachel; Cunnick, Joan; Hathaway, Diane; McMurray, Jennifer; Mason, Hugh; Wang, Kan

2002-10-01

We have produced a functional heat labile enterotoxin (LT-) B subunit of Escherichia coli in maize. LT-B is a multimeric protein that presents an ideal model for an edible vaccine, displaying stability in the gut and inducing mucosal and systemic immune responses. Transgenic maize was engineered to synthesize the LT-B polypeptides, which assembled into oligomeric structures with affinity for G(M1) gangliosides. We orally immunized BALB/c mice by feeding transgenic maize meal expressing LT-B or non-transgenic maize meal spiked with bacterial LT-B. Both treatments stimulated elevated IgA and IgG antibodies against LT-B and the closely related cholera toxin B subunit (CT-B) in serum, and elevated IgA in fecal pellets. The transgenic maize induced a higher anti-LT-B and anti-CT-B mucosal and serum IgA response compared to the equivalent amount of bacterial LT-B spiked into maize. Following challenge by oral administration of the diarrhea inducing toxins LT and CT, transgenic maize-fed mice displayed reduced fluid accumulation in the gut compared to non-immunized mice. Moreover, the gut to carcass ratio of immunized mice was not significantly different from the PBS (non-toxin) challenged control group. We concluded that maize-synthesized LT-B had features of the native bacterial LT-B such as molecular weight, G(M1) binding ability, and induction of serum and mucosal immunity. We have demonstrated that maize, a major food and feed ingredient, can be efficiently transformed to produce, accumulate, and store a fully assembled and functional candidate vaccine antigen.

Low Triiodothyronine Syndrome in Patients With Radiation Enteritis

PubMed Central

Fan, Shengxian; Ni, Xiaodong; Wang, Jian; Zhang, Yongliang; Tao, Shen; Chen, Mimi; Li, Yousheng; Li, Jieshou

2016-01-01

Abstract The implications of low triiodothyronine syndrome (LT3S) in patients with radiation enteritis (RE) have not been properly investigated. As such, we conducted this cohort study to investigate the association between LT3S and RE, to explore the etiology of LT3S in RE, to evaluate the clinical features and clinical outcomes of LT3S patients, and to inspect the correlation of clinical variables and LT3S in RE. This prospective study included 39 RE patients. Medical records and various laboratory parameters (including thyroidal, tumorous, nutritional, and radiotherapy variables) were collected in all participants. Our results showed that the incidence of LT3S was 84.6% in patients with RE. Total protein (71.7 ± 5.7 vs 63.2 ± 9.6 g/L, P = 0.04) and albumin (ALB, 46.0 ± 4.6 vs 38.7 ± 5.3 g/L, P = 0.01) were significantly lower in LT3S group compared with those in euthyroid group. Standard thyroid-stimulating hormone index (−0.89 ± 2.11 vs −2.39 ± 1.33, P = 0.03) and sum activity of deiodinases (19.74 ± 4.19 vs 12.55 ± 4.32 nmol/L, P = 0.01) were significantly lower in LT3S group. Patients with LT3S suffered longer duration of hospitalization (48.25 ± 23.29 days in LT3S vs 26.75 ± 10.56 days in euthyroid, P = 0.036). Low serum ALB (β = 0.694, 95% CI = 0.007–0.190, P = 0.037) was the only significant predictor of LT3S. LT3S was common in RE patients. A hypodeiodination condition and a potential pituitary-thyrotroph dysfunction might play a role in the pathophysiology of LT3S in RE. Worse nutritional status and clinical outcomes were confirmed in RE patients with LT3S. Furthermore, total protein and ALB were observed as protective and differentiating parameters of LT3S in RE. In summary, this was the 1st investigation to evaluate the clinical correlation between RE and LT3S, investigate the prevalence of LT3S in RE, and explore the pathogenesis of LT3S, despite the limitation of a relatively small sample size. These results will hopefully encourage future research to place greater emphasis on early identification of LT3S in RE patients. PMID:26871787

Low Triiodothyronine Syndrome in Patients With Radiation Enteritis: Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes an Observational Study.

PubMed

Fan, Shengxian; Ni, Xiaodong; Wang, Jian; Zhang, Yongliang; Tao, Shen; Chen, Mimi; Li, Yousheng; Li, Jieshou

2016-02-01

The implications of low triiodothyronine syndrome (LT3S) in patients with radiation enteritis (RE) have not been properly investigated. As such, we conducted this cohort study to investigate the association between LT3S and RE, to explore the etiology of LT3S in RE, to evaluate the clinical features and clinical outcomes of LT3S patients, and to inspect the correlation of clinical variables and LT3S in RE.This prospective study included 39 RE patients. Medical records and various laboratory parameters (including thyroidal, tumorous, nutritional, and radiotherapy variables) were collected in all participants.Our results showed that the incidence of LT3S was 84.6% in patients with RE. Total protein (71.7 ± 5.7 vs 63.2 ± 9.6 g/L, P = 0.04) and albumin (ALB, 46.0 ± 4.6 vs 38.7 ± 5.3 g/L, P = 0.01) were significantly lower in LT3S group compared with those in euthyroid group. Standard thyroid-stimulating hormone index (-0.89 ± 2.11 vs -2.39 ± 1.33, P = 0.03) and sum activity of deiodinases (19.74 ± 4.19 vs 12.55 ± 4.32 nmol/L, P = 0.01) were significantly lower in LT3S group. Patients with LT3S suffered longer duration of hospitalization (48.25 ± 23.29 days in LT3S vs 26.75 ± 10.56 days in euthyroid, P = 0.036). Low serum ALB (β = 0.694, 95% CI = 0.007-0.190, P = 0.037) was the only significant predictor of LT3S.LT3S was common in RE patients. A hypodeiodination condition and a potential pituitary-thyrotroph dysfunction might play a role in the pathophysiology of LT3S in RE. Worse nutritional status and clinical outcomes were confirmed in RE patients with LT3S. Furthermore, total protein and ALB were observed as protective and differentiating parameters of LT3S in RE. In summary, this was the 1st investigation to evaluate the clinical correlation between RE and LT3S, investigate the prevalence of LT3S in RE, and explore the pathogenesis of LT3S, despite the limitation of a relatively small sample size. These results will hopefully encourage future research to place greater emphasis on early identification of LT3S in RE patients.

Expression of Heat Shock Protein Genes in Different Developmental Stages and After Temperature Stress in the Maize Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

PubMed

Tungjitwitayakul, Jatuporn; Tatun, Nujira; Vajarasathira, Boongeua; Sakurai, Sho

2015-06-01

The maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, is a major pest of rice and other postharvest grain stocks in tropical countries. Heating and cooling treatments have been adopted to control this pest. Because heat shock protein (hsp) genes respond to temperature stress, we examined the association of hsp genes with development and thermal stress in S. zeamais. The temperature response of the insect to heat and cold treatments was assessed at four developmental stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. LT50 values at high temperatures were similar among the four developmental stages, while adults were the most tolerant to low temperatures, and eggs, larvae, and pupae exhibited similar LT50 values. Expression levels of three hsps--Szhsp70, Szhsc70, and Szhsp90--fluctuated substantially throughout the four stages at a rearing temperature of 28°C. Heat shock and cold shock increased the expression of all three hsps, and the highest upregulation was observed at 40°C, although the intensity of upregulation varied among the three genes: strongly in Szhsp70, moderately in Szhsp90, and slightly in Szhsc70. Basal expression of the three hsps at 28°C and gene responses to heat and cold shock also varied significantly at the tissue level. © The Authors 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Metabolic Effects of Liothyronine Therapy in Hypothyroidism: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Trial of Liothyronine Versus Levothyroxine

PubMed Central

Zemskova, Marina; Linderman, Joyce D.; Smith, Sheila; Drinkard, Bart; Sachdev, Vandana; Skarulis, Monica C.; Kozlosky, Merel; Csako, Gyorgy; Costello, Rene; Pucino, Frank

2011-01-01

Context: Levothyroxine (l-T4) therapy is based on the assumption that the conversion of T4 into T3 provides adequate amounts of active hormone at target tissues. However, in rodents, l-T4 alone does not restore a euthyroid state in all tissues. Previous combination l-T4/liothyronine (l-T3) therapy trials focused on quality-of-life endpoints, and limited information is available on the effects on other measures of thyroid hormone action. Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of thyroid hormone replacement with l-T4 or l-T3 at doses producing equivalent normalization of TSH. Participants, Design, and Setting: Fourteen hypothyroid patients participated in this randomized, double-blind, crossover intervention at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. Interventions: l-T3 or l-T4 were administered thrice daily to achieve a target TSH from 0.5–1.5 mU/liter. Volunteers were studied as inpatients after 6 wk on a stable dose and at the target TSH. Main Outcome Measures: Serum thyroid hormones, lipid parameters, and indices of glucose metabolism were evaluated. Results: No difference was observed in TSH between l-T3 and l-T4 treatments. l-T3 resulted in significant weight loss [l-T4, 70.6 ± 12.5, vs. l-T3, 68.5 ± 11.9 kg (P = 0.009)] and in a 10.9 ± 10.0% decrease in total cholesterol (P = 0.002), 13.3 ± 12.1% decrease in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P = 0.002), and an 18.3 ± 28.6% decrease in apolipoprotein B (P = 0.018). No significant differences were observed in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, heart rate, blood pressure, exercise tolerance, or insulin sensitivity. Conclusions: The substitution of l-T3 for l-T4 at equivalent doses (relative to the pituitary) reduced body weight and resulted in greater thyroid hormone action on the lipid metabolism, without detected differences in cardiovascular function or insulin sensitivity. PMID:21865366

ITALIAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS STATEMENT-REPLACEMENT THERAPY FOR PRIMARY HYPOTHYROIDISM: A BRIEF GUIDE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE.

PubMed

Guglielmi, Rinaldo; Frasoldati, Andrea; Zini, Michele; Grimaldi, Franco; Gharib, Hossein; Garber, Jeffrey R; Papini, Enrico

2016-11-01

Hypothyroidism requires life-long thyroid hormone replacement therapy in most patients. Oral levothyroxine (LT4) is an established safe and effective treatment for hypothyroidism, but some issues remain unsettled. The Italian Association of Clinical Endocrinologists appointed a panel of experts to provide an updated statement for appropriate use of thyroid hormone formulations for hypothyroidism replacement therapy. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists' protocol for standardized production of clinical practice guidelines was followed. LT4 is the first choice in replacement therapy. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) should be maintained between 1.0 and 3.0 mIU/L in young subjects and at the upper normal limit in elderly or fragile patients. Achievement of biochemical targets, patient well-being, and adherence to treatment should be addressed. In patients with unstable serum TSH, a search for interfering factors and patient compliance is warranted. Liquid or gel formulations may be considered in subjects with hampered LT4 absorption or who do not allow sufficient time before or after meals and LT4 replacement. Replacement therapy with LT4 and L-triiodothyronine (LT3) combination is generally not recommended. A trial may be considered in patients with normal values of serum TSH who continue to complain of symptoms of hypothyroidism only after co-existent nonthyroid problems have been excluded or optimally managed. LT3 should be administered in small (LT4:LT3 ratio, 10:1 to 20:1) divided daily doses. Combined therapy should be avoided in elderly patients or those with cardiac risk factors and in pregnancy. LT4 therapy should be aimed at resolution of symptoms of hypothyroidism, normalization of serum TSH, and improvement of quality of life. In selected cases, the use of liquid LT4 formulations or combined LT4/LT3 treatment may be considered to improve adherence to treatment or patient well-being. AACE = American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists FT3 = free triiodothyronine FT4 = free thyroxine LT3 = levotriiodothyronine LT4 = levothyroxine MeSH = medicine medical subject headings QoL = quality of life TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone.

Lymphotoxin beta receptor (Lt betaR): dual roles in demyelination and remyelination and successful therapeutic intervention using Lt betaR-Ig protein.

PubMed

Plant, Sheila R; Iocca, Heather A; Wang, Ying; Thrash, J Cameron; O'Connor, Brian P; Arnett, Heather A; Fu, Yang-Xin; Carson, Monica J; Ting, Jenny P-Y

2007-07-11

Inflammation mediated by macrophages is increasingly found to play a central role in diseases and disorders that affect a myriad of organs, prominent among these are diseases of the CNS. The neurotoxicant-induced, cuprizone model of demyelination is ideally suited for the analysis of inflammatory events. Demyelination on exposure to cuprizone is accompanied by predictable microglial activation and astrogliosis, and, after cuprizone withdrawal, this activation reproducibly diminishes during remyelination. This study demonstrates enhanced expression of lymphotoxin beta receptor (Lt betaR) during the demyelination phase of this model, and Lt betaR is found in areas enriched with microglial and astroglial cells. Deletion of the Lt betaR gene (Lt betaR-/-) resulted in a significant delay in demyelination but also a slight delay in remyelination. Inhibition of Lt betaR signaling by an Lt betaR-Ig fusion decoy protein successfully delayed demyelination in wild-type mice. Unexpectedly, this Lt betaR-Ig decoy protein dramatically accelerated the rate of remyelination, even after the maximal pathological disease state had been reached. This strongly indicates the beneficial role of Lt betaR-Ig in the delay of demyelination and the acceleration of remyelination. The discrepancy between remyelination rates in these systems could be attributed to developmental abnormalities in the immune systems of Lt betaR-/- mice. These findings bode well for the use of an inhibitory Lt betaR-Ig as a candidate biological therapy in demyelinating disorders, because it is beneficial during both demyelination and remyelination.

The dynamic and clinical significance of autoantibodies and immunoglobulins in liver transplant recipients.

PubMed

Stanca, Carmen M; Aloman, Costica; Fiel, Maria Isabel; Raja, Kaiser; Uskudar, Oguz; Florman, Sander; Schiano, Thomas D

2016-03-01

Little is known about autoantibody pattern in liver transplantation (LT). The aim of the study was to examine autoantibodies (AAB) and immunoglobulins in patients with end-stage liver disease before and after LT. Patients with LT who underwent post-LT biopsies between 10/2008 and 8/2011 were enrolled. AAB were assessed at the time of LT and liver biopsy. Demographics, serum immunoglobulins, AAB, and liver histology (explant, post-LT biopsies) were analyzed. Two hundred and twenty patients (M/F 143/77; age at LT 54 (19-73)) were included; AAB and immunoglobulins were evaluated in 76 patients. Length of follow-up from LT was 285 (30-1462) days. Sixty-one percent of patients had hepatitis C (HCV); 83% developed recurrent HCV. A significant decrease in IgG, IgA, IgM (p < 0.001 each), anticardiolipin antibodies IgG and IgM (p = 0.02), and beta-2 microglobulin (p = 0.004) was observed post-LT. HCV patients had higher IgG (p = 0.005), rheumatoid factor (p = 0.044) before LT; elevated IgM was associated with increased inflammation in the explant (p = 0.007). Lower IgG levels and antismooth muscle antibodies were present before LT in a higher percentage in patients who would develop recurrent HCV (p = 0.004, p = 0.077, respectively). In conclusion, AAB change significantly after LT and have a different pattern in HCV. Some immunological markers are associated with HCV recurrence and advanced inflammation on explant. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Pathology and Risk for Thyroid Cancer

PubMed Central

Paparodis, Rodis; Imam, Shahnawaz; Todorova-Koteva, Kristina; Staii, Anca

2014-01-01

Background: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) has been found to coexist with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in surgical specimens, but an association between the two conditions has been discounted by the medical literature. Therefore, we performed this study to determine any potential relationship between HT and the risk of developing DTC. Methods: We collected data for thyrotropin (TSH), thyroxine (T4), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) titers, surgical pathology, and weight-based levothyroxine (LT4) replacement dose for patients who were referred for thyroid surgery. Patients with HT at final pathology were studied further. To estimate thyroid function, patients with preoperative hypothyroid HT (Hypo-HT) were divided into three equal groups based on their LT4 replacement: LT4-Low (<0.90 μg/kg), LT4-Mid (0.90–1.43 μg/kg), and LT4-High (>1.43 μg/kg). A group of preoperatively euthyroid (Euth-HT) patients but with HT by pathology was also studied. All subjects were also grouped based on their TPO-Ab titer in TPO-high (titer >1:1000) or TPO-low/negative (titer <1:1000 or undetectable) groups. The relationship of HT and DTC was studied extensively. Results: Of 2811 subjects, 582 had HT on surgical pathology, 365 of whom were Euth-HT preoperatively. DTC was present in 47.9% of the Euth-HT, in 59.7% of LT4-Low, 29.8% of LT4-Mid, and 27.9% of LT4-High groups. The relative risk (RR) for DTC was significantly elevated for the Euth-HT and LT4-Low groups (p<0.001), but not for the LT4-Mid or LT4-High replacement dose groups. TPO-low/negative status conferred an increased RR in the Euth-HT and LT4-Low replacement dose groups (p<0.001 both), while TPO-high status decreased it in Euth-HT group (p<0.05) and made it nonsignificant in the LT4-Low group. Conclusions: HT pathology increases the risk for DTC only in euthyroid subjects and those with partially functional thyroid glands (LT4-Low) but not in fully hypothyroid HT (LT4-Mid and LT4-High). High TPO-Ab titers appear to protect against DTC in patients with HT. PMID:24708347

The characterisation of hepatic mitochondrial function in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using the ¹³C-ketoisocaproate breath test.

PubMed

Afolabi, Paul R; Scorletti, Eleonora; Smith, Debbie E; Almehmadi, Amal A; Calder, Philip C; Byrne, Christopher D

2018-06-26

Hepatic mitochondrial function (HMF) assessed by the ¹³C-ketoisocaproate breath test (¹³C-KICA BT) has been previously shown to be significantly associated with the severity of biopsy proven non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, it is uncertain whether any perturbation in HMF relates specifically to severity of liver disease or factors associated with metabolic syndrome within non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our aim was to investigate whether there was any change in HMF assessed by ¹³C-KICA BT in patients with NAFLD compared to control subjects, and to assess the factors that are independently associated with HMF. 77 patients with NAFLD and 11 healthy control subjects were studied. HMF was assessed using ¹³C-KICA BT and expressed as cumulative % ¹³C-dose recovered on breath over 1hr (cPDR over 1hr). Liver fat and fibrosis was assessed by transient elastography. Multi-variable linear regression modelling was undertaken to test the independence of associations with HMF. HMF (cPDR over 1hr) was lower in NAFLD compared to controls [13.4% (4.8) v. 21.0% (6.3); p< 0.0001)]. In NAFLD, HMF was lower in patients with diabetes versus no diabetes [12.7% (3.4) v. 14.3% (6.1); p=0.003)]. Regression modelling showed age (β= -0.08; p=0.01), waist circumference (β= -0.08; p=0.01), hip circumference (β= -0.04; p=0.01), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (β= -0.05; p=0.01) and diabetes status (β= -1.81; p=0.01) were independently associated with HMF (R²= 41.5%; p<0.0001). In patients with NAFLD (compared to healthy subjects), there was a reduction in HMF assessed by the ¹³C-KICA BT. Furthermore, in patients with NAFLD, HMF is independent and inversely associated with age, waist and hip circumference, AST and diabetes status. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Inferences on hydrogen bond networks in water from isopermitive frequency investigations.

PubMed

Geethu, P M; Ranganathan, Venketesh T; Satapathy, Dillip K Kumar

2018-06-26

Intermolecular hydrogen bonds play a crucial role in determining the unique characteristics of liquid water. We present low-frequency (1 Hz - 40 MHz) dielectric spectroscopic investigations on water in the presence and absence of added solutes at different temperatures from 10°C to 60°C. The intersection points of temperature dependent permittivity contours at the vicinity of isopermitive frequency (IPF) in water are recorded and its properties are presumed to be related to the extent of hydrogen bond networks in water. IPF is defined as the frequency at which the relative permittivity of water is almost independent of temperature. The set of intersection points of temperature dependent permittivity contours at the vicinity of IPF are characterized by the mean (M_IPF) and root-mean-square deviation/standard deviation (σ_IPF ) associated with IPF. The tunability of M_IPF by the addition of NaCl salt emphasizes the strong correlation between the concentration of ions in water and the M_IPF . The σ_IPF is surmised to be related to the orientational correlations of water dipoles as well as to the intermolecular hydrogen bond networks in water. Further, alterations in σ_IPF is observed with the addition of kosmotropic and chaotropic solutes into water and are thought to arise due to the restructuring of hydrogen bond networks in water in presence of added solutes. Notably, the solute induced reconfiguration of hydrogen bond networks in water or often-discussed structure making/breaking effects of the added solutes in water can be inferred, albeit qualitatively, by examining the M_IPF and σ_IPF. Further, the Gaussian deconvoluted OH-stretching modes present in the Raman Spectra of water and aqueous solutions of IPA and DMF strongly endorses the structural rearrangements occurring in water in presence of kosmotropes and chaotropes and are in-line with the results derived from the root-mean-square deviation in IPF. . © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Vitamin D status of human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients with advanced liver disease enrolled in the solid organ transplantation in HIV: multi-site study.

PubMed

Branch, Andrea D; Barin, Burc; Rahman, Adeeb; Stock, Peter; Schiano, Thomas D

2014-02-01

An optimal vitamin D status may benefit liver transplantation (LT) patients. Higher levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] mitigate steroid-induced bone loss after LT, correlate with better hepatitis C virus treatment responses, and increase graft survival. This study investigated 25(OH)D levels and assessed strategies for vitamin D deficiency prevention in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients with advanced liver disease who were enrolled in the Solid Organ Transplantation in HIV: Multi-Site Study. 25(OH)D was measured in banked specimens from 154 LT candidates/recipients with the DiaSorin assay; deficiency was defined as a 25(OH)D level < 20 ng/mL. Information about vitamin D supplement use after LT was obtained from medication logs and via surveys. Logistic regression, Cox regression, and linear repeated measures analyses were performed with SAS software. We found that none of the 17 academic medical centers in the United States routinely recommended vitamin D supplements before LT, and only a minority (4/17) recommended vitamin D supplements to all patients after LT. Seventy-one percent of the 139 patients with pre-LT values had vitamin D deficiency, which was significantly associated with cirrhosis (P = 0.01) but no other variable. The vitamin D status improved modestly after LT; however, the status was deficient for 40% of the patients 1 year after LT. In a multivariate linear repeated measures model, a higher pre-LT 25(OH)D level (P < 0.001), specimen collection in the summer (P < 0.001), a routine vitamin D supplementation strategy after LT (P < 0.001), and the time elapsing since LT (P = 0.01) were significantly associated with increases in the post-LT 25(OH)D level; black race was associated with a decreased level (P = 0.02). In conclusion, the majority of patients awaiting LT were vitamin D deficient, and approximately half were vitamin D deficient after LT. More extensive use of vitamin D supplements, more sun exposure, or both are needed to prevent this deficiency in HIV-positive LT candidates and recipients. © 2013 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

On the Impact of Injection Schemes on Transition in Hypersonic Boundary Layers

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-10-13

e (1 − r ) – CpTw] [1] where r is the recovery factor. For...9.72 MJ/kg Reynolds number (Re x ) [-] S ta n to n n u m b e r (S t) [ -] experimental laminar Van Driest II White & Christoph Figure 4...h0 = 10.22 MJ/kg Reynolds number (Re x ) [-] S ta n to n n u m b e r (S t) [ -] experimental laminar Van Driest II White & Christoph 10 6 10

Phase I Cultural Resources Survey and Archeological Inventory of a Proposed 1.12 ha (2.87 ac) Borrow Pit and an Associated Access Road, Ascension Parish, Louisiana

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-10-01

proximus orarius Westemn Ribbon Snake Thamnophis proximus proximus Eastern Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Red-eared Slider Trachemys scripta ... elegans Rough Earth Snake Virginia striatula Western Earth Snake Virginia valeriae elegan 19 R. Christopher Goodwin & Associates, Inc. Chapter H...King Rail Ra::* nllus elegans 24 R. Christopher Goodwin & Associates, Inc. Chapter I: Natural Setting Table 5, continued COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

Centrosome Hypertrophy Induced by p53 Mutations Leads to Tumor Aneuploidy

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-06-01

and Early Development (Palazzo, RE, ed). Academic Press. In Press. Manuscripts Submitted 1. Antonino B. D’Assoro, Susan L. Barrett, Christopher Folk...cytoskeleton of the tumor cells. A A Lingle DAMD17-98-1-8122 10 APPENDICES Appendix 1 - Manuscripts Submitted 1. Antonino B. D’Assoro, Susan L. Barrett...Aggressive Phenotypes In Breast Cancer Antonino B. D’Assorol, Susan L. Barrett’, Christopher Folk’, Vivian C. Negron’, Kelly Boeneman’, Robert Busby’, Clark

The California Central Coast Research Partnership: Building Relationships, Partnerships, and Paradigms for University-Industry Research Collaboration

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-08

on the Cell Cycle and Development of Sea Urchins NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (RUI) Lab Technician TBD Adams, Nikki 04-144 08/01/04-07/31/09...376,678 Mass spectroscopy analysis of effects of ultraviolet radiation on the proteome of sea urchin embryos CSUPERB: CSU FACULTY-STUDENT COLLABORATIVE...Development of Sea Urchins NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (REU) 07-250 06/01/07-07/31/08 $6,000 CHRISTOPHER CLARK Clark, Christopher Moline, Mark Personnel

The Indian Ocean Naval Arms Limitation Talks: From a Zone of Peace to the Arc of Crisis.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-03-01

242-255. "Work Continues on Diego Garcia." The New York Times, December 26, 1975, p. 8:1. Wren , Christopher S. "Somalia Barbaining with U.S. on Bases...little reflection in the present arms control approach. . . . Arms control must again address the dominant security concerns. -- Christoph Bertram (1980...Minister of Mauritius, Sir Seewoosagor Ramgoolam to raise the issue again. Alexi Kosygin, in a speech during this visit, 10. U.S., Department of

Metabolic Regulation of Caspase 2 in Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-01

Darbandi, Sook-Young Yoon, Judy Q. Wu, Yuko J. Miyamoto2 Jennifer A. Gibbon, Josh L. Andersen, Christopher D. Freel, Wanli Tang, Changli He, Manabu...Darbandi1, Sook-Young Yoon3, Judy Q. Wu1, Yuko J. Miyamoto2, Jennifer A. Gibbon1, Josh L. Andersen1, Christopher D. Freel1, Wanli Tang1, Changli He3...Altman, B.J., Coloff, J.L., Herman, C.E., Jacobs, S.R., Wieman, H.L., Wofford , J.A., Dimascio, L.N., Ilkayeva, O., Kelekar, A., et al. (2007

Books in Action: Armed Services Editions

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

were several omissions the army felt were "regrettable," particularly James Farrell’s Studs Lonigan .’ The Armed Services Editions venture was...HERB, editor. Esquire’s First Sports Reader 1284 GRAETO)N, C. W. My Name Is Christopher Nagel -j-277 GRAHAM, FRANK. Lou Gehrig T-2 4 GRAHAM, FRANK. The...Wouldn’t Be in Your Shoes 84.3 IRWIN, MARGARET. Young Bess 1115 ISHERWOOD, CHRISTOPH ER. Prater Violet o-19 JACKSON, CHARL.ES. The Lost Weekend 104 1

A Tale of Two Countries: Why Some British Muslims Turned to Terrorism and French Muslims Did Not

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

this protection. Joel S. Fetzer and J. Christopher Soper , Muslims and the State in Britain, France, and Germany. (New York: Cambridge University...Press, 2005), 16. 3 Joel S. Fetzer and J. Christopher Soper , Muslims and the State in Britain, France, and Germany. (New York: Cambridge University...Oxford University Press, 2006), 5. 5 Fetzer and Soper , Muslims and the State, 3. 6 Ibid. 3 This concern developed as they settled permanently in

The administration of L-thyroxine as soft gel capsule or liquid solution.

PubMed

Vita, Roberto; Fallahi, Poupak; Antonelli, Alessandro; Benvenga, Salvatore

2014-07-01

Levothyroxine (l-T4) is the mainstay of treating hypothyroidism. The tablet is the traditional formulation of l-T4. Tablet l-T4 malabsorption results from either hindered gastric dissolution of the tablet or binding of l-T4 by sequestrants in the intestinal lumen. This review provides an overview of the pharmacokinetics of l-T4 formulations available in the market: the tablet, the soft gel capsule and the oral solution. We review literature on the new formulations and anticipate the areas of future research. Failure of l-T4 treatment to reach target serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels generally prompts the physicians to increase l-T4 daily dose. In vitro studies have shown that the soft gel capsule releases the active ingredient more consistently at varying pH than the tablet. In addition, in vivo studies have confirmed the in vitro data and have demonstrated that both the soft gel capsule and the liquid formulation are capable to solve tablet l-T4 malabsorption caused by certain drugs, bariatric surgery or coffee. These new formulations may be attractive also for patients who cannot/do not want to change their (improper) habits of l-T4 ingestion. Finally, the oral solution l-T4 could be suitable for patients who cannot swallow the solid formulations.

Rotavirus 2/6 Viruslike Particles Administered Intranasally with Cholera Toxin, Escherichia coli Heat-Labile Toxin (LT), and LT-R192G Induce Protection from Rotavirus Challenge

PubMed Central

O’Neal, Christine M.; Clements, John D.; Estes, Mary K.; Conner, Margaret E.

1998-01-01

We have shown that rotavirus 2/6 viruslike particles composed of proteins VP2 and VP6 (2/6-VLPs) administered to mice intranasally with cholera toxin (CT) induced protection from rotavirus challenge, as measured by virus shedding. Since it is unclear if CT will be approved for human use, we evaluated the adjuvanticity of Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin (LT) and LT-R192G. Mice were inoculated intranasally with 10 μg of 2/6-VLPs combined with CT, LT, or LT-R192G. All three adjuvants induced equivalent geometric mean titers of rotavirus-specific serum antibody and intestinal immunoglobulin G (IgG). Mice inoculated with 2/6-VLPs with LT produced significantly higher titers of intestinal IgA than mice given CT as the adjuvant. All mice inoculated with 2/6-VLPs mixed with LT and LT-R192G were totally protected (100%) from rotavirus challenge, while mice inoculated with 2/6-VLPs mixed with CT showed a mean 91% protection from challenge. The availability of a safe, effective mucosal adjuvant such as LT-R192G will increase the practicality of administering recombinant vaccines mucosally. PMID:9525668

Treatment of patients waitlisted for liver transplant with all-oral direct-acting antivirals is a cost-effective treatment strategy in the United States.

PubMed

Ahmed, Aijaz; Gonzalez, Stevan A; Cholankeril, George; Perumpail, Ryan B; McGinnis, Justin; Saab, Sammy; Beckerman, Rachel; Younossi, Zobair M

2017-07-01

All-oral direct acting antivirals (DAAs) have been shown to have high safety and efficacy in treating patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) awaiting liver transplant (LT). However, there is limited empirical evidence comparing the health and economic outcomes associated with treating patients pre-LT versus post-LT. The objective of this study was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of pre-LT versus post-LT treatment with an all-oral DAA regimen among HCV patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or decompensated cirrhosis (DCC). We constructed decision-analytic Markov models of the natural disease progression of HCV in HCC patients and DCC patients waitlisted for LT. The model followed hypothetical cohorts of 1,000 patients with a mean age of 50 over a 30-year time horizon from a third-party US payer perspective and estimated their health and cost outcomes based on pre-LT versus post-LT treatment with an all-oral DAA regimen. Transition probabilities and utilities were based on the literature and hepatologist consensus. Sustained virological response rates were sourced from ASTRAL-4, SOLAR-1, and SOLAR-2. Costs were sourced from RedBook, Medicare fee schedules, and published literature. In the HCC analysis, the pre-LT treatment strategy resulted in 11.48 per-patient quality-adjusted life years and $365,948 per patient lifetime costs versus 10.39 and $283,696, respectively, in the post-LT arm. In the DCC analysis, the pre-LT treatment strategy resulted in 9.27 per-patient quality-adjusted life years and $304,800 per patient lifetime costs versus 8.7 and $283,789, respectively, in the post-LT arm. As such, the pre-LT treatment strategy was found to be the most cost-effective in both populations with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $74,255 (HCC) and $36,583 (DCC). Sensitivity and scenario analyses showed that results were most sensitive to the utility of patients post-LT, treatment sustained virological response rates, LT costs, and baseline Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (DCC analysis only). The timing of initiation of antiviral treatment for HCV patients with HCC or DCC relative to LT is an important area of clinical and policy research; our results indicate that pre-LT treatment with a highly effective, all-oral DAA regimen provides the best health outcomes and is the most cost-effective strategy for the treatment of HCV patients with HCC or DCC waitlisted for LT. (Hepatology 2017;66:46-56). © 2017 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Rate of employment after liver transplantation in France: a single-centre study.

PubMed

Rudler, Marika; Rousseau, Géraldine; Lebray, Pascal; Méténier, Océane; Vaillant, Jean-Christophe; Savier, Eric; Eyraud, Daniel; Poynard, Thierry; Thabut, Dominique

2016-02-01

A return to gainful employment is an important outcome parameter after liver transplantation (LT). A recent study in the USA has shown a very high rate of unemployment after LT (75%). To date, there are no available data in France, where the public health insurance programme guarantees financial protection for everyone. The aim of this study was to assess the employment rate after LT in a French LT centre and to determine factors associated with employment after LT. All patients who had undergone liver transplantation at our centre between January 2000 and April 2011 and who met the following criteria responded to a questionnaire: (i) between 18 and 65 years old at the time of LT, (ii) alive 1 year after LT, (iii) alive, not retired and released from the hospital at the time of survey, (iv) French residents who were affiliated with French national health insurance. A total of 345 LTs were performed in 314 patients during the study period. Of the patients, 109 were excluded from the study: 23 had died within the first year after LT, 28 had died at the time of the survey, three were still in the hospital, seven were living in a foreign country, 11 had retired and 37 were older than 65 years after LT. Two hundred five patients were included in the study. The response rate was 76.6% (157/205). Patients responded a mean 6.1 ± 0.9 years after LT, 77.7% were French nationals, 73.2% were men, and the mean age at LT was 48.8 ± 9.9 years. The aetiologies of liver disease were as follows: alcohol 32.5%, hepatitis C 26.1%, alcohol and hepatitis C 3.8%, hepatitis B 15.3%, biliary cirrhosis 5.1%, autoimmune 2.5% and other causes 14.7%. Two years after LT, 43.3% of patients were employed. The demographic variables associated with post-LT employment were male sex (P<0.001), age under 40 years at LT (P=0.02), a sedentary job (P=0.007), raising children under the age of 18 years at the time of LT (P=0.01), a high level of education (P=0.001), not being affiliated with the French universal health coverage or 'CMU' (P=0.001). Only 53.3% of the patients who did not return to work after LT stated that they felt like they had a physical disability. The rate of return to work after LT in France was 43.1%, which was higher than that reported in the US study. However, this rate remains low and policies supporting return to work are needed to help liver recipients who wish to work after LT.

Human T-lymphotropic virus type I tax regulates the expression of the human lymphotoxin gene.

PubMed

Tschachler, E; Böhnlein, E; Felzmann, S; Reitz, M S

1993-01-01

Human T-lymphotropic virus type-I (HTLV-I)-infected T-cell lines constitutively produce high levels of lymphotoxin (LT). To analyze the mechanisms that lead to the expression of LT in HTLV-I-infected cell lines, we studied regulatory regions of the human LT promoter involved in the activation of the human LT gene. As determined by deletional analysis, sequences between +137 and -116 (relative to the transcription initiation site) are sufficient to direct expression of a reporter gene in the HTLV-I-infected cell line MT-2. Site-directed mutation of a of the single kappa B-like motif present in the LT promoter region (positions -99 to -89) completely abrogated LT promoter activity in MT-2 cells, suggesting that this site plays a critical role in the activation of the human LT gene. Transfection of LT constructs into HTLV-I-uninfected and -unstimulated Jurkat and U937 cell lines showed little to no activity of the LT promoter. Cotransfection of the same constructs with a tax expression plasmid into Jurkat cells led to detectable promoter activity, which could be significantly increased by stimulation of the cells with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Similarly, cotransfection of the LT promoter constructs and the tax expression plasmid into U937 cells led to significant promoter activity upon stimulation with PMA. These data suggest that HTLV-I tax is involved in the upregulation of LT gene expression in HTLV-I-infected cells.

Comparative Adjuvant Effects of Type II Heat-Labile Enterotoxins in Combination with Two Different Candidate Ricin Toxin Vaccine Antigens.

PubMed

Vance, David J; Greene, Christopher J; Rong, Yinghui; Mandell, Lorrie M; Connell, Terry D; Mantis, Nicholas J

2015-12-01

Type II heat-labile enterotoxins (HLTs) constitute a promising set of adjuvants that have been shown to enhance humoral and cellular immune responses when coadministered with an array of different proteins, including several pathogen-associated antigens. However, the adjuvant activities of the four best-studied HLTs, LT-IIa, LT-IIb, LT-IIb(T13I), and LT-IIc, have never been compared side by side. We therefore conducted immunization studies in which LT-IIa, LT-IIb, LT-IIb(T13I), and LT-IIc were coadministered by the intradermal route to mice with two clinically relevant protein subunit vaccine antigens derived from the enzymatic A subunit (RTA) of ricin toxin, RiVax and RVEc. The HLTs were tested with low and high doses of antigen and were assessed for their abilities to stimulate antigen-specific serum IgG titers, ricin toxin-neutralizing activity (TNA), and protective immunity. We found that all four HLTs tested were effective adjuvants when coadministered with RiVax or RVEc. LT-IIa was of particular interest because as little as 0.03 μg when coadministered with RiVax or RVEc proved effective at augmenting ricin toxin-specific serum antibody titers with nominal evidence of local inflammation. Collectively, these results justify the need for further studies into the mechanism(s) underlying LT-IIa adjuvant activity, with the long-term goal of evaluating LT-IIa's activity in humans. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Increased Requirement of Replacement Doses of Levothyroxine Caused by Liver Cirrhosis.

PubMed

Benvenga, Salvatore; Capodicasa, Giovanni; Perelli, Sarah; Ferrari, Silvia Martina; Fallahi, Poupak; Antonelli, Alessandro

2018-01-01

Since hypothyroidism is a fairly common dysfunction, levothyroxine (L-T4) is one of the most prescribed medications. Approximately 70% of the administered L-T4 dose is absorbed. The absorption process takes place in the small intestine. Some disorders of the digestive system and some medicines, supplements, and drinks cause L-T4 malabsorption, resulting in failure of serum TSH to be normal. Only rarely liver cirrhosis is mentioned as causing L-T4 malabsorption. In this study, we report increased requirement of daily doses of l-thyroxine in two patients with the atrophic variant of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and liver cirrhosis. In one patient, this increased requirement could have been contributed by the increased serum levels of the estrogen-dependent thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), which is the major plasma carrier of thyroid hormones. In the other patient, we switched from tablet L-T4 to liquid L-T4 at the same daily dose. Normalization of TSH levels was achieved, but TSH increased again when she returned to tablet L-T4. Liver cirrhosis can cause increased L-T4 requirements. In addition to impaired bile secretion, the mechanism could be increased serum TBG. A similar increased requirement of L-T4 is observed in other situations characterized by elevation of serum TBG. Because of better intestinal absorption, L-T4 oral liquid formulation is able to circumvent the increased need of L-T4 in these patients.

33 CFR Schedule II to Subpart A of... - Table of Speeds 1

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

.... III Col. IV 1. Upper Entrance, South Shore Canal Lake St. Louis, Buoy A13 10.5 10.5. 2. Lake St. Louis.... Eisenhower Lock Iroquois Lock 11.5 10.5. 7. Iroquois Lock McNair Island, Lt. 137 13 10.5. 8. McNair Island, Lt. 137 Deer Island, Lt. 186 11.5 10.5. 9. Deer Island, Lt. 186 Bartlett Point, Lt. 227 8.5 upb; 10.5...

Plasma protein biomarkers enhance the clinical prediction of kidney injury recovery in patients undergoing liver transplantation.

PubMed

Levitsky, Josh; Baker, Talia B; Jie, Chunfa; Ahya, Shubhada; Levin, Murray; Friedewald, John; Al-Saden, Patrice; Salomon, Daniel R; Abecassis, Michael M

2014-12-01

Biomarkers predictive of recovery from acute kidney injury (AKI) after liver transplantation (LT) could enhance decision algorithms regarding the need for liver-kidney transplantation or renal sparing regimens. Multianalyte plasma/urine kidney injury protein panels were performed immediately before and 1 month post-LT in an initial test group divided by reversible pre-LT AKI (rAKI = post-LT renal recovery) versus no AKI (nAKI). This was followed by a larger validation set that included an additional group: irreversible pre-LT AKI (iAKI = no post-LT renal recovery). In the test group (n = 16), six pre-LT plasma (not urine) kidney injury proteins (osteopontin [OPN], neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, cystatin C, trefoil factor 3, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase [TIMP]-1, and β-2-microglobulin) were higher in rAKI versus nAKI (P < 0.05) and returned to normal values with renal recovery post-LT. In the validation set (n = 46), a number of proteins were significantly higher in both rAKI and iAKI versus nAKI. However, only pre-LT plasma OPN (P = 0.009) and TIMP-1 (P = 0.019) levels were significantly higher in rAKI versus iAKI. Logistic regression modeling was used to correlate the probability of post-LT rAKI, factoring in both pre-LT protein markers and clinical variables. A combined model including elevated OPN and TIMP-1 levels, age <57, and absence of diabetes had the highest area under the curve of 0.82, compared to protein-only and clinical variable-only models. These data suggest that plasma protein profiles might improve the prediction of pre-LT kidney injury recovery after LT. However, multicenter, prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and ultimately test the value of such protein panels in perioperative management and decision making. © 2014 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Toll-Like Receptor 2 Mediates Cellular Activation by the B Subunits of Type II Heat-Labile Enterotoxins

PubMed Central

Hajishengallis, George; Tapping, Richard I.; Martin, Michael H.; Nawar, Hesham; Lyle, Elizabeth A.; Russell, Michael W.; Connell, Terry D.

2005-01-01

The type II heat-labile enterotoxins (LT-IIa and LT-IIb) of Escherichia coli have an AB5 subunit structure similar to that of cholera toxin (CT) and other type I enterotoxins, despite significant differences in the amino acid sequences of their B subunits and different ganglioside receptor specificities. LT-II holotoxins and their nontoxic B subunits display unique properties as immunological adjuvants distinct from those of CT and its B subunits. In contrast to type II holotoxins, the corresponding pentameric B subunits, LT-IIaB and LT-IIbB, stimulated cytokine release in both human and mouse cells dependent upon Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). Induction of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, or tumor necrosis factor alpha in human THP-1 cells by LT-IIaB or LT-IIbB was inhibited by anti-TLR2 but not by anti-TLR4 antibody. Furthermore, transient expression of TLR1 and TLR2 in human embryonic kidney 293 cells resulted in activation of a nuclear factor-κB-dependent luciferase gene in response to LT-IIaB or LT-IIbB. Moreover, peritoneal macrophages from TLR2-deficient mice failed to respond to LT-IIaB or LT-IIbB, in contrast to wild-type or TLR4-deficient cells. These results demonstrate that besides their established binding to gangliosides, the B subunits of type II enterotoxins also interact with TLR2. Although a ganglioside-nonbinding mutant (T34I) of LT-IIaB effectively induced cytokine release, a phenotypically similar point mutation (T13I) in LT-IIbB abrogated cytokine induction, suggesting a variable requirement for gangliosides as coreceptors in TLR2 agonist activity. TLR2-dependent activation of mononuclear cells by type II enterotoxin B subunits appears to be a novel mechanism whereby these molecules may exert their immunomodulatory and adjuvant activities. PMID:15731031

Histogram and gray level co-occurrence matrix on gray-scale ultrasound images for diagnosing lymphocytic thyroiditis.

PubMed

Shin, Young Gyung; Yoo, Jaeheung; Kwon, Hyeong Ju; Hong, Jung Hwa; Lee, Hye Sun; Yoon, Jung Hyun; Kim, Eun-Kyung; Moon, Hee Jung; Han, Kyunghwa; Kwak, Jin Young

2016-08-01

The objective of the study was to evaluate whether texture analysis using histogram and gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) parameters can help clinicians diagnose lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT) and differentiate LT according to pathologic grade. The background thyroid pathology of 441 patients was classified into no evidence of LT, chronic LT (CLT), and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Histogram and GLCM parameters were extracted from the regions of interest on ultrasound. The diagnostic performances of the parameters for diagnosing and differentiating LT were calculated. Of the histogram and GLCM parameters, the mean on histogram had the highest Az (0.63) and VUS (0.303). As the degrees of LT increased, the mean decreased and the standard deviation and entropy increased. The mean on histogram from gray-scale ultrasound showed the best diagnostic performance as a single parameter in differentiating LT according to pathologic grade as well as in diagnosing LT. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Recent advances in nontoxic Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin and its derivative adjuvants.

PubMed

Ma, Yongping

2016-11-01

The nontoxic heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) of Escherichia coli and the B subunit of LT (LTB) have been extensively studied as potent vaccine adjuvants. Areas covered: This review covers the area of enterotoxin based vaccine adjuvant and summarizes the development of nontoxic LT mutant (mLT) and LTB and their potency as oral, parenteral and injection adjuvants. Recent evidences indicated that the mechanism of LTB adjuvanticity was to enhance the turnover of dendritic cells (DCs) in spleen and increase DCs capacity to perform as antigen presentation cells (APCs) encountered with T cells. LTB also induces B and T cells clustering and delay/arrest in T-cell division following endocytosis or B-cell receptor (BCR) uptaking of antigen in a ganglioside-mediated manner. Expert commentary: It is pointed out that the immunogenicity of LTB (or LT) is more important than the receptor binding property (or ADP-ribosylation activity) for the adjuvanticity of LT toxoid. The immunogenicity of LTB (or LT) might confer unknown characteristics to maintain LT toxoid adjuvanticity.

A Two-Dimensional Unsteady Method of Characteristics Analysis of Fluid Flow Problems - MCDU 43

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-07-01

N)>ZBN(KtLfHnt .(RBHIK.L+ltMJ-RBHfK.LtN))) ZPR«-(RMA-RBM(KvLtP))*SINtANGLEU .(ZMA-ZBH(KtLtMn*COS(ANGLE) BPp = (PMA-RPMIK,L,M))*CCS(ANr,LFI*(ZMA...INDEX»INOEX+1 IF(INDEX.LT.25)GO TO 1010 WRITE(6,8700)1,J CALL PRINT 101 fAU EXIT lOtn IF(NrnilNT,FO.llGn TH HOO TTFST-l STORF P

Clearance of hepatitis C virus after living-donor liver transplantation in spite of residual viremia on end date of interferon therapy before transplantation

PubMed Central

Ichikawa, Tatsuki; Nakao, Kazuhiko; Hamasaki, Keisuke; Honda, Takuya; Shibata, Hidetaka; Akahoshi, Mana; Eguchi, Susumu; Takatsuki, Mitsuhisa; Kanematsu, Takashi; Eguchi, Katsumi

2007-01-01

Interferon (IFN) therapy is the only treatment strategy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after liver transplantation (LT), but prophylactic and treatable IFN therapy after LT has been shown to be insufficient due to the adverse effects of IFN and rivabirin. In this paper, we describe the disappearance of HCV after LT without IFN therapy in the presence of residual viremia on the day of LT. We herein report our findings since this is considered an important case for the anti-HCV strategy of post LT. A 60-year old woman with LC and HCC was referred to Nagasaki University Hospital in August 2004. After she underwent LT on February 18, 2005, we injected peg-IFN-α-2a the 11th time at 18 wk and HCV-RNA was still positive in the serum at LT. The serum HCV-RNA was negative one month after operation and subsequently dissolved 15 mo after operation without IFN therapy. As a result, we speculate that if HCV-RNA is positive while HCV core antigen is negative before LT, then it may lead to clearance of HCV after LT. Therefore long acting peg-IFN-α-2a is thus considered a potentially effective agent for the treatment of HCV-related cirrhosis before LT. PMID:17696240

Nationwide surveillance of circulatory collapse associated with levothyroxine administration in very-low-birthweight infants in Japan.

PubMed

Kawai, Masahiko; Kusuda, Satoshi; Cho, Kazutoshi; Horikawa, Reiko; Takizawa, Fumihiko; Ono, Makoto; Hattori, Tetsuo; Oshiro, Makoto

2012-04-01

Although the administration of levothyroxine sodium (LT4) to premature infants had been considered safe, several cases of late-onset circulatory collapse (LCC) following the administration of LT4 in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants have been reported in Japan since 2008. This study was performed to investigate the incidence of LCC associated with the administration of LT4 to VLBW infants. A questionnaire regarding LCC with or without an association with LT4 administration in VLBW infants from 2006 to 2008, was sent to 212 hospitals belonging to the Japan Neonatologist Association. Data of 8727 VLBW infants were analyzed, and 46 cases of LCC associated with the administration of LT4 were reported in this surveillance. Especially, an analysis for infants weighing between 1000 and 1499 g at birth revealed that the incidence of LCC with the administration of LT4 was higher than that of those without LT4. LT4 is widely used for infants, including VLBW infants, and no major complications have been reported. However, our study revealed that more than a few cases of LCC were associated with the administration of LT4 in VLBW infants. In conclusion, careful attention is necessary when initiating the administration of LT4 to VLBW infants. © 2011 The Authors. Pediatrics International © 2011 Japan Pediatric Society.

Site occupancy, composition and magnetic structure dependencies of martensitic transformation in Mn₂Ni_1+xSn_1-x.

PubMed

Kundu, Ashis; Ghosh, Subhradip

2017-11-14

A delicate balance between various factors such as site occupancy, composition and magnetic ordering seems to affect the stability of the martensitic phase in Mn₂Ni_1+xSn_1-x. Using first-principles DFT calculations, we explore the impacts of each one of these factors on the martensitic stability of this system. Our results on total energies, magnetic moments and electronic structures upon changes in the composition, the magnetic configurations and the site occupancies show that the occupancies at the 4d sites in the Inverse Heusler crystal structure play the most crucial role. The presence of Mn at the 4d sites originally occupied by Sn and its interaction with the Mn atoms at other sites decide the stability of the martensitic phases. This explains the discrepancy between the experiments and earlier DFT calculations regarding phase stability in Mn₂NiSn. Our results qualitatively explain the trends observed experimentally with regard to martensitic phase stability and the magnetisations in Ni-excess, Sn-deficient Mn₂NiSn system. © 2017 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Obesity after pediatric liver transplantation: prevalence and risk factors.

PubMed

Sundaram, Shikha S; Alonso, Estella M; Zeitler, Phil; Yin, Wanron; Anand, Ravinder

2012-12-01

Pediatric obesity has become a significant public health concern. The historical focus in pediatric liver transplant (LT) has been undernutrition, with limited knowledge regarding obesity. Therefore, we sought to determine the prevalence of obesity in pediatric LT, compare it to National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) data, and identify risk factors for obesity in pediatric LT. SPLIT, which collects pediatric LT data at 39 centers, was queried for subjects ages 2 to 18 years at follow-up, LT between 1995 and 2007, and with at least 1 body mass index measured 1 to 5 years after LT. Of 1706 individuals included, 44% had biliary atresia (47% boys, 58% white, mean age at LT 4.6 years). Of these individuals, 19% were obese at 1 year and 18% at 3 years, higher than in the general pediatric population reported by 2003-2004 NHANES, whereas 11% obesity at 5 years after LT was similar to NHANES data. Using logistic regression, Hispanic ethnicity (odds ratio [OR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-2.23), steroid use at follow-up (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.23-1.77), overweight (OR 4.34, 95% CI 2.91-6.68), and obesity (OR 10.62, 95% CI 5.9-19.65) at LT independently predicted post-LT obesity. These findings suggest a need to broaden standard care to include obesity assessment and intervention in routine pre- and posttransplant care.

Retraining walking adaptability following incomplete spinal cord injury.

PubMed

Fox, Emily J; Tester, Nicole J; Butera, Katie A; Howland, Dena R; Spiess, Martina R; Castro-Chapman, Paula L; Behrman, Andrea L

2017-01-01

Functional walking requires the ability to modify one's gait pattern to environmental demands and task goals-gait adaptability. Following incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI), gait rehabilitation such as locomotor training (Basic-LT) emphasizes intense, repetitive stepping practice. Rehabilitation approaches focusing on practice of gait adaptability tasks have not been established for individuals with ISCIs but may promote recovery of higher level walking skills. The primary purpose of this case series was to describe and determine the feasibility of administering a gait adaptability retraining approach-Adapt-LT-by comparing the dose and intensity of Adapt-LT to Basic-LT. Three individuals with ISCIs (>1 year, AIS C or D) completed three weeks each (15 sessions) of Basic-LT and Adapt-LT. Interventions included practice on a treadmill with body weight support and practice overground (≥30 mins total). Adapt-LT focused on speed changes, obstacle negotiation, and backward walking. Training parameters (step counts, speeds, perceived exertion) were compared and outcomes assessed pre and post interventions. Based on completion of the protocol and similarities in training parameters in the two interventions, it was feasible to administer Adapt-LT with a similar dosage and intensity as Basic-LT. Additionally, the participants demonstrated gains in walking function and balance following each training type. Rehabilitation that includes stepping practice with adaptability tasks is feasible for individuals with ISCIs. Further investigation is needed to determine the efficacy of Adapt-LT.

Lymphotoxin activation by human T-cell leukemia virus type I-infected cell lines: role for NF-kappa B.

PubMed

Paul, N L; Lenardo, M J; Novak, K D; Sarr, T; Tang, W L; Ruddle, N H

1990-11-01

Human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I)-infected T-cell lines constitutively produce high levels of biologically active lymphotoxin (LT; tumor necrosis factor-beta) protein and LT mRNA. To understand the regulation of LT transcription by HTLV-I, we analyzed the ability of a series of deletions of the LT promoter to drive the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene in HTLV-I-positive MT-2 cells. The smallest LT promoter fragment (-140 to +77) that was able to drive CAT activity contained a site that was similar to the immunoglobulin kappa-chain NF-kappa B-binding site. Since the HTLV-I tax gene activates the nuclear form of NF-kappa B, this finding suggested a possible means of HTLV-I activation of LT production. We found that the LT kappa B-like site specifically formed a complex with NF-kappa B-containing nuclear extract from MT-2, C81-66-45, and other activated T cells. Mutation of the LT kappa B site in the context of the LT promoter (-293 to +77) (mutant M1) reduced the ability of the promoter to drive the CAT gene in HTLV-I-infected and noninfected human T-cell lines. These data suggest a general role for NF-kappa B activation in the induction of LT gene transcription. Activation of LT in HTLV-I-infected cells may explain the pathology associated with HTLV-I infection, including the hypercalcemia that is prevalent in adult T-cell leukemia.

Lymphotoxin activation by human T-cell leukemia virus type I-infected cell lines: role for NF-kappa B.

PubMed Central

Paul, N L; Lenardo, M J; Novak, K D; Sarr, T; Tang, W L; Ruddle, N H

1990-01-01

Human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I)-infected T-cell lines constitutively produce high levels of biologically active lymphotoxin (LT; tumor necrosis factor-beta) protein and LT mRNA. To understand the regulation of LT transcription by HTLV-I, we analyzed the ability of a series of deletions of the LT promoter to drive the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene in HTLV-I-positive MT-2 cells. The smallest LT promoter fragment (-140 to +77) that was able to drive CAT activity contained a site that was similar to the immunoglobulin kappa-chain NF-kappa B-binding site. Since the HTLV-I tax gene activates the nuclear form of NF-kappa B, this finding suggested a possible means of HTLV-I activation of LT production. We found that the LT kappa B-like site specifically formed a complex with NF-kappa B-containing nuclear extract from MT-2, C81-66-45, and other activated T cells. Mutation of the LT kappa B site in the context of the LT promoter (-293 to +77) (mutant M1) reduced the ability of the promoter to drive the CAT gene in HTLV-I-infected and noninfected human T-cell lines. These data suggest a general role for NF-kappa B activation in the induction of LT gene transcription. Activation of LT in HTLV-I-infected cells may explain the pathology associated with HTLV-I infection, including the hypercalcemia that is prevalent in adult T-cell leukemia. Images PMID:1976820

Survival benefit of repeat liver transplantation in the United States: a serial MELD analysis by hepatitis C status and donor risk index.

PubMed

Biggins, S W; Gralla, J; Dodge, J L; Bambha, K M; Tong, S; Barón, A E; Inadomi, J; Terrault, N; Rosen, H R

2014-11-01

Survival benefit (SB) for first liver transplantation (LT) is favorable at Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD)≥15. Herein, we identify the MELD threshold for SB from repeat liver transplantation (ReLT) by recipient hepatitis C virus (HCV) status and donor risk index (DRI). We analyzed lab MELD scores in new United Network for Organ Sharing registrants for ReLT from March 2002 to January 2010. Risk of ReLT graft failure≤1 year versus waitlist mortality was calculated using Cox regression, adjusting for recipient characteristics. Of 3057 ReLT candidates, 54% had HCV and 606 died while listed. There were 1985 ReLT recipients, 52% had HCV and 567 ReLT graft failures by 1 year. Unadjusted waitlist mortality and post-ReLT graft failure rates were 416 (95% confidence interval [CI] 384-450) and 375 (95% CI 345-407) per 1000 patient-years, respectively. Waitlist mortality was higher with increasing waitlist MELD (p<0.001). The MELD for SB from ReLT overall was 21 (21 in non-HCV and 24 in HCV patients). MELD for SB varied by DRI in HCV patients (MELD 21, 24 and 27 for low, medium and high DRI, respectively) but did not vary for non-HCV patients. Compared to first LT, ReLT requires a higher MELD threshold to achieve an SB resulting in a narrower therapeutic window to optimize the utility of scarce liver grafts. © Copyright 2014 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

PmLT, a C-type lectin specific to hepatopancreas is involved in the innate defense of the shrimp Penaeus monodon.

PubMed

Ma, Tracy Hoi-Tung; Benzie, John A H; He, Jian-Guo; Chan, Siu-Ming

2008-11-01

A diverse class of proteins called lectins plays a major role in shrimp innate immunity. In this study, the cDNA encoding a C-type lectin of Penaeus monodon (PmLT) was cloned, and its potential role examined. Despite the low overall amino acid sequence identity with other animal lectins, PmLT includes conserved carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) characteristic of animal C-type lectins. Unlike the other two P. monodon lectin-like proteins described to date that have one CRD, PmLT has two CRDs. The first CRD contains a QPD motif with specificity for binding galactose, while the second CRD contains a EPN motif for binding mannose. PmLT transcripts can be detected in the hepatopancreas but not in other tissues. Expression studies showed that PmLT mRNA transcript level decreased initially and then gradually increased after whole shrimp or hepatopancreas tissue fragments were treated with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) extract but were not affected by bacteria. Using anti-rPmLT antibody, PmLT was detected only in the hepatopancreas specific F cells (Hpf). In vitro encapsulation assay showed that agarose beads coated with rPmLT were encapsulated by hemocytes indicating a role in innate immune response. In summary, PmLT is produced in the hepatopancreas and may act as a pattern recognition protein for viral pathogens and also activates the innate immune responses of the shrimp to bacteria. The dual-CRD structure of PmLT may assist the recognition of diverse pathogens.

The role of the ligamentum teres in the adult hip: redundant or relevant? A review

PubMed Central

Devitt, Brian M; Arora, Manit

2018-01-01

ABSTRACT The ligamentum teres (LT) has traditionally been described as a redundant structure with no contribution to hip biomechanics or function. There has been renewed interest in the LT as a source of hip pathology due to the high prevalence of LT pathology observed at the time of hip arthroscopy. The LT acts a secondary stabilizer to supplement the work of the capsular ligaments and works in a sling-like manner to prevent subluxation of the hip at the extremes of motion. The presence of free nerve endings within the LT indicates a definite role in pain generation, with the LT undergoing various mechanical and histological adaptations to hip pathology. PMID:29423246

Gut microbiota of liver transplantation recipients.

PubMed

Sun, Li-Ying; Yang, Yun-Sheng; Qu, Wei; Zhu, Zhi-Jun; Wei, Lin; Ye, Zhi-Sheng; Zhang, Jian-Rui; Sun, Xiao-Ye; Zeng, Zhi-Gui

2017-06-19

The characteristics of intestinal microbial communities may be affected by changes in the pathophysiology of patients with end-stage liver disease. Here, we focused on the characteristics of intestinal fecal microbial communities in post-liver transplantation (LT) patients in comparison with those in the same individuals pre-LT and in healthy individuals. The fecal microbial communities were analyzed via MiSeq-PE250 sequencing of the V4 region of 16S ribosomal RNA and were then compared between groups. We found that the gut microbiota of patients with severe liver disease who were awaiting LT was significantly different from that of healthy controls, as represented by the first principal component (p = 0.0066). Additionally, the second principal component represented a significant difference in the gut microbiota of patients between pre-LT and post-LT surgery (p = 0.03125). After LT, there was a significant decrease in the abundance of certain microbial species, such as Actinobacillus, Escherichia, and Shigella, and a significant increase in the abundance of other microbial species, such as Micromonosporaceae, Desulfobacterales, the Sarcina genus of Eubacteriaceae, and Akkermansia. Based on KEGG profiles, 15 functional modules were enriched and 21 functional modules were less represented in the post-LT samples compared with the pre-LT samples. Our study demonstrates that fecal microbial communities were significantly altered by LT.

Pre-Liver Transplant Transthoracic Echocardiogram Findings and 6-Month Post-Transplant Outcomes: A Case-Control Analysis.

PubMed

Konerman, Monica A; Price, Jennifer C; Campbell, Catherine Y; Eluri, Swathi; Gurakar, Ahmet; Hamilton, James; Li, Zhiping

2016-07-05

BACKGROUND Cardiopulmonary (CP) outcomes remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following liver transplantation (LT). The optimal CP risk stratification of LT candidates remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of pre-LT transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) findings and 6-month post-LT outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective review analyzed adults who underwent LT, comparing those who died within 6 months of LT (cases; n=38) with age- and sex-matched patients who survived >6 months (controls; n=38). Cases were categorized by cause of death (COD) defined as either a primary CP process (n=20) or a non-CP process (n=18). Data were analyzed using logistic regression and survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS There was a higher odds of death within 6 months of LT with ≥ mild mitral regurgitation (OR 3.44, p=0.03) or an incomplete assessment of right ventricular systolic function (RVSF) (OR 24, p=0.004). On subgroup analysis, these findings only persisted in patients with a CP COD. Patients with CP COD were older (61 vs. 54.5, p=0.04), had longer intervals between TTE and LT (122 vs. 29 days, p=0.05), less complete assessments of RVSF (p=0.009), and lower RV fractional area change (p=0.04) compared to patients with non-CP COD. CONCLUSIONS Multiple TTE parameters were associated with patients who died within 6 months of LT, and in particular patients with a CP COD. Our findings suggest that pre-LT TTEs can convey useful CP risk stratification information and emphasizes the importance of adequately assessing these parameters prior to LT.

Treatment of hypothyroidism with levothyroxine plus liothyronine: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study.

PubMed

Kaminski, Juliana; Miasaki, Fabíola Yukiko; Paz-Filho, Gilberto; Graf, Hans; Carvalho, Gisah Amaral de

2016-01-01

To compare the effects of a unique fixed combination levothyroxine/liothyronine (LT4/LT3) therapy in patients with primary hypothyroidism. This is a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Adults with primary hypothyroidism (n = 32, age 42.6 ± 13.3, 30 females) on stable doses of LT4 for ≥ 6 months (125 or 150 μg/day) were randomized to continue LT4 treatment (G1) or to start LT4/LT3 therapy (75/15 μg/day; G2). After 8 weeks, participants switched treatments for 8 more weeks. Thyroid function, lipid profile, plasma glucose, body weight, electrocardiogram, vital signs, and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated at weeks 0, 8 and 16. Free T4 levels were significantly lower while on LT4/LT3 (G1: 1.07 ± 0.29 vs. 1.65 ± 0.46; G2: 0.97 ± 0.26 vs. 1.63 ± 0.43 ng/dL; P < 0.001). TSH and T3 levels were not affected by type of therapy. More patients on LT4/LT3 had T3 levels above the upper limit (15% vs. 3%). The combination therapy led to an increase in heart rate, with no significant changes in electrocardiogram or arterial blood pressure. Lipid profile, body weight and QoL remained unchanged. The combination therapy yielded significantly lower free T4 levels, with no changes in TSH or T3 levels. More patients on LT4/T3 had elevated T3 levels, with no significant alterations in the evaluated outcomes. No clear clinical benefit of the studied formulation could be observed. Future trials need to evaluate different formulations and the impact of the combined therapy in select populations with genetic polymorphisms.

Medicaid Participation among Liver Transplant Candidates after the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion.

PubMed

Tumin, Dmitry; Beal, Eliza W; Mumtaz, Khalid; Hayes, Don; Tobias, Joseph D; Pawlik, Timothy M; Washburn, W Kenneth; Black, Sylvester M

2017-08-01

The 2014 Medicaid expansion in participating states increased insurance coverage among people with chronic health conditions, but its implications for access to surgical care remain unclear. We investigated how Medicaid expansion influenced the insurance status of candidates for liver transplantation (LT) and transplant center payor mix. Data on LT candidates aged 18 to 64 years, in 2012 to 2013 (pre-expansion) and 2014 to 2015 (post-expansion), were obtained from the United Network for Organ Sharing registry. Change between the 2 periods in the percent of LT candidates using Medicaid was compared between expansion and nonexpansion states. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine how Medicaid expansion influenced individual LT candidates' likelihood of using Medicaid insurance. The study included 33,017 LT candidates, of whom 29,666 had complete data for multivariable analysis. Medicaid enrollment increased by 4% after Medicaid expansion in participating states. One-quarter of the transplant centers in these states experienced ≥10% increase in the proportion of LT candidates using Medicaid insurance. Multivariable analysis confirmed that Medicaid expansion was associated with increased odds of LT candidates using Medicaid insurance (odds ratio 1.49; 95% CI 1.34, 1.66; p < 0.001). However, the absolute number and demographic characteristics of patients listed for LT did not change in Medicaid expansion states during the post-expansion period. Candidates for LT became more likely to use Medicaid after the 2014 Medicaid expansion policy came into effect. Enactment of this policy did not appear to increase access to LT or address socioeconomic and demographic disparities in access to the LT wait list. Copyright © 2017 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Circulating concentrations of free thyroxine after an oral intake of liquid LT4 taken either during fasting conditions or at breakfast.

PubMed

Marina, Michela; Ceda, Gian Paolo; Aloe, Rosalia; Gnocchi, Cecilia; Ceresini, Graziano

2017-01-16

Liquid levothyroxine (LT4) given at breakfast normalizes TSH in hypothyroid patients. However, a few studies are available on circulating free thyroxine (FT4) concentrations after liquid vs solid LT4 preparations. During an "ad interim" analysis on serum FT4 after 200 mcg liquid LT4 consumption while fasting in thyroidectomized thyroid cancer patients, we found that seven subjects fortuitously took liquid LT4 at breakfast. As established in the original protocol, serum FT4 was measured both at baseline as well as at 3 and 4 hours after solid or liquid LT4 consumption. We compared serum profile of FT4 in these subjects with those obtained in other subjects participating in the same study who took liquid LT4 (n. 7 subjects) or solid LT4 (n. 7 subjects) while fasting. The percentage increase of circulating FT4 was calculated at the above reported peak-times over the baseline values. Circulating FT4 increased of about 40% in each group of subjects at both the 3rd and the 4th hour with no difference between these two time points in either group. The maximum FT4 % increase, irrespective of the time point, was 44.62 ± 3.05 (Mean ± SE), 44.84 ± 5.43, and 43.83 ± 1.30 after fasting solid, fasting liquid, and breakfast liquid LT4 consumption, respectively, with no differences among the three groups. Circulating FT4 obtained after 3 and 4 hours from the ingestion of 200 mcg liquid LT4 is not influenced by meal and is comparable with that observed after solid LT4 preparations ingested while fasting.

Intention-to-treat survival benefit of liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular cancer.

PubMed

Lai, Quirino; Vitale, Alessandro; Iesari, Samuele; Finkenstedt, Armin; Mennini, Gianluca; Spoletini, Gabriele; Hoppe-Lotichius, Maria; Vennarecci, Giovanni; Manzia, Tommaso M; Nicolini, Daniele; Avolio, Alfonso W; Frigo, Anna Chiara; Graziadei, Ivo; Rossi, Massimo; Tsochatzis, Emmanouil; Otto, Gerd; Ettorre, Giuseppe M; Tisone, Giuseppe; Vivarelli, Marco; Agnes, Salvatore; Cillo, Umberto; Lerut, Jan

2017-12-01

The debate about the best approach to select patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC) waiting for liver transplantation (LT) is still ongoing. This study aims to identify the best variables allowing to discriminate between "high-" and "low-benefit" patients. To do so, the concept of intention-to-treat (ITT) survival benefit of LT has been created. Data of 2,103 adult HCC patients consecutively enlisted during the period 1987-2015 were analyzed. Three rigorous statistical steps were used in order to create the ITT survival benefit of LT: the development of an ITT LT and a non-LT survival model, and the individual prediction of the ITT survival benefit of LT defined as the difference between the median ITT survival with (based on the first model) and without LT (based on the second model) calculated for each enrolled patient. Four variables (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, alpha-fetoprotein, Milan-Criteria status, and radiological response) displayed a high effect in terms of delta benefit. According to these risk factors, four benefit groups were identified. Patients with three to four factors ("no-benefit group"; n = 405 of 2,103; 19.2%) had no benefit of LT compared to alternative treatments. Conversely, patients without any risk factor ("large-benefit group"; n = 108; 5.1%) yielded the highest benefit from LT reaching 60 months. The ITT transplant survival benefit presented here allows physicians to better select HCC patients waiting for LT. The obtained stratification may lead to an improved and more equitable method of organ allocation. Patients without benefit should be de-listed, whereas patients with large benefit ratio should be prioritized for LT. (Hepatology 2017;66:1910-1919). © 2017 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

 Increased hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in women compared to men with high alpha fetoprotein at liver transplant.

PubMed

Sarkar, Monika; Dodge, Jennifer L; Roberts, John P; Terrault, Norah; Yao, Francis; Mehta, Neil

2016-01-01

 Introduction. Men have higher risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) than women. Pre liver transplant (LT) alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels strongly predict post LT HCC recurrence. Though women with HCC have higher AFP, the contribution of AFP level by gender to post LT HCC recurrence is unknown. In this UNOSbased, retrospective cohort study we investigate sex differences in HCC recurrence among LT recipients with MELD exception between 2006-2010. Covariates include race, disease etiology, co-morbidities, AFP at listing and LT, tumor burden, loco-regional therapy, and donor risk index. HCC recurrence was assessed by competing risks regression. Of the eligible cohort (n = 5,002) included 3,872 men and 1,130 women. HCC recurred in 258 men (7%) and 66 women (6%). Median listing AFP was higher in women than men (14 vs. 11 ng/dL, p < 0.001). While no sex difference in overall HCC recurrence was detected (HR 0.9, 95% CI 0.7-1.2, p = 0.38), there was a strong interaction between gender and AFP on recurrence risk (p = 0.02). HCC recurrence was nearly three times higher in women (HR 4.2, 95% CI 2.2-8.2, p < 0.001) than men (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.1, p = 0.02) with AFP at LT between 101-500 ng/dL. This study reveals novel sex differences in post LT HCC recurrence, which was nearly three times higher in women than men with high AFP at LT. Pre-LT AFP levels appear to carry a different prognosis in women than men, and a subset of female LT recipients may benefit from more intensive HCC surveillance after LT.

Atraumatic tears of the ligamentum teres are more frequent in professional ballet dancers than a sporting population.

PubMed

Mayes, Susan; Ferris, April-Rose; Smith, Peter; Garnham, Andrew; Cook, Jill

2016-07-01

To compare the frequency of atraumatic ligamentum teres (LT) tear in professional ballet dancers with that of athletes, and to determine the relationship with clinical and imaging findings. Forty-nine male and female professional ballet dancers (98 hips) and 49 age and sex-matched non-dancing athletes (98 hips) completed questionnaires on hip symptoms and physical activity levels, underwent hip rotation range of movement (ROM) and hypermobility testing, and 3.0-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (3 T MRI) on both hips to detect LT tears, acetabular labral tears, and articular cartilage defects, and to measure the lateral centre edge angles (LCE). A higher frequency of LT tear was found in dancers (55 %) compared with athletes (22 %, P = 0.001). The frequency and severity of LT tears in dancers increased with older age (P = 0.004, P = 0.006, respectively). The Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) pain scores or hip rotation ROM did not differ significantly among participants with normal, partial, or complete tears of LT (P > 0.01 for all). Neither the frequency of generalised joint hypermobility (P = 0.09) nor the LCE angles (P = 0.32, P = 0.16, left and right hips respectively) differed between those with and those without LT tear. In most hips, LT tear co-existed with either a labral tear or a cartilage defect, or both. The higher frequency of atraumatic LT tears in professional ballet dancers suggests that the LT might be abnormally loaded in ballet, and caution is required when evaluating MRI, as LT tears may be asymptomatic. A longitudinal study of this cohort is required to determine if LT tear predisposes the hip joint to osteoarthritis.

Effect of the laryngeal tube on the no-flow-time in a simulated two rescuer basic life support setting with inexperienced users.

PubMed

Schröder, J; Bucher, M; Meyer, O

2016-09-01

Intubation with a laryngeal tube (LT) is a recommended alternative to endotracheal intubation during advanced life support (ALS). LT insertion is easy; therefore, it may also be an alternative to bag-mask ventilation (BMV) for untrained personnel performing basic life support (BLS). Data from manikin studies support the influence of LT on no-flow-time (NFT) during ALS. We performed a prospective, randomized manikin study using a two-rescuer model to compare the effects of ventilation using a LT and BMV on NFT during BLS. Participants were trained in BMV and were inexperienced in the use of a LT. There was no significant difference in total NFT with the use of a LT and BMV (LT: mean 83.1 ± 37.3 s; BMV: mean 78.7 ± 24.5 s; p = 0.313), but we found significant differences in the progression of the scenario: in the BLS-scenario, the proportion of time spent performing chest compressions was higher when BMV was used compared to when a LT was used. The quality of chest compressions and the ventilation rate did not differ significantly between the two groups. The mean tidal volume and mean minute volume were significantly larger with the use of a LT compared with the use of BMV. In conclusion, in a two-rescuer BLS scenario, NFT is longer with the use of a LT (without prior training) than with the use of BMV (with prior training). The probable reasons for this result are higher tidal volumes with the use of a LT leading to longer interruptions without chest compressions.

Allelic Variation on Murine Chromosome 11 Modifies Host Inflammatory Responses and Resistance to Bacillus anthracis

PubMed Central

Terra, Jill K.; France, Bryan; Cote, Christopher K.; Jenkins, Amy; Bozue, Joel A.; Welkos, Susan L.; Bhargava, Ragini; Ho, Chi-Lee; Mehrabian, Margarete; Pan, Calvin; Lusis, Aldons J.; Davis, Richard C.; LeVine, Steven M.; Bradley, Kenneth A.

2011-01-01

Anthrax is a potentially fatal disease resulting from infection with Bacillus anthracis. The outcome of infection is influenced by pathogen-encoded virulence factors such as lethal toxin (LT), as well as by genetic variation within the host. To identify host genes controlling susceptibility to anthrax, a library of congenic mice consisting of strains with homozygous chromosomal segments from the LT-responsive CAST/Ei strain introgressed on a LT-resistant C57BL/6 (B6) background was screened for response to LT. Three congenic strains containing CAST/Ei regions of chromosome 11 were identified that displayed a rapid inflammatory response to LT similar to, but more severe than that driven by a LT-responsive allele of the inflammasome constituent NRLP1B. Importantly, increased response to LT in congenic mice correlated with greater resistance to infection by the Sterne strain of B. anthracis. The genomic region controlling the inflammatory response to LT was mapped to 66.36–74.67 Mb on chromosome 11, a region that encodes the LT-responsive CAST/Ei allele of Nlrp1b. However, known downstream effects of NLRP1B activation, including macrophage pyroptosis, cytokine release, and leukocyte infiltration could not fully explain the response to LT or the resistance to B. anthracis Sterne in congenic mice. Further, the exacerbated response in congenic mice is inherited in a recessive manner while the Nlrp1b-mediated response to LT is dominant. Finally, congenic mice displayed increased responsiveness in a model of sepsis compared with B6 mice. In total, these data suggest that allelic variation of one or more chromosome 11 genes in addition to Nlrp1b controls the severity of host response to multiple inflammatory stimuli and contributes to resistance to B. anthracis Sterne. Expression quantitative trait locus analysis revealed 25 genes within this region as high priority candidates for contributing to the host response to LT. PMID:22241984

The Type II Heat-Labile Enterotoxins LT-IIa and LT-IIb and Their Respective B Pentamers Differentially Induce and Regulate Cytokine Production in Human Monocytic Cells

PubMed Central

Hajishengallis, George; Nawar, Hesham; Tapping, Richard I.; Russell, Michael W.; Connell, Terry D.

2004-01-01

The type II heat-labile enterotoxins, LT-IIa and LT-IIb, exhibit potent adjuvant properties. However, little is known about their immunomodulatory activities upon interaction with innate immune cells, unlike the widely studied type I enterotoxins that include cholera toxin (CT). We therefore investigated interactions of LT-IIa and LT-IIb with human monocytic THP-1 cells. We found that LT-II enterotoxins were inactive in stimulating cytokine release, whereas CT induced low levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-8. However, all three enterotoxins potently regulated cytokine induction in cells activated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide or fimbriae. Induction of proinflammatory (tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α]) or chemotactic (IL-8) cytokines was downregulated, whereas induction of cytokines with anti-inflammatory (IL-10) or mucosal adjuvant properties (IL-1β) was upregulated by the enterotoxins. These effects appeared to depend on their A subunits, because isolated B-pentameric subunits lacked regulatory activity. Enterotoxin-mediated inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine induction in activated cells was partially attributable to synergism for endogenous production of IL-10 and to an IL-10-independent inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation. In sharp contrast to the holotoxins, the B pentamers (LT-IIaB and, to a greater extent, LT-IIbB) stimulated cytokine production, suggesting a link between the absence of the A subunit and increased proinflammatory properties. In this regard, the ability of LT-IIbB to activate NF-κB and induce TNF-α and IL-8 was antagonized by the LT-IIb holotoxin. These findings support distinct immunomodulatory roles for the LT-II holotoxins and their respective B pentamers. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of the holotoxins may serve to suppress innate immunity and promote the survival of the pathogen. PMID:15501764

Changes in transverse relaxation time of quadriceps femoris muscles after active recovery exercises with different intensities.

PubMed

Mukaimoto, Takahiro; Semba, Syun; Inoue, Yosuke; Ohno, Makoto

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in the metabolic state of quadriceps femoris muscles using transverse relaxation time (T2), measured by muscle functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, after inactive or active recovery exercises with different intensities following high-intensity knee-extension exercise. Eight healthy men performed recovery sessions with four different conditions for 20 min after high-intensity knee-extension exercise on separate days. During the recovery session, the participants conducted a light cycle exercise for 20 min using a cycle (50%, 70% and 100% of the lactate threshold (LT), respectively: active recovery), and inactive recovery. The MR images of quadriceps femoris muscles were taken before the trial and after the recovery session every 30 min for 120 min. The percentage changes in T2 for the rectus femoris and vastus medialis muscles after the recovery session in 50% LT and 70% LT were significantly lower than those in either inactive recovery or 100% LT. There were no significant differences in those for vastus lateralis and vastus intermedius muscles among the four trials. The percentage changes in T2 of rectus femoris and vastus medialis muscles after the recovery session in 50% LT and 70% LT decreased to the values before the trial faster than those in either inactive recovery or 100% LT. Those of vastus lateralis and vastus intermedius muscles after the recovery session in 50% LT and 70% LT decreased to the values before the trial faster than those in 100% LT. Although the changes in T2 after active recovery exercises were not uniform in exercised muscles, the results of this study suggest that active recovery exercise with the intensities below LT are more effective to recover the metabolic state of quadriceps femoris muscles after intense exercise than with either intensity at LT or inactive recovery.

Binding to Gangliosides Containing N-Acetylneuraminic Acid Is Sufficient To Mediate the Immunomodulatory Properties of the Nontoxic Mucosal Adjuvant LT-IIb(T13I) ▿

PubMed Central

Nawar, Hesham F.; Berenson, Charles S.; Hajishengallis, George; Takematsu, Hiromu; Mandell, Lorrie; Clare, Ragina L.; Connell, Terry D.

2010-01-01

By use of a mouse mucosal immunization model, LT-IIb(T13I), a nontoxic mutant type II heat-labile enterotoxin, was shown to have potent mucosal and systemic adjuvant properties. In contrast to LT-IIb, which binds strongly to ganglioside receptors decorated with either N-acetylneuraminic acid (NeuAc) or N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc), LT-IIb(T13I) binds NeuAc gangliosides much less well. Rather, LT-IIb(T13I) binds preferentially to NeuGc gangliosides. To determine if the adjuvant properties of LT-IIb(T13I) are altered in the absence of NeuGc ganglioside receptors, experiments were conducted using a Cmah-null mouse line which is deficient in the synthesis of NeuGc gangliosides. Several immunomodulatory properties of LT-IIb(T13I) were shown to be dependent on NeuGc gangliosides. LT-IIb(T13I) had reduced binding activity for NeuGc-deficient B cells and macrophages; binding to NeuGc-deficient T cells and dendritic cells (DC) was essentially undetectable. Treatment of Cmah-null macrophages with LT-IIb(T13I), however, upregulated the transcription of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6, IL-17, and gamma interferon (IFN-γ), four cytokines important for promoting immune responses. The production of mucosal IgA and serum IgG against an immunizing antigen was augmented in NeuGc-deficient mice administered LT-IIb(T13I) as a mucosal adjuvant. Notably, NeuGc gangliosides are not expressed in humans. Still, treatment of human monocytes with LT-IIb(T13I) induced the secretion of IL-6, an inflammatory cytokine that mediates differential control of leukocyte activation. These results suggested that NeuAc gangliosides are sufficient to mediate the immunomodulatory properties of LT-IIb(T13I) in mice and in human cells. The nontoxic mutant enterotoxin LT-IIb(T13I), therefore, is potentially a new and safe human mucosal adjuvant. PMID:20392887

Isolation and Characterization of Viruses from the Kidneys of Rana pipiens with Renal Adenocarcinoma Before and After Passage in the Red Eft (Triturus viridescens)

PubMed Central

Clark, H. Fred; Brennan, James C.; Zeigel, Robert F.; Karzon, David T.

1968-01-01

Viruses were isolated from kidneys of normal and renal tumor-bearing Vermont Rana pipiens after subinoculation into red eft newts (Triturus viridescens). Organs of efts inoculated with viable cell suspensions from four of seven tumor-bearing kidneys yielded virus (LT-1, -2, -3, -4) when inoculated into TH-1 (Terrapene heart) cell culture. One tumor-bearing kidney also yielded virus (L-4) by direct inoculation into TH-1 cells. An additional isolate (L-5) was obtained from 1 of 52 normal Vermont frog kidneys inoculated directly into TH-1 cells. LT-1 was propagated with cytopathic effect (CPE) in each of 38 cell types tested, of fish, amphibian, reptilian, avian, and mammalian origin, at 23 or 30 C. LT-1 through LT-4, L-4 and L-5, and FV-1 through FV-3 each induced similar CPE in all cells tested. LT-2, however, induced CPE that progressed at a slower rate than that caused by the other isolates and produced smaller plaques (<0.8 mm) under starch gel overlay. Each of the viruses replicated to high titer in embryonated eggs incubated at 30 C. The viruses also grew in efts and adult newts, but not in bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) tadpoles or adult leopard frogs. Tumor induction in adult leopard frogs inoculated with LT-1 was not demonstrated. Electron microscopic observations of LT-1 and LT-2 viruses revealed cytoplasmic particles, hexagonal in cross section, approximately 120 to 140 mμ in diameter, containing a dense nucleoid. LT-1 and LT-2 viruses were indistinguishable from FV-1 and Tipula iridescent virus. LT-1 was presumed to be a deoxyribonucleic acid virus on the basis of 5-bromodeoxyuridine inhibition. The isolates were ether-sensitive. On the basis of biological, physicochemical, and antigenic similarities, LT-1 through LT-4, L-4, L-5, FV-1 through FV-3, and isolates recently recovered from the bullfrog and the newt may represent strains of the same amphibian cytoplasmic virus. Images PMID:4972302

Strategy for eliciting antigen-specific CD8+ T cell-mediated immune response against a cryptic CTL epitope of merkel cell polyomavirus large T antigen

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a relatively new addition to the expanding category of oncovirus-induced cancers. Although still comparably rare, the number of cases has risen dramatically in recent years. Further complicating this trend is that MCC is an extremely aggressive neoplasm with poor patient prognosis and limited treatment options for advanced disease. The causative agent of MCC has been identified as the merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). The MCPyV-encoded large T (LT) antigen is an oncoprotein that is theorized to be essential for virus-mediated tumorigenesis and is therefore, an excellent MCC antigen for the generation of antitumor immune responses. As a foreign antigen, the LT oncoprotein avoids the obstacle of immune tolerance, which normally impedes the development of antitumor immunity. Ergo, it is an excellent target for anti-MCC immunotherapy. Since tumor-specific CD8+ T cells lead to better prognosis for MCC and numerous other cancers, we have generated a DNA vaccine that is capable of eliciting LT-specific CD8+ T cells. The DNA vaccine (pcDNA3-CRT/LT) encodes the LT antigen linked to a damage-associated molecular pattern, calreticulin (CRT), as it has been demonstrated that the linkage of CRT to antigens promotes the induction of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Results The present study shows that DNA vaccine-induced generation of LT-specific CD8+ T cells is augmented by linking CRT to the LT antigen. This is relevant since the therapeutic effects of the pcDNA3-CRT/LT DNA vaccine is mediated by LT-specific CD8+ T cells. Mice vaccinated with the DNA vaccine produced demonstrably more LT-specific CD8+ T cells. The DNA vaccine was also able to confer LT-specific CD8+ T cell-mediated protective and therapeutic effects to prolong the survival of mice with LT-expressing tumors. In the interest of determining the LT epitope which most MCC-specific CD8+ T cells recognize, we identified the amino acid sequence of the immunodominant LT epitope as aa19-27 (IAPNCYGNI) and found that it is H-2kb-restricted. Conclusion The results of this study can facilitate the development of other modes of MCC treatment such as peptide-based vaccines and adoptive transfer of LT-specific CD8+ T cells. Likewise, the MCC DNA vaccine has great potential for clinical translation as the immunologic specificity is high and the treatment strategy can be exported to address other virus-induced tumors. PMID:23095249

Structure–activity correlations of variant forms of the B pentamer of Escherichia coli type II heat-labile enterotoxin LT-IIb with Toll-like receptor 2 binding

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

Cody, Vivian, E-mail: cody@hwi.buffalo.edu; University at Buffalo, 700 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203; Pace, Jim

2012-12-01

Structural data for the S74D variant of the pentameric B subunit of type II heat-labile enterotoxin of Escherichia coli reveal a smaller pore opening that may explain its reduced Toll-like receptor binding affinity compared to that of the wild type enterotoxin. The explanation for the enhanced Toll-like receptor binding affinity of the S74A variant is more complex than simply being attributed to the pore opening. The pentameric B subunit of the type II heat-labile enterotoxin of Escherichia coli (LT-IIb-B{sub 5}) is a potent signaling molecule capable of modulating innate immune responses. It has previously been shown that LT-IIb-B{sub 5}, butmore » not the LT-IIb-B{sub 5} Ser74Asp variant [LT-IIb-B{sub 5}(S74D)], activates Toll-like receptor (TLR2) signaling in macrophages. Consistent with this, the LT-IIb-B{sub 5}(S74D) variant failed to bind TLR2, in contrast to LT-IIb-B{sub 5} and the LT-IIb-B{sub 5} Thr13Ile [LT-IIb-B{sub 5}(T13I)] and LT-IIb-B{sub 5} Ser74Ala [LT-IIb-B{sub 5}(S74A)] variants, which displayed the highest binding activity to TLR2. Crystal structures of the Ser74Asp, Ser74Ala and Thr13Ile variants of LT-IIb-B{sub 5} have been determined to 1.90, 1.40 and 1.90 Å resolution, respectively. The structural data for the Ser74Asp variant reveal that the carboxylate side chain points into the pore, thereby reducing the pore size compared with that of the wild-type or the Ser74Ala variant B pentamer. On the basis of these crystallographic data, the reduced TLR2-binding affinity of the LT-IIb-B{sub 5}(S74D) variant may be the result of the pore of the pentamer being closed. On the other hand, the explanation for the enhanced TLR2-binding activity of the LT-IIb-B{sub 5}(S74A) variant is more complex as its activity is greater than that of the wild-type B pentamer, which also has an open pore as the Ser74 side chain points away from the pore opening. Data for the LT-IIb-B{sub 5}(T13I) variant show that four of the five variant side chains point to the outside surface of the pentamer and one residue points inside. These data are consistent with the lack of binding of the LT-IIb-B{sub 5}(T13I) variant to GD1a ganglioside.« less

Late HIV Testing in a Cohort of HIV-Infected Patients in Puerto Rico.

PubMed

Tossas-Milligan, Katherine Y; Hunter-Mellado, Robert F; Mayor, Angel M; Fernández-Santos, Diana M; Dworkin, Mark S

2015-09-01

Late HIV testing (LT), defined as receiving an AIDS diagnosis within a year of one's first positive HIV test, is associated with higher HIV transmission, lower HAART effectiveness, and worse outcomes. Latinos represent 36% of LT in the US, yet research concerning LT among HIV cases in Puerto Rico is scarce. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with LT, and a Cochran‒Armitage test was used to determine LT trends in an HIV-infected cohort followed at a clinic in Puerto Rico specialized in the management and treatment of HIV. From 2000 to 2011, 47% of eligible patients were late testers, with lower median CD4 counts (54 vs. 420 cells/mm3) and higher median HIV viral load counts (253,680 vs. 23,700 copies/mL) than non-LT patients. LT prevalence decreased significantly, from 47% in 2000 to 37% in 2011. In a mutually adjusted logistic regression model, males, older age at enrollment and past history of IDU significantly increased LT odds, whereas having a history of amphetamine use decreased LT odds. When the data were stratified by mode of transmission, it became apparent that only the category men who have sex with men (MSM) saw a significant reduction in the proportion of LT, falling from 67% in 2000 to 33% in 2011. These results suggest a gap in early HIV detection in Puerto Rico, a gap that decreased only among MSM. An evaluation of the manner in which current HIV-testing guidelines are implemented on the island is needed.

Clinical Outcomes of Lung Transplantation in Patients with Telomerase Mutations

PubMed Central

Tokman, Sofya; Singer, Jonathan P.; Devine, Megan S.; Westall, Glen P.; Aubert, John-David; Tamm, Michael; Snell, Gregory I.; Lee, Joyce S.; Goldberg, Hilary J.; Kukreja, Jasleen; Golden, Jeffrey A.; Leard, Lorriana E.; Garcia, Christine K.; Hays, Steven R.

2017-01-01

Background Successful lung transplantation (LT) for patients with pulmonary fibrosis from telomerase mutations is limited by systemic complications of telomerase dysfunction including myelosuppression, cirrhosis, and malignancy. We describe clinical outcomes among 14 LT recipients with telomerase mutations. Methods Subjects underwent LT between February 2005 and April 2014 at 5 LT centers. We abstracted data from medical records, focusing on outcomes reflecting post-LT treatment effects likely to be complicated by telomerase mutations. Results The median age of subjects was 60.5 years (IQR 52.0–62.0), 64.3% were male, and the mean post-LT observation time was 3.2 years (SD ±2.9). Eleven subjects had a mutation in telomerase reverse transcriptase, 2 in telomerase RNA component, and 1 had an uncharacterized mutation. Ten subjects were leukopenic post-LT; leukopenia prompted cessation of mycophenolate mofetil in 5 and treatment with filgrastim in 4. Six subjects had recurrent lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), 7 had acute cellular rejection (ACR) (A1), and 4 developed chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Ten LT recipients developed chronic renal insufficiency and 8 experienced acute, reversible renal failure. Three developed cancer, none had cirrhosis. Thirteen subjects were alive at data censorship. Conclusions The clinical course for LT recipients with telomerase mutations is complicated by renal disease, leukopenia prompting a change in the immunosuppressive regimen, and recurrent LTRI. In contrast, cirrhosis was absent, ACR was mild, and development of CLAD was comparable to other LT populations. While posing challenges, lung transplantation may be feasible for patients with pulmonary fibrosis due to telomerase mutations. PMID:26169663

Liquiritin (LT) exhibits suppressive effects against the growth of human cervical cancer cells through activating Caspase-3 in vitro and xenograft mice in vivo.

PubMed

He, She-Hong; Liu, Hong-Gai; Zhou, Yu-Fei; Yue, Qing-Fen

2017-08-01

Cervical cancer is one of the most common female malignancies worldwide. Liquiritin (LT), a major constituent of Glycyrrhiza Radix, possesses a variety of pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and neuro-protective effects. However, its role in human cervical cancer remains to be elusive. In our study, we found that LT suppressed cervical cancer cell migration, invasion and cloning ability with little cytotoxicity to human normal cells. In addition, apoptosis was induced by LT in cervical cancer cells through activation of Caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. LT-triggered apoptosis was dependent on extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, which were relied on Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD)- and Bcl-2/Bax-regulated pathways, leading to Caspase-8 and Caspase-9 cleavage, respectively. LT was found to increase FADD expression, while reduce Bcl-2 expression, contributing to Caspase-3 cleavage. And tumor suppressors, p21 and p53, were enhanced after LT treatment, inhibiting the growth of cervical cancer cells in vitro. Significantly, in vivo study suggested that tumor growth was impeded by LT in a dose-dependent manner through enhancing apoptosis. Together, the data here revealed that LT was an effective and promising candidate for preventing human cervical cancer progression via apoptosis enhancement. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Susceptibility to anthrax lethal toxin-induced rat death is controlled by a single chromosome 10 locus that includes rNlrp1.

PubMed

Newman, Zachary L; Printz, Morton P; Liu, Shihui; Crown, Devorah; Breen, Laura; Miller-Randolph, Sharmina; Flodman, Pamela; Leppla, Stephen H; Moayeri, Mahtab

2010-05-20

Anthrax lethal toxin (LT) is a bipartite protease-containing toxin and a key virulence determinant of Bacillus anthracis. In mice, LT causes the rapid lysis of macrophages isolated from certain inbred strains, but the correlation between murine macrophage sensitivity and mouse strain susceptibility to toxin challenge is poor. In rats, LT induces a rapid death in as little as 37 minutes through unknown mechanisms. We used a recombinant inbred (RI) rat panel of 19 strains generated from LT-sensitive and LT-resistant progenitors to map LT sensitivity in rats to a locus on chromosome 10 that includes the inflammasome NOD-like receptor (NLR) sensor, Nlrp1. This gene is the closest rat homolog of mouse Nlrp1b, which was previously shown to control murine macrophage sensitivity to LT. An absolute correlation between in vitro macrophage sensitivity to LT-induced lysis and animal susceptibility to the toxin was found for the 19 RI strains and 12 additional rat strains. Sequencing Nlrp1 from these strains identified five polymorphic alleles. Polymorphisms within the N-terminal 100 amino acids of the Nlrp1 protein were perfectly correlated with LT sensitivity. These data suggest that toxin-mediated lethality in rats as well as macrophage sensitivity in this animal model are controlled by a single locus on chromosome 10 that is likely to be the inflammasome NLR sensor, Nlrp1.

Less aggressive disease in patients with primary squamous cell carcinomas of the thyroid gland and coexisting lymphocytic thyroiditis.

PubMed

Asik, Mehmet; Binnetoglu, Emine; Sen, Hacer; Gunes, Fahri; Muratli, Asli; Kankaya, Duygu; Uysal, Fatma; Sahin, Mustafa; Ukinc, Kubilay

2015-01-01

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the thyroid gland is extremely rare. Infrequently, primary SCC of the thyroid gland is accompanied by other thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Recently, studies have demonstrated that differentiated thyroid cancer with coexisting HT has a better prognosis. However, the prognosis of patients with primary SCC of the thyroid gland and coexistent HT has not been clearly identified. We compared the clinical characteristics and disease stages of patients with primary SCC with and without lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT). We reviewed reports of primary SCC of the thyroid gland published in the English literature. We identified 46 papers that included 17 cases of primary SCC of the thyroid gland with LT and 77 cases of primary SCC of the thyroid gland without LT. Lymph node metastasis and local invasion rates did not differ between these two groups. Distant metastases were absent in patients with LT, and were observed in 13 (16.9%) patients without LT. A greater proportion of patients without LT had advanced stage disease (stage IV A-B-C) than patients with LT (p < 0.05). Patients with primary SCC of the thyroid gland and coexisting LT had lower tumour-node-metastasis stage and frequency of distant metastasis than those without LT. Lymphocytic infiltration in patients with SCC appears to limit tumour growth and distant metastases.

Self-management and self-efficacy status in liver recipients.

PubMed

Xing, Lei; Chen, Qin-Yun; Li, Jia-Ning; Hu, Zhi-Qiu; Zhang, Ye; Tao, Ran

2015-06-01

Liver transplantation (LT) is a viable treatment for patients with end-stage chronic liver diseases. The main aim of LT is to prolong life and improve life quality. However, although survival after LT continues to improve, some aspects of recipient's health-related quality of life such as self-management and self-efficacy have been largely ignored. A total of 124 LT recipients were included in this study. Questionnaires for general health status information and a "Self-Management Questionnaire for Liver Transplantation Recipients" modified from the Chinese version of "Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Questionnaire Code Book" were used in the survey. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaires. The overall status of self-management in LT recipients was not optimistic. The major variables affecting the self-management of LT recipients were marital status, educational level and employment. The overall status of self-efficacy in LT recipients was around the medium-level. Postoperative time and self-assessment of overall health status were found as the factors impacting on self-efficacy. The self-management behavior of LT recipients needs to be improved. The health care professionals need to offer targeted health education to individual patients, help them to establish healthy lifestyle, enhance physical activity and improve self-efficacy. The development of the multilevel and multifaceted social support system will greatly facilitate the self-management in LT patients.

Advancements in the treatment of hypothyroidism with L-T4 liquid formulation or soft gel capsule: an update.

PubMed

Fallahi, Poupak; Ferrari, Silvia Martina; Ruffilli, Ilaria; Ragusa, Francesca; Biricotti, Marco; Materazzi, Gabriele; Miccoli, Paolo; Antonelli, Alessandro

2017-05-01

The most recent advance concerning levothyroxine (L-T4) therapy is the development of novel oral formulations: the liquid preparation, and the soft gel capsule. Areas covered: This review evaluates the most recent clinical studies about these new formulations. The liquid formulation has been shown to overcome: the food and beverages intereference with L-T4 tablets absorption, caused by food or coffee at breakfast; malabsorption induced by the increased gastric pH, resulting from atrophic gastritis, or due to proton-pump inhibitors; and malabsorption after bariatric surgery. The use of liquid L-T4 has been studied also in pregnancy, newborns and infants, suggesting a better bioequivalence than tablets. Finally, liquid L-T4 is more active than tablets in the control of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in hypothyroid patients without malabsorption, drug interference, or gastric disorders, leading to a hypothesized higher absorption of liquid L-T4 also in these patients. Few studies have evaluated soft gel L-T4 with promising results in patients with malabsorption related to coffee or gastritis. Expert opinion: Liquid L-T4 (and soft gel capsules) are more active than the tablet L-T4 in the control of TSH in hypothyroid patients with gastric disorders, malabsorption, or drug interference, but also in patients without absorption disorders.

Patients with high serum substance P levels previously to liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma have higher risk of one-year liver transplantation mortality.

PubMed

Lorente, Leonardo; Rodriguez, Sergio T; Sanz, Pablo; Pérez-Cejas, Antonia; Padilla, Javier; Díaz, Dácil; González, Antonio; Martín, María M; Jiménez, Alejandro; Cerro, Purificación; Barrera, Manuel A

2018-04-20

Substance P is a tachykinins family member with inflammatory effects. Higher circulating levels of substance P have been found in patients with liver diseases and in patients with higher severity of liver diseases. The objective of this study was to determine whether serum levels of substance P levels, prior to liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are associated with one-year LT mortality. In this observational retrospective unicenter study were included patients with LT for HCC. Serum levels of substance P were measured before LT. The end-point of the study was one-year mortality after LT. We found that one-year survivor patients ( n = 127) showed a lower age in liver donors ( p = 0.03) and lower levels of serum substance P levels ( p = 0.003) than non-survivor patients ( n = 15). Logistic regression analysis showed that serum levels of substance P (levels) were associated with one-year mortality (Odds Ratio = 1.011; 95% CI = 1.004-1.018; p = 0.002) controlling for the age of the LT donor. We believe that our study is the first study reporting data on circulating levels of substance P previously to LT for HCC, and an association between elevated levels of serum substance P before LT and mortality during the first year of LT.

Patients with high serum substance P levels previously to liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma have higher risk of one-year liver transplantation mortality

PubMed Central

Lorente, Leonardo; Rodriguez, Sergio T.; Sanz, Pablo; Pérez-Cejas, Antonia; Padilla, Javier; Díaz, Dácil; González, Antonio; Martín, María M.; Jiménez, Alejandro; Cerro, Purificación; Barrera, Manuel A.

2018-01-01

Purpose Substance P is a tachykinins family member with inflammatory effects. Higher circulating levels of substance P have been found in patients with liver diseases and in patients with higher severity of liver diseases. The objective of this study was to determine whether serum levels of substance P levels, prior to liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are associated with one-year LT mortality. Material and Methods In this observational retrospective unicenter study were included patients with LT for HCC. Serum levels of substance P were measured before LT. The end-point of the study was one-year mortality after LT. Results We found that one-year survivor patients (n = 127) showed a lower age in liver donors (p = 0.03) and lower levels of serum substance P levels (p = 0.003) than non-survivor patients (n = 15). Logistic regression analysis showed that serum levels of substance P (levels) were associated with one-year mortality (Odds Ratio = 1.011; 95% CI = 1.004–1.018; p = 0.002) controlling for the age of the LT donor. Conclusions We believe that our study is the first study reporting data on circulating levels of substance P previously to LT for HCC, and an association between elevated levels of serum substance P before LT and mortality during the first year of LT. PMID:29765559

Accepting multiple simultaneous liver offers does not negatively impact transplant outcomes.

PubMed

Eldeen, Firas Zahr; Mourad, Moustafa Mabrouk; Bhandari, Mayank; Roll, Garrett; Gunson, Bridget; Mergental, Hynek; Bramhall, Simon; Isaac, John; Muiesan, Paolo; Mirza, Darius F; Perera, M Thamara P R

2016-02-01

Impact of performing multiple liver transplants (LT) in a short period of time is unknown. Consecutively performed LT potentially increase complication rates through team fatigue and overutilization of resources and increase ischemia time. We analyzed the impact of undertaking consecutive LT (Consecutive liver transplant, CLT; LT preceded by another transplant performed not more than 12 h before, both transplants grouped together) on outcomes. Of 1702 LT performed, 314 (18.4%) were CLT. Outcome data was compared with solitary LT (SLT; not more than one LT in 12-h period). Recipient, donor, and graft characteristics were evenly matched between SLT and CLT; second LT of CLT group utilized younger donors grafts with longer cold ischemic times (P = 0.015). Implantation and operative time were significantly lower in CLT recipients on intergroup analysis (P = 0.0001 and 0.002, respectively). Early hepatic artery thrombosis (E-HAT) was higher in CLT versus SLT (P = 0.038), despite absolute number of E-HAT being low in all groups. Intragroup analysis demonstrated a trend toward more frequent E-HAT in first LT, compared to subsequent transplants; however, difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.135). In era of organ scarcity, CLT performed at high-volume center is safe and allows pragmatic utilization of organs, potentially reducing number of discarded grafts and reducing waiting list mortality. © 2015 Steunstichting ESOT.

Association between Pre-Transplant Serum Malondialdehyde Levels and Survival One Year after Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PubMed Central

Lorente, Leonardo; Rodriguez, Sergio T.; Sanz, Pablo; Abreu-González, Pedro; Díaz, Dácil; Moreno, Antonia M.; Borja, Elisa; Martín, María M.; Jiménez, Alejandro; Barrera, Manuel A.

2016-01-01

Previous studies have found higher levels of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients compared to healthy controls and higher MDA concentrations in tumoral tissue of HCC patients than in non-tumoral tissue. However, the association between pre-transplant serum levels of MDA and survival in HCC patients after liver transplantation (LT) has not been described, and the aim of the present study was to determine whether such an association exists. In this observational study we measured serum MDA levels in 127 patients before LT. We found higher pre-LT serum MDA levels in 15 non-surviving than in 112 surviving patients one year after LT (p = 0.02). Exact binary logistic regression analysis revealed that pre-LT serum levels of MDA over 3.37 nmol/mL were associated with mortality after one year of LT (Odds ratio = 5.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) = from 1.580 to infinite; p = 0.007) adjusting for age of the deceased donor. The main finding of our study was that there is an association between serum MDA levels before LT for HCC and 1-year survival after LT. PMID:27058525

The limitations of Gram-stain microscopy of synovial fluid in concomitant septic and crystal arthritis.

PubMed

Stirling, Paul; Tahir, Mohammed; Atkinson, Henry Dushan

2017-03-29

Rapid diagnosis of septic arthritis from Gram-stain microscopy is limited by an inherent false-negative rate of 25-78%. The presence of concomitant crystal arthritis in 5% of cases represents a particular diagnostic challenge. This study aims to investigate the effects that a concomitant crystal arthropathy have on the ability of Gram-stain microscopy of synovial fluid to diagnose a septic arthritis. This is a 12-year retrospective cohort study. Inclusion criteria were a positive synovial fluid culture result with a positive clinical diagnosis of septic arthritis. Results were correlated with presence or absence of urate and calcium pyrophosphate crystals, and Gram-stain result. During this time our collection and analysis methods remained unchanged. All samples were collected in Lithium Heparin containers. Chi-squared test with a p value < 0.05 was considered significant. 602 synovial fluid samples were included. 162 cases of concomitant crystal arthritis were identified (27%). Of these, 16 (10%) had an initial negative Gram-stain. Of the 440 samples with no crystals detected, 18 (4%) had an initial negative Gram-stain microscopy result (p < 0.05). The incidence of concurrent septic and crystal arthritis may be higher than previously thought. Synovial fluid samples in concomitant septic and crystal arthritis are significantly less likely to have a positive Gram-stain at microscopy than in cases of an isolated septic arthritis. We would advise the clinician to maintain a high index of suspicion for septic arthritis in these patients. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

A Seven-Year Longitudinal Claim Analysis to Assess the Factors Contributing to the Increased Severity of Work-Related Injuries.

PubMed

Kalia, Nimisha; Lavin, Robert A; Yuspeh, Larry; Bernacki, Edward J; Tao, Xuguang Grant

2016-09-01

In recent decades, the frequency of Medical Only (MO) and Lost Time (LT) workers' compensation claims has decreased, while average severity (medical and indemnity costs) has increased. The aim of this study was to compare claim frequency, mix, and severity (cost) over two periods using a claim cohort follow-up method. Sixty-two thousand five hundred thirty-three claims during two periods (1999 to 2002 and 2003 to 2006) were followed seven years postinjury. Descriptive analysis and significant testing methods were used to compare claim frequency and costs. The number of claims per $1 M of premium decreased 50.4% for MO claims and 35.6% for LT claims, consequently increasing the LT claim proportion. The average cost of LT claims did not increase. The severity increase is attributable to the proportional change in LT and MO claims. While the number of LT claims decreased, the inflation-adjusted average cost of LT claims did not increase.

Christoph Scheiner's eye studies.

PubMed

Daxecker, F

1992-01-01

Christoph Scheiner was born in 1573 or 1575. In 1595 he entered into the Order of the Jesuits; he died in 1650. In 1619 his book Oculus, dealing with the optics of the eye, appeared in Innsbruck. The invention of the telescope was of utmost importance for progress in astronomical and physical research. Scheiner himself built telescopes and discovered the sunspots. As a result, an unpleasant priority dispute with Galilei ensued. From 1624 onwards, Scheiner was in Rome, where his main work Rosa Ursina was published in 1630. A part of this book deals with the physiological optics of the eye as well. Some of his discoveries and experiments are taken from these two books: determination of the radius of curvature of the cornea, discovery of the nasal exit of the optic nerve, increase in the radius of curvature of the lens in case of accommodation, Scheiner's procedure (double images with ametropia), refractive indices of various parts of the eye, Scheiner's experiment. Without any doubt, Christoph Scheiner belongs to the foremost scientists of the first half of the 17th century.

Evaluation of glycerol, a biodiesel coproduct, in grow-finish pig diets to support growth and pork quality.

PubMed

Schieck, S J; Shurson, G C; Kerr, B J; Johnston, L J

2010-12-01

Crossbred pigs (n = 216; BW = 31.3 ± 1.8 kg) were used to determine the effects of long- and short-term feeding of crude glycerol on growth performance, carcass traits, and pork quality of grow-finish pigs. Pigs were blocked by initial BW, and pens within blocks were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 dietary treatments (24 pens; 9 pigs/pen). Dietary treatments were control, a corn-soybean meal-based diet (CON); long-term, CON + 8% glycerol fed throughout the experiment (LT); and short-term, pigs fed CON for the first 6 wk followed by CON + 8% glycerol fed during the last 8 wk of the experiment (ShT). Pigs fed LT had greater (P < 0.05) ADG, whereas pigs fed ShT tended (P < 0.10) to grow faster than CON (CON = 0.962 kg/d, LT = 0.996 kg/d, and ShT = 0.992 kg/d; SE = 0.01). Pigs assigned to LT had greater (P < 0.05) ADFI compared with CON, whereas ShT-fed pigs had similar ADFI to CON (CON = 2.78 kg/d, LT = 2.93 kg/d, and ShT = 2.86 kg/d; SE = 0.03). Gain:feed tended (P < 0.10) to be greater for CON- and ShT-fed pigs compared with LT-fed pigs (CON = 0.346, LT = 0.339, and ShT = 0.346; SE = 0.002). Hot carcass weight was greater (P < 0.05) for LT-fed pigs compared with CON, whereas ShT-fed pigs had HCW similar to both LT- and CON-fed pigs (CON = 94.8 kg, LT = 97.5 kg, and ShT = 96.3 kg; SE = 0.90). Dressing percentage of CON-fed pigs was similar to both LT- and ShT-fed pigs, but LT-fed pigs tended to have greater (P = 0.06) dressing percentage than ShT-fed pigs (CON = 74.5%, LT = 74.9%, and ShT = 74.3%; SE = 0.16). Tenth-rib backfat (P = 0.26) and LM area (P = 0.17) were not affected by dietary treatment. There was a trend (P < 0.10) for LT-fed pigs to have a smaller fat-free lean percentage than CON-fed pigs (CON = 53.1%, LT = 52.26%, and ShT = 52.67%; SE = 0.25). Short-term glycerol feeding increased (P < 0.05) belly firmness compared with CON and had similar belly firmness compared with LT-fed pigs (CON = 29.46°, LT = 35.16°, and ST = 42.08°; SE = 3.07). Dietary treatment had no effect (P > 0.60) on pork quality of loins based on taste panel assessments. Feeding pigs 8% crude glycerol throughout the grow-finish period resulted in a 3% improvement in growth rate and a 2% depression in BW gain efficiency compared with CON diets. Grow-finish pigs fed diets containing 8% crude glycerol during the last 8 wk before slaughter achieved growth performance similar to pigs fed CON diets. Effects of crude glycerol on carcass traits seem to be limited to improvements in belly firmness with short-term feeding of glycerol.

The Role of Intestinal Bacteria in Acute Diarrheal Diseases

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-01

another enteric pathogen, Vibrio cholerae , is present in high number in the cral cavity during acute and convalescent periods. Also, the buccal cells...h42 LT/ST + - - 2 K32&c4 AD) Kenya ... . .- r K32ScT All Kenya - LT - - - NT TD46ZcT ADY Mexfco 06:HT6 LT/ST - - - Z13 TD260cl AD Mexico 06:H16 LT...2 TD514c! AD Mexico .. . . NT TD472cI A Mexico LT/ST - - NT TD514cZ AD Mexico - NT "TABLE 1 CONTINUED 2 1 Enterotoxins MR-HA Pili 3 Human Strains

An Analysis of Success in Systems Program Management.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-02-27

D’Neill Lt en. Edmund F. O’Connor Lt :en. john B. Hudson I t. Cen. Robert T. Marsh ’t. ’-en. Rotert C . Mathis It. Cen. Z.eorge H. 2yivester...Snaveiy Lt. Gen. Harry E. Goldsworthy Lt. Gen. Robert C . Ruegg Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Gerrity OSD/DDR&E Dr. m.J. Perry Dr. M. Currie Dr. John Foster OSD/PA&E...UNCLASSIFIED NI*2 fflfflfllfllflfflfEEhEhEEE El/llEEEEEl/E- EEEEEE/I/I- mE....-.I/1 Report F33615-8 - C -5184.11 rmi AN ANALYSIS OF SUCCESS IN SYSTEMS

Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of parenterally administered human alpha-lymphotoxin in normal and meth-A tumor-bearing BALB/c mice

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

Averbook, B.J.; Jeffes, E.B.; Yamamoto, R.S.

1989-08-01

These in vivo studies examine the pharmacokinetics of parenterally administered purified, native human alpha-lymphotoxin (LT) in normal and Meth-A bearing BALB/c mice. We found that the lytic activity of alpha-LT was inactivated within 5 h in the blood of both normal and tumor-bearing mice in vivo. However, LT bioactivity in vitro was not affected by incubation with fresh serum. Radioiodinated LT was rapidly sequestered in the kidneys of both normal and tumor-bearing animals. Systemically administered, radioiodinated LT did not selectively localize in tumor tissues.

Do Ligamentum Teres Tears Portend Inferior Outcomes in Patients With Borderline Dysplasia Undergoing Hip Arthroscopic Surgery? A Match-Controlled Study With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up.

PubMed

Chaharbakhshi, Edwin O; Perets, Itay; Ashberg, Lyall; Mu, Brian; Lenkeit, Christopher; Domb, Benjamin G

2017-09-01

Arthroscopic surgery in borderline dysplastic hips remains controversial, but the role of the ligamentum teres (LT) has not been studied in this setting. Borderline dysplastic patients with LT tears have worse short-term outcomes than those without LT tears. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Data were prospectively collected on patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery between February 2008 and April 2014. The inclusion criteria were borderline dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle [LCEA], 18°-25°) and labral tears; arthroscopic treatments including labral preservation and capsular plication; and preoperative patient-reported outcome scores including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale, and visual analog scale for pain. Patients were excluded for preoperative Tönnis osteoarthritis grade >0, workers' compensation claims, previous ipsilateral hip surgery and conditions, or frank dysplasia (LCEA <18°). Patients with LT tears were pair-matched to patients without tears for sex, age at surgery ±10 years, body mass index (<30 kg/m 2 vs ≥30 kg/m 2 ), labral treatment type, and microfracture. Of 68 eligible patients, 63 (93%) had a minimum 2-year follow-up, and 30 (48%) had LT tears. Twenty patients in each group were pair-matched. The mean follow-up time was 54.3 months (range, 24.2-83.8 months) for the LT tear group and 38.6 months (range, 24.6-70.6 months) for the control group ( P = .002). Ninety percent were female. There were no significant differences regarding demographics or intra-operative procedures. The LT tear group trended toward lower postoperative mHHS ( P = .09) and NAHS ( P = .09) values. Mean satisfaction was 8.1 for the LT tear group and 7.9 for the control group. Preoperative and follow-up scores were not significantly different between the groups. The LT tear group had 5 revisions, with 1 revision in the control group. Three patients (15%) in the LT tear group underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA); no patients in the control group required THA. In borderline dysplastic patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery with labral treatment and capsular plication, LT tears may indicate advanced instability and portend slightly inferior outcomes when compared with a match-controlled group. Borderline dysplastic patients with LT tears may have increased propensities toward revision arthroscopic surgery and conversion to THA. LT tears in these patients may warrant consideration for additional procedures including periacetabular osteotomy and LT reconstruction.

CysLT2 receptor activation is involved in LTC4-induced lung air-trapping in guinea pigs.

PubMed

Sekioka, Tomohiko; Kadode, Michiaki; Yonetomi, Yasuo; Kamiya, Akihiro; Fujita, Manabu; Nabe, Takeshi; Kawabata, Kazuhito

2017-01-05

CysLT 1 receptors are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. However, the functional roles of CysLT 2 receptors in this condition have not been determined. The purpose of this study is to develop an experimental model of CysLT 2 receptor-mediated LTC 4 -induced lung air-trapping in guinea pigs and use this model to clarify the mechanism underlying response to such trapping. Because LTC 4 is rapidly converted to LTD 4 by γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GTP) under physiological conditions, S-hexyl GSH was used as a γ-GTP inhibitor. In anesthetized artificially ventilated guinea pigs with no S-hexyl GSH treatment, i.v. LTC 4 -induced bronchoconstriction was almost completely inhibited by montelukast, a CysLT 1 receptor antagonist, but not by BayCysLT 2 RA, a CysLT 2 receptor antagonist. The inhibitory effect of montelukast was diminished by treatment with S-hexyl GSH, whereas the effect of BayCysLT 2 RA was enhanced with increasing dose of S-hexyl GSH. Macroscopic and histological examination of lung tissue isolated from LTC 4 -/S-hexyl-GSH-treated guinea pigs revealed air-trapping expansion, particularly at the alveolar site. Inhaled LTC 4 in conscious guinea pigs treated with S-hexyl GSH increased both airway resistance and airway hyperinflation. On the other hand, LTC 4 -induced air-trapping was only partially suppressed by treatment with the bronchodilator salmeterol. Although montelukast inhibition of LTC 4 -induced air-trapping was weak, treatment with BayCysLT 2 RA resulted in complete suppression of this air-trapping. Furthermore, BayCysLT 2 RA completely suppressed LTC 4 -induced airway vascular hyperpermeability. In conclusion, we found in this study that CysLT 2 receptors mediate LTC 4 -induced bronchoconstriction and air-trapping in S-hexyl GSH-treated guinea pigs. It is therefore believed that CysLT 2 receptors contribute to asthmatic response involving air-trapping. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mapping of a microbial protein domain involved in binding and activation of the TLR2/TLR1 heterodimer.

PubMed

Liang, Shuang; Hosur, Kavita B; Lu, Shanyun; Nawar, Hesham F; Weber, Benjamin R; Tapping, Richard I; Connell, Terry D; Hajishengallis, George

2009-03-01

The pentameric B subunit of type IIb Escherichia coli enterotoxin (LT-IIb-B(5)), a doughnut-shaped oligomeric protein from enterotoxigenic E. coli, activates the TLR2/TLR1 heterodimer (TLR2/1). We investigated the molecular basis of the LT-IIb-B(5) interaction with TLR2/1 to define the structure-function relationship of LT-IIb-B(5) and, moreover, to gain an insight into how TLR2/1 recognizes large, nonacylated protein ligands that cannot fit within its lipid-binding pockets, as previously shown for the Pam(3)CysSerLys(4) (Pam(3)CSK(4)) lipopeptide. We first identified four critical residues in the upper region of the LT-IIb-B(5) pore. Corresponding point mutants (M69E, A70D, L73E, S74D) were defective in binding TLR2 or TLR1 and could not activate APCs, despite retaining full ganglioside-binding capacity. Point mutations in the TLR2/1 dimer interface, as determined in the crystallographic structure of the TLR2/1-Pam(3)CSK(4) complex, resulted in diminished activation by both Pam(3)CSK(4) and LT-IIb-B(5). Docking analysis of the LT-IIb-B(5) interaction with this apparently predominant activation conformation of TLR2/1 revealed that LT-IIb-B(5) might primarily contact the convex surface of the TLR2 central domain. Although the TLR1/LT-IIb-B(5) interface is relatively smaller, the leucine-rich repeat motifs 9-12 in the central domain of TLR1 were found to be critical for cooperative TLR2-induced cell activation by LT-IIb-B(5). Moreover, the putative LT-IIb-B(5) binding site overlaps partially with that of Pam(3)CSK(4); consistent with this, Pam(3)CSK(4) suppressed TLR2 binding of LT-IIb-B(5), albeit not as potently as self-competitive inhibition. We identified the upper pore region of LT-IIb-B(5) as a TLR2/1 interactive domain, which contacts the heterodimeric receptor at a site that is distinct from, although it overlaps with, that of Pam(3)CSK(4).

Mapping of a Microbial Protein Domain Involved in Binding and Activation of the TLR2/TLR1 Heterodimer 1

PubMed Central

Liang, Shuang; Hosur, Kavita B.; Lu, Shanyun; Nawar, Hesham F.; Weber, Benjamin R.; Tapping, Richard I.; Connell, Terry D.; Hajishengallis, George

2009-01-01

LT-IIb-B5, a doughnut-shaped oligomeric protein from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, is known to activate the TLR2/TLR1 heterodimer (TLR2/1). We investigated the molecular basis of the LT-IIb-B5 interaction with TLR2/1 in order to define the structure-function relationship of LT-IIb-B5 and, moreover, to gain an insight into how TLR2/1 recognizes large, non-acylated protein ligands that cannot fit within its lipid-binding pockets, as previously shown for the Pam3CSK4 lipopeptide. We first identified four critical residues in the upper region of the LT-IIb-B5 pore: Corresponding point mutants (M69E, A70D, L73E, S74D) were defective in binding TLR2 or TLR1 and could not activate antigen-presenting cells, despite retaining full ganglioside-binding capacity. Point mutations in the TLR2/1 dimer interface, as determined in the crystallographic structure of the TLR2/1-Pam3CSK4 complex, resulted in diminished activation by both Pam3CSK4 and LT-IIb-B5. Docking analysis of the LT-IIb-B5 interaction with this apparently “predominant” activation conformation of TLR2/1 revealed that LT-IIb-B5 may primarily contact the convex surface of the TLR2 central domain. Although the TLR1/LT-IIb-B5 interface is relatively smaller, the leucine-rich repeat motifs 9–12 in the central domain of TLR1 were found to be critical for cooperative TLR2-induced cell activation by LT-IIb-B5. Moreover, the putative LT-IIb-B5 binding site overlaps partially with that of Pam3CSK4; consistent with this, Pam3CSK4 suppressed TLR2 binding of LT-IIb-B5, albeit not as potently as self-competitive inhibition. In conclusion, we identified the upper pore region of LT-IIb-B5 as a TLR2/1 interactive domain, which contacts the heterodimeric receptor at a site that is distinct from, though overlaps with, that of Pam3CSK4. PMID:19234193

Reading Aloud and Solving Simple Arithmetic Calculation Intervention (Learning Therapy) Improves Inhibition, Verbal Episodic Memory, Focus Attention and Processing Speed in Healthy Elderly People: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Nouchi, Rui; Taki, Yasuyuki; Takeuchi, Hikaru; Nozawa, Takayuki; Sekiguchi, Atsushi; Kawashima, Ryuta

2016-01-01

Background: Previous reports have described that simple cognitive training using reading aloud and solving simple arithmetic calculations, so-called “learning therapy”, can improve executive functions and processing speed in the older adults. Nevertheless, it is not well-known whether learning therapy improve a wide range of cognitive functions or not. We investigated the beneficial effects of learning therapy on various cognitive functions in healthy older adults. Methods: We used a single-blinded intervention with two groups (learning therapy group: LT and waiting list control group: WL). Sixty-four elderly were randomly assigned to LT or WL. In LT, participants performed reading Japanese aloud and solving simple calculations training tasks for 6 months. WL did not participate in the intervention. We measured several cognitive functions before and after 6 months intervention periods. Results: Compared to WL, results revealed that LT improved inhibition performance in executive functions (Stroop: LT (Mean = 3.88) vs. WL (Mean = 1.22), adjusted p = 0.013 and reverse Stroop LT (Mean = 3.22) vs. WL (Mean = 1.59), adjusted p = 0.015), verbal episodic memory (Logical Memory (LM): LT (Mean = 4.59) vs. WL (Mean = 2.47), adjusted p = 0.015), focus attention (D-CAT: LT (Mean = 2.09) vs. WL (Mean = −0.59), adjusted p = 0.010) and processing speed compared to the WL control group (digit symbol coding: LT (Mean = 5.00) vs. WL (Mean = 1.13), adjusted p = 0.015 and Symbol Search (SS): LT (Mean = 3.47) vs. WL (Mean = 1.81), adjusted p = 0.014). Discussion: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) can be showed the benefit of LT on inhibition of executive functions, verbal episodic memory, focus attention and processing speed in healthy elderly people. Our results were discussed under overlapping hypothesis. PMID:27242481

Protective Effect of Immunization of Rats with Holotoxin or B Subunit of Escherichia coli Heat-Labile Enterotoxin

PubMed Central

Klipstein, Frederick A.; Engert, Richard F.

1981-01-01

The relative immunogenicities of three forms of the Escherichia coli heatlabile enterotoxin (LT), the holotoxin, its B subunit, and the polymyxin-release form (PM LT) were compared by immunizing rats with various dosages of each given exclusively by the parenteral (IP/IP) or peroral (PO/PO) routes or by a combination of the two (IP/PO). The degree of protection was evaluated by challenge in ligated ileal loops, and the serum antitoxin response was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with homologous antigens. When given by the PO/PO route, each LT antigen provided only weak protection against the toxin and virtually none against viable LT-producing strains; serum antitoxin titers were not significantly increased. When the toxins were given after a parental primary immunization by either the IP/IP or the IP/PO routes, each LT antigen provided a dose-related increase in serum antitoxin titers and in the degree of protection against the toxin as well as against viable strains which produce LT alone (LT+/ST−) or in combination with the heat-stable toxin (LT+/ST+). The degree of protection against viable bacteria, particularly the LT+/ST+ strain, was stronger in animals which received booster immunizations by the PO route. When expressed on the basis of molar equivalents, holotoxin provided significant protection (a protection index of >5 against toxin challenge and >50% reduced secretion with bacterial challenge) with 4 to 15 times fewer moles than PM LT and up to 50 times fewer moles than the B subunit. These observations indicate that, on the basis of molar equivalents, the holotoxin (which contains one A plus five or six B subunits) is a more potent immunogen than either PM LT (which contains one A and probably one B subunit) or the B subunit. PMID:7011990

Reading Aloud and Solving Simple Arithmetic Calculation Intervention (Learning Therapy) Improves Inhibition, Verbal Episodic Memory, Focus Attention and Processing Speed in Healthy Elderly People: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Nouchi, Rui; Taki, Yasuyuki; Takeuchi, Hikaru; Nozawa, Takayuki; Sekiguchi, Atsushi; Kawashima, Ryuta

2016-01-01

Previous reports have described that simple cognitive training using reading aloud and solving simple arithmetic calculations, so-called "learning therapy", can improve executive functions and processing speed in the older adults. Nevertheless, it is not well-known whether learning therapy improve a wide range of cognitive functions or not. We investigated the beneficial effects of learning therapy on various cognitive functions in healthy older adults. We used a single-blinded intervention with two groups (learning therapy group: LT and waiting list control group: WL). Sixty-four elderly were randomly assigned to LT or WL. In LT, participants performed reading Japanese aloud and solving simple calculations training tasks for 6 months. WL did not participate in the intervention. We measured several cognitive functions before and after 6 months intervention periods. Compared to WL, results revealed that LT improved inhibition performance in executive functions (Stroop: LT (Mean = 3.88) vs. WL (Mean = 1.22), adjusted p = 0.013 and reverse Stroop LT (Mean = 3.22) vs. WL (Mean = 1.59), adjusted p = 0.015), verbal episodic memory (Logical Memory (LM): LT (Mean = 4.59) vs. WL (Mean = 2.47), adjusted p = 0.015), focus attention (D-CAT: LT (Mean = 2.09) vs. WL (Mean = -0.59), adjusted p = 0.010) and processing speed compared to the WL control group (digit symbol coding: LT (Mean = 5.00) vs. WL (Mean = 1.13), adjusted p = 0.015 and Symbol Search (SS): LT (Mean = 3.47) vs. WL (Mean = 1.81), adjusted p = 0.014). This randomized controlled trial (RCT) can be showed the benefit of LT on inhibition of executive functions, verbal episodic memory, focus attention and processing speed in healthy elderly people. Our results were discussed under overlapping hypothesis.

Classification of Types of Stuttering Symptoms Based on Brain Activity

PubMed Central

Jiang, Jing; Lu, Chunming; Peng, Danling; Zhu, Chaozhe; Howell, Peter

2012-01-01

Among the non-fluencies seen in speech, some are more typical (MT) of stuttering speakers, whereas others are less typical (LT) and are common to both stuttering and fluent speakers. No neuroimaging work has evaluated the neural basis for grouping these symptom types. Another long-debated issue is which type (LT, MT) whole-word repetitions (WWR) should be placed in. In this study, a sentence completion task was performed by twenty stuttering patients who were scanned using an event-related design. This task elicited stuttering in these patients. Each stuttered trial from each patient was sorted into the MT or LT types with WWR put aside. Pattern classification was employed to train a patient-specific single trial model to automatically classify each trial as MT or LT using the corresponding fMRI data. This model was then validated by using test data that were independent of the training data. In a subsequent analysis, the classification model, just established, was used to determine which type the WWR should be placed in. The results showed that the LT and the MT could be separated with high accuracy based on their brain activity. The brain regions that made most contribution to the separation of the types were: the left inferior frontal cortex and bilateral precuneus, both of which showed higher activity in the MT than in the LT; and the left putamen and right cerebellum which showed the opposite activity pattern. The results also showed that the brain activity for WWR was more similar to that of the LT and fluent speech than to that of the MT. These findings provide a neurological basis for separating the MT and the LT types, and support the widely-used MT/LT symptom grouping scheme. In addition, WWR play a similar role as the LT, and thus should be placed in the LT type. PMID:22761887

On the application of light therapy in German-speaking countries.

PubMed

Fischer, Reinhard; Kasper, Siegfried; Pjrek, Edda; Winkler, Dietmar

2012-09-01

Many studies have investigated seasonal affective disorder (SAD; fall-winter-depression) and its treatment with light therapy (LT). However, to the best of our knowledge, no other study has investigated the usage of LT in Europe since 1994. Thus, we performed a survey in hospitals with adult psychiatric departments in German-speaking countries by questionnaire. First, a questionnaire was constructed, considering also recent developments in LT. This questionnaire was sent to all hospitals with adult psychiatric departments listed in the "Deutsches Krankenhaus Adressbuch," which contains hospitals from all German-speaking countries (Germany, Switzerland, and Austria). Non-responders were asked to answer the questionnaire by mail and by phone. We achieved a completion rate of 58%. Data show almost no relevant, non-artificial differences between countries as well as between type of hospital. LT is more frequently used in university and state hospitals than in other types of treatment facilities. Compared to 1994, the major findings are (1) a substantial increase in the use of LT from 13.0 to 69.8% with no differences between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, (2) this increase is mostly due to treatment for various forms of depression and further possible applications are less often considered, (3) there is a shift in the usage of LT from monotherapy to combination of pharmacotherapy with LT as an adjunctive treatment, and (4) a north-south comparison showed no substantial differences. Considerably higher rates of usage of LT have been found compared to the last survey in German-speaking countries taking place in 1994. Usage almost tripled; however, possible indications for LT other than SAD and non-seasonal depression are not applied to full extent. Further efforts on the propagation of LT should therefore be undertaken, with the same rigorous studies as for pharmacotherapy.

Liver transplantation nearly normalizes brain spontaneous activity and cognitive function at 1 month: a resting-state functional MRI study.

PubMed

Cheng, Yue; Huang, Lixiang; Zhang, Xiaodong; Zhong, Jianhui; Ji, Qian; Xie, Shuangshuang; Chen, Lihua; Zuo, Panli; Zhang, Long Jiang; Shen, Wen

2015-08-01

To investigate the short-term brain activity changes in cirrhotic patients with Liver transplantation (LT) using resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) with regional homogeneity (ReHo) method. Twenty-six cirrhotic patients as transplant candidates and 26 healthy controls were included in this study. The assessment was repeated for a sub-group of 12 patients 1 month after LT. ReHo values were calculated to evaluate spontaneous brain activity and whole brain voxel-wise analysis was carried to detect differences between groups. Correlation analyses were performed to explore the relationship between the change of ReHo with the change of clinical indexes pre- and post-LT. Compared to pre-LT, ReHo values increased in the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), right inferior parietal lobule (IPL), right supplementary motor area (SMA), right STG and left middle frontal gyrus (MFG) in patients post-LT. Compared to controls, ReHo values of post-LT patients decreased in the right precuneus, right SMA and increased in bilateral temporal pole, left caudate, left MFG, and right STG. The changes of ReHo in the right SMA, STG and IFG were correlated with change of digit symbol test (DST) scores (P < 0.05 uncorrected). This study found that, at 1 month after LT, spontaneous brain activity of most brain regions with decreased ReHo in pre-LT was substantially improved and nearly normalized, while spontaneous brain activity of some brain regions with increased ReHo in pre-LT continuously increased. ReHo may provide information on the neural mechanisms of LT' effects on brain function.

Risk Factors and Outcomes of De Novo Cancers (Excluding Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer) After Liver Transplantation for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.

PubMed

Mouchli, Mohamad A; Singh, Siddharth; Loftus, Edward V; Boardman, Lisa; Talwalkar, Jayant; Rosen, Charles B; Heimbach, Julie K; Wiesner, Russell H; Hasan, Bashar; Poterucha, John J; Kymberly, Watt D

2017-08-01

Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) may be at higher risk of malignancy after liver transplantation (LT) compared to other LT recipients. We aimed to determine the cumulative incidence of/risk factors for long-term cancer-related mortality in patients with PSC after LT. All adult patients underwent LT for PSC without cholangiocarcinoma from 1984 to 2012, with follow-up through June 2015. We estimated cumulative incidence, risk factors, and mortality from de novo malignancies after LT. Two hundred ninety-three patients were identified (mean [SD] age, 47 [12] years; 63.3% males; 2.4% smoking at LT). Over a median of 11.5 years (range, 6.4-18.6 years), 64 patients (21.8%) developed 73 nonskin cancers, including 46 solid-organ cancers (renal, 11; colorectal, 11; prostate, 7; breast, 5; pancreas, 5; ovarian/endometrial/vulvar cancers, 3; and de novo cholangiocarcinoma, 4). Twenty-two patients developed hematologic malignancies (posttransplant lymphoproliferative diseases, 18; Hodgkin disease, 2; and myelodysplastic syndrome, 2). Five patients developed melanoma. The 1-, 5-, 10-, and 20-year cumulative incidences of cancer were 2.1%, 8.6%, 18.7%, and 27%, respectively. Mortality of patients with PSC who developed cancer was higher than that of patients with PSC without cancer (hazard ratio, 2.2; P < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, recipient's age and elevated pre-LT international normalized ratio were associated with increased risk of de novo (nonskin) malignancy. The 10-year cumulative risk of cancer after LT for advanced-stage PSC was 18.7%, with posttransplant lymphoproliferative diseases, colorectal cancer, and renal cell cancer being the most common. Post-LT de novo nonskin cancer decreased overall posttransplant survival. Only recipient's age and elevated international normalized ratio at LT were associated with increased nonskin cancer risk.

Evaluation of Piper aduncum Linn. Essential Oil (Fam:Piperaceae) against Periplaneta americana (L.).

PubMed

Ling A, I; Sulaiman, S; Othman, H

2009-01-01

The efficacy of Piper aduncum essential oil was evaluated against Periplaneta americana adults and nymphs in the laboratory. The plant essential oil at varying concentrations ranging between 10,000 to 80,000 ppm were placed inside glass beakers, rolled horizontally to ensure the essential oil covers all sides of the beakers and exposed to adults and nymphs of P. americana. Resigen (R) 1ppm was used as positive control and distilled water as negative control. The LT50 and LT90 was obtained using Log Probit programme. Exposure of essential oil to females P. americana at concentrations between 10,000 to 80,000 ppm indicated the LT50 and LT90 values between 5.31 h-189.19 h and 14.90 h-2105.31 h, respectively. Treatment with the same concentrations against males P. americana ,the LT50 and LT90 were 2.08 h-181.73 h and 5.4 h-8460.51 h, respectively. Treatment against the nymphal stage with the same range of concentrations indicated the LT50 and LT 90 of 4.68 h-381.02 h and 28.71 h-5313.36 h, respectively.The nymphs and males were more susceptible than the females cockroaches. Treatment with Resigen (R) at 1ppm indicated much lower LT 50 and LT 90 values of 2.54 h-9.47 h for the females, 1.47 h-4.22 h for the males and 4.69 h-8.92 h for the nymphs.The negative control indicated no mortality for all stages of the cockroach. Piper aduncum essential oil can be used as an alternative natural product for controlling the cockroach Peripatetic americana.

Evaluation of Piper aduncum Linn. Essential Oil (Fam:Piperaceae) against Periplaneta americana (L.)

PubMed Central

Ling A, I; Sulaiman, S; Othman, H

2009-01-01

Background: The efficacy of Piper aduncum essential oil was evaluated against Periplaneta americana adults and nymphs in the laboratory. Methods: The plant essential oil at varying concentrations ranging between 10,000 to 80,000 ppm were placed inside glass beakers, rolled horizontally to ensure the essential oil covers all sides of the beakers and exposed to adults and nymphs of P. americana. Resigen (R) 1ppm was used as positive control and distilled water as negative control. The LT50 and LT90 was obtained using Log Probit programme. Results: Exposure of essential oil to females P. americana at concentrations between 10,000 to 80,000 ppm indicated the LT50 and LT90 values between 5.31 h–189.19 h and 14.90 h–2105.31 h, respectively. Treatment with the same concentrations against males P. americana ,the LT50 and LT90 were 2.08 h–181.73 h and 5.4 h–8460.51 h, respectively. Treatment against the nymphal stage with the same range of concentrations indicated the LT50 and LT 90 of 4.68 h–381.02 h and 28.71 h–5313.36 h, respectively.The nymphs and males were more susceptible than the females cockroaches. Treatment with Resigen (R) at 1ppm indicated much lower LT 50 and LT 90 values of 2.54 h–9.47 h for the females, 1.47 h–4.22 h for the males and 4.69 h–8.92 h for the nymphs.The negative control indicated no mortality for all stages of the cockroach. Conclusion: Piper aduncum essential oil can be used as an alternative natural product for controlling the cockroach Peripatetic americana. PMID:22808375

Satisfaction and motivation of general physicians toward their career.

PubMed

Barikani, Ameneh; Javadi, Maryam; Mohammad, Aagil; Firooze, Barikani; Shahnazi, Mojtaba

2012-11-18

Human resource in health system especially in developing countries has main role in health promotion. Therefore their satisfaction and motivation are the key points in developing health system. To determine the motivation and satisfaction of general physicians (GP) towards their career. Using random sampling, 150 physicians were selected from comprehension commercial database list. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that consisted of three sections; first demographic data, second work satisfaction and third questions toward biologic, dependent and growth motivation. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16 with P<0.05. From participants 64.7% of physicians were in age between 30-40 years and 27.3% were men. Only 5.3% of physicians who were employed for over 10 years were satisfied from their career. Satisfaction of career among female and male physicians was 8% and 24% respectively. The item of job safety sensation in biologic motivation had maximum scale (4.1±0.89). In dependent and growth motivations, value success sensation in job (4+-0.88) and make new skills and knowledge (4+-0.67) had maximum scale of mean. Relation of growth motivators with age (P<0.01), postgraduate duration (P<0.005) was significant. Dependent motivators had significant relation with age (P<0.04), postgraduate duration (P<0.01) and employment duration (P<0.002). Biological motivators had significant relation with sex (P<0.4) and satisfaction of work hours (P<0.007). Correlation of biological (r=0.44, P<0.001) and growth (r=0.7, P<0.001) motivators was significant. Growth motivators score had higher ranking than other motivators. However, biological motivators especially job security and finance were also important and must be noticed from decision makers.

The effects of optical sensor-tissue separation in endocavitary photoplethysmography.

PubMed

Patel, Zaibaa; Thaha, Mohamed A; Kyriacou, Panayiotis A

2018-06-12

<i>Objective:</i> Intestinal anastomotic failure that occurs mainly due to ischaemia is a serious risk in colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgery. Surgeons continue to rely on subjective methods such as visual inspection to assess intestinal viability during surgery and there are no clinical tools to directly monitor viability postoperatively. A dual wavelength, reflectance optical sensor has been developed for continuous and dynamic monitoring of intestinal viability via the intestinal lumen. Maintaining direct contact between the sensor and the inner intestinal wall can be difficult in an intraluminal design, therefore impacting on signal acquisition and quality. This paper investigates the effect of direct contact versus variable distances between the sensor and the tissue surface of the buccal mucosa as a surrogate. <i>Approach:</i> The <i>in-vivo</i> study involved 20 healthy volunteers to measure the effect of optical sensor-tissue distances on the ability to acquire photoplethysmography signals and their quality. Signals were acquired from the buccal mucosa at five optical sensor-tissue distances. <i>Main results:</i> Distances between 0 mm (contact) to 5 mm were the most optimal, producing signals of high quality and signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in reliable estimations of the blood oxygen saturation. Distances exceeding 5 mm compromised the acquired signals, and were of poor quality, thereby unreliably estimating the blood oxygen saturation. <i>Significance:</i> The developed optical sensor proved to be reliable for acquiring photoplethysmography signals for cases where distances between the optical sensor-tissue may arise during the assessment of intraluminal intestinal viability. © 2018 Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.

A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines' Recommendations on Levothyroxine Therapy Alone versus Combination Therapy (LT4 plus LT3) for Hypothyroidism.

PubMed

Kraut, Eyal; Farahani, Pendar

2015-12-04

Patients with hypothyroidism are increasingly enquiring about the benefit of using combination therapy of levothyroxine (LT4) and liothyronine (LT3) as a potential treatment for hypothyroidism. Combination therapy, however, remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to systematically review available hypothyroidism treatment recommendations from clinical practice guidelines from around the world to identify the consensus regarding combination therapy. Clinical practice guidelines were obtained from searches of PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE, using several combinations of MeSH terms. The search was limited to clinical guidelines in English-language publications, published between January 1, 1990 and May 1, 2015. A quantitative approach was utilized for data synthesis. Thirteen guidelines were identified, including three regarding pregnancy, two regarding pediatric populations and eight regarding adult populations. There were six guidelines from North America, four guidelines from Europe and three guidelines from South America. Twelve of the guidelines were published after 2010. Nine guidelines addressed combination therapy of LT4 plus LT3, and all nine concluded that LT4 therapy alone is the standard of care, with insufficient evidence to recommend widespread combination therapy. Only the 2012 ETA Guidelines and the 2015 BTA Guidelines concluded that combination therapy could be used, although only in certain circumstances and as an experimental treatment. This systematic review illustrates that clinical practice guidelines worldwide do not recommend and do not support routine use of combination LT4 and LT3 therapy to treat hypothyroidism.

Metabolic Syndrome Components After Pediatric Liver Transplantation: Prevalence and the Impact of Obesity and Immunosuppression.

PubMed

Perito, E R; Lustig, R H; Rosenthal, P

2016-06-01

Metabolic syndrome is associated with long-term morbidity and mortality after adult liver transplantation (LT). Whether pediatric LT recipients have a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome remains controversial. In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated pediatric LT recipients aged 8-30 years using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) protocols. LT recipients were matched by gender, race/ethnicity, and age with controls from NHANES. Pediatric LT recipients (n = 83), after adjusting for overweight/obesity and glucocorticoid use, had increased prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT; 2-h glucose after oral glucose tolerance test ≥140 mg/dL), and low high-density lipoprotein compared to matched NHANES controls (n = 235) despite a lower prevalence of overweight/obesity. Among LT recipients, the adjusted odds of IGT doubled for every 7.5 years taking calcineurin inhibitors (odds ratio = 2.10, 95% confidence interval 1.06-4.17 per 7.5 years taking calcineurin inhibitors, p = 0.03). Among all subjects with IGT, LT recipients had a lower prevalence of overweight/obesity and less insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance) than did controls with IGT. Among normal weight subjects, LT recipients were significantly more likely than controls to have prehypertension/hypertension, IGT, low high-density lipoprotein, and metabolic syndrome. Pediatric LT recipients have unique metabolic syndrome profiles and risk factors and will require tailored screening and management protocols. © Copyright 2016 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

MAdCAM-1 expressing sacral lymph node in the lymphotoxin beta-deficient mouse provides a site for immune generation following vaginal herpes simplex virus-2 infection.

PubMed

Soderberg, Kelly A; Linehan, Melissa M; Ruddle, Nancy H; Iwasaki, Akiko

2004-08-01

The members of the lymphotoxin (LT) family of molecules play a critical role in lymphoid organogenesis. Whereas LT alpha-deficient mice lack all lymph nodes and Peyer's patches, mice deficient in LT beta retain mesenteric lymph nodes and cervical lymph nodes, suggesting that an LT beta-independent pathway exists for the generation of mucosal lymph nodes. In this study, we describe the presence of a lymph node in LT beta-deficient mice responsible for draining the genital mucosa. In the majority of LT beta-deficient mice, a lymph node was found near the iliac artery, slightly misplaced from the site of the sacral lymph node in wild-type mice. The sacral lymph node of the LT beta-deficient mice, as well as that of the wild-type mice, expressed the mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 similar to the mesenteric lymph node. Following intravaginal infection with HSV type 2, activated dendritic cells capable of stimulating a Th1 response were found in this sacral lymph node. Furthermore, normal HSV-2-specific IgG responses were generated in the LT beta-deficient mice following intravaginal HSV-2 infection even in the absence of the spleen. Therefore, an LT beta-independent pathway exists for the development of a lymph node associated with the genital mucosa, and such a lymph node serves to generate potent immune responses against viral challenge.

Effect of Pre-Transplant Serum Creatinine on the Survival Benefit of Liver Transplantation

PubMed Central

Sharma, Pratima; Schaubel, Douglas E.; Guidinger, Mary K.; Merion, Robert M.

2010-01-01

More candidates with creatinine ≥2mg/dl have undergone liver transplantation (LT) since implementation of Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD)-based allocation. These candidates have higher post-transplant mortality. This study examined the effect of serum creatinine on survival benefit among candidates undergoing LT. Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data were analyzed for adult LT candidates listed between September 2001 and December 2006 (n=38,899). The effect of serum creatinine on survival benefit (contrast between waitlist and post-LT mortality rates) was assessed by sequential stratification, an extension of Cox regression. At the same MELD score, serum creatinine at LT was inversely associated with survival benefit within certain defined MELD categories. The survival benefit significantly decreased as creatinine increased for candidates with MELD 15-17 and 24-40 at LT (MELD 15-17, p<0.0001; MELD 24-40, p=0.04). Renal replacement therapy at LT was also associated with significantly decreased LT benefit for patients with MELD scores 21-23 (p=0.04) and 24-26 (p=0.01). In conclusion, serum creatinine at LT significantly affects survival benefit at MELD 15-17 and 24-40. Given the same MELD score, patients with higher creatinine have less benefit on average and the relative ranking of a large number of wait-listed candidates with MELD scores 15-17 and 24-40 would be markedly affected if these findings were incorporated into the allocation policy. PMID:19938142

Laser-Linewidth Effects on the Photon-Phonon Conversion Rate at a Gas-Solid Interface,

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-07-01

eliminate the exp(± iwLt )-dependence and facilitate the appearance of 0(t).20󈧙 We define the density operator a(t) as 0(t) - ei(Lt + *(t))Pgp(t)e i(wLt...specific form of our transformation (3.1) to the rotating frame. We remark that other kinds of transformations 24 , which also eliminate the exp(± iwLt ) time

Validation of the Lithuanian Version of the Speech Handicap Index.

PubMed

Pribuisiene, Ruta; Liutkevicius, Vykintas; Pribuisis, Kipras; Uloza, Virgilijus

2018-05-01

The objective is to study the cultural adaptation and validation of the Speech Handicap Index (SHI) questionnaire to the Lithuanian language. Cultural adaptation and validation of the translated Lithuanian version of the SHI (SHI-LT) was performed as described by the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Medical Outcomes Trust. The SHI-LT was completed by 46 patients after total laryngectomy and by 60 healthy subjects of the control group. Validity and reliability of the SHI-LT were evaluated. The SHI-LT showed a statistically significant high internal consistency and test-retest reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.96-0.98). Good validity of SHI-LT was reflected by statistically significant (P < 0.001) difference between the mean scores of the patients and control groups (74.7 ± 26.9 and 5.5 ± 6.5, respectively). No age or gender dependence of SHI-LT was found (P > 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic test indicated that SHI-LT scores exceeding 17.0 points (cutoff value) distinguish patients from healthy controls, with a sensitivity of 97.8% and specificity of 95.0%. SHI-LT is considered to be a valid and reliable speech assessment tool for Lithuanian-speaking patients after laryngectomy. Copyright © 2018 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Molecular cloning of a C-type lectin (LvLT) from the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei: early gene down-regulation after WSSV infection.

PubMed

Ma, Tracy Hoi Tung; Tiu, Shirley Hiu Kwan; He, Jian-Guo; Chan, Siu-Ming

2007-08-01

C-type lectin is one of the pattern-recognition proteins of the non-self innate immune system in the invertebrates. In this study, a lectin-like cDNA (LvLT) of Litopenaeus vannamei was cloned and characterized. LvLT cDNA consists of 1035 nt encoding for a protein with 345 amino acid residues. The deduced LvLT consists of two putative carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) as found in most C-type lectins. The first CRD consists of an amino acid motif (QPD) for the binding of galactose and the other CRDs consist of amino acid motifs (EPN) for the binding of mannose. Except for some conserved amino acid residues, the CRD of LvLT shared an overall low amino acid sequence identity with CRDs of other lectins. Unlike other shrimp lectins, LvLT is expressed only in the hepatopancreas but not in the hemocytes as revealed by RT-PCR. When juvenile shrimp were challenged with shrimp extracts containing white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), the expression levels of LvLT decreased initially in the first 2 h and then increased to a much higher level after 4 h. The results suggest that the initial reduction in LvLT transcript level may be related to the WSSV infection in shrimp.

The Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 strain shows protective effects against the B. anthracis LT toxin.

PubMed

Pontier-Bres, Rodolphe; Rampal, Patrick; Peyron, Jean-François; Munro, Patrick; Lemichez, Emmanuel; Czerucka, Dorota

2015-10-30

The probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) has been prescribed for the prophylaxis and treatment of several infectious diarrheal diseases. Gastrointestinal anthrax causes fatal systemic disease. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects conferred by Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 strain on polarized T84 columnar epithelial cells intoxicated by the lethal toxin (LT) of Bacillus anthracis. Exposure of polarized T84 cells to LT affected cell monolayer integrity, modified the morphology of tight junctions and induced the formation of actin stress fibers. Overnight treatment of cells with S. boulardii before incubation with LT maintained the integrity of the monolayers, prevented morphological modification of tight junctions, restricted the effects of LT on actin remodeling and delayed LT-induced MEK-2 cleavage. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that in the presence of S. boulardii, the medium is depleted of both LF and PA sub-units of LT and the appearance of a cleaved form of PA. Our study highlights the potential of the S. boulardii CNCM I-745 strain as a prophylactic agent against the gastrointestinal form of anthrax.

The Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 Strain Shows Protective Effects against the B. anthracis LT Toxin

PubMed Central

Pontier-Bres, Rodolphe; Rampal, Patrick; Peyron, Jean-François; Munro, Patrick; Lemichez, Emmanuel; Czerucka, Dorota

2015-01-01

The probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) has been prescribed for the prophylaxis and treatment of several infectious diarrheal diseases. Gastrointestinal anthrax causes fatal systemic disease. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects conferred by Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 strain on polarized T84 columnar epithelial cells intoxicated by the lethal toxin (LT) of Bacillus anthracis. Exposure of polarized T84 cells to LT affected cell monolayer integrity, modified the morphology of tight junctions and induced the formation of actin stress fibers. Overnight treatment of cells with S. boulardii before incubation with LT maintained the integrity of the monolayers, prevented morphological modification of tight junctions, restricted the effects of LT on actin remodeling and delayed LT-induced MEK-2 cleavage. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that in the presence of S. boulardii, the medium is depleted of both LF and PA sub-units of LT and the appearance of a cleaved form of PA. Our study highlights the potential of the S. boulardii CNCM I-745 strain as a prophylactic agent against the gastrointestinal form of anthrax. PMID:26529015

The Evolution of the Faint End of the UV Luminosity Function during the Peak Epoch of Star Formation (1 < z < 3)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alavi, Anahita; Siana, Brian; Richard, Johan; Rafelski, Marc; Jauzac, Mathilde; Limousin, Marceau; Freeman, William R.; Scarlata, Claudia; Robertson, Brant; Stark, Daniel P.; Teplitz, Harry I.; Desai, Vandana

2016-11-01

We present a robust measurement of the rest-frame UV luminosity function (LF) and its evolution during the peak epoch of cosmic star formation at 1\\lt z\\lt 3. We use our deep near-ultraviolet imaging from WFC3/UVIS on the Hubble Space Telescope and existing Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS)/WFC and WFC3/IR imaging of three lensing galaxy clusters, Abell 2744 and MACS J0717 from the Hubble Frontier Field survey and Abell 1689. Combining deep UV imaging and high magnification from strong gravitational lensing, we use photometric redshifts to identify 780 ultra-faint galaxies with {M}{UV}\\lt -12.5 AB mag at 1\\lt z\\lt 3. From these samples, we identified five new, faint, multiply imaged systems in A1689. We run a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the completeness correction and effective volume for each cluster using the latest published lensing models. We compute the rest-frame UV LF and find the best-fit faint-end slopes of α =-1.56+/- 0.04, α =-1.72+/- 0.04, and α =-1.94+/- 0.06 at 1.0\\lt z\\lt 1.6, 1.6\\lt z\\lt 2.2, and 2.2\\lt z\\lt 3.0, respectively. Our results demonstrate that the UV LF becomes steeper from z˜ 1.3 to z˜ 2.6 with no sign of a turnover down to {M}{UV}=-14 AB mag. We further derive the UV LFs using the Lyman break “dropout” selection and confirm the robustness of our conclusions against different selection methodologies. Because the sample sizes are so large and extend to such faint luminosities, the statistical uncertainties are quite small, and systematic uncertainties (due to the assumed size distribution, for example) likely dominate. If we restrict our analysis to galaxies and volumes above \\gt 50 % completeness in order to minimize these systematics, we still find that the faint-end slope is steep and getting steeper with redshift, though with slightly shallower (less negative) values (α =-1.55+/- 0.06, -1.69 ± 0.07, and -1.79 ± 0.08 for z˜ 1.3, 1.9, and 2.6, respectively). Finally, we conclude that the faint star-forming galaxies with UV magnitudes of -18.5\\lt {M}{UV}\\lt -12.5 covered in this study produce the majority (55%-60%) of the unobscured UV luminosity density at 1\\lt z\\lt 3. Some of the data presented herein were obtained at the W.M. Keck Observatory, which is operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Observatory was made possible by the generous financial support of the W.M. Keck Foundation.

Data Economics in Army Information Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-03-01

CONTACTED: LtCol Robert DiBona Chief, Policy Plans and Integration Division (703) 664-3986 DATE: 17 January 1989 DISCUSSION: 1. The MITRE study group called...LtCol Robert DiBona on the recommendation of Mr. James Glymph of Data Management Directorate (DMD), Information Systems Engineering Command (ISEC...LtCol DiBona is in charge of the ISEC Standard Army Management Information System (STAMIS) Modernization (STAMOD) program. 2. LtCol DiBona did not know

Liver transplantation after severe hepatic trauma: a sustainable practice. A single-center experience and review of the literature.

PubMed

Patrono, Damiano; Brunati, Andrea; Romagnoli, Renato; Salizzoni, Mauro

2013-01-01

Severe hepatic trauma is a rare indication for liver transplantation (LT). We report our single-center experience of LT for hepatic trauma. Four new cases are discussed in light of a literature review in order to depict the pathways leading from hepatic trauma to LT and to assess the outcomes of this practice. LT is generally indicated in case of uncontrollable hemorrhage, acute liver failure, or post-traumatic late sequelae. Hepatic vessels thrombosis, sepsis, major hepatic resections, and a late referral are factors associated with the progression toward irreversible liver failure. Considering all reported cases, early patient and graft survival reached 68% and 62%, respectively, but in the last decade both have improved to 84%. LT after severe hepatic trauma is a sustainable practice considering the current good outcomes and the ineluctable death of these patients without LT. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Structure, chain conformation and antitumor activity of a novel polysaccharide from Lentinus edodes.

PubMed

Yu, Zhang; Ming, Gu; Kaiping, Wang; Zhixiang, Chen; Liquan, Dai; Jingyu, Liu; Fang, Zeng

2010-12-01

A water-soluble polysaccharide LT1 was isolated from the basidiocarps of Lentinus edodes by hot water extraction and ethanol precipitations, further purified by gel chromatography. The Mw of LT1 was estimated to be 642 kDa by using HPGPC. Chemical and spectroscopic studies illustrated that LT1 has a backbone chain composed of 1 → 4-linked and 1 → 3-linked glucopyranosyl residues and has branches of single glucosyl stubs at C-6 of β-(1 → 4)-linked glucopyranosyl. AFM and Congo-red test revealed that LT1 existed as triple helix chain in 0.10 M NaOH solution or distilled water. Our studies showed that LT1 presented significant antitumor bioactivities on Sarcoma180 solid tumor cell implanted in BALB/c mice, which implies that LT1 could be potentially applied as a natural antitumor drug. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Not just a light fingertip touch: A facilitation of functional integration between body sway and visual search in older adults.

PubMed

Chen, Fu-Chen; Chu, Chia-Hua; Pan, Chien-Yu; Tsai, Chia-Liang

2018-05-01

Prior studies demonstrated that, compared to no fingertip touch (NT), a reduction in body sway resulting from the effects of light fingertip touch (LT) facilitates the performance of visual search, buttressing the concept of functional integration. However, previous findings may be confounded by different arm postures required between the NT and LT conditions. Furthermore, in older adults, how LT influences the interactions between body sway and visual search has not been established. (1) Are LT effects valid after excluding the influences of different upper limb configurations? (2) Is functional integration is feasible for older adults? Twenty-two young (age = 21.3 ± 2.0) and 22 older adults (age = 71.8 ± 4.1) were recruited. Participants performed visual inspection and visual searches under NT and LT conditions. The older group significantly reduced AP sway (p < 0.05) in LT compared to NT conditions, of which the LT effects on postural adaptation were more remarkable in older than young adults (p < 0.05). In addition, the older group significantly improved search accuracy (p < 0.05) from the LT to the NT condition, and these effects were equivalent between groups. After controlling for postural configurations, the results demonstrate that light fingertip touch reduces body sway and concurrently enhances visual search performance in older adults. These findings confirmed the effects of LT on postural adaptation as well as supported functional integration in older adults. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Risk Factors for Bloodstream Infection After Living-donor Liver Transplantation in Children.

PubMed

Shoji, Kensuke; Funaki, Takanori; Kasahara, Mureo; Sakamoto, Seisuke; Fukuda, Akinari; Vaida, Florin; Ito, Kenta; Miyairi, Isao; Saitoh, Akihiko

2015-10-01

Postoperative bloodstream infection (BSI) is the most important determinant of recipient morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation (LT). Children who underwent LT are at the highest risk of developing BSI because of the significant surgical intervention, use of multiple devices, and administration of immunosuppressive agents. However, information regarding the risk factors for BSI in children after LT is limited. We retrospectively reviewed 210 children who underwent living-donor LT at the largest pediatric LT center in Japan. Patients' characteristics, blood culture results and clinical outcomes were extracted from electronic medical records. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for BSI. Among the 210 LT recipients, 53 (25%) recipients experienced 86 episodes of BSI during the observational period. The source of the BSI was identified only in 38%: catheter-related BSI (27%) peritonitis (7%), urinary tract infection (2%), pneumonia (1%) and infectious endocarditis (1%). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that body weight (P = 0.03), volume of blood loss during LT (P < 0.001) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigenemia positivity (P = 0.04) were independently associated with the development of BSI. The risk factors for BSI differed when we analyzed the subjects according to age (≤24 months and >24 months), blood loss and pediatric end-stage liver disease/model for end-stage liver disease versus positive CMV antigenemia. The volume of blood loss, postoperative CMV antigenemia positivity and body weight were associated with the development of BSI after LT in pediatric living-donor recipients. To identify the age-specific predictors of BSI in children who underwent LT, age-specific analyses are crucial.

A role for inflammatory mediators in heterologous desensitization of CysLT1 receptor in human monocytes

PubMed Central

Capra, Valérie; Accomazzo, Maria Rosa; Gardoni, Fabrizio; Barbieri, Silvia; Rovati, G. Enrico

2010-01-01

Cysteinyl-leukotrienes (cysteinyl-LT) are rapidly generated at sites of inflammation and, in addition to their role in asthma, rhinitis, and other immune disorders, are increasingly regarded as significant inflammatory factors in cancer, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular diseases. We recently demonstrated that in monocyte/macrophage–like U937 cells, extracellular nucleotides heterologously desensitize CysLT1 receptor (CysLT1R)-induced Ca2+ transients. Given that monocytes express a number of other inflammatory and chemoattractant receptors, this study was aimed at characterizing transregulation between these different stimuli. We demonstrate that in U937 cells and in primary human monocytes, a series of inflammatory mediators activating Gi-coupled receptor (FPR1, BLT1) desensitize CysLT1R-induced Ca2+ response unidirectionally through activation of PKC. Conversely, PAF-R, exclusively coupled to Gq, cross-desensitizes CysLT1R without the apparent involvement of any kinase. Interestingly, Gs-coupled receptors (β2AR, H1/2R, EP2/4R) are also able to desensitize CysLT1R response through activation of PKA. Heterologous desensitization seems to affect mostly the Gi-mediated signaling of the CysLT1R. The hierarchy of desensitization among agonists may be important for leukocyte signal processing at the site of inflammation. Considering that monocytes/macrophages are likely to be the major source of cysteinyl-LT in many immunological and inflammatory processes, shedding light on how their receptors are regulated will certainly help to better understand the role of these cells in orchestrating this complex network of integrated signals. PMID:19965602

Identifying emerging trends for implementing learning technology in special education: a state-of-the-art review of selected articles published in 2008-2012.

PubMed

Liu, Gi-Zen; Wu, No-Wei; Chen, Yi-Wen

2013-10-01

As electronic learning (e-learning) becomes increasingly popular in education worldwide, learning technology (LT) has been applied in various learning environments and activities to promote meaningful, efficient, and effective learning. LT has also been adopted by researchers and teacher-practitioners in the field of special education, but as yet little review-based research has been published. This review research thus carefully examined the trends of LT implementations in special education, providing a comprehensive analysis of 26 studies published in indexed journals in the past five years (2008-2012). Two research questions were addressed: (a) What are the major research aims, methodologies, and outcomes in these studies of implementing LT in the field of special education? and (b) What types of LT are mainly used with special education students, and for what kinds of students? Major findings include that examining the learning effectiveness of LT using was the most common research purpose (75%); researchers primarily relied on experimental studies (46%, 12 studies), followed by interviews and questionnaires (19%, 5 studies). Moreover, the most common use of LT was computer-assisted technology (such as web-based mentoring, educational computer games, laptop computers) in special education; studies investigating the use of LT with mentally disabled students were more than those with physically disabled ones. It is expected that the findings of this work and their implications will serve as valuable references with regard to the use of LT with special education students. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

6-Shogaol has anti-amyloidogenic activity and ameliorates Alzheimer's disease via CysLT1R-mediated inhibition of cathepsin B.

PubMed

Na, Ji-Young; Song, Kibbeum; Lee, Ju-Woon; Kim, Sokho; Kwon, Jungkee

2016-08-12

Although 6-shogaol, a constituent of ginger, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects on neuronal cells, the effects of 6-shogaol on Alzheimer's disease (AD) have not yet been investigated. Here we aimed to determine whether 6-shogaol exerts neuroprotective effects against AD. Specifically, we investigated the effects of 6-shogaol on the cysteinyl leukotriene 1 receptor (CysLT1R), a major factor in AD pathogenesis. Moreover, we clarified the relationship between CysLT1R and cathepsin B, a cysteine protease. We used in vitro and in vivo models to determine whether 6-shogaol inhibits CysLT1R/cathepsin B in an amyloid-beta (Aβ; 1-42)-induced model of neurotoxicity. We first confirmed that CysLT1R and cathepsin B are upregulated by Aβ (1-42) and that CysLT1R activation induces cathepsin B. In contrast, we found that 6-shogaol-mediated inhibition of CysLT1R downregulates cathepsin B in both in vitro and in vivo models. Furthermore, we found that 6-shogaol-mediated inhibition of CysLT1R/cathepsin B reduces Aβ deposition in the brain and ameliorates behavioral deficits in APPSw/PS1-dE9 Tg mice. Our results indicate that 6-shogaol is a CysLT1R/cathepsin B inhibitor and is a novel potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fatty acid kinetic responses to running above or below lactate threshold.

PubMed

Kanaley, J A; Mottram, C D; Scanlon, P D; Jensen, M D

1995-08-01

During running exercise above the lactate threshold (LT), it is unknown whether free fatty acid (FFA) mobilization can meet the energy demands for fatty acid oxidation. This study was performed to determine whether FFA availability is reduced during running exercise above compared with below the LT and to assess whether the level of endurance training influences FFA mobilization. Twelve marathon runners and 12 moderately trained runners ran at a workload that was either above or below their individual LT. Fatty acid oxidation (indirect calorimetry) and FFA release ([1-14C]palmitate) were measured at baseline, throughout exercise, and at recovery. The plasma FFA rate of appearance increased during exercise in both groups; running above or below the LT, but the total FFA availability for 30 min of exercise was greater (P < 0.01) in the below LT group (marathon, 23 +/- 2 mmol; moderate, 21 +/- 2 mmol) than in the above LT group (18 +/- 3 and 13 +/- 3 mmol, respectively). Total fatty acid oxidation (indirect calorimetry) greatly exceeded circulating FFA availability, regardless of training or exercise group (P < 0.01). No statistically significant exercise intensity or training differences in fatty acid oxidation were found (above LT: marathon, 71 +/- 12, moderate, 64 +/- 17 mmol/30 min; below LT: marathon 91 +/- 12, moderate, 60 +/- 5 mmol/30 min). In conclusion, during exercise above or below LT, circulating FFA cannot meet the oxidative needs and intramuscular triglyceride stores must be utilized. Further marathon training does not enhance effective adipose tissue lipolysis during exercise compared with moderate endurance training.

Outcome of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma -- a single center experience.

PubMed

Iacob, R; Iacob, S; Gheorghe, L; Gheorghe, C; Hrehoreţ, D; Brașoveanu, V; Croitoru, A; Herlea, V; Popescu, I

2013-01-01

Liver transplantation (LT) is a promising treatment for patients with liver cirrhosis associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of our study was to evaluate our experience regarding the clinical and pathological staging of HCC in patients who underwent LT, as well as recurrence free and overall survival. From January 2006 to December 2011, 38 patients with diagnosis of HCC, underwent LT in our Center. Demographic, clinical, imaging and pathologic information were recorded. A Cox proportional hazards survival analysis was performed in order to identify significant predictors of tumor recurrence and patient's death after LT. Eighteen patients (47.4%) in our study group were within Milan criteria. The mean follow-up was 22 months and the recurrence rate of HCC after LT was 13.2%. The 1, 3- year recurrence free survival rates were 85%, 74.3% respectively. The 1 and 3-year overall survival rates were 83.5% and 63.6% respectively. No significant predictor for HCC recurrence was identified in our study group by survival analysis, taking into account 13 different variables. As independent predictors of patient'ss death after LT for HCC however, the presence of diabetes mellitus (p=0.001), presence of more than 3 HCC nodules (p=0.03) and tumor recurrence after LT (p=0.03) were identified by multivariate Cox proportional hazards survival analysis. In our cohort HCC recurrence rate after LT was 13.2%. Diabetes mellitus, presence of more than 3 HCC nodules and HCC recurrence were significant predictors of poor overall survival after LT. Celsius.

Concentrations of cysteinyl leukotrienes in urine and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of cats with experimentally induced asthma.

PubMed

Norris, Carol R; Decile, Kendra C; Berghaus, Londa J; Berghaus, Roy D; Walby, William F; Schelegle, Edward S; Hyde, Dallas M; Gershwin, Laurel J

2003-11-01

To evaluate changes in cysteinyl leukotriene (LT) concentrations in urine and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in cats with experimentally induced asthma. 19 cats with experimentally induced asthma and 5 control cats. Cats were sensitized to Bermuda grass or house dust mite allergen, and phenotypic features of asthma were confirmed with intradermal skin testing, evaluation of BALF eosinophil percentages, and pulmonary function testing. A competitive ELISA kit for LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4 was used for quantitative analysis of LTs. Urinary creatinine concentrations and BALF total protein (TP) concentrations were measured, and urinary LT-to-creatinine ratios and BALF LT-to-TP ratios were calculated. Mean urinary LT-to-creatinine ratios did not differ significantly between control cats and allergen-sensitized cats before or after sensitization and challenge exposure with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution or allergen, respectively. In BALF the mean LT-to-TP ratio of control cats did not differ significantly before or after sensitization and challenge exposure with saline. Asthmatic cats had BALF LT-to-TP ratios that were significantly lower than control cats at all time points, whereas ratios for asthmatic cats did not differ significantly among the various time points. Although LTs were readily detectable in urine, no significant increases in urinary LT concentrations were detected after challenge in allergen-sensitized cats. Spot testing of urinary LT concentrations appears to have no clinical benefit for use in monitoring the inflammatory asthmatic state in cats. The possibility that cysteinyl LTs bind effectively to their target receptors in BALF and, thus, decrease free LT concentrations deserves further study.

Novel Synthesis of 3D Graphene-CNF Electrode Architectures for Supercapacitor Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

curves. Specifically, I would like to mention LCDR Chris Daskam, LT Russell Canty, LT Jamie Cook , LT Ashley Maxson, LT Samuel Fromille, and Edwin...systems to store energy for the amplifier to use on demand. Additionally, capacitors are used to supply large pulses of current for pulsed power...stark contrast to values quoted in recent studies: Zhu et al. [56] cite a specific capacitance of microwave exfoliated graphene electrodes of 200 F/g

Liver transplantation in patients with incidental hepatocellular carcinoma/cholangiocarcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a single-center experience.

PubMed

Elshamy, Mohammed; Presser, Naftali; Hammad, Abdulrahman Y; Firl, Daniel J; Coppa, Christopher; Fung, John; Aucejo, Federico N

2017-06-01

Reports of liver transplantation (LT) in patients with mixed hepatocellular carcinoma/cholangiocarcinoma (HCC/CC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) are modest and have been mostly retrospective after pathological categorization in the setting of presumed HCC. Some studies suggest that patients undergoing LT with small and unifocal ICC or mixed HCC/CC can achieve about 40%-60% 5-year post-transplant survival. The study aimed to report our experience in patients undergoing LT with explant pathology revealing HCC/CC and ICC. From a prospectively maintained database, we performed cohort analysis. We identified 13 patients who underwent LT with explant pathology revealing HCC/CC or ICC. The observed recurrence rate post-LT was 31% (4/13) and overall survival was 85%, 51%, and 51% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Disease-free survival was 68%, 51%, and 41% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. In our cohort, four patients would have qualified for exception points based on updated HCC Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network imaging guidelines. Lesions which lack complete imaging characteristics of HCC may warrant pre-LT biopsy to fully elucidate their pathology. Identified patients with early HCC/CC or ICC may benefit from LT if unresectable. Additionally, incorporating adjunctive perioperative therapies such as in the case of patients undergoing LT with hilar cholangiocarcinoma may improve outcomes but this warrants further investigation.

iTRAQ-Based Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Spirulina platensis in Response to Low Temperature Stress

PubMed Central

Li, Qingye; Chang, Rong; Sun, Yijun; Li, Bosheng

2016-01-01

Low temperature (LT) is one of the most important abiotic stresses that can significantly reduce crop yield. To gain insight into how Spirulina responds to LT stress, comprehensive physiological and proteomic analyses were conducted in this study. Significant decreases in growth and pigment levels as well as excessive accumulation of compatible osmolytes were observed in response to LT stress. An isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based quantitative proteomics approach was used to identify changes in protein abundance in Spirulina under LT. A total of 3,782 proteins were identified, of which 1,062 showed differential expression. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that differentially expressed proteins that were enriched in photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and translation are important for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and metabolic balance in Spirulina when subjected to LT stress. The up-regulation of proteins involved in gluconeogenesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis served as coping mechanisms of Spirulina in response to LT stress. Moreover, the down-regulated expression of proteins involved in glycolysis, TCA cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, photosynthesis, and translation were associated with reduced energy consumption. The findings of the present study allow a better understanding of the response of Spirulina to LT stress and may facilitate in the elucidation of mechanisms underlying LT tolerance. PMID:27902743

Low temperature stress modulated secretome analysis and purification of antifreeze protein from Hippophae rhamnoides, a Himalayan wonder plant.

PubMed

Gupta, Ravi; Deswal, Renu

2012-05-04

Plants' distribution and productivity are adversely affected by low temperature (LT) stress. LT induced proteins were analyzed by 2-DE-nano-LC-MS/MS in shoot secretome of Hippophae rhamnoides (seabuckthorn), a Himalayan wonder shrub. Seedlings were subjected to direct freezing stress (-5 °C), cold acclimation (CA), and subzero acclimation (SZA), and extracellular proteins (ECPs) were isolated using vacuum infiltration. Approximately 245 spots were reproducibly detected in 2-DE gels of LT treated secretome, out of which 61 were LT responsive. Functional categorization of 34 upregulated proteins showed 47% signaling, redox regulated, and defense associated proteins. LT induced secretome contained thaumatin like protein and Chitinase as putative antifreeze proteins (AFPs). Phase contrast microscopy with a nanoliter osmometer showed hexagonal ice crystals with 0.13 °C thermal hysteresis (TH), and splat assay showed 1.5-fold ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI), confirming antifreeze activity in LT induced secretome. A 41 kDa polygalacturonase inhibitor protein (PGIP), purified by ice adsorption chromatography (IAC), showed hexagonal ice crystals, a TH of 0.19 °C, and 9-fold IRI activity. Deglycosylated PGIP retained its AFP activity, suggesting that glycosylation is not required for AFP activity. This is the first report of LT modulated secretome analysis and purification of AFPs from seabuckthorn. Overall, these findings provide an insight in probable LT induced signaling in the secretome.

iTRAQ-Based Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Spirulina platensis in Response to Low Temperature Stress.

PubMed

Li, Qingye; Chang, Rong; Sun, Yijun; Li, Bosheng

2016-01-01

Low temperature (LT) is one of the most important abiotic stresses that can significantly reduce crop yield. To gain insight into how Spirulina responds to LT stress, comprehensive physiological and proteomic analyses were conducted in this study. Significant decreases in growth and pigment levels as well as excessive accumulation of compatible osmolytes were observed in response to LT stress. An isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based quantitative proteomics approach was used to identify changes in protein abundance in Spirulina under LT. A total of 3,782 proteins were identified, of which 1,062 showed differential expression. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that differentially expressed proteins that were enriched in photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and translation are important for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and metabolic balance in Spirulina when subjected to LT stress. The up-regulation of proteins involved in gluconeogenesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and amino acid biosynthesis served as coping mechanisms of Spirulina in response to LT stress. Moreover, the down-regulated expression of proteins involved in glycolysis, TCA cycle, pentose phosphate pathway, photosynthesis, and translation were associated with reduced energy consumption. The findings of the present study allow a better understanding of the response of Spirulina to LT stress and may facilitate in the elucidation of mechanisms underlying LT tolerance.

The influence of atmosphere on performance of pure-phase WZ and ZB InAs nanowire transistors.

PubMed

Ullah, Abu Rifat; Joyce, Hannah J; Tan, Hoe; Jagadish, Chennupati; Micolich, Adam P

2017-09-21

We compare the characteristics of phase-pure MOCVD grown ZB and WZ InAs nanowire transistors in several atmospheres: air, dry pure N₂ and O₂, and N₂ bubbled through liquid H₂O and alcohols to identify whether phase-related structural/surface differences affect their response. Both WZ and ZB give poor gate characteristics in dry state. Adsorption of polar species reduces off-current by 2-3 orders of magnitude, increases on-off ratio and significantly reduces sub-threshold slope. The key difference is the greater sensitivity of WZ to low adsorbate level. We attribute this to facet structure and its influence on the separation between conduction electrons and surface adsorption sites. We highlight the important role adsorbed species play in nanowire device characterisation. WZ is commonly thought superior to ZB in InAs nanowire transistors. We show this is an artefact of the moderate humidity found in ambient laboratory conditions: WZ and ZB perform equally poorly in the dry gas limit yet equally well in the wet gas limit. We also highlight the vital role density-lowering disorder has in improving gate characteristics, be it stacking faults in mixed-phase WZ or surface adsorbates in pure-phase nanowires. © 2017 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Levothyroxine and lung cancer in females: the importance of oxidative stress.

PubMed

Cornelli, Umberto; Belcaro, Gianni; Recchia, Martino; Finco, Annarosa

2013-08-08

Levothyroxine (LT4) treatment can lead to iatrogenic hyperthyroidism and oxidative stress that can cause patient discomfort. Oxidative stress is also recognized as one of the causes of chronic diseases and cancer. The prevalence of breast, colorectal, gastric and lung cancer in 18 Italian Regions during 2010 was correlated with the sales of LT4 in 2009. The cancer prevalence was analyzed in women aged 30-84. This age range corresponds to more than 80% of the consumers of the drug and to about 99% of all malignant cancers. The correlation between sales of LT4 and cancers was determined with the technique of Density Ellipses. The age and smoking contribution for lung cancer was determined with the Sequential test. No significant correlation was seen between LT4 sales and breast, colorectal and gastric cancers. A significant correlation was instead found for lung cancer (p<0.05) corrected for smoking and age. LT4 consumption in Italy is about 0.7 boxes/women/year. There is a correlation between lung cancer and LT4 treatment and oxidative stress caused by LT4 supplementation can be one of the causes. Although we cannot exclude that dysthyroidism needing LT4 supplementation might be the ground for lung cancer itself and measuring oxidative stress could be helpful in avoiding excessive use of the drug.

An Online Survey of Hypothyroid Patients Demonstrates Prominent Dissatisfaction.

PubMed

Peterson, Sarah J; Cappola, Anne R; Castro, M Regina; Dayan, Colin M; Farwell, Alan P; Hennessey, James V; Kopp, Peter A; Ross, Douglas S; Samuels, Mary H; Sawka, Anna M; Taylor, Peter N; Jonklaas, Jacqueline; Bianco, Antonio C

2018-06-01

Approximately 15% more patients taking levothyroxine (LT4) report impaired quality of life compared to controls. This could be explained by additional diagnoses independently affecting quality of life and complicating assignment of causation. This study sought to investigate the underpinnings of reduced quality of life in hypothyroid patients and to provide data for discussion at a symposium addressing hypothyroidism. An online survey for hypothyroid patients was posted on the American Thyroid Association Web site and forwarded to multiple groups. Respondents were asked to rank satisfaction with their treatment for hypothyroidism and their treating physician. They also ranked their perception regarding physician knowledge about hypothyroidism treatments, need for new treatments, and life impact of hypothyroidism on a scale of 1-10. Respondents reported the therapy they were taking, categorized as LT4, LT4 and liothyronine (LT4 + LT3), or desiccated thyroid extract (DTE). They also reported sex, age, cause of hypothyroidism, duration of treatment, additional diagnoses, and prevalence of symptoms. A total of 12,146 individuals completed the survey. The overall degree of satisfaction was 5 (interquartile range [IQR] = 3-8). Among respondents without self-reported depression, stressors, or medical conditions (n = 3670), individuals taking DTE reported a higher median treatment satisfaction of 7 (IQR = 5-9) compared to other treatments. At the same time, the LT4 treatment group exhibited the lowest satisfaction of 5 (IQR = 3-7), and for the LT4 + LT3 treatment group, satisfaction was 6 (IQR = 3-8). Respondents taking DTE were also less likely to report problems with weight management, fatigue/energy levels, mood, and memory compared to those taking LT4 or LT4 + LT3. A subset of patients with hypothyroidism are not satisfied with their current therapy or their physicians. Higher satisfaction with both treatment and physicians is reported by those patients on DTE. While the study design does not provide a mechanistic explanation for this observation, future studies should investigate whether preference for DTE is related to triiodothyronine levels or other unidentified causes.

Effects of Altering Levothyroxine (L-T4) Doses on Quality of Life, Mood, and Cognition in L-T4 Treated Subjects.

PubMed

Samuels, Mary H; Kolobova, Irina; Niederhausen, Meike; Janowsky, Jeri S; Schuff, Kathryn G

2018-05-01

The brain is a critical target organ for thyroid hormone, but it is unclear whether variations in thyroid function within and near the reference range affect quality of life, mood, or cognition. A total of 138 subjects with levothyroxine (L-T4)-treated hypothyroidism and normal thyrotropin (TSH) levels underwent measures of quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey, Underactive Thyroid-Dependent Quality of Life Questionnaire), mood (Profile of Mood States, Affective Lability Scale), and cognition (executive function, memory). They were then randomly assigned to receive an unchanged, higher, or lower L-T4 dose in double-blind fashion, targeting one of three TSH ranges (0.34 to 2.50, 2.51 to 5.60, or 5.61 to 12.0 mU/L). Doses were adjusted every 6 weeks based on TSH levels. Baseline measures were reassessed at 6 months. At the end of the study, by intention to treat, mean L-T4 doses were 1.50 ± 0.07, 1.32 ± 0.07, and 0.78 ± 0.08 μg/kg (P < 0.001), and mean TSH levels were 1.85 ± 0.25, 3.93 ± 0.38, and 9.49 ± 0.80 mU/L (P < 0.001), respectively, in the three arms. There were minor differences in a few outcomes between the three arms, which were no longer significant after correction for multiple comparisons. Subjects could not ascertain how their L-T4 doses had been adjusted (P = 0.55) but preferred L-T4 doses they perceived to be higher (P < 0.001). Altering L-T4 doses in hypothyroid subjects to vary TSH levels in and near the reference range does not affect quality of life, mood, or cognition. L-T4-treated subjects prefer perceived higher L-T4 doses despite a lack of objective benefit. Adjusting L-T4 doses in hypothyroid patients based on symptoms in these areas may not result in significant clinical improvement.

Pneumonia relevant to lung transplantation and pathogen distribution.

PubMed

He, Xuan; Dai, Hua-Ping; Chen, Qi-Rui; Miao, Jin-Bai; Sun, Bing; Bao, Na; Hu, Bin; Li, Hui; Wu, An-Shi; Ban, Cheng-Jun; Ge, Su-Juan; Wang, Chen; Hou, Sheng-Cai

2013-01-01

Pneumonia is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in lung transplant (LT) recipients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence, etiology, risk factors and prognosis of pneumonia in LT recipients. The LT cohort consisted of 28 recipients receiving LT in Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital from August 2005 to April 2011. Data collected included demographic data, underlying disorders, time and type of transplant, follow-up information, date of last follow-up, and patient status. A retrospective analysis was made of observational data that were prospectively collected. Twenty-two patients of 28 LT recipients had 47 episodes of pneumonia throughout the study period. Thirtyeight episodes of pneumonia in 19 recipients occurred post-LT with a median follow-up of 257.5 days (1-2104 days), the incidence of pneumonia was 192.4 episodes per 100 LT/year and its median time of onset was 100.5 days (0-946 days) post-transplantation. Bacteria, virus and fungi accounted for 62%, 16% and 15% of the microbial pathogens, respectively. The most frequent were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20%), cytomegalovirus (CMV) (15%), and Aspergillus fumigatus (10%). A total of 29% (11/38) of pneumonias occurred in the first month post-LT, and then the incidence decreased gradually. The incidence of CMV pneumonia was 25% (7/28) with a median time of 97 days (10-971 days). More than one bacterial infection and CMV infection were independent risk factors for aspergillus infection. The incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) was 18% (5/28), and the history of TB was a risk factor for TB relapse. There were 58% (7/12) of recipients who died of infection, and 71% (5/7) of these died in the first year after LT. Pneumonia is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality in LT recipients. The most frequent microorganisms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, CMV, and Aspergillus fumigates. The incidence of CMV pneumonia decreases with a delayed median time of onset. More than one incidence of bacterial infection and CMV infection are independent risk factors for aspergillus infection. LT recipients are at high risk for TB, and the history of TB is a risk factor for TB relapse.

Weight Loss and Variation of Levothyroxine Requirements in Hypothyroid Obese Patients After Bariatric Surgery.

PubMed

Fierabracci, Paola; Martinelli, Silvia; Tamberi, Anna; Piaggi, Paolo; Basolo, Alessio; Pelosini, Caterina; Ricco, Ilaria; Magno, Silvia; Querci, Giorgia; Ceccarini, Giovanni; Scartabelli, Giovanna; Salvetti, Guido; Vitti, Paolo; Santini, Ferruccio

2016-04-01

Obesity and hypothyroidism are both common disorders within the general population. Obese hypothyroid subjects require higher doses of levothyroxine (LT4) compared with normal weight individuals. Previous studies on the effects of bariatric surgery on LT4 dose requirements in hypothyroid subjects have provided conflicting results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the LT4 requirements in a group of obese subjects with acquired hypothyroidism, before and after weight loss achieved by bariatric surgery. Ninety-three obese hypothyroid subjects (mean age = 48 ± 9 years; mean body mass index = 45.9 ± 5.6 kg/m(2)), were evaluated before and 28 ± 8 months after bariatric surgery. Changes in the LT4 dose, anthropometric measures, and hormone values were evaluated. In 20 patients, data of body composition, assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, were also analyzed. On average, after weight loss, a significant reduction of the total dose of LT4 was documented (from 130.6 ± 48.5 to 116.2 ± 38.6 μg/day; p < 0.001). The LT4 dose had to be reduced in 47 patients, was unchanged in 34, and had to be increased in 12 patients affected by autoimmune thyroiditis. Reduction of the LT4 dose was proportional to reduction of the lean body mass. The weight loss achieved with modern surgical bariatric procedures is associated with a reduction of LT4 requirements in most hypothyroid subjects, which appears to be related to a decrease of the lean body mass. Occasionally, a concurrent decline of residual thyroid function, as it occurs in autoimmune thyroiditis, can counteract this phenomenon and eventually produce an increase of LT4 needs. It is believed that during the weight loss phase that follows bariatric surgery, there is no need for preventive adjustments of the LT4 dose, but serum thyroid hormones and thyrotropin should be periodically monitored in order to detect possible variations of LT4 requirements and to allow proper corrections of the therapy.

A tripartite fusion, FaeG-FedF-LT(192)A2:B, of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) elicits antibodies that neutralize cholera toxin, inhibit adherence of K88 (F4) and F18 fimbriae, and protect pigs against K88ac/heat-labile toxin infection.

PubMed

Ruan, Xiaosai; Liu, Mei; Casey, Thomas A; Zhang, Weiping

2011-10-01

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains expressing K88 (F4) or F18 fimbriae and heat-labile (LT) and/or heat-stable (ST) toxins are the major cause of diarrhea in young pigs. Effective vaccines inducing antiadhesin (anti-K88 and anti-F18) and antitoxin (anti-LT and anti-ST) immunity would provide broad protection to young pigs against ETEC. In this study, we genetically fused nucleotides coding for peptides from K88ac major subunit FaeG, F18 minor subunit FedF, and LT toxoid (LT(192)) A2 and B subunits for a tripartite adhesin-adhesin-toxoid fusion (FaeG-FedF-LT(192)A2:B). This fusion was used for immunizations in mice and pigs to assess the induction of antiadhesin and antitoxin antibodies. In addition, protection by the elicited antiadhesin and antitoxin antibodies against a porcine ETEC strain was evaluated in a gnotobiotic piglet challenge model. The data showed that this FaeG-FedF-LT(192)A2:B fusion elicited anti-K88, anti-F18, and anti-LT antibodies in immunized mice and pigs. In addition, the anti-porcine antibodies elicited neutralized cholera toxin and inhibited adherence against both K88 and F18 fimbriae. Moreover, immunized piglets were protected when challenged with ETEC strain 30302 (K88ac/LT/STb) and did not develop clinical disease. In contrast, all control nonvaccinated piglets developed severe diarrhea and dehydration after being challenged with the same ETEC strain. This study clearly demonstrated that this FaeG-FedF-LT(192)A2:B fusion antigen elicited antibodies that neutralized LT toxin and inhibited the adherence of K88 and F18 fimbrial E. coli strains and that this fusion could serve as an antigen for vaccines against porcine ETEC diarrhea. In addition, the adhesin-toxoid fusion approach used in this study may provide important information for developing effective vaccines against human ETEC diarrhea.

U.S. EPA, Pesticide Product Label, , 06/09/1975

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2011-04-19

... 't'l. " I' I' ,: , , d' Kepi>" ",Ill (I(),l'd fill 10 '" ~f •• , 'r.·,ltrr'lt-(lt. Ht'~)"(jr tlt:,llrllc'r:~ ,', f) lU," l> .,,' _____ M_ ,j! (j '), It", [J'it;. ... i Jf ,: ,,' i) (it"" Lt,!!:, ...

A comparative analysis of physiological responses at submaximal workloads during different laboratory simulations of field cycling.

PubMed

Kenny, G P; Reardon, F D; Marion, A; Thoden, J S

1995-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between heart rate (fc), oxygen consumption (VO2), peak force and average force developed at the crank in response to submaximal exercise employing a racing bicycle which was attached to an ergometer (RE), ridden on a treadmill (TC) and ridden on a 400-m track (FC). Eight male trained competitive cyclists rode at three pre-determined work intensities set at a proportion of their maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max): (1) below lactate threshold [work load that produces a VO2 which is 10% less than the lactate threshold VO2 (sub-LT)], (2) lactate threshold VO2 (LT), and (3) above lactate threshold [workload that produces a VO2 which is 10% greater than lactate threshold VO2 (supra-LT)], and equated across exercise modes on the basis of fc. Voltage signals from the crank arm were recorded as FM signals for subsequent representation of peak and average force. Open circuit VO2 measurements were done in the field by Douglas bag gas collection and in the laboratory by automated gas collection and analysis. fc was recorded with a telemeter (Polar Electro Sport Tester, PE3000). Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed: (1) in VO2 between FC and both laboratory conditions at sub-LT intensity and LT intensities, (2) in peak force between FC and TC at sub-LT intensity, (3) in average force between FC and RE at sub-LT. No significant differences were demonstrated at supra-LT intensity for VO2. Similarly no significant differences were observed in peak and average force for either LT or supra-LT intensities. These data indicate that equating work intensities on the basis of fc measured in laboratory conditions would overestimate the VO2 which would be generated in the field and conversely, that using fc measured in the laboratory to establish field work intensity would underestimate mechanical workload experienced in the field.

Impact of pretransplant rifaximin therapy on early post-liver transplant infections.

PubMed

Esfeh, Jamak Modaresi; Hanouneh, Ibrahim A; Koval, Christine E; Kovacs, Christopher; Dalal, Deepan S; Ansari-Gilani, Kianoush; Confer, Bradley D; Eghtesad, Bijan; Zein, Nizar N; Menon, K V Narayanan

2014-05-01

Bacterial and fungal infections are major causes of morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation (LT). The role of intestinal decontamination in the prevention of post-LT infections is controversial. Rifaximin is widely used for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. The effect of rifaximin on post-LT infections is unknown. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of rifaximin therapy in the pretransplant period on early bacterial infections (EBIs) and fungal infections within the first 30 days after LT. All adult patients who underwent LT at our institution (January 2009 to July 2011) were included in this retrospective cohort study. Patients receiving antibiotics other than pretransplant protocol antibiotics were excluded. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of rifaximin therapy for at least 2 days before LT. Infections were defined by the isolation of any bacterial or fungal organisms within 30 days of LT. Multivariate regression analysis, Student t tests, and Pearson's chi-square tests were used to compare the 2 groups. Two hundred sixty-eight patients were included, and 71 of these patients (26.5%) were on rifaximin at the time of LT. The 2 groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, race, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score. There were no significant differences in the rates of EBIs (30% for the non-rifaximin group and 25% for the rifaximin group, P = 0.48) or fungal infections between the 2 groups. There was no increase in antimicrobial resistance among the infecting organisms. There was no difference in survival between the rifaximin and non-rifaximin groups (98% versus 97%, P = 0.36). In conclusion, the use of rifaximin in the pre-LT period was not associated with an increased risk of bacterial or fungal infections in the early post-LT period. © 2014 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Does One Size Fit Everyone? Replacement Dose of Levothyroxine in Long-standing Primary Hypothyroidism in Adults

PubMed Central

Singh, Rekha

2017-01-01

Objectives: The recommended starting dose of levothyroxine (LT4) in primary hypothyroidism is 1.6 μg/kg body weight and is based on presumption of minimal residual thyroid function in autoimmune hypothyroidism. This study aimed at finding the range and determining factors for LT4 dose in long-standing hypothyroidism. Methods: A cross-sectional study of individuals with primary autoimmune hypothyroidism on LT4 replacement was done between March 2015 and January 2016. Individuals enrolled were euthyroid based on recent serum thyroid-stimulating hormone. The inclusion criteria included LT4 intake in the morning empty stomach, maintenance of at least 1-h food gap, not on medications known to hamper LT4 absorption within 4 h of dosing, diagnosis of hypothyroidism at least for 1 year, and on a minimum 25 μg LT4. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 346 individuals (290 women and 56 men; 214 premenopausal and 76 postmenopausal women) were enrolled. The mean duration of hypothyroidism and age were 5.7 years and 42.1 years, respectively. The range and mean of absolute LT4 daily dose (ADD), LT4 dose based on body weight (D/W), and LT4 dose based on ideal body weight (D/IBW) were 25–200 μg daily and 77.1 μg, 0.3–2.82 μg/kg and 1.21 μg/kg, and 0.42–3.5 μg/kg and 1.58 μg/kg, respectively. Duration of hypothyroidism was significant predictors of ADD, D/W, and D/IBW. Gender-based difference in ADD and D/IBW was explained by gender difference in anthropometry. Conclusion: Long-standing primary autoimmune hypothyroidism has variable dose requirement of LT4 for achieving euthyroidism and may be dependent on the degree of residual functional thyroid. Duration of hypothyroidism was significant positive predictor for either ADD, D/W, or D/IBW. PMID:28553595

Liver stiffness identifies two different patterns of fibrosis progression in patients with hepatitis C virus recurrence after liver transplantation.

PubMed

Carrión, José A; Torres, Ferran; Crespo, Gonzalo; Miquel, Rosa; García-Valdecasas, Juan-Carlos; Navasa, Miquel; Forns, Xavier

2010-01-01

Significant liver fibrosis (F >or= 2) and portal hypertension (hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] >or= 6 mmHg) at 1 year after liver transplantation (LT) identify patients with severe hepatitis C recurrence. We evaluated whether repeated liver stiffness measurements (LSM) following LT can discriminate between slow and rapid "fibrosers" (fibrosis stage F2-F4 at 1 year after LT). Eighty-four patients who had undergone LT and who were infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and 19 LT controls who were not infected with HCV underwent LSM at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after LT. All HCV-infected patients underwent liver biopsy 12 months after LT (paired HVPG measurements in 74); 31 (37%) were rapid fibrosers. Median LSM (in kilopascal) at months 6, 9, and 12 were significantly higher in rapid fibrosers (9.9, 9.5, 12.1) than in slow fibrosers (6.9, 7.5, 6.6) (P < 0.01 all time points). The slope of liver stiffness progression (kPa x month) in rapid fibrosers (0.42) was significantly greater than in slow fibrosers (0.05) (P < 0.001), suggesting two different speeds of liver fibrosis progression. Figures were almost identical for patients with HVPG >or= 6 mmHg or HVPG < 6 mmHg at 1 year after LT. Multivariate analysis identified donor age, bilirubin level, and LSM as independent predictors of fibrosis progression and portal hypertension in the estimation group (n = 50) and were validated in a second group of 34 patients. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve that could identify rapid fibrosers and patients with portal hypertension as early as 6 months after LT were 0.83 and 0.87, respectively, in the estimation group and 0.75 and 0.80, respectively, in the validation group. Early and repeated LSM following hepatitis C recurrence in combination with clinical variables discriminates between rapid and slow fibrosers after LT.

Results of Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Multicenter Latin American Cohort Study.

PubMed

Piñero, Federico; Costa, Paulo; Boteon, Yuri L; Duque, Sergio Hoyos; Marciano, Sebastian; Anders, Margarita; Varón, Adriana; Zerega, Alina; Poniachik, Jaime; Soza, Alejandro; Machaca, Martín Padilla; Menéndez, Josemaría; Zapata, Rodrigo; Vilatoba, Mario; Muñoz, Linda; Maraschio, Martín; Fauda, Martín; McCormack, Lucas; Gadano, Adrian; Boin, Ilka Sf; García, Jose H Parente; Silva, Marcelo

2018-03-01

Heterogeneous data has been reported regarding liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Latin America. We aimed to describe treatment during waiting list, survival and recurrence of HCC after LT in a multicenter study from Latin America. Patients with HCC diagnosed prior to transplant (cHCC) and incidentally found in the explanted liver (iHCC) were included. Imaging-explanted features were compared in cHCC (non-discordant if pre and post-LT were within Milan, discordant if pre-LT was within and post-LT exceeding Milan). Overall, 435 patients with cHCC and 92 with iHCC were included. At listing, 81% and 91% of cHCC patients were within Milan and San Francisco criteria (UCSF), respectively. Five-year survival and recurrence rates for cHCC within Milan, exceeding Milan/within UCSF and beyond UCSF were 71% and 16%; 66% and 26%; 46% and 55%, respectively. Locoregional treatment prior to LT was performed in 39% of cHCC within Milan, in 53% beyond Milan/within UCSF and in 83% exceeding UCSF (p < 0.0001). This treatment difference was not observed according to AFP values (≤100, 44%; 101-1,000, 39%, and > 1,000 ng/mL 64%; p = 0.12). Discordant imaging-explanted data was observed in 29% of cHCC, showing lower survival HR 2.02 (CI 1.29; 3.15) and higher recurrence rates HR 2.34 when compared to AFP <100 ng/mL. Serum AFP > 1,000 ng/mL at listing was independently associated with a higher 5-year recurrence rate and a HR of 3.24 when compared to AFP <100 ng/mL. Although overall results are comparable to other regions worldwide, pre-LT treatment not only considering imaging data but also AFP values should be contemplated during the next years.

Latent toxoplasmosis is associated with neurocognitive impairment in young adults with and without chronic HIV infection.

PubMed

Ene, L; Marcotte, T D; Umlauf, A; Grancea, C; Temereanca, A; Bharti, A; Achim, C L; Letendre, S; Ruta, S M

2016-10-15

We evaluated the impact of latent toxoplasmosis (LT) on neurocognitive (NC) and neurobehavioural functioning in young adults with and without chronic HIV infection, using a standardised NC test battery, self-reported Beck Depression Inventory, Frontal System Behavior Scale, MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and risk-assessment battery. 194 young adults (median age 24years, 48.2% males) with chronic HIV infection (HIV+) since childhood and 51 HIV seronegative (HIV-) participants were included. HIV+ individuals had good current immunological status (median CD4: 479 cells/μl) despite a low CD4 nadir (median: 93 cells/μl). LT (positive anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies) was present in one third of participants. The impairment rates in the HIV- with and without Toxo were not significantly different (p=0.17). However, we observed an increasing trend (p<0.001) in impairment rates with HIV and LT status: HIV-/LT- (6.1%); HIV-/LT+ (22%), HIV+/LT- (31%), HIV+/LT+ (49%). In a multivariable analysis using the entire study group there were main effects on cognition for HIV and also for LT. Within the HIV+ group LT was associated with worse performance globally (p=0.006), in memory (p=0.009), speed of information processing (p=0.01), verbal (p=0.02) and learning (p=0.02) domains. LT was not associated with depressive symptoms, frontal systems dysfunction or risk behaviors in any of the groups. HIV participants with lower Toxoplasma antibody concentration had worse NC performance, with higher GDS values (p=0.03) and worse learning (p=0.002), memory (p=0.006), speed of information processing (p=0.01) T scores. Latent Toxoplasmosis may contribute to NC impairment in young adults, including those with and without chronic HIV infection. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Time-dependent reversal of significant intrapulmonary shunt after liver transplantation.

PubMed

Jin, Xin; Sun, Byung Joo; Song, Jae-Kwan; Roh, Jae-Hyung; Jang, Jeong Yoon; Kim, Dae-Hee; Lim, Young-Suk; Song, Jong-Min; Kang, Duk-Hyun; Lee, Sung Gyu

2018-03-05

Although the association between intrapulmonary shunt (IPS) and liver cirrhosis is clear, data of repeated contrast echocardiography (CE) before and after liver transplantation (LT) to evaluate factors associated with IPS are limited. Hand-agitated saline was used for CE and, by assessing left-chamber opacification, IPS was classified as grade 0 to 4. Grade 3/4 constituted significant IPS and hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) was defined as significant IPS with the arterial partial pressure of oxygen < 70 mmHg. Before LT, 253 patients underwent CE and the frequency of significant IPS and HPS were 44% (n = 112) and 7% (n = 17), respectively. Child-Pugh score (odds ratio [OR], 1.345; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.090 to 1.660; p = 0.006) and arterial oxygen content (OR, 0.838; 95% CI, 0.708 to 0.991; p = 0.039) were independent determinants of significant IPS, whereas direct bilirubin (OR, 1.076; 95% CI, 1.012 to 1.144; p = 0.019) was the only variable associated with HPS. Among 153 patients who underwent successful LT, repeated CE was performed in 97 (63%), which showed significant reductions in IPS grade (from 2.6 ± 1.0 to 1.2 ± 1.3, p < 0.001) and the prevalence of significant IPS (from 56% to 20%, p = 0.038). After adjustment for pre-LT IPS grade, time from LT to repeated CE presented negative linear relationship with post-LT IPS grade (r 2 = 0.366, p < 0.001) and was the only determinant of post-LT IPS grade (OR, 1.009; 95% CI, 1.003 to 1.014; p = 0.004). Repeated CE is useful to evaluate intrapulmonary vascular change before and after LT. Reversal of IPS after successful LT is time-dependent and follow-up duration should be considered for accurate assessment of IPS after LT.

Encephalopathy and liver transplantation.

PubMed

Chavarria, Laia; Cordoba, Juan

2013-06-01

Liver transplantation (LT) candidates experience frequently episodic or persistent hepatic encephalopathy. In addition, these patients can exhibit neurological comorbidities that contribute to cognitive impairment in the pre-transplant period. Assessment of the respective contribution of hepatic encephalopathy or comorbidities in the cognitive manifestations is critical to estimate the neurological benefits of restoring liver function. Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy are useful to assess the impact of liver failure or comorbidities. This assessment is critical to decide liver transplant in difficult cases. In the early postoperative period, LT is commonly complicated by a confusional syndrome. The possible role of persisting hepatic encephalopathy in its development has not been clearly established. The origin is usually considered multifactorial and relates to complications following LT, such as infections, rejection, primary liver dysfunction, immunosuppressors, etc.… The diagnosis and treatment is based in the recognition of comorbidities and optimal care of metabolic disturbances. Several studies have demonstrated recovery of cognitive function after LT in patients that have exhibited hepatic encephalopathy. However, some deficits may persist specifically among patients with persistent HE. Other factors present before LT that contribute to a worse neuropsychological outcome after LT are diabetes mellitus and alcohol consumption. Long-term after LT, cognitive function may worsen in relation to vascular risk factors.

Endothelial cells are essential for the self-renewal and repopulation of Notch-dependent hematopoietic stem cells

PubMed Central

Butler, Jason M.; Nolan, Daniel J.; L.Vertes, Eva; Varnum-Finney, Barbara; Kobayashi, Hideki; Hooper, Andrea T.; Seandel, Marco; Shido, Koji; White, Ian A.; Kobayashi, Mariko; Witte, Larry; May, Chad; Shawber, Carrie; Kimura, Yuki; Kitajewski, Jan; Rosenwaks, Zev; Bernstein, Irwin D.; Rafii, Shahin

2010-01-01

Bone marrow endothelial cells (ECs) are essential for reconstitution of hematopoiesis, but their role in self-renewal of long term-hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs) is unknown. We have developed angiogenic models to demonstrate that EC-derived angiocrine growth factors support in vitro self-renewal and in vivo repopulation of authentic LT-HSCs. In serum/cytokine-free co-cultures, ECs through direct cellular contact, stimulated incremental expansion of repopulating CD34−Flt3−cKit+Lineage−Sca1+ LT-HSCs, which retained their self-renewal ability, as determined by single cell and serial transplantation assays. Angiocrine expression of Notch-ligands by ECs promoted proliferation and prevented exhaustion of LT-HSCs derived from wild-type, but not Notch1/Notch2 deficient mice. In transgenic notch-reporter (TNR.Gfp) mice, regenerating TNR.Gfp+ LT-HSCs were detected in cellular contact with sinusoidal ECs and interfering with angiocrine, but not perfusion function, of SECs impaired repopulation of TNR.Gfp+ LT-HSCs. ECs establish an instructive vascular niche for clinical scale expansion of LT-HSCs and a cellular platform to identify stem cell-active trophogens. PMID:20207228

Timed Light Therapy for Sleep and Daytime Sleepiness Associated With Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Videnovic, Aleksandar; Klerman, Elizabeth B; Wang, Wei; Marconi, Angelica; Kuhta, Teresa; Zee, Phyllis C

2017-04-01

Impaired sleep and alertness are some of the most common nonmotor manifestations of Parkinson disease (PD) and currently have only limited treatment options. Light therapy (LT), a widely available treatment modality in sleep medicine, has not been systematically studied in the PD population. To determine the safety and efficacy of LT on excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) associated with PD. This randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical intervention study was set in PD centers at Northwestern University and Rush University. Participants were 31 patients with PD receiving stable dopaminergic therapy with coexistent EDS, as assessed by an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of 12 or greater, and without cognitive impairment or primary sleep disorder. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive bright LT or dim-red LT (controlled condition) twice daily in 1-hour intervals for 14 days. This trial was conducted between March 1, 2007, and October 31, 2012. Data analysis of the intention-to-treat population was conducted from November 1, 2012, through April 30, 2016. The primary outcome measure was the change in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score comparing the bright LT with the dim-red LT. Secondary outcome measures included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, the Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale score, the visual analog scale score for daytime sleepiness, and sleep log-derived and actigraphy-derived metrics. Among the 31 patients (13 males and 18 females; mean [SD] disease duration, 5.9 [3.6] years), bright LT resulted in significant improvements in EDS, as assessed by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (mean [SD], 15.81 [3.10] at baseline vs 11.19 [3.31] after the intervention). Both bright LT and dim-red LT were associated with improvements in sleep quality as captured by mean (SD) scores on the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (7.88 [4.11] at baseline vs 6.25 [4.27] after bright LT, and 8.87 [2.83] at baseline vs 7.33 [3.52] after dim-red LT) and the Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (97.24 [22.49] at baseline vs 106.98 [19.37] after bright LT, and 95.11 [19.86] at baseline vs 99.28 [16.94] after dim-red LT). Bright LT improved several self-reported mean (SD) sleep metrics, including sleep fragmentation (number of overnight awakenings, 1.51 [1.03] at baseline vs 0.92 [0.97] after the intervention), sleep quality (sleep diary score, 3.03 [1.01] at baseline vs 3.53 [0.91] after the intervention), and ease of falling asleep (sleep diary score, 2.32 [0.89] at baseline vs 1.83 [0.88] after the intervention). Light therapy was associated with increased daily physical activity as assessed by actigraphy (average activity [SD] counts, 165.01 [66.87] at baseline vs 194.59 [87.81] after the intervention). Light therapy was well tolerated and may be a feasible intervention for improving the sleep-wake cycles in patients with PD. Further studies are required to determine optimal parameters of LT for PD. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01338649.

A comprehensive quality control workflow for paired tumor-normal NGS experiments.

PubMed

Schroeder, Christopher M; Hilke, Franz J; Löffler, Markus W; Bitzer, Michael; Lenz, Florian; Sturm, Marc

2017-06-01

Quality control (QC) is an important part of all NGS data analysis stages. Many available tools calculate QC metrics from different analysis steps of single sample experiments (raw reads, mapped reads and variant lists). Multi-sample experiments, as sequencing of tumor-normal pairs, require additional QC metrics to ensure validity of results. These multi-sample QC metrics still lack standardization. We therefore suggest a new workflow for QC of DNA sequencing of tumor-normal pairs. With this workflow well-known single-sample QC metrics and additional metrics specific for tumor-normal pairs can be calculated. The segmentation into different tools offers a high flexibility and allows reuse for other purposes. All tools produce qcML, a generic XML format for QC of -omics experiments. qcML uses quality metrics defined in an ontology, which was adapted for NGS. All QC tools are implemented in C ++ and run both under Linux and Windows. Plotting requires python 2.7 and matplotlib. The software is available under the 'GNU General Public License version 2' as part of the ngs-bits project: https://github.com/imgag/ngs-bits. christopher.schroeder@med.uni-tuebingen.de. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Cumulative positive fluid balance is a risk factor for acute kidney injury and requirement for renal replacement therapy after liver transplantation.

PubMed

Codes, Liana; de Souza, Ygor Gomes; D'Oliveira, Ricardo Azevedo Cruz; Bastos, Jorge Luiz Andrade; Bittencourt, Paulo Lisboa

2018-04-24

To analyze whether fluid overload is an independent risk factor of adverse outcomes after liver transplantation (LT). One hundred and twenty-one patients submitted to LT were retrospectively evaluated. Data regarding perioperative and postoperative variables previously associated with adverse outcomes after LT were reviewed. Cumulative fluid balance (FB) in the first 12 h and 4 d after surgery were compared with major adverse outcomes after LT. Most of the patients were submitted to a liberal approach of fluid administration with a mean cumulative FB over 5 L and 10 L, respectively, in the first 12 h and 4 d after LT. Cumulative FB in 4 d was independently associated with occurrence of both AKI and requirement for renal replacement therapy (RRT) (OR = 2.3; 95%CI: 1.37-3.86, P = 0.02 and OR = 2.89; 95%CI: 1.52-5.49, P = 0.001 respectively). Other variables on multivariate analysis associated with AKI and RRT were, respectively, male sex and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Disease Classification System (APACHE II) levels and sepsis or septic shock. Mortality was shown to be independently related to AST and APACHE II levels (OR = 2.35; 95%CI: 1.1-5.05, P = 0.02 and 2.63; 95%CI: 1.0-6.87, P = 0.04 respectively), probably reflecting the degree of graft dysfunction and severity of early postoperative course of LT. No effect of FB on mortality after LT was disclosed. Cumulative positive FB over 4 d after LT is independently associated with the development of AKI and the requirement of RRT. Survival was not independently related to FB, but to surrogate markers of graft dysfunction and severity of postoperative course of LT.

Cysteinyl Leukotriene 1 Receptor Expression Associated With Bronchial Inflammation in Severe Exacerbations of COPD

PubMed Central

Zhu, Jie; Bandi, Venkata; Qiu, Shengyang; Figueroa, David J.; Evans, Jilly F.; Barnes, Neil; Guntupalli, Kay K.

2012-01-01

Background: Cysteinyl leukotriene 1 (CysLT1) receptor expression is known to be increased in the airway mucosa of patients with asthma, especially during exacerbations; however, nothing is known of its expression in COPD. Methods: We applied immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization to endobronchial biopsies to determine inflammatory cell CysLT1 receptor protein and mRNA expression in the following: (1) 15 nonsmoker control subjects (NSC), (2) 16 smokers with moderate to severe COPD in its stable phase (S-COPD), and (3) 15 smokers with COPD hospitalized for a severe exacerbation (SE-COPD). Results: The total number of bronchial mucosal inflammatory cells (CD45+) and those expressing CysLT1 receptor protein were significantly greater in SE-COPD (CysLT1 receptor protein: median [range] = 139 [31-634]) as compared with S-COPD (32 [6-114]) or NSC (16 [4-66]) (P < .001 for both). CysLT1 receptor gene expression showed similar differences. A greater proportion of CD451 cells expressed CysLT1 receptor protein in SE-COPD (median [range] = 22% [8-81]) compared with S-COPD (10% [4-32]) (P < .03) or NSC (7% [1-19]) (P < .002). In SE-COPD, the relative frequencies of CysLT1 receptor-expressing cells were as follows: tryptase1 mast cells > CD681 monocytes/macrophage > neutrophils > CD201 B lymphocytes = EG21 eosinophils. Moreover, there were positive correlations between the numbers of cells expressing CysLT1 receptor protein and the numbers of CD451 cells (r = 0.78; P < .003) and tryptase1 mast cells (r = 0.62; P < .02). Conclusions: Bronchial mucosal CysLT1 receptor-positive inflammatory cells are present in the bronchial mucosa in COPD in greatest number in those experiencing a severe exacerbation. PMID:22871757

Comparison of conventional L-thyroxine withdrawal and moderate hypothyroidism in preparation for whole-body 131-I scan and thyroglobulin testing.

PubMed

Marturano, I; Russo, M; Spadaro, A; Latina, A; Malandrino, P; Regalbuto, C

2015-09-01

After thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer, patients often withdraw L-T4 for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, showing signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. A slighter hypothyroidism (reducing L-T4 to one-half) has been proposed to limit these inconveniences. We evaluated half-dose L-T4 protocol, in comparison to conventional L-T4 withdrawal, in terms of effectiveness and improvement of clinical and biochemical disorders. We randomized 55 thyroid cancer patients into two groups: 29 patients underwent 5 weeks of half-dose of previous L-T4 treatment (HD group); 26 patients replaced L-T4 with L-T3 for 3 weeks followed by 2 weeks of withdrawal (TW group). Clinical features (Zulewsky clinical score) and biochemical parameters (lipids, liver, and muscle enzymes) were evaluated in all patients at baseline and after 5 weeks. Total cholesterol, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase increased at 5 weeks in both groups, but significantly more in TW, but no difference was found by clinical score. Patients who achieved the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) target value (25 µU/ml) were 92.3% in TW group and 48.3% in HD group (p < 0.001). In the HD group, only basal TSH statistically correlated with the achievement of the TSH target. Receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that a basal TSH ≥0.52 μU/ml is required to reach an adequate TSH level. Half-dose L-T4 protocol, compared to conventional L-T4 withdrawal, is associated with less biochemical disorders but no significant clinical advantage. Therefore, the half-dose protocol reaches an adequate TSH target in 48.3% of patients and is not effective unless basal serum TSH is ≥0.52 μU/ml.

The Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Clostridium difficile Infection in Liver Transplant Recipients.

PubMed

Sullivan, Timothy; Weinberg, Alan; Rana, Meenakshi; Patel, Gopi; Huprikar, Shirish

2016-09-01

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is common after liver transplantation (LT); however, few studies have examined the risk factors, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of CDI in this population. A retrospective study of adults who underwent LT between January 1, 2011, and April 4, 2013, at The Mount Sinai Hospital was conducted. Potential risk factors were evaluated via univariate and multivariable analysis to determine predictors of CDI in this population. The clinical manifestations of CDI and patient outcomes were also reviewed. Clostridium difficile infection occurred in 27 (14%) of 192 patients after LT. In multivariable analysis, CDI was associated with having a model for end-stage liver disease score of 20 or greater (hazards ratio, 2.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-6.52; P = 0.010), and receiving a LT from a living donor (hazards ratio, 3.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.47-9.67; P = 0.006). Forty-one percent of CDI cases occurred within 1 week of LT. Seven percent of patients with CDI had a serum white blood cell count greater than 12 000 cells per μL, and 26% had a temperature greater than 38.0°C. After treatment 6 (22%) patients developed CDI relapse, and all were successfully treated. No patients died of CDI after a mean follow-up time of 1.8 years; however, overall survival was significantly lower among those with CDI (78% vs 92%; P = 0.033). Clostridium difficile infection after LT was associated with higher model for end-stage liver disease scores and receiving a LT from a living donor. Clostridium difficile infection often occurred soon after LT and was infrequently associated with leukocytosis or fever. Clostridium difficile infection in LT recipients was associated with lower overall survival.

Is the Functional Threshold Power (FTP) a Valid Surrogate of the Lactate Threshold?

PubMed

Valenzuela, Pedro L; Morales, Javier S; Foster, Carl; Lucia, Alejandro; de la Villa, Pedro

2018-05-10

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the Functional Threshold Power (FTP) and the Lactate Threshold (LT). 20 male cyclists performed an incremental test in which the LT was determined. At least 48 h later, they performed a 20-minute time trial and 95% of the mean power output (P20) was defined as FTP. Participants were divided into recreational (Peak Power Output [PPO] < 4.5 W∙kg -1 , n=11) or trained cyclists (PPO > 4.5 W∙kg -1 , n=9) according to their fitness status. The FTP (240 ± 35 W) was overall not significantly different (effect size[ES]=0.20, limits of agreement [LoA]=-2.4 ± 11.5%) from the LT (246 ± 24 W), and both markers were strongly correlated (r=0.95, p<0.0001). Accounting for the participants' fitness status, no significant differences were found between FTP and LT ([ES]=0.22; LoA=2.1 ± 7.8%) in TC, but FTP was significantly lower than the LT (p=0.0004, ES=0.81; LoA=-6.5 ± 8.3%) in RC. A significant relationship was found between relative PPO and the bias between FTP and the LT markers (r=0.77, p<0.0001). The FTP is a valid field test-based marker for the assessment of endurance fitness. However, caution should be taken when using the FTP interchangeably with the LT as the bias between markers seems to depend on the athletes' fitness status. Whereas the FTP provides a good estimate of the LT in trained cyclists, in recreational cyclists FTP may underestimate LT.

A comparison study between different molecular weight polysaccharides derived from Lentinus edodes and their antioxidant activities in vivo.

PubMed

You, Ruxu; Wang, Kaiping; Liu, Jinyu; Liu, Maochang; Luo, Li; Zhang, Yu

2011-12-01

Polysaccharide purified Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Sing (Tricholomataceae) has been reported to attenuate oxidative stress in vitro. This study investigated whether polysaccharides from L. edodes with different molecular weight have protective effects against oxidative stress induced by D-galactose (D-gal) in vivo, and determined the specific relationship between molecular weight and antioxidant activity. In the present study, we successfully obtained three purified polysaccharides, coded as LT1, LT2, and LT3, and their molecular weights were 25.5, 306.2, and 605.4 kDa, respectively. The D-gal-treated mice received three polysaccharides once daily for 60 days. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), and erythrocyte membrane fluidity were measured to evaluate the changes of the antioxidant ability. It was demonstrated that the administration of LT1, LT2, and LT3 could improve the antioxidant status to different levels. Furthermore, LT2 exhibited the highest antioxidant ability among these samples in vivo. Indeed, LT2 significantly decreased the content of MDA in liver (15.91 ± 0.31 versus 23.79 ± 1.18 nmol/mg protein for the model group, p < 0.05), enhanced the fluidity of erythrocyte membrane (2.458 ± 0.023 versus 2.167 ± 0.024 for the model group, p < 0.05), and increased the activities of SOD (147.19 ± 4.90 versus 82.26 ± 5.55 units/mg protein for the model group, p < 0.05) and GSH-Px (310.91 ± 6.24 versus 243.64 ± 6.77 units/mg protein for the model group, p < 0.05) in liver. The LT2 had a potential to be used as a novel natural antioxidant.

Clinical efficacy and pharmacokinetics of levothyroxine suppository in patients with hypothyroidism.

PubMed

Kashiwagura, Yasuharu; Uchida, Shinya; Tanaka, Shimako; Watanabe, Hiroshi; Masuzawa, Masahiro; Sasaki, Tadanori; Namiki, Noriyuki

2014-01-01

This study aimed to elucidate the clinical efficacy and pharmacokinetics of levothyroxine (LT4) suppository, thus, we examined the pharmacokinetics of thyroxine (T4) after the administration of the suppository in thyroidectomized rats and examined dose and the levels of free T4 (FT4) in patients with hypothyroidism receiving suppositories. Thyroidectomized rats were administered with LT4 solution and LT4 suppository (30 µg/kg), and plasma T4 concentrations were measured using LC/MS. The AUC0-168 of T4 after rectal administration of the LT4 suppository was 64% lower than these values after oral administration. To evaluate clinical effect of LT4 suppository, we enrolled 6 Japanese patients with hypothyroidism (2 men and 4 women; age, 68.2±13.5 years) who were administered LT4 suppository at Kameda Medical Center from 2007 to 2013 in this case series. The FT4 level during the administration of suppositories was significantly lower than that during the administration of tablets (0.657±0.183 ng/dL vs. 1.25±0.51 ng/dL, p=0.034). The FT4/dose ratio for the suppository was significantly 44% lower than that for the tablet (p=0.020). In conclusion, although the bioavailability of LT4 is lower after administration of the suppository than after the oral formulation, it was suggested that T4 levels can be maintained in patients with hypothyroidism by administering LT4 suppositories at a dose 1.8 times higher than that of the tablet. Thus, the administration of LT4 suppository can be an alternative for treatment with oral medication in clinical practice.

Survey of A{sub LT'} asymmetries in semi-exclusive electron scattering on He4 and C12

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

Dan Protopopescu; et. Al.

2005-02-21

Single spin azimuthal asymmetries A{sub LT'} were measured at Jefferson Lab using 2.2 and 4.4 GeV longitudinally polarized electrons incident on {sup 4}He and {sup 12}C targets in the CLAS detector. A{sub LT'} is related to the imaginary part of the longitudinal-transverse interference and in quasifree nucleon knockout it provides an unambiguous signature for final state interactions (FSI). Experimental values of A{sub LT'} were found to be below 5%, typically |A{sub LT'}| < 3% for data with good statistical precision. Optical Model in Eikonal Approximation (OMEA) and Relativistic Multiple-Scattering Glauber Approximation (RMSGA) calculations are shown to be consistent with themore » measured asymmetries.« less

Benefit of early inflow exclusion during living donor liver transplantation for unresectable hepatoblastoma.

PubMed

Uchida, Hajime; Fukuda, Akinari; Sasaki, Kengo; Hirata, Yoshihiro; Shigeta, Takanobu; Kanazawa, Hiroyuki; Nakazawa, Atsuko; Miyazaki, Osamu; Nosaka, Shunsuke; Mali, Vidyadhar Padmakar; Sakamoto, Seisuke; Kasahara, Mureo

2016-11-01

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a highly malignant primary liver tumor in children. Although liver transplantation (LT) is an effective treatment for unresectable HB with good long-term outcomes, post-transplant survival is mainly affected by recurrence, despite adjuvant chemotherapy. Novel strategies are needed to improve the outcomes in patients undergoing LT for unresectable HB. Twelve children received LT for unresectable HB. In 9 patients, we applied early exclusion of hepatic inflow (hepatic artery and portal vein) and creation of a temporary portocaval shunt during LT. There were differences in the duration of and the blood loss during operation as compared with previously reports. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was well preserved at 3, 6, and 12months and the latest follow-up after LT, and the recurrence-free survival was 88.9%. Early inflow control during LT for unresectable HB may benefit recurrence-free survival by minimizing blood loss and tumor dissemination, preserving renal function and allowing early adjuvant chemotherapy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Stabilization of blood methylmalonic acid level in methylmalonic acidemia after liver transplantation.

PubMed

Chen, P W; Hwu, W L; Ho, M C; Lee, N C; Chien, Y H; Ni, Y H; Lee, P H

2010-05-01

Methylmalonic acidemia with complete mutase deficiency (mut(0) type) is an inborn error of metabolism with high mortality and morbidity. LT has been suggested to be a solution to this disease, but elevation of urinary and blood MMA was still observed after LT. In this study, we measured dry blood spot MMA and its precursor propionyl-carnitine (C3-carnitine) for mut(0) patients. The results revealed that when C3-carnitine rose during metabolic stress, MMA rose exponentially (up to 1000 micromol/L) in patients who did not undergo LT. In patients who underwent LT, MMA rose to 100-200 micromol/L when C3-carnitine reached 10-20 micromol/L. However, when C3-carnitine rose further to 40-50 micromol/L, MMA levels just stayed put. Therefore, LT stabilized blood MMA level, though there might be a threshold for blood MMA clearance by the donor liver. This finding should be critical to understand the long-term outcome for LT in methylmalonic acidemia.

Perceptions of post-transplant recidivism in liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease.

PubMed

Kawaguchi, Yoshikuni; Sugawara, Yasuhiko; Akamatsu, Nobuhisa; Kaneko, Junichi; Tanaka, Tomohiro; Tamura, Sumihito; Aoki, Taku; Sakamoto, Yoshihiro; Hasegawa, Kiyoshi; Kokudo, Norihiro

2014-11-27

Although alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is regarded as a common indication for liver transplantation (LT), debatable issues exist on the requirement for preceding alcoholic abstinence, appropriate indication criteria, predictive factors for alcoholic recidivism, and outcomes following living-donor LT. In most institutions, an abstinence period of six months before LT has been adopted as a mandatory selection criterion. Data indicating that pre-transplant abstinence is an associated predictive factor for alcoholic recidivism supports the reasoning behind this. However, conclusive evidence about the benefit of adopting an abstinence period is yet to be established. On the other hand, a limited number of reports available on living-donor LT experiences for ALD patients suggest that organ donations from relatives have no suppressive effect on alcoholic recidivism. Prevention of alcoholic recidivism has proved to be the most important treatment after LT based on the resultant inferior long-term outcome of patients. Further evaluations are still needed to establish strategies before and after LT for ALD.

Reproductive biology of the crocodile shark Pseudocarcharias kamoharai.

PubMed

Oliveira, P; Hazin, F H V; Carvalho, F; Rego, M; Coelho, R; Piercy, A; Burgess, G

2010-05-01

From February 2005 to September 2007, a total of 490 crocodile sharks Pseudocarcharias kamoharai, caught as by-catch in the swordfish and tuna longline fishery that operates in the tropical western Atlantic Ocean, was studied in regard to their reproductive biology. Maximum observed total lengths (L(T)) were 1220 and 1090 mm for females and males respectively, with a high proportion of the catch being composed of mature specimens. Sexual maturity was attained at 760-810 mm L(T) for males (L(T50) = 800 mm) and 870-980 mm L(T) for females (L(T50) = 916 mm). The size at birth was estimated at 415 mm L(T). Temporal variation in gonad morphology and mass suggests that in this region P. kamoharai, an aplacental viviparous species with oophagy, does not show a well-defined reproductive seasonality, with mating and parturition occurring possibly over an extended period of the year. Mean +/-S.D. fecundity was estimated to be 3.9 (+/- 0.6) pups per reproductive cycle.

Liver Transplantation for Fulminant Hepatic Failure

PubMed Central

Farmer, Douglas G.; Anselmo, Dean M.; Ghobrial, R. Mark; Yersiz, Hasan; McDiarmid, Suzanne V.; Cao, Carlos; Weaver, Michael; Figueroa, Jesus; Khan, Khurram; Vargas, Jorge; Saab, Sammy; Han, Steven; Durazo, Francisco; Goldstein, Leonard; Holt, Curtis; Busuttil, Ronald W.

2003-01-01

Objective To analyze outcomes after liver transplantation (LT) in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) with emphasis on pretransplant variables that can potentially help predict posttransplant outcome. Summary Background Data FHF is a formidable clinical problem associated with a high mortality rate. While LT is the treatment of choice for irreversible FHF, few investigations have examined pretransplant variables that can potentially predict outcome after LT. Methods A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients undergoing LT for FHF at a single transplant center. The median follow-up was 41 months. Thirty-five variables were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis to determine their impact on patient and graft survival. Results Two hundred four patients (60% female, median age 20.2 years) required urgent LT for FHF. Before LT, the majority of patients were comatose (76%), on hemodialysis (16%), and ICU-bound. The 1- and 5-year survival rates were 73% and 67% (patient) and 63% and 57% (graft). The primary cause of patient death was sepsis, and the primary cause of graft failure was primary graft nonfunction. Univariate analysis of pre-LT variables revealed that 19 variables predicted survival. From these results, multivariate analysis determined that the serum creatinine was the single most important prognosticator of patient survival. Conclusions This study, representing one of the largest published series on LT for FHF, demonstrates a long-term survival of nearly 70% and develops a clinically applicable and readily measurable set of pretransplant factors that determine posttransplant outcome. PMID:12724633

Replication Stress and Mitotic Dysfunction in Cells Expressing Simian Virus 40 Large T Antigen

PubMed Central

Hu, Liang; Filippakis, Harilaos; Huang, Haomin; Yen, Timothy J.

2013-01-01

We previously demonstrated that simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen (LT) binds to the Bub1 kinase, a key regulator of the spindle checkpoint and chromosome segregation. Bub1 mutations or altered expression patterns are linked to chromosome missegregation and are considered to be a driving force in some human cancers. Here we report that LT, dependent on Bub1 binding, causes micronuclei, lagging chromatin, and anaphase bridges, which are hallmarks of chromosomal instability (CIN) and Bub1 insufficiency. Using time-lapse microscopy, we demonstrate that LT imposes a Bub1 binding-dependent delay in the metaphase-to-anaphase transition. Kinetochore fibers reveal that LT, via Bub1 binding, causes aberrant kinetochore (KT)-microtubule (MT) attachments and a shortened interkinetochore distance, consistent with a lack of tension. Previously, we showed that LT also induces the DNA damage response (DDR) via Bub1 binding. Using inducible LT cell lines, we show that an activated DDR was observed before the appearance of anaphase bridges and micronuclei. Furthermore, LT induction in serum-starved cells demonstrated γ-H2AX accumulation in cells that had not yet entered mitosis. Thus, DDR activation can occur independently of chromosome segregation defects. Replication stress pathways may be responsible, because signatures of replication stress were observed, which were attenuated by exogenous supplementation with nucleosides. Our observations allow us to propose a model that explains and integrates the diverse manifestations of genomic instability induced by LT. PMID:24067972

Record of Operations Against Soviet Russia on Northern and Western Fronts of Manchuria, and in Northern Korea (August 1945)

DTIC Science & Technology

1954-09-01

Col Masao Segawa Col Kaoru Okano Col Shigeru Imada - Maj Akizo Yokoyama Capt Toyonobu Kondo Maj Toru Mi tano - Lt Col Sen Nagai - 1st Lt Ichiro...nchurians, and its commander, 1st Lieutenant Ishikawa , was killed. The only unit of the division to engage in action--the 5th Company of the 24lst...Lieutenant: 161 Irie, Major: 43 Ishikawa , 1st Lt: 160 Itung River: 15, 37, 42-43 Iwai, Lt Gen, Torajiro (Cmdr lOath Div): 143, 147-48, 154 Japanese

Evidence of β-antimonene at the Sb/Bi₂Se₃ interface.

PubMed

Flammini, Roberto; Colonna, Stefano; Hogan, Conor; Mahatha, Sanjoy; Papagno, Marco; Barla, Alessandro; Sheverdyaeva, Polina; Moras, Paolo; Aliev, Ziya; Babanly, M B; Chulkov, Evgueni V; Carbone, Carlo; Ronci, Fabio

2017-12-19

We report a study of the interface between antimony and the prototypical topological insulator Sb/Bi₂Se₃. Scanning tunnelling microscopy measurements show the presence of ordered domains displaying a perfect lattice match with bismuth selenide. Density functional theory calculations of the most stable atomic configurations demonstrate that the ordered domains can be attributed to stacks of β-antimonene. © 2017 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Cardiac Diseases Among Liver Transplant Candidates.

PubMed

Gitman, Marina; Albertz, Megan; Nicolau-Raducu, Ramona; Aniskevich, Stephen; Pai, Sher-Lu

2018-05-27

Improvements in early survival after liver transplant (LT) have allowed for the selection of LT candidates with multiple comorbidities. Cardiovascular disease is a major contributor to post-LT complications. We performed a literature search to identify the causes of cardiac disease in the LT population and to describe techniques for diagnosis and perioperative management. Since no definite guidelines for preoperative assessment (except for pulmonary heart disease) are currently available, we recommend an algorithm for preoperative cardiac work-up. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Oral immunization with a recombinant bacterial antigen produced in transgenic plants.

PubMed

Haq, T A; Mason, H S; Clements, J D; Arntzen, C J

1995-05-05

The binding subunit of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT-B) is a highly active oral immunogen. Transgenic tobacco and potato plants were made with the use of genes encoding LT-B or an LT-B fusion protein with a microsomal retention sequence. The plants expressed the foreign peptides, both of which formed oligomers that bound the natural ligand. Mice immunized by gavage produced serum and gut mucosal anti-LT-B immunoglobulins that neutralized the enterotoxin in cell protection assays. Feeding mice fresh transgenic potato tubers also caused oral immunization.

Head and neck and esophageal cancers after liver transplant: results from a multicenter cohort study. Italy, 1997-2010.

PubMed

Piselli, Pierluca; Burra, Patrizia; Lauro, Augusto; Baccarani, Umberto; Ettorre, Giuseppe M; Vizzini, Giovanni B; Rendina, Maria; Rossi, Massimo; Tisone, Giuseppe; Zamboni, Fausto; Bortoluzzi, Ilaria; Pinna, Antonio D; Risaliti, Andrea; Galatioto, Laura; Vennarecci, Giovanni; Di Leo, Alfredo; Nudo, Francesco; Sforza, Daniele; Fantola, Giovanni; Cimaglia, Claudia; Verdirosi, Diana; Virdone, Saverio; Serraino, Diego

2015-07-01

This study quantified the risk of head and neck (HN) and esophageal cancers in 2770 Italian liver transplant (LT) recipients. A total of 186 post-transplant cancers were diagnosed-including 32 cases of HN cancers and nine cases of esophageal carcinoma. The 10-year cumulative risk for HN and esophageal carcinoma was 2.59%. Overall, HN cancers were nearly fivefold more frequent in LT recipients than expected (standardized incidence ratios - SIR=4.7, 95% CI: 3.2-6.6), while esophageal carcinoma was ninefold more frequent (SIR=9.1, 95% CI: 4.1-17.2). SIRs ranged from 11.8 in LT with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) to 1.8 for LT without ALD for HN cancers, and from 23.7 to 2.9, respectively, for esophageal carcinoma. Particularly elevated SIRs in LT with ALD were noted for carcinomas of tongue (23.0) or larynx (13.7). Our findings confirmed and quantified the large cancer excess risk in LT recipients with ALD. The risk magnitude and the prevalence of ALD herein documented stress the need of timely and specifically organized programs for the early diagnosis of cancer among LT recipients, particularly for high-risk recipients like those with ALD. © 2015 Steunstichting ESOT.

Masking properties of ceramics for veneer restorations.

PubMed

Skyllouriotis, Andreas L; Yamamoto, Hideo L; Nathanson, Dan

2017-10-01

The translucency and opacity of ceramics play a significant role in emulating the natural color of teeth, but studies of the masking properties and limitations of dental ceramics when used as monolayer restorations are lacking. The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the translucency of 6 materials used for veneer restorations by assessing their translucency parameters (TPs), contrast ratios (CRs), and potential to mask dark tooth colors. Ten square- or disk-shaped specimens (0.5-mm thickness, shade A2) were fabricated from Vitablocks Mark II (VMII; Vita Zahnfabrik), IPS e.max CAD LT (EMXC LT; Ivoclar Vivadent AG), IPS e.max CAD HT (EMXC HT; Ivoclar Vivadent AG), IPS Empress CAD LT (EMP LT; Ivoclar Vivadent AG), IPS e.max Press LT (EMXP LT; Ivoclar Vivadent AG), and CZR (CZR; Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc). Their luminance (Y) values over black and over white tiles were measured, followed by their color (CIELab) over black tiles and white tiles and shaded A2 (control group), A3.5, A4, and B4 acrylic resin blocks. All measurements were performed using a spectrophotometer in 2 different areas on each specimen. Then CRs, TPs, and color differences (over shaded backgrounds) were determined. Data were subjected to 1-way and 2-way ANOVA (α=.05) for analysis. Mean CR values of EMXP LT were significantly higher than those of the other tested materials, whereas VMII and EMXC HT had the lowest values (P<.001). Mean TP values over black and over white backgrounds of VMII and EMXC HT were significantly higher than those of the other tested materials, while EMXP LT and EMXC LT revealed the lowest values (P<.001). Background shade A4 displayed the highest mean effect (expressed in ΔE* values) on the color of the ceramic materials, whereas shade B4 demonstrated the lowest mean background effect (P<.001). Significant differences in translucency among the tested ceramics were revealed (P<.001). The EMXC LT and EMXP LT groups were the least translucent under the conditions of this study (P<.001). All tested ceramics exhibited poor masking properties against the A4 background. The color differences of most tested ceramics were more acceptable when tested against the B4 background (ΔE*≤3.3). Copyright © 2016 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Royal Free Hospital 'hub-and-spoke network model' delivers effective care and increased access to liver transplantation.

PubMed

Tai, D; Dhar, A; Yusuf, A; Marshall, A; O'Beirne, J; Patch, D; Tsochatzis, E; Alexander, G; Portal, J; Thalheimer, U; Thorburn, D; Kallis, Y; Westbrook, R H

2018-01-01

'Hub-and-spoke' networks may be one solution to reduce the geographical inequality in access to liver transplantation (LT) and the growing demands on, and saturation of, LT centres. It is not clear if such networks improve equity of access, deliver comparable patient outcomes or effect patient satisfaction. Retrospective evaluation of outcomes and patient satisfaction within the Royal Free liver transplant 'hub-and-spoke' network. Patient outcomes in those assessed for LT between September 2011 and 2014 at spoke centres (n = 4) were compared retrospectively with those assessed at the LT hub centre. Patient satisfaction questionnaires were completed and changes in LT referral patterns were explored with data obtained directly from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). A total of 655 patients (180 spoke; 475 hub) were assessed for LT. Patients referred from spoke centres were more likely to have viral hepatitis as an underlying aetiology (72/180 vs 110/475; P < 0.001), or hepatocellular carcinoma (48/180 vs 60/475; P < 0.001) as an indication for LT and were more likely to be listed for LT when compared with hub patients (139/180 vs 312/475, P = 0.005). Mortality on the waiting list (9/123 vs 25/269, P = 0.57), waiting time to LT (64-days vs 78-days, P = 0.91) and Model for End-Stage liver disease (MELD)/United Kingdom End-Stage Liver Disease (UKELD) score (P = 0.24/0.26) in listed patients were equivalent as were 1- and 3-year patient and graft survival rates. Patient satisfaction rates were high at both types of centre, with significantly more patients preferring 'locally delivered care' at spoke vs hub (11/50 vs 70/73, P≤0.0001). Since the development of formal hub-and-spoke networks data from NHSBT based on postcode confirmed a significant increase in patients undergoing LT (153%) from spoke centres, whereas numbers assessed and transplanted from the hub centre have remained static. Hub-and-spoke LT networks are effective in offering equivalent clinical outcomes, high patient satisfaction and alleviate clinical pressure on the hub centre. They have to potential to help eliminate the geographical disparity in mortality rates from chronic liver disease. Copyright © 2017 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Genetic Fusions of a CFA/I/II/IV MEFA (Multiepitope Fusion Antigen) and a Toxoid Fusion of Heat-Stable Toxin (STa) and Heat-Labile Toxin (LT) of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) Retain Broad Anti-CFA and Antitoxin Antigenicity

PubMed Central

Ruan, Xiaosai; Sack, David A.; Zhang, Weiping

2015-01-01

Immunological heterogeneity has long been the major challenge in developing broadly effective vaccines to protect humans and animals against bacterial and viral infections. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains, the leading bacterial cause of diarrhea in humans, express at least 23 immunologically different colonization factor antigens (CFAs) and two distinct enterotoxins [heat-labile toxin (LT) and heat-stable toxin type Ib (STa or hSTa)]. ETEC strains expressing any one or two CFAs and either toxin cause diarrhea, therefore vaccines inducing broad immunity against a majority of CFAs, if not all, and both toxins are expected to be effective against ETEC. In this study, we applied the multiepitope fusion antigen (MEFA) strategy to construct ETEC antigens and examined antigens for broad anti-CFA and antitoxin immunogenicity. CFA MEFA CFA/I/II/IV [CVI 2014, 21(2):243-9], which carried epitopes of seven CFAs [CFA/I, CFA/II (CS1, CS2, CS3), CFA/IV (CS4, CS5, CS6)] expressed by the most prevalent and virulent ETEC strains, was genetically fused to LT-STa toxoid fusion monomer 3xSTaA14Q-dmLT or 3xSTaN12S-dmLT [IAI 2014, 82(5):1823-32] for CFA/I/II/IV-STaA14Q-dmLT and CFA/I/II/IV-STaN12S-dmLT MEFAs. Mice intraperitoneally immunized with either CFA/I/II/IV-STa-toxoid-dmLT MEFA developed antibodies specific to seven CFAs and both toxins, at levels equivalent or comparable to those induced from co-administration of the CFA/I/II/IV MEFA and toxoid fusion 3xSTaN12S-dmLT. Moreover, induced antibodies showed in vitro adherence inhibition activities against ETEC or E. coli strains expressing these seven CFAs and neutralization activities against both toxins. These results indicated CFA/I/II/IV-STa-toxoid-dmLT MEFA or CFA/I/II/IV MEFA combined with 3xSTaN12S-dmLT induced broadly protective anti-CFA and antitoxin immunity, and suggested their potential application in broadly effective ETEC vaccine development. This MEFA strategy may be generally used in multivalent vaccine development. PMID:25803825

Genetic fusions of a CFA/I/II/IV MEFA (multiepitope fusion antigen) and a toxoid fusion of heat-stable toxin (STa) and heat-labile toxin (LT) of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) retain broad anti-CFA and antitoxin antigenicity.

PubMed

Ruan, Xiaosai; Sack, David A; Zhang, Weiping

2015-01-01

Immunological heterogeneity has long been the major challenge in developing broadly effective vaccines to protect humans and animals against bacterial and viral infections. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains, the leading bacterial cause of diarrhea in humans, express at least 23 immunologically different colonization factor antigens (CFAs) and two distinct enterotoxins [heat-labile toxin (LT) and heat-stable toxin type Ib (STa or hSTa)]. ETEC strains expressing any one or two CFAs and either toxin cause diarrhea, therefore vaccines inducing broad immunity against a majority of CFAs, if not all, and both toxins are expected to be effective against ETEC. In this study, we applied the multiepitope fusion antigen (MEFA) strategy to construct ETEC antigens and examined antigens for broad anti-CFA and antitoxin immunogenicity. CFA MEFA CFA/I/II/IV [CVI 2014, 21(2):243-9], which carried epitopes of seven CFAs [CFA/I, CFA/II (CS1, CS2, CS3), CFA/IV (CS4, CS5, CS6)] expressed by the most prevalent and virulent ETEC strains, was genetically fused to LT-STa toxoid fusion monomer 3xSTaA14Q-dmLT or 3xSTaN12S-dmLT [IAI 2014, 82(5):1823-32] for CFA/I/II/IV-STaA14Q-dmLT and CFA/I/II/IV-STaN12S-dmLT MEFAs. Mice intraperitoneally immunized with either CFA/I/II/IV-STa-toxoid-dmLT MEFA developed antibodies specific to seven CFAs and both toxins, at levels equivalent or comparable to those induced from co-administration of the CFA/I/II/IV MEFA and toxoid fusion 3xSTaN12S-dmLT. Moreover, induced antibodies showed in vitro adherence inhibition activities against ETEC or E. coli strains expressing these seven CFAs and neutralization activities against both toxins. These results indicated CFA/I/II/IV-STa-toxoid-dmLT MEFA or CFA/I/II/IV MEFA combined with 3xSTaN12S-dmLT induced broadly protective anti-CFA and antitoxin immunity, and suggested their potential application in broadly effective ETEC vaccine development. This MEFA strategy may be generally used in multivalent vaccine development.

Double Versus Single Tendon Transfers to Improve Shoulder Function in Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy.

PubMed

Greenhill, Dustin A; Smith, William R; Ramsey, F V; Kozin, Scott H; Zlotolow, Dan A

2017-03-27

In children with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) undergoing tendon transfers to augment shoulder external rotation, it is unclear whether transfer of the latissimus dorsi with its combined latissimus dorsi and teres major (cLT) versus isolated teres major (iTM) tendon transfer yield different outcomes. Records of patients with BPBP who underwent shoulder tendon transfers to augment external rotation were retrospectively reviewed. Transfer type (cLT or iTM) was considered indiscriminate by virtue of surgeon preference. Modified Mallet Scale (mMS) and Active Movement Scale scores were recorded. Patients with <12 months' follow-up, C7 or lower palsy, humeral osteotomy, shoulder procedure(s) within 8 months, microsurgery within 1 year, or recurrent glenohumeral subluxation confirmed by postoperative imaging were excluded. Matched cohorts were identified within each tendon transfer group to yield similar preoperative shoulder function and glenohumeral alignment status. Outcomes for all tendon transfers as well as differences between cLT and iTM cohorts were analyzed. Among 121 cLT and 34 iTM transfers, 49 cLT and 14 iTM met the inclusion criteria. Subsequent matching of cohorts yielded 28 patients (14 cLT and 14 iTM). Average age at time of transfer was 3.0±1.4 years. Follow-up averaged 4.1±3.1 years. There were no statistically significant preoperative differences between cohorts, thus matching criteria were validated. Regardless of tendon(s) transferred, mMS external rotation improved (2.2 to 3.5, P<0.001), whereas mMS internal rotation decreased (3.8 to 3.2, P<0.001). When comparing matched cohorts, cLT transfer produced a greater mMS external rotation improvement than iTM (2.1 vs. 1.5, respectively; P=0.025). Loss of midline function (defined as mMS external rotation <3) occurred in 5 (35.7%) cLT and 2 (14.3%) iTM patients. Both cLT or iTM transfer are effective at augmenting shoulder external rotation in children with C5-C6 BPBP. Furthermore, cLT transfers may yield a larger improvement in external rotation in certain patients. However, both techniques slightly decrease shoulder internal rotation. Given that more total cLT patients lost midline function among matched cohorts, iTM transfer may still be considered when limited midline function is a concern. Level III.

The slow component of O(2) uptake is not accompanied by changes in muscle EMG during repeated bouts of heavy exercise in humans.

PubMed

Scheuermann, B W; Hoelting, B D; Noble, M L; Barstow, T J

2001-02-15

1. We hypothesized that either the recruitment of additional muscle motor units and/or the progressive recruitment of less efficient fast-twitch muscle fibres was the predominant contributor to the additional oxygen uptake (VO2) observed during heavy exercise. Using surface electromyographic (EMG) techniques, we compared the VO2 response with the integrated EMG (iEMG) and mean power frequency (MPF) response of the vastus lateralis with the VO2 response during repeated bouts of moderate (below the lactate threshold, < LT) and heavy (above the lactate threshold, > LT) intensity cycle ergometer exercise. 2. Seven male subjects (age 29 +/- 7 years, mean +/- S.D.) performed three transitions to a work rate (WR) corresponding to 90 % LT and two transitions to a work rate that would elicit a VO2 corresponding to 50 % of the difference between peak VO2 and the LT (i.e. Delta50 %, > LT1 and > LT2). 3. The VO2 slow component was significantly reduced by prior heavy intensity exercise (> LT1, 410 +/- 196 ml min(-1); > LT2, 230 +/- 191 ml min-1). The time constant (tau), amplitude (A) and gain (DeltaVO2/DeltaWR) of the primary VO2 response (phase II) were not affected by prior heavy exercise when a three-component, exponential model was used to describe the V2 response. 4. Integrated EMG and MPF remained relatively constant and at the same level throughout both > LT1 and > LT2 exercise and therefore were not associated with the VO2 slow component. 5. These data are consistent with the view that the increased O2 cost (i.e. VO2 slow component) associated with performing heavy exercise is coupled with a progressive increase in ATP requirements of the already recruited motor units rather than to changes in the recruitment pattern of slow versus fast-twitch motor units. Further, the lack of speeding of the kinetics of the primary VO2 component with prior heavy exercise, thought to represent the initial muscle VO2 response, are inconsistent with O2 delivery being the limiting factor in V > O2 kinetics during heavy exercise.

Longitudinal Analysis of the Intestinal Microbiota in Liver Transplantation.

PubMed

Kato, Karin; Nagao, Miki; Miyamoto, Kentaro; Oka, Kentaro; Takahashi, Motomichi; Yamamoto, Masaki; Matsumura, Yasufumi; Kaido, Toshimi; Uemoto, Shinji; Ichiyama, Satoshi

2017-04-01

Increasing evidence suggests that the intestinal microbiota plays an important role in liver diseases. However, the dynamics of the intestinal microbiota during liver transplantation (LT) and its potential role in clinical course remain unknown. We prospectively analyzed the intestinal microbiota of 38 patients who underwent LT in Kyoto University Hospital. We characterized the microbial compositions of fecal specimens from LT patients using a metagenomics approach by an Illumina MiSeq platform. We analyzed the diversity of microbiota sequentially from pretransplantation until 2 months after LT and also compared the microbiota during an episode of acute cellular rejection (ACR) and bloodstream infections (BSI) to the microbial composition of time-matched fecal specimens obtained from patients who did not experience ACR or BSI, respectively. Three hundred twenty fecal specimens were analyzed. Dynamic changes were observed in the microbial composition of LT recipients during the perioperative period. Over the course of LT, the mean diversity index decreased during the first 3 weeks after LT and gradually increased during our observation period. The loss of intestinal microbiota diversity was associated with high Child-Pugh scores, high model for end-stage liver disease scores, ACR, and BSI. At the family level, Bacteroides , Enterobacteriaceae , Streptococcaceae, and Bifidobacteriaceae were increased whereas Enterococcaceae , Lactobacillaceae , Clostridiaceae , Ruminococcaceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae were decreased in ACR patients. The microbiota of LT patients was associated with the severity of liver diseases and the presence of ACR and BSI. These results lay the groundwork for more comprehensive investigations of microbiota characteristics to identify diagnostic markers for transplant health and to guide intervention strategies to improve transplant outcomes.

Psycho-social outcome in liver transplanted children: beware of emotional self-assessment!

PubMed

Calinescu, Ana Maria; McLin, Valérie A; Belli, Dominque; Wildhaber, Barbara E

2012-08-10

Psycho-social outcome in children after liver transplantation (LT) is known to be inferior to age-related peers. Yet, when children and their parents are questioned by their nurse or physician about the child's psycho-social well-being, the answers usually are very positive. We hypothesized that patients and their parents after LT report their psycho-social well-being too enthusiastically when enquired by their personal care takers. LT at the Children's University Hospital of Geneva 1992-2007, age >3 years, <16 years, time after LT >2 years. Children and their parents were questioned by their well-known, familiar nurse at the annual follow up visit about their personal well-being. To allow for evaluation of answers, scores (good, medium, bad) were attributed to the different questions. 46 children were included in the study. Mean age at enquiry was 9.7 years (SD 4 years), mean time after LT was 7.5 years (SD 4.2 years). The different themes were reported as good for: parent-child relationship (83%), relationship with peers (98%), relation with siblings (39%), sport activities (54%), play activities (78%), school performance (87%), expression skills (67%), and general behavior (89%). Most of our LT children and their parents consider, during a personal interview with a closely related, familiar nurse, that the child's psycho-social outcome is good. Yet, it is generally acknowledged that children after LT have negatively altered psycho-social outcomes. Thus, emotionally influenced reports about psycho-social outcome in children after LT must be looked at with care.

Simulation-Based e-Learning Tools for Science,Engineering, and Technology Education(SimBeLT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Doyle V.; Cherner, Y.

2006-12-01

The focus of Project SimBeLT is the research, development, testing, and dissemination of a new type of simulation-based integrated e-learning set of modules for two-year college technical and engineering curricula in the areas of thermodynamics, fluid physics, and fiber optics that can also be used in secondary schools and four-year colleges. A collection of sophisticated virtual labs is the core component of the SimBeLT modules. These labs will be designed to enhance the understanding of technical concepts and underlying fundamental principles of these topics, as well as to master certain performance based skills online. SimBeLT software will help educators to meet the National Science Education Standard that "learning science and technology is something that students do, not something that is done to them". A major component of Project SimBeLT is the development of multi-layered technology-oriented virtual labs that realistically mimic workplace-like environments. Dynamic data exchange between simulations will be implemented and links with instant instructional messages and data handling tools will be realized. A second important goal of Project SimBeLT labs is to bridge technical skills and scientific knowledge by enhancing the teaching and learning of specific scientific or engineering subjects. SimBeLT builds upon research and outcomes of interactive teaching strategies and tools developed through prior NSF funding (http://webphysics.nhctc.edu/compact/index.html) (Project SimBeLT is partially supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation DUE-0603277)

Transfiguring structural, optical and dielectric properties of cadmium thiourea acetate crystal by the addition of L-threonine for laser assisted device applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulkarni, Rupali B.; Anis, Mohd; Hussaini, S. S.; Shirsat, Mahendra D.

2018-03-01

Present investigation reports the growth of pure and L-threonine (LT) doped cadmium thiourea acetate (CTA) crystals by slow solution evaporation technique followed by structural, optical and dielectric characterization studies. A bulk single crystal of LT-CTA has been grown at temperature 38 °C. The single crystal x-ray diffraction technique has been employed to confirm the structural parameters of pure and LT doped CTA crystals. The increase in optical transparency of LT-CTA crystal was ascertained in the range of 200 to 900 nm using UV-visible spectral analysis. The widened optical band gap of the LT-CTA crystal is found to be 4.7 eV. Pure and doped crystals are subjected to FT-IR analysis to indicate the presence of functional groups quantitatively. Appreciable enhancement in second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of LT-CTA crystal with reference to parent CTA was confirmed from Kurtz-Perry SHG test (1.31 times of CTA crystal). The assertive influence of LT on electrical properties of grown crystals has been investigated in the temperature range 35 °C-120 °C. Electronic purity and the color centered photoluminescence emission nature of pure and IA-CTA crystals were justified by luminescence analysis. With the aid of single beam Z-scan analysis, the Kerr lensing nonlinearity was identified and the magnitude of TONLO parameters has been determined. The cubic susceptibility (χ3) and figure of merit (FOM) was found to be 4.81 × 10-4esu and 978.35. Results vitalize LT-CTA for laser stabilization systems.

Longitudinal Analysis of the Intestinal Microbiota in Liver Transplantation

PubMed Central

Kato, Karin; Nagao, Miki; Miyamoto, Kentaro; Oka, Kentaro; Takahashi, Motomichi; Yamamoto, Masaki; Matsumura, Yasufumi; Kaido, Toshimi; Uemoto, Shinji; Ichiyama, Satoshi

2017-01-01

Background Increasing evidence suggests that the intestinal microbiota plays an important role in liver diseases. However, the dynamics of the intestinal microbiota during liver transplantation (LT) and its potential role in clinical course remain unknown. Methods We prospectively analyzed the intestinal microbiota of 38 patients who underwent LT in Kyoto University Hospital. We characterized the microbial compositions of fecal specimens from LT patients using a metagenomics approach by an Illumina MiSeq platform. We analyzed the diversity of microbiota sequentially from pretransplantation until 2 months after LT and also compared the microbiota during an episode of acute cellular rejection (ACR) and bloodstream infections (BSI) to the microbial composition of time-matched fecal specimens obtained from patients who did not experience ACR or BSI, respectively. Results Three hundred twenty fecal specimens were analyzed. Dynamic changes were observed in the microbial composition of LT recipients during the perioperative period. Over the course of LT, the mean diversity index decreased during the first 3 weeks after LT and gradually increased during our observation period. The loss of intestinal microbiota diversity was associated with high Child-Pugh scores, high model for end-stage liver disease scores, ACR, and BSI. At the family level, Bacteroides, Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcaceae, and Bifidobacteriaceae were increased whereas Enterococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Clostridiaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae were decreased in ACR patients. Conclusions The microbiota of LT patients was associated with the severity of liver diseases and the presence of ACR and BSI. These results lay the groundwork for more comprehensive investigations of microbiota characteristics to identify diagnostic markers for transplant health and to guide intervention strategies to improve transplant outcomes. PMID:28405600

Integration of the physiological factors determining endurance performance ability.

PubMed

Coyle, E F

1995-01-01

This model is used to understand the interrelationships of the physiological factors determining endurance performance ability during prolonged exercise. Early studies found that marathon runners maintain a velocity in competition that corresponds to the intensity at which lactate begins to accumulate in blood and muscle [7, 8, 19]. From this observation, the concept developed that this blood lactate threshold (LT Vo2) reflects the degree of muscular stress, glycogenolysis and fatigue. However, it was not clear whether the lactate accumulation was a result of cardiovascular limitations linked to oxygen delivery, as reflected by Vo2max [54], as opposed to metabolic factors in the exercising muscle related to the extent to which mitochondrial respiration is disturbed to maintain a given rate of O2 consumption [29, 30]. Two studies were performed to determine whether LT Vo2 was tightly coupled to Vo2max. In one study, endurance-trained ischemic heart disease patients were observed to possess a Vo2max that was 18% below that of normal master athletes who followed the patient's training program and who displayed the same performance ability as the patients. Both the patients and the normal men displayed an identical LT Vo2 (i.e., 37 ml/kg/min) (Fig. 2.5). Therefore, performance was determined primarily by LT Vo2 instead of Vo2max in this situation, albeit with abnormal subjects. In a second study we assembled two groups of competitive cyclists who were identical in Vo2max but differed by having a high or low LT Vo2 (82% vs. 66% Vo2max) [13]. When cycling at 80-88% Vo2max, the low LT group displayed more than a 2-fold higher rate of muscle glycogen use and blood lactate concentration, and as a result were able to exercise only one-half as long as the high LT group. Performance time for a given Vo2 was clearly related to LT Vo2 instead of Vo2max (Fig. 2.6). This is not to say that Vo2max plays no role in determining LT Vo2, because as in heart disease patients, it clearly sets the upper limit. Indeed, we have seen that much of the variance (i.e., 31-72%) in LT Vo2 is related to Vo2max. (Fig. 2.11.) However, improvements in performance after the first 2-3 yr of intense training are associated with improvements in LT Vo2, whereas Vo2max generally increases very little thereafter (Table 2.3). The next question concerns the factors responsible for further increases in LT Vo2 and Performance. Another major factor determining LT Vo2 is the muscle's Aerobic Enzyme Activity or mitochondrial respiratory capacity, as discussed in previous reviews [29, 30].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

SuperLab LT: Evaluation and Uses in Teaching Experimental Psychology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ragozzine, Frank

2002-01-01

I describe and evaluate SuperLab LT (Chase & Abboud, 1990), a software package that enables students to replicate classic experiments in cognitive psychology. I also discuss the package with respect to its uses in teaching an undergraduate course in Experimental Psychology. Although the package has minor flaws, SuperLab LT provides numerous…

Larger than Life's Extremes: Rigorous Results for Simplified Rules and Speculation on the Phase Boundaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, Kellie Michele

Larger than Life (LtL), is a four-parameter family of two-dimensional cellular automata that generalizes John Conway's Game of Life (Life) to large neighborhoods and general birth and survival thresholds. LtL was proposed by David Griffeath in the early 1990s to explore whether Life might be a clue to a critical phase point in the threshold-range scaling limit. The LtL family of rules includes Life as well as a rich set of two-dimensional rules, some of which exhibit dynamics vastly different from Life. In this chapter we present rigorous results and conjectures about the ergodic classifications of several sets of "simplified" LtL rules, each of which has a property that makes the rule easier to analyze. For example, these include symmetric rules such as the threshold voter automaton and the anti-voter automaton, monotone rules such as the threshold growth models, and others. We also provide qualitative results and speculation about LtL rules on various phase boundaries and summarize results and open questions about our favorite "Life-like" LtL rules.

Genetic influences on ovulation of primary oocytes in LT/Sv strain mice.

PubMed

Everett, Clare A; Auchincloss, Catherine A; Kaufman, Matthew H; Abbott, Catherine M; West, John D

2004-11-01

A high proportion of LT/Sv strain oocytes arrest in meiotic metaphase I (MI) and are ovulated as diploid primary oocytes rather than haploid secondary oocytes. (Mus musculus castaneus x LT/SvKau)F1 x LT/SvKau backcross females were analysed for the proportion of oocytes that arrested in MI and typed by PCR for a panel of microsatellite DNA sequences (simple sequence repeat polymorphisms) that differed between strain LT/SvKau and M. m. castaneus. This provided a whole genome scan of 86 genetic markers distributed over all 19 autosomes and the X chromosome, and revealed genetic linkage of the MI arrest phenotype to markers on chromosomes 1 and 9. Identification of these two chromosomal regions should facilitate the identification of genes involved in mammalian oocyte maturation and the control of meiosis.

Analysis of Minimally Invasive Left Thoracotomy HVAD Implantation - A Single-Center Experience.

PubMed

Reichart, D; Brand, C F; Bernhardt, A M; Schmidt, S; Schaefer, A; Blankenberg, S; Reichenspurner, H; Wagner, F M; Deuse, T; Barten, M J

2018-05-27

 Minimally invasive left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation may reduce peri-/postoperative complications and risks associated with resternotomies. In this study, we describe our first results using a minimally invasive LVAD implantation technique (lateral thoracotomy [LT] group). These results were compared with LVAD implantations done via full median sternotomy (STX group).  HVAD (HeartWare, Framingham, Massachusetts, United States) implantations in 70 patients (LT group n  = 22, 52 ± 15 years old; STX group n  = 48, 59 ± 11 years old) were retrospectively analyzed. Minimally invasive access via left thoracotomy was feasible in 22 patients. Peri- and postoperative analyses of survival and adverse events were performed.  No survival differences were observed between the LT and STX group ( p  = 0.43). LT patients without temporary right ventricular assist device (tRVAD) showed a significantly better survival rate compared to LT patients with concomitant tRVAD implantation ( p  = 0.02), which could not be demonstrated in the STX group ( p  = 0.11). Two LT and four STX patients were successfully bridged to heart transplantation and three STX patients were successfully weaned with subsequent LVAD explantations. LVAD-related infections ( n  = 4 LT group vs n  = 20 STX group, p  = 0.04) were less likely in the LT group. No wound dehiscence occurred in the LT group, whereas five were observed in the STX group ( p  = 0.17). The amount of perioperative blood transfusions (within the first 7 postoperative days) did not differ in both study groups ( p  = 0.48).  The minimally invasive approach is a viable alternative with the possibility to reduce complications and should be particularly considered for bridge-to-transplant patients. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Optimizing repeat liver transplant graft utility through strategic matching of donor and recipient characteristics.

PubMed

Hung, Kenneth; Gralla, Jane; Dodge, Jennifer L; Bambha, Kiran M; Dirchwolf, Melisa; Rosen, Hugo R; Biggins, Scott W

2015-11-01

Repeat liver transplantation (LT) is controversial because of inferior outcomes versus primary LT. A minimum 1-year expected post-re-LT survival of 50% has been proposed. We aimed to identify combinations of Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), donor risk index (DRI), and recipient characteristics achieving this graft survival threshold. We identified re-LT recipients listed in the United States from March 2002 to January 2010 with > 90 days between primary LT and listing for re-LT. Using Cox regression, we estimated the expected probability of 1-year graft survival and identified combinations of MELD, DRI, and recipient characteristics attaining >50% expected 1-year graft survival. Re-LT recipients (n = 1418) had a median MELD of 26 and median age of 52 years. Expected 1-year graft survival exceeded 50% regardless of MELD or DRI in Caucasian recipients who were not infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) of all ages and Caucasian HCV-infected recipients <50 years old. As age increased in HCV-infected Caucasian and non-HCV-infected African American recipients, lower MELD scores or lower DRI grafts were needed to attain the graft survival threshold. As MELD scores increased in HCV-infected African American recipients, lower-DRI livers were required to achieve the graft survival threshold. Use of high-DRI livers (>1.44) in HCV-infected recipients with a MELD score > 26 at re-LT failed to achieve the graft survival threshold with recipient age ≥ 60 years (any race), as well as at age ≥ 50 years for Caucasians and at age < 50 years for African Americans. Strategic donor selection can achieve >50% expected 1-year graft survival even in high-risk re-LT recipients (HCV infected, older age, African American race, high MELD scores). Low-risk transplant recipients (age < 50 years, non-HCV-infected) can achieve the survival threshold with varying DRI and MELD scores. © 2015 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Role of Patient Factors, Preferences, and Distrust in Health Care and Access to Liver Transplantation and Organ Donation

PubMed Central

Wilder, Julius M.; Oloruntoba, Omobonike O.; Muir, Andrew J.; Moylan, Cynthia A.

2017-01-01

Despite major improvements in access to liver transplantation (LT), disparities remain. Little is known about how distrust in medical care, patient preferences, and the origins shaping those preferences contribute to differences surrounding access. We performed a single-center, cross-sectional survey of adults with end-stage liver disease and compared responses between LT listed and nonlisted patients as well as by race. Questionnaires were administered to 109 patients (72 nonlisted; 37 listed) to assess demographics, health care system distrust (HCSD), religiosity, and factors influencing LT and organ donation (OD). We found that neither HCSD nor religiosity explained differences in access to LT in our population. Listed patients attained higher education levels and were more likely to be insured privately. This was also the case for white versus black patients. All patients reported wanting LT if recommended. However, nonlisted patients were significantly less likely to have discussed LT with their physician or to be referred to a transplant center. They were also much less likely to understand the process of LT. Fewer blacks were referred (44.4% versus 69.7%; P = 0.03) or went to the transplant center if referred (44.4% versus 71.1%; P = 0.02). Fewer black patients felt that minorities had as equal access to LT as whites (29.6% versus 57.3%; P < 0.001). For OD, there were more significant differences in preferences by race than listing status. More whites indicated OD status on their driver’s license, and more blacks were likely to become an organ donor if approached by someone of the same cultural or ethnic background (P < 0.01). In conclusion, our analysis demonstrates persistent barriers to LT and OD. With improved patient and provider education and communication, many of these disparities could be successfully overcome. PMID:27027394

Heart Rate Variability during Simulated Hemorrhage with Lower Body Negative Pressure in High and Low Tolerant Subjects.

PubMed

Hinojosa-Laborde, Carmen; Rickards, Caroline A; Ryan, Kathy L; Convertino, Victor A

2011-01-01

Heart rate variability (HRV) decreases during hemorrhage, and has been proposed as a new vital sign to assess cardiovascular stability in trauma patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if any of the HRV metrics could accurately distinguish between individuals with different tolerance to simulated hemorrhage. Specifically, we hypothesized that (1) HRV would be similar in low tolerant (LT) and high tolerant (HT) subjects at presyncope when both groups are on the verge of hemodynamic collapse; and (2) HRV could distinguish LT subjects at presyncope from hemodynamically stable HT subjects (i.e., at a submaximal level of hypovolemia). Lower body negative pressure (LBNP) was used as a model of hemorrhage in healthy human subjects, eliciting central hypovolemia to the point of presyncopal symptoms (onset of hemodynamic collapse). Subjects were classified as LT if presyncopal symptoms occurred during the -15 to -60 mmHg levels of LBNP, and HT if symptoms occurred after LBNP of -60 mmHg. A total of 20 HRV metrics were derived from R-R interval measurements at the time of presyncope, and at one level prior to presyncope (submax) in LT and HT groups. Only four HRV metrics (Long-range Detrended Fluctuation Analysis, Forbidden Words, Poincaré Plot Descriptor Ratio, and Fractal Dimensions by Curve Length) supported both hypotheses. These four HRV metrics were evaluated further for their ability to identify individual LT subjects at presyncope when compared to HT subjects at submax. Variability in individual LT and HT responses was so high that LT responses overlapped with HT responses by 85-97%. The sensitivity of these HRV metrics to distinguish between individual LT from HT subjects was 6-33%, and positive predictive values were 40-73%. These results indicate that while a small number of HRV metrics can accurately distinguish between LT and HT subjects using group mean data, individual HRV values are poor indicators of tolerance to hypovolemia.

Merkel Cell Carcinomas Arising in Autoimmune Disease Affected Patients Treated with Biologic Drugs, Including Anti-TNF.

PubMed

Rotondo, John Charles; Bononi, Ilaria; Puozzo, Andrea; Govoni, Marcello; Foschi, Valentina; Lanza, Giovanni; Gafà, Roberta; Gaboriaud, Pauline; Touzé, Françoise Antoine; Selvatici, Rita; Martini, Fernanda; Tognon, Mauro

2017-07-15

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to characterize Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC) arisen in patients affected by autoimmune diseases and treated with biologic drugs. Experimental Design: Serum samples from patients with MCC were analyzed for the presence and titer of antibodies against antigens of the oncogenic Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). IgG antibodies against the viral oncoproteins large T (LT) and small T (ST) antigens and the viral capsid protein-1 were analyzed by indirect ELISA. Viral antigens were recombinant LT/ST and virus-like particles (VLP), respectively. MCPyV DNA sequences were studied using PCR methods in MCC tissues and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses were carried out in MCC tissues to reveal MCPyV LT oncoprotein. Results: MCPyV DNA sequences identified in MCC tissues showed 100% homology with the European MKL-1 strain. PBMCs from patients tested MCPyV-negative. Viral DNA loads in the three MCC tissues were in the 0.1 to 30 copy/cell range. IgG antibodies against LT/ST were detected in patients 1 and 3, whereas patient 2 did not react to the MCPyV LT/ST antigen. Sera from the three patients with MCC contained IgG antibodies against MCPyV VP1. MCC tissues tested MCPyV LT-antigen-positive in IHC assays, with strong LT expression with diffuse nuclear localization. Normal tissues tested MCPyV LT-negative when employed as control. Conclusions: We investigated three new MCCs in patients affected by rheumatologic diseases treated with biologic drugs, including TNF. A possible cause-effect relationship between pharmacologic immunosuppressive treatment and MCC onset is suggested. Indeed, MCC is associated with MCPyV LT oncoprotein activity. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3929-34. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

A novel formulation of L-thyroxine (L-T4) reduces the problem of L-T4 malabsorption by coffee observed with traditional tablet formulations.

PubMed

Vita, Roberto; Saraceno, Giovanna; Trimarchi, Francesco; Benvenga, Salvatore

2013-02-01

The purpose of this work is to evaluate if the coffee-associated malabsorption of tablet levothyroxine (L-T4) is reduced by soft gel capsule. We recruited 8 patients with coffee-associated L-T4 malabsorption including one hypothyroid patient. For 6 months, the patients were switched to the capsule maintaining the L-T4 daily dose. Patients took the capsule with water, having coffee 1 h later (proper habit, PH) on days 1-90, or with coffee ≤ 5 min later (improper habit, IH) on days 91-180. After 6 months, 2 patients volunteered for an acute loading test of 600 μg L-T4 (capsule) ingested with water (PH) or with coffee (IH). In the single hypothyroid patient, the post-switch TSH ranged 0.06-0.16 mU/L (PH) versus 5.8-22.4 mU/L pre-switch (PH) and 0.025-0.29 mU/L (IH) versus 26-34 mU/L pre-switch (IH). In the other 7 patients, post-switch TSH was 0.41 ± 0.46 (PH) versus 0.28 ± 0.20 pre-switch (PH) (P = 0.61) and 0.34 ± 0.30 (IH) versus 1.23 ± 1.47 pre-switch (IH) (P < 0.001). Importantly, TSH levels in PH versus IH habit did not differ post-switch (P = 0.90), but they did pre-switch (P < 0.0001). The proportions of post-switch TSH levels <0.10 mU/L with PH (33.3 %) or with IH (33.3 %) were borderline significantly greater than the corresponding pre-switch levels with PH (10.3 %) (P = 0.088) or with IH (0 %) (P = 0.0096). In the two volunteers, the L-T4 loading test showed that coffee influenced L-T4 pharmacokinetics minimally. Soft gel capsules can be used in patients who are unable/unwilling to change their IH of taking L-T4.

Characterization of Heat-Stable (STa) Toxoids of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Fused to Double Mutant Heat-Labile Toxin Peptide in Inducing Neutralizing Anti-STa Antibodies

PubMed Central

Ruan, Xiaosai; Robertson, Donald C.; Nataro, James P.; Clements, John D.

2014-01-01

A long-standing challenge in developing vaccines against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), the most common bacteria causing diarrhea in children of developing countries and travelers to these countries, is to protect against heat-stable toxin type Ib (STa or hSTa). STa and heat-labile toxin (LT) are virulence determinants in ETEC diarrhea. LT antigens are often used in vaccine development, but STa has not been included because of its poor immunogenicity and potent toxicity. Toxic STa is not safe for vaccines, but only STa possessing toxicity is believed to be able to induce neutralizing antibodies. However, recent studies demonstrated that nontoxic STa derivatives (toxoids), after being fused to an LT protein, induced neutralizing antibodies and suggested that different STa toxoids fused to an LT protein might exhibit different STa antigenic propensity. In this study, we selected 14 STa toxoids from a mini-STa toxoid library based on toxicity reduction and reactivity to anti-native STa antibodies, and genetically fused each toxoid to a monomeric double mutant LT (dmLT) peptide for 14 STa-toxoid-dmLT toxoid fusions. These toxoid fusions were used to immunize mice and were characterized for induction of anti-STa antibody response. The results showed that different STa toxoids (in fusions) varied greatly in anti-STa antigenicity. Among them, STaN12S, STaN12T, and STaA14H were the top toxoids in inducing anti-STa antibodies. In vitro neutralization assays indicated that antibodies induced by the 3×STaN12S-dmLT fusion antigen exhibited the greatest neutralizing activity against STa toxin. These results suggested 3×STaN12S-dmLT is a preferred fusion antigen to induce an anti-STa antibody response and provided long-awaited information for effective ETEC vaccine development. PMID:24549325

Wrist kinetics after luno-triquetral dissociation: the changes in moment arms of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon.

PubMed

Tang, Jin Bo; Xie, Ren Gou; Yu, Xiao Wei; Chen, Feng

2002-11-01

Wrist biomechanics after luno-triquetral (LT) dissociation is important for understanding the clinical sequelae of the disease and for determining its treatment options. The LT interosseous ligament plays an important role in stabilizing the joint and damage to the ligament would be expected to significantly increase moment arms of tendon of the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), the principal ulnar wrist flexor. We investigated the changes in moment arms of FCU tendon after various amounts of sectioning of the ligaments proven to be associated with LT dissociation. In six fresh frozen cadaveric upper extremities, excursions of the FCU tendon were recorded simultaneously with wrist joint angulation during wrist flexion-extension and radioulnar deviation. Tendon excursions were measured in intact wrists, in wrists with sectioning of the dorsal portion of the LT interosseous ligament, in wrists with sectioning of the entire LT interosseous ligament, and finally in wrists with further sectioning of the dorsal radiotriquetral and intercarpal ligaments. Moment arms of the tendon were calculated from tendon excursions and joint motion angulations and expressed as percentage changes from those in the intact wrist. During wrist flexion-extension, moment arms of the FCU tendon after sectioning of the entire LT interosseous ligament and after sectioning of the two capsular ligaments were 112 +/- 7% and 114 +/- 8%, respectively; these values were significantly greater than those in the intact wrist. During radioulnar deviation, the moment arms were 114 +/- 11% after sectioning of the dorsal portion of the LT interosseous ligament, 134 +/- 15% after sectioning of the entire ligament, and 153 +/- 18% after sectioning of the capsular ligaments, again being significantly greater than the normal wrist. Increase in moment arms of the FCU tendon after loss of integrity of the LT interosseous ligament and dorsal capsular ligaments may contribute to clinical sequelae of LT dissociation and difficulty in treating this disorder.

Cadmium modulates hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and skews toward myelopoiesis in mice

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

Zhang, Yandong; Yu, Xinchun

The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is known to modulate immunity and cause osteoporosis. However, how Cd influences on hematopoiesis remain largely unknown. Herein, we show that wild-type C57BL/6 (B6) mice exposed to Cd for 3 months had expanded bone marrow (BM) populations of long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs), common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) and granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (GMPs), while having reduced populations of multipotent progenitors (MPPs) and common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs). A competitive mixed BM transplantation assay indicates that BM from Cd-treated mice had impaired LT-HSC ability to differentiate into mature cells. In accordance with increased myeloid progenitors and decreased lymphoid progenitors,more » the BM and spleens of Cd-treated mice had more monocytes and/or neutrophils and fewer B cells and T cells. Cd impaired the ability of the non-hematopoietic system to support LT-HSCs, in that lethally irradiated Cd-treated recipients transplanted with normal BM cells had reduced LT-HSCs after the hematopoietic system was fully reconstituted. This is consistent with reduced osteoblasts, a known critical component for HSC niche, observed in Cd-treated mice. Conversely, lethally irradiated control recipients transplanted with BM cells from Cd-treated mice had normal LT-HSC reconstitution. Furthermore, both control mice and Cd-treated mice that received Alendronate, a clinical drug used for treating osteoporosis, had BM increases of LT-HSCs. Thus, the results suggest Cd increase of LT-HSCs is due to effects on HSCs and not on osteoblasts, although, Cd causes osteoblast reduction and impaired niche function for maintaining HSCs. Furthermore, Cd skews HSCs toward myelopoiesis. - Highlights: • Cd increases the number of LT-HSCs but impairs their development. • Cd-treated hosts have compromised ability to support LT-HSCs. • Cd promotes myelopoiesis at the expense of lymphopoiesis at the MPP level.« less

Toxicity and immunogenicity of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli heat-labile and heat-stable toxoid fusion 3xSTa(A14Q)-LT(S63K/R192G/L211A) in a murine model.

PubMed

Zhang, Chengxian; Knudsen, David E; Liu, Mei; Robertson, Donald C; Zhang, Weiping

2013-01-01

Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death to young children. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) are the most common bacteria causing diarrhea. Adhesins and enterotoxins are the virulence determinants in ETEC diarrhea. Adhesins mediate bacterial attachment and colonization, and enterotoxins including heat-labile (LT) and heat-stable type Ib toxin (STa) disrupt fluid homeostasis in host cells that leads to fluid hyper-secretion and diarrhea. Thus, adhesins and enterotoxins have been primarily targeted in ETEC vaccine development. A recent study reported toxoid fusions with STa toxoid (STa(P13F)) fused at the N- or C-terminus, or inside the A subunit of LT(R192G) elicited neutralizing antitoxin antibodies, and suggested application of toxoid fusions in ETEC vaccine development (Liu et al., Infect. Immun. 79:4002-4009, 2011). In this study, we generated a different STa toxoid (STa(A14Q)) and a triple-mutant LT toxoid (LT(S63K/R192G/L211A), tmLT), constructed a toxoid fusion (3xSTa(A14Q)-tmLT) that carried 3 copies of STa(A14Q) for further facilitation of anti-STa immunogenicity, and assessed antigen safety and immunogenicity in a murine model to explore its potential for ETEC vaccine development. Mice immunized with this fusion antigen showed no adverse effects, and developed antitoxin antibodies particularly through the IP route. Anti-LT antibodies were detected and were shown neutralizing against CT in vitro. Anti-STa antibodies were also detected in the immunized mice, and serum from the IP immunized mice neutralized STa toxin in vitro. Data from this study indicated that toxoid fusion 3xSTa(A14Q)-tmLT is safe and can induce neutralizing antitoxin antibodies, and provided helpful information for vaccine development against ETEC diarrhea.

Decreasing incidence of symptomatic Epstein-Barr virus disease and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder in pediatric liver transplant recipients: report of the studies of pediatric liver transplantation experience.

PubMed

Narkewicz, Michael R; Green, Michael; Dunn, Stephen; Millis, Michael; McDiarmid, Susan; Mazariegos, George; Anand, Ravinder; Yin, Wanrong

2013-07-01

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) causes significant morbidity and mortality in pediatric recipients of liver transplantation (LT). Describe the incidence of PTLD and symptomatic Epstein-Barr virus (SEBV) disease in a large multicenter cohort of children who underwent LT with a focus on the risk factors and changes in incidence over time. SEBV and PTLD were prospectively determined in 2283 subjects who had undergone LT for the first time with at least 1 year of follow-up in the Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplantation database. SEBV was defined with specific criteria, and PTLD required tissue confirmation. The incidence of SEBV and PTLD was determined with a Kaplan-Meier analysis. Univariate and multivariate modeling of risk factors was performed with standard methods. SEBV occurred in 199 patients; 174 (87.4%) were EBV-negative at LT. Seventy-five patients developed PTLD, and 64 (85.3%) of these patients were EBV-negative at LT. Among the 2048 patients with at least 2 years of follow-up, 8.3% developed SEBV by the second year after LT, and 2.8% developed PTLD. There were lower rates of SEBV (5.9% versus 11.3%, P < 0.001) and PTLD (1.7% versus 4.2%, P = 0.001) in 2002-2007 versus 1995-2001. In 2002-2007, tacrolimus and cyclosporine trough blood levels in the first year after LT were significantly lower, and fewer children were receiving steroids. Biliary atresia, and recipient EBV status were correlated. In a multivariate analysis, era of LT, recipient EBV status, and frequent rejection episodes were associated with SEBV and PTLD. The incidence of SEBV and PTLD is decreasing in pediatric LT recipients concomitantly with a reduction in immunosuppression. Younger recipients and those with multiple rejections remain at higher risk for SEBV and PTLD. © 2013 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Moderate Deviation Principles for Stochastic Differential Equations with Jumps

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-15

N ŕ’"(dt; dy) and the controls ’" : X [0; T ] ! [0;1) are predictable processes satisfying LT (’") Ma2 (") for some constantM . Here LT denotes...space. Although in the moderate deviations problem one has the stronger bound LT (’") Ma2 (") on the cost of controls, the mere tightness of ’" does not...suitable quadratic form. For " > 0 and M ə, consider the spaces SM+;" : = f’ : X [0; T ]! R+j LT (’) Ma2 (")g (2.5) SM" : = f : X [0; T ]! Rj

Minimizing tacrolimus decreases the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus after liver transplantation.

PubMed

Song, Jiu-Lin; Gao, Wei; Zhong, Yan; Yan, Lu-Nan; Yang, Jia-Yin; Wen, Tian-Fu; Li, Bo; Wang, Wen-Tao; Wu, Hong; Xu, Ming-Qing; Chen, Zhe-Yu; Wei, Yong-Gang; Jiang, Li; Yang, Jian

2016-02-14

To investigate the impact of minimum tacrolimus (TAC) on new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) after liver transplantation (LT). We retrospectively analyzed the data of 973 liver transplant recipients between March 1999 and September 2014 in West China Hospital Liver Transplantation Center. Following the exclusion of ineligible recipients, 528 recipients with a TAC-dominant regimen were included in our study. We calculated and determined the mean trough concentration of TAC (cTAC) in the year of diabetes diagnosis in NODM recipients or in the last year of the follow-up in non-NODM recipients. A cutoff of mean cTAC value for predicting NODM 6 mo after LT was identified using a receptor operating characteristic curve. TAC-related complications after LT was evaluated by χ(2) test, and the overall and allograft survival was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Risk factors for NODM after LT were examined by univariate and multivariate Cox regression. Of the 528 transplant recipients, 131 (24.8%) developed NODM after 6 mo after LT, and the cumulative incidence of NODM progressively increased. The mean cTAC of NODM group recipients was significantly higher than that of recipients in the non-NODM group (7.66 ± 3.41 ng/mL vs 4.47 ± 2.22 ng/mL, P < 0.05). Furthermore, NODM group recipients had lower 1-, 5-, 10-year overall survival rates (86.7%, 71.3%, and 61.1% vs 94.7%, 86.1%, and 83.7%, P < 0.05) and allograft survival rates (92.8%, 84.6%, and 75.7% vs 96.1%, 91%, and 86.1%, P < 0.05) than the others. The best cutoff of mean cTAC for predicting NODM was 5.89 ng/mL after 6 mo after LT. Multivariate analysis showed that old age at the time of LT (> 50 years), hypertension pre-LT, and high mean cTAC (≥ 5.89 ng/mL) after 6 mo after LT were independent risk factors for developing NODM. Concurrently, recipients with a low cTAC (< 5.89 ng/mL) were less likely to become obese (21.3% vs 30.2%, P < 0.05) or to develop dyslipidemia (27.5% vs 44.8%, P <0.05), chronic kidney dysfunction (14.6% vs 22.7%, P < 0.05), and moderate to severe infection (24.7% vs 33.1%, P < 0.05) after LT than recipients in the high mean cTAC group. However, the two groups showed no significant difference in the incidence of acute and chronic rejection, hypertension, cardiovascular events and new-onset malignancy. A minimal TAC regimen can decrease the risk of long-term NODM after LT. Maintaining a cTAC value below 5.89 ng/mL after LT is safe and beneficial.

Visualizing Interstellar's Wormhole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

James, Oliver; von Tunzelmann, Eugénie; Franklin, Paul; Thorne, Kip S.

2015-06-01

Christopher Nolan's science fiction movie Interstellar offers a variety of opportunities for students in elementary courses on general relativity theory. This paper describes such opportunities, including: (i) At the motivational level, the manner in which elementary relativity concepts underlie the wormhole visualizations seen in the movie; (ii) At the briefest computational level, instructive calculations with simple but intriguing wormhole metrics, including, e.g., constructing embedding diagrams for the three-parameter wormhole that was used by our visual effects team and Christopher Nolan in scoping out possible wormhole geometries for the movie; (iii) Combining the proper reference frame of a camera with solutions of the geodesic equation, to construct a light-ray-tracing map backward in time from a camera's local sky to a wormhole's two celestial spheres; (iv) Implementing this map, for example, in Mathematica, Maple or Matlab, and using that implementation to construct images of what a camera sees when near or inside a wormhole; (v) With the student's implementation, exploring how the wormhole's three parameters influence what the camera sees—which is precisely how Christopher Nolan, using our implementation, chose the parameters for Interstellar's wormhole; (vi) Using the student's implementation, exploring the wormhole's Einstein ring and particularly the peculiar motions of star images near the ring, and exploring what it looks like to travel through a wormhole.

Christopher M. Peterson (1950-2012).

PubMed

Park, Nansook; Seligman, Martin E P

2013-01-01

Presents an obituary for Christopher M. Peterson. "Other people matter. Period," said Christopher M. Peterson when asked for a concise definition of "positive psychology," the field he helped to found and then helped to guide through the first decade of the 21st century. He researched, taught, and lived positive psychology. When Chris died prematurely on October 9, 2012, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, from sudden heart failure, the world lost a distinguished scholar, an inspirational teacher, and a wonderful human being. Chris loved people. He was genuinely interested in getting to know others. He made everyone around him feel comfortable and respected. An understated, humble, and generous person, it was no accident that his nickname was "Mother Theresa." He always found joy in letting other people shine and sharing the credit with them. He had a gift for seeing the best in each person. He also had a strong sense of fairness and duty without being rigid or allowing his personal feelings to obscure his judgment. He had fun whatever he did and brought fun for others. Although his scholarly contributions are significant, his lasting legacy will be what he shared with other people. So many of us are indebted to him for making us better researchers, better teachers, and better people. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved).

The effect of light exposure on insomnia and nocturnal movement in Parkinson's disease: an open label, retrospective, longitudinal study.

PubMed

Martino, Jessica K; Freelance, Christopher B; Willis, Gregory L

2018-04-01

Insomnia, hypersomnia and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RSBD) during sleep are major problems for patients suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD) but they are also used to predict its onset. While these secondary symptoms detract from the quality of life in PD patients, few treatment options are available due to limited efficacy or risk of complicating the treatment regimen. Light therapy (LT) has been suggested as a strategy for sleep disorders but it has only been implemented recently for use in PD. An open label, retrospective study was undertaken where PD patients had been undergoing LT, using polychromatic light, for four months to 15 years prior. It was found that 1 h exposure to light, just prior to retiring, significantly improved insomnia and reduced RSBD in as little as one month after commencing LT. In addition, the improvement was maintained as long as LT was continued over a four to six year period. The efficacy of LT in alleviating these sleep related conditions was not compromised by time since diagnosis or age of the patient. These results intimate the value of long term application of non-invasive techniques such as LT for treating sleep disorders in PD and justify further controlled trials on the long term efficacy of LT. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Symptomatic hyponatremia in association with a low-iodine diet and levothyroxine withdrawal prior to I131 in patients with metastatic thyroid carcinoma.

PubMed

Shakir, Mohamed K M; Krook, Linda S; Schraml, Frank V; Hays, James H; Clyde, Patrick W

2008-07-01

Strategies to improve I131 uptake in thyroid carcinoma include levothyroxine (LT4) withdrawal or thyrotropin (TSH) administration along with a low-iodine diet. We report five patients with papillary or follicular thyroid carcinoma who developed symptomatic hyponatremia during LT4 withdrawal and low-iodine diet. Four patients had pulmonary and/or brain metastases. All had restricted iodine intakes during LT4 withdrawal. Presenting complaints included weakness, dizziness, fainting spells, lethargy, and/or nausea. Baseline serum sodium levels while on LT4 suppression were normal. During presentation all were hypothyroid and serum sodium ranged from 110 to 121 mmol/L (normal 135-148). Despite hyponatremia, the plasma renin activity and serum aldosterone levels were suppressed, indicating volume expansion. The hyponatremia responded to fluid restriction and normalized after LT4 replacement. Low sodium intake, inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion syndrome (SIADH)-like disorder secondary to hypothyroidism and/or lung or cerebral metastases may have contributed to hyponatremia. The development of hyponatremia during LT4 withdrawal and low-iodine diet in otherwise healthy patients with thyroid carcinoma is extremely rare. However, elderly patients with metastatic thyroid carcinoma need observation during LT4 withdrawal combined with a low-iodine diet and should receive instruction to take iodine-free sodium chloride. Free water restriction may be necessary in some patients.

Are bioequivalence studies of levothyroxine sodium formulations in euthyroid volunteers reliable?

PubMed

Blakesley, Vicky; Awni, Walid; Locke, Charles; Ludden, Thomas; Granneman, G Richard; Braverman, Lewis E

2004-03-01

Levothyroxine (LT4) has a narrow therapeutic index. Consequently, precise standards for assessing the bioequivalence of different LT4 products are vital. We examined the methodology that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends for comparing the bioavailability of LT4 products, as well as three modifications to correct for endogenous, thyroxine (T4) levels, to determine if the methodology could distinguish LT4 products that differ by 12.5%, 25%, or 33%. With no baseline correction for the endogenous T4 pool, differences in administered LT4 doses that differed by 25%-33% could not be detected (450 microg and 400 microg doses versus 600 microg dose, respectively). The three mathematical correction methods could distinguish the doses that differed by 25% and 33%. None of the correction methods could distinguish dosage strengths that differed by 12.5% (450 microg versus 400 microg). Dose differences within this range are known to result in clinically relevant differences in safety and effectiveness. Methods of analysis of bioequivalence data that do not consider endogenous T4 concentrations confound accurate quantitation and interpretation of LT4 bioavailability. As a result, products inappropriately deemed bioequivalent may put patients at risk for iatrogenic hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. More precise methods for defining bioequivalence are required in order to ensure that LT4 products accepted as bioequivalent will perform equivalently in patients without the need for further monitoring and retitration of their dose.

T antigen mutations are a human tumor-specific signature for Merkel cell polyomavirus

PubMed Central

Shuda, Masahiro; Feng, Huichen; Kwun, Hyun Jin; Rosen, Steven T.; Gjoerup, Ole; Moore, Patrick S.; Chang, Yuan

2008-01-01

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) is a virus discovered in our laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh that is monoclonally integrated into the genome of ≈80% of human Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs). Transcript mapping was performed to show that MCV expresses transcripts in MCCs similar to large T (LT), small T (ST), and 17kT transcripts of SV40. Nine MCC tumor-derived LT genomic sequences have been examined, and all were found to harbor mutations prematurely truncating the MCV LT helicase. In contrast, four presumed episomal viruses from nontumor sources did not possess this T antigen signature mutation. Using coimmunoprecipitation and origin replication assays, we show that tumor-derived virus mutations do not affect retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (Rb) binding by LT but do eliminate viral DNA replication capacity. Identification of an MCC cell line (MKL-1) having monoclonal MCV integration and the signature LT mutation allowed us to functionally test both tumor-derived and wild type (WT) T antigens. Only WT LT expression activates replication of integrated MCV DNA in MKL-1 cells. Our findings suggest that MCV-positive MCC tumor cells undergo selection for LT mutations to prevent autoactivation of integrated virus replication that would be detrimental to cell survival. Because these mutations render the virus replication-incompetent, MCV is not a “passenger virus” that secondarily infects MCC tumors. PMID:18812503

Liver transplantation for Wilson disease.

PubMed

Catana, Andreea M; Medici, Valentina

2012-01-27

The aim of this paper is to review the current status of liver transplantation (LT) for Wilson disease (WD), focusing on indications and controversies, especially in patients with neuropsychiatric disease, and on identification of acute liver failure (ALF) cases related to WD. LT remains the treatment of choice for patients with ALF, as initial presentation of WD or when anti-copper agents are stopped, and for patients with chronic liver disease progressed to cirrhosis, unresponsive to chelating medications or not timely treated with copper chelating agents. The indication for LT in WD remains highly debated in patients with progressive neurological deterioration and failure to improve with appropriate medical treatment. In case of Wilsonian ALF, early identification is key as mortality is 100% without emergency LT. As many of the copper metabolism parameters are believed to be less reliable in ALF, simple biochemical tests have been proposed for diagnosis of acute WD with good sensitivity and specificity. LT corrects copper metabolism and complications resulting from WD with excellent 1 and 5 year survival. Living related liver transplantation represents an alternative to deceased donor LT with excellent long-term survival, without disease recurrence. Future options may include hepatocyte transplantation and gene therapy. Although both of these have shown promising results in animal models of WD, prospective human studies are much needed to demonstrate their long-term beneficial effects and their potential to replace the need for medical therapy and LT in patients with WD.

Analysis of immune response in young and aged mice vaccinated with corn-derived antigen against Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin.

PubMed

Karaman, Sule; Cunnick, Joan; Wang, Kan

2006-01-01

Enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli produce a heat-labile holotoxin (LT), which causes diarrhea. We engineered corn seeds to produce LT-B, the nontoxic subunit of LT, to serve as a plant-derived vaccine to traveler's diarrhea and as an adjuvant for co-administered proteins. We previously demonstrated that a strong mucosal and systemic antibody response is elicited in young mice with oral administration of corn-derived LT-B. The present study examined systemic and mucosal antibody responses to LT-B in young and aged mice, and recall responses to oral administration and injection of LT-B in aged mice. Specific IgA and IgG antibodies were detectable during an 11-mo period, although the concentration of antigen-specific antibodies declined gradually. Booster by feeding or injection dramatically increased the concentration of specific IgA from that seen in young mice. Specific IgG levels were boosted to concentrations similar to those in young mice. This effect may be age-dependent and related to prior immunization exposure. Analysis of the antibody response of naïve aged mice against corn-derived LT-B demonstrated an age-related suppression in specific IgG production, but not specific IgA. These results may provide important information for edible vaccine strategies for young and aged individuals.

Safety and Outcomes in 100 Consecutive Donation After Circulatory Death Liver Transplants Using a Protocol That Includes Thrombolytic Therapy.

PubMed

Bohorquez, H; Seal, J B; Cohen, A J; Kressel, A; Bugeaud, E; Bruce, D S; Carmody, I C; Reichman, T W; Battula, N; Alsaggaf, M; Therapondos, G; Bzowej, N; Tyson, G; Joshi, S; Nicolau-Raducu, R; Girgrah, N; Loss, G E

2017-08-01

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver transplantation (LT) reportedly yields inferior survival and increased complication rates compared with donation after brain death (DBD). We compare 100 consecutive DCD LT using a protocol that includes thrombolytic therapy (late DCD group) to an historical DCD group (early DCD group n = 38) and a cohort of DBD LT recipients (DBD group n = 435). Late DCD LT recipients had better 1- and 3-year graft survival rates than early DCD LT recipients (92% vs. 76.3%, p = 0.03 and 91.4% vs. 73.7%, p = 0.01). Late DCD graft survival rates were comparable to those of the DBD group (92% vs. 93.3%, p = 0.24 and 91.4% vs. 88.2%, p = 0.62). Re-transplantation occurred in 18.4% versus 1% for the early and late DCD groups, respectively (p = 0.001). Patient survival was similar in all three groups. Ischemic-type biliary lesions (ITBL) occurred in 5%, 3%, and 0.2% for early DCD, late DCD, and DBD groups, respectively, but unlike in the early DCD group, in the late DCD group ITBL was endoscopically managed and resolved in each case. Using a protocol that includes a thrombolytic therapy, DCD LT yielded patient and graft survival rates comparable to DBD LT. © 2017 The American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons.

Family strain and its relation to psychosocial dysfunction in children and adolescents after liver transplantation.

PubMed

Kaller, T; Petersen, I; Petermann, F; Fischer, L; Grabhorn, E; Schulz, K-H

2014-12-01

Parental functioning is essential to children's development. Therefore, this cross-sectional single-center study examined the prevalence of family strain in 181 parents and its associations to psychosocial functioning in their children after LT. Median age at LT was one yr. Mean time elapsed since LT was 5.8 yr. The IFS, and the SDQ were applied to parents. Family strain in the present sample was comparable to that in the German normative group of families with a chronically ill or disabled child, but families of LT recipients showed a significantly higher financial impact, impact on coping, and impact on siblings (p < 0.001). Younger age of patients at survey, a more severe clinical course, child's restrictions, and financial losses following LT were determined as significant predictors of family strain (R(2)  = 0.42). Parents reported less family strain after living-related compared with deceased donation. Family strain was significantly correlated to psychosocial dysfunction in children post-LT. Present findings demonstrate a risk of maladjustment to the post-LT condition in families. They emphasize the importance of psychological assessment of parents and patients during transplant and follow-up to ensure the best achievable long-term outcome of patients. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Patent foramen ovale in liver transplant recipients does not negatively impact short-term outcomes.

PubMed

Werlang, Monia E; Palmer, William C; Boyd, Evelyn A; Cangemi, David J; Harnois, Denise M; Taner, Cemal B; Stancampiano, Fernando F

2016-01-01

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common atrial septal defect that is largely asymptomatic and often undiagnosed. The impact of a PFO in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) is unknown. Assess the impact of PFO and physiologic intrapulmonary shunt (IPS) on the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent LT. We performed a retrospective, intention-to-treat analysis of patients with PFO and controls without PFO who underwent LT at Mayo Clinic in Florida between 2008 and 2013. Patients with physiologic IPS were also analyzed. The cohorts were compared for baseline characteristics, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), postoperative oxygen requirements, 30-d cerebrovascular accidents, and mortality. Of the 935 patients who underwent LT, 10.4% had proven PFO by pre-LT echocardiogram. Control patients (n = 101) were statistically older than PFO and IPS (n = 56) patients, but similar in sex, BMI, Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, and left ventricular ejection fraction. PFO and IPS patients had similar length of stay in the ICU, mechanical ventilation times, post-LT oxygen requirements, and 30-d mortality compared to controls. Subgroup analysis showed similar outcomes for large PFO and IPS patients to controls. The presence of PFO did not have a negative impact on perioperative LT outcomes. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

7 CFR 28.525 - Symbols and code numbers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... designations in inches. (a) Symbols and Code numbers used for Color Grades of American Upland Cotton. Color... 41 Low Middling LM 51 Strict Good Ordinary SGO 61 Good Ordinary GO 71 Good Middling Light Spotted GM Lt SP 12 Strict Middling Light Spotted SM Lt Sp 22 Middling Light Spotted Mid Lt Sp 32 Strict Low...

7 CFR 28.525 - Symbols and code numbers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... designations in inches. (a) Symbols and Code numbers used for Color Grades of American Upland Cotton. Color... 41 Low Middling LM 51 Strict Good Ordinary SGO 61 Good Ordinary GO 71 Good Middling Light Spotted GM Lt SP 12 Strict Middling Light Spotted SM Lt Sp 22 Middling Light Spotted Mid Lt Sp 32 Strict Low...

7 CFR 28.525 - Symbols and code numbers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... designations in inches. (a) Symbols and Code numbers used for Color Grades of American Upland Cotton. Color... 41 Low Middling LM 51 Strict Good Ordinary SGO 61 Good Ordinary GO 71 Good Middling Light Spotted GM Lt SP 12 Strict Middling Light Spotted SM Lt Sp 22 Middling Light Spotted Mid Lt Sp 32 Strict Low...

7 CFR 28.525 - Symbols and code numbers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... designations in inches. (a) Symbols and Code numbers used for Color Grades of American Upland Cotton. Color... 41 Low Middling LM 51 Strict Good Ordinary SGO 61 Good Ordinary GO 71 Good Middling Light Spotted GM Lt SP 12 Strict Middling Light Spotted SM Lt Sp 22 Middling Light Spotted Mid Lt Sp 32 Strict Low...

7 CFR 28.525 - Symbols and code numbers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... designations in inches. (a) Symbols and Code numbers used for Color Grades of American Upland Cotton. Color... 41 Low Middling LM 51 Strict Good Ordinary SGO 61 Good Ordinary GO 71 Good Middling Light Spotted GM Lt SP 12 Strict Middling Light Spotted SM Lt Sp 22 Middling Light Spotted Mid Lt Sp 32 Strict Low...

Interstitial Area Final Range Environmental Assessment, Revision 1

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-01

Scientific Name Common Name State Federal Fish Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi Gulf Sturgeon LS LT Awaous banana River Goby - - Etheostoma okaloosae...Litsea aestivalis Pondspice LE - Lupinus westianus Gulfcoast Lupine LT - Macranthera flammea Hummingbird Flower LE - Magnolia ashei Ashe’s Magnolia...Butterwort LT - Pinguicula primuliflora Primrose- Flowered Butterwort LE - Platanthera integra Southern Yellow Fringeless Orchid LE - Polygonella macrophylla

The Antiaircraft Journal. Volume 94, Number 4, July-August 1953

DTIC Science & Technology

1953-08-01

JOHN A. 1\\lATTAS TIle writer of the following received _his commissioll from Virgillia Polytech- nic Institllte in 1939. Dllrillg "Varld \\Var II he...officer of Leaders Course. Other members of the staff include Lt. Robert G. Mangum, S3 officer, and Lt. Sam H. Biddle , Ad- jutant. Lt. Mangum has the

Christoph Rothmann's compendium of astronomy of 1589. (German Title: Christoph Rothmanns Handbuch der Astronomie von 1589)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Granada, Miguel A.; Hamel, Jürgen; von Mackensen, Ludolf

Around 1560, landgrave William IV. founded on his Cassel castle the first permanent observatory of modern times in Europe, and started to occupy himself with systematic sky observations. From the beginning, the main interest was focussed on the fixed stars, since William had recognized that exact position determinations were a prerequisite for further progress in astronomy. The observatory personnel was enlarged, in 1579, by the mathematician, clock-maker and instrument-maker Jost Bürgi, and in 1584 by the practical astronomer Christoph Rothmann. Since that time, intense work was carried out by creating a catalogue of fixed stars, based on own observations, which was completed in 1589. The accuracy of its stellar positions had not been reached in the past, and even superseded that of the almost contemporary catalogue by Tycho Brahe. Research in theoretical astronomy and cosmology at the landgrave's court in Cassel was also revolutionary: the acceptance of the heliocentric world system, investigations on refraction, the dismissal of the concept of solid planetary spheres and even that of a world ether, the nature of cometary tails, etc. Christoph Rothmann's work, edited here for the first time on the basis of the original manuscript, had been drafted as a commentary or introduction to his catalogue of fixed stars. He describes the construction and use of astronomical instruments, he unfolds his concepts of the system of the world on a heliocentric basis without solid planetary spheres to which he was lead by his research on refraction, he discusses the relation between astronomy and theology, and describes his revolutionary work on the Cassel star catalogue. This work constitutes a compendium of theoretical and practical astronomy of the late 16th century whose major scientific importance lies in the fact that it achieves scientific excellence in its time both because of the multitude of topics and because of the high level of discussion.

Preliminary Outcomes Report for CO2 Laser Assisted Electric-Acoustic Cochlear Implantation.

PubMed

Stevens, Shawn M; Redmann, Andrew; Whitaker, Kayla; Ruotanen, Alyson; Houston, Lisa; Hammer, Theresa; Samy, Ravi N

2018-06-01

Report on the safety/efficacy of a novel, carbon dioxide (CO2) laser-assisted protocol for hearing-preservation cochlear implantation (HPCI) and electric-acoustic stimulation (EAS). Retrospective case review. Tertiary referral center. Adult patients meeting established criteria for HPCI and EAS. Therapeutic/rehabilitative. A standardized protocol used CO2 laser to achieve meticulous hemostasis and perform cochleostomy was evaluated. Audiometric assessments included low-tone pure tone average (LtPTA), consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC), and AzBio scores. Primary outcomes were low-tone hearing-preservation (LtHP) and EAS usage rates. Secondary outcomes included change in LtPTA, outcomes durability, and the rate/onset/presentation of delayed hearing loss (DHL). Subset analyses stratified data by presenting LtPTA and surgeon experience. Forty-seven patients and 52 ears were included. Mean follow-up was 20.7 ± 12.6 months. When adjusted for preoperative LtPTA less than 60 dB, the LtHP rate was 77%. This was significantly better than for patients with LtPTA more than 60 dB (24%; p < 0.0001). Outcomes were highly durable. EAS usage was excellent in those with LtPTA less than 60 dB (100%). Nine patients developed DHL. Three additional patients (25%) were successfully salvaged via steroids. Both CNC and AzBio scores improved significantly (p < 0.0001) at definitive testing. Speech-hearing scores did not differ significantly between patients using/not using EAS. The complication rate was 3.8%; none were caused by the laser. Surgeon experience was associated with significantly better outcomes. Use of a CO2 laser-assisted HPCI protocol was safe and effective. Outcomes were consistent with contemporary literature reporting. Patient selection and surgeon experience both significantly impacted outcomes.

Metformin Does Not Suppress Serum Thyrotropin by Increasing Levothyroxine Absorption

PubMed Central

Al-Alusi, Mostafa A.; Du, Lin; Li, Ning; Yeh, Michael W.; He, Xuemei; Braverman, Lewis E.

2015-01-01

Background: Levothyroxine (LT4) absorption is affected by concomitant ingestion of certain minerals, medications, and foods. It has been hypothesized that metformin may suppress serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations by enhancing LT4 absorption or by directly affecting the hypothalamic–pituitary axis. This study examined the effect of metformin ingestion on LT4 absorption, as assessed by serum total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations. Methods: A modified Food and Drug Administration LT4 bioequivalence protocol was applied to healthy, metformin-naïve, euthyroid adult volunteers. Following an overnight fast, 600 μg LT4 was administered orally. Serum TT4 concentrations were measured at baseline and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, and 6 h following LT4 administration. Measurements were performed before and after one week of metformin ingestion (850 mg three times daily). Peak serum TT4 concentrations, time to peak TT4 concentrations, and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) were calculated. Results: Twenty-six subjects (54% men, 27% white, age 33 ± 10 years) were studied. There were no significant differences in peak serum TT4 concentrations (p = 0.13) and time to peak TT4 concentrations (p = 0.19) before and after one week of metformin use. A trend toward reduced TT4 AUC was observed after metformin ingestion (pre-metformin 3893 ± 568 μg/dL-min, post-metformin 3765 ± 588 μg/dL-min, p = 0.09). Conclusions: LT4 absorption is unchanged by concomitant metformin ingestion. Mechanisms other than increased LT4 absorption may be responsible for the suppressed TSH concentrations observed in patients ingesting both drugs. PMID:26191653

Combination L-T3 and L-T4 therapy for hypothyroidism.

PubMed

Wartofsky, Leonard

2013-10-01

Because of the longstanding controversy regarding whether hypothyroid patients can be optimally replaced by treatment with levothyroxine (L-T4) alone, numerous studies have addressed potential benefits of combined therapy of triiodothyronine (T3) with L-T4. Results of these studies have failed to support a potential benefit of combined therapy. A strong argument for the addition of L-T3 to L-T4 monotherapy has been lacking until recent genetic studies indicated a rationale for such therapy among a small fraction of the hypothyroid patient population. Interest in this issue has focused on the importance of the deiodinases in maintaining the euthyroid state and the role of genetic polymorphisms in the deiodinase genes that would affect thyroid hormone concentrations in both blood and tissues. One such polymorphism in the D2 gene, Thr92Ala, is associated with reduced T4 to T3 activation in skeletal muscle and thyroid, linked to obesity and alterations in thyroid-pituitary feedback, and in responses to thyroid hormone treatment. Although our professional organizations continue to recommend L-T4 alone for the treatment of hypothyroidism, the possibility of a D2 gene polymorphism should be considered in patients on L-T4 monotherapy who continue to complain of fatigue in spite of dosage achieving low normal serum thyroid stimulating hormone levels. A suggestive clue to the presence of this polymorphism could be a higher than normal free T4/free T3 ratio. Clinicians could consider adding T3 as a therapeutic trial in selected patients. Future well controlled clinical trials will be required to more fully resolve the controversy.

Liver transplantation of hepatitis B surface antigen positive donors to hepatitis B core antibody recipients: analysis of 27 patients.

PubMed

Krishnamoorthi, R; Manickam, P; Cappell, M S

2014-06-01

Shortage of donor livers is the major limiting factor for liver transplantation (LT). While livers from patients with past infection of Hepatitis-B (HBcAb+) are commonly used as donors, scant data exists on outcomes following transplantation of HBsAg+ donor livers. The impact of donor HBsAg positivity on recipient survival is currently analyzed. Post hoc analysis of all adults undergoing LT from October 1987-September 2010 registered in United Network for Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, a concurrent, limited access database of all American LT recipients. Only recipients who were HBcAb+ were analyzed. LTs with missing donor or recipient serologic parameters for Hepatitis-B were excluded. Significant predictors of survival were determined by univariate analysis. Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine independent risk predictors in the multivariate analysis. The population consisted of 13,329 LT recipients. The mean age of donors and recipients were 40±16 years and 52±9 years respectively. The mean follow-up was 3.7 years. Study population included 27 recipients transplanted with HBsAg+ grafts, of whom 7 (28%) died. Outcomes were adjusted for donor age, recipient age, donor gender, recipient gender, type of LT, MELD score, HCV status, previous LT, and cold ischemic time. On multivariate analysis, LT recipient outcomes were not significantly different for HBsAg+ donors versus donors without prior hepatitis B infection (HR: 1.14, 95% CI: 0.93-1.39, P=0.17). Kaplan-Meier curves revealed no significant survival difference between the two groups. These results suggest that donor HBsAg positivity did not affect overall survival of LT recipients. These findings could potentially expand the pool of liver donors.

Validation of the Acoustic Voice Quality Index in the Lithuanian Language.

PubMed

Uloza, Virgilijus; Petrauskas, Tadas; Padervinskis, Evaldas; Ulozaitė, Nora; Barsties, Ben; Maryn, Youri

2017-03-01

The aim of the present study was to validate the Acoustic Voice Quality Index in Lithuanian language (AVQI-LT) and investigate the feasibility and robustness of its diagnostic accuracy, differentiating normal and dysphonic voice. A total of 184 native Lithuanian subjects with normal voices (n = 46) and with various voice disorders (n = 138) were asked to read aloud the Lithuanian text and to sustain the vowel /a/. A sentence with 13 syllables and a 3-second midvowel portion of the sustained vowel were edited. Both speech tasks were concatenated, and perceptually rated for dysphonia severity by five voice clinicians. They rated the Grade (G) from the Grade Roughness Breathiness Asthenia Strain (GRBAS) protocol and the overall severity from the Consensus Auditory-perceptual Evaluation of Voice protocol with a visual analog scale (VAS). The average scores (G mean and VAS mean ) were taken as the perceptual dysphonia severity level for every voice sample. All concatenated voice samples were acoustically analyzed to receive an AVQI-LT score. Both auditory-perceptual judgment procedures showed sufficient strength of agreement between five raters. The results achieved significant and marked concurrent validity between both auditory-perceptual judgment procedures and AVQI-LT. The diagnostic accuracy of AVQI-LT showed for both auditory-perceptual judgment procedures comparable results with two different AVQI-LT thresholds. The AVQI-LT threshold of 2.97 for the G mean rating obtained reasonable sensitivity = 0.838 and excellent specificity = 0.937. For the VAS rating, an AVQI-LT threshold of 3.48 was determined with sensitivity = 0.840 and specificity = 0.922. The AVQI-LT is considered a valid and reliable tool for assessing the dysphonia severity level in Lithuanian-speaking population. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

How dead is dead? Qualitative findings from participants of combined traditional and lead-time time trade-off valuations.

PubMed

Al Sayah, Fatima; Mladenovic, Ana; Gaebel, Kathryn; Xie, Feng; Johnson, Jeffrey A

2016-01-01

The EuroQol Valuation Technology (EQ-VT) uses traditional time trade-off (tTTO) for health states better than dead and lead-time TTO (LT-TTO) for states worse than dead to elicit a value (-1.0 to +1.0) for each health state. In the Canadian EQ-5D-5L Valuation study which used the EQVT platform, we observed an unexpected peak in frequency of "0" values and few negative values, particularly in the range of 0 to -0.5. To better understand this finding, we sought to explore respondents' thought processes while valuing a health state, and their understanding of the tTTO and LT-TTO exercises. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with EQVT task respondents. Questions focused on valuations of health states as: (a) Same as dead in tTTO, (b) Worse than dead in tTTO but changed to same as dead in LT-TTO, (c) Worse than dead in LT-TTO, and (d) Worse than dead in LT-TTO with trading off all 10 years. Data were analyzed using content and thematic analysis. Mean age of participants (N = 70) was 40 ± 18.1 years, 60% female, and 76% Caucasian. Participants provided similar reasons for valuing a health state same as or worse than dead. Many participants expressed confusion about worse than dead valuations, distinction between same as and worse than dead, and the transition from tTTO to LT-TTO. A few indicated that the addition of 10 years of full health in the LT-TTO influenced their valuations. The transition from tTTO to LT-TTO in the EQVT was confusing to participants, whereby some health state valuations around this transition appeared to be arbitrary.

Importance of 18F-FDG PET/CT to select patients with nonresectable colorectal liver metastases for liver transplantation.

PubMed

Grut, Harald; Revheim, Mona-Elisabeth; Line, Pål-Dag; Dueland, Svein

2018-04-20

The aim of this study was to evaluate fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) PET/CT for the selection of patients with nonresectable colorectal liver metastases (NCLM) for liver transplantation (LT). In the secondary cancer study, we reported an improved 5-year overall survival in patients treated with LT for NCLM (56%) compared with chemotherapy (9%). However, many patients were rejected for LT owing to the detection of extrahepatic disease at preoperative imaging. F-FDG PET/CT and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (ceCT) examinations before tentative LT for NCLM were assessed, and findings contraindicating LT were registered. Maximum, mean and peak standardized uptake values; tumor-to-background ratio; metabolic tumor volume; and total lesion glycolysis were measured and calculated for all liver metastases. Overall survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Thirty-two patients excluded by F-FDG PET/CT and/or ceCT before tentative LT for NCLM were identified. F-FDG PET/CT from 20 of the 32 excluded patients revealed extrahepatic disease. Eight of the other 12 patients had a negative F-FDG PET/CT finding but were excluded by ceCT. Ten patients were excluded by F-FDG PET/CT only. Four patients were excluded owing to detected malignancy from frozen sections at the start of the intended transplant operation. Tumor-to-background ratio of the liver metastases was significantly higher in patients where F-FDG PET/CT detected extrahepatic disease (P=0.03). The median (range) survival after exclusion was 16 (0-52) months. The ability of F-FDG PET/CT to detect extrahepatic disease before LT for NCLM is vital to establish LT as a treatment option.

Definitive airway management of patients presenting with a pre-hospital inserted King LT(S)-D laryngeal tube airway: a historical cohort study.

PubMed

Subramanian, Arun; Garcia-Marcinkiewicz, Annery G; Brown, Daniel R; Brown, Michael J; Diedrich, Daniel A

2016-03-01

The King LT(S)-D laryngeal tube (King LT) has gained popularity as a bridge airway for pre-hospital airway management. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the use of the King LT and its associated airway outcomes at a single Level 1 trauma centre. The data on all adult patients presenting to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota with a King LT in situ from July 1, 2007 to October 10, 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. Data collected and descriptively analyzed included patient demographics, comorbidities, etiology of respiratory failure, airway complications, subsequent definitive airway management technique, duration of mechanical ventilation, and status at discharge. Forty-eight adult patients met inclusion criteria. The most common etiology for respiratory failure requiring an artificial airway was cardiac arrest [28 (58%) patients] or trauma [9 (19%) patients]. Four of the nine trauma patients had facial trauma. Surgical tracheostomy was the definitive airway management technique in 14 (29%) patients. An airway exchange catheter, direct laryngoscopy, and video laryngoscopy were used in 11 (23%), ten (21%), and ten (21%) cases, respectively. Seven (78%) of the trauma patients underwent surgical tracheostomy compared with seven (18%) of the medical patients. Adverse events associated with King LT use occurred in 13 (27%) patients, with upper airway edema (i.e., tongue engorgement and glottic edema) being most common (19%). In this study of patients presenting to a hospital with a King LT, the majority of airway exchanges required an advanced airway management technique beyond direct laryngoscopy. Upper airway edema was the most common adverse observation associated with King LT use.

[Orthotopic liver transplantation in adult patients with cadaveric grafts. Experience of the Fundeni Center of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation].

PubMed

Popescu, I; Ionescu, M; Tulbure, D; Ciurea, S; Băilă, S; Braşoveanu, V; Hrehoreţ, D; Sârbu-Boeţi, P; Pietrăreanu, D; Alexandrescu, S; Dorobanţu, B; Gheorghe, L; Gheorghe, C; Mihăilă, M; Boroş, M; Croitoru, M; Herlea, V

2005-01-01

We analyze the experience of the Center of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation from the Fundeni Clinical Institute (Bucharest, Romania) regarding orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in adult recipients, with whole liver grafts from cadaveric donors, between April 2000 (when the first successful LT was performed in Romania) and December 2004. This series includes 37 OLTs in adult recipients (16 women and 21 men, aged between 29-57 years--average 46 years). Other two LT with whole liver cadaveric grafts and two reduced-size LT were performed in children; also, in the same period, due to the acute organ shortage, other methods of LT were performed in 28 patients (21 living donor LT, 6 split LT and one "do mino" LT), that were not included in the present series. The indications for OLT were HBV cirrhosis--10, HBV+HDV cirrhosis--4, HCV cirrhosis--11, HBV+HCV cirrhosis--2, biliary cirrhosis--5, Wilson disease--2, alcoholic cirrhosis--1, non-alcoholic liver disease--1, autoimmune cirrhosis--1. With three exceptions, in which the classical transplantation technique was used, the liver was grafted following the technique described by Belghiti. Local postoperative complications occurred in 15 patients (41%) and general complications in 17 (46%); late complications were registered in 18 patients (49%) and recurrence of the initial disease in 6 patients (16%). Intrao- and postoperative mortality was 8% (3/37). There were two patients (5%) who died because of immunosuppressive drug neurotoxicity at more than 30 days following LT. Four patients (11%) died lately because of PTLD, liver venoocclusive disease, recurrent autoimmune hepatitis and liver venoocclusive disease, myocardial infarction, respectively. Thirty-four patients survived the postoperative period (92%); according to Kaplan-Meier analysis, actuarial patient-survival rate at month 31 was 75%.

A comparison of three different physiotherapy modalities used in the physiotherapy of burns.

PubMed

Sar, Zübeyir; Polat, Mine Gülden; Özgül, Bahar; Aydoğdu, Onur; Camcoğlu, Burcu; Acar, Ahmet Hakan; Yurdalan, Saadet Ufuk

2013-01-01

The present study compared the effectiveness of matrix rhythm therapy, ultrasound treatment (UT), laser treatment (LT) used in the physiotherapy of burns. The study was conducted at the Wound and Burn Healing Center, Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Education and Research Hospital (Turkey) from June 2009 to January 2012. The case series comprised 39 individuals with second- and third-degree upper-limb burns, whose burn traumas ended approximately 1 to 3 months previously. Participants were separated into three groups: matrix rhythm treatment (MRT), UT and LT; each group was also applied a treatment protocol including whirlpool and exercise. Pain, range of motion (ROM), muscular strength, skin elasticity, and sensory functions were evaluated before and after the treatment. Pressure sense and passive ROM were higher in the MRT group than in the LT group (P < .05). Pain was lower in the LT group than in the UT group, and passive ROM was higher in the UT group than the in LT group (P < .05). Active ROM was found to increase in all treatment groups, whereas passive ROM increased only in the MRT and UT groups; pressure sense increased only in the MRT group, and pain decreased only in the LT group (P < .05). MRT was found to be more effective in the restoration of sensory functions than LT, whereas LT was more effective in reducing pain than UT. No significant difference was observed in terms of skin elasticity according to the results of three treatment modalities. It is suggested that further research with more cases should be conducted to examine the long-term effect of treatment modalities.

Deep sequencing shows low-level oncogenic hepatitis B virus variants persists post-liver transplant despite potent anti-HBV prophylaxis.

PubMed

Lau, K C K; Osiowy, C; Giles, E; Lusina, B; van Marle, G; Burak, K W; Coffin, C S

2018-06-01

Recent studies suggest that withdrawal of hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) prophylaxis may be considered in HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative liver transplant (LT) recipients with a low risk of disease recurrence. However, the frequency of occult HBV infection (OBI) and HBV variants after LT in the current era of potent NA therapy is unknown. Twelve LT recipients on prophylaxis were tested in matched plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for HBV quasispecies by in-house nested PCR and next-generation sequencing of amplicons. HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) was detected in Hirt DNA isolated from PBMCs with cccDNA-specific primers and confirmed by nucleic acid hybridization and Sanger sequencing. HBV mRNA in PBMC was detected with reverse-transcriptase nested PCR. In LT recipients on immunosuppressive therapy (10/12 male; median age 57.5 [IQR: 39.8-66.5]; median follow-up post-LT 60 months; 6 pre-LT hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]), 9 were HBsAg-. HBV DNA was detected in all plasma and PBMC tested; cccDNA and/or mRNA was detected in the PBMC of 10/12 patients. Significant HBV quasispecies diversity (ie 143-2212 nonredundant HBV species) was noted in both sites, and single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with cirrhosis and HCC were detected at varying frequencies. In conclusion, OBI and HBV variants associated with severe liver disease persist in LT recipients on prophylaxis. Although HBV control and cccDNA transcriptional silencing may occur despite immunosuppression, complete virological eradication does not occur in LT recipients with a history of HBV-related end-stage liver disease. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

High resolution carbon isotope stratigraphy and glendonite occurrences of the Christopher Formation, Sverdrup Basin (Axel Heiberg Island, Canada): implications for mid Cretaceous high latitude climate change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrle, Jens O.; Schröder-Adams, Claudia J.; Galloway, Jennifer M.; Pugh, Adam T.

2013-04-01

Understanding the evolution of Canada's Arctic region, as a crucial component of Earth's climate system, is fundamental to assess short and long-term climate, environmental, and paleogeographic change. However, the stratigraphy and paleoenvironmental evolution of the Cretaceous Arctic is poorly constrained and a detailed bio- and chemostratigraphic correlation of major mid-Cretaceous paleoceanographic turning points such as Oceanic Anoxic Events, cold snaps, and biotic turnovers with key locations of the high- and low latitudes is missing. Here we present for the first time a high resolution bio- and carbon isotope stratigraphy of the Arctic Albian Christopher Formation of the Sverdrup Basin at Glacier Fiord in the southern part of Axel Heiberg Island, Canadian High Arctic. By using these techniques we developed a high temporal framework to record major environmental changes as it is indicated by the occurrence of glendonites and sandstone intervals of our studied Albian succession. The Albian Christopher Formation is a shale dominated marine unit with a thickness of approximately 1200 m. Several transgressive/ regressive cycles can be recognized by prograding shoreface units that break up mudrock deposition. In addition, glendonites are mainly found in the lower part of the Christopher Formation. Glendonites are pseudomorphs of calcite, after the metastable mineral ikaite, and have been often described from high latitude Permian, Jurassic and Cretaceous marine environments from the Canadian Arctic, Spitsbergen and Australia. The formation of glendonites takes place in the uppermost layer of the sediment and requires near-freezing temperatures, high salinity, and orthophosphate-rich bottom water. Although the presence of glendonites implies a range of paleoenvironmental conditions there is a consensus in the scientific literature that they reflect cooler paleoenvironmental conditions. Preliminary bio- and carbon isotope stratigraphic results suggest that the glendonites are concentrated in regular beds during the late Aptian to early Albian of the Christopher Formation supporting the idea of a cold snap (Kemper, 1987; Herrle & Mutterlose 2003; Mutterlose et al. 2009) within the mid-Cretaceous greenhouse period. References Herrle, J.O., Mutterlose, J., 2003. Calcareous nannofossils from the Aptian - early Albian of SE France: Paleoecological and biostratigraphic implications. Cretaceous Research 24, 1-22. Kemper, E., 1987. Das Klima der Kreide-Zeit. Geologisches Jahrbuch 96, 185 pp. Mutterlose, J., Bornemann, A., Herrle, J.O., 2009. The Aptian - Albian cold snap: Evidence for "mid" Cretaceous icehouse interludes. Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Palaeontologie, Abhandlungen 252, 217-225.

Memory processes of flight situation awareness: interactive roles of working memory capacity, long-term working memory, and expertise.

PubMed

Sohn, Young Woo; Doane, Stephanie M

2004-01-01

This research examined the role of working memory (WM) capacity and long-term working memory (LT-WM) in flight situation awareness (SA). We developed spatial and verbal measures of WM capacity and LT-WM skill and then determined the ability of these measures to predict pilot performance on SA tasks. Although both spatial measures of WM capacity and LT-WM skills were important predictors of SA performance, their importance varied as a function of pilot expertise. Spatial WM capacity was most predictive of SA performance for novices, whereas spatial LT-WM skill based on configurations of control flight elements (attitude and power) was most predictive for experts. Furthermore, evidence for an interactive role of WM and LT-WM mechanisms was indicated. Actual or potential applications of this research include cognitive analysis of pilot expertise and aviation training.

Christopher Chang | NREL

Science.gov Websites

transition metal systems, macromolecular dynamics, comparative chemical bonding analysis, electron transfer . Research Interests Dynamics and control on discrete structures, including excited-state transition metal

A case study of Membrane Testing, Integrity and Estimations of Log Removal Value per the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

EPA Science Inventory

The SWTR-LT2 Rule addresses the use of membranes that may be used to achieve credits for the reduction of Cryptosporidium. The LT2 Rule requires product-specific testing of membranes, considered an alternative filtration technology by the rule. LT2 Rule allows the product speci...

Automatic Threshold Detector Techniques

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-07-15

Averaging CFAR in Non- Stationary Weibull Clutter, " L. Novak, (1974 IEEE Symposium on Information Theory ). 8. "The Weibull Distribution Applied to the... UGTS (K) ,Kml NPTS) 140 DO 153 K~lvNPT9 IF(SIGCSO(K) .LT.0. )SIOCSO(K).1 .E-50 IF(SIOWSO(K) .LT.0. )SIGWSQ(K)-1 .E-50 IF(SIONSG(K) .LT.O. )SIG3NSQCIO-1.E

76 FR 1431 - Public Water System Supervision Program Revision for the State of New Mexico

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-10

... Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2) and the Stage 2 Disinfection By Products Rule (ST2... Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2), and the Stage 2 Disinfection By Products Rule (ST2). EPA has..., LT2, and ST2 revisions submitted by New Mexico are no less stringent than the corresponding Federal...

The Management of Hepatitis B in Liver Transplant Recipients.

PubMed

Saab, Sammy; Chen, Ping-Yu; Saab, Clara E; Tong, Myron J

2016-11-01

Liver transplant (LT) is now an established indication for patients with chronic hepatitis B, mainly because of the development and use of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and oral antivirals for prophylaxis. The combination of low-dose HBIG and antivirals has been considered the standard prophylaxis regimen to prevent post-LT recurrence of hepatitis B. The important remaining issues are related to the long-term cost of HBIG and the risk of escape hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants. Strategies for prevention of HBV after LT are constantly improving. With the availability of new nucleoside/nucleotide analogues, new post-LT strategies also should emerge. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Application of LT-Table in TRIZ Contradiction Resolving Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Zihui; Li, Qinghai; Wang, Donglin; Tian, Yumei

TRIZ is used to resolve invention problems. ARIZ is the most powerful systematic method which integrates all of TRIZ heuristics. Definition of ideal final result (IFR), identification of contradictions and resource utilization are main lines of ARIZ. But resource searching of ARIZ has fault of blindness. Alexandr sets up mathematical model of transformation of the hereditary information in an invention problem using the theory of catastrophes, and provides method of resource searching using LT-table. The application of LT-table on contradiction resolving is introduced. Resource utilization using LT-table is joined into ARIZ step as an addition of TRIZ, apply this method in separator paper punching machine design.

International Symposium on Mechanism of Cyanide Toxicity and Antagonism (1st), Proceedings Held on 15-19 August 1982.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-10-01

intraventricular contents, and toxicologically significant concentrations of cyanide could still be measured at 3 weeks STORAGE TIME DAYS) in blood samples ...thi- rhod~,iit m lt~ tilt, h v - lt i~ tni ii t iituMtil tmn 1 hu’I-huct~ irt, ig thtu t\\ttlottiimmtii.tt rtighl% equ~.il %i/emiid thc toinnt tig...loopr’ tnbth’id’ wt~hlu ~ Ih l vmhttiblliii thtu unity o~th t * ’ it thu- tjrt~ikt’ tit thc m lt t lt , l I lit it ttvt’ ’itc’ Io,,-~ it, tlt, thgUrt’ 11

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver transplantation - Where do we stand?

PubMed Central

Mikolasevic, Ivana; Filipec-Kanizaj, Tajana; Mijic, Maja; Jakopcic, Ivan; Milic, Sandra; Hrstic, Irena; Sobocan, Nikola; Stimac, Davor; Burra, Patrizia

2018-01-01

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) is a challenging and multisystem disease that has a high socioeconomic impact. NAFLD/NASH is a main cause of macrovesicular steatosis and has multiple impacts on liver transplantation (LT), on patients on the waiting list for transplant, on post-transplant setting as well as on organ donors. Current data indicate new trends in the area of chronic liver disease. Due to the increased incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components, NASH cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma caused by NASH will soon become a major indication for LT. Furthermore, due to an increasing incidence of MetS and, consequently, NAFLD, there will be more steatotic donor livers and less high quality organs available for LT, in addition to a lack of available liver allografts. Patients who have NASH and are candidates for LT have multiple comorbidities and are unique LT candidates. Finally, we discuss long-term grafts and patient survival after LT, the recurrence of NASH and NASH appearing de novo after transplantation. In addition, we suggest topics and areas that require more research for improving the health care of this increasing patient population. PMID:29662288

Active retroreflector with in situ beam analysis to measure the rotational orientation in conjunction with a laser tracker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofherr, O.; Wachten, C.; Müller, C.; Reinecke, H.

2013-04-01

High precision optical non-contact position measurement is a key technology in modern engineering. Laser trackers (LT) can determine accurately x-y-z coordinates of passive retroreflectors. Next-generation systems answer the additional need to measure an object`s rotational orientation (pitch, yaw, roll). These devices are based either on photogrammetry or on enhanced retroreflectors. However, photogrammetry relies on costly camera systems and time-consuming image processing. Enhanced retroreflectors analyze the LT`s beam but are restricted in roll angle measurements. In the past we have presented a new method [1][2] to measure all six degrees of freedom in conjunction with a LT. Now we dramatically optimized the method and designed a new prototype, e.g. taking into consideration optical alignment, reduced power loss, highly optimized measuring signals and higher resolution. A method is described that allows compensating the influence of the LT's beam offset during tracking the active retroreflector. We prove the functionality of the active retroreflector with the LT and, furthermore, demonstrate the capability of the system to characterize the tracking behavior of a LT. The measurement range for the incident laser beam is +/-12° with a resolution of 0.6".

Liver transplantation may prevent neurodevelopmental deterioration in high-risk patients with urea cycle disorders.

PubMed

Kido, Jun; Matsumoto, Shirou; Momosaki, Ken; Sakamoto, Rieko; Mitsubuchi, Hiroshi; Endo, Fumio; Nakamura, Kimitoshi

2017-09-01

UCDs are among the most common inherited metabolic diseases in Japan. We investigated the clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognoses of 177 patients with UCDs who were evaluated and treated from January 1999 to March 2009 in Japan, using a questionnaire survey. Among these 177 patients, 42 (seven with carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 deficiency, 27 with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, seven with argininosuccinate synthetase deficiency, and one with arginase 1 deficiency) underwent living-donor LT. Although this study was retrospective and included limited neurodevelopmental information before and after LT, we evaluated whether LT could improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in patients with UCDs. The neurodevelopmental outcomes of patients with a MAC of <300 μmol/L at the time of onset were not significantly different between the LT and non-LT groups (P=.222). LT may have prevented further neurodevelopmental complications in children with MAC ≥300 μmol/L (P=.008) compared with non-transplant management. Therefore, Liver transplant should be considered in patients with UCD with a MAC of ≥300 μmol/L at the time of disease onset. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Applications and limitations of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention miniature light traps for measuring biting densities of African malaria vector populations: a pooled-analysis of 13 comparisons with human landing catches.

PubMed

Briët, Olivier J T; Huho, Bernadette J; Gimnig, John E; Bayoh, Nabie; Seyoum, Aklilu; Sikaala, Chadwick H; Govella, Nicodem; Diallo, Diadier A; Abdullah, Salim; Smith, Thomas A; Killeen, Gerry F

2015-06-18

Measurement of densities of host-seeking malaria vectors is important for estimating levels of disease transmission, for appropriately allocating interventions, and for quantifying their impact. The gold standard for estimating mosquito-human contact rates is the human landing catch (HLC), where human volunteers catch mosquitoes that land on their exposed body parts. This approach necessitates exposure to potentially infectious mosquitoes, and is very labour intensive. There are several safer and less labour-intensive methods, with Centers for Disease Control light traps (LT) placed indoors near occupied bed nets being the most widely used. This paper presents analyses of 13 studies with paired mosquito collections of LT and HLC to evaluate these methods for their consistency in sampling indoor-feeding mosquitoes belonging to the two major taxa of malaria vectors across Africa, the Anopheles gambiae sensu lato complex and the Anopheles funestus s.l. group. Both overall and study-specific sampling efficiencies of LT compared with HLC were computed, and regression methods that allow for the substantial variations in mosquito counts made by either method were used to test whether the sampling efficacy varies with mosquito density. Generally, LT were able to collect similar numbers of mosquitoes to the HLC indoors, although the relative sampling efficacy, measured by the ratio of LT:HLC varied considerably between studies. The overall best estimate for An. gambiae s.l. was 1.06 (95% credible interval: 0.68-1.64) and for An. funestus s.l. was 1.37 (0.70-2.68). Local calibration exercises are not reproducible, since only in a few studies did LT sample proportionally to HLC, and there was no geographical pattern or consistent trend with average density in the tendency for LT to either under- or over-sample. LT are a crude tool at best, but are relatively easy to deploy on a large scale. Spatial and temporal variation in mosquito densities and human malaria transmission exposure span several orders of magnitude, compared to which the inconsistencies of LT are relatively small. LT, therefore, remain an invaluable and safe alternative to HLC for measuring indoor malaria transmission exposure in Africa.

Field evaluation of two commercial mosquito traps baited with different attractants and colored lights for malaria vector surveillance in Thailand.

PubMed

Ponlawat, Alongkot; Khongtak, Patcharee; Jaichapor, Boonsong; Pongsiri, Arissara; Evans, Brian P

2017-08-07

Sampling for adult mosquito populations is a means of evaluating the efficacy of vector control operations. The goal of this study was to evaluate and identify the most efficacious mosquito traps and combinations of attractants for malaria vector surveillance along the Thai-Myanmar border. In the first part of the study, the BG-Sentinel™ Trap (BGS Trap) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention miniature light trap (CDC LT) baited with different attractants (BG-lure® and CO 2 ) were evaluated using a Latin square experimental design. The six configurations were BGS Trap with BG-lure, BGS Trap with BG-lure plus CO 2 , BGS Trap with CO 2 , CDC LT with BG-lure, CDC LT with BG lure plus CO 2 , and CDC LT with CO 2 . The second half of the study evaluated the impact of light color on malaria vector collections. Colors included the incandescent bulb, ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED), green light stick, red light stick, green LED, and red LED. A total of 8638 mosquitoes consisting of 42 species were captured over 708 trap-nights. The trap types, attractants, and colored lights affected numbers of female anopheline and Anopheles minimus collected (GLM, P < 0.01). Results revealed that BGS Trap captured many anophelines but was significantly less than the CDC LT. The CDC LT, when baited with BG-lure plus CO 2 captured the greatest number of anopheline females with a catch rate significantly higher than the CDC LT baited with BG-lure or CO 2 alone (P < 0.05). The number of anopheline females collected from the CDC LT baited with CO 2 was greater than the CDC LT baited with BG-lure (646 vs 409 females). None of the alternative lights evaluated exceeded the performance of the incandescent light bulb in terms of the numbers of anopheline and An. minimus collected. We conclude that the CDC LT augmented with an incandescent light shows high potential for malaria vector surveillance when baited with CO 2 and the BG-lure in combination and can be effectively used as the new gold standard technique for collecting malaria vectors in Thailand.

Hepatitis C and liver transplantation.

PubMed

Martini, Silvia

2018-06-01

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver disease represents the leading indication for liver transplantation (LT) in the USA and Europe and HCV recurrence is universal in recipients who are viremic at LT. Until a few years ago, pegylated-interferon in association with ribavirin was the only therapeutic strategy, usable only in compensated cirrhotic patients, in order to prevent post-LT viral recurrence. The recent advent of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has dramatically increased the chances of curative treatment for the transplant population and the debate about which should be the best time for treating the infection is still open: whether to pursue HCV eradication 1) before LT, in order to improve liver function, delist some patients and prevent graft infection; or 2) as early as possible after LT, rather than 3) waiting for hepatitis C recurrence before starting treatment. In addition, in the DAA era, the use of HCV-positive donors may represent a potential approach to safely expanding the donor pool. As more HCV patients achieve cure with DAA regimens, the LT trend for HCV in the future would be expected to mimic the trend observed for hepatitis B virus in the past decade and in the United States, during the DAA-period 2014-2015, the rate of LT wait-listing for HCV complicated by decompensated cirrhosis has already decreased by 32%. This review summarizes the published data and emphasizes DAA treatment applicability to patients with decompensated cirrhosis and to liver transplant recipients.

Liver transplantation for Wilson disease

PubMed Central

Catana, Andreea M; Medici, Valentina

2012-01-01

The aim of this paper is to review the current status of liver transplantation (LT) for Wilson disease (WD), focusing on indications and controversies, especially in patients with neuropsychiatric disease, and on identification of acute liver failure (ALF) cases related to WD. LT remains the treatment of choice for patients with ALF, as initial presentation of WD or when anti-copper agents are stopped, and for patients with chronic liver disease progressed to cirrhosis, unresponsive to chelating medications or not timely treated with copper chelating agents. The indication for LT in WD remains highly debated in patients with progressive neurological deterioration and failure to improve with appropriate medical treatment. In case of Wilsonian ALF, early identification is key as mortality is 100% without emergency LT. As many of the copper metabolism parameters are believed to be less reliable in ALF, simple biochemical tests have been proposed for diagnosis of acute WD with good sensitivity and specificity. LT corrects copper metabolism and complications resulting from WD with excellent 1 and 5 year survival. Living related liver transplantation represents an alternative to deceased donor LT with excellent long-term survival, without disease recurrence. Future options may include hepatocyte transplantation and gene therapy. Although both of these have shown promising results in animal models of WD, prospective human studies are much needed to demonstrate their long-term beneficial effects and their potential to replace the need for medical therapy and LT in patients with WD. PMID:22312450

Hippocampal Administration of Levothyroxine Impairs Contextual Fear Memory Consolidation in Rats.

PubMed

Yu, Dafu; Zhou, Heng; Zou, Lin; Jiang, Yong; Wu, Xiaoqun; Jiang, Lizhu; Zhou, Qixin; Yang, Yuexiong; Xu, Lin; Mao, Rongrong

2017-01-01

Thyroid hormone (TH) receptors are highly distributed in the hippocampus, which plays a vital role in memory processes. However, how THs are involved in the different stages of memory process is little known. Herein, we used hippocampus dependent contextual fear conditioning to address the effects of hippocampal THs on the different stages of fear memory. First, we found that a single systemic levothyroxine (LT 4 ) administration increased the level of free triiodothyronine (FT 3 ) and free tetraiodothyroxine (FT 4 ) not only in serum but also in hippocampus. In addition, a single systemic LT 4 administration immediately after fear conditioning significantly impaired fear memory. These results indicated the important role of hippocampal THs in fear memory process. To further confirm the effects of hippocampal THs on the different stages of fear memory, LT 4 (0.4 μg/μl, 1 μl/side) was injected bilaterally into hippocampus. Rats given LT 4 into hippocampus before training or tests had no effect on the acquisition or retrieval of fear memory, however rats given LT 4 into hippocampus either immediately or 2 h after training showed being significantly impaired fear memory, which demonstrated LT 4 administration into hippocampus impairs the consolidation but has no effect on the acquisition and retrieval of fear memory. Furthermore, hippocampal injection of LT 4 did not affect rats' locomotor activity, thigmotaxis and THs level in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and serum. These findings may have important implications for understanding mechanisms underlying contribution of THs to memory disorders.

RB1 is the crucial target of the Merkel cell polyomavirus Large T antigen in Merkel cell carcinoma cells.

PubMed

Hesbacher, Sonja; Pfitzer, Lisa; Wiedorfer, Katharina; Angermeyer, Sabrina; Borst, Andreas; Haferkamp, Sebastian; Scholz, Claus-Jürgen; Wobser, Marion; Schrama, David; Houben, Roland

2016-05-31

The pocket protein (PP) family consists of the three members RB1, p107 and p130 all possessing tumor suppressive properties. Indeed, the PPs jointly control the G1/S transition mainly by inhibiting E2F transcription factors. Notably, several viral oncoproteins are capable of binding and inhibiting PPs. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is considered as etiological factor for Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) with expression of the viral Large T antigen (LT) harboring an intact PP binding domain being required for proliferation of most MCC cells. Therefore, we analyzed the interaction of MCPyV-LT with the PPs. Co-IP experiments indicate that MCPyV-LT binds potently only to RB1. Moreover, MCPyV-LT knockdown-induced growth arrest in MCC cells can be rescued by knockdown of RB1, but not by p107 or p130 knockdown. Accordingly, cell cycle arrest and E2F target gene repression mediated by the single PPs can only in the case of RB1 be significantly reverted by MCPyV-LT expression. Moreover, data from an MCC patient indicate that loss of RB1 rendered the MCPyV-positive MCC cells LT independent. Thus, our results suggest that RB1 is the dominant tumor suppressor PP in MCC, and that inactivation of RB1 by MCPyV-LT is largely sufficient for its growth supporting function in established MCPyV-positive MCC cells.

Hippocampal Administration of Levothyroxine Impairs Contextual Fear Memory Consolidation in Rats

PubMed Central

Yu, Dafu; Zhou, Heng; Zou, Lin; Jiang, Yong; Wu, Xiaoqun; Jiang, Lizhu; Zhou, Qixin; Yang, Yuexiong; Xu, Lin; Mao, Rongrong

2017-01-01

Thyroid hormone (TH) receptors are highly distributed in the hippocampus, which plays a vital role in memory processes. However, how THs are involved in the different stages of memory process is little known. Herein, we used hippocampus dependent contextual fear conditioning to address the effects of hippocampal THs on the different stages of fear memory. First, we found that a single systemic levothyroxine (LT4) administration increased the level of free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free tetraiodothyroxine (FT4) not only in serum but also in hippocampus. In addition, a single systemic LT4 administration immediately after fear conditioning significantly impaired fear memory. These results indicated the important role of hippocampal THs in fear memory process. To further confirm the effects of hippocampal THs on the different stages of fear memory, LT4 (0.4 μg/μl, 1 μl/side) was injected bilaterally into hippocampus. Rats given LT4 into hippocampus before training or tests had no effect on the acquisition or retrieval of fear memory, however rats given LT4 into hippocampus either immediately or 2 h after training showed being significantly impaired fear memory, which demonstrated LT4 administration into hippocampus impairs the consolidation but has no effect on the acquisition and retrieval of fear memory. Furthermore, hippocampal injection of LT4 did not affect rats’ locomotor activity, thigmotaxis and THs level in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and serum. These findings may have important implications for understanding mechanisms underlying contribution of THs to memory disorders. PMID:28824379

Ultrafast carrier dynamics in LT-GaAs doped with Si delta layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khusyainov, D. I.; Dekeyser, C.; Buryakov, A. M.; Mishina, E. D.; Galiev, G. B.; Klimov, E. A.; Pushkarev, S. S.; Klochkov, A. N.

2017-10-01

We characterized the ultrafast properties of LT-GaAs doped with silicon δ-layers and introduced delta-doping (δ-doping) as efficient method for enhancing the properties of GaAs-based structures which can be useful for terahertz (THz) antenna, ultrafast switches and other high frequency applications. Low temperature grown GaAs (LT-GaAs) became one of the most promising materials for ultrafast optical and THz devices due to its short carrier lifetime and high carrier mobility. Low temperature growth leads to a large number of point defects and an excess of arsenic. Annealing of LT-GaAs creates high resistivity through the formation of As-clusters, which appear due to the excess of arsenic. High resistivity is very important for THz antennas so that voltage can be applied without the risk of breakdown. With δ-Si doping, control of As-clusters is possible, since after annealing, clusters align in the plane where the δ-doping occurs. In this paper, we compare the properties of LT-GaAs-based planar structures with and without δ-Si doping and subsequent annealing. We used pump-probe transient reflectivity as a probe for ultrafast carrier dynamics in LT-GaAs. The results of the experiment were interpreted using the Ortiz model and show that the δ-Si doping increases deep donor and acceptor concentrations and decreases the photoinduced carrier lifetime as compared with LT-GaAs with same growth and annealing temperatures, but without doping.

Transcriptomic analysis of Salmonella desiccation resistance.

PubMed

Li, Haiping; Bhaskara, Anuhya; Megalis, Christina; Tortorello, Mary Lou

2012-12-01

The survival of Salmonella in low moisture foods and processing environments remains a great challenge for the food industry and public health. To explore the mechanisms of Salmonella desiccation resistance, we studied the transcriptomic responses in Salmonella Tennessee (Tennessee), using Salmonella Typhimurium LT2 (LT2), a strain weakly resistant to desiccation, as a reference strain. In response to 2 h of air-drying at 11% equilibrated relative humidity, approximately one-fourth of the open reading frames (ORFs) in the Tennessee genome and one-fifth in LT2 were differentially expressed (>2-fold). Among all differentially expressed functional groups (>5-fold) in both strains, the expression fold change associated with fatty acid metabolism was the highest, and constituted 51% and 35% of the total expression fold change in Tennessee and LT2, respectively. Tennessee showed greater changes in expression of genes associated with stress response and envelope modification than LT2, while showing lesser changes in protein biosynthesis expression. Expression of flagella genes was significantly more inhibited in stationary phase cells of Tennessee than LT2 both before and after desiccation. The accumulation of the osmolyte trehalose was significantly induced by desiccation in Tennessee, but no increase was detectable in LT2, which is consistent with the expression patterns of the entire trehalose biosynthesis and degradation pathways in both strains. Results from this study present a global view of the dynamic desiccation responses in Salmonella, which will guide future research efforts to control Salmonella in low moisture environments.

Cysteinyl leukotrienes C4 and D4 downregulate human mast cell expression of toll-like receptors 1 through 7.

PubMed

Karpov, V; Ilarraza, R; Catalli, A; Kulka, M

2018-01-01

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT) are potent inflammatory lipid molecules that mediate some of the pathophysiological responses associated with asthma such as bronchoconstriction, vasodilation and increased microvascular permeability. As a result, CysLT receptor antagonists (LRA), such as montelukast, have been used to effectively treat patients with asthma. We have recently shown that mast cells are necessary modulators of innate immune responses to bacterial infection and an important component of this innate immune response may involve the production of CysLT. However, the effect of LRA on innate immune receptors, particularly on allergic effector cells, is unknown. This study determined the effect of CysLT on toll-like receptor (TLR) expression by the human mast cell line LAD2. Real-time PCR analysis determined that LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4 downregulated mRNA expression of several TLR. Specifically in human CD34+-derived human mast cells (HuMC), LTC4 inhibited expression of TLR1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 while LTD4 inhibited expression of TLR1-7. Montelukast blocked LTC4-mediated downregulation of all TLR, suggesting that these effects were mediated by activation of the CysLT1 receptor (CysLT1R). Flow cytometry analysis confirmed that LTC4 downregulated surface expression of TLR2 which was blocked by montelukast. These data show that CysLT can modulate human mast cell expression of TLR and that montelukast may be beneficial for innate immune responses mediated by mast cells.

Lethal factor antibodies contribute to lethal toxin neutralization in recipients of anthrax vaccine precipitated.

PubMed

Dumas, Eric K; Garman, Lori; Cuthbertson, Hannah; Charlton, Sue; Hallis, Bassam; Engler, Renata J M; Choudhari, Shyamal; Picking, William D; James, Judith A; Farris, A Darise

2017-06-08

A major difference between two currently licensed anthrax vaccines is presence (United Kingdom Anthrax Vaccine Precipitated, AVP) or absence (United States Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed, AVA) of quantifiable amounts of the Lethal Toxin (LT) component Lethal Factor (LF). The primary immunogen in both vaccine formulations is Protective Antigen (PA), and LT-neutralizing antibodies directed to PA are an accepted correlate of vaccine efficacy; however, vaccination studies in animal models have demonstrated that LF antibodies can be protective. In this report we compared humoral immune responses in cohorts of AVP (n=39) and AVA recipients (n=78) matched 1:2 for number of vaccinations and time post-vaccination, and evaluated whether the LF response contributes to LT neutralization in human recipients of AVP. PA response rates (≥95%) and PA IgG concentrations were similar in both groups; however, AVP recipients exhibited higher LT neutralization ED 50 values (AVP: 1464.0±214.7, AVA: 544.9±83.2, p<0.0001) and had higher rates of LF IgG positivity (95%) compared to matched AVA vaccinees (1%). Multiple regression analysis revealed that LF IgG makes an independent and additive contribution to the LT neutralization response in the AVP group. Affinity purified LF antibodies from two independent AVP recipients neutralized LT and bound to LF Domain 1, confirming contribution of LF antibodies to LT neutralization. This study documents the benefit of including an LF component to PA-based anthrax vaccines. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Placement of Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway Is Easier than Placement of Laryngeal Tube during Manual In-Line Stabilisation of The Neck

PubMed Central

Komatsu, R.; Nagata, O.; Kamata, K.; Yamagata, K.; Sessler, D.I.; Ozaki, M.

2005-01-01

Summary We compared the usefulness of the laryngeal tube (LT) with the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) in 51 patients whose necks were stabilised by manual in-line traction. After induction of anaesthesia and neuromuscular block, the LT and ILMA were inserted consecutively in a randomised, crossover design. During pressure-controlled ventilation (20 cmH2O inspiratory pressure), we measured insertion attempts, time to establish positive-pressure ventilation, tidal volume, gastric insufflation, and minimum airway pressure at which gas leaked around the cuff. Data were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests; P<0.05 was considered significant. Insertion was more difficult with the LT (successful at first attempt in 16 patients) than with the ILMA (successful at first attempt in 42 patients, P<0.0001). Time required for insertion was longer for the LT (28 [23–35] sec, median [interquartile range]) than the ILMA (20 [15–25] sec, P=0.0009). Tidal volume was less for the LT (440 [290–670] ml) than the ILMA. (630 [440–750] ml, P=0.013). Minimum airway pressure at which gas leak occurred and incidence of gastric insufflation were similar with two devices. In patients whose necks were stabilised with manual in-line traction, insertion of the ILMA was easier and quicker than insertion of the LT and tidal volume was greater with the ILMA than the LT. PMID:15644005

Renal replacement therapy in infants and children with hepatorenal syndrome awaiting liver transplantation: a case-control study.

PubMed

Elizabeth Parsons, C; Nelson, Raoul; Book, Linda S; Kyle Jensen, M

2014-12-01

Limited data on short- and long-term outcomes of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in pediatric liver transplantation (LT) patients exist. We evaluated risk factors for RRT in pediatric LT recipients with hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) and described the outcomes. We performed a single-center, case-control study of LT recipients who required RRT for HRS from 1999 to 2011. Three controls who did not receive RRT were matched with each case on the basis of age, diagnosis, and LT date. We identified 8 recipients among 133 recipients of 152 LT cases [6%, 95% confidence interval = 2%-10%; mean age = 7.7 years, range = 0.5-19.8 years) who required RRT before LT for HRS. Four patients were <1 year old and weighed 5.6 to 6.6 kg. Biliary atresia was the most common LT indication. Cases had higher Model for (Pediatric) End-Stage Liver Disease scores at listing (26 versus 16, P = 0.01) and lower glomerular filtration rates (GFRs; 15 versus 102 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) , P < 0.001) at RRT initiation or LT. Ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, and infections occurred more commonly among cases: (100% versus 54%, P = 0.03; 100% versus 46%, P = 0.01; and 88% versus 33%, P = 0.01, respectively). Cases also experienced toxic vancomycin troughs more frequently (38% versus 0%, P = 0.01) and received RRT for a median of 21 days (range = 3-355 days). The case mortality rate was 37.5% (3/8 at 1, 26, and 346 days after LT) and 0% for controls. The 4 infants required 0 to 3 dialysis catheter replacements during RRT. Cases and controls had similar median follow-ups [3.2 years (range = 1.5-7.6 years) versus 4.9 years (range = 0.2-11 years), P = 0.29]. After LT, they also had similar GFRs (83 versus 99 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) at 1 month, P = 0.19; 80 versus 107 mL/minute/1.73 m2 at 1 year, P > 0.99; and 97 versus 114 mL/minute/1.73 m2 at the most recent follow-up, P = 0.09). The case survival rates were 75% and 63% at 1 month and 1 year, respectively; 4 cases required antihypertensives and diuretics 1 month after LT, but at the last follow-up, only 1 case required antihypertensive therapy, and none required diuretics. In conclusion, pediatric patients with HRS, including infants, benefit from RRT. Although HRS decreases survival, patients with HRS who undergo LT generally recover renal function within 1 month that persists during long-term follow-up. © 2014 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Minimizing tacrolimus decreases the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus after liver transplantation

PubMed Central

Song, Jiu-Lin; Gao, Wei; Zhong, Yan; Yan, Lu-Nan; Yang, Jia-Yin; Wen, Tian-Fu; Li, Bo; Wang, Wen-Tao; Wu, Hong; Xu, Ming-Qing; Chen, Zhe-Yu; Wei, Yong-Gang; Jiang, Li; Yang, Jian

2016-01-01

AIM: To investigate the impact of minimum tacrolimus (TAC) on new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) after liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 973 liver transplant recipients between March 1999 and September 2014 in West China Hospital Liver Transplantation Center. Following the exclusion of ineligible recipients, 528 recipients with a TAC-dominant regimen were included in our study. We calculated and determined the mean trough concentration of TAC (cTAC) in the year of diabetes diagnosis in NODM recipients or in the last year of the follow-up in non-NODM recipients. A cutoff of mean cTAC value for predicting NODM 6 mo after LT was identified using a receptor operating characteristic curve. TAC-related complications after LT was evaluated by χ2 test, and the overall and allograft survival was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Risk factors for NODM after LT were examined by univariate and multivariate Cox regression. RESULTS: Of the 528 transplant recipients, 131 (24.8%) developed NODM after 6 mo after LT, and the cumulative incidence of NODM progressively increased. The mean cTAC of NODM group recipients was significantly higher than that of recipients in the non-NODM group (7.66 ± 3.41 ng/mL vs 4.47 ± 2.22 ng/mL, P < 0.05). Furthermore, NODM group recipients had lower 1-, 5-, 10-year overall survival rates (86.7%, 71.3%, and 61.1% vs 94.7%, 86.1%, and 83.7%, P < 0.05) and allograft survival rates (92.8%, 84.6%, and 75.7% vs 96.1%, 91%, and 86.1%, P < 0.05) than the others. The best cutoff of mean cTAC for predicting NODM was 5.89 ng/mL after 6 mo after LT. Multivariate analysis showed that old age at the time of LT (> 50 years), hypertension pre-LT, and high mean cTAC (≥ 5.89 ng/mL) after 6 mo after LT were independent risk factors for developing NODM. Concurrently, recipients with a low cTAC (< 5.89 ng/mL) were less likely to become obese (21.3% vs 30.2%, P < 0.05) or to develop dyslipidemia (27.5% vs 44.8%, P <0.05), chronic kidney dysfunction (14.6% vs 22.7%, P < 0.05), and moderate to severe infection (24.7% vs 33.1%, P < 0.05) after LT than recipients in the high mean cTAC group. However, the two groups showed no significant difference in the incidence of acute and chronic rejection, hypertension, cardiovascular events and new-onset malignancy. CONCLUSION: A minimal TAC regimen can decrease the risk of long-term NODM after LT. Maintaining a cTAC value below 5.89 ng/mL after LT is safe and beneficial. PMID:26877618

Managing the 21st Century Air Force Reserve

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-02-16

Lt Gen Stenner , Commander AFRC, stated, “We are revising our management structures and practices to make it easier for our Reservists to volunteer...Outbrief, 11 Dec 09. 27 Christine E. Wormuth, (Center for Strategic and International Studies, CSIS, July 2006), p. IX. Figure 1 Source: Lt Gen Stenner ...Service Components 37 Terry Orner, Lt Gen Stenner briefed G-MAJCOM PAD at CORONA in Nov 09 and

Wide spectral range multiple orders and half-wave achromatic phase retarders fabricated from two lithium tantalite single crystal plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emam-Ismail, M.

2015-11-01

In a broad spectral range (300-2500 nm), we report the use of channeled spectra formed from the interference of polarized white light to extract the dispersion of the phase birefringence Δnp(λ) of the x- and y-cuts of lithium tantalite (LiTaO3:LT) plates. A new method named as wavenumber difference method is used to extract the spectral behavior of the phase birefringence of the x- and y- cuts of LT plates. The correctness of the obtained birefringence data is confirmed by using Jones vector method through recalculating the plates thicknesses. The spectral variation of the phase birefringence Δnp(λ) of the x- and y-cuts of LT plates is fitted to Cauchy dispersion function with relative error for both x- and y-cuts of order 2.4×10-4. The group birefringence dispersion Δng (λ) of the x- and y-cuts of LT plates is also calculated and fitted to Ghosh dispersion function with relative error for both x- and y-cuts of order 2.83×10-4. Furthermore, the phase retardation introduced by the x- and y-cuts of LT plates is also calculated. It is found that the amount of phase retardation confirms that the x- and y-cuts of LT plates can act as a multiple order half- and quarter-wave plates working at many different wavelengths through the spectral range 300-2500 nm. For the x- and y-cuts of LT plates, a large difference between group and phase birefringence is observed at a short wavelength (λ=300 nm); while such difference progressively diminished at longer wavelength (λ=2000 nm). In the near infrared region (NIR) region (700-2500 nm), a broad spectral full width at half maximum (FWHM) is observed for either x- or y-cut of LT plate which can act as if it is working as a zero order wave plate. Finally, an achromatic half-wave plate working at 598 nm and covering a wide spectral range (300-900 nm) is demonstrated experimentally by combining both x- and y-cuts of LT plates.

Impaired pharmacokinetics of levothyroxine in severely obese volunteers.

PubMed

Michalaki, Marina A; Gkotsina, Margarita I; Mamali, Irene; Markantes, Georgios K; Faltaka, Amalia; Kalfarentzos, Fotios; Vagenakis, Apostolos G; Markou, Kostas B

2011-05-01

Suppressive or replacement doses of levothyroxine (LT4) are affected by the rate and extent of the active ingredient absorbed, as well as by the lean body mass. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and is related with many comorbidities. The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of LT4 in severely obese individuals and compared them with similar data in lean control subjects. We studied 62 euthyroid subjects who had negative tests for anti-thyroid peroxidise antibodies (Ab-TPO). Thirty eight of these subjects were severely obese but otherwise healthy (severe obese subjects [SOS] group). Twenty-four were healthy control subjects (control group), with a body mass index of 23.3 ± 1.7 kg/m(2). Subjects received 600 μg oral sodium LT4 after an overnight fast. Serum triiodothyronine (T3), T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone were measured at baseline. Serum T4 and T3 was measured 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 4 hours after LT4 administration. Baseline serum T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations were higher in the SOS group than in the control group; serum T3 was similar in the two groups. The corrected area under the curve and the maximum T4 concentration after LT4 administration were lower, whereas the time to maximum concentration from the baseline was higher in SOS than in the control group. The estimated plasma volume was higher in the SOS than in the control group. Mean serum T3 levels increased gradually during the four hours after LT4 administration in the control group. In contrast, they decreased gradually in the SOS group. Severely obese individuals may need higher LT4 suppressive or replacement doses than normal-weight individuals due, among other factors, to impaired LT4 pharmacokinetic parameters. The latter could be attributed to their higher plasma volume and/or to delayed gastrointestinal LT4 absorption. T4 conversion to T3 might be defective in severe obesity.

Variation in the biochemical response to l-thyroxine therapy and relationship with peripheral thyroid hormone conversion efficiency

PubMed Central

Midgley, John E M; Larisch, Rolf; Dietrich, Johannes W; Hoermann, Rudolf

2015-01-01

Several influences modulate biochemical responses to a weight-adjusted levothyroxine (l-T4) replacement dose. We conducted a secondary analysis of the relationship of l-T4 dose to TSH and free T3 (FT3), using a prospective observational study examining the interacting equilibria between thyroid parameters. We studied 353 patients on steady-state l-T4 replacement for autoimmune thyroiditis or after surgery for malignant or benign thyroid disease. Peripheral deiodinase activity was calculated as a measure of T4–T3 conversion efficiency. In euthyroid subjects, the median l-T4 dose was 1.3 μg/kg per day (interquartile range (IQR) 0.94,1.60). The dose was independently associated with gender, age, aetiology and deiodinase activity (all P<0.001). Comparable FT3 levels required higher l-T4 doses in the carcinoma group (n=143), even after adjusting for different TSH levels. Euthyroid athyreotic thyroid carcinoma patients (n=50) received 1.57 μg/kg per day l-T4 (IQR 1.40, 1.69), compared to 1.19 μg/kg per day (0.85,1.47) in autoimmune thyroiditis (P<0.01, n=76) and 1.08 μg/kg per day (0.82, 1.44) in patients operated on for benign disease (P< 0.01, n=80). Stratifying patients by deiodinase activity categories of <23, 23–29 and >29 nmol/s revealed an increasing FT3–FT4 dissociation; the poorest converters showed the lowest FT3 levels in spite of the highest dose and circulating FT4 (P<0.001). An l-T4-related FT3–TSH disjoint was also apparent; some patients with fully suppressed TSH failed to raise FT3 above the median level. These findings imply that thyroid hormone conversion efficiency is an important modulator of the biochemical response to l-T4; FT3 measurement may be an additional treatment target; and l-T4 dose escalation may have limited success to raise FT3 appropriately in some cases. PMID:26335522

The effect of the hypohydration on the lactate threshold in a hot and humid environment.

PubMed

Papadopoulos, C; Doyle, J; Rupp, J; Brandon, L; Benardot, D; Thompson, W

2008-09-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hypohydration (HH) on the lactate threshold (LT) in a hot and humid environment. Ten apparently healthy males (age 25+/-3 yrs; height 1.8+/-0.04 m; mass 78+/-12 kg; VO2peak 3.7+/-0.4 L/min) underwent four randomly assigned maximal treadmill tests. Two trials were at room temperature (22+/-1 degrees C; RH = 50%) under two different hydration conditions: euhydrated (EH-RM) and hypohydrated (HH-RM), and two trials were performed in a warm chamber (37+/-0.5 degrees C; RH = 70%) under two different hydration conditions: euhydrated (EH-HT) and hypohydrated (HH-HT). The desired HH level (2-4%) was accomplished in the 24+ hours before testing by fluid restriction. Mean HH was 2.6+/-1.0% body weight. Capillary blood samples were collected at the end of each stage and analyzed for lactic acid (LA). LA concentrations were plotted for each exercise stage, and the LT was determined by visual inspection as the highest exercise stage at which blood LA concentration began to increase above each individual's resting levels. LT and body temperature were analyzed with a two-way repeated measures ANOVA (P < 0.05). During the trials in the warm chamber, the LT occurred at a significantly earlier stage compared to the thermoneutral environment (4.4+/-0.09 vs 5.8+/-0.10) and with a significantly lower oxygen consumption (2.38+/-0.09 L.min(-1) vs 2.86+/-0.13 L.min(-1)). Body temperature at the LT was significantly higher in the heat trials compared to room temperature (38.7+/-0.12 degrees C vs 37.6+/-0.14 degrees C). LT determination was not significantly altered by hydration. These results suggest that during progressive incremental maximal treadmill exercise, moderate HH does not affect the LT, whereas exercise in a hot and humid environment induces a downward shift in the LT. The elevated body temperature during the heat trials suggests that body temperature may affect running performance associated with the LT.

Vaccination with plasmid DNA encoding a mutant toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 ameliorates toxin-induced lethal shock in mice.

PubMed

Feng, Mao-Hui; Cui, Jing-Chun; Nakane, Akio; Hu, Dong-Liang

2013-09-01

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), a superantigenic toxin produced by Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, is a major cause of septic shock and toxic shock syndrome. To investigate whether vaccination with a plasmid DNA encoding a non-toxic mutant TSST-1 (mTSST-1) can protect mice against wild-type TSST-1-induced lethal shock, the mice were intranasally immunized with the plasmid DNA (named pcDNA-mTSST-1) plus a mucosal adjuvant, a non-toxic mutant labile toxin (mLT). After the immunization, the mice were challenged with TSST-1 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The survival rate of mice immunized with pcDNA-mTSST-1 plus mLT was higher than that of the control mice immunized with PBS alone, mLT alone, pcDNA-mTSST-1 alone, or a parent plasmid plus mLT. The titers of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in the sera of mice immunized with pcDNA-mTSST-1 plus mLT were significantly lower than those of the mLT control mice. Immunization with pcDNA-mTSST-1 plus mLT increased the serum levels of TSST-1-specific antibodies, especially immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgG2a subclasses. Furthermore, the sera obtained from mice immunized with pcDNA-mTSST-1 plus mLT significantly inhibited the TSST-1-induced secretion of IFN-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in murine spleen cells in vitro. These results indicate that immunization with pcDNA-mTSST-1 plus mLT provides protection against the lethal toxic shock of mice induced by wild-type TSST-1. The protective effect could be due to TSST-1-specific neutralizing antibodies as well as the inhibition of IFN-γ and TNF-α secretions. Since TSST-1 is commonly released by invasive S. aureus, the pcDNA-mTSST-1 should be useful in preventing toxin-induced shock resulting from S. aureus infection.

Development of ELISA-detected anti-HLA antibodies precedes the development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and correlates with progressive decline in pulmonary function after lung transplantation.

PubMed

Jaramillo, A; Smith, M A; Phelan, D; Sundaresan, S; Trulock, E P; Lynch, J P; Cooper, J D; Patterson, G A; Mohanakumar, T

1999-04-27

Development of anti-HLA antibodies after lung transplantation (LT) is thought to play an important role in the etiology of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). However, a cause-effect relationship between anti-HLA antibodies and BOS has not been established. This study was conducted to determine the temporal relationship between the development of anti-HLA antibodies and BOS after LT, and to determine the antigenic specificity of the antibodies developed in BOS patients. Sera from 15 BOS+ LT patients and 12 BOS- LT patients were obtained before LT and collected again at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months after LT. Anti-HLA antibodies were detected by the PRA-STAT ELISA system and by complement-dependent cytotoxicity assays. Anti-HLA reactivity was further characterized by flow cytometry and absorption/elution with human platelets. When analyzed by ELISA, 10 of 15 BOS+ patients developed anti-HLA antibodies, whereas 0 of 12 BOS- patients developed anti-HLA antibodies (P<0.001). When analyzed by complement-dependent cytotoxicity, only 2 of 15 BOS+ patients developed anti-HLA antibodies and 1 of 12 BOS- patients developed anti-HLA antibodies (P = 0.99). There was a significant difference of 20.1 months between the time of anti-HLA antibody detection and the time of BOS diagnosis (P = 0.005). A progressive decrease in pulmonary function correlated with a progressive increase in the anti-HLA reactivity 36 months after LT. The anti-HLA reactivity was directed to one of the donor HLA class I antigens and to other unrelated HLA class I antigens. No anti-HLA reactivity was found against HLA class II molecules. Our study indicates that anti-HLA class I antibodies play an important role in the pathogenesis of BOS and that monitoring of anti-HLA class I antibody development by a highly sensitive assay such as the PRA-STAT ELISA after LT can provide an early identification of an important subset of LT patients with an increased risk of developing BOS.

Lack of activity of 15-epi-lipoxin A₄ on FPR2/ALX and CysLT1 receptors in interleukin-8-driven human neutrophil function.

PubMed

Planagumà, A; Domenech, T; Jover, I; Ramos, I; Sentellas, S; Malhotra, R; Miralpeix, M

2013-08-01

Neutrophil recruitment and survival are important control points in the development and resolution of inflammatory processes. 15-epi-lipoxin (LX)A interaction with formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2)/ALX receptor is suggested to enhance anti-inflammatory neutrophil functions and mediate resolution of airway inflammation. However, it has been reported that 15-epi-LXA₄ analogues can also bind to cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT1) and that the CysLT1 antagonist MK-571 binds to FPR2/ALX, so cross-reactivity between FPR2/ALX and CysLT1 ligands cannot be discarded. It is not well established whether the resolution properties reported for 15-epi-LXA4 are mediated through FPR2/ALX, or if other receptors such as CysLT1 may also be involved. Evaluation of specific FPR2/ALX ligands and CysLT1 antagonists in functional biochemical and cellular assays were performed to establish a role for both receptors in 15-epi-LXA₄-mediated signalling and function. In our study, a FPR2/ALX synthetic peptide (WKYMVm) and a small molecule FPR2/ALX agonist (compound 43) induced FPR2/ALX-mediated signalling, enhancing guanosine triphosphate-gamma (GTPγ) binding and decreasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, whereas 15-epi-LXA₄ was inactive. Furthermore, 15-epi-LXA4 showed neither binding affinity nor signalling towards CysLT1. In neutrophils, 15-epi-LXA₄ showed a moderate reduction of interleukin (IL)-8-mediated neutrophil chemotaxis but no effect on neutrophil survival was observed. In addition, CysLT1 antagonists were inactive in FPR2/ALX signalling or neutrophil assays. In conclusion, 15-epi-LXA₄ is not a functional agonist or an antagonist of FPR2/ALX or CysLT1, shows no effect on IL-8-induced neutrophil survival and produces only moderate inhibition in IL-8-mediated neutrophil migration. Our data do not support an anti-inflammatory role of 15-epi-LXA₄- FPR2/ALX interaction in IL-8-induced neutrophil inflammation. © 2013 British Society for Immunology.

Prioritized LT Codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woo, Simon S.; Cheng, Michael K.

2011-01-01

The original Luby Transform (LT) coding scheme is extended to account for data transmissions where some information symbols in a message block are more important than others. Prioritized LT codes provide unequal error protection (UEP) of data on an erasure channel by modifying the original LT encoder. The prioritized algorithm improves high-priority data protection without penalizing low-priority data recovery. Moreover, low-latency decoding is also obtained for high-priority data due to fast encoding. Prioritized LT codes only require a slight change in the original encoding algorithm, and no changes at all at the decoder. Hence, with a small complexity increase in the LT encoder, an improved UEP and low-decoding latency performance for high-priority data can be achieved. LT encoding partitions a data stream into fixed-sized message blocks each with a constant number of information symbols. To generate a code symbol from the information symbols in a message, the Robust-Soliton probability distribution is first applied in order to determine the number of information symbols to be used to compute the code symbol. Then, the specific information symbols are chosen uniform randomly from the message block. Finally, the selected information symbols are XORed to form the code symbol. The Prioritized LT code construction includes an additional restriction that code symbols formed by a relatively small number of XORed information symbols select some of these information symbols from the pool of high-priority data. Once high-priority data are fully covered, encoding continues with the conventional LT approach where code symbols are generated by selecting information symbols from the entire message block including all different priorities. Therefore, if code symbols derived from high-priority data experience an unusual high number of erasures, Prioritized LT codes can still reliably recover both high- and low-priority data. This hybrid approach decides not only "how to encode" but also "what to encode" to achieve UEP. Another advantage of the priority encoding process is that the majority of high-priority data can be decoded sooner since only a small number of code symbols are required to reconstruct high-priority data. This approach increases the likelihood that high-priority data is decoded first over low-priority data. The Prioritized LT code scheme achieves an improvement in high-priority data decoding performance as well as overall information recovery without penalizing the decoding of low-priority data, assuming high-priority data is no more than half of a message block. The cost is in the additional complexity required in the encoder. If extra computation resource is available at the transmitter, image, voice, and video transmission quality in terrestrial and space communications can benefit from accurate use of redundancy in protecting data with varying priorities.

Aging implications on fresh muscle traits of Certified Angus Beef steaks.

PubMed

Adcock, L A; Sawyer, J T; Lambert, B D; Jones, T N; Ball, J J; Wyatt, R P; Jackson, J

2015-12-01

Vacuum-packaged Certified Angus Beef (CAB) subprimals ( = 72) that included the longissimus thoracis (LT), longissimus lumborum (LL), gluteus medius (GM), and infraspinatus (IF) muscles were purchased from a major beef packing facility. Subprimals were allocated to 1 of 3 aging periods (14, 28, or 42 d) and aged at 2°C. After aging, 5 steaks were cut from each subprimal and assigned to pH, water-holding capacity, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), cooked color, cooking yield, cooking loss, and sensory panel analysis. Infraspinatus steaks were more tender ( < 0.05) than all other steaks, and subprimals aged 14 d had greater ( < 0.05) WBSF values than the other 2 aging periods, regardless of muscle. Water-holding capacity and cook yield were greater ( < 0.05) for LL and LT than IF and GM steaks, whereas purge loss was greater ( < 0.05) for IF and GM than LL and LT steaks. Throughout the aging periods, pH declined for all muscle groups, with IF steaks having the greatest ( < 0.05) pH values among all muscles. Among IF steaks, sensory evaluations of all attributes did not ( ≥ 0.26) differ across aging periods; yet among LT steaks, consumers rated those aged 14 d greater ( < 0.05) in overall impression than LT steaks aged 28 and 42 d. Among LT steaks, those aged 14 d received greater ( < 0.05) flavor ratings than LT steaks subjected to longer aging periods, and LT steaks aged 14 d received the greatest ( < 0.05) overall impression, with consumers giving greater ( < 0.05) overall impression scores to LT steaks aged 42 d over those aged 28 d. Aging period had no effect ( ≥ 0.017) on consumer ratings for flavor, tenderness, juiciness, or overall impression of LL steaks. Among GM steaks, consumers rated steaks aged 14 and 28 d more ( < 0.05) flavorful than those aged 42 d, and consumer ratings for overall impression were greater ( < 0.05) for GM steaks aged 28 d than for GM steaks aged 42 d; however, consumers failed ( = 0.035) to note differences in tenderness scores of GM steaks in response to aging period. Furthermore, consumers indicated a greater ( < 0.05) likelihood to purchase LT steaks aged 14 d over LT steaks aged 28 d, LL steaks aged 42 d over LL steaks aged 14 d, and GM steaks aged 14 and 28 d over GM steaks aged 42 d. These results indicate that consumers struggled to identify steak flavor attributes and suggest that the benefit of aging for premium beef products does not offer a tremendous sensory advantage to the consumer.

Intranasal Administration of 2/6-Rotavirus-Like Particles with Mutant Escherichia coli Heat-Labile Toxin (LT-R192G) Induces Antibody-Secreting Cell Responses but Not Protective Immunity in Gnotobiotic Pigs

PubMed Central

Yuan, Lijuan; Geyer, Annelise; Hodgins, Douglas C.; Fan, Zhiqian; Qian, Yuan; Chang, Kyeong-Ok; Crawford, Sue E.; Parreño, Viviana; Ward, Lucy A.; Estes, Mary K.; Conner, Margaret E.; Saif, Linda J.

2000-01-01

We investigated the immunogenicity of recombinant double-layered rotavirus-like particle (2/6-VLPs) vaccines derived from simian SA11 or human (VP6) Wa and bovine RF (VP2) rotavirus strains. The 2/6-VLPs were administered to gnotobiotic pigs intranasally (i.n.) with a mutant Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin, LT-R192G (mLT), as mucosal adjuvant. Pigs were challenged with virulent Wa (P1A[8],G1) human rotavirus at postinoculation day (PID) 21 (two-dose VLP regimen) or 28 (three-dose VLP regimen). In vivo antigen-activated antibody-secreting cells (ASC) (effector B cells) and in vitro antigen-reactivated ASC (derived from memory B cells) from intestinal and systemic lymphoid tissues (duodenum, ileum, mesenteric lymph nodes [MLN], spleen, peripheral blood lymphocytes [PBL], and bone marrow lymphocytes) collected at selected times were quantitated by enzyme-linked immunospot assays. Rotavirus-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, and IgG ASC and memory B-cell responses were detected by PID 21 or 28 in intestinal and systemic lymphoid tissues after i.n. inoculation with two or three doses of 2/6-VLPs with or without mLT. Greater mean numbers of virus-specific ASC and memory B cells in all tissues prechallenge were induced in pigs inoculated with two doses of SA11 2/6-VLPs plus mLT compared to SA11 2/6-VLPs without mLT. After challenge, anamnestic IgA and IgG ASC and memory B-cell responses were detected in intestinal lymphoid tissues of all VLP-inoculated groups, but serum virus-neutralizing antibody titers were not significantly enhanced compared to the challenged controls. Pigs inoculated with Wa-RF 2/6-VLPs (with or without mLT) developed higher anamnestic IgA and IgG ASC responses in ileum after challenge compared to pigs inoculated with SA11 2/6-VLPs (with or without mLT). Three doses of SA 11 2/6-VLP plus mLT induced the highest mean numbers of IgG memory B cells in MLN, spleen, and PBL among all groups postchallenge. However, no significant protection against diarrhea or virus shedding was evident in any of the 2/6-VLP (with or without mLT)-inoculated pigs after challenge with virulent Wa human rotavirus. These results indicate that 2/6-VLP vaccines are immunogenic in gnotobiotic pigs when inoculated i.n. and that the adjuvant mLT enhanced their immunogenicity. However, i.n. inoculation of gnotobiotic pigs with 2/6-VLPs did not confer protection against human rotavirus challenge. PMID:10982326

Comparative study on interactions between laser and arc plasma during laser-GTA welding and laser-GMA welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Minghua; Xu, Jiannan; Xin, Lijun; Zhao, Zuofu; Wu, Fufa

2016-10-01

This paper describes an investigation on differences in interactions between laser and arc plasma during laser-gas tungsten arc (LT) welding and laser-gas metal arc (LM) welding. The characteristics of LT heat source and LM heat source, such as plasma behavior, heat penetration ability and spectral information were comparably studied. Based on the plasma discharge theory, the interactions during plasma discharge were modeled and analyzed. Results show that in both LT and LM welding, coupling discharge between the laser keyhole plasma and arc happens, which strongly enhance the arc. But, the enhancing effect in LT welding is much more sensitive than that in LM welding when parameters are adjusted.

A smooth particle hydrodynamics code to model collisions between solid, self-gravitating objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schäfer, C.; Riecker, S.; Maindl, T. I.; Speith, R.; Scherrer, S.; Kley, W.

2016-05-01

Context. Modern graphics processing units (GPUs) lead to a major increase in the performance of the computation of astrophysical simulations. Owing to the different nature of GPU architecture compared to traditional central processing units (CPUs) such as x86 architecture, existing numerical codes cannot be easily migrated to run on GPU. Here, we present a new implementation of the numerical method smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) using CUDA and the first astrophysical application of the new code: the collision between Ceres-sized objects. Aims: The new code allows for a tremendous increase in speed of astrophysical simulations with SPH and self-gravity at low costs for new hardware. Methods: We have implemented the SPH equations to model gas, liquids and elastic, and plastic solid bodies and added a fragmentation model for brittle materials. Self-gravity may be optionally included in the simulations and is treated by the use of a Barnes-Hut tree. Results: We find an impressive performance gain using NVIDIA consumer devices compared to our existing OpenMP code. The new code is freely available to the community upon request. If you are interested in our CUDA SPH code miluphCUDA, please write an email to Christoph Schäfer. miluphCUDA is the CUDA port of miluph. miluph is pronounced [maßl2v]. We do not support the use of the code for military purposes.

Hepatic encephalopathy in a liver transplant recipient with stable liver function.

PubMed

Arab, Juan Pablo; Meneses, Luis; Pérez, Rosa M; Arrese, Marco; Benítez, Carlos

2013-04-01

Postshunt hepatic encephalopathy after liver transplantation (LT) is an infrequent condition and is commonly associated with portal occlusion or stenosis and the presence of a patent portosystemic shunt. Portal vein stenosis (PVS) or thrombosis (PVT) are uncommon complications after LT. The overall frequency of both complications is reported to be less than 3%. When PVS or PVT develop early after LT, the occlusion of the portal vein can have catastrophic consequences to the graft including acute liver failure and graft loss. Late PVT/PVS are asymptomatic in approximately 50% of the cases and mainly diagnosed by a routine ultrasound. Symptomatic postshunt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a very infrequent condition after LT that has been scarcely reported in the literature. We present here the case of a liver recipient with normal graft function who presented with hepatic encephalopathy 3 months after LT with stable liver function but a severe portal stenosis and the presence of a spontaneous portosystemic shunt whose successful endovascular treatment was followed by the complete resolution of the HE.

Performance investigation on dissipative dielectric elastomer generators with a triangular energy harvesting scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Peng; Chen, Hualing; Li, Bo; Wang, Yongquan

2017-11-01

In this letter, a theoretical framework describing an energy harvesting cycle including the loss of tension (LT) process is proposed to investigate the energy harvesting performance of a dielectric elastomer generator (DEG) with a triangular energy harvesting scheme by considering material viscosity and leakage current. As the external force that is applied to the membrane decreases, the membrane is relaxed. When the external force decreases to zero, the condition is known as LT. Then the membrane undergoing LT can further relax, which is referred to as the LT process. The LT process is usually ignored in theoretical analysis but observed from energy harvesting experiments of DEGs. It is also studied how shrinking time and transfer capacitor affect the energy conversion of a DEG. The results indicate that energy density and conversion efficiency can be simultaneously improved by choosing appropriate shrinking time and transfer capacitor to optimize the energy harvesting cycle. The results and methods are expected to provide guidelines for the optimal design and assessment of DEGs.

Terahertz-radiation generation and detection in low-temperature-grown GaAs epitaxial films on GaAs (100) and (111)A substrates

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

Galiev, G. B.; Pushkarev, S. S., E-mail: s-s-e-r-p@mail.ru; Buriakov, A. M.

The efficiency of the generation and detection of terahertz radiation in the range up to 3 THz by LT-GaAs films containing equidistant Si doping δ layers and grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs (100) and (111)Ga substrates is studied by terahertz spectroscopy. Microstrip photoconductive antennas are fabricated on the film surface. Terahertz radiation is generated by exposure of the antenna gap to femtosecond optical laser pulses. It is shown that the intensity of terahertz radiation from the photoconductive antenna on LT-GaAs/GaAs (111)Ga is twice as large as the intensity of a similar antenna on LT-GaAs/GaAs(100) and the sensitivity ofmore » the antenna on LT-GaAs/GaAs (111)Ga as a terahertz-radiation detector exceeds that of the antenna on LT-GaAs/GaAs(100) by a factor of 1.4.« less

Lactate-related factors as a critical determinant of endurance.

PubMed

Tanaka, K

1990-04-01

Many interrelated physiological and/or morphological factors have been demonstrated to influence endurance exercise performance. Some of these factors include skeletal musculature, running economy, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), maximal steady state (MSS), onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA), onset of plasma lactate accumulation (OPLA), and anaerobic (or lactate) threshold (AT or LT). The present paper focuses mainly on VO2max, MSS, OBLA, OPLA and LT, all of which have been postulated as a prerequisite in endurance exercise success. This paper consists of: (1) significance of La-related variables, (2) longitudinal studies, (3) comments, and (4) conclusion. Briefly, it is suggested that estimation of endurance exercise potential could be obtained with relatively high precision using laboratoriously measured La-related variables. The most critical determinant of endurance exercise performance such as marathon time is considered running velocity (V) at which LT is detected (V / LT), VO2 / LT, or V / MSS, while V / OBLA appears to be the best predictor of performance in endurance events of 16 km or shorter distances.

[Indications of lung transplantation: Patients selection, timing of listing, and choice of procedure].

PubMed

Morisse Pradier, H; Sénéchal, A; Philit, F; Tronc, F; Maury, J-M; Grima, R; Flamens, C; Paulus, S; Neidecker, J; Mornex, J-F

2016-02-01

Lung transplantation (LT) is now considered as an excellent treatment option for selected patients with end-stage pulmonary diseases, such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. The 2 goals of LT are to provide a survival benefit and to improve quality of life. The 3-step decision process leading to LT is discussed in this review. The first step is the selection of candidates, which requires a careful examination in order to check absolute and relative contraindications. The second step is the timing of listing for LT; it requires the knowledge of disease-specific prognostic factors available in international guidelines, and discussed in this paper. The third step is the choice of procedure: indications of heart-lung, single-lung, and bilateral-lung transplantation are described. In conclusion, this document provides guidelines to help pulmonologists in the referral and selection processes of candidates for transplantation in order to optimize the outcome of LT. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Structural analysis of as-deposited and annealed low-temperature gallium arsenide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matyi, R. J.; Melloch, M. R.; Woodall, J. M.

1993-04-01

The structure of GaAs grown at low substrate temperatures (LT-GaAs) by molecular beam epitaxy has been studied using high resolution X-ray diffraction methods. Double crystal rocking curves from the as-deposited LT-GaAs show well defined interference fringes, indicating a high level of structural perfection. Triple crystal diffraction analysis of the as-deposited sample showed significantly less diffuse scattering near the LT-GaAs 004 reciprocal lattice point compared with the substrate 004 reciprocal lattice point, suggesting that despite the incorporation of approximately 1% excess arsenic, the epitaxial layer had superior crystalline perfection than did the GaAs substrate. Triple crystal scans of annealed LT-GaAs showed an increase in the integrated diffuse intensity by approximately a factor of three as the anneal temperature was increased from 700 to 900°C. Analogous to the effects of SiO2 precipitates in annealed Czochralski silicon, the diffuse intensity is attributed to distortions in the epitaxial LT-GaAs lattice by arsenic precipitates.

Technology Support for Combat Casualty Related Medical Infrared Imaging

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-10

LtCol. David Trant USAF as On-site PI, and the Duke Medical IR group (Drs. Pearlstein and Guenther) serving as Co-PI’s, was approved in January 2009...patient outcome. COLLABORATORS: LtCol. Kenneth Egerstrom, USAF; LtCol. David Trant, USAF; Dr. Larry Katz, Department of Emergency Medicine...University of North Carolina Hospitals; Col. Byron Funke, USAF; Dr. David Randall, USArmy Night Vision Laboratories (Ft. Belvoir); Mr. Wayne Antesberger

Advantages of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells with two-step grown low temperature GaN cap layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yadan; Lu, Taiping; Zhou, Xiaorun; Zhao, Guangzhou; Dong, Hailiang; Jia, Zhigang; Liu, Xuguang; Xu, Bingshe

2017-11-01

Two-step grown low temperature GaN cap layers (LT-cap) are employed to improve the optical and structural properties of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs). The first LT-cap layer is grown in nitrogen atmosphere, while a small hydrogen flow is added to the carrier gas during the growth of the second LT-cap layer. High-resolution X-ray diffraction results indicate that the two-step growth method can improve the interface quality of MQWs. Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) tests show about two-fold enhancement in integrated PL intensity, only 25 meV blue-shift in peak energy and almost unchanged line width. On the basis of temperature-dependent PL characteristics analysis, it is concluded that the first and the second LT-cap layer play a different role during the growth of MQWs. The first LT-cap layer acts as a protective layer, which protects quantum well from serious indium loss and interface roughening resulting from the hydrogen over-etching. The hydrogen gas employed in the second LT-cap layer is in favor of reducing defect density and indium segregation. Consequently, interface/surface and optical properties are improved by adopting the two-step growth method.

Trend and outcome of Korean patients receiving overseas solid organ transplantation between 1999 and 2005.

PubMed

Kwon, Choon Hyuck David; Lee, Suk-Koo; Ha, Jongwon

2011-01-01

The disparity between patients awaiting transplantation and available organs forced many patients to go overseas to receive a transplant. Few data concerning overseas transplantation in Korea are available and the Korea Society for Transplantation conducted a survey to evaluate the trend and outcome of overseas transplantation. The survey, conducted on June 2006, included 25 hospitals nationwide that followed up patients after receiving kidney transplant (KT) or liver transplant (LT) overseas. The number of KT increased from 6 in 2001 to 206 in 2005 and for LT from 1 to 261. The information about overseas transplant came mostly from other patients (57%). The mean cost for KT was $21,000 and for LT $47,000. Patients were admitted for 18.5 days for KT and 43.4 days for LT. Graft and patient survival was 96.8% and 96.5% for KT (median follow up 23.1 months). Complication occurred in 42.5% including surgical complication (5.3%), acute rejection (9.7%) and infection (21.5%). Patient survival for LT was 91.8% (median follow up 21.2 months). Complication occurred in 44.7% including 19.4% biliary complication. Overseas KT and LT increased rapidly from 2001 to 2005. Survival of patients and grafts was comparable to domestic organ transplantation, but had a high complication rate.

Homeostasis of the temperature sensitivity of respiration over a range of growth temperatures indicated by a modified Arrhenius model.

PubMed

Noguchi, Ko; Yamori, Wataru; Hikosaka, Kouki; Terashima, Ichiro

2015-07-01

The temperature dependence of plant respiratory rate (R) changes in response to growth temperature. Here, we used a modified Arrhenius model incorporating the temperature dependence of activation energy (Eo ), and compared the temperature dependence of R between cold-sensitive and cold-tolerant species. We analyzed the temperature dependences of leaf CO2 efflux rate of plants cultivated at low (LT) or high temperature (HT). In plants grown at HT (HT plants), Eo at low measurement temperature varied among species, but Eo at growth temperature in HT plants did not vary and was comparable to that in plants grown at LT (LT plants), suggesting that the limiting process was similar at the respective growth temperatures. In LT plants, the integrated value of loge R, a measure of respiratory capacity, in cold-sensitive species was lower than that in cold-tolerant species. When plants were transferred from HT to LT, the respiratory capacity changed promptly after the transfer compared with the other parameters. These results suggest that a similar process limits R at different growth temperatures, and that the lower capacity of the respiratory system in cold-sensitive species may explain their low growth rate at LT. © 2015 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2015 New Phytologist Trust.

The acute toxicity evaluation of a low-temperature hydraulic fluid.

PubMed

Kinkead, E R; Wolfe, R E; Bunger, S K; Leahy, H F

1992-03-01

A low-temperature version of MIL-H-83282 (LT 83282) is a candidate hydraulic fluid to be used as a replacement for the current low-temperature fluid used on Strategic Air Command aircraft. A single neat dose of 0.1 mL LT 83282 into New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit eyes resulted in slight conjunctival irritation for up to 24 hr after treatment in two of nine rabbits. Rinsing the eyes after treatment appeared beneficial. A single treatment of 0.5 mL neat LT 83282 to rabbit skin produced no irritation. A total of 40% of the guinea pigs receiving repeated dermal application of the fluid demonstrated a positive sensitization response. A single oral dose of 5 g LT 83282/kg body weight given to five male and five female Fischer 344 (F-344) rats and a single dermal application of 2 g LT 83282/kg body weight applied to five male and five female NZW rabbits resulted in no deaths. Inhalation exposures to aerosol concentrations of LT 83282 resulted in an LC50 of 2.13 and 1.50 mg/L for male and female F-344 rats, respectively. No clinical signs of acute delayed neurotoxicity were observed in hens twice dosed at limit levels (5 g/kg) and observed for 21 days.

Association between the clinical classification of hypothyroidism and reduced TSH in LT4 supplemental replacement treatment for pregnancy in China.

PubMed

Zhang, Lyu; Zhang, Zhaoyun; Ye, Hongying; Zhu, Xiaoming; Li, Yiming

2016-01-01

The study was aimed to evaluate the effects of levothyroxine (LT4) supplemental replacement treatment for pregnancy and analyze the associations between the clinical classification of hypothyroidism and reduced thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in LT4 therapy. Totally, 195 pregnant women with hypothyroidism receiving routine prenatal care were enrolled. They were categorized into three groups: overt hypothyroidism (OH), subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) with negative thyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb), and SCH with positive TPOAb. The association between the clinical classification and reduced TSH in LT4 supplemental replacement treatment was assessed. The results indicated that reduced TSH was significantly different among the groups according to the clinical classifications (p = 0.043). The result was also significantly different between patients with OH and patients with SCH and negative TPOAb (p = 0.036). Similar result was reported for the comparison between patients with OH and patients with SCH and positive TPOAb (p = 0.016). Multiple variable analyses showed that LT4 supplementation, gestational age and the variable of clinical classifications were associated with reduced TSH independently. Our data suggested that the therapeutic effect of substitutive treatment with LT4 was significantly associated with different clinical classifications of hypothyroidism in pregnancy and the treatment should begin as soon as possible after diagnosis.

Risk factors for mortality in liver transplant recipients with ESKAPE infection.

PubMed

Song, S H; Li, X X; Wan, Q Q; Ye, Q F

2014-12-01

Although infections caused by the pathogens Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp (ESKAPE) have recently been identified as serious emerging problems in solid organ transplant, no information in liver transplant (LT) recipients is available. We sought to investigate the risk factors for associated mortality in LT recipients with ESKAPE infections. A retrospective analysis of infection after LT was reviewed. Risk factors for mortality caused by ESKAPE infection were identified. Fifty-three episodes of infections caused by ESKAPE were documented in 51 LT recipients. The main sites of infection were the bloodstream (49.0%), the lungs (33.3%), and the intra-abdominal/biliary tract (17.6%). The risk factors for mortality independently associated with ESKAPE infection were female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 6.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1-40.8, P = .042), septic shock (OR = 30.1, 95% CI = 3.7-244.8, P = .001), and lymphocyte counts <300/mm(3) (OR = 20.2, 95% CI = 2.9-142.2, P = .003). To improve the results of LT, more effective therapeutic treatments are of paramount importance when female LT recipients with ESKAPE infection present with septic shock and decreased lymphocyte counts. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Wet-milling transgenic maize seed for fraction enrichment of recombinant subunit vaccine.

PubMed

Moeller, Lorena; Taylor-Vokes, Raye; Fox, Steve; Gan, Qinglei; Johnson, Lawrence; Wang, Kan

2010-01-01

The production of recombinant proteins in plants continues to be of great interest for prospective large-scale manufacturing of industrial enzymes, nutrition products, and vaccines. This work describes fractionation by wet-milling of transgenic maize expressing the B subunit of the heat-labile enterotoxin of Escherichia coli (LT-B), a potent immunogen and candidate for oral vaccine and vaccine components. The LT-B gene was directed to express in seed by an endosperm specific promoter. Two steeping treatments, traditional steeping (TS, 0.2% SO(2) + 0.5% lactic acid) and water steeping (WS, water only), were evaluated to determine effects on recovery of functional LT-B in wet-milled fractions. The overall recovery of the LT-B protein from WS treatment was 1.5-fold greater than that from TS treatment. In both steeping types, LT-B was distributed similarly among the fractions, resulting in enrichment of functional LT-B in fine fiber, coarse fiber and pericarp fractions by concentration factors of 1.5 to 8 relative to the whole kernels on a per-mass basis. Combined with endosperm-specific expression and secretory pathway targeting, wet-milling enables enrichment of high-value recombinant proteins in low-value fractions, such as the fine fiber, and co-utilization of remaining fractions in alternative industrial applications.

Lymphotoxin-Alpha Gene Polymorphism +252A/G (rs909253, A/G) Is Associated with Susceptibility to Chronic Periodontitis: A Pilot Study

PubMed Central

Vasconcelos, Daniel Fernando Pereira; da Silva, Marco Antônio Dias; Marques, Marcelo Rocha; de Brito Júnior, Rui Barbosa; Vasconcelos, Any Carolina Cardoso Guimarães; Barros, Silvana Pereira

2012-01-01

Background. Periodontal disease leading to clinical findings such as increased periodontal probing depth involves a complex interaction between invading pathogenic microorganisms and the patient's immune system. Lymphotoxin alpha (LT-α) is a potent multifunctional immune modulator that contributes toward susceptibility to immune regulation disorders, including periodontal disease. Objective. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that chronic periodontitis (CP) is associated with polymorphisms of the LT-α gene. Materials and Methods. A total of 126 subjects, 44 healthy subjects, and 82 subjects with CP, were evaluated for periodontal disease by measuring clinical attachment loss and separation. Samples of epithelial cells were obtained for DNA analysis by scraping of the buccal mucosa. The LT-α gene was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction followed by endonuclease digestion with NcoI to analyze restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Results. The LT-α gene (+252A/G) polymorphism was associated with CP. LT-α allele frequencies were significantly different (P = 0.0019) between patients with CP and healthy individuals, with an odds ratio of 2.67 for patients with CP with the G allele. Conclusions. These findings suggest the LT-α gene genotype is a risk indicator for susceptibility to chronic periodontal disease in the Brazilian population studied. PMID:23050158

The management of acute appendicitis in liver transplant patients: How effective is the Alvarado score?

PubMed

Ince, Volkan; Barut, Bora; Ozdemir, Fatih; Ersan, Veysel; Kutluturk, Koray; Gonultas, Fatih; Onur, Asim; Isik, Burak; Kutlu, Ramazan; Yilmaz, Sezai

2017-01-01

The incidence of acute appendicitis after liver transplantation (LT) is extremely low, reported to be 0.09% to 0.49%, but the efficacy of the Alvarado score in this patient group has not been studied. This study was an investigation of the clinical management of patients who developed acute appendicitis after LT and the usefulness of the Alvarado score in the diagnosis. The study was performed using the data of 7 patients treated for acute appendicitis who were among 1990 patients who underwent LT between March 2002 and July 2017. The Alvarado score of the patients was calculated and reliability was analyzed. In this study, the incidence of acute appendicitis in LT patients was 0.35%. All of the patients were in the adult age group; 86% were male. The mean age was 46.4±10.7 years and the timeframe for the development of appendicitis after transplantation was a median of 12 months (range: 4-101 months). The median Alvarado score was 7 (range: 5-9). All of the patients had an Alvarado score above 5 and 71% had a score of 7 or more. Acute appendicitis is very rare in LT patients. As with non-transplant patients, Alvarado scoring can be safely performed in LT patients.

The management of acute appendicitis in liver transplant patients: How effective is the Alvarado score?

PubMed Central

Ince, Volkan; Barut, Bora; Ozdemir, Fatih; Ersan, Veysel; Kutluturk, Koray; Gonultas, Fatih; Onur, Asim; Isik, Burak; Kutlu, Ramazan; Yilmaz, Sezai

2017-01-01

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of acute appendicitis after liver transplantation (LT) is extremely low, reported to be 0.09% to 0.49%, but the efficacy of the Alvarado score in this patient group has not been studied. This study was an investigation of the clinical management of patients who developed acute appendicitis after LT and the usefulness of the Alvarado score in the diagnosis. METHODS: The study was performed using the data of 7 patients treated for acute appendicitis who were among 1990 patients who underwent LT between March 2002 and July 2017. The Alvarado score of the patients was calculated and reliability was analyzed. RESULTS: In this study, the incidence of acute appendicitis in LT patients was 0.35%. All of the patients were in the adult age group; 86% were male. The mean age was 46.4±10.7 years and the timeframe for the development of appendicitis after transplantation was a median of 12 months (range: 4-101 months). The median Alvarado score was 7 (range: 5-9). All of the patients had an Alvarado score above 5 and 71% had a score of 7 or more. CONCLUSION: Acute appendicitis is very rare in LT patients. As with non-transplant patients, Alvarado scoring can be safely performed in LT patients. PMID:29270576

Probing in-plane anisotropy in fewlayer ReS₂ using low frequency noise measurement.

PubMed

Mitra, Richa; Jariwala, Bhakti; Bhattacharya, Arnab; Das, Anindya

2018-01-31

ReS₂, a layered two-dimensional material popular for its in-plane anisotropic properties is emerging as one of the potential candidates for flexible electronics and ultrafast optical applications. It is an n-type semiconducting material having a layer independent bandgap of 1.55 eV. In this paper we have characterized the intrinsic electronic noise level of fewlayer ReS₂ for the first time. Fewlayer ReS₂ FET devices show 1/f nature of noise for frequency ranging over three orders of magnitude. We have also observed that not only the electrical response of the material is anisotropic; the noise level is also direction dependent. In fact the noise is found to be more sensitive towards the anisotropy. This fact has been explained by evoking the theory where the Hooge parameter is not a constant quantity, but has a distinct power law dependence on mobility along the two axes direction. The anisotropy in 1/f noise measurement will pave the way to quantify the anisotropic nature of two-dimensional (2D) materials, which will be helpful for the design of low noise transistor in future. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Effects of Thickness of a Low-Temperature Buffer and Impurity Incorporation on the Characteristics of Nitrogen-polar GaN.

PubMed

Yang, Fann-Wei; Chen, Yu-Yu; Feng, Shih-Wei; Sun, Qian; Han, Jung

2016-12-01

In this study, effects of the thickness of a low temperature (LT) buffer and impurity incorporation on the characteristics of Nitrogen (N)-polar GaN are investigated. By using either a nitridation or thermal annealing step before the deposition of a LT buffer, three N-polar GaN samples with different thicknesses of LT buffer and different impurity incorporations are prepared. It is found that the sample with the thinnest LT buffer and a nitridation step proves to be the best in terms of a fewer impurity incorporations, strong PL intensity, fast mobility, small biaxial strain, and smooth surface. As the temperature increases at ~10 K, the apparent donor-acceptor-pair band is responsible for the decreasing integral intensity of the band-to-band emission peak. In addition, the thermal annealing of the sapphire substrates may cause more impurity incorporation around the HT-GaN/LT-GaN/sapphire interfacial regions, which in turn may result in a lower carrier mobility, larger biaxial strain, larger bandgap shift, and stronger yellow luminescence. By using a nitridation step, both a thinner LT buffer and less impurity incorporation are beneficial to obtaining a high quality N-polar GaN.

Studies of dijet transverse momentum balance and pseudorapidity distributions in pPb collisions at $$\\sqrt{s_{\\mathrm{NN}}} = 5.02$$ $$\\,\\text {TeV}$$

DOE PAGES

Chatrchyan, Serguei

2014-07-23

Dijet production has been measured in pPb collisions at a nucleon-nucleon centre-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV. A data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 35 inverse-nanobarns was collected using the Compact Muon Solenoid detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The dijet transverse momentum balance, azimuthal angle correlations, and pseudorapidity distributions are studied as a function of the transverse energy in the forward calorimeters (more » $$E_T^{4\\lt |\\eta| \\lt 5.2}$$). For pPb collisions, the dijet transverse momentum ratio and the width of the distribution of dijet azimuthal angle difference are comparable to the same quantities obtained from a simulated pp reference and insensitive to $$E_T^{4\\lt |\\eta| \\lt 5.2}$$. In contrast, the mean value of the dijet pseudorapidity is found to change monotonically with increasing $$E_T^{4\\lt |\\eta| \\lt 5.2}$$, indicating a correlation between the energy emitted at large pseudorapidity and the longitudinal motion of the dijet frame. As a result, the pseudorapidity distribution of the dijet system is compared with next-to-leading-order perturbative QCD predictions obtained from both nucleon and nuclear parton distribution functions, and the data more closely match the latter.« less

Liver transplantation for neonatal hemochromatosis: analysis of the UNOS database.

PubMed

Sheflin-Findling, Shari; Annunziato, Rachel A; Chu, Jaime; Arvelakis, Antonios; Mahon, Danielle; Arnon, Ronen

2015-03-01

NH is the most common identifiable cause of ALF in the neonate. LT is the definitive treatment for neonates with NH who have failed medical therapy. Our aim was to determine the outcomes of LT in infants with NH. Patients (less than one yr of age) with NH who were listed for LT and patients who underwent LT between 1994 and 2013 were identified from the UNOS database for analysis. Risk factors for death and graft loss were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Thirty-eight infants with NH with a total of 43 transplants were identified. One- and five-yr patient and graft survival were 84.2%, 81.6%, 71.1%, and 68.4%, respectively. The outcomes for NH were not significantly different when compared to the same age-matched recipients with other causes of ALF. There were no statistically significant risk factors identified for graft loss or death. Ninety infants with NH were listed for LT. Reasons for removal included transplanted (49%), death (27%), too sick to transplant (7%), and improved status (13%). LT for infants with NH has a high rate of graft loss and death; however, outcomes are comparable to the same age-matched recipients with other causes of ALF. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

[Delayed right hepatic artery haemorrhage after iatrogenic gallbladder by laparoscopic cholecystectomy that required a liver transplant due to acute liver failure: clinical case and review of the literature].

PubMed

Robles Campos, Ricardo; Marín Hernández, Caridad; Fernández Hernández, Juan Angel; Sanchez Bueno, Francisco; Ramirez Romero, Pablo; Pastor Perez, Patricia; Parrilla Paricio, Pascual

2011-12-01

Right hepatic artery (RHA) injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) may go unnoticed clinically, but can sometimes cause necrosis of the right lobe. Exceptionally, when the necrosis spreads to segment IV, fulminant liver failure (FLF) may occur, and an urgent liver transplantation (LT) may be required. We provide a review of the literature on patients with indication for an LT due to vascular damage caused by bile duct injury following LC. The case reported herein is the fourth described in the specialized literature of LT due to RHA injury after LC and the second of FLF after RHA injury. LT due to RHA injury was performed in 3 of 13 patients reported in the literature: one LT was performed at 3 months due to FLF, after an extended right hepatectomy was performed, and the remaining two were performed due to secondary biliary cirrhosis. Our patient was transplanted due to FLF 15 days after the injury. RHA injury after LC may require LT due to FLF. Although exceptional, this possibility should be considered when there are RHA complications that may require occlusion. Copyright © 2011 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Curative Intent Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma - 844 Cases Treated in a General Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center.

PubMed

Grigorie, Răzvan; Alexandrescu, Sorin; Smira, Gabriela; Ionescu, Mihnea; Hrehoreţ, Doina; Braşoveanu, Vladislav; Dima, Simona; Ciurea, Silviu; Boeţi, Patricia; Dudus, Ionut; Picu, Nausica; Zamfir, Radu; David, Leonard; Botea, Florin; Gheorghe, Liana; Tomescu, Dana; Lupescu, Ioana; Boroş, Mirela; Grasu, Mugur; Dumitru, Radu; Toma, Mihai; Croitoru, Adina; Herlea, Vlad; Pechianu, Cătălin; Năstase, Anca; Popescu, Irinel

2017-01-01

Background: The objective of this study is to assess the outcome of the patients treated for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a General Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center. Methods: This retrospective study includes 844 patients diagnosed with HCC and surgically treated with curative intent methods. Curative intent treatment is mainly based on surgery, consisting of liver resection (LR), liver transplantation (LT). Tumor ablation could become the choice of treatment in HCC cases not manageable for surgery (LT or LR). 518 patients underwent LR, 162 patients benefited from LT and in 164 patients radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was performed. 615 patients (73%) presented liver cirrhosis. Results: Mordidity rates of patient treated for HCC was 30% and mortality was 4,3% for the entire study population. Five year overall survival rate was 39 % with statistically significant differences between transplanted, resected, or ablated patients (p 0.05) with better results in case of LT followed by LR and RFA. Conclusions: In HCC patients without liver cirrhosis, liver resection is the treatment of choice. For early HCC occurred on cirrhosis, LT offers the best outcome in terms of overall and disease free survival. RFA colud be a curative method for HCC patients not amenable for LT of LR. Celsius.

Soluble P-selectin rescues mice from anthrax lethal toxin-induced mortality through PSGL-1 pathway-mediated correction of hemostasis.

PubMed

Sun, Der-Shan; Chang, Yao-Wen; Kau, Jyh-Hwa; Huang, Hsin-Hsien; Ho, Pei-Hsun; Tzeng, Yin-Jeh; Chang, Hsin-Hou

2017-10-03

As one of the virulence factors of Bacillus anthracis, lethal toxin (LT) induces various pathogenic responses including the suppression of the coagulation system. In this study, we observed that LT markedly increased the circulating soluble P-selectin (sP-sel) levels and microparticle (MP) count in wild-type but not P-selectin (P-sel, Selp -/- ) or P-sel ligand-1 (PSGL-1, Selplg -/- ) knockout mice. Because sP-sel induces a hypercoagulable state through PSGL-1 pathway to generate tissue factor-positive MPs, we hypothesized that the increase in plasma sP-sel levels can be a self-rescue response in hosts against the LT-mediated suppression of the coagulation system. In agreement with our hypothesis, our results indicated that compared with wild-type mice, Selp -/- and Selplg -/- mice were more sensitive to LT. In addition, the recombinant sP-sel treatment markedly ameliorated LT-mediated pathogenesis and reduced mortality. As a result, elicitation of circulating sP-sel is potentially a self-rescue response, which is beneficial to host recovery from an LT-induced hypocoagulation state. These results suggest that the administration of sP-sel is likely to be useful in the development of a new strategy to treat anthrax.

Surgical Staging of Early Stage Endometrial Cancer: Comparison Between Laparotomy and Laparoscopy

PubMed Central

Api, Murat; Kayatas, Semra; Boza, Aysen Telce; Nazik, Hakan; Adiguzel, Cevdet; Guzin, Kadir; Eroglu, Mustafa

2013-01-01

Background The aim of the present study was to compare the laparotomy (LT) and laparoscopy (LS) in patients who undergone surgical staging for early stage endometrium cancer. Methods Retrospective data were collected and analyzed for amount of intraoperative bleeding, complication rates, total resected and laterality specific number of lymph nodes and duration of operation in patients operated with either LT or LS. Results Seventy-nine stage I endometrium cancer patients were found to be eligible for the trial purposes: 58 (73.4%) treated by LT and 21 (26.6%) treated by LS. The number of lymph nodes was similar in LT (8.9 ± 5.3) and LS (9.2 ± 4.8) (P = 0.8). In LT group, there was no difference in the number of lymph nodes between the right and left sides (10 ± 5.8 and 8.7 ± 4.8 respectively, P = 0.19); in LS group, the number of lymph nodes resected from the right side was higher than the left side (9.8 ± 5 and 7 ± 3.5 respectively, P = 0.039). The amount of intraoperative bleeding and hospitalization period were significantly higher in LT group. Seventy-nine patients had a median follow-up of 30 months. The two groups were similar for disease-free survival (P = 0.46, log rank test). Conclusions There was no significant difference between the two methods in terms of number of total resected lymph nodes. In early stage endometrial carcinoma, LS has provided adequate staging and similar survival rates with LT. PMID:29147363

Lactate threshold by muscle electrical impedance in professional rowers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jotta, B.; Coutinho, A. B. B.; Pino, A. V.; Souza, M. N.

2017-04-01

Lactate threshold (LT) is one of the physiological parameters usually used in rowing sport training prescription because it indicates the transitions from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. Assessment of LT is classically based on a series of values of blood lactate concentrations obtained during progressive exercise tests and thus has an invasive aspect. The feasibility of noninvasive LT estimative through bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) data collected in thigh muscles during rowing ergometer exercise tests was investigated. Nineteen professional rowers, age 19 (mean) ± 4.8 (standard deviation) yr, height 187.3 ± 6.6 cm, body mass 83 ± 7.7 kg, and training experience of 7 ± 4 yr, were evaluated in a rowing ergometer progressive test with paired measures of blood lactate concentration and BIS in thigh muscles. Bioelectrical impedance data were obtained by using a bipolar method of spectroscopy based on the current response to a voltage step. An electrical model was used to interpret BIS data and to derive parameters that were investigated to estimate LT noninvasively. From the serial blood lactate measurements, LT was also determined through Dmax method (LTDmax). The zero crossing of the second derivative of kinetic of the capacitance electrode (Ce), one of the BIS parameters, was used to estimate LT. The agreement between the LT estimates through BIS (LTBIS) and through Dmax method (LTDmax) was evaluated using Bland-Altman plots, leading to a mean difference between the estimates of just 0.07 W and a Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.85. This result supports the utilization of the proposed method based on BIS parameters for estimating noninvasively the lactate threshold in rowing.

The effects of locomotor training in children with spinal cord injury: a systematic review.

PubMed

Donenberg, Jennifer Glenna; Fetters, Linda; Johnson, Robert

2018-06-19

Discuss the effectiveness of locomotor training (LT) in children following spinal cord injury (SCI). This intervention was assessed following an exhaustive search of the literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses: The PRISMA Statement as a guideline. Six databases were searched including PubMed, PEDro, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO, and Web of Knowledge in January 2016 and November 2016, without date restrictions. Inclusion criteria were: studies in English and peer-reviewed and journal articles with a primary intervention of LT in children following SCI. Twelve articles, reporting eleven studies, were included. A systematic review assessing locomotor training in children with SCI published in April 2016 was also included. Participants were ages 15 months to 18 years old. Forms of LT included body-weight supported treadmill or over ground training, functional electrical stimulation, robotics, and virtual reality. Protocols differed in set-up and delivery mode, with improvements seen in ambulation for all 41 participants following LT. Children might benefit from LT to develop or restore ambulation following SCI. Age, completeness, and level of injury remain the most important prognostic factors to consider with this intervention. Additional benefits include improved bowel/ bladder management and control, bone density, cardiovascular endurance, and overall quality of life. Looking beyond the effects LT has just on ambulation is crucial because it can offer benefits to all children sustaining a SCI, even if restoration or development of walking is not the primary goal. Further rigorous research is required to determine the overall effectiveness of LT.

Immunological Relationship of Different Preparations of Coliform Enterotoxins

PubMed Central

Klipstein, Frederick A.; Engert, Richard F.

1978-01-01

Antisera raised in rabbits to ultrafiltrate toxin preparations containing either the heat-labile (LT) toxin form obtained from whole cell lysates or broth filtrates or the heat-stable (ST) toxin form prepared from broth filtrates from nontoxigenic and toxigenic strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella were examined for their ability to neutralize the secretory effect on water transport of these toxins in the rat jejunum as determined by the in vivo marker perfusion technique. Antisera to the heat-labile toxin derived from whole cell lysate preparations from nontoxigenic strains had no neutralizing effect. Antisera to both types of LT preparation from both toxigenic strains neutralized, with several exceptions, all of the homologous and heterologous LT toxins as well as a heat-labile toxin preparation derived from sequential ultrafiltration of cell-free whole cell lysates which had a defined molecular weight of between 30,000 and 100,000. These antisera also neutralized homologous and heterologous ST preparations obtained from broth filtrates, but they had no neutraliziṅg effect on low-molecular-weight, ST toxin material obtained during the sequential ultrafiltration of cell lysates. Antisera to ST prepared from broth filtrates had no neutralizing capacity against either LT or ST toxin preparations. These observations (i) indicate that the immunological relationship of E. coli and Klebsiella LT and ST toxins extends to antisera raised against LT prepared by several different methods, (ii) raise the possibility that, based on the response to antisera to LT, there may be several immunologically heterogeneous forms of low-molecular-weight ST toxin, and (c) confirm the lack of immunogenicity of ST. PMID:361578

OSI-027 modulates acute graft-versus-host disease after liver transplantation in a rat model.

PubMed

Zhi, Xiao; Xue, Fei; Chen, Wei; Liang, Chao; Liu, Hao; Ma, Tao; Xia, Xuefeng; Hu, Liqiang; Bai, Xueli; Liang, Tingbo

2017-09-01

Despite its rarity (1%-2%), acute graft-versus-host disease after liver transplantation (LT-aGVHD) has a high mortality rate (85%). A gradual decrease in regulatory T cells (Tregs) correlates with disease progression in a rat LT-GVHD model, and treatments which increase Tregs exert therapeutic effects on LT-aGVHD. In this study, LT-aGVHD model rats were treated with rapamycin (RAPA), OSI-027, or an equal quantity of vehicle. Rats treated with OSI-027 survived longer (>100 days) than those in the RAPA (70 ± 8 days) or control (24 ± 3 days) groups. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the Treg ratios in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the OSI-027 group were higher than those in the RAPA or control groups. The proportions of donor-derived lymphocytes in the OSI-027 group were lower than those in the RAPA or control groups. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of skin tissue demonstrated less severe lymphocyte infiltration in the OSI-027 group than that in the RAPA or control groups. In vitro, OSI-027 induced differentiation of CD4 + CD25 - T cells into CD4 + CD25 + forkhead box P3 + Tregs. Furthermore, injection of OSI-027-induced donor-derived CD4 + CD25 + T cells into the peripheral blood of LT-aGVHD model rats prevented LT-aGVHD. Thus, OSI-027 is implicated as a novel method for the treatment of LT-aGVHD. Liver Transplantation 23 1186-1198 2017 AASLD. © 2017 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Effects of plasma transfusions on antithrombin levels after paediatric liver transplantation.

PubMed

Arni, D; Wildhaber, B E; McLin, V; Rimensberger, P C; Ansari, M; Fontana, P; Karam, O

2018-05-15

Thrombotic complications affect 3-10% of patients after liver transplantation (LT), leading to potentially life-threatening complications. In the days following LT, antithrombin (AT) is decreased longer than pro-coagulant factors, thus favouring a pro-thrombotic profile. Plasma transfusions are given empirically in some centres to correct AT levels following LT. We assessed the effect of plasma transfusion on AT levels after paediatric LT. Prospective single-centre observational study in 20 consecutive paediatric LT recipients over a 24-month period. Plasma was administered twice daily (10 ml/kg/dose) according to an existing protocol. AT levels were measured once daily, immediately prior to and one hour after the morning plasma transfusion. Sample size was calculated based on a non-inferiority hypothesis. The median age and weight were 11.6 years (IQR 2.8; 14.7) and 40 kg (IQR 12.75; 44.8), respectively. We collected 85-paired blood samples. The median AT level prior to plasma transfusion was 58%. The median difference in AT levels before and after plasma transfusion was 4.2% (P = 0.001). Changes in AT levels after plasma transfusion were not correlated with baseline AT levels (R = 0.19) or patient weight (R = 0.18). Plasma transfusions only marginally increase AT levels in children after LT. Therefore, prophylactic plasma transfusions probably do not seem to confer an advantage in the routine management of paediatric LT patients. Randomized controlled trials are needed to identify the optimal anticoagulation strategy in this specific population. © 2018 International Society of Blood Transfusion.

Purification of diverse hemoglobins by metal salt precipitation.

PubMed

Zimmerman, Devon; Dienes, Jack; Abdulmalik, Osheiza; Elmer, Jacob J

2016-09-01

Although donated blood is the preferred material for transfusion, its limited availability and stringent storage requirements have motivated the development of blood substitutes. The giant extracellular hemoglobin (aka erythrocruorin) of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris (LtEc) has shown promise as a blood substitute, but an efficient purification method for LtEc must be developed to meet the potential large demand for blood substitutes. In this work, an optimized purification process that uses divalent and trivalent metal salts to selectively precipitate human, earthworm, and bloodworm hemoglobin (HbA, LtEc, and GdHb, respectively) from crude solutions was developed. Although several metal ions were able to selectively precipitate LtEc, Zn(2+) and Ni(2+) provided the lowest heme oxidation and highest overall yield of LtEc. In contrast, Zn(2+) was the only metal ion that completely precipitated HbA and GdHb. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis shows that metal precipitation removes several impurities to provide highly pure hemoglobin samples. Heme oxidation levels were relatively low for Zn(2+)-purified HbA and LtEc (2.4±1.3% and 5.3±2.1%, respectively), but slightly higher for Ni(2+)-purified LtEc (8.4±1.2%). The oxygen affinity and cooperativity of the precipitated samples are also identical to samples purified with tangential flow filtration (TFF) alone, indicating the metal precipitation does not significantly affect the function of the hemoglobins. Overall, these results show that hemoglobins from several different species can be highly purified using a combination of metal (Zn(2+)) precipitation and tangential flow filtration. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Sewage sludge amendment and inoculation with plant-parasitic nematodes do not facilitate the internalization of Salmonella Typhimurium LT2 in lettuce plants.

PubMed

Fornefeld, Eva; Baklawa, Mohamed; Hallmann, Johannes; Schikora, Adam; Smalla, Kornelia

2018-05-01

Contamination of fruits and vegetables with Salmonella is a serious threat to human health. In order to prevent possible contaminations of fresh produce it is necessary to identify the contributing ecological factors. In this study we investigated whether the addition of sewage sludge or the presence of plant-parasitic nematodes foster the internalization of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2 into lettuce plants, posing a potential threat for human health. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to investigate whether the amendment of sewage sludge to soil or the presence of plant-parasitic nematodes Meloidogyne hapla or Pratylenchus crenatus promote the internalization of S. Typhimurium LT2 from soil into the edible part of lettuce plants. Unexpectedly, numbers of cultivable S. Typhimurium LT2 decreased faster in soil with sewage sludge than in control soil but not in root samples. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis revealed shifts of the soil bacterial communities in response to sewage sludge amendment and time. Infection and proliferation of nematodes inside plant roots were observed but did not influence the number of cultivable S. Typhimurium LT2 in the root samples or in soil. S. Typhimurium LT2 was not detected in the leaf samples 21 and 49 days after inoculation. The results indicate that addition of sewage sludge, M. hapla or P. crenatus to soil inoculated with S. Typhimurium LT2 did not result in an improved survival in soil or internalization of lettuce plants. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Neutropenia after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

PubMed Central

Alraddadi, B; Nierenberg, NE; Price, LL; Chow, JKL; Poutsiaka, DD; Rohrer, RJ; Cooper, JT; Freeman, RB; Snydman, DR

2015-01-01

Neutropenia after orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) is relatively common but the factors associated with its development remain elusive. We assessed possible predictors of neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] less than or equal to 1000/mm3) within the first year of LT in a cohort of 304 patients at a tertiary medical center between 1999 and 2009 using time-dependent survival analysis to identify risk factors for neutropenia. In addition, we analyzed neutropenia as a predictor of the clinical outcomes of death, blood stream infection (BSI), invasive fungal infection (IFI), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease and graft rejection within the first year of LT. Of the 304 LT recipients, 73 (24%) developed neutropenia, 5 (7%) of whom had grade 4 neutropenia (ANC less than 500/mm3). The following were independent predictors for neutropenia: Child-Turcotte-Pugh score (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.02, 1.28; p=0.02), BSI (HR 2.89; 95% CI 1.64, 5.11; p=<0.001), CMV disease (HR 4.28; 95% CI 1.55, 11.8; p=0.005), baseline tacrolimus trough level (HR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01, 1.03; p=0.007) and later era LT (2004–2009 versus 1999–2003) (HR 2.28; 95% CI 1.43, 3.65; p=<0.001). Moreover, neutropenia was found to be an independent predictor for mortality within the first year of LT (HR 3.76; 95% CI 1.84, 7.68; p= <0.001). Conclusion Our data suggest that neutropenia within a year after LT is not unusual and is an important predictor of mortality. PMID:26336061

STS-126 crew visit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2009-01-01

Commander Christopher Ferguson (left) and Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, both members of the STS-126 shuttle mission, sign autographs for Stennis employees Jan. 13 during a visit to StenniSphere.

Christopher W. Johnson | NREL

Science.gov Websites

the marketplace. Education Ph.D., Molecular Biology, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus , NREL, NBC, 2015-present Postdoctoral Researcher, NREL, NBC, 2012-2015 Molecular Biologist, Gevo, 2011

Alpha-Fetoprotein Slope >7.5 ng/mL per Month Predicts Microvascular Invasion and Tumor Recurrence After Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

PubMed

Giard, Jeanne-Marie; Mehta, Neil; Dodge, Jennifer L; Roberts, John P; Yao, Francis Y

2018-05-01

Rising alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a potential marker of worse prognosis after liver transplant (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but prior studies relied on only 2 data points and were imprecise in assessing AFP slope. The aim of this study was to examine the association between AFP slope and post-LT HCC recurrence, with AFP slope estimated from multiple data points over time. Our cohort included 336 patients undergoing LT with Model for End Stage Liver Disease exception for HCC within Milan criteria from 2003 to 2013. Most (98%) had pre-LT locoregional therapy. AFP slope was estimated by fitting a regression line to the AFP levels over time. The 1- and 5-year post-LT survivals were 94% and 77% and 1- and 5-year recurrence-free probabilities were 95% and 86%, respectively. In univariate analysis, HCC recurrence was significantly associated with microvascular invasion (hazard ratio [HR], 13.1; P<0.001), tumor grade (HR, 1.8; P<0.001), pathologic stage >Milan criteria (HR, 8.9; P<0.001), 3 tumor nodules (HR, 5.5; P=0.002), AFP slope greater than 7.5 ng/mL per month (HR, 3.9; P=0.005), and female sex (HR, 2.3; P=0.01). In multivariable analysis of factors known before LT, 3 tumor nodules (HR, 7.6; P<0.001), female sex (HR, 2.5; P=0.01), and AFP slope >7.5 (HR, 3.0; P=0.03) were significantly associated with HCC recurrence. AFP slope greater than 7.5 was also associated with microvascular invasion (odds ratio, 6.8; P=0.008). AFP slope increasing greater than 7.5 ng/mL per month despite locoregional therapy is associated with post-LT HCC recurrence and may serve as a surrogate for microvascular invasion. These findings support incorporating changes in the AFP into candidate selection for LT.

Substitution of Liothyronine at a 1:5 Ratio for a Portion of Levothyroxine: Effect on Fatigue, Symptoms of Depression, and Working Memory Versus Treatment with Levothyroxine Alone

PubMed Central

Rodriguez, Tom; Lavis, Victor R.; Meininger, Janet Ck.; Kapadia, Asha S.; Stafford, Linda F.

2006-01-01

Background This study was planned at a time when important questions were being raised about the adequacy of using one hormone to treat hypothyroidism instead of two. Methods This trial attempted to replicate prior findings which suggested that substituting 12.5 μg of liothyronine for 50 μg of levothyroxine might improve mood, cognition, and physical symptoms in patients with primary hypothyroidism. Additionally, this trial aimed to extend the above findings to fatigue and to assess for differential effects in subjects with low and high fatigue at baseline. A randomized, double-blind, two-period, crossover design was used. Thirty subjects stabilized on levothyroxine (L-T4) at an endocrinology and diabetes clinic were recruited. Sequence one received their standard L-T4 dose in one capsule and placebo in another. Sequence two received their usual L-T4 dose minus 50 μg in one capsule and 10 μg of liothyronine (L-T3) in the other. At the end of the first six weeks, subjects were crossed over. T tests were used to assess carry-over and treatment effects. Results Twenty-seven subjects completed the trial. Mean L-T4 dose was 121 μg/d (± 26.0) at baseline. There were no significant differences in fatigue and symptoms of depression between treatments. Measures of working memory were unchanged. While on substitution treatment, free thyroxine index was reduced by 0.7 (p<0.001), total serum thyroxine was reduced by 3.0 μg/dl (p<0.001), and total serum triiodothyronine was increased by 20.5 ng/dl (p=0.004). Conclusions With regard to the outcomes measured, substitution of L-T3 at a 1:5 ratio for a portion of baseline L-T4 was no better than treatment with the original dose of L-T4 alone. PMID:16006298

Endotracheal Intubation with the King Laryngeal Tube™ In Situ Using Video Laryngoscopy and a Bougie: A Retrospective Case Series and Cadaveric Crossover Study.

PubMed

Dodd, Kenneth W; Kornas, Rebecca L; Prekker, Matthew E; Klein, Lauren R; Reardon, Robert F; Driver, Brian E

2017-04-01

Removal of a functioning King laryngeal tube (LT) prior to establishing a definitive airway increases the risk of a "can't intubate, can't oxygenate" scenario. We previously described a technique utilizing video laryngoscopy (VL) and a bougie to intubate around a well-seated King LT with the balloons deflated; if necessary, the balloons can be rapidly re-inflated and ventilation resumed. Our objective is to provide preliminary validation of this technique. Emergency physicians performed all orotracheal intubations in this two-part study. Part 1 consisted of a historical analysis of VL recordings from emergency department (ED) patients intubated with the King LT in place over a two-year period at our institution. In Part 2, we analyzed VL recordings from paired attempts at intubating a cadaver, first with a King LT in place and then with the device removed, with each physician serving as his or her own control. The primary outcome for all analyses was first-pass success. There were 11 VL recordings of ED patients intubated with the King LT in place (Part 1) and 11 pairs of cadaveric VL recordings (Part 2). The first-pass success rate was 100% in both parts. In Part 1, the median time to intubation was 43 s (interquartile range [IQR] 36-60 s). In Part 2, the median time to intubation was 23 s (IQR 18-35 s) with the King LT in place and 17 s (IQR 14-18 s) with the King LT removed. Emergency physicians successfully intubated on the first attempt with the King LT in situ. The technique described in this proof-of-concept study seems promising and merits further validation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Donor hypernatremia before procurement and early outcomes following pediatric liver transplantation.

PubMed

Kaseje, Neema; McLin, Valerie; Toso, Christian; Poncet, Antoine; Wildhaber, Barbara E

2015-08-01

The demand for transplantable organs far outweighs the supply. Recently, efforts have been made to increase the donor pool by adopting extended criteria for livers, including those from hypernatremic donors. Currently, there is no clear evidence that the use of organs from hypernatremic donors has detrimental effects on pediatric liver transplantation (LT) recipients. Our aim was to use the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database to evaluate the effects of donor hypernatremia on 30-day outcomes in pediatric LT recipients. We performed an analysis of 2325 children who underwent whole or partial LT between 2005 and 2010. First, we sought to determine a donor sodium threshold for increased mortality following pediatric LT. Second, we examined rates of mortality and graft failure at 30 days after LT in patients receiving grafts from hypernatremic donors compared to patients receiving grafts from normonatremic donors. Hypernatremia was defined as a donor sodium level of ≥160 µmol/L. The primary outcome measure was mortality at 30 days after transplant. The secondary outcome measure was graft failure at 30 days after transplant. There was no threshold sodium level for increased 30-day mortality following pediatric LT. Mean recipient ages/weights, Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease/Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores, and mean cold and warm ischemia times were similar between the 2 study groups. There were no significant differences in mortality rates (3.9% versus 4.5%; P = 0.87) and graft failure rates (2.2% versus 1.9%; P = 1.00) in patients receiving grafts from hypernatremic donors compared to patients receiving grafts from normonatremic donors at 30 days after LT. In conclusion, donor hypernatremia just before procurement does not appear to have negative effects on mortality and graft failure rates at 30 days following pediatric LT. © 2015 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Restricting liver transplant recipients to younger donors does not increase the wait-list time or the dropout rate: the hepatitis C experience.

PubMed

Flemming, Jennifer A; Vagefi, Parsia A; Freise, Chris E; Yao, Francis Y; Terrault, Norah A

2014-10-01

Older donor age is associated with lower graft and patient survival among all recipients of liver transplantation (LT). Among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV), donor age is one of the strongest predictors of fibrosis severity and graft loss. We evaluated the implementation of a donor age restriction policy for LT patients with HCV at a single center and the effects that this policy had on wait-list (WL) and post-LT outcomes for HCV and non-HCV patients. This was a cohort study of 2388 WL patients and 1015 LT recipients between March 2002 and January 2013 and reflected 3 different eras of donor age policies. With the donor age restriction, the median donor age was reduced in LT recipients with HCV versus LT recipients without HCV (30 versus 48 years, P < 0.001) without differences in the WL time (10.6 versus 8.0 months, P = 0.23). According to a competing risks regression, those with HCV and those without HCV had lower subhazard ratios (SHRs) of dropout or death on the WL during the donor age restriction era versus the era without donor age restriction [SHR = 0.68 (P < 0.01) and SHR = 0.64 (P = 0.01), respectively]. No differences were seen in early post-LT survival for patients with or without HCV between eras (P = 0.7 and P = 0.88, respectively). In conclusion, we show that donor age restriction for HCV results in a lower donor age for HCV recipients without obvious adverse WL consequences. Although additional studies are needed, our results demonstrate the feasibility of donor age restriction for LT recipients with HCV, and such information may be relevant to programs with limited access to new antiviral therapies for which modifying the risk of severe disease remains of paramount importance. © 2014 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

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

Gustafsson, Karin; Heffner, Garrett; Wenzel, Pamela L.

The widely expressed adaptor protein Shb has previously been reported to contribute to T cell function due to its association with the T cell receptor and furthermore, several of Shb's known interaction partners are established regulators of blood cell development and function. In addition, Shb deficient embryonic stem cells displayed reduced blood cell colony formation upon differentiation in vitro. The aim of the current study was therefore to explore hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell function in the Shb knockout mouse. Shb deficient bone marrow contained reduced relative numbers of long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs) that exhibited lower proliferation rates. Despitemore » this, Shb knockout LT-HSCs responded promptly by entering the cell cycle in response to genotoxic stress by 5-fluorouracil treatment. In competitive LT-HSC transplantations, Shb null cells initially engrafted as well as the wild-type cells but provided less myeloid expansion over time. Moreover, Shb knockout bone marrow cells exhibited elevated basal activities of focal adhesion kinase/Rac1/p21-activated kinase signaling and reduced responsiveness to Stem Cell Factor stimulation. Consequently, treatment with a focal adhesion kinase inhibitor increased Shb knockout LT-HSC proliferation. The altered signaling characteristics thus provide a plausible mechanistic explanation for the changes in LT-HSC proliferation since these signaling intermediates have all been shown to participate in LT-HSC cell cycle control. In summary, the loss of Shb dependent signaling in bone marrow cells, resulting in elevated focal adhesion kinase activity and reduced proliferative responses in LT-HSCs under steady state hematopoiesis, confers a disadvantage to the maintenance of LT-HSCs over time. -- Highlights: • Shb is an adaptor protein operating downstream of tyrosine kinase receptors. • Shb deficiency reduces hematopoietic stem cell proliferation. • The proliferative effect of Shb occurs via increased focal adhesion kinase activity. • Shb is critical for the long-term maintenance of the hematopoietic stem cell pool.« less

Survival benefit of local versus no local treatment for metastatic prostate cancer-Impact of baseline PSA and metastatic substages.

PubMed

Pompe, Raisa S; Tilki, Derya; Preisser, Felix; Leyh-Bannurah, Sami-Ramzi; Bandini, Marco; Marchioni, Michele; Gild, Philipp; Tian, Zhe; Fossati, Nicola; Cindolo, Luca; Shariat, Shahrokh F; Huland, Hartwig; Graefen, Markus; Briganti, Alberto; Karakiewicz, Pierre I

2018-07-01

To test whether local treatment (LT), namely radical prostatectomy (RP) or brachytherapy (BT) still confers a survival benefit versus no local treatment (NLT), when adjusted for baseline PSA (bPSA). To further examine whether the effect of LT might be modulated according to bPSA and M1 substages. Of 13 906 mPCa patients within the SEER (2004-2014), 375 underwent RP, 175 BT, and 13 356 NLT. Multivariable competing risks regression (MVA CRR) analyses after 1:2 propensity score matching assessed the impact of LT versus NLT on cancer specific mortality (CSM). Interaction analyses tested the association between treatment type and bPSA within different M1 substages. MVA CRR analyses revealed lower CSM rates for LT (RP [HR: 0.55, CI: 0.44-0.70, P < 0.001] and BT [HR: 0.63, CI: 0.49-0.83, P < 0.001]) compared to NLT. A significant interaction existed between bPSA and treatment type, in M1b patients only. Here, LT conferred a survival benefit when bPSA was <60 ng/mL with maximum benefit when bPSA was <40 ng/mL. No survival benefit existed for M1b patients above the 60 ng/mL bPSA threshold and for M1c patients, regardless of bPSA. For M1a patients, LT conferred a survival benefit compared to NLT. However, dose-response according to bPSA could not be tested, due to insufficient sample size. Our observations provide new insight regarding the pivotal effect of bPSA and M1 substages on CSM, when LT is contemplated. While M1a patients benefited from LT, the survival benefit was modulated by bPSA in M1b patients and no survival benefit existed in M1c patients. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Locomotor Training Restores Walking in a Nonambulatory Child With Chronic, Severe, Incomplete Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

PubMed Central

Behrman, Andrea L; Nair, Preeti M; Bowden, Mark G; Dauser, Robert C; Herget, Benjamin R; Martin, Jennifer B; Phadke, Chetan P; Reier, Paul J; Senesac, Claudia R; Thompson, Floyd J; Howland, Dena R

2008-01-01

Background and Purpose: Locomotor training (LT) enhances walking in adult experimental animals and humans with mild-to-moderate spinal cord injuries (SCIs). The animal literature suggests that the effects of LT may be greater on an immature nervous system than on a mature nervous system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of LT in a child with chronic, incomplete SCI. Subject: The subject was a nonambulatory 4½-year-old boy with an American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) C Lower Extremity Motor Score (LEMS) of 4/50 who was deemed permanently wheelchair-dependent and was enrolled in an LT program 16 months after a severe cervical SCI. Methods: A pretest-posttest design was used in the study. Over 16 weeks, the child received 76 LT sessions using both treadmill and over-ground settings in which graded sensory cues were provided. The outcome measures were ASIA Impairment Scale score, gait speed, walking independence, and number of steps. Result: One month into LT, voluntary stepping began, and the child progressed from having no ability to use his legs to community ambulation with a rolling walker. By the end of LT, his walking independence score had increased from 0 to 13/20, despite no change in LEMS. The child's final self-selected gait speed was 0.29 m/s, with an average of 2,488 community-based steps per day and a maximum speed of 0.48 m/s. He then attended kindergarten using a walker full-time. Discussion and Conclusion: A simple, context-dependent stepping pattern sufficient for community ambulation was recovered in the absence of substantial voluntary isolated lower-extremity movement in a child with chronic, severe SCI. These novel data suggest that some children with severe, incomplete SCI may recover community ambulation after undergoing LT and that the LEMS cannot identify this subpopulation. PMID:18326054

Oxygen uptake and ratings of perceived exertion at the lactate threshold and maximal fat oxidation rate in untrained adults

PubMed Central

Rynders, Corey A.; Angadi, Siddhartha S.; Weltman, Nathan Y.; Gaesser, Glenn A.; Weltman, Arthur

2014-01-01

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between VO2 and RPE at the lactate threshold (LT) and maximal fat oxidation rate (FATMAX) in untrained adults and determine the stability of the relationship across sex, age, and fitness status. A total of 148 untrained adults (mean age [year] = 30.5 ± 13.9, height [m] = 1.72 ± 0.08 m, body mass [kg] = 82.6 ± 20.5, body fat [%] = 28.7 ± 12.0) completed a continuous incremental VO2 peak/LT protocol. Fat oxidation rates were determined using indirect calorimetry. The highest recorded fat oxidation rate was chosen as FATMAX. The breakpoint in the VO2–blood lactate relationship was chosen as LT. RPE was based on the Borg 6–20 scale. Bland–Altman plot analysis demonstrated that VO2 FATMAX systematically preceded VO2 LT (mean bias = 1.3 ml kg−1 min−1) with wide limits of agreement (+9.6 to −6.9 ml kg−1 min−1). Multivariate ANOVA revealed a significant difference between VO2 FATMAX (12.7 ± 7.5 ml kg−1 min−1) and VO2 LT (14.1 ± 5.9 ml kg−1 min−1) in the total sample (p = 0.04). There were no differences between the intensities when the sample was divided into sex, age, and fitness comparison groups (p values [0.05). RPE FATMAX (9.4 ± 2.5) preceded RPE LT (10.4 ± 2.0) in the total sample (p = 0.008), but was not different across comparison groups (p > 0.05). The present data indicate that the highest rate of fat oxidation slightly precedes the LT in untrained adults. For exercise prescription, a Borg-RPE of 9–12 identifies both FATMAX and LT. PMID:21259025

Nutritional Requirements for Synthesis of Heat-Labile Enterotoxin by Enterotoxigenic Strains of Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Gilligan, Peter H.; Robertson, Donald C.

1979-01-01

Optimal growth conditions have been established for production of heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) by both porcine and human strains of enterotoxigenic (ENT+) Escherichia coli. There were no unusual growth factor requirements, and some strains produced fairly high levels of LT in a basal salts medium containing 0.5% glucose if the pH was carefully controlled. Several amino acids markedly stimulated LT synthesis when added to the basal salts-glucose medium. Methionine and lysine were the most stimulatory for both human and porcine strains. Either aspartic acid or glutamic acid further enhanced LT synthesis in the presence of methionine and lysine, with aspartic acid being more stimulatory for porcine strains and glutamic acid more stimulatory for human strains. There were no apparent vitamin requirements and no unusual cations needed for toxin synthesis except that Fe3+ was slightly stimulatory for porcine strains. The stimulation by Fe3+ was observed only in the presence of the three amino acids, suggesting that the effect was indirect rather than on toxin synthesis. The carbon source also influenced the yield of LT. Glucose supported maximal synthesis, but other carbon sources which exhibit a high degree of catabolite repression also supported high levels of synthesis. Little or no LT was released below pH 7.0; therefore, because the pH drops during growth from 7.5 to 6.8, even in highly buffered media, it was necessary to adjust the pH to 8.0 to effect complete release of cell-associated toxin. The defined medium containing three amino acids reduced the amount of UV-absorbing material in culture supernatants about fivefold and increased LT activity for various strains from two- to fivefold over a complex Casamino Acids-yeast extract medium. Conditions found to be optimal for synthesis of LT were inhibitory for the heat-stable enterotoxin. PMID:33900

Immunogenetic Risk and Protective Factors for Development of L-tryptophan-associated Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome and Associated Symptoms

PubMed Central

Okada, Satoshi; Kamb, Mary L.; Pandey, Janardan P.; Philen, Rossanne M.; Love, Lori A.; Miller, Frederick W.

2009-01-01

Objective To assess L-tryptophan (LT) dose, age, gender and immunogenetic markers as possible risk or protective factors for development of LT-associated eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS) and related clinical findings. Methods HLA DRB1 and DQA1 allele typing and GM/KM phenotyping were performed on a cohort of 94 Caucasian subjects with documented LT ingestion and standardized evaluations. Multivariate analyses compared LT dose, age, gender and alleles among groups of subjects who ingested LT and subsequently developed surveillance criteria for EMS (EMS), or developed EMS or characteristic features of EMS (EMS spectrum disorder), or developed no features of EMS (unaffected). Results Considering all sources of LT, higher LT dose (odds ratio (OR) 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.8), age >45 years (OR 3.0, CI 1.03-8.8) and HLA DRB1*03 (OR 3.9, CI 1.2-15.2), DRB1*04 (OR 3.9, CI 1.1-16.4) and DQA1*0601 (OR 13.7, CI 1.3-1874) were risk factors for the development of EMS, while DRB1*07 (OR 0.12, CI 0.02-0.48) and DQA1*0501 (OR 0.23, CI 0.05-0.85) were protective. Similar risk and protective factors were seen for developing EMS following ingestion of implicated LT, except DRB1*03 was not a risk factor and DQA1*0201 was an additional protective factor. EMS spectrum disorder also showed similar findings, but with DRB1*04 being a risk factor and DRB1*07 and DQA1*0201 being protective. There were no differences in gender distribution, GM/KM allotypes or GM/KM phenotypes among any groups. Conclusion In addition to the xenobiotic dose and subject age, polymorphisms in immune response genes may underlie the development of certain xenobiotic-induced immune-mediated disorders and these findings may have implications for future related epidemics. PMID:19790128

Imperfect coupling between northern and southern ionospheres: asymmetry in TEC anomalies before earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jhuang, Hau-Kun; Ho, Yi-Ying; Lee, Lou-Chuang

2016-04-01

The northern ionosphere is coupled to the conjugate southern ionosphere through the highly conducting geomagenetic field lines. The coupling is very strong or "perfect" if the geomagnetic field lines are equipotential (the parallel electric field E||=0) and hence the perpendicular electric field (E⊥) at the conjugate sites of both ionospheres are equal. The coupling is "imperfect" if some of the geomagnetic field lines are non-equipotential (E||≠0). The field-aligned electric field E|| can be associated with electron inertia, pressure gradient and collisions appearing in the form of double layer, kinetic Alfvén waves and finite field-aligned conductivity σ||. We use the Global Ionospheric Maps (GIM) data to examine the conjugate effect of total electron content (TEC) for six significant earthquakes. The anomalous (ΔTEC)source in the source ionosphere and (ΔTEC)conjugate in the conjugate ionosphere are obtained for 85 events before the six earthquakes. The ΔTEC ratio β = (ΔTEC)conjugate / (ΔTEC)source is calculated for each anomaly. For a "perfect" coupling, β=1. There are 85 anomalous events before the six significant earthquakes, with 62 events occurring in the daytime (07-18 LT) and 23 events in the nighttime (19-06 LT). The average value of daytime (07-18 LT) TEC variations in the source ionosphere is |ΔTEC|source =20.13 TECu, while the average value in the nighttime (19-06 LT) ionosphere is |ΔTEC|source=14.43 TECu. The value of ΔTEC ratio β ranges from 0.05 (very weak coupling) to 0.98 (nearly perfect coupling) with an average of 0.52. There are 14 strong coupling cases with β ≥0.8, which take place from 11 LT to 19 LT. The daytime (07-18 LT) β average value is 0.57 and the nighttime (19-06 LT) β average is 0.37. The south-north ionosphere coupling is stronger (weaker) in the daytime (nighttime).

Development and preclinical evaluation of safety and immunogenicity of an oral ETEC vaccine containing inactivated E. coli bacteria overexpressing colonization factors CFA/I, CS3, CS5 and CS6 combined with a hybrid LT/CT B subunit antigen, administered alone and together with dmLT adjuvant.

PubMed

Holmgren, J; Bourgeois, L; Carlin, N; Clements, J; Gustafsson, B; Lundgren, A; Nygren, E; Tobias, J; Walker, R; Svennerholm, A-M

2013-05-07

A first-generation oral inactivated whole-cell enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) vaccine, comprising formalin-killed ETEC bacteria expressing different colonization factor (CF) antigens combined with cholera toxin B subunit (CTB), when tested in phase III studies did not significantly reduce overall (generally mild) ETEC diarrhea in travelers or children although it reduced more severe ETEC diarrhea in travelers by almost 80%. We have now developed a novel more immunogenic ETEC vaccine based on recombinant non-toxigenic E. coli strains engineered to express increased amounts of CF antigens, including CS6 as well as an ETEC-based B subunit protein (LCTBA), and the optional combination with a nontoxic double-mutant heat-labile toxin (LT) molecule (dmLT) as an adjuvant. Two test vaccines were prepared under GMP: (1) A prototype E. coli CFA/I-only formalin-killed whole-cell+LCTBA vaccine, and (2) A "complete" inactivated multivalent ETEC-CF (CFA/I, CS3, CS5 and CS6 antigens) whole-cell+LCTBA vaccine. These vaccines, when given intragastrically alone or together with dmLT in mice, were well tolerated and induced strong intestinal-mucosal IgA antibody responses as well as serum IgG and IgA responses to each of the vaccine CF antigens as well as to LT B subunit (LTB). Both mucosal and serum responses were further enhanced (adjuvanted) when the vaccines were co-administered with dmLT. We conclude that the new multivalent oral ETEC vaccine, both alone and especially in combination with the dmLT adjuvant, shows great promise for further testing in humans. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efficacy of combined or single use of Lactobacillus crispatus LT116 and L. johnsonii LT171 on broiler performance.

PubMed

Taheri, H R; Moravej, H; Tabandeh, F; Zaghari, M; Shivazad, M

2010-10-01

1. The objective of this research was to investigate the efficacy of combined or single use of Lactobacillus crispatus LT116 and Lactobacillus johnsonii LT171 on broiler performance. 2. A total of 320 one-d-old male Ross broiler chicks were allocated in 4 experimental treatments for 6 weeks. The experimental treatments received a maize-soybean meal basal diet that was supplemented as follows: 'control', with no other additions; 'LJ', 1 × 10(6) CFU of L. johnsonii LT171; 'LC', 1 × 10(6) CFU of L. crispatus LT116; and 'LCJ', 0·5 × 10(6) CFU of L. johnsonii LT171 + 0·5 × 10(6) CFU of L. crispatus LT116/g of the diet. A suspension of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was injected into the breast of 8 birds from each treatment on d 14 and 30, and the antibody titre was measured on d 20, 26, 36 and 42. 3. Body weight was improved when compared with control for broilers fed diets supplemented with LCJ. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased in LC and LCJ groups compared with control. The number of coliforms in the ileum of LJ, LC and LCJ birds was lower than that from the control birds. However, only the LCJ treatment significantly decreased the number of coliforms in the caecum. The LCJ group had greater villus height in the duodenum than the LC group, and both LCJ and LC groups showed increased villus height in the duodenum and jejunum relative to the control. Antibody titre against SRBC was higher for the LCJ group than for the LJ and control groups in terms of secondary immune response (mean of 36 and 42 d). 4. This study showed, compared with the control, that the combination of Lactobacillus spp. could positively affect body weight, coliform numbers in the caecum and immune response.

Leukotriene-mediated neuroinflammation, toxic brain damage, and neurodegeneration in acute methanol poisoning.

PubMed

Zakharov, Sergey; Kotikova, Katerina; Nurieva, Olga; Hlusicka, Jiri; Kacer, Petr; Urban, Pavel; Vaneckova, Manuela; Seidl, Zdenek; Diblik, Pavel; Kuthan, Pavel; Navratil, Tomas; Pelclova, Daniela

2017-04-01

The role of neuroinflammation in methanol-induced toxic brain damage has not been studied. We studied acute concentrations and the dynamics of leukotrienes (LT) in serum in hospitalized patients with acute methanol poisoning and in survivors. Series of acute cysteinyl-LT and LTB4 concentration measurements were performed in 28/101 hospitalized patients (mean observation time: 88 ± 20 h). In 36 survivors, control LT measurements were performed 2 years after discharge. The acute maximum (C max ) LT concentrations were higher than concentrations in survivors: C max for LTC4 was 80.7 ± 5.6 versus 47.9 ± 4.5 pg/mL; for LTD4, 51.0 ± 6.6 versus 23.1 ± 2.1 pg/mL; for LTE4, 64.2 ± 6.0 versus 26.2 ± 3.9 pg/mL; for LTB4, 59.8 ± 6.2 versus 27.2 ± 1.4 pg/mL (all p < 0.001). The patients who survived had higher LT concentrations than those who died (all p < 0.01). Among survivors, patients with CNS sequelae had lower LTE4 and LTB4 than did those without sequelae (both p < 0.05). The LT concentrations increased at a rate of 0.4-0.5 pg/mL/h and peaked 4-5 days after admission. The patients with better outcomes had higher cys-LTs (all p < 0.01) and LTB4 (p < 0.05). More severely poisoned patients had lower acute LT concentrations than those with minor acidemia. The follow-up LT concentrations in survivors with and without CNS sequelae did not differ (all p > 0.05). The mean decrease in LT concentration was 30.9 ± 9.0 pg/mL for LTC4, 26.3 ± 8.6 pg/mL for LTD4, 37.3 ± 6.4 pg/mL for LTE4, and 32.0 ± 8.8 pg/mL for LTB4. Our findings suggest that leukotriene-mediated neuroinflammation may play an important role in the mechanisms of toxic brain damage in acute methanol poisoning in humans. Acute elevation of LT concentrations was moderate, transitory, and was not followed by chronic neuroinflammation in survivors.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-03

This image, acquired by NASA Terra spacecraft, shows Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, founded in 1496 Christopher Columbus, it is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas.

Christopher's Law

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ

2010-12-01

Senate - 12/01/2010 Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Christoph Scheiner and the optics of the eye. (German Title: Christoph Scheiner und die Optik des Auges)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daxecker, Franz

Some of Scheiner's discoveries and experiments are taken from the books «Oculus», (Innsbruck 1619) and «Rosa Ursina sive Sol» (Rome 1626-1630): determination of the radius of curvature of the cornea, discovery of the nasal exit of the visual nerve, increase in the curvature of the lens in case of accommodation, anatomy of the eye, light reaction of the pupil, contraction of the pupil during accommodation, Scheiner's test (double images caused by ametropia), stenopeic effect, crossing rays in the eye, aperture, description of the cataract treatment, refractive indices of various parts of the eye, eye model, visual pivot angle of the eye, proof of crossing rays on the retina, comparison of the camera obscura and the optics of the eye.

Neuropsychological deficits in long-term frequent cannabis users.

PubMed

Messinis, Lambros; Kyprianidou, Anthoula; Malefaki, Sonia; Papathanasopoulos, Panagiotis

2006-03-14

The authors examined neuropsychological functioning in 20 long-term (LT), 20 shorter term (ST) heavy frequent cannabis users, and 24 controls after abstinence for > or =24 hours prior to testing. LT users performed significantly worse on verbal memory and psychomotor speed. LT and ST users had a higher proportion of deficits on verbal fluency, verbal memory, attention, and psychomotor speed. Specific cognitive domains appear to deteriorate with increasing years of heavy frequent cannabis use.

Acquisition Review Quarterly (ARQ): Volume 10, Number 3, Summer 2003

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-01-01

PROJECT NUMBER Lt Col Robert L. Waller, USAF, (Ret), Robert Graham, Maj David R. King, USAF, Lt Col John D. Driessnack, USAF, LTC Michael D. Proctor...High-Technology Industries Implications for Industrial Policy Maj David R. King, USAF Lt Col John D. Driessnack, USAF Why the "T" in SMART A...Business School William H . Reed Director Michael Wynne Defense Contract Audit Agency Acting Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology, and

Effects of Temperature and Environment on Creep Behavior of an Oxide-Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-01

Zelina, Dr. Ruth Sikorski, and Dr. Ron Kerans, whose sponsorship made my research possible; Dr. Robert Canfield and Dr. Som Soni, for their membership...on my thesis committee and discerning comments; Lt Joseph Broeckert, Lt Christina Falcone, Capt Christine Ladrido, and LT Robert Salvia, whose...Society for Testing and Materials (1997). 54. Raymer , D.P. Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach, 3rd Edition. Reston, VA: American Institute of

HyBoLT Flight Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Fang-Jeng (Frank); Berry, Scott A.

2010-01-01

HyBoLT was a Hypersonic Boundary Layer Transition flight experiment funded by the Hypersonics Project of the Fundamental Aeronautics Program in NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. The HyBoLT test article mounted on the top of the ALV X-1 rocket was launched from Virginia's Wallops Island on August 22, 2008. Unfortunately a problem in the rocket's flight control system caused the vehicle to veer off the designed flight course. Launch officials activated a self-destruct mechanism in the rocket's nose cone after 20 seconds into flight. This report is a closeout document about the HyBoLT flight experiment. Details are provided of the objectives and approach associated with this experimental program as well as the 20 seconds flight data acquired before the vehicle was destroyed.

The Development of NASA's Low Thrust Trajectory Tool Set

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sims, Jon; Artis, Gwen; Kos, Larry

2006-01-01

Highly efficient electric propulsion systems can enable interesting classes of missions; unfortunately, they provide only a limited amount of thrust. Low-thrust (LT) trajectories are much more difficult to design than impulsive-type (chemical propulsion) trajectories. Previous low-thrust (LT) trajectory optimization software was often difficult to use, often had difficulties converging, and was somewhat limited in the types of missions it could support. A new state-of-the-art suite (toolbox) of low-thrust (LT) tools along with improved algorithms and methods was developed by NASA's MSFC, JPL, JSC, and GRC to address the needs of our customers to help foster technology development in the areas of advanced LT propulsion systems, and to facilitate generation of similar results by different analysts.

Development and Testing of a Device Capable of Placing Model Piles by Driving and Pushing in the Centrifuge

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-01

Cohesion C M /LT 2 5 , D ynamic Time T T 5 "I Wave Speed P L/T7 IT Yield Strength F I/LT2 a I9 i spl acement D L 9 It Area A L2 10 T Permeability K L/T 11...by the square of the dynamic time scale factor (1/n), or I/n2 . The two scaling laws derived are summarized below. The subscripts m and p designate the...4-1(b) depicts the model pile groups and test gravity levels. InUd ~ cial’odel Piles a~ft -to Ri ght--49.3, 5.,3. ana g o d ’iaeIs~ M )uodel Pile

A curfew on women.

PubMed

McDonald, Elsie

1991-04-24

Shortly after I read Christopher Goodall's excellent piece on pornography (A Social Disease? Nursing Standard, March 20), the British Safety Council launched a code to protect lone women drivers whose cars break down.

75 FR 69080 - Ocean Transportation Intermediary License Applicants

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-10

... & OFF), 6205 Peachtree-Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30328, Officers: Christopher S. Stephens, Vice... NVO License. R.H. Shipping & Chartering (USA) (NVO), 10077 Grogans Mill Road, 310, Spring, TX 77380...

Additional Haptic Information Provided by Anchors Reduces Postural Sway in Young Adults Less Than Does Light Touch

PubMed Central

Moraes, Renato; Bedo, Bruno L. S.; Santos, Luciana O.; Batistela, Rosangela A.; Santiago, Paulo R. P.; Mauerberg-deCastro, Eliane

2018-01-01

This study investigated the effect of adding haptic information to the control of posture, as well as comparing the effect of both the “light touch” (LT) and “anchor system” (AS) paradigms on postural sway. Additionally, it compared the effect of location and number of points of contact to the control of posture in young adults. The location consisted of using the anchors tied to the finger and held by the hands, and, for LT, the fingertip. For the number of points of contact, participants used two hands, and then separately the dominant hand, and the non-dominant hand, for both anchor and LT paradigms. Participants stood upright with feet-together and in tandem position while performing tasks that combined the use of anchors and LT, points of contact (hand grip and finger), and number of points of contact (two hands and one hand). In this study, the anchors consist of holding in each hand a flexible cable with the other end attached to the ground. The LT consists of slightly touching a rigid surface with the tip of the index finger. The results showed, first, that the anchors improved postural control less than did the LT. Second, they revealed that holding the anchors with the hands or with them tied to the fingertip resulted in a similar reduction in postural sway only in the tandem position. For the feet-together position, the anchors tied to the fingertip were ineffective. Similarly, the use of one or two hands did not affect the contribution of the anchors. However, using two hands in the LT condition was more effective than was one hand. Third, our results showed the presence of a temporal delay between force and center-of-pressure (COP) for the anchors, only in the AP direction with feet-together. In conclusion, overall, the anchors were less effective in reducing postural sway than was the LT. The anchors attached to fingertips were as effective as the hand-held anchors in the tandem position, yet ineffective during foot-together standing. Force-COP timing explains reduced postural sway with LT but not for the anchor; hence, exploratory and supra-postural components may be involved. PMID:29922122

Effect of levothyroxine on the progression of carotid intima-media thickness in subclinical hypothyroidism patients: a meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Zhao, Tong; Chen, Baomin; Zhou, Yingying; Wang, Xinyi; Zhang, Yuanyuan; Wang, Haoyu; Shan, Zhongyan

2017-01-01

Background Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) in recent studies, but the effects of levothyroxine (L-T4) therapy on C-IMT in SCH patients are still controversial. Aim To evaluate the effect of L-T4 therapy on endothelial function as determined by C-IMT in patients with SCH. Methods BeforeJuly 2016, we searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases, selecting published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and self-controlled trials for the meta-analysis. Results Three RCTs with 117 patients were considered appropriate for the meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that L-T4 significantly decreased the development of C-IMT (weighted mean difference (WMD) −0.05 mm, 95% CI −0.08 to –0.01 mm; p=0.025). We also analysed nine studies (self-controlled trials) with 247 patients and extracted the IMT of SCH patients before and after L-T4 treatment. After L-T4 therapy, the pooled estimate of the WMD of decreased C-IMT was −0.04 mm (95% CI −0.07 to –0.02 mm; p=0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that L-T4 therapy was associated with a decrease in C-IMT among patients of mixed genders (WMD −0.03 mm, 95% CI −0.06 to –0.01 mm; p=0.145). L-T4 therapy was associated with a decrease in C-IMT among female patients (WMD −0.07 mm, 95% CI −0.14 to –0.01; p=0.186). Longer treatment (>6 months) also resulted in a significant decrease in C-IMT (WMD −0.05 mm, 95% CI −0.08 to –0.02; p=0.335). Conclusion This meta-analysis indicates that L-T4 treatment of SCH patients can reduce C-IMT, possibly as a result of the reduction of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, lipoprotein(a), and flow-mediated dilatation. Decreased C-IMT was observed in SCH patients after long-term (>6 months) L-T4 treatment. RCTs with larger samples are needed to verify these observations. PMID:29061604

Effects of Long-Term Combination LT4 and LT3 Therapy for Improving Hypothyroidism and Overall Quality of Life.

PubMed

Tariq, Anam; Wert, Yijin; Cheriyath, Pramil; Joshi, Renu

2018-06-01

Hypothyroidism results in decreased mood and neurocognition, weight gain, fatigue, and many other undesirable symptoms. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Thyroid Association (ATA), and The Endocrine Society recommend levothyroxine (LT4) monotherapy as the treatment for hypothyroidism; however, after years of monotherapy, some patients continue to experience impaired quality of life. Combination LT4 and synthetic liothyronine (LT3) therapy or the use of desiccated thyroid extract (DTE), has not been suggested for this indication based on short-duration studies with no significant benefits. Our first observational study examined the role of combination therapy for 6 years in improving quality of life in a subset of a hypothyroid population without adverse effects and cardiac mortality. An observational retrospective study examining patients prescribed thyroid replacements with serum triiodothyronine (FT3), LT4 with LT3 (synthetic therapy) or DTE (natural therapy), compared with LT4 alone in the United States from 2010 to 2016. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), serum thyroxine (FT4), and FT3 levels were documented for each patient in addition to any admissions of myxedema coma, thyrotoxicosis, or cardiovascular complications, such as arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, and mortality. At the conclusion of the study, a cross-sectional interview assessed quality of life for each combination therapy through the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-20 questionnaire. Compared with patients taking only LT4, 89.47% using synthetic therapy had therapeutic TSH ( P < 0.05). Similarly, 96.49% using natural therapy had therapeutic TSH ( P < 0.05). Less than 5% of patients had supratherapeutic FT3. None of the patients who had abnormally low TSH or elevated FT3 or FT4 levels had hospitalizations for arrhythmias or thyrotoxicosis. On the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-20 questionnaire, >92% answered feeling "excellent, very good, or good" when questioned about their health while undergoing thyroid replacement compared with levothyroxine alone. This is the only retrospective study reported to use long-term (mean 27 months) thyroid replacements with combination therapy and to compare between the two forms of therapy: synthetic and natural. For patients undergoing either therapy, we did not identify additional risks of atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular disease, or mortality in patients of all ages with hypothyroidism.

Clinical evaluation of a novel liquid formulation of L-thyroxine for once daily treatment of dogs with hypothyroidism.

PubMed

Le Traon, G; Brennan, S F; Burgaud, S; Daminet, S; Gommeren, K; Horspool, L J I; Rosenberg, D; Mooney, C T

2009-01-01

A liquid solution of levothyroxine (L-T4) is available for treatment of canine hypothyroidism. Once daily oral administration of a liquid L-T4 solution is effective and safe for controlling hypothyroidism in dogs. Thirty-five dogs with naturally occurring hypothyroidism. Dogs received L-T4 solution PO once daily at a starting dosage of 20 microg/kg body weight (BW). The dose was adjusted every 4 weeks, based on clinical signs and peak serum total T4 (tT4) concentrations. Target peak serum tT4 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations, 4-6 hours posttreatment, were 35-95 nmol/L and < 0.68 ng/mL, respectively. Dogs were followed for up to 22 weeks after establishment of the maintenance dose. Clinical signs of hypothyroidism improved or resolved in 91% of dogs after 4 weeks of L-T4 treatment at 20 microg/kg once daily. The maintenance dose was established in 76, 94, and 100% of dogs after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment, respectively. This was 20 microg L-T4/kg BW for 79% of the dogs, 30 microg/kg BW for 15%, and 10-15 microg/kg BW in the remaining 6%, once daily. Thereafter, median peak tT4 and TSH concentrations were 51 nmol/L and 0.18 ng/mL, respectively, and remained stable during the 22-week follow-up; clinical signs did not recur. All of the hypothyroid dogs had rapid clinical and hormonal responses to supplementation with the PO-administered L-T4 solution. The starting dosage of 20 microg L-T4/kg BW once daily was suitable for 79% of dogs.

Differences in hypothalamic type 2 deiodinase ubiquitination explain localized sensitivity to thyroxine

PubMed Central

Werneck de Castro, Joao Pedro; Fonseca, Tatiana L.; Ueta, Cintia B.; McAninch, Elizabeth A.; Abdalla, Sherine; Wittmann, Gabor; Lechan, Ronald M.; Gereben, Balazs; Bianco, Antonio C.

2015-01-01

The current treatment for patients with hypothyroidism is levothyroxine (L-T4) along with normalization of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). However, normalization of serum TSH with L-T4 monotherapy results in relatively low serum 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) and high serum thyroxine/T3 (T4/T3) ratio. In the hypothalamus-pituitary dyad as well as the rest of the brain, the majority of T3 present is generated locally by T4 deiodination via the type 2 deiodinase (D2); this pathway is self-limited by ubiquitination of D2 by the ubiquitin ligase WSB-1. Here, we determined that tissue-specific differences in D2 ubiquitination account for the high T4/T3 serum ratio in adult thyroidectomized (Tx) rats chronically implanted with subcutaneous L-T4 pellets. While L-T4 administration decreased whole-body D2-dependent T4 conversion to T3, D2 activity in the hypothalamus was only minimally affected by L-T4. In vivo studies in mice harboring an astrocyte-specific Wsb1 deletion as well as in vitro analysis of D2 ubiquitination driven by different tissue extracts indicated that D2 ubiquitination in the hypothalamus is relatively less. As a result, in contrast to other D2-expressing tissues, the hypothalamus is wired to have increased sensitivity to T4. These studies reveal that tissue-specific differences in D2 ubiquitination are an inherent property of the TRH/TSH feedback mechanism and indicate that only constant delivery of L-T4 and L-T3 fully normalizes T3-dependent metabolic markers and gene expression profiles in Tx rats. PMID:25555216

Treatment carryover impacts on effectiveness of intraocular pressure lowering agents, estimated by a discrete event simulation model.

PubMed

Denis, P; Le Pen, C; Umuhire, D; Berdeaux, G

2008-01-01

To compare the effectiveness of two treatment sequences, latanoprost-latanoprost timolol fixed combination (L-LT) versus travoprost-travoprost timolol fixed combination (T-TT), in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT). A discrete event simulation (DES) model was constructed. Patients with either OAG or OHT were treated first-line with a prostaglandin, either latanoprost or travoprost. In case of treatment failure, patients were switched to the specific prostaglandin-timolol sequence LT or TT. Failure was defined as intraocular pressure higher than or equal to 18 mmHg at two visits. Time to failure was estimated from two randomized clinical trials. Log-rank tests were computed. Linear functions after log-log transformation were used to model time to failure. The time horizon of the model was 60 months. Outcomes included treatment failure and disease progression. Sensitivity analyses were performed. Latanoprost treatment resulted in more treatment failures than travoprost (p<0.01), and LT more than TT (p<0.01). At 60 months, the probability of starting a third treatment line was 39.2% with L-LT versus 29.9% with T-TT. On average, L-LT patients developed 0.55 new visual field defects versus 0.48 for T-TT patients. The probability of no disease progression at 60 months was 61.4% with L-LT and 65.5% with T-TT. Based on randomized clinical trial results and using a DES model, the T-TT sequence was more effective at avoiding starting a third line treatment than the L-LT sequence. T-TT treated patients developed less glaucoma progression.

Evaluating the capacity to generate and preserve nitric oxide bioactivity in highly purified earthworm erythrocruorin: a giant polymeric hemoglobin with potential blood substitute properties.

PubMed

Roche, Camille J; Talwar, Abhinav; Palmer, Andre F; Cabrales, Pedro; Gerfen, Gary; Friedman, Joel M

2015-01-02

The giant extracellular hemoglobin (erythrocruorin) from the earth worm (Lumbricus terrestris) has shown promise as a potential hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) in in vivo animal studies. An important beneficial characteristic of this hemoglobin (LtHb) is the large number of heme-based oxygen transport sites that helps overcome issues of osmotic stress when attempting to provide enough material for efficient oxygen delivery. A potentially important additional property is the capacity of the HBOC either to generate nitric oxide (NO) or to preserve NO bioactivity to compensate for decreased levels of NO in the circulation. The present study compares the NO-generating and NO bioactivity-preserving capability of LtHb with that of human adult hemoglobin (HbA) through several reactions including the nitrite reductase, reductive nitrosylation, and still controversial nitrite anhydrase reactions. An assignment of a heme-bound dinitrogen trioxide as the stable intermediate associated with the nitrite anhydrase reaction in both LtHb and HbA is supported based on functional and EPR spectroscopic studies. The role of the redox potential as a factor contributing to the NO-generating activity of these two proteins is evaluated. The results show that LtHb undergoes the same reactions as HbA and that the reduced efficacy for these reactions for LtHb relative to HbA is consistent with the much higher redox potential of LtHb. Evidence of functional heterogeneity in LtHb is explained in terms of the large difference in the redox potential of the isolated subunits. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

T cell-derived Lymphotoxin is Essential for anti-HSV-1 Humoral Immune Response.

PubMed

Yang, Kaiting; Liang, Yong; Sun, Zhichen; Xue, Diyuan; Xu, Hairong; Zhu, Mingzhao; Fu, Yang-Xin; Peng, Hua

2018-05-09

B cell-derived lymphotoxin (LT) is required for the development of follicular dendritic cell clusters for the formation of primary and secondary lymphoid follicles, but the role of T cell-derived LT in antibody response has not been well demonstrated. We observed that lymphotoxin-β-receptor (LTβR) signaling is essential for optimal humoral immune response and protection against an acute HSV-1 infection. Blocking the LTβR pathway caused poor maintenance of germinal center B (GC-B) cells and follicular helper T (Tfh) cells. Using bone marrow chimeric mice and adoptive transplantation, we determined that T cell-derived LT played an indispensable role in the humoral immune response to HSV-1. Up-regulation of IFNγ by the LTβR-Ig blockade impairs the sustainability of Tfh-like cells, thus leading to an impaired humoral immune response. Our findings have identified a novel role of T cell-derived LT in the humoral immune response against HSV-1 infection. IMPORTANCE Immunocompromised people are susceptible for HSV-1 infection and lethal recurrence, which could be inhibited by anti-HSV-1 humoral immune response in the host. This study sought to explore the role of T cell-derived LT in the anti-HSV-1 humoral immune response using LT-LTβR signaling deficient mice and the LTβR-Ig blockade. The data indicate that the T cell-derived LT may play an essential role in sustaining Tfh-like cells and ensure Tfh-like cells' migration into primary or secondary follicles for further maturation. This study provides insights for vaccine development against infectious diseases. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

Is leaf dry matter content a better predictor of soil fertility than specific leaf area?

PubMed Central

Hodgson, J. G.; Montserrat-Martí, G.; Charles, M.; Jones, G.; Wilson, P.; Shipley, B.; Sharafi, M.; Cerabolini, B. E. L.; Cornelissen, J. H. C.; Band, S. R.; Bogard, A.; Castro-Díez, P.; Guerrero-Campo, J.; Palmer, C.; Pérez-Rontomé, M. C.; Carter, G.; Hynd, A.; Romo-Díez, A.; de Torres Espuny, L.; Royo Pla, F.

2011-01-01

Background and Aims Specific leaf area (SLA), a key element of the ‘worldwide leaf economics spectrum’, is the preferred ‘soft’ plant trait for assessing soil fertility. SLA is a function of leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and leaf thickness (LT). The first, LDMC, defines leaf construction costs and can be used instead of SLA. However, LT identifies shade at its lowest extreme and succulence at its highest, and is not related to soil fertility. Why then is SLA more frequently used as a predictor of soil fertility than LDMC? Methods SLA, LDMC and LT were measured and leaf density (LD) estimated for almost 2000 species, and the capacity of LD to predict LDMC was examined, as was the relative contribution of LDMC and LT to the expression of SLA. Subsequently, the relationships between SLA, LDMC and LT with respect to soil fertility and shade were described. Key Results Although LD is strongly related to LDMC, and LDMC and LT each contribute equally to the expression of SLA, the exact relationships differ between ecological groupings. LDMC predicts leaf nitrogen content and soil fertility but, because LT primarily varies with light intensity, SLA increases in response to both increased shade and increased fertility. Conclusions Gradients of soil fertility are frequently also gradients of biomass accumulation with reduced irradiance lower in the canopy. Therefore, SLA, which includes both fertility and shade components, may often discriminate better between communities or treatments than LDMC. However, LDMC should always be the preferred trait for assessing gradients of soil fertility uncoupled from shade. Nevertheless, because leaves multitask, individual leaf traits do not necessarily exhibit exact functional equivalence between species. In consequence, rather than using a single stand-alone predictor, multivariate analyses using several leaf traits is recommended. PMID:21948627

TSH evaluation in hypothyroid patients assuming liquid levothyroxine at breakfast or 30 min before breakfast.

PubMed

Pirola, I; Gandossi, E; Brancato, D; Marini, F; Cristiano, A; Delbarba, A; Agosti, B; Castellano, M; Cappelli, C

2018-03-26

To compare TSH levels of hypothyroid patients treated with liquid LT4 at breakfast or 30 min before breakfast. Subjects, aged 18-75 years old, were eligible if they presented hypothyroidism, due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis or after thyroidectomy for proven benign goiter. Seven hundred ninety-eight patients were recruited and enrolled in the study. Thirty-seven subjects withdrew from the trial. A total of 761 patients (mean age 46.2 ± 10.8 years) completed the study. The starting dose of LT4 was determined through clinical judgment, taking into account TSH levels, estimated residual thyroid function, age, body weight and comorbidities. All patients underwent TSH, fT4, and fT3 evaluation to verify achievement of euthyroidism with their initial fasting state assumption of LT4 after 8 weeks of therapy. If euthyroidism was not achieved, an appropriately adjusted LT4 dose was administered for 8 weeks, after which thyroid function parameters were checked again. If euthyroidism was achieved, the patients were asked to take LT4 at breakfast and hormone levels were checked again after 6 months. At the end of the study period, no significant differences in serum TSH level were observed whether LT4 was ingested at breakfast or 30 min prior in a fasting state: 2.61 ± 1.79 vs. 2.54 ± 1.86 mIU/L, respectively (p = 0.455). This study confirms in a large set of patients that a liquid LT4 formulation can be taken directly at breakfast and potentially improve therapeutic compliance.

Carcass and meat quality in double-muscled Belgian Blue bulls and cows.

PubMed

Fiems, L O; De Campeneere, S; Van Caelenbergh, W; De Boever, J L; Vanacker, J M

2003-03-01

Carcass and meat quality of 37 bulls and 91 cows of the Belgian Blue breed (double-muscled type) were compared. Age at slaughter averaged 648±73 and 1820±689 days, respectively. Both groups of cattle were finished on maize silage supplemented with concentrate, and were slaughtered at about 750 kg live weight. Females had a lower (P=0.004) cold carcass weight (469.7 kg) in comparison with bulls (500.8 kg), due to a reduced dressing percentage (63.8 vs. 66.6; P <0.001). SEUROP conformation was better for bulls. SEUROP fat covering (P=0.007) and fat content in the carcass (16.4 vs. 12.9%; P <0.001) and in the M. longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle (2.3 vs. 1.1%; P <0.001) were higher for females than for males. The LT of cows was darker (lower L* and higher a*-value; P <0.001), had a better waterholding capacity (P⩽0.063) and was slightly more tender (P=0.120) than the LT of bulls. Increasing parity reduced dressing percentage and increased LT lightness (L*-value) in cows. Several carcass (SEUROP-grading, composition, LT-area) and meat quality traits (protein and fat contents, drip and cooking losses, a*-value) were better correlated with carcass weight than parity. It is concluded that meat quality of the aged LT of cows is not negatively affected by age, while some carcass quality traits decreased with advancing age. Carcass quality traits adjusted for age at slaughter were better for bulls, but LT meat quality characteristics were at least as good for females as for males.

Waterbird use of saltmarsh ponds created for open marsh water management

USGS Publications Warehouse

Erwin, R.M.; Hatfield, J.S.; Howe, M.A.; Klugman, S.K.

1994-01-01

Open Marsh Water Management (OMWM) as an alternative to pesticides for mosquito control in saltmarshes along the Atlantic Coast has created debate among biologists. We designed an experiment to determine waterbird (American black duck (Anas rubripes) and other waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, gulls, and terns) use (during daylight) of ponds created for mosquito control compared with use of pre-existing water bodies (i.e., natural tidal ponds, creeks, old ditches) and refuge impoundments. We also evaluated the influence of pond size and depth on waterbird use of wetlands. We documented bird use of different habitats for 1 year. The highest densities of waterfowl, in autumn, occurred in 0.030.06ha ponds (P lt 0.05) versus ponds either lt 0.02 ha or gt 0.08 ha; highest shorebird densities occurred in summer in ponds gt 0.10 ha (P lt 0.05). Pond depth affected shorebird and other waterfowl use in some seasons. Comparisons of mean number of birds using created (OMWM) ponds with mean number of birds using other water bodies revealed that most species showed no pattern (P gt 0.05) of disproportionate use versus availability. At high tidal levels, most species groups used OMWM ponds in the marsh more often (P lt 0.05) than other water bodies. Black ducks and other waterfowl used nearby refuge impoundments in higher densities than they did OMWM ponds, for nesting and during autumn-winter (all Ps lt 0.05). Creating small ( lt 0.1 ha) ponds for mosquito control does not enhance waterbird habitat, at least not where large impoundments are in close proximity. We recommend that in areas where OMWM practices seem appropriate, fewer large ( gt 0.10 ha) ponds be constructed with shallow ( lt 15 cm) basins and sloping sides.

Verbal Dominant Memory Impairment and Low Risk for Post-operative Memory Worsening in Both Left and Right Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Associated with Hippocampal Sclerosis.

PubMed

Khalil, Amr Farid; Iwasaki, Masaki; Nishio, Yoshiyuki; Jin, Kazutaka; Nakasato, Nobukazu; Tominaga, Teiji

2016-11-15

Post-operative memory changes after temporal lobe surgery have been established mainly by group analysis of cognitive outcome. This study investigated individual patient-based memory outcome in surgically-treated patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). This study included 84 consecutive patients with intractable TLE caused by unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (HS) who underwent epilepsy surgery (47 females, 41 left [Lt] TLE). Memory functions were evaluated with the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised before and at 1 year after surgery. Pre-operative memory function was classified into three patterns: verbal dominant memory impairment (Verb-D), visual dominant impairment (Vis-D), and no material-specific impairment. Post-operative changes in verbal and visual memory indices were classified into meaningful improvement, worsening, or no significant changes. Pre-operative patterns and post-operative changes in verbal and visual memory function were compared between the Lt and right (Rt) TLE groups. Pre-operatively, Verb-D was the most common type of impairment in both the Lt and Rt TLE groups (65.9 and 48.8%), and verbal memory indices were lower than visual memory indices, especially in the Lt compared with Rt TLE group. Vis-D was observed only in 11.6% of Rt and 7.3% of Lt TLE patients. Post-operatively, meaningful improvement of memory indices was observed in 23.3-36.6% of the patients, and the memory improvement was equivalent between Lt and Rt TLE groups and between verbal and visual materials. In conclusion, Verb-D is most commonly observed in patients with both the Lt and Rt TLE associated with HS. Hippocampectomy can improve memory indices in such patients regardless of the side of surgery and the function impaired.

Is leaf dry matter content a better predictor of soil fertility than specific leaf area?

PubMed

Hodgson, J G; Montserrat-Martí, G; Charles, M; Jones, G; Wilson, P; Shipley, B; Sharafi, M; Cerabolini, B E L; Cornelissen, J H C; Band, S R; Bogard, A; Castro-Díez, P; Guerrero-Campo, J; Palmer, C; Pérez-Rontomé, M C; Carter, G; Hynd, A; Romo-Díez, A; de Torres Espuny, L; Royo Pla, F

2011-11-01

Specific leaf area (SLA), a key element of the 'worldwide leaf economics spectrum', is the preferred 'soft' plant trait for assessing soil fertility. SLA is a function of leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and leaf thickness (LT). The first, LDMC, defines leaf construction costs and can be used instead of SLA. However, LT identifies shade at its lowest extreme and succulence at its highest, and is not related to soil fertility. Why then is SLA more frequently used as a predictor of soil fertility than LDMC? SLA, LDMC and LT were measured and leaf density (LD) estimated for almost 2000 species, and the capacity of LD to predict LDMC was examined, as was the relative contribution of LDMC and LT to the expression of SLA. Subsequently, the relationships between SLA, LDMC and LT with respect to soil fertility and shade were described. Although LD is strongly related to LDMC, and LDMC and LT each contribute equally to the expression of SLA, the exact relationships differ between ecological groupings. LDMC predicts leaf nitrogen content and soil fertility but, because LT primarily varies with light intensity, SLA increases in response to both increased shade and increased fertility. Gradients of soil fertility are frequently also gradients of biomass accumulation with reduced irradiance lower in the canopy. Therefore, SLA, which includes both fertility and shade components, may often discriminate better between communities or treatments than LDMC. However, LDMC should always be the preferred trait for assessing gradients of soil fertility uncoupled from shade. Nevertheless, because leaves multitask, individual leaf traits do not necessarily exhibit exact functional equivalence between species. In consequence, rather than using a single stand-alone predictor, multivariate analyses using several leaf traits is recommended.

The Optimal Timing of Hepatitis C Therapy in Transplant Eligible Patients With Child B and C Cirrhosis: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

PubMed

Tapper, Elliot B; Hughes, Michael S; Buti, Maria; Dufour, Jean-Francois; Flamm, Steve; Firdoos, Saima; Curry, Michael P; Afdhal, Nezam H

2017-05-01

Ledipasvir (LDV)/sofosbuvir (SOF) has demonstrated high efficacy, safety, and tolerability in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. There is limited data, however, regarding the optimal timing of therapy in the context of possible liver transplantation (LT). We compared the cost-effectiveness of 12 weeks of HCV therapy before or after LT or nontreatment using a decision analytical microsimulation state-transition model for a simulated cohort of 10 000 patients with HCV Genotype 1 or 4 with Child B or C cirrhosis. All model parameters regarding the efficacy of therapy, adverse events and the effect of therapy on changes in model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores were derived from the SOLAR-1 and 2 trials. The simulations were repeated with 10 000 samples from the parameter distributions. The primary outcome was cost (2014 US dollars) per quality adjusted life year. Treatment before LT yielded more quality-adjusted life year for less money than treatment after LT or nontreatment. Treatment before LT was cost-effective in 100% of samples at a willingness-to-pay threshold of US $100 000 in the base-case and when the analysis was restricted to Child B alone, Child C, or MELD > 15. Treatment before transplant was not cost-effective when MELD was 6-10. In sensitivity analyses, the MELD after which treatment before transplant was cost-effective was 13 and the maximum cost of LDV/SOF therapy at which treatment before LT is cost-effective is US $177 381. From a societal perspective, HCV therapy using LDV/SOF with ribavirin before LT is the most cost-effective strategy for patients with decompensated cirrhosis and MELD score greater than 13.

Review article: liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma - a critical appraisal of the current worldwide listing criteria.

PubMed

Menon, K V; Hakeem, A R; Heaton, N D

2014-10-01

Liver transplantation (LT) plays an important role in the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although early results following LT for HCC were poor, since the introduction of the Milan criteria in 1996 morphological criteria have since been well established. Thereafter, various expansions of the Milan criteria were introduced worldwide. Listing criteria for LT for HCC in the United Kingdom (UK) initially conformed to the Milan criteria but were re-defined in 2009 by expansion of the Milan criteria. To look at the evidence in literature on listing criteria and management of HCC worldwide in comparison with the UK. Secondly, we aim to review worldwide vs. UK literature on prioritisation models, loco-regional therapy protocols and role of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in LT for HCC. An electronic literature search with Medline was carried out to identify articles related to LT for HCC. Although various expansions of the Milan criteria have been described, they remain the gold standard against which other criteria are measured. The UK criteria are an expansion of the Milan criteria that go beyond Milan and University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) criteria. The current UK listing criteria for LT for HCC when compared to the worldwide criteria have a worse survival benefit (projected 5-year survival between 35-50%) when plotted on the metroticket calculator. In keeping with most transplant centres worldwide, the UK have adopted expansions to Milan to allow more patients to benefit from LT. However, currently, as it stands the UK criteria when plotted in the modification of the Metroticket model project worse survival that would seem unjustified. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Alterations of intercellular junctions in peritoneal mesothelial cells from patients undergoing dialysis: effect of retinoic Acid.

PubMed

Retana, Carmen; Sanchez, Elsa; Perez-Lopez, Alejandro; Cruz, Armando; Lagunas, Jesus; Cruz, Carmen; Vital, Socorro; Reyes, Jose L

2015-01-01

Dialysis patients are classified according to their peritoneal permeability as low transporter (LT, low solute permeability) or high transporter (HT, high solute permeability). Tight junction (TJ) proteins are critical to maintain ions, molecules and water paracellular transport through peritoneum. Exposure to peritoneal dialysis solutions causes damage to TJ in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). We analyzed the quantity, distribution and function of TJ proteins: claudin-1, -2 and -8, ZO-1 and occludin, in HPMC cultures from LT and HT patients. Since all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) might modify the expression of TJ proteins, we studied its effect on HPMCs. Control HPMCs were isolated from human omentum, while HT or LT cells were obtained from dialysis effluents. Cells were cultured in presence of ATRA 0, 50 or 100 nM. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) measurement, immunostaining and Western blot analyses were performed. HT exhibited lower TER than control and LT monolayers. Immunofluorescence for TJ was weak and discontinuous along the cell contour, in LT and HT. Furthermore, claudin-1, occludin and ZO-1 expressions were decreased. In all groups, claudin-2 was localized at nuclei. We observed that ATRA improved TJ distribution and increased TJ expression in HT. This retinoid did not modify claudin-2 and -8 expressions. All-trans retinoic acid decreased TER in HT, but had no effect in LT. Tight junctions were altered in HPMCs from dialyzed patients. The HT monolayer has lower TER than LT, which might be associated with the peritoneal permeability in these patients. ATRA might be a therapeutic alternative to maintain mesothelial integrity, since it improved TJ localization and expression. Copyright © 2015 International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.

A comparison of trapezius muscle activities of different shoulder abduction angles and rotation conditions during prone horizontal abduction

PubMed Central

Lim, Jin Yong; Lee, Jung Seok; Mun, Byeong Mu; Kim, Tae Ho

2015-01-01

[Purpose] This study examined the differences in the activities of three parts of the trapezius muscle—the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), and lower trapezius (LT)—among three different rotation conditions of the shoulders, while subjects performed prone horizontal abduction (PHA) at 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of abduction. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this experimental study were 16 healthy male adults. Surface electromyography was used to collect data on the activity of each part of the trapezius. A two-way analysis of variance was used to compare the activities of each area of the trapezius—the UT, MT, and LT—among internal rotation (IR), the neutral position (NP), and external rotation (ER) of the shoulders during PHA with shoulder abduction of 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120°. [Results] Activity of the UT, MT, and LT significantly increased as the shoulder abduction angle increased during PHA. There was a significant difference only in the activity of the LT, with change in shoulder rotation. In addition, the muscle activity of the LT was highest during shoulder IR at 120°. [Conclusion] Although activity of the LT was the highest during IR at 120 abduction, PHA accompanied by ER at an abduction angle of 120° would be effective at eliciting high activity in the LT when PHA is performed. Nonetheless, at an early stage of rehabilitation, PHA accompanied by ER at low abduction angles of 30° and 60° would be desirable to elicit low activity of the UT and high activity of the LT. PMID:25642047